Story Reader / Event Story / Lingering Stars / Story
Bridget Lingering Stars
You find yourself standing right outside "Bar Awake," having come all the way here following the coordinates Bridgette has sent you.
The moment you push the wooden door open, your nose almost rots at the stench that smells like a mix of motor oil and alcohol that finds its way straight up your nose.
In the little bar reminiscent of the Wild West, you see a bunch of humans and mechanoids, all enjoying one another's company with beer mugs in their hands that contain a golden liquid that looks exactly like beer.
Welcome to Bar Awak. Hey, Commandant!
The girl behind the counter greets you with a full smile.
Well, I came across one of the hiring posters this bar put up out there and decided to get myself a short-term job here since I kind of wanted to make my own drinks and try them out. Just got a bit tired of drinking mixes people make for me, you see.
What's super cool is that I get to make drinks of mechanoids!
You can't be sure if Bridgette has any idea what she's signed herself up for, thinking that the kind of "drinks" that mechanoids drink might be way different from the kind of drinks humans drink, but you decide to let her have her moment, seeing her brimming with joy.
Welcome, Gray Raven's Commandant. Make yourself at home.
Hey, do you guys know each other?
Great work today, Bridgette.
Thanks. You, too, Kiske!
With a tray over his head carrying nuts on one side and fries on the other, Kiske hurries off after greeting the two of you.
A depressed-looking mechanoid comes up to the counter.
I am... very sorry... for being all sad and gloomy... when everyone else is just celebrating and enjoying themselves.
Sir... what's the matter?
Just this morning, I saw a small radio falling off the balcony it was standing on... and it shattered into pieces right in front of me. Oh, dear God.
The whole bar is awash with cries of lament as soon as the mechanoid stops talking.
I see... Saddening indeed, I have to say.
Say, let me fix you something. Have a look at the menu and let me know what you want.
...My gyroscope is still shivering whenever I imagine the radio's final moments... Can you make me "happy"?
Uhm... Sure, I'll be right back with just what you need.
Over the counter, you watch Bridgette as she breezes through the proper steps of making the ordered drink. Before long, she serves the motor oil mix to the mechanoid.
Here's your order, sir—a Sunset Tequilla Motor Oil, the happy kind. I hope this helps you shake off your traumatizing past and embrace a happy future.
With a nod, the mechanoid pours the drink straight into its oil tank.
My oil pipe is cooling down... This feels... You have a point. I can't go on feeling sad forever. Thank you.
With a nod of thanks, the mechanoid turns around and walks into the light outside the bar.
Well? How did I do?
You know, seeing people coming here with their stories and then seeing them going back to their lives to create new stories... it feels every bit as intoxicating as drinking.
Well, can I get you anything, Commandant? It's on me.
Uhm, doesn't sound easy at all, but I'll be right back with your drink.
A few moments later... Bridgette turns around and passes you a flute. In it, the emerald-green liquid that glistens in the light is the same color as that of her eyes.
Here's your "Gray Raven's Commandant"!
A rich, mellow taste blooms on the tip of your tongue, followed by a deep aroma and sweetness spreading through your mouth.
So how's it?
Passion and "responsibility" were the first two things that came to my mind when I thought of you, which is why I thought I'd make you something with a stronger taste.
Calm and "cool" were the first things that came to my mind when I thought of you, which is why I decided to keep the drink simple.
Funny look you had on your face there. I'm going to put this "Gray Raven's Commandant" on the menu. Worth it!
You worked in one of the conservation areas as a bartender yourself for a while, no?
Any tip you can share as far as bartending goes?
Say... what's on your mind now, Commandant?
You slowly push the flute toward Bridgette. She blinks momentarily and, seeing your reflection and her own in the flute, breaks into a knowing smile.
With it, she picks up the glass and downs the drink.
Got it. I'm gonna make sure people all go home happy after my drinks!
But for now, Commandant, I was wondering... if you could make me a drink?
I just want to see what you're gonna come up with... when you think of me.
