Seated in a large restaurant, Raymond Takahashi picks up glass noodles from a bowl of soup. He is dressed in an orange collared dress shirt tucked into black trousers, a red tie, and brown dress shoes. The restaurant is large and spacious, yet barely occupied. A Vietnamese waiter props a plate of Szechuan style pork and noodles on a table in a booth, as James Apuna, dressed in a black dress shirt and black jeans, prepares his fork. By the entrance, a set of water tanks housing fish and lobster glow a bluish hue, meshing with the grayish color of the restaurant.

Suddenly, an Asian man steps into the restaurant, Type 54 pistol in his right hand. The man is dressed in a light pink buttoned collared shirt, the shirt unbuttoned, a white undershirt, grey jeans, and a pair of sky blue sneakers. He is bald, wearing a gold watch, and is sporting a very faint Vandyke beard. He has somewhat pale skin, round cheeks, and a round chin. The man walks up to Takahashi and puts the barrel of his Type 54 pistol to Takahashi's forehead. A couple of patrons scream and run to the kitchen. Takahashi bites into his chopsticks out of shock, causing a splinter of wood to lodge itself into his lower lip. James Apuna drops his fork and draws a Nambu Type 94 pistol, a shocked expression on his face.

The man with the Type 54 presses the barrel further into Takahashi's forehead and darts a chuckle towards Apuna. Apuna slowly approaches Takahashi, aiming the Nambu pistol with both hands at the unidentified man. The unidentified man turns to Takahashi and says in a Korean accent "My name is Ji-hoon Seok. I know who you are, Mr. Takahashi. I know about your business, about your trade. I know about your sister…I know what she did. $500,000, American. That is what it will cost for me to not pull this trigger. Igeos in geihm ianibnida (This is not a game). I will fucking kill you, and I will kill your sister, and I will kill everyone in your family. I will drag your sister here and fuck her as you watch, right before I slash her throat. I will find your family and kill them, every last one of the Takahashis. $500,000, American. Two days from now, this restaurant, 2:00 P.M. Deal?"

Takahashi sits in his chair in complete horror and shock. He opens his mouth, the broken ends of the chopsticks falling out of his slightly bloody mouth and onto his soup. He hyperventilates, almost about to have a heart attack. Without daring to look at Seok and the barrel of his gun, he mumbles out "D…D…Deal…"

Seok nods, taking a step back, the barrel leaving an imprint on Takahashi's forehead. Aiming his pistol at James Apuna, Seok coldly says "$500,000, American. Two days from now. This restaurant. 2:00 P.M." He speaks as if he rehearsed his words several times in front of a mirror. Seok walks backwards as James Apuna, sweating and nervous, stands between Seok and Takahashi. Seok reaches the fish tanks, nods once again, and bolts out of the restaurant.

James Apuna turns Takahashi and says in English and Hawaiian "Kala mai ia'u (I'm sorry)! I did not see him coming…are you alright? Pehea `oe (How are you)?" Takahashi places his right hand in his mouth, his hands still shaking. He pulls the splinter out without flinching, wiping the bloodied piece of wood on the tablecloth. "Call Chang," Takahashi mumbles, still in shock. Apuna stares at Takahashi and asks "I didn't hear you. What did you say?" Takahashi turns to Apuna, all the color in his body gone. His face almost a ghostly apparition, he says "James Apuna…please call Chang. Bai Ji-Shin Chang."

Inside his bedroom, Dutch lies on a bench press, a 200 lb barbell above Dutch and on its rack. He is wearing a white sleeveless shirt and black track pants. Meanwhile, sitting on the sofa, Rock snacks on a bag of cheese puffs while watching a game of sepak takraw on the television. He is shirtless and in black shorts. Rock licks his fingers and wipes some of the cheese powder onto his shorts. He reaches into the bag again, only to find it empty. Frowning, he tilts the end of the bag upward and lets crumbs and cheese powder slide into his mouth. As he crushes the bag in his grip, Dutch yells out "Rock? You still there?!"

Rock climbs off the sofa and approaches a waste bin, replying "I'm still here, Dutch." After a pause, Dutch asks "Is Revy still here? Benny?" Tossing the empty bag into the bin, Rock approaches the kitchen sink and says "No, I think they left." As Rock washes his hands, Dutch blurts out "I would like a spotter."

Rock raises his eyebrow and asks "A spotter? Spotting what?" Dutch takes a deep breath and says "Come over to my bedroom. I'm about to bench press."

Rock steps into Dutch's bedroom and spots the bench press and barbell, realizing what Dutch is saying. "You want me to make sure that you don't choke yourself, right?" Rock inquires. Dutch nods and says "It's a 200 pound barbell. That alright with you?" Rock glares at the barbell and says "200 pounds? To be honest, I never have been in an actual, authentic gym in my entire life." Dutch rolls his eyes and says "Come over here and try to spot me."

Rock steps behind Dutch, taking a deep breath. As Rock grabs onto the bar, Dutch says "Make sure that my hands are equally spaced apart, and that the bar is right above my chest. Do not jump in unless I say so or I clearly am about to have the bar crush my throat. I don't want you ruining any repetitions. Let's try a situation where I may need your help, just to see if you can actually spot me." Dutch grabs onto the bar of the barbell. Rock nudges Dutch's left hand to bring his hands at even spacing. Dutch notices this and says "Good, you are listening."

Dutch grabs the barbell and lifts it over his neck. Rock nudges the barbell slightly forward, bringing the bar over Dutch's chest. Dutch grunts and nods. He brings the bar close to his chest, and then feigns difficulty in holding the barbell. Realizing the point that Dutch is making, Rock reaches onto the bar and prepares to pull it up. With significant difficulty and some help from Dutch, Rock pulls the barbell back up and onto the rack. Dutch nods and says "Good, just one point. I didn't have my elbows locked when the barbell was being put back on the rack. Make sure I do have them locked. It's a safety precaution."

Rock slightly pants and says "200 pounds is awfully heavy. I heard you could get a hernia from this." Dutch laughs and says "I weigh around 280 pounds, and I can bench up to 350 pounds in at least one repetition. I prefer to do 200 pounds at 15 repetitions though. One set, once a week if possible, just to stay active. I rather get hurt on an actual job then during exercise."

Rock nods and says "Okay. I weigh around 75 kilograms…I think that is around 165 pounds. My record in bench pressing is 0." Dutch laughs and says "All I need for you is to make sure that my throat isn't crushed. I highly doubt that it will be an issue, but again, just in case."

Dutch grips onto the bar. Rock nudges and adjusts his boss' grip into equal spacing from the ends of the barbell. Dutch pulls the barbell off the rack and raises it in the air. Rock adjusts the barbell so that the bar is above Dutch's chest.

One repetition. Two repetitions. Rock scratches the back of his head, wanting to speak up. Three repetitions. Four repetitions.

"So Dutch, did you hear about those Indians that were shot in the apartment?" Rock suddenly blurts out. Five repetitions. "Yeah, I heard," Dutch replies. Six repetitions. Seven repetitions.

