Case No. 48
CAFE & DINER SECOND CAFE AND DINER · LONG BEACH, CA · FROM THE ASHES
6-24-01
TBE-01
Like a Phoenix, I am reborn from the flames of my past. Death, they say, is often only a minor inconvenience at best. That, and it is damn hard to kill a number.
Now, the question on everyone's lips must be, "who lit the match?" Typically, an advantage of arson is that it leaves little evidence behind. But I find it all too convenient that I would be set ablaze only to have my most talented baristas stolen away by the Indigos. Seems like corporate espionage to me. Sure, it is a baseless accusation, but I find it hard to believe three of my previously most trusted allies would find themselves in the murky, not entirely blue, not entirely violet waters of the Indigo Organizations.
To my knowledge, Nick Langley has gotten himself tied up with the North American branch, Astoria 23. Sahir Bali has found himself in the South Asian chapter of Yaksha. And Salenna Whitaker has somehow managed to end up working for the Ozhog Morozil'noy Kamery, also known as the Freezer out in... well, somewhere in Russia. While I have lost track of Aelan Analu and Alex Gálvez, I doubt either of them is working for IRIS, the European branch of the Indigos. That leaves only Nicole Langley and Felix Blackwood. Nicole has been seen "performing" at a local palmistry place here in L.A., and Felix, well, last I heard, retired. However, if that was just old coffee, I think we all know where he would go if he were to return to the Indigos. If he could return to the Indigos.
So, where does that leave me? Well, there isn't much I can do on my own. Not yet. Not like this. Well, to say that I am entirely alone, that wouldn't be true. I do have a co-owner of sorts. Well, a co-owner and an investor into our renewed operations. Though as I understand it, our investor prefers to stay hands-off. And my co-owner is not too keen on picking fights either. So it would seem that my next move would be to find some new employees who don't mind getting their hands dirty. Or some old employees. If... well. Maybe not. Maybe some fresh faces could be nice. Needn't pick at that wound.
Yours again,
Infinitely Turning Sideways
6-25-01
TBE-02
I think saying that I don't want to pick fights is a bit of an exaggeration. I'm all for picking fights. Though, with the current state of things, it just might not be a great idea. That being said, there is a fight that seems all but inevitable at this point. With my brother's... what would you call that? Imprisonment? Punishment? Restraint? Removal? It's created a bit of a power vacuum. And knowing my siblings, they'll be eager to fill that vacuum as soon as possible. Of course, only three of my siblings can actively fill this vacancy. But only one of them has already established a foothold in L.A., my older sister, Asmi. Though I suppose in the previous establishment, you knew her as Mistress?
In any case, she's been busy. Very busy. Then again, I guess she is the hardest working in our family. Always trying to prove herself. Middle-child syndrome. While the last Cafe was busy dealing with my brother, she was carving out quite the network here in L.A. Of course, the last Cafe made a deal to stay out of her business but that Cafe burnt to the ground, right? So I think it's time we put a stop to her plans, whatever they might be. Speaking of... I don't actually think I know what her angle is here. I mean, location-wise, taking control of the West Coast makes sense. But, Asmi doesn't really need the extra real estate. Not in the same way my brother did. So there has to be something else going on. My sister wouldn't make more work for herself without a good reason.
Plus, we still need to figure out who struck the match. 8 is pretty sure it's related to the Indigos, but I can't help but feel like this is the work of one of my siblings. Or, more specifically, my brother's followers. Putting him away was a net positive, obviously, but he does have a rather vicious friend group who's probably not too happy with what we did to him. Even if they weren't the ones who struck the match, they certainly fanned the flames. And we haven't seen the last of them yet.
-Lucy
Caffeinated Report: CD-TBE03
"Alphabetically yours, S.S.S."
CaD Knowledge | 3 Words
RECEIPT AS OF: 6/27/01
BARISTA ON DUTY: LUNGO
RECEIPT FILED AS: TBB-01
I figured it might be time to upgrade the "CaDComs" to christen this brand-new Cafe and Diner. You know I would have expected the Owner, or Galao, or Red Eye to know how to update the CaDCom System themselves, but I suppose we all have our own unique skills. Still, though, I can overlook the Owner and Galao's ignorance in this matter, but really Red Eye, you should know how to update this system by now. For shame. Or perhaps you were simply too slothful to get around to it?
