-Em: The First Bartender-
The midday sun hung over the central part of Zootopia, shining down some warm rays to the many citizens who were out and about. It was the middle of the week so the streets weren't exactly busy. Most of the mammals currently roaming the metropolis were either finishing up lunch meetings and hurrying back to the office, or maybe a few shoppers that had the day off and decided to treat themselves.
On the edge of the central district, a small mammal was currently contemplating her next move as she waited in front of a large black door that had been left open, some muffled classic rock coming from somewhere past the entry.
The otter stood on the sidewalk as her Zuber hurried off to its next fair. She made a sideways glance back at the vehicle that sped off, wondering if she should actually try to wave it back down and get her out of here.
The thought however dissipated as she stared back at the rustic-looking storefront.
Her lips curled to one side as she took in a breath and glanced down at a folded piece of paper in one of her paws.
Looking back at the large open door with her brilliantly emerald eyes she decided to just take a chance.
No one says I have to take this gig.
She took a moment to adjust her outfit, ensuring that her button-up black blouse and matching black leggings made her look at least a little presentable. She had learned long ago in this business that no one expected or wanted a suit and tie to show up for an interview.
Most managers became somewhat intimidated when dealing with someone who was a little too sharply dressed, mainly because they were worried the individual didn't know how to handle themselves behind a bar.
It was one thing to look nice and know what kind of drinks were liked. It was another thing entirely to look good and properly serve everything on a bar's menu.
The lovely looking otter adjusted her shoulder bag and with one last deep inhale sauntered through the doorway.
It took a moment or two for her eyes to adjust to the low lighting inside the building. Several lights in the ceiling were burned out. This was not a good sign at first until the otter noticed a timber wolf in the far corner climbing up a ladder with a box of fresh light bulbs in his paw.
She took a moment to watch the larger predator work, studying what the handy mammal was up to.
The wolf hadn't noticed the otter enter and seemed to be in his own little world as he mumbled along to the songs currently pumping out of a blu-tooth speaker nearby.
With a practiced paw, the wolf began to unscrew a burnt-out light bulb before replacing it with a brand new one. He then climbed down the ladder and repeated the steps, replacing a whole row with ease.
It is a bit of a fixer-upper that's for sure...
The otter glanced around the large open space and noticed that while there was a lot of work to be done, whoever the owner was they obviously were pulling out all the stops.
The new arrival looked over and noticed several shipping palates had been left in the center of the room. All of them wrapped up with a clear shipping plastic.
Several chairs still wrapped in a kind of protective paper were stacked neatly nearby.
Sitting on a few were more boxes.
That's when she spotted it.
The otter's eyes went wide as she slowly strolled over to a stack of boxes that had been left by one of the new chairs. She reached out and placed a paw on the cardboard box and held back a whistle.
According to the labels, the box held….
"Pens," The otter whispered softly to herself as a tear welled up in one of her eyes.
I wouldn't have to bring my own! No more fumbling or begging to borrow one for closing a tab! There must be hundreds of them.
Some movement followed by a muffled curse from behind the newly installed bartop caught the otter's attention as she looked in the direction of the cursing.
She hadn't been noticed yet so if she wanted to leave now she could and no one would be the wiser.
Looking around though the small mammal saw something she hadn't seen in a while at her current bar.
Passion.
It took a lot to run a bar, it also took a lot to get a dive like this up to par for it to even be called a bar.
However from the looks of the many boxes and tools laying around whoever owned the place clearly had a plan in mind and was throwing a ton of money into the place to get it up and running.
What could it hurt?
Em cleared her throat as she approached the bar.
When there was no acknowledgment she looked over at one of the chairs closest to the bar top and hurried over.
After years of working the many bars in Zootopia, she had learned that it was best to use her environment to get what she needed. Sure most mammals would just sit back and wait or some would not even think of stooping so low as to use a chair as a ladder.
The otter, however, was a different breed. She was the type to get her paws dirty if it got the drinks made and the tips brought in.
Once she had managed to climb on the bar she had a better view of the mammal currently working away behind the counter.
She noticed two legs currently jutting out from underneath the counter. While both of the legs were obviously canine they didn't exactly match.
The right one was covered in fur that was made up of black, brown, tan, and white splotches with no real discernible pattern.
The other appeared to be made of metal, while it was shaped to look like a canine's leg it was obviously a prosthetic of some kind. Em noticed an odd-looking fire department emblem had been drawn on the canine's fake ankle.
"Just go into the stupid hole you ass…come on!" A muffled shout came from underneath the bar.
From the looks of it, the canine in question was currently trying to plug in a bar fridge.
The otter couldn't tell what kind of model it was from her vantage point but she immediately fell in love with whoever this canine was when they succeded in getting the appliance plugged in. Mainly because a cool white light suddenly clicked on and brightened up the floor behind the bar. This told the otter that it was a clear door fridge, a bartender's dream come true.
No more opening a door to see where the bottles are, no more fumbling with a handle to check stock, it's Eco-friendly...oh my gosh I want one.
