Arrive at the Rez

You trail beside Mitch as he leads you down one alley to the next. The streets in front of you now become near inextinguishable from the ones you just crossed. The district becomes a maze of flashing neon lights and billboards cluttering the sky. It was near 7 P.M but the Red was just stirring itself awake from a long hangover. You catch the eyes of a few guys in skimpy attire, smoking cigarettes outside their brothels, rubbing the sleep away from their eyes. A particularly loud half-naked man laughs in the arm of a Grey worker as they scurry away into a tall building with red flashing signs. Another man in a tight pink thong and a short matching crop top waves to the two of you, addressing Mitch in particular in a loud shrill voice,

"Heyyyy, Mitch! Where ya going? And who's the hottie next to you, huh? He's way cuter than your usual lot!"

"You never complain 'bout their looks when they're inside ya though, eh?"

"That's why we keep it dark in here, love! But we'll keep the curtains down for your friend if decides to visit! First ones on me!"

Mitch chuckles as he waves the gaggle of prostitutes away. They seemed like a fun lot, all enjoying life and the pleasures it had to offer. You could see how people lost track of time here and how the day could fly by quickly if one wasn't careful. After a couple more stops and light banter with the people opening their shops, inns, and brothels, you arrive at an alleyway that ends with a flight of stairs going down. As you meekly follow Mitch's footsteps down, he opens the door to a small pub called the Rez. The sign is sturdy but faded from years of acid rain and the sun.

Alleyway to the Rez

It's a humble establishment, equipped with all the essentials you could ask for. A clean service bar, a back wall equipped with all the ale, rum, and whisky that still existed. Several booths lined the edges of the bar with an old-looking pool table pushed towards the far right corner. You spot a few Grey workers already sharing a drink in one corner of the booth, while a few others are at the bar stand, just starting their day with a nice sip of liquor.

"Yo, Benji!"

Mitch waves to a familiar face, who you immediately recognize as his brother. He seemed older than Mitch, not necessarily in appearance but in demeanor. There was a seriousness and maturity about him that was hard to describe. Benji waved to his brother and then to you as he fixed two drinks with swift dexterity.

Benji

"How's business been today brother?" asked Mitch as he motioned for you to sit beside him. Benji quickly looks you over before addressing his brother in a calm, matter-of-fact tone.

"Slow, but it'll pick up."

"I'm telling you, we should be like all the other pubs and have _something _besides drinks."

"Not this again."

Mitch downs his shot and Benji slides him another one before attending to another customer. Curious, you ask him to explain. He downs his drink like water before leaning in and whispering,

"Well, you're not supposed to talk about it but most pubs have a little event they host."

"Like what?"

"Like a get-together of guys where they... you know." Mitch looks around before making a swift motion with his fists.

"Like an... orgy?"

"No, man! Like, more of a F.I.G.H.T, thing."

"Oh..."

"Yeah. You host one of these things, not only do you get a cut from the betting but drinks start flying off the shelves too. I've never seen a place get more packed and heated, I'm telling you. One good night hosting an event like that and you could be set for the entire month. Right, Benji?" Mitch lifts his drink up to which his brother shakes his head apathetically. Whether he was getting comfortable or too drunk, Mitch now had his hand on your thigh as he continued whispering.

"Between you and me bud, I can't see this place getting past next month. We're already so far in the red, even with my side income at the Auction House, it just ain't cutting it. I don't know how Benji's keeping the Feds from shutting it down already. But as resourceful as he is, he's stubborn as a mule. Won't taint our father's place hosting events like that, he says." You watch as Benji rolls back around to refill your drink. You try handing him your pay card but he waves it off. Mitch backs off from you and shakes his head, motioning towards his brother.

"Can you believe this guy, Gael? We're surrounded by brothels, bathhouses, and gambling dens but our place is too good for a little fun."

"You shouldn't bother your new friend here with our business."

"I just want to hear some outside perspective, eh? What's a man to do when his brother and lifetime business partner would rather see the place crumble down. I'm choosing the lesser of two evils here."

"We've always managed before. Even if I have to take another job, we'll manage."

"Insanity. Insanity! Talk some sense into this man, Gael."