I try the front entrance to the KB, but find it blocked by an impenetrable barricade of tables, stools and former patrons. That’s curious… they must have known I was coming. I check the back door and find it firmly locked. I guess bad news travels fast? I use my patented "XP-32" Light-Falcata to chop a hole in the door. Sticking my pygmy head in the hole I announce in my best Jack Nicholsen voice…

Strangely, this is greeted by a chorus of shrieks and screams, mostly from Apil, though I do hear a whimper from Persia, a whine from Susanna and a groan from Germaniae. When things calm down and everyone is cowering behind the bar (or under the table with Apil), I quietly reach through the hole and unlock the lock, unlatch the latch and unbar the blasted door.

"Hey! What’s wrong wit you guys?" I ask in all sincerity. "It’s OK! I’m alone! An’ I’m clean! An’ waaaay too sober! Da guys is camped out at Marduk’s Oasis an’ Billiard Parlor. Anyways, I jus stopped by for a cool one and ta see what's goin' on wit you guys. Hows about it, Persia? I got money?" I announce, tossing a large gold coin on the bar.