''How did ya get boss to accept working with ya?''

Asked the, uhhhh, the uhhhh-

Bull woman?

I really can not remember half of these races.

This shit more diverse than the African continent.

They tried to keep their mouths shut along the way.

But it seems like their curiosity sipped through.

The reason probably being bc they told their boss to NEVER do business with me, which is understandable.

Not a smart idea, but understandable.

So as we made our way towards our destination, these 2 lines that costed my left arm for the moment, they cracked.

''Because your boss, before anything, is an artist.

So I showed him something that every artist desires the most; art.''

''And yes, we call musicians artists. Yes, we also call rappers musicians, therefore artists, at least where I come from.''

That got her even more confused.

''Where do ya even come from then? Just what did you show boss?''

I gave that a quick chuckle.

That was funny, I just can't get over an anime girl that looks like a fucked up cow-human mix speaking with a deep southern accent.

If someone were to pay me 50 bucks to say ''My dick'' to that question I would do it.

But no one will give me that, so I guess in the spirit of fixing my relations with my business partners I will indulge the ignorant masses.

''I come from a place that would make Lungmen look like a shoddy village in comparison. A land so advanced that art and music could be found anywhere at good qualities to boot, even accessible to the lower classes for cheap prices.''

I turned around, putting my elbow on the seat head I am on and began explaining.

''I showed your boss music that you could never find anywhere in Terra. Hundreds upon hundreds of them.''

''Seeing as where we are now, you can recognize that he took quite the liking to them.''

''Imagine being a successful musician, thinking you have gotten close to mastering music when a random guy shows up-''

I take in a breath.

''-and gives you a glimpse into a whole new world, of course you'd bite.''

I go back to sitting in the passenger seat and throw a quick glance into the driver's mirror.

Faces full of doubt.

I sigh.

''Look's like you don't believe me. I know you think that I have bad blood with you but I really don't. I have already gotten what I wanted, can't you just trust a man who genuinely wants to work together? Here, I'll give you all a small piece too.''

I open my phone and begin looking at my playlist.

I need something that'd fit a car ride and something to soften up the tense mood.

Something popular that people who know nothing of Earthern styles could enjoy-

That one is too edgy-

Too fast paced-

Ahah!

A classic!

Out of Touch by Hall and Oates.

And immediately its effects were showing.

The tense mood shifted, instead the people in the car focused on the song.

They tested it in their heads, valued it but couldn't find any matches to compare it to.

But I could read their obvious awe, they did not expect this.

I win, again.

And so, the person with the most experience with music I am guessing spoke up, the girl I challenged at the bar that day, allegedly:

''That was, actually good. I did not expect you to be a romantic or the kind of guy to listen to these kind of songs after your, performance on the Ark.''

I smirked under my mask.

Oh you poor soul, you are clueless.

''That would be because I am not. I needed something to soften up the mood, that could be enjoyed by the average person in the car and something that you all could understand with no knowledge of my homeland.''

I give her a laugh.

''If you don't like it I could always go back to ''turbofolk'', which was the thing I, allegedly, attempted to sing to you all while I was drunk out of my mind. Still can't believe I did that, thats entirely on me.''

Definitely not a proud moment for me.

But hey, I managed to salvage that L to a W now, so who knows.

Maybe it will just be a rocky start to a smooth road.

It had quite the effect too.

I had their interests piqued.

So until we reached our destination I let them listen to random songs that I would choose from my playlist as we made our way through the city roads towards the slums.

That's right.

That was why I was here in the first place.

Lungmen was a very important piece to hold.

And to ensure its stability, some pest cleaning needed to be done.

For this city was something that no other could be.

It was the center of commerce, the hub of trade and the symbol of riches.

It was the jewel of Terra.

And if there was one thing, that I learned from our expansionist, colonial and exploitative nature and history of us humans.

It was that those who controlled commerce ruled the world.

Military might be cool and all but it wouldn't matter if their armies couldn't be supplied or if their men couldn't be paid their wages.

Money makes the modern world go round.

And why should I work to build my own fortunes, when I can just take someone else's?

And that fortune, that jewel-

It is Lungmen, and it will be in my palms soon enough.

''How long till we get there? I am not used to the city layout so give me a rough estimate.''

I got bored.

We have been riding in this car for 30 minutes already.

And I wasn't listening to songs that I wanted to do.

It was all mellow shit, meant to act as a sign of goodwill but it was taxing because I couldn't blast the usuals.

''According to the location you told me, around half an hour towards the slums.''

The ride is taking awfully long.

Let's put this shit on shuffle and rest for a bit…

Maybe I'll close my eyes a bit too.

We shouldn't get ambushed, if I remember correctly even if P.L. has some enemies they also have a reputation.

Also, we have that woman in the back as a guard as well for my little endeavors, so even if they engage in a fight along the road it should be fine.

It should also work to increase their trust.

Sleeping near people is a risky endeavor, gonna take the bet that these goody 2 shoes wouldn't touch my bag, and in return if all goes well my sign of "trust" should shake their distrustful hearts just that little bit more.

Everything is perfect, or it would be.

So why do I feel disturbed?

What am I even saying-

Ofcourse I know.

That fucking witch.

I couldn't read her fully.

She didn't lie, those should be the coordinates, but…

What if she was lying?

What if it was the snake?

Was he involved in that conversation?

How am I meant to read a soul if there are 2 of them in one body?!

This is fucking bullshit.

If that was actually Talulah I think I got what i wanted-

I try to feel my hand.

-at a price.

But if it was the snake we could just be walking towards our doom.

Yeah, I think I'll close my eyes for a bit, let sleep overtake me.

Did I make the right call?

Well, that's why I have these fools with me in the car.

While I do need them for later occasions, if needed…

Sacrifices could be made.

Let us hope that lady luck graces us with her favor.

For their own sakes.