"They robbed a bank car in Malaysia," Rock blurts out. Eight repetitions. Nine repetitions. "Yeah, I read about that," Dutch replies. Ten repetitions. Eleven repetitions.

Rock swallows saliva in his mouth and blurts out "It was me and Revy. We robbed those Indians."

As Dutch locks his elbows for the twelfth repetition, his brain processes Rock's comment. A blank look sprouts on Dutch's face as he says "…the hell?" He loses his grip on the bar, the barbell falling towards his chest. Rock lunges forward and grabs onto the barbell, the bar barely a centimeter from Dutch's chest. Dutch adjusts his arms and grabs onto the barbell, and the two of them pull the barbell back onto the rack.

Dutch calmly wipes sweat off his forehead and climbs off the bench press. He turns toward Rock and casually pushes Rock to the wall with his right forearm, pinning him to the wall. Keeping his composure, Dutch calmly says "What the hell are you doing? Again, what you do on your own time is your own business, but I would really prefer if I was kept informed about anything that could come with serious implications."

Rock squints as Dutch's forearm presses into Rock's taped chest. Waving his arms in surrender, Rock says "I was going to tell you. I just did! It's New Years Eve and me and Revy wanted to invite you and Benny for drinks with the money we got from the Indian gang. Our treat. Not the Yellow Flag…someplace downtown. I've been thinking of the Wat Pho Tavern."

Dutch smiles, nods, and removes his forearm from Rock's chest. He says "The Wat Pho Tavern is a very nice place. I appreciate the invitation, and I'm sure Benny would as well. As for the robbery, the police haven't released any details on the apartment shooting…did you and Revy leave a mess? Any witnesses?"

Rock shakes his head and says "We used ski masks and gloves, and we burned our clothes. I got shot, that's why I have the extra tape on my chest. I cleaned the blood I left behind to the best of my abilities…cold water. It's not perfect but I doubt that the Roanapur Police Department will trace this to us."

Dutch nods his head and says "Alright…I appreciate the honesty. And thanks for the invitation. Just next time, don't spring crazy news like this on me while I'm lifting something that could kill me." Rock nods and says "Sorry Dutch. It was a stupid mistake on my part. Do you want to finish the workout?" Dutch nods and says "Yeah, though I want to start from the beginning. 15 repetitions, just stay quiet."

Driving in the Town Car, Rock, in his shorts and his salaryman dress shirt, and Revy, in her black tank top and shorts, speed through the Red Light district of Roanapur. Revy, in the driver seat, yells out "WHY THE FUCK DID YOU HAVE TO TELL HIM?! WHAT THE FUCK WAS THE POINT OF THE SKI MASKS AND SHIT?! FUCKING WHY?! ROCK, YOU DIPSHIT FUCKING RETARD!"

Rock groans and replies "And you don't think that Dutch won't find it suspicious on how we are not asking for money from our bank accounts?! It's called protecting your assets, Revy! What if someone breaks into our studio and finds 70 grand just lying around? First, our money would be stolen, and second, the thieves might come back again, expecting another pay off! If we could steal the money from those Indians, then someone could just as easily steal the money from us! At least now the money is a relatively secure bank. I know, some shady bank in Panama or wherever that bank that Dutch uses is not exactly trustworthy, but I'd rather risk that then risk having someone lunatic throw a Molotov Cocktail into our studio for no good reason, and then have 70 grand ON TOP of everything else suddenly disappear!"

Revy grinds her teeth and yells "All the fucking preparation! The ski masks! The burned clothes! The fuck was that for, huh?!" Rock slams his right fist against his car door and exclaims "That was to keep the police from finding us, not Dutch! If the police would have found us, they would have taken almost all of our money for themselves, if not everything! On top of a bribe! Revy, now the money is Dutch's responsibility, not ours. And besides, I invited him and Benny to the Wat Pho Tavern. We are splitting the bill for the four of us."

Revy glares at Rock menacingly and yells indignantly "Oh we are fucking paying for it, eh?! Not you…but we?!" Rock slams his back against his seating in frustration and yells "Yes we! Or have you forgotten about how you almost killed two very important clients in front of Dutch's eyes?! And that I helped lock the door and allowed you to take my pistol in the process?! This is a way that both of us could make amends, and to calm down both Dutch and Benny, who are still probably freaked out about yours truly carrying a gun."

Revy's indignant demeanor morphs into confusion as she asks "What does Benny have to do with this? Does Benny have a problem with you?" Rock groans and says "I think he is still upset over how the Feng incident ended, with him picking brain matter out of Jane's hair." Revy shrugs her shoulders, calming down. She says "Okay, but Benny and I have no problem. I don't see why I have to pay for his drinks." Rock laughs, rolls his eyes, and says "You could always throw something painful at his head after the drinks, call it even."

Revy snickers and says "There's always fucking that, that's true. Alright Rock, you made your point, but you better hope that Dutch and Benny aren't going to be drinking shit with gold leaves in them. You sure Dutch wasn't pissed off?" Rock laughs and says "I think he was a little angry that I sprung the news on him while I was spotting him during bench presses." Revy bursts out into laughter and says "You were spotting Dutch?! Fucking how?!" Rock shakes his head, laughing, and says "With great difficulty." Revy continues to laugh at a lower intensity, asking "How heavy was the barbell?" "200 pounds," Rock quickly replies. Revy snickers and nods, saying "Not too bad."

Rock shakes his head and says "As long as I don't break my spine, I'm alright. So, what you are thinking about for dinner?" Revy mashes the horn as a grey Citroën BX cuts in front of the Town Car, stopping before a red light. "You shit for brains asshole!" she yells out as a middle finger is extended out of the driver side window of the Citroën. Revy rolls her window down and sticks her head out, yelling "Put that finger away before I shove it up your asshole!" Rock shakes his head and chuckles, saying "You know that whoever it is…in that car…you probably won't ever see again."

Revy returns to her seat and says "Well anyway…to answer your question…I'm thinking about that Indian restaurant that Reynolds recommended. 'Jewel of Jalandhar', that good?" Rock nods and says "Sure, though maybe we should have kept a few rupees, heh." Revy rolls her eyes and says "Yeah…not a good fucking idea." Rock sighs and says "It was a joke, Revy." Revy laughs and says "No, it wasn't. Jokes are supposed to be funny and shit." "Revy…" Rock mutters, reaching for the car radio.

Rock turns the car radio on, cutting into the middle of "California Dreaming" by The Mamas and the Papas. He rolls down the window and reaches into his black shorts for a pack of cigarettes. Placing the cigarette in his mouth and lighting it with a lighter, Rock takes a drag and says "We start work on Friday." Revy nods and says "Yeah, I know." She drives through an intersection, navigating around an elderly Vietnamese woman that is standing in the middle of the road with groceries.

