Rewind (Salome, Highpoint)

Salome twisted and turned in the throughs of dreams only she knew as a result of her recent injuries.

The pick up was normal, someone would call the depot and the dipatcher would relay it to whomever was next on the list. The call went to Salome when a pickup was needed at the Grande. Pulling up under the awning a smartly dressed gentleman was helped into the cab by the hotel attendant.

"Thank you Mr. Cavanaugh" the young man said pocketing the tip as the cab pulled out.

"Where to?" Salome asked glancing in the rearview at her 'fare'.

"Somewhere we can talk?" he responded a sly glint in his eye.

"If I were that kinda girl I would of course have the perfect place, but I not."

"OK"

"Where to?" she again queried.

"How far will that get me?" he asked easily raining a handful of c-notes onto the seat beside her. "If that's not enough we could negotiate."

Ever the businesswoman Salome determined that the best destination was the quiet solitude of the Seaman's Hotel.

"I know exactly where that will take us." she said into the rearview through a rather broad grin. Setting course for the offered location she casually scooped up the money and deposited it into the bustier for safe keeping.

"How much further?"

"We're here now. You're an eager one."

"You have something I want." he replied.

Parking the hack off to the side Salome eagerly slipped over the seat.

Once she was in the seat with him Joaquin slowly, sensously started kissing Salome already sensing the effects of her desire. The first blow was delivered viciously and without warning, the effect was not unlike mild shock. He knew that she would be momentarily stunned by the change in circumstance and would be pliant to his first couple questions.

"A few days ago you picked up an old sea dog, where did you take him?" he posed watching intently for any signs of lying.

"Fuck off." she responded her shock wearing off far sooner then Joachin had hoped.

At that point Highpoint dropped the human facade, hoping that his true metallic form would help convince her to talk while she was still physically able.

"It won't do any good to fight me, as you can see I'm sure that I will outlast any will you have."

"Fuck off." she again replied spitting in his face knowing it would only be a show of defiance, not worthy of much else.

"Very well." Highpoint struck her again asking "Where did you take him?"

Several hours later Highpoint left her knowing she would not tell him, but having no choice but to marvel at the loyalty these humans would show each other on ocassion. Stupid as they were its no wonder they are the dominant lifeform in so many sectors. If only he could find a way to distill and sell their...will power.