Tau didn't speak for a long time. She stared at the cage, brow furrowed. Sipping her beer, she fingered the tiny pouch in her pocket. A small taste could easily help make up her mind. She felt she was always her best on Slush. As her thoughts raced through her mind, her face flushed in embarrassment. She was consumed by her addiction. The reality check hit her hard. Staring intently at her half-full glass, she finally spoke.

[color=gray][b]"Even if I wanted to,"[/b][/color] she chose her words carefully, [color=gray][b]"it's out of my control. Kaufmann owns me. I owe him so, [i]so[/i] much. So unless you're going to buy him a ship--"[/b][/color] Tau looked up to watch Titan's reaction carefully-- [color=gray][b]"-- I belong to him."[/b][/color]

With a burst of confidence, she drained the rest of her drink. [color=gray][b]"And, really, dude..."[/b][/color] She gazed up at him, an intense sadness in her eyes partially hidden by an emotionless face. [color=gray][b]"... really, I'm just a junkie."[/b][/color] She spat the word in contempt. [color=gray][b]"My only redeeming quality is my dashing good looks."[/b][/color] She didn't seem to be making a joke, and withdrew into her oversized coat, the tiny pouch of powder now between her fingers.