章 127: Galaxia Sings
"You can see how this looks," QJ explained. Anna skimmed the data QJ sent while he explained the Red Player raid and Accord violations."
Anna frowned as she read. "This has nothing to do with Felix; this Exodus patch includes all the gaming worlds. But maybe..."
"Maybe Felix can use this to grab a bigger piece of Exodus pie?" QJ laughed at Anna's expression. "I like Felix, so that doesn't bother me either way."
"Felix primarily handles GnG, but I know he's been wanting to move over to the Exodus division, where they are spearheading the cross-game competition." Anna ran a hand through her short, dark hair. "What are you looking to achieve."
"I want asses on the road," QJ stated clearly. "This was a hit on OP. Find out who fronted it and who backed it. "I want the backers sanctioned. I'm not playing around; I'll submit an Accord violation that will stick like white on rice."
Anna nodded. "We're playing hardball. I'll sort this out and let you know. Should I share this with Leah and Tal?"
"Yes," QJ responded. As two original signers of the LAI Accords, their inclusion carried a lot of clout. "Thanks, Anna. You're the best."
Anna smiled, her dimples showing proudly. "Better than Wu?"
QJ scoffed. "Way better."
QJ exited the GnG gate and immediately noticed the crowd; the line for the usually busy Songbird was wrapped around the corner. "Maybe Galaxia fans?"
Ignoring the frowning faces of those waiting in line, QJ arrived at the front door where Lark and Ren were seated. "Which of you are on door duty?"
Lark smiled and pointed toward herself. "Ren's keeping me company."
Ren leaned back in her chair, her pale arms crossed over her chest. "You're going to help me with a lifestyle character later?"
"Sure, but you won't even be able to play for three days," QJ responded.
"They are allowing lifestyle players to build early, even though the patch isn't live for three days." Ren paused for a moment. "So that's a yes?"
QJ chuckled. "Come by the house later, and I'll help you set up."
Lark stood long enough to accept a hug from QJ before resuming her seat. "Go on in; Galaxia is on stage."
QJ reached for the door but then paused as he glanced at the armory on the other side of the Songbird. "Did the armory tank again?"
Ren nodded. Originally, Q and Jangles bought up the lots next to the TAP gate. Q started the Songbird and Tattoo Parlor, while Jangles opted for an armory and weapons shop. The first two locations became legendary Exodus locations while the latter two struggled. Over the years, Jangles hired several weapons and blacksmiths, but their success had been limited.
QJ brought up his hud and keyed Jangles's ID. A moment later, the brightly dressed musician popped up. "Hey, Uncle."
Jangles grinned good-naturedly. "Jinn and I were just talking about you."
"Really?" QJ responded.
Jangles nodded. "OP must be doing something right. Mai is occasionally starting to smile. She even talked with us about group and single-player strategy. Thanks, QJ, you didn't have to bring her into OP."
QJ waved him off. "She's family, so I gave her a chance; everything after that she did on her own. I'll get to the point. I want to start a Gunsmith shop at your TAP lot."
Jangles raised an eyebrow. "Guns? Won't that be too limiting? Although they have multiple servers, you'll only get the GnG crowd."
"Don't forget Civil Unrest," QJ replied. "I'm also convinced I can grab business from TAP with my Swordgun line."
Jangles whistled. "I bought the lot at a steal, but the businesses haven't flourished. Convince me..."
"I'll make you a Guitargun," QJ claimed.
Jangle's smile widened until his face was all teeth. "Don't play games with me. Can you do that?"
QJ nodded. "Shouldn't be a problem. Give me three days."
"Impress me, and we'll talk business." Jangles collected legendary guitars within and outside of TAP. QJ was a talented musician and a brilliant gunsmith, so the offer was tempting.
"Sounds good, cya Uncle." QJ closed his hud and stepped into the Songbird.
The familiar warmth of the Songbird greeted QJ like an old friend. The small area in front of the stage was crowded with people dancing and even standing in place watching. Every non-reserved booth and table was filled, but thankfully, OP had their own booth where a single female watched him approach.
"Hey sunshine," QJ greeted Robin with a smile as the latter stood and leaned close for a kiss.
Robin pulled QJ to sit beside her while they watched the performers. "They sound great together."
QJ listened to Nightingale and Galaxia's duet as they teamed up and tackled the pop stars' greatest hits. "Aren't you going up there?"
Robin shook her head. "Normally, I would love to, but those two are on a different level."
QJ frowned suddenly and pulled Robin to her feet. "I disagree...Come on, Robs."
QJ approached the stage with Robin in tow, stopping to dance with the Songbird for the rest of the song.
