Jon gave his pep talk just before heading down with Kay. “Alright gather near my young spring chicken. Our duty tonight is saying little while hearing a lot. Wear this.” He casually reached up to insert a hair clip facing forward among Kay’s blond frizzy locks. Her hair was a natural curly perm that would make Goldylocks and anyone from the 80s jealous. Being springy and hard to manage, she often kept it in a loose ponytail. It had grown far longer over the weeks since they met, reaching to her hips. With all the food and probably excess magical energy coursing through her, it was little wonder.

The proximity appeared to startle her, and she reached up involuntarily with slim fingers to grab his wrist as he fiddled.

“Sorry about that, just needed to ensure the camera was facing forward. My interoculars use new-fangled rift optics to capture what I see and augment it. You, on the other hand, are au naturel. This panoramic lens will give us a quaint video to attach to your audio. Keep the headphones on. Maybe we can start a trend; they don’t look half-bad with the pointy ears. They aren’t uncomfortable, are they?”

“No, Master.” She diffidently inclined her head in half-nod half-bow.

“Awesome. Lee, how we looking on the feeds?”

“Clean and pristine boss, get out there and mingle like some sick cunts!”

“Consummate professional as always, Lee. Thank you for your vote of confidence. Now, back to you, my dear. Our goal is gathering all sorts of news and rumours. Anything big or small is valuable. People love talking, and they love it even more when you’re buying.” He fished out two silvers from his bag and plopped it in her hand. “Don’t skimp, get the good-shit.”

“Master, this is too much. I could buy drinks for the whole tavern with this, the ‘good-shit’ as you say.”

“And I’m hoping you will. Working a room that size is gonna be tough trust me. Buy them a drink, get some juicy gossip and politely move off. You got it easy. With a mug like that, two beers down and I would be confessing bloody murder.”

“Understood, I am to ask of news and rumours and pay with drink. Even so, is this not an excessive waste?”

“Remember what I said about my people, Kay. Information and knowledge is our true currency. You wouldn’t believe how much we are willing to spend just for the chance at it. Look up particle accelerators when you have a moment. Besides, this is peanuts. New Dive profit margins are always sky high.”

Kay gave more comprehending nods.

Jon continued. “Go out there and have fun; I’m always a message or ping away. Follow Lee’s advice if you have trouble, he’s actually pretty good at this stuff.”

“I will do as you say then.” She bowed more formally and pointedly this time, likely trying to make up for the ruse they put on in public.

“Telephone wingman Lee to the rescue!”

“Shut up, Lee,” said Jon.