"Ok...one down...like 5 more to go," Came a grumbling from beneath the bar as a painted dog crawled back from her little hiding spot.
The canine was on all fours and looking down at the floor as she moved. She froze as her ears twitched and her nose gave off a slight wiggle. A pair of bright teal eyes slowly looked up and met a pair of emerald ones.
"How long have you been there?" The painted canine asked nervously as she remained on all fours.
"You got the ass into the stupid hole I see," The otter said with a smug smirk.
The painted dog let out a defeated sigh before standing up and brushing some dirt from her khaki capris.
"Sorry, probably not very professional of me," The painted canine admitted.
"If I had a nickel for every stupid fridge cable that came undone I would probably not be job hunting," The otter said with a smile. "Plus at least you are big, no one is gonna be shoving you down there to plug the stupid thing back in if something happens."
At the last bit, the painted dog's eyes went wide as she put a paw to her mouth, "They didn't…"
"Oh yeah, one of the reasons you see most bars hire small bartenders," The otter said as she adjusted her shoulder bag.
"Well I promise not to shove you into in small spaces," the painted dog chuckled. "I have littermates I can guilt trip for that."
The otter beamed before setting down her purse and unfolding the piece of paper she had brought with her. She laid it out on the bar and Echo recognized it as a print out to the job posting she had made online.
"So I am guessing this is the 107 bar?"
The painted dog grinned and nodded her head quickly before extending a paw which the otter happily took.
"The name is Echo, I am the owner and guess only staff member so far," The canine admitted.
"What about him?" The otter asked as she nodded over at the wolf who continued his pattern of going up and down the ladder to reach the many light bulbs in the ceiling.
"Friend from the firehouse who volunteered to help," Echo said with a smile. "Have a few of them coming and going, getting the place ready for opening night."
"Any of them single?" Em asked with a smirk as she looked back at Echo who chuckled.
"Yes, but they are no good fire mammals," The pained dog teased.
"Always did love a mammal in uniform," Em said with a flirty smile as her eyelids drooped.
"Well, we will have a lot of those here at the 10-7."
"Wait so it isn't 107?" Em asked as she tilted her head.
"Nope," Echo said with a smile as she reached over and grabbed a washcloth nearby and used it to wipe some of the dust off her paws. "It is 10-7 which is 10 code for out of service. Little play on words."
"I like it," Em said as she glanced around the vacant room before glancing back at Echo. "Is there going to be a theme alongside the name?"
"Oh you better believe it," Echo laughed. "Already have some pictures pulled from archives, got patches, challenge coins, old signs, the works."
Em looked a little confused and tilted her head.
"It is going to be a first responder bar," Echo explained as she put an arm on the bartop and looked around. "My family is all first responders and I wanted to make a place for them to just sit, relax, and enjoy a drink."
"That's actually really sweet," Em said as she glanced around the room with Echo before looking back at the painted dog. "And to be honest a great idea. I haven't really heard of a bar like that yet in the city and trust me I would know."
"Guessing you have worked at a lot of bars before?" Echo asked, bringing her attention back to the lovely otter sitting at the bar.
Em simply nodded as she pulled a resume from her bag and placed it neatly in front of Echo. The painted dog scooped up the paper and her eyes went wide.
"Wow, you have been a bartender for a while I see," Echo muttered as she looked down the otter's work history. Something, however, was a little concerning. "Also notice you don't stay at a bar for very long…"
"Longest has been a year," Em admitted cooly.
While this would make some candidates for a job nervous Em seemed calm and collective in her response which made Echo look up and right into the otter's eyes.
Em knew exactly what Echo was thinking and took a breath before explaining.
"I just haven't found that perfect fit, to be honest. The Tropical Bay was nice but was really just a seasonal gig so during those slow months we were expected to perform housekeeping at the resort while still just making our bartending wages which meant I was underpaid with no tips."
"That even legal?" Echo asked with a chuckle.
Em let out a sigh and rolled her eyes, "Then there was the Fang club was a bit odd. Had to dress up in a tight outfit. Mostly high-end business mammals there to ogle at the ladies and brag about big business deals while giving terrible tips."
"Well, I wouldn't last long there that's for sure."
"One particular brave buck said his company had been my tip for the night since it was rare for someone so important to visit."
"Oh ok, so that would have been my last night."
"Was mine too," Em said with a smirk.
Echo's lips curled into a mischievous smile, "I like you."
"My favorite was the Ink and Paint club," Em said as she continued to list her experience.
"Haven't heard of that place," Echo admitted.
"It is in the Saharah district over by the movie studious. A lot of important entertainment mammals would visit but they were more there for the shows that the bar put on. Think old fashioned speakeasy with a stage up front. Nightly jazz, drinks, quiet atmosphere."
"Why did you leave?"
Em glanced at the front door to the 10-7 before looking back at Echo, "Did you hear about what happened with the Maroon Studios founder?"
Echo had to search her memory but she snapped her digits together when she remembered reading an article.
"The one who was murdered?"