Rob's wrinkled her nose at QJ. "For a moment, I thought you would make me go up there."
QJ grinned. "That's the plan." QJ spun Rob's and then dipped her with one hand before pulling her into his embrace. "What's your favorite Galaxia song?"
"Her remake of She Bangs," Rob answered immediately.
"Interesting. Have they sung that one yet?" QJ asked.
Robin shook her head. Her orange hair was down, falling across her bare shoulders for once. "They're doing the slower ones first."
QJ held her close while they swayed to the music until it stopped and blended into applause. "Come on."
QJ approached the stage, immediately catching Nightingale's attention. "Switching out my dance partner."
Nightingale's pretty face had a light sheen of sweat from the stage lights. "We going to dance, QJ?"
QJ grinned. "Unless you're scared." He pushed Robin onto the stage and took Nightingale's hand. "I want to hear, She Bangs."
The music started back up, faster and louder, while the lights began changing colors and dimness to match the beat.
Galaxia motioned Robin closer and then motioned for her to start.
The bodies on the dance floor crowded closer as the beat got wilder; QJ danced with Nightingale, the blue-haired Songbird grinning while trying to one-up QJ's dance moves. Galaxia and Robin blended well together, with the pop star singing backup for once. Robin busted out the short rap portion at the end of the number that brought the house down.
Nightingale clapped and then hugged QJ. "Thanks for the dance. Do you want me to send Robin back down?"
QJ shook his head. "Nah, she's loving it."
QJ used the booth hud to order a beer and burger before leaning back to listen to the trio.
"Sitting with your back to the door? Didn't I teach you better, little fly?" A pair of pale hands seized QJ's shoulders, holding him in place with impressive strength.
"Anya!" QJ scooted toward the wall, making room for the Spider Queen. Since the Gaia trip, Anya had been busy streamlining her locked abilities, ensuring she could only perform normally under the heavily monitored Exodos games. "How'd you know I was here?"
Anya's pretty face was without expression. "I always know where my minion is. By the way, I had to eat your dog."
"My dog?"
Angel nodded. "That white fluffy thing growled at me from under your bed. He was so tasty."
"Fenrir?" QJ laughed, not worried that Angel would do something like that. "I hope he isn't traumatized. That reminds me, I need to contact Kenzo and let him know I have one of the Silverfangs."
"That ball of fluff is a Silverfang?" Anya's warm green eyes filled with amusement. "Is this an excuse to talk to that Silver-haired woman?"
"You mean, Sun?" QJ shook his head. "I just need advice. What's wrong with Sun?"
"Hmm," Anya's face showed doubt. "Now that's a woman who wants to eat you."
"I thought she was nice." QJ ignored Anya's indelicate snort. "Is everything okay with you now?"
Anya nodded. "I'm fine. How much cold weather gear should I buy for our trip to the summit?"
"I'll send you a packing list." QJ sat with Anya, chatting and listening to the singers for another hour.
After saying his goodbyes, QJ logged off and exited the VR chamber in his room.
"What the hell are you doing?" QJ watched as Nina stood on top of his desk with a knife in one hand, trying to slice at a swinging object.
Nina lowered the knife and stepped to one side. "This stuff won't cut..."
QJ laughed as Fen swung back and forth from the ceiling; several strands of spider webbing attached to the ceiling were wrapped around his middle. "Use a candle or flame source."
Nina accessed her inventory, and a moment later, she hugged the freed Fen tightly. "Did Angel do this?"
"Do you know any other spiders?" QJ shook his head, still laughing, as Nina accessed the freezer where Fen's food was kept. "You better toughen up, or Anya will eat you."
"I'll take him outside to play in the pool," Nina decided before picking Fen up and carrying him away.
"Let him walk! He'll get fat if you guys carry him everywhere." QJ undressed and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water relax his muscles.
"Want to order something?" Wu's voice sounded from outside the bathroom.
"Yeah, count me in. Whatever you get is fine," QJ answered.
"Chinese food then. Do you remember your order?"
QJ dried off, using his fingers to comb his wet hair. "Number two and Number seven."
QJ took his time. A half hour had passed by the time he answered his email and created a packing list for the Summit. The sound of the front door closing motivated him to leave his bedroom.
"Back with the food, and I brought a guest."
QJ glanced around the room, pretending not to see the slim blond. "A guest? Where? All I see is this moocher."
Ren laughed and took a seat at the kitchen island. "It's just luck that I showed up now. Although, I haven't eaten dinner yet."
"You sound like Dad." QJ grabbed an extra plate. "It's probably better this way. Sato ends up eating the leftovers."
"Right?" Ren smiled sweetly. "Better to feed your sister."
"Let's eat, then jump into the character development."
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