Exhaling smoke, Rock says "Two days ago, a new General Secretary was elected in Vietnam. Phiêu Khả Lê, replacing the previous General Secretary Đỗ…something. I forgot the previous leader's name." Revy snaps her fingers and points at Rock's cigarette. Rock smiles, takes a drag, exhales, and hands Revy his cigarette. As Revy exhales smoke, she asks "What does that have to do with anything?" Rock shrugs his shoulders and reaches for his pack once again, saying "It could be relevant. The new General Secretary used to be in the Vietnamese Army. A high ranking general."

"Hmm, interesting. Think Zappala has anything to do with either of those guys? I highly doubt it," Revy says as Rock lights a second cigarette for himself. Rock shakes his head and says "Yea, of course. Highly unlikely that he would be working world national leaders in Southeast Asia. Though he obviously has to have some political connections, at least at the regional level, to get a privately owned recycling facility in Southern Vietnam. Especially to get away with using that facility for extracting precious metals from electronics. I am just saying, this could be important if anything does come up."

The song "California Dreaming" ends, to be replaced by "Somebody to Love" by Jefferson Airplane, as Rock and Revy drive towards the 'Jewel of Jalandhar'.

Revy parks the car in front of a small restaurant, a black awning on the restaurant that says with gold letters in Hindi, Thai, and English "Jewel of Jalandhar." Exiting the car, Revy tosses her cigarette on the asphalt and crushes it. Rock does the same as Revy closes her car door. She waits for Rock to close his car door, and then locks the car. The two approach the door to the restaurant, with Revy taking the lead. She opens the door and steps inside.

Inside the restaurant, Revy and Rock immediately spot two hookah pipes being prepared on a bar counter. The bar, situated to the right of the restaurant, is attended to by a Punjabi man with a thick goatee, slightly graying black hair that is combed back, and a cleft chin. To the left is a column of tables, a few occupied by patrons. The walls are painted in amber and the ceiling is painted a dark brown color. By the door, a Punjabi woman with black hair tied to a ponytail, wearing a light blue buttoned dress shirt and black trousers, holds a pair of menus and greets Rock and Revy.

She says in Thai "Sawatdee Ka (Greetings)." Rock smiles and says "We speak English." The Punjabi woman exhales in relief and says "Praise Allah! My Thai is horrible. English is good for me." She notices Revy's Cutlasses, the pistols tucked in their holsters, and says "Those are fake, right? I heard about those fake guns that venders sell to tourists. I'm thinking of getting one on the safe side. Are you from China? Korea?" Revy sighs and lies "Yea, they're fakes. And we're from Canada." The Punjabi woman nods and says "You're probably our first customers from North America. We opened recently. Follow me."

The Punjabi woman leads Rock and Revy to an empty table. Revy seats herself with her back to the wall and Rock seats himself across from Revy. "Want to drink? We got alcohol," the Punjabi woman inquires. Revy thinks for a second and asks "What beers you got?" The Punjabi woman turns around to the bartender and yells in Hindi "Ham biyrka hai (What beers do we have)?!" The bartender looks around and then turns back, replying "Kingfisher, Kalyani, Becks, Heineken…Krusovice." The Punjabi woman turns around and says "Well, that's our selection."

Revy thinks for a second and says "Any you recommend? Besides Heineken and Krusovice." The Punjabi woman places the menus on the table and says "I like Kalyani Black Label. It's a strong beer, though." Revy leans back and forth and says "Alright, get me one of those." The Punjabi woman nods and turns to Rock asking "And you?" Rock replies, saying "I'll just a get a Krusovice. Thank you."

As the Punjabi woman walks away, Rock turns to Revy and whispers "She said 'Praise Allah'. That makes her a Muslim, I assume. I thought alcohol was forbidden in Islam." Revy laughs and rolls her eyes, saying "I thought killing and stealing was forbidden in…well…whatever religion you grew up with." Rock laughs and says "Buddhism. My parents were both…well…sort of…Nichiren Buddhists." Revy glares at Rock and asks "Nichi-what?" Rock quickly replies "Nichiren. It's a branch of Buddhism that stresses non-violence, solving disputes through debate, and the idea that everyone can reach 'Nirvana' in their present life. They were heavily persecuted in medieval Japan, monks slaughtered, temples burned…by other Buddhists even. The founder, a monk named Nichiren, said that if people would attack them, even kill them, that Nichiren followers must not attempt to retaliate or engage in violence. Yeah, I know…call me a hypocrite."

Revy chuckles and shakes her head, saying "That sounds pretty fucking stupid. People try to kill you and you are supposed to take it because some dead guy said so?" Rock laughs and says "My parents aren't really adherents, they were just raised by their parents, and their parents weren't strict about it either. My family is basically just all Mahayana Buddhists. I'm probably confusing you right now…look at it this way. Buddhism has two traditions, Mahayana and Theravada. It is kind of like Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. From each tradition comes their own various branches, like for Mahayana there is Nichiren Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and so on. My family has roots in Nichiren Buddhism, but are basically just Mahayanas. Do you get it?"

Revy nods and says "I get it but I think it's pretty fucking stupid." Rock grimaces and says "I personally tried to adhere to Nichiren Buddhism…as a concept…I liked the idea of it. I thought it was a beautiful thing. Roanapur made me realize how it doesn't always work well in every place…though." Revy nods and says "No shit."

Rock and Revy pour over the menu as the Punjabi woman returns with their drinks. As she places Rock's and Revy's beers on the table, the Punjabi woman asks "Are you ready to order?" Revy nods and raises her menu, pointing at it and saying "I'll get the beef and yogurt wrap with naan bread, regular, not whole wheat." The Punjabi woman writes down Revy's order and turns to Rock, saying "And you?" Rock nods and says "I'll get the rogan josh…it's lamb curry, right?" The Punjabi woman nods and says "That is correct." Rock thinks for a second, and then asks "How spicy is it?" The Punjabi woman writes down Rock's order and says "Not really spicy at all. If you ever tried tandoori chicken, it is more or less the same. The dish is very hot though…as in temperature hot." Rock nods and says "Alright, that is good for me."

The Punjabi woman then prepares to leave, before turning around and asking "Do you want a hookah pipe? We have a lot of different flavored tobaccos." Revy turns to Rock and shakes her head. Rock shakes his head as well and turns to the Punjabi woman, saying "Maybe next time."

The Punjabi woman leaves as Rock and Revy turn their attention to their beers. They sip their beers in silence as the Punjabi woman returns with a hookah pipe. She sits down in the table next to Rock and Revy, seated right next to Revy, and proceeds to put hot stones on top of the hookah pipe. The Punjabi woman smiles and turns to Rock and Revy, saying "I'm taking a smoking break. Don't worry, someone else will bring your food. My name is Kalpana. My husband Satish, the bartender, and myself, we own this restaurant. It was a dream of ours, back when we met in Jalandhar."

Revy nods and says "It does look like a good place, I have to admit. Though just a tip, Roanapur is a bit more of a Vietnamese speaking city then a Thai speaking city, though more English is still good in more cases then not. Just saying. I noticed that the menu has translations in Thai, not Vietnamese." Kalpana smiles and says "I know, but this restaurant is directed toward the local Indian community and for tourists from the rest of Thailand, plus Americans, Canadians, Australians, Brits…so on."

