Okay, it's close to midnight. I'm on this winding road to the top of the hill. I was right. There is a club at the top. It's called "Top of the Hill", and the sign says it's open twenty four hours-except Sundays. Sabbath Laws, I guess.

I tell you what. If I can get this recorder past the bouncer,
I'll keep on recording. You might find it to your liking.
         There he is, a big one. It seems like there's always a job for
a big piece of meat like that. Guards and bouncers, mainly. But
they get paid. That's more than most here in the Republic.
         Pardon my whispering. Even in a place that caters to
contraband truckers, they don't like customers bringing in illegal

equipment. It's dark, so I can get by speaking into my hand.

Nobody'll notice. All the truckers are watching the strippers. Oh
oh, here comes a waitress . . . and she's an Asiatic. What luck.
         "Hi, struggler. How do you make plans to enjoy yourself this
tonight?"

"By drinking, Miss Asia."

"Oh sir, you know alcohol is illegal."

"So how many Coal-bucks will it take to subvert the law?" "My, you certainly get most directly to the point, neh?" "I don't know any other way to get drunk."
"But is not drinking the alcohol a sin?"
"Yes, indeed. Why else would I be here?"

"Well, you might wish to make use of a particular drug, or

maybe even engage a lady for tempestuous pleasures."

"Isn't all of that sin, too?"

"Of course, but they are different sins." "How so?"

"They all require different investments."
"I'd like to invest in a bottle of scotch."

"And not me too? I notice that your eyes have been sliding

themselves up and down my body, and they have just now stopped to rest on my nipples. You have no doubt noticed that they are permanently erect, neh?"

"You are very observant, but I will only require the tender
ministrations of a bottle of Scotch whisky this evening."
         "This is too bad. You are a very nice looking man, and not a

truckerboy."

"How can you tell?"

"Oh sir, this is most easy. Here, let me have your hand. You see, there are not grease stains in your skin and nothing embedded under your fingernails. Truckerboys have to work on their own trucks, and they have to do it often."

"You're right, I've never driven a truck in my life.

"So who are you, sir?"

"Maybe you'd like to know who I'm not."

"You will notice, sir, that I am no longer smiling. This means that my patience is growing thin. Soon I will have to call the bouncer, who is of great strength, to help me."

"I'm not being obdurate. You want to be sure I'm not a cop or a priest. I am neither. See, no collar burns and no boot lines on my legs."

"You think I do not know the meaning of obdurate." "What?"

"You used a word you think I do not understand." "No, I didn't."

"Obdurate. It means stubborn and hardened in feelings."
"So?"

"So I know its meaning."
"So what?"

"So I am not stupid just because I work here, and .                      and

because I am Orientally descended ..."

"Wait a fuckin' minute, lady. I don't think you're stupid. I
don't even know you. I just want to get drunk. I can't sleep
unless I get drunk. I can't drive out the memories unless I get
drunk. So get me some scotch. Now I am being obdurate!"

"Ah, sir, you will notice that my smile has returned. I am now believe you are neither."

"Huh?"

"I believe you are not a cop or a priest."

"You mean you were just testing me?"

"A priest would not use the word `fuck', and a cop would not admit to weakness. I will bring your bottle immediately. I will also trouble you no more, if that is your desire. Please may you find some happiness in this evening."