Singularity Hunters: The Rigel Incident

[Weremensh]

"In that case, we may as well deal with this now. His Highness will need some petty cash; I imagine the hotel can help with this?"

[CCC]

"Indeed we can, sir. The amount will be added to your bill. How much will his Highness require?"

[Stan Cold]

"Ah! In my travels, I have learned it is necessary to have a wide variety of coinage. Let us have one hundred pieces of gold, seven hundred pieces of silver, and three hundred pieces of copper."

[Weremensh]

"Any minting will do, I believe, so long as the gold and silver are at least .995 fine and 8 grams each. And please include (three times what Spot thinks they will need to travel and pay gratuities) in more conventional currency. If it isn't too much trouble."

[CCC]

Bates raises both eyebrows. "There may be a slight delay in the precious metals, Sire, but the two hundred in standard Gyres will be available in a moment."

[Stan Cold]

"Bah, I forget this is a witch's world with witch's currency. That shall do nicely, thank you Master Bates."

[CCC]

"Very well, sire." says Bates, with a bow. "Will you require anything further?"

[Weremensh]

Assuming his highness doesn't respond, Spot says "I think that will be all. Please drop by before you go off duty; otherwise thank you for your time."

[CCC]

"Thank you, sir."

Bates withdraws and returns within a minute, carrying two hundred Gyres in paper money.

[Weremensh]

Spot takes the money on behalf of his highness. "Thank you, Bates."

After Bates leaves, Spot turns to Wilshire. "Excuse me, but does Master Bates' new title come with a badge of rank?"

[Stan Cold]

"Well, in my homeland, we would give him the honorary needle-ink." Wilshire turns around and reveals an intricate tattoo that covers his entire back, a storm of swirling designs and ancient runes. He then reaches for the pen on the nightstand. "I saw this excrete ink. Let us find a flame and mark this man!"

[Weremensh]

After a beat, Spot replies "The hotel may not approve of their employees getting marked. Let me make the mark out of glass or metal as well, and then we can offer him the choice of a medallion or ink. He will know which is best given his employers."

[CCC]

On being summoned and asked, Bates does mention, with regret that almost sounds genuine, that hotel policies prevent his being given tattoos by guests; but he would be greatly honoured by the design done in metal or glass.

The design itself is indeed intricate, and large. Spot can etch it into glass well enough - he has al the necessary tools - but it's slow, careful work to copy it from Wilshire's back, and takes a substantial portion of the night (during most of which time Wilshire sleeps).

By morning, Spot has a neatly etched copy of Bates' new badge of rank on glass; the minibar is almost empty; and an SMS from The Man has arrived on Spot's cellphone.

Have located Radcliffe. Most likely he will attempt to create new Singularity. Ship will be waiting for you at spaceport, with new potential teammate; Steve Roswell. Booking reference number 583835. Details en route.

[Weremensh]

Spot tells Wilshire "The Man sent us a message. He wants us to leave here and go to the spaceport. Shall I try to get in contact with Master Bates first?"

He helps himself to a shot of breakfast while listening to the reply. Something in the brandy family this time.

[Stan Cold]

"We musn't waste time. To the spaceport!"