Rock takes a sip of his beer and says "Your English is very good." Kalpana smirks and says "It has to be. I studied very hard so I could use it in the restaurant business. We thought about opening it in England, but decided on Roanapur instead. Satish knows friends in the community…they helped us get set up."

Suddenly, a Vietnamese man in a chef attire steps out of the kitchen, holding a plate with a wrap on his left hand and a bowl with a pad underneath it in his right hand. He places the plate with the naan wrap in front of Revy and the bowl of curry in front of Rock. Rock and Revy nod and say "Thanks." The chef turns around and returns to the kitchen. Kalpana exhales from her hookah and says "Our chef…we are lucky to find a local that knows Punjabi cuisine. One of Satish's friends recommended him."

Rock and Revy both nod and turn their attention to their meals. As they each finish half of their meals, Kalpana asks "So how did you know about us?" Rock glares at Revy with an annoyed look on his face, as Revy rolls her eyes and thinks to herself "Will she ever shut the fuck up?" Rock takes a gulp of beer and says "We were recommended by a friend. A guy from France."

Kalpana's eyes light up as she asks "Was he black, bald, with some facial hair? His name was Reynolds, I think." Revy nods and says "That's him. We've done business with him before. He's a friend of ours." Kalpana nods and asks "You're from Canada, right?" Rock slowly nods and says "Yea, from Detroit." Revy glares at Rock and forces herself not to burst out in laughter. Kalpana glares in confusion and says "I thought Detroit is in America." Revy interjects, saying "We're from Windsor, but no one knows where the fuck Windsor is. So Rocky here likes to say Detroit, because Windsor is right across the border from Detroit." Kalpana nods and says "I see."

A Thai man suddenly steps into the restaurant. Kalpana steps out of her seat and attends to the patron. As she gets out of earshot, Revy turns to Rock and laughs, whispering "Detroit? C'mon mister college education. Michigan…Rock. Detroit, Michigan. Not Canada, Michigan." Rock rolls his eyes and says "Here's a quiz. I'll pay you $50 if you can tell me the capital of Hokkaido prefecture." Revy chuckles and enters a state of deep thought, determined to win the $50. After several seconds, she guesses "Tokokama." Rock laughs and says "One, it's pronounced 'Yokohama.' Two, the answer is Sapporo, like the beer." Revy grins annoyingly at Rock and flips him the bird. Rock smiles and says "I think I proved my point."

The two return to their meals, finishing them in silence as Kalpana tends to the customer.

Seated inside a lounge area in the Bougainville Trade Company, Martin Zappala, dressed in a green and white plaid collared shirt, beige trousers, and black sandals, and Fred Viapiano, dressed in a white collared shirt that is covered in small, black fleur-de-lis, black jeans, and white tennis shoes, each eat a plate of pelmeni dumplings on a coffee table, the dumplings smothered in sour cream. Zappala breaks a dumpling in half, letting minced pork and beef fall out of the mussel-shaped shell. Viapiano nods and says "These are pretty good, thanks. Hey Marty, these are like your dad's pierogi, right?"

Zappala wipes sour cream off his lips and says "My dad didn't cook, Freddy. And I fucking hate pierogi." Balalaika seats herself across from Viapiano and turns to Zappala, asking "You are Polish?" Zappala tilts his head side to side and says "Half-Polish. Father is Polish, mother is Milanese. I switched to my mother's name. Organization doesn't like to induct anyone with a last name that ends in ski, you know how it is."

Balalaika stirs a cup of coffee with a spoon, saying "Let's skip any further pleasantries and focus on the task at hand." Behind her, inside the room, Polansky seats himself on a reclining chair next to a refrigerator, watching a Thai cartoon. Sipping from a bottle of Baltika 3 lager beer, he occasionally laughs at the cartoon, not understanding a word of it. He is shirtless and dressed in brown shorts, wearing grey sandals. Balalaika grinds her teeth and drowns out Polansky's occasional laughter.

As Balalaika sips from her cup of coffee, Viapiano nods and says "We're here about turf and property, that's the long and fucking short. We know that you have a lot of turf and property that those 50 percent finocchi (faggots) from Sicily used to own, and a lot of that turf and property is just collecting dust. In some cases, eating away at your profits due to the need for maintenance and shit. We are here for that."

Balalaika nods and takes a gulp of coffee. Setting the cup down, she asks "How do you wish to start this?" Viapiano pulls out a folded map from a back pocket and places the map on the table. He unfolds the map and stretches it out. The map has several pen markings on it, various locations circled, crossed-out, and highlighted, with various notes written on the side. Viapiano sticks his fork into the last dumpling and eats it. Setting the fork down, he wipes sour cream off his lips with a napkin and steps closer to Balalaika and the map. He points at a street on the map and says "Let's start with this. We want some turf to set up shop. You sell us your claim, and we'll get the ball rolling from there."

Driving in Benny's GTO, Black Lagoon Company cruises through the streets of Roanapur. At the driver seat, Benny is dressed in a black collared shirt and beige slacks. Seated in the front, next to Benny, Dutch takes a drag from a cigarette, dressed in a greenish-blue and white polka dot collared shirt and dark blue trousers held up by his signature belt. Behind Benny, Rock is wearing his salaryman dress shirt and a pair of new, brown slacks that are held up by a new, brown, leather belt, the dress shirt tucked into the slacks. Behind Dutch, Revy is wearing a dark blue tracksuit with sky blue vertical stripes on the sides of her tracksuit top and her tracksuit bottom.

Knocking ash off his cigarette and onto the asphalt, Dutch says "Rock, Revy? I got your money into the bank. Well, the chunk of the money that you wanted to be secured, at least. The money is enroute to the bank as we speak. They had to take a 10% percent laundering fee because the amount was too large, as opposed to the usual 5%. They needed some extra compensation to justify the risk." Revy sighs and says "Fine…thanks Dutch." Benny crosses an intersection and asks "What are you talking about?" Dutch leans back in his seat and asks "Did you read about the shootout in the apartments on Muang Street?" Benny nods and says "Three dead Indians that were wanted in half of Southeast Asia for robberies…total bloodbath. No witnesses so far and police have no idea where to begin…wait a minute! Revy…ROCK?! That was you?!"

Rock nods and replies "It was us." Dutch exhales smoke and says "Mind if you walk us through what happened?" Rock nods and says "Revy kicked the door open and I went in first. There was a woman named Meghana…she was about snort a lot of cocaine. Another Indian, Sudhir, was watching TV. I shot at Sudhir and missed. He ducked into a hallway in the apartment, and Meghana raised her gun at us. I got a shot into Meghana, Revy finished her off. In the process, the cocaine got kicked into the air and the two of us accidently snorted some of it. My face was numb."

