#ccsemberclub

"But.. what..." He points to the blue prints "if you were to have glass screens built to maintain acoustics to keep the stage from sharing air with the crowd and vice versa?"

"Sound waves travel through the air, so I'm told. Wouldn't blocking the air block the sound?"

"Normally , yes sir... but... with the right microphone equipment, it'd be no more 'cheating' than her playing to a large auditoriam"

"Hm. Walk me through it."

"Yes sir, see, it would be much like a recording studio booth," And he shows him the options

"Only live, of course. "

"It would work in the presence of mortals?"

"Well, sir, it's glass." He assures "This is mortal tech, there might be some chimerical aspects, but it would be as 'real' to them as the lady herself is"

The boggan eyes the plans hard. "Cost?"

"Well sir, real glass costs real money..." He begins to wheedle "But we both know Miss CC is worth every penny, and I know you want her to be happy so I'm sure price isn't near an object"

"It isn't." dry "I will pay you, and full price. I will accept a close estimate at this time. I know how jobs can fluctuate on price at no fault of yours."

A light blush "yes sir, you're a no drek straight shooter. Fine. I got three options that would work.. the most expensive runs at.." And he shows it "But as you can see it has a lot of verstility and the highest quality glass. Infused as well... but, if you dont' want all the bells and whistles..." And he explains the second option that would save hundreds. "And then there's the bare box set up, she might feel a bit confined but it would be the cheapest" And hundreds more

"The first option." Quietly. "Can we arrange installments?"

"Well, yes sir, we can" He says "Though a lot depends on how fast you want it up. Materials and labor tend to stretch out on payments, but we can get it done yes..." He ponders "I know some of your kith who might help me with the base construction and well, you pishers know how to get it done fast. I'll have to do the artistic side and the fancy stuff"

He nods. "If you trust them, I certainly will."

"They value their good name" He nods "But if you want a list of every person I hire for security reasons I ccan provide it" The wilder has grown less naive.

"Yes, I think so."

"Have you eaten..... or would you care for a drink?"

"Oh shoot , Sir. I didn't want to intrude when I came to talk business, but I wouldn't say know to THIS place's vittles"

"Well, then. Allow me to bring you something, and if you can remain for a time, I plan to ask Miss CC to perform here, for our employees, after the Club closes."

"This isn't gonna cut down on my payment is it?" sheepish

"No, not at all. This is simply hospitality." firmly.

"Well, then this is a double treat, Mister CC"

"My pleasure." he says jovially "What would suit your fancy tonight?"

"Anything with beef and a touch of BBQ flavoring tends to set me to watering, Sir"

"I'll be back shortly. Please make yourself at home." and he bustles off to fix something off-menu.

And the nocker sits down and looks over his plans

It takes longer than he'd like, but he has to work at a normal pace, and put things together for a BBQ riff not on the usual menu.... but he hopes it will be worth the (small) wait.

Oh, it is.

Rather than risk a tray, he uses a take-out set up (bag, cartons) and slips back into the Balefire.

"Thank you,Sir" Betrand says

"My pleasure....." he sets things up "What to drink?"

"Mountain Dew ? or water's fine"

"I can concoct for you a soft beverage that is very like that soda, but a bit more sophisticated. May I?"

"Sure, Sir." A nod "if it's no trouble?"

"Truth be told, I'd like to stretch my skills." a conspiratorial wink "Back in a jiff."

And he returns quickly with a pitcher of the same. It's a little less cloying, has a stronger citrus-y note, still bubbles.... yes, more sophisticated but still tasty!

"Well, sir, I sure feel more adult just drinking it" He says "This is good. Is this.. I mean does it have a name? "

"I had been toying with 'Mountain's Peak' or "Fairy Dew'...."

"Both sound good" He says "Maybe have one with a touch of booze and one with out?"

"Yeeeesss....." nodding "What do you think? Southern Comfort would conflict, I think. Bourbon? Vodka usually does better with citrus but perhaps if I added bitters?"

"I'm not that skilled at liquors sir, but I think the vodka with bitters idea isn't bad"

"I will experiment. Thank you for the idea, Bertand."

"Shoot sir, you did all the brain storming. I'd settle for a regular mountain dew" Another drink of the concoction "Or at least, I used to. Now i might just get snobby as this is so much better"

"And thank you for the compliment." with a smile.

"Wouldn't say if it if it weren't true"

And the sounds of the club closing down go on

"Ahhhh......" he cocks his head "Will you excuse me? We're closing, I have work to do but you enjoy your meal and I'll be back shortly."

"Thanks, Sir. This is great"

And Emerson heads out to help close up. He gives knowing nods to the staff after the doors are shut, and then seeks Callidora.