From: justicar@cdp-ltd.demon.co.uk (Tony Johnston)
Subject: Enter Sandman
Date: I dunno. September '95 some time. 

The rain outside was heavy, and the disturbance of pressure when the door 
opened sent a near tsunami into the bar.

The tall, thin figure in the doorway was silhouetted against the neons from 
outside.  A halo of rainfall surrounded him, pounding at his duster.

Ratz looked over.  No recognition showed in his eyes.

The man entered, let the door swing shut behind him.  A grateful quiet fell 
upon the room as the wind found its gateway blocked.  He walked to the bar, 
never once taking his eyes off Ratz.

Ratz returned the gaze.  Ankle-length duster, battered and worn.  Big floppy 
black leather hat, outback style.  Black jeans, a t-shirt that read, in 
luminous green, EXIT.  Clean shaven - sort of - and with eyes like burning 
coals, two fiery pits of hell (Nikon S2-11's).  Ratz couldn't see any 
sidearms, but he just knew the guy was packing.

"Hi, Ratz."

"Do I fucking know you?"  Whirr-click.  A metal fist on the end of the arm.

"I'm looking for Godeater."

"Well, he's in a lot these days.  Shouldn't have to wait long."

"JD coke.  Thanks."

Ratz turned away to make the drink.  The stranger turned to survey the bar.  
While he wasn't looking, Ratz signalled to Godeater, settled at the end of 
the bar reading a mono greenscreen someone was showing him on a notebook.  
Godeater looked up.  Ratz nodded at the stranger.  Godeater shook his head, 
shrugged, examined the stranger.

Ratz placed the drink on the bar.  The stranger turned round, picked it up, 
tossed Ratz some change.

"Thanks, Ratz."  He started to walk straight towards Godeater.

The third man closed the notebook and stood back as the stranger approached.  
Hand on trigger.

"Can I help you?"  asked Godeater.

"I'm the Sandman."  Just like that, with a capital S.

"Well, shit.  I was wondering when you'd show your face."

Sandman tossed half the whisky back.  "Just want to make my peace, man.  
Second Hiway Girl piece - much better.  Less irrelevance.  I hate irrelevance."

"Er, thanks."

Sandman sat down, next to Godeater.  The third man still stood behind Godeater.  
"Although I remember you condemning violence in POET 2.  Strange, considering 
Hiway Girl's content."  He turned to the third man.  "You nightshade?"

"Yeah.  How'd you know."  Suspicious.

"I read everything.  Good post on that screen there."  Gestured to the notebook.  
"Any previous that might have been before my time?"  Turned to Ratz.  
"Whatever these two want."

Nightshade settled into the seat on the other side of Godeater as Ratz brought 
the drinks over.

"Maybe."

"Good."  Sandman smiled for the first time.