Benny laughs and says "I did read in the newspaper about the police finding a lot of coke on the floor." Rock yawns and says "Yea…after Revy killed Meghana, Sudhir and another Indian, name was Javare, they were talking between each other in separate rooms…Javare from the bathroom. Revy took the side of the hallway entrance that was closer to the door outside, I took the side opposite of Revy."

Revy interjects, saying "And then my shit-for-brains partner entered the hallway as Javare was exiting the bathroom. He got Rock in the forehead with the door, and Rock here was the idiot lying on his ass as Javare was blindly shooting with a pistol. I got Javare, but that asshole snuck in a bullet that grazed Rock's right rib." Rock groans and says "It was deeper than a graze, Revy." Revy shakes her head, chuckles, and says "Don't be a pussy."

Rock raises his arms in defeat and rolls his eyes as Benny says "That's one of the reasons for why I don't stick my head out like the rest of you do. I consider bullet holes to be a mess to my general routine." Revy scratches the back of her neck and says "Fucking mosquito bite! Anyway, out of nowhere, this fucking Indian cocksucker comes out with a shotgun! I ducked back into cover before he could take my fucking brains out. Rock jumped from behind the bathroom door and pinned that other Indian…Sudhir right? He pinned the barrel of his shotgun to the walls and shot Sudhir with his M9. Took him out. I ransacked the place as Rock cleaned his blood off the floor. Somehow, Rock found the money under the sink in a cabinet, all rupees. We went to Leroy, who gave us the job, and had our cut of the money converted into USD. We got over 70 grand together…a good haul. We split it 50-25-25, with Leroy getting half."

Benny grimaces and nods, impressed. He says "140 grand is a lot in one apartment." Rock yawns again and says "Yeah, Leroy said…or at least suggested…that they got the money from a bank car in Malaysia. Well, now it's ours." Dutch exhales smoke and says "And now Rock and Revy are treating us to drinks." Benny's eyes light up as he asks "Oh, so you two are picking up the tab at the Wat Pho?" Rock nods and says "Yea." Benny grins and yells "Oh Jesus! Sorry you two, but I'm celebrating tonight!" Revy groans and says "Yeah, be happy it's New Years Eve, dipshit."

The GTO parks behind a grey Jeep CJ, the Wat Pho Tavern right in front of the CJ. The four exit the GTO, with Dutch crushing his cigarette on the pavement. Benny locks the car as Dutch takes the lead towards the entrance of the Wat Pho Tavern. Right above the entrance to the Wat Pho is a green awning that has a picture of a golden sleeping Buddha.

Dutch steps into the tavern, with the rest of Black Lagoon Company following suit. A Vietnamese server in a tuxedo greets the group with a slightly annoyed grin. As Dutch prepares to say something, the Vietnamese man awkwardly smiles and blurts out "A moment." He turns to another Vietnamese man, the man dressed in a grey buttoned down dress shirt tucked into black trousers, appearing to be the owner. The server asks in Vietnamese "Chúng ta có nên để cho họ bên trong (Should we allow them in)?" The owner grimaces and surveys Black Lagoon Company, tilting his head back and forth. After a pause, he asks "Yêu cầu họ nếu họ tốt với chỉ uống (Ask them if they are fine with just drinking)."

The Vietnamese server turns to Dutch and says "Excuse me, but I am afraid that you and your friends are underdressed. We are willing to let you in the bar. However, we cannot seat you at the restaurant…I am sorry." Dutch sighs and says "That's alright…we came here for the bar." The Vietnamese server nods and extends his right hand toward the bar. Dutch, Rock, Revy, and Benny each seat themselves on a stool, in that order from left to right, in the otherwise empty bar. An Asian man with long, black hair tied into a ponytail, dressed in a pink collared shirt and blue jeans, rims a margarita glass with salt. He places the glass on the counter as a server takes the drink.

The bartender turns to his audience and says "Hey…you speak English?" Benny nods and says "Yea, we do." The bartender smiles in relief and says "Good, my Thai and Vietnamese is complete shit. Name's Clarence, what can I do for you?" Dutch smirks and says "I'll have a glass of the most expensive thing you have." Clarence thinks for a second, and then says "That will be Don Julio Real, Extra Añejo, tequila." Benny yells out "Don Julio Real?! Holy shit! I second that, I haven't had a Don Julio since I left Mexico." Revy groans and digs into her arms, saying "Fuck!"

Clarence laughs and says "I take it that you two in the middle are paying. Say...where you all from?" Dutch speaks out "Me, Benny…the guy in the black shirt, and Revy, the one in the tracksuit, are all from the States. Rock here is from Japan." Clarence's eyes light up as he says "I'm from the States too. Portland, Oregon. Japan? You gone a long way." Rock laughs and says "Yea, I have." Clarence turns to Rock and Revy and asks "What you gonna have?" Rock says "Bacardi Gold rum." Revy says "Same here."

Clarence nods and says "Coming right up." As he prepares the drinks, Revy says "Hey Dutch, Benny. Remember that Indian restaurant that Reynolds recommended? Where I told him that he wasn't eating a fucking gyro? Rock and I went there." Benny leans forward and asks "How was it? I've been meaning to give it a try." Revy sighs and says "Food was alright but one of the waitresses, who was also one of the owners, she wouldn't shut the fuck up. She made Reynolds sound like a Marx brothers film…just kept on talking and fucking talking. I was trying to eat my food, asshole!" Benny shrugs his shoulders and says "I don't mind that." Revy rolls her eyes and says "Well I fucking do!"

Suddenly, a thought creeps into Revy's head as she snickers to herself. "Hey Dutch, Benny. Funny thing happened during the restaurant," she says, as Clarence props Rock's and Revy's drinks on the counter. As Rock and Revy each take a sip of rum, Benny asks "What happened?" Rock rolls his eyes and raises his arms in defeat as Revy says "We told the lady at the restaurant that we are from Canada. Long story, but she seemed way to curious for my liking. Anyway, when she asked from where in Canada, Rock said Detroit." Clarence nearly drops the bottle of Don Julio Real as he and Benny burst out in laughter. Dutch chuckles and asks "Are you speaking metaphorically, or did you really think that Detroit was in Canada?" Rock groans and asks "Want me to quiz you on the cities in Japan?"

Dutch laughs and says "Well I should know, I'm from Detroit." Rock, Revy, and Benny quickly jerk their heads as Benny says "I thought you said that you were from Oakland. Cali." Dutch shakes his head and says "No, I lived in Oakland for a while, but I'm from Michigan. I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, and then lived in Detroit for a few years before I left to Oakland. It's a long story and I would rather not get into it." As Clarence places Dutch's drink on the counter, Benny smiles and says "I'm not going to push you." Taking a sip of Don Julio Real, Dutch replies "I wouldn't budge even if you did push."

