“So this is where you’ve been hanging out lately, Wheeler. Wondered where you were.”
“Yes, Baker Bloch. VHC Town. Or is it VHC City? With the C at the end of VHC, it seems something redundant to add City to the end. Like the C could stand for City already, except it doesn’t.”
“Technicality, Wheeler. I prefer Town.”
“I do too. Just had to speak all that out loud to know.”
“Right. But we’re not here to talk nomenclature.”
“No, we’re here to talk business.” Wheeler pulled out a map of the involved sim from her coat and unfolded it on the circular table between Baker Bloch and herself. “We’ve identified at least 5 hot spots that can be used for dramatic purposes, Baker. The most important one for you is the [delete name], which could be a new place to set up The Table.”
“That *is* dramatic. So is [delete name] turning into your new Blue Feather?”
“Not quite that. Check the sim remotely as it is on the map. You’ve joined the appropriate group now.”
“Yes. [Delete name].”
“Then most lines will be blue. *Except*… the one next to the key shop. That shop is a portal (!).”
Baker increases his draw distance, unrenders volume, and then checks remotely as Wheeler requested.
He compares this with the map in front of him. He renders and unrenders volume several times. He zooms in as needed. He mentally ticks off each of the 5 highlighted locations. Satisfied he can locate all in the town, he returns his attention to Wheeler.
“And you’ve said you have a duplicate of the shop. And you own the, um, owner.” Baker was trying to feign calm to balance out Wheeler’s obvious enthusiasm, but he too was getting pretty excited. Possibilities!
“*Former* owner. I wasn’t as scared as The Musician. But, then again, I didn’t see the (clown) face full on. He’s still getting over it. He’s resting upstairs on a couch.” She points up toward the bar’s sign.
“What’s all that about?”
“Circus related possession — not uncommon as I understand now. But anyway, I bought the shop. I own the key shop. 250 lindens. Chuckles Greentop has been semi-retired since 2012. She was glad to get rid of it. Said the taxes had gone way up in the last several years on the small parcel. So I own it. I own it!”
“Hmm, so you said.” Baker Bloch removed his hand from his mouth. He’d been hiding a smile. “Should we go look?” He then scanned Wheeler’s map, jabbing the appropriate spot.
“You’re pretty good with maps, Baker Bloch.”
“I am. So let’s go.”
“Quick. Before The Musician comes down. I want to surprise him with the news.”
Sunklands 