Station, стр. 39

oneither side of the second mini-level, was the money shot. Anenormous dance floor dominated the majority of the space, with cozybooths lining both sides and couches acting as backstops. As Hadderslowly raised his eyes, however, he saw what really separatedThe Royal Jelly from other Bars. A magnificent stage stoodsix feet above the dance floor, ornate wood trim work present toenhance and legitimize any performance. Looking up and around,Hadder saw that the second and third main floors were comprised ofbalconies that overlooked both the stage and revelers beneath.

"So, what do you think," Hadder heard Lilly ask himfrom behind.

"It's great," replied Hadder honestly. There was awarmth to the Bar, similar to Cranesman on a much largerscale. "What kind of shows get put on here?"

Lilly joined him to more closely admire the stage."Anything, really. Obviously music concerts, but we also haveplays, dance performances, talent showcases, whatever. If aresident wants to do something, is in good standing with Royal, andis willing to take it seriously, the stage is theirs. Which remindsme, you need to meet Royal. This way."

Lilly returned Hadder to the ground level and guidedhim to the first bar facing the main entrance. Sitting at the bar,holding a half-empty glass of amber liquid, was adistinguished-looking man in his late fifties or early sixties. Hehad a full head of thick silver hair that grazed his shoulders anda matching mustache that marked him as a man's man. Although thin,sinewy muscles could be easily made out beneath bell-bottomed jeansand white t-shirt. With leather bracelets and an army of charms andtrinkets around his neck, the man looked to be playing the role ofaging rock star between gigs.

"Marlin Hadder, please meet Royal Winters,proprietor of this lovely establishment and one of the originalKeys of Station."

"Don't lump me in with those other human wraiths.What're drinking?" was Royal's informal introduction.

"I'll have whatever you're having. What is that, aNumber 8?"

"It's beer, Marlin Hadder. Just beer."

Hadder chuckled nervously as Royal's blue eyes tookhim in, the weight of his judgment making it hard to relax. "Sorry,it's just I haven't even seen a beer in ages. That sounds perfect,thanks."

Instead of summoning a manikin, Royal rose andjumped the counter of the bar, snatching up a glass with a trainedhand and filling it from a tap.

Royal spoke as he poured. "You know, extremeness hasits place, is a necessary component to many things - entertainment,revolution, art, to name a few." He handed the beer to Hadder. "ButI don't want or need it first thing in the fucking Solay. MostSolays, I don't need it at all. Often, I just want a fucking beer.Now don't get me wrong, I, too, dabble in Station's variousconcoctions, they can really hit the spot on occasion. But for mymoney, nothing says friends, family, good conversation, honest art,and toe-tapping music like the originals - beer, whiskey, tequila,vodka."

"Oh Royal, you do like your speeches," said Lilly,who had lowered herself into the closest seating area. "I'll takeone as well. Please."

Royal continued as he fulfilled Lilly's request. "Idon't see any wild Elevations on you, Hadder. Frightened of alittle change, are we?"

Hadder thought about it as he drank. The cold beerwent down smoothly, and Hadder smiled admiringly at the glass; hehad forgotten how refreshing and straightforward beer could be."It's not that. I guess it's just something I haven't really givenmuch thought to. There's a lot of things in my life I wanteddifferent. An Elevation wouldn't address any of those things."

Royal hopped back over the bar. He cuffed Hadderbehind the neck in a fatherly manner. "Fucking A. That tells methat you were running from something that happened to you, but notyourself. That's good. There may be hope for you yet." He releasedHadder and moved to join Lilly, taking the armchair across fromher. "And you've found the most captivating woman in Station, sobonus points for you, new boy."

Hadder looked to the empty bar before sitting downin the love seat next to Lilly. "Where's your manikin, Royal?"

"I got a few roaming around here somewhere, probablycleaning up after fixed guests like Lilly here."

"But none are handling the bar."

Royal gave a stern look. "That's my job. Some of usare uncomfortable doing nothing all day. I like the work, I likethe camaraderie, and I like all the gossip I receive. I might getone of the manikins to help out if we get too busy, or I gotta takea dump or play, but for the most part, it's just me and whoeverelse wants to man the bars. I mean, who really wants to be waitedon by a wind-up toy? Fucking impersonal if you ask me."

"So no other Elevations for you beyond the obviousones?"

"What obvious ones," Royal asked, soundingoffending.

"That thick head of hair and that beautifulmustache, Royal. That ain't normal."

Royal laughed. "You sonavabitch, my daddy gave methese, not some dead-eyed sex doll with a scalpel. Lilly, get thisfucking guy out of my bar!" They all shared in a laugh. "You'realright, Hadder. But hell, if Lilly's bringing you to me, then Ialready knew that. But seriously, for a new resident, you're ok inmy book."

"Wish your fellow Keys felt the same way."

"Some of them gave you a hard time?"

"Mostly just hard looks and words. But some worsethings, too."

"I'm not surprised. Your appearance here could meana lot of things, many of which are unappealing to those decrepitpsychopaths who are more Elevation than human at this point."

"What possibly could I mean for them, though?"

Royal shrugged. "An end to the status quo. An end totheir fiefdoms. Hell, maybe an end to whole goddam city."

Hadder was lost as to how his arrival could usher insuch change, but he accepted it blindly and pushed on. "And thisdoesn't scare you, Royal."

"Nothing scares me anymore. All of us here havelived two lives, and that's one more than everyone else gets, andtwo more than many of us deserve. You being here portentssomething, but that something is out of your control. Chess piecesare being moved by the Gods, Hadder. Let's just enjoy the boardwhile we're here."

"Cheers to that," Lilly and Hadder saidtogether.

"More beers. And some goddam music! Where are mymanners?"

In response to Royal's request, Hadder filled