The four enter a state of awkward silence as Clarence props Benny's drink on the counter. Rock grimaces for a second, and then grabs his glass, saying "Anyway, it's New Years Eve, well, for us at least. 1997 is about to be the in past, and I would be the first to admit that this past month alone has been completely crazy." Revy snorts and says "Shit, you can say that again." Rock nods and says "What I'm saying is, here's to 1998 being a lot less crazy then 1997." Rock raises his glass, as Revy, Benny, and Dutch follow suit. "To '98," Dutch says. "To '98," Benny reiterates. "Fat chance that it's going to be less crazy, but…well, fuck it. To '98," concludes, as the four of them finish their glasses.

Clarence laughs and says "I'd pour myself a glass but I like having a job." Rock lets the rum warm up his body, saying "Maybe you could open your own bar up. Then you could drink on the job." Clarence sighs and says "I'm lucky to have a job here in such a place. Took everything I could take when I ran away from America, and that wasn't everything I actually owned."

Revy wipes rum off of her lips and asks "Ran from the cops?" Clarence scratches his back and says "No, scarier. My wife and her scumbag attorney. I found that bitch getting fucking in her snatch by that asshole…with my fucking cigar case. In our bedroom! On my side of the fucking bed! And then they were going to use some bullshit backroom politics to sue me for divorce…they beat me to it. They were going to take half, and that sleazy cocksucker was going to pull it off." Dutch smirks in amusement and asks "How did that get resolved?" Clarence grimaces and says "I emptied my bank account into cash, grabbed and pawned everything that I was able to stuff into my car, except my clothes and the important stuff. I drove north of the border into Canada, then sold my car there. Booked a flight from the airport in Kelowna and took the flight to Bangkok…it was the cheapest flight into Asia. I drifted for a while, and then I ended up in Roanapur with this job. Not as good as Oregon, but hey, at least my pride is intact."

Revy raises the glass to her lips, letting a few remaining drops of rum flow into her mouth. Finishing her cup, she says "I would have shot both those assholes, called it a day." Clarence laughs and says "I seriously considered setting the house on fire…but I didn't want to get anyone else hurt. Plus, I was on a time limit before the courts take half. Now she got…well, less than half, and no one knows where I am."

Benny stretches his neck and says "That was pretty drastic. Did you even try to see how the divorce would play out?" Clarence smiles nervously and says "I was in the preliminary hearings. It was brutal for me. I saw how the wind was blowing and took action. And here I am now."

Revy surveys Clarence and says "I recognize you…you were that lifeguard on the beach here in Roanapur. The one who saved that little girl from that shark last August. The governor of Trat gave you a civic duty award, right?" Clarence sighs and says "That's me alright. Please, no autographs." The entire Black Lagoon Company erupts in laughter as a waiter approaches the bar with an order. Clarence goes to work as Benny says "I heard about that too. Did you actually punch the shark?" Clarence nods a few times and says "Right in the nose. All 170 pounds of Chinese muscle, right in the face. I'm still kinda pleased with myself for that." Revy snickers and sarcastically says "Muscle…yea right."

"Laugh all you want. Though I can't say that I want to return to lifeguard duty. People sooner give tips for alcoholic drinks then for life-saving rescues," Clarence says, mixing a cocktail. Dutch sighs and says "That's life. It has been this way for thousands of years, and it will probably be this way for thousands more." Benny raises his glass and says "One more Don Julio Real, the extra aged one again." Revy groans in annoyance as Dutch orders the same.

"$212 in drinks. Not bad, not bad at all," Dutch smirks to himself, staring at the bar tab. Revy groans as she and Rock fish out their wallets. They split the bill, with Rock adding a $30 tip on top of the bar tab. Benny pulls out his cell phone and stares at the time. Looking up, he says "It's still 10 P.M. Want to head over to Gustavo's for Texas Holdem?" Revy glares at Benny in confusion and asks "He's having poker on New Years Eve?" Benny nods and says "Yea, same rules as always, and he's using the TV to watch the fireworks." As Rock says his goodbyes to Clarence, Dutch and Revy turn to each other and nod. Benny glares at Rock and mumbles "I take that as a yes…hey Rock! We're going to Gustavo's for Texas Holdem." Rock blankly stares at Benny and says "Oh, alright."

"You sober enough to drive?" Dutch asks, looking at Benny. Benny nods and says "Yea, I'm saving my liver for the free beer at Gustavo's place." Dutch nods as the four approach the exit.

Inside Chang's penthouse loft, Takahashi screams and clutches onto Chang's shoulders, dressed as he was earlier. Yelling frantically, Takahashi says "You promised! You said that this will be a simple management job! Sell narcotics, handle production, distance myself from everything else! You said that this will be a simple administrative position, that police wouldn't be an issue! Why didn't you tell me this in the country club?! Why didn't you tell me that lunatics might try to wipe out my family?!"

Chang, dressed in a black, collared, Hawaiian parrot shirt, patterned with multi-colored parrots on green palm leaves, and dark blue trousers, replies "Calm down, Ray." Takahashi screams, pulling hair out, tears rolling down his eyes. He replies back "Calm?! A lunatic threatened to hunt down my family! He said he was going to kill my sister. I DON'T HAVE A SISTER! Basil…Chang…I'm terrified! You are my friend! Why are you so cold and uncaring?!" Chang twitches and grinds his teeth. At his threshold, Chang yells back "WILL YOU PLEASE SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY?! You didn't think that this could happen?! Are you that much of an idiot?! HUH, RAY?! Wake up! Grab a coffee, down a scotch, jerk off…I don't care just shut the fuck up already! Right now, you are affecting my thought process, and it is getting on my nerves. So sit down!"

Takahashi sits down on a leather sofa chair, hyperventilating. Chang stares at Takahashi and says "You want a drink? I have Jack Daniels." Takahashi shakes his head and waves his right hand, wiping away tears with his left. Chang sighs and says "So I take it that Songxie didn't tell you about his latest pest control operation?" Takahashi stutters and asks "N-no, what do you mean in 'pest control'?" Chang smiles and shakes his head, saying "Songxie is a very smart man. He wanted to make sure that your reaction was genuine." Takahashi stands up and asks "What the hell are you talking about?"

Chang waves his right index finger around and says "Your partner, Songxie Tong…he trusts the personnel that he brought in. He can vouch for them. I can vouch for Reynolds and the select couple of personnel that I myself recommended. Several of your men, the others, have been brought in only by background checks. Songxie spread false but harmless rumors about you, within your organization, to see if anyone has loose lips. Apparently, someone does, and that someone either blabbed about it carelessly or actually informed a rival in person. If it's the former, it happens. If it's the latter, you got yourself a serious problem." Shocked, Takahashi rubs his forehead and says "Songxie did this? I…well, I now know that I need to speak with him."

Chang sarcastically smiles and says "I thought as much. By the way, did you catch the name of the guy that was extorting you?" Takahashi nods and says "Ji-hoon Seok." Chang laughs and says "Seok? Interesting. If you're going to be extorted by a psychopath, might as well get an Olympic medalist in that event." Takahashi sits down and asks "What do you mean?" Chang sits down on an opposite seat, a coffee table separating the two, and grabs a tall glass and a bottle of Jack Daniel's Number 7 whisky. He pours to slightly less than a third of the glass and seals the bottle of whisky. Getting off his seat, glass in hand, Chang approaches his kitchen and says "I know Seok. Well, I know of him. If he actually knows where your family is, he would probably do as he promised. Good thing he doesn't, since that man is a total loose cannon. Which also could suggest that he is not doing this on the behalf of the Koreans in Bangkok. This wouldn't be the first time that Seok went lone ranger and almost caused a gang war."

