New Avalon

[yamikuronue]

She nods. "I do. But I didn't think you'd... you really know someone who can help?"

[Hammer Sister]

"I can't guarantee anything, but she has these... abilities... Do you remember when you looked at that Pulse engine and thought the gears were wrong? Well, I took her to have a look, and she proved you right; those gears were definitely wrong. I don't know how she did it, but I think those same abilities may be able to help you with your issue, as it were."

[yamikuronue]

Erika chews her lower lip, then drops her voice. "I suppose... if you feel it's likely to help..."

[Hammer Sister]

"Like I said, I can't guarantee anything, but I believe it's worth a shot. When are you free?"

[yamikuronue]

Erika glances over the open schedule book. "...my boss has been suggesting I take some time off all day, I ... let me just check with him and I'll meet you in the lobby?"

[Hammer Sister]

"I'll see you down there."

With a quick bow of his head, Rob makes his way back down to the lobby.

[yamikuronue]

Ten minutes later, Erika, having pulled herself together a bit and grabbed her bag, walks into the lobby. I still don't have a plan... I guess I'm going to have to be a traitor after all. But... if he can free me... then maybe I don't have to report in..

[Hammer Sister]

"Ah, there you are; what kept you?" Rob asks pleasantly and rhetorically. "She's waiting a short distance away as she's not keen on approaching this building; I'm not sure I understand, but there's no point forcing her to come in if she's not comfortable doing so," he explains as he leads Erika out of the building.

[yamikuronue]

Erika nods, slowly. "If there's some danger in the building..." she begins, as T slides out of the alley and falls into step with them.

[Hammer Sister]

"No, it's not that, it's- ah, there you are," Rob replies, changing subject the moment he notices T beside him. "This is Erika, my friend I told you about," he continues. "And this is Ash; she's the person I think can help you," he informs Erika. "Now, where can we go where we're not likely to be interrupted?" he asks in general.

[yamikuronue]

T scowls. "There's a soup kitchen on 16th where they don't bother you much."

[Hammer Sister]

"Works for me; Erika?"

[yamikuronue]

Erika blinks. "...I would prefer someplace more..." She hesitates. How to not sound like a snob? And yet, what if she sees someone she knows there, someone who would out her as unWelcome?

[Hammer Sister]

"Hmm," Rob ponders for a moment. "What about going back to the 'Center of the City'? There's normally a booth free, and we shouldn't be disturbed; people tend to keep to themselves there."

[yamikuronue]

T nods, turning to go. Erika blinks. "Is that a.... diner?"