“Anyway, that’s why I’m here.” She said. “As your patron, it’s my job to fill you in on the niceties of society on this side of the Firewall.” She stirred her drink lazily, and the turbulence between the cream layer on top and the brown sweet liquid on bottom created a row of perfect little swirls.

I appreciate that, he thought.

“Speaking of which.” she said, “You’re going to have to get used to speaking out loud. People around here prefer doing things the mechanical way. The whole instantaneous silent communication thing is a bit too personal for most people. Maybe when you…” she blushed visibly, ”...get to know someone a little better you can try that out.”

“Ah. Terribly sorry.” Ethan stuttered, “I did not mean to give offense. I have not been in this body for very long, and this place is very different than what I am used to.”

I’m dying over and over and over and over again.

Ethan shuddered involuntarily as he recalled the image of his former body lying slumped in a gutter, lifeless.