In any case, I am excited to be a part of this new Cafe and Diner. Eager to bring my unique perspective to your previously forsaken little club. When Red Eye extended an invitation, of course, I had to accept such a rare and unique opportunity. And what a line-up you've managed to get. Espresso and Doppio? Fascinating pick. I'm sure they will prove more than useful in both their knowledge and practical skills. And Carajillo? You are playing with fire, aren't you? I think I see what your plan is here. If only in broad strokes and hushed whispers, of course. So that makes seven of us, and I can only presume the young Americano makes for a clean octet. I assume he is on the side of the Cafe?
If not him, then well, there are a few others that come to mind. Though I think for this Cafe to serve a truly fresh cup of coffee, only Americano can fit the final role. Unless I misread something, Red Eye? And more directly, may I just say, Ms. Owner, it is a pleasure to work with you formally. We will do wondrous things together, that I am sure of. Despite the trouble it often causes, the Cafe and Diner is always a worthwhile endeavor in my eyes.
Vive le Café et le Dîner.
RECEIPT AS OF: 6/28/01
BARISTA ON DUTY: ESPRESSO
RECEIPT FILED AS: TBB-02
Well, this was a slim chance of happening, huh? I mean, it's got to be near-zero. One of those "over my dead body" types of things. But, let's be real, this body won't die any time soon. Built like a- well, no, I was going to say an American car, but that's not a great endorsement, is it? What's a thing that's built well these days? An Aztec temple, that's what my body is built like! Strong and st-hairy. HA! That's a good one, huh?
Cheese and crackers, I forgot what I was going to write about. I hope no one checks these. Do you usually check these? Aw, jeez, this is embarrassing. Let's see, statistically unlikely... oh right, right. The numbers, they're funnier than a Chaplin flick. The odds of this whole group getting together, well, it's almost impossible.
I know the Owner and obviously Doppio as well. So we'll say that's a 70% chance of us three working together, assuming the Owner asked us for help. We also know Lungo, but the Owner doesn't. Lungo does, however, know of the Owner. In any case, the four of us working together would be a 1% chance, I figure. Add in Red Eye and Galao, and we're looking at a 0.0005% chance of this group agreeing to work together. So clearly, there are some factors I haven't considered. Or could consider at this point.
Even with a standard adjustment for the unknown, it's still slim odds. Maybe 10%. Add in a common factor of the number after 7, and even then, it's maybe a 25% chance. Maybe. Well, gosh, maybe I do not see something here. I suppose it's worth considering Lungo as a "wildcard" of sorts. Normally I would think him to be a very unlikely individual to get along with. But perhaps the inverse is also equally true. They say he is a miracle worker, after all. So what could be 0.0005% might also be 99.9995% if Lungo wanted it to work out that way?
Just... keep your guard up around all these weirdos, J. Lungo and Red Eye specifically. Those two are operating on an entirely different level than the rest of us.
RECEIPT AS OF: 6/29/01
BARISTA ON DUTY: DOPPIO
RECEIPT FILED AS: TBB-03
Goodness, we are an odd bunch, aren't we? Although given the circumstances, I couldn't think of a better bunch to be with. Lungo and Espresso don't like to talk about it much, but some troubling signs are brewing across the West Coast. And if Lungo is with us on this, then I can only assume things are dire indeed. And either Astoria doesn't care or is a part of this horrid plot. I never much trusted Astoria, at least not the top three Divisions, but I never imagined they'd do something like that. That is if they are the ones who struck the match.
Regardless of any sour feelings between old coworkers, we're, of course, more than happy to lend a hand here, when we can, that is. We will have to split our focus between two worlds, as it were, but it will probably be good to stay friends. Plus, we sort of owe the original Cafe and Diner for our fortuitous vacation. It's lovely to be on your time and not his for once. So, we might as well repay the favor. Even if this caffeinated tryst can't last forever.
While my dearest Espresso did a wonderful job crunching the probabilities of this suite coming together, I feel that I can better layout the brass tacks. We are up against the Dark Mistress, who I believe we are calling Asmi? The remaining followers of Padre Santos' Open Doors Church. And the ever-present eye of the Astorian Lighthouses. In terms of urgency, I would put Astoria at the forefront, based on my own personal knowledge of their operations. Then, of course, Asmi. Similar to Padre Santos, Asmi likes to dominate and control those in her way. Unlike Padre, however, Asmi will charm her way towards her ultimate goal, at whatever cost. And finally, the remnants of the fallen Church. Between Espresso and myself, they should pose no serious threat.
Caffeinated Report: CD-TBB04
"Our latest salty snacks: Fae Wols Bak'd $2.1 and Peao. Se $4.3"
CaD Knowledge | Cipher | 1 Word