Chang reaches into his refrigerator for a bottle of Coca-Cola. Unscrewing the cap, he pours the coke into the glass as Takahashi asks "Why would Songxie do such a thing? What would people want with my family?" Chang sighs and says "You saw how someone reacted with information about a fake sister. Imagine how people would react if someone found out that you are gay and that you have a male lover in Honolulu…that chiropractor whose name I forgot. No one would take you seriously! Listen, I don't care…that's your choice, your lifestyle. I don't judge, and I honestly couldn't care less. But the facts are facts, and right now, you are an unknown element…and a not respected one at that. Listen, I've been hearing things…and from what I gathered, people think of you as an idiot that is completely over his head. Are you? You tell me. I didn't give you this opportunity as a gift, Ray. I brought you in to keep the stability of Roanapur in check. I am not here to become the only drug baron in Roanapur, because I know that that would be a Sisyphean endeavor. No, I am here to make my money, and I want the right rivals in the right positions to ensure that everyone would make as much money as possible with as little bloodshed as possible. That's why you are here. So tell me, Ray, are you in over your head?"

Takahashi takes a deep breath and calms down, saying "No, I am not in over my head. I understand." Chang puts the bottle of Coca-Cola back in the fridge and stirs his Jack and Coke with a small, silver spoon. As he stirs, he asks Takahashi "So what is your next move?" Takahashi exhales a deep breath and says "I am not certain…I came here for help. Help for what…I wasn't sure. Now I am…so let me pick your brain. Basil…Chang, are there any recommendations that you have for me?"

Chang tosses the silver spoon into the sink and takes a sip of his cocktail. Satisfied, he takes a large gulp of it. After a pause, Chang says "For one, you are the boss. You are the Mountain Master, the Don, the Cartel Head, however you want to call it. Remember one thing Ray. Mountain Masters never cry." Takahashi laughs and says "I do admit that I must have looked somewhat pathetic. I do have an idea, Basil." Chang approaches Takahashi, glass of Jack and Coke in his hands. Sitting down in his original seat, Chang says "I'm listening."

Takahashi leans forward and violently smirks, saying "Your talk of your organization reminded me of a clever tactic that the Triads have used. Where they would hire a bunch of addicts to exaggerate their numbers during street confrontations, to intimidate a rival gang, to intimidate someone…the list goes on." Chang takes a sip of the Jack and Coke and says "Sai ma. Show of force, they call it in Cantonese. I was involved in organizing a few of those back in Hong Kong…we would hire opium addicts, drunks, impoverished teenagers. We would pay them some money just to show up, and to wear some form of identification. Sometimes we would give them free food, free clothes, the list goes on. All they did was stand around and try to look slightly intimidating…it is a great tactic. Very effective in diffusing a violent situation. We would avoid an actual bloodbath, and the local poor would make some very easy money."

Takahashi nods and says "I have a similar idea in mind. Seok would probably flee if anything was out of the ordinary. The time he picked for me to pay him…the restaurant is usually extremely busy at that time. 2:00 P.M., when everyone is having lunch. If that restaurant would be empty, which it would have to be if he will be dealt with at that moment…he would disappear. I am thinking of having a show of force…of sorts. I want to hire a couple dozen of your men, plus any women that they know, plus a few other people. Maybe Kaeo or Mongkut or Kamol, maybe they have people to spare. I want them to fill up the restaurant, becoming an artificial crowd. I want the waiters to tell any incoming patrons that they are full. Then, when Seok is close enough, I want someone to seal the doors and a couple others to carry him into the back, where he will be dealt with. Lastly, in the interest of silence, I want someone from your organization to deal with Seok. Since I currently have a mole in my organization, as you told me, I think it is best that no one from my organization is sent into that restaurant. We will settle a price, for both the show of force and the handling of Seok."

Chang laughs and sips on his cocktail, watching Takahashi reveal a side to him that Chang never expected to see. Takahashi asks "What is so amusing?" Chang places his cocktail on the table and says "That was probably the smartest thing that you ever said since you came here. To be honest, I was starting to worry that you were out of your element. Maybe Seok holding you at gunpoint…maybe that caused something to snap in you. Maybe." Takahashi grimaces and says "Perhaps. Since I arrived, I nearly suffered three heart attacks. It has been a learning experience. Regardless, Seok threatened to wipe my family out, and that is a threat that I cannot take lightly. A message must be sent, one that tells Roanapur that I am not a doormat. So Chang, do we have an arrangement?" Chang grabs his Jack and Coke and takes a sip, saying "Yes, it is agreed."

"Órale (What's up)! Black Lagoon Company is here!" Gustavo exclaims as he proceeds to confiscate everyone's weapons, starting with Revy's two Cutlasses. Proceeding with Dutch's and Rock's guns, he unhooks the chain to the door and allows Black Lagoon Company to step inside the backdoor of his mini mart. Locking the door behind them, Gustavo, dressed in his light pink sports jacket, purple undershirt, and light blue trousers, motions at the poker table and says "We only got two vatos (guys) at the tables. Fridge is stacked and we are watching the fireworks at midnight."

Entering the poker room, Rock spots an Asian man with short, combed black hair, dressed in a grey collared shirt with diagonal green stripes, and a slightly tanned Western European-looking man with wavy hazel hair combed to the right, dressed in a black shirt that says in red lettering "Evidently Chickentown."

Rock sits to the right of the European-looking man, Revy sits to the right of Rock, Benny sits between Revy and the unnamed Asian man, and Dutch sits to the right of the unnamed Asian man. Gustavo approaches the poker table and says "I take it you haven't met these two vatos yet. The bolillo (white boy) is a tourist from England, here to catch the sun and not the clap." The Brit sarcastically laughs and says "Oi, name's Will. William Baird." Rock nods and shakes Baird's hand. Gustavo laughs and says "Oye (listen), I wouldn't recommend touching that hand. Who knows how many ladyboy culos (asses) that that hand has been in?" The entire table, aside from Baird and Rock, snicker in laughter as Rock wipes his hands on his pants and Baird says "You know he is just taking the piss over here." Revy glares at Baird and says "You got piss on your hands? Stay the fuck away from me!" Baird groans and waves his arms in defeat.

Gustavo tosses Rock and Revy each a bottle of Negra Modelo. He tosses Benny a bottle of Corona Extra and Dutch a bottle of Dos Equis Amber. Baird passes Rock the bottle opener as the four of them say "Thanks." The four of them proceed to drink their beers.