"Yeah well, one of the prime suspects was a friend of mine, this singer we had at the bar," Em explained. "She was innocent and so was her husband who had also been accused. The club just wasn't the same after the investigation though. Management changed paws and I could tell things wouldn't be the same. I still keep in touch with Jessica though."
"Well glad your friend wasn't the one who did it," Echo chuckled. A pensive look came over her muzzle as she racked her brain over that particular case. "Didn't it turn out to be a politician?"
"A judge," Em said with a sigh.
"Wow," Echo let out before looking down at Em's resume. "Says here you are currently working just a few blocks over at Tails."
Em simply nodded.
"Why do you want to leave them? I mean aren't they really popular?"
"Yeah but its who they are popular with," Em replied and watched as Echo put down the otter's resume and crossed her arms. Em noticed how patches of fur on Echo's arms were shorter than others, the canine's skin still visible where some obvious burns could be seen.
Oh, you poor sweet thing.
"I will be honest with you Echo," Em said, deciding to just go all in. Afterall if worst came to worst she still had a job back at Tails. "Every night it's the same thing. A bunch of boozed-up college mammals all shout at me different drink orders thinking they are being slick when really they have no taste. I get looks, tail grabs, and even been slapped on the rear a few times. All so these kids can get wasted, throw up, and leave without giving me a proper tip."
Em adjusted herself in her seat and looked right in Echo's eyes.
"I enjoy bartending. I miss the Ink and Paint because I would have regulars and even if I had a table of new mammals I would get to chat with them, learn what they liked, make suggestions, and just have a nice night. Bartending to me isn't just about pouring a drink into a glass. We are the last of an old line of counselors, teachers, or just a pair of ears mammals may need in a tough time."
Echo's eyes widened and her ears flicked at the last part.
Em began to wonder if she had struck a nerve so she remained silent for a moment.
"That right there," Echo said with a smirk. "Is exactly why you need to work for me."
Em's eyes brightened as she looked up at the painted dog.
Wait are we really going to do this? It's a new bar! It may not last a week!
"You see Em I wanted this place to be a refuge for my brothers and sisters still fighting the good fight and protecting the city," Echo began as she leaned on the counter and looked at the otter sitting across from her. "I may not be able to keep fighting alongside them but the least I can do is offer them a chance to relax and enjoy a drink or two."
The two sat in silence for a moment, "May I ask?" Em began but her eyes gave her away as they looked down at the bar in the direction of Echo's leg.
Echo smiled and took in a deep breath. She then told Em about the Grandidier fire. The otter sat in stunned silence as the painted dog played the role of storyteller. When Echo finished with when she woke up in the hospital she watched as Em reached into her purse and produced a tissue.
"Oh geez Em I am sorry," Echo said quickly. "I didn't mean to-"
She stopped as Em hopped up on the bartop and waddled over towards Echo, opening her arms. Echo smirked as she leaned forward and accepted a hug from the small otter.
"I had friends in that building," Em said as she stepped back and dabbed her eyes. "Sorry, sometimes my emotions get the best of me."
"No don't be sorry," Echo said as she watched the otter return to her seat and clean herself up. "I probably should have found an easier way to tell my story."
"So that's what this bar is about?" Em asked. "Stories like that?"
Echo simply nodded, "There are a lot of mammals still out there every day facing what I did or worse. I won't lie Em if you take this job there will be times you may be the one who has to pull someone from the edge of losing it."
Em took in a deep breath but remained silent.
"Some of my friends were surprised when I told them what I planned to pay you all while you get to keep tips. Its because I will ask of you more than any bar ever will."
"It's not just about serving drinks," Em began
I don't care if this job is a risk…
"It's about serving them," Em continued.
I won't let it fail Echo…
"It's about serving heros," The otter continued as Echo nodded.
I promise Echo...your bar will succeed.
"Heros like you," Em added.
Echo snorted but the otter noticed a glazed look in the painted dog's eyes as Echo's emotions got the best of her.
"So when can you start?"
Em smirked as she stood up on her stool and glanced around the vacant bar.
"I already have," Em said as she hopped from her stool and headed towards one of the palates of bar supplies and scooped up a clipboard that had been left on one of the boxes. "When do your friends from the firehouse arrive because I will need some heavy lifting done if you expect me to organize the stock room."
Echo chuckled and shook her head in disbelief. She then reached for her cellphone which she had left just on the counter behind the bare.
"I could probably have a few volunteers swing by."
"They work at the firehouse?" Em asked with a smirk as her emerald eyes glanced over the clipboard in her paws.
"Yes."
"What do you call those special pants you all wear?"
"Bunker gear?" Echo asked as she tilted her head.
"Yeah, tell them to show up in just those and suspenders will you?" Em said casually as she strolled past Echo and headed towards the backroom.
Echo let out a roar of laughter, "Em I am so glad you are my first bartender."
Hey everyone.
Well, that turned into a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, didn't it?
I am kind of excited to write more about Em and her past because let's not forget she has one of the most important jobs in the city. Keeping a certain blue-eyed terror in check. :P
I hope you enjoyed the reference to one of my other favorite Disney movies! It just kind of hit me like a ton of bricks! ;)
Till next time,
-Blue
