Galm smiles once again. Each time he does it seems more forced and mechanistic. His augmented vision glows a cheerful light blue in spite of his exhausted expression. He seems absolutely giddy when a waiter finally arrives with his coffee, displaying a youthful pep that branches far away from normal expression and into the "uncanny valley."

There are things behind his face. Horrible, vile things that only froth to the surface every now and again. Was the real Galm the boyish smile, or the creature who hid behind it?

"Truth be told, this is the first bit of rest I have gotten in days! It is so wonderful that you built a place like this were people can enjoy a good meal."

Jonny wakes up suddenly from his drunken slumber screaming 'DIE SCUM DIE!' He then looks around and regains his sense quickly. He clears his throat and motions for the cute waitress that was serving him to come over. When she arrived, Jonny quickly ordered 3 more beers and a cheeseburger, creamy chicken pasta, and chili fries.

A quick survey of the room and Jonny wasn't really impressed with the new patrons that had walked in since he passed out. He didn't care that much for most people these days, expect for the occasional Matari Woman, especially ones from the Brutor tribe.

Hearing one of the merc's scream, Aria practically jumps in her seat. She was more of the quiet type while dealing with foes. Letting her gun do the talking for her was all she needed. Looking down at her chowder, she grabbed the metal spoon.

"I'm hoping to bring more recipes over that my grandma taught my mother. Sometime this week, I'm making my way over to The Republic to see my family." She chuckles with annoyance. "I also have to play nice with my jackass father and try not to argue with him."

"Do you find it ironic at all that you left the family business, then ended up opening a retsaurant anyway? I mean, I know this is only a side business compared to what contracts rake in, but this seems like it would either be a dramatic turn of events or a well planned way of sticking it to your father."

She waved her hand wanting to get off the topic of the man that annoyed her. "Tell me about yourself Galm. Any businesses you ever thought of doing?"

"I've been keeping myself busy these days. A lot of it is under the table operations, so I don't really get any sort of a cut. I'm usually paid periodically in Aurum credits from my employer. Between working for Eskola, getting paid to fight, and running the Summit temple, there isn't much more I could ask for in life. Though... I've always hoped that one day when Niina and I have built up enough money, we can settle down together and run our own corporation without having to resort to these shady arms deals she has me doing now.

"I can see it now! Eskola Ergonomics and Galm Heavy Industries!"

Their is a certain twinkle in his eyes when he thinks of it, though it isn't quite clear if which his is more excited about: The potential profit in the company or earning the love of its young CEO.

Taking a few spoonfuls of chowder, Aria ate the chowder with a small haste. Wiping her mouth, she leaned back in her seat. "Seems like Niina stole your heart. There's nothing greater than love or stronger." She giggles. "At least that's what I tell myself."

Taking a few spoonfuls of chowder, Aria ate the chowder with a small haste. Wiping her mouth, she leaned back in her seat. "Seems like Niina stole your heart. There's nothing greater than love or stronger." She giggles. "At least that's what I tell myself."

*over hears the conversation by accident, opens his eyes and looks straight at the merc who talks about this unknown emotion*

"hm... your lucky to have found something like that... make sure you don't lose this point in your life, youl ever have something quite like it again.... prolong the end as long as you can... good luck to you."

"She's stolen a lot more from me than just my heart."

Galm blushes slightly, sinking into his chair a bit.

"But her and I are kind of a package deal now, for better or for worse. There my not be anything stronger than love, but there are few things more dangerous."



Galm polity nods before returning to his coffee. It takes a moment for him to digest the mercenary's words.

Prolong the end as long as you can...

Galm squeezes his mug hard, threatening to shatter it in his hand for a moment before loosening his grip. He thought back on the last fight he and Niina had with each other.

She was a baseliner.

She would grow old.

One day, however soon or far from now, she would die.

*noticing the un easiness of the merc in front of him, Doniken walks closer with something in mind of which he had dealt with before.... something he will never forget*

"hi, im Doniken Vokera... i know what your thinking and what you want to avoid..."

*he hesitates before saying*

"i may have the answer you desire.. i.... i can help you i think.. if your willing to hear me out."

Galm retracts defensively before responding.

"If you have something on your mind, share it."

His eyes flicker red.

"theres no need for hostility here, this is a restaurant after all.."

"I'm well aware."

Galm remains tense. It's obvious that he is not comfortable talking about Niina to so many people.

"I am willing to offer you a chance to have this person your fond of as long as you live... some of my contacts within the federation owe me some favors, they happen to have technology able to implant someone with the immortality we have. when I over heard you talking about your friend and how distracted when I muttered those specific words I thought I would id be of some assistance."

Galm's entire face twitches. The thought of thousands of machines digging into Niina's head. Carving, cutting, uploading... Making her like him...

He tries to say something but his breath hitches. It wasn't the first time he had thought about it...

---

"I don't want to think about what it would be like without you. Before I found you, I... I was a mess. I don't want to become that person again Niina."

"You won't. Not as long as you remember me and keep me close. We're hear, and then we are not. That is just how things work. Besides, you're Intaki, right? I though you all believe that if two people are meant to be together, they will fi--"

"Find their way back together. But I don't want you reborn, I want you as you are now. I wouldn't want you to lose an ounce of your beauty. Please, just consider it."

"Treasure... It's just how things work. People used to look forward to growing old together. Won't you still love me when I'm old? Is my youth all that matters to you?"

"You're asking me to watch you age and die while I watch. I just don't want to watch someone I care ab--"

"Please. Galm. I'll be fine, treasure. When I'm gone, I'll find you again. One way or another, you're stuck with me. I think there is a beauty in that, don't you?"

---

He dwells on the memory, remembering what she had said.

But... It doesn't have to be that way.

"Why would you help me? What interest is it to you?"

Galm looks to Aria and Aztec before he says anything, then turns back to Doniken.

He shakes his head, apologetically.

"Sorry, I... No one should have to go through that. Losing loved ones is always hard, but right in front of you... Gods and spirits. It isn't every day you find someone who legitimately wants to help you in New Eden. I'm sorry I doubted your intent. We can talk later about this. It isn't really my choice to make at the moment."

Galm's augmented vision had already IDed Doniken and added him to his NeoComm contacts seamlessly.

Aztec looks down at his half full glass of iced tea, he spins the glass around by his wrist. He looks at Galm.
"Galm. What if Niina doesn't want to be immortal?"

He puts the glass down and looks up at the lamp in the booth.
"She might want just one, single, unique life. Are you sure you are ready to hear the truth?"