Gustavo, amused, points at the unnamed Asian man and says "Hey Rock. We got another guy from Japan. Meet Koji Tanahashi." Rock leans forward and says "Hey, doh kokara kitano (where you from)? I'm from Tokyo." Koji leans forward and says "Same, I live in the Akihabara district." Rock frowns in pity and says "Akihabara? That must be a madhouse, living there." Koji grimaces and nods, saying "Oh yes! Between all the electronics and otaku stores attracting tourists and locals alike by the truck load and constant blast of advertisements...I don't mind it though. I got used to it." Revy glares and asks "The fuck is an otaku?" Rock laughs and says "Well…how do I put this? Alright, otaku goods are pretty much anything that can be collected for a hobby, like comics, cartoons, dolls, so on. Otaku are basically collectors. Some of these people are kind of bizarre…there's some stigma involved. Though last time I checked, Akiba town was still mainly selling electronics." Koji folds his arms and says "They are on the decline…now those comics and cartoons are becoming more popular commodities. I'm actually thinking of opening up a store there if I could scrap together the yen."

Rock laughs and asks "Catering to the otaku crowd? Be careful that you don't attract another Miyazaki Tsutomu." Koji glares at Rock in fear and says "Oh great Buddha, I hope not." Benny gets up and says "I got to take a piss, Gustavo. Bathroom is opened?" Gustavo laughs and says "Go on. I think Thailand found their candidate for the 100 meter Olympic sprint." As Benny bolts towards the bathroom, Dutch turns to Rock and asks "Who's Miyazaki?"

Rock sighs and says "He was this guy who had this huge collection of anime shows and horror films. He then went on to kidnap four little girls, who were around 4-6 years old. He would kill them, molest their corpses, and then sometimes eat the flesh or drink the blood. After testing him on his insanity, they went ahead and sentenced him to death earlier this year. Yeah, he is Japan's version of Ed Gein."

Koji shakes his head and says "I don't like how the media in Japan is trying to pin anime and horror films as the cause of this. Whatever happened to crazy being crazy? It's just bad for business when I'm thinking of opening a store for just that. Anyway, I hope that manko (cunt) hangs. Sick monster!" Rock sighs and says "He is not going to hurt anyone else. He won't get released." Koji glares at Rock and says "Oh yea? Watch. Some bakayarou (asshole) in the courts will try to make him look rehabilitated and let him go free during the appeals. Why? Political points! Just watch." As Benny returns to his seat, Revy laughs and says "Not our fucking problem."

Gustavo snickers and nudges Rock, saying "Hey Rock, ask Japonés (Japanese) here on what he does for a living." Baird laughs and says "Oh this is going to be entertaining!" Koji sighs, rolls his eyes, and says "Alright, I own a website where I draw and upload pornographic cartoon images. Yeah, I know. I draw hentai, laugh it up. Hey, there's a lot of money in it!" Everyone except Koji bursts into laughter as Revy uses her hands to make an image of a five legged squid getting a handjob. Koji rolls his eyes and says "I get enough jokes from my friends, alright. Seriously, there is a lot of yen to be made from that, in subscriptions…in advertising revenue. So don't judge."

Benny laughs and says "You know, this reminds me of that time that I fucked around with the NSA of America…kinda. This was after I joined Black Lagoon Company. I heard that the NSA were doing internet wiretapping…and yes, I know I'm in Thailand, but there's always a chance. So to amuse myself, I started typing up keywords like .50 caliber sniper rifles and Bill Clinton campaign stops, and searched for those, checking a few websites. Then I looked up a few conspiracy theory websites to really make sure that…if anyone is watching, that I have their attention. Then I searched 'Japanese Tentacle Porn' and clicked on some nasty video. I watched a couple of seconds of it and immediately ran outside before I vomited. I still check my email every now and then to see if I get a cryptic message that says "Fuck you. Sincerely, NSA."

Everyone except Revy snickers at Benny's anecdote. Revy simply glares and hisses, yelling "Why…are you…SUCH A FUCKING FAGGOT?!" She tosses her now empty bottle of Negra Modelo at Benny, clocking him in the forehead. "OW! That hurt!" Benny exclaims as Gustavo yells "Órale! Tranquilo, tranquilo (relax, relax)!" Revy glares at Gustavo and says "I walked in and saw that shit! I couldn't eat for a fucking day! It took a couple of amobarbitals and a glass of rum to get that image out of my head!" Everyone snickers except Revy and Benny, the latter rubbing his forehead and former yelling "It's not fucking funny!"

"So Gustavo, when are we gonna play a hand?" Dutch inquires, sipping his beer. Gustavo turns on the television and says "Carajo (shit), in a few minutes. The New Year starts in 15 minutes, I want that to pass before I start a game." The television plays a New Years broadcast in Singapore, showcasing a marina. "Qué lástima (what a shame), Thailand doesn't celebrate New Years like in Mexico. Best we got is Singapore with its fireworks display. Pinche (fucking) time zones!" Gustavo laments, reaching for a bowl of grapes and tearing one off the vine.

Rock sips on his beer and says "Hey Koji, Will, you two are a long way from home. Not celebrating with family?" Baird exhales a deep breath and says "This here bloke is soaking in every minute of his holiday in Thailand. I dread my return to Bristol. I work in Bristol International, the airport. Air traffic control…work is complete bollocks!" Koji smirks and says "That's why you should work for yourself. I don't have any superiors giving me quotas. I don't have to work myself to death just to keep my job. I just draw to make money. Only rush is to keep my wallet nourished." Revy sarcastically laughs and says "Yeah, you just draw tentacle dicks drilling little girl's assholes, you sick fuck!" Koji opens both palms of his hands and rolls his eyes, saying "Hey, I don't draw that. I mainly do BDSM pictures." Gustavo laughs and says "Hey, draw whatever you want, vato. Pornografía (pornography) is recession-proof."

"So how's Bristol? I never visited the U.K.," Benny asks, curious. Baird grimaces and nods slowly, saying "How do I put it? If I would describe Bristol to you, I would say that it is akin to the local post office. As in, it's full of mentals and mingers. As opposed to Brighton, the city that I was born in, which is instead full of arse bandits."

"Cállate (shut up), it's about to be the fireworks," Gustavo interjects, tossing Revy, Baird, and Koji each a bottle of Negra Modelo. He then chews on a grape and reaches into the fridge for a bottle of Tecate. They all turn their attention to the television, beers in hand. As the clock hits midnight and the fireworks are released, Gustavo raises his bottle of Tecate and yells "Feliz Año Nuevo (Happy New Year)! Dios (God) willing, may the year bring great luck and wealth to us all!" The rest of the table extends their beers for a toast, saying "To 1998!"

As Rock takes a long gulp of beer, a sudden sense of anxiety overwhelms him. He stands up and asks "Excuse me, but where's the bathroom?" Gustavo nudges his head to the left and says "First door on the left." Rock nods and turns toward the bathroom. Stepping inside, he locks the bathroom door behind him and turns to the sink, his anxiety turning to dread. Feeling sick, he falls to his knees, turns toward the toilet, and vomits his dinner into the bowl.