“They quoted you how much!?” Jiho shouted, leaning back in her seat, the ashes of her blunt falling onto her chest. “Ow, fuck fuck fuck—uhh. No dude, that’s way too much. I can do it for less.”
As far as Sen’i go, Jiho Koetsuji was perhaps one of the best in the business. Though you’d never know it from looking at her studio. A peculiar pastiche of anime figures, movie posters, comic books, and venue ads. As opposed to the industry standard of mechanical layouts for products that could be bought at a lower rate from this particular Sen’i. While Jiho’s office had no such ads, she herself was more than happy to barter. This, combined with her reputation among the Veldt as a myth, made them the first choice of many denizens. “Ah, but then it’s gonna be poly plus a favor. That chill?”
Work from a Sen’i wasn’t cheap by any means, but Jiho was clear about what mattered to her in place of the poly. Often, it was favors. Relative to putting someone into seemingly infinite debt, it was easier to just ask for a seemingly infinite favor. With jobs of this nature, where the work was simple but meticulous, she would do what she could to cover as much of the expensive parts in poly. If that limit was hit, then she would ask a favor. Ideally, she wouldn’t burden someone with something absurd, and they’d happily do it over trying to pay what they clearly couldn’t. In truth, though, a debt to the Gukkebi was still a debt, and that same reputation that made her a sought-after Sen’i made her a terrifying one. Having become known for these ‘Foxbane’ contracts, where it would be easier to pay than deal with the seemingly unending execution of some nebulous favor. Few people typically chose to go with the favor unless they had no other option. This client was among the unfortunate.
“Hm…Yeah. I can do that,” they gulped. “But…Uhm…Wh-uh…Ahh…” As the client stammered, Jiho rolled her eyes. “We can discuss, AND you can say no after I do the work. It’s not like I can let you leave without doing it. Remember?” Pointing her the tip of her kiseru to a thin slab of lapis engraved with the Oath of Protection and Service made by all Sen’i. It was well lit, and while off and away from her assortment of creature comforts, was not so far that it was out of sight. If anything, its pristine nature among her whirlwind of a studio seemed all the more eye-catching. “I’m not gonna fuck you, man. But if you can’t cover the poly, it’s poly and a favor. I’ll go grab an edible and decom. If you have anything you wanna do before you go under, I would highly suggest that you do it now. I don’t stop mid-session to pull you out of the drop.”
It wasn’t typically for Jiho to do what one expected of a Sen’i in most regards. Things that could be charged at the end, she’d leave for personal adjudication. Parts she could skip for a patient’s benefit, she would likely do. While done with the intent of making her work better, it became known as the source of her willingness to barter with this thing that the other Sen’i in the forest treated like a sacred bit of practice on par with a Witch’s healing magics. For her clients, this was something of a coin toss. The legends could be true, and they could all be chatter. For every good reason Jiho had for operating this way, there were ten people with ten reasons why she shouldn’t.
Even among other Sen’i, her name was not held with the same sort of familiar reverence as it was by so many of Veldt’s denizens. Though why is largely unknown to most people who see even the faintest signs of this.
As far as the other Sen’i were concerned, nothing would replace poly for the work they did. The job was demanding, dangerous, and not one that most Sen’i took very lightly. If you were capable of doing the biomechanical work that the job asked, then you were in a unique position to charge what you felt was fair. While things like the Oath of Protection and Service existed, they only assured that you would not leave uncared for, not that the debt wouldn’t follow you out the door. While most Sen’i were honest about their position, some were more invested in their image and how much that would make them.
“I see…Don’t you worry, we’ll have you fixed up in no time!” Chimed the white-haired young woman. Her tender smile aimed to warm the hearts of all those who might’ve seen her. “I know you have your choice of Sen’i, and I am so glad you made the choice to come to me!” Bending at the hip, she bowed deeply to the patient on her table. Who seemed all too happy to dismiss her overt kindness with a soft roll of her shoulder. “Sure thing, hon. It’s anodized tungsten-carbide? This feels light…” The young woman nodded, bringing up the build and makeup of the prosthetic arm. “Yes, ma’am, and as you can see? It’s been roughly resized for your frame. What you’re feeling is the adjustment that was made to compensate for–” The patient sighed, rolling her eyes. “I didn’t ask for that. I thought you weren’t allowed to adjust the parts supplied through the manufacturer?”
With the same smile, she nodded. Her hair was tied into a long white ponytail that tapered off into a deep purple at the end, draping lazily over her shoulder. Dressed in a black pencil skirt and a white sleeveless turtleneck, all with a soft teal shawl that was draped over her shoulders. “I can when it will affect the direct health of the patient. The extra weight would have made your body unbalanced within the tolerable parameters of your spine. I know it’s not ideal–” As she continued, the woman rolled her eyes again. Sighing deeply as she dug into her pocket to pull out the money she owed. Leaving it on the counter as she rushed out. “I’d have gone to the Gukkebi if I was gonna get fucked anyway. See ya later, ‘Doc’.”
“Right…I hope to see you again!”
Sen’i in opposition to her were in agreement that the problem with Jiho was that she was not failing, but none were as uniquely irritated by this fact as the prodigious ‘Doctor’ Francessca Lee, who was often the one who Jiho was compared against rather directly. Both of them were practices run by a single Sen’i, and one whose name was known for more than their medical prowess. Jiho was known as the Gukkebi, and past her skills with a stitch, was a noted Myth and one of the few Bushika who would move the needle on her word in the space around the arena. Francesscca was notable for her brilliant medical mind. Not only as a Sen’i, but as a classically trained physician. Her modifications always followed rigid medical standards, and her work was second only to the healing magic of a witch, without a doubt. Her unique use of medical treatment in addition to top class biomechanical work has led to great breakthroughs in long-term care.
She had no particular love for the sword-swinging, deal-making, devil-may-cry vixen. As far as Francessca could see, Jiho was the biggest flaw in The Veldt’s otherwise acceptable medical system. “We’re not doctors. Not really? But…Oooh, she just–I do not like that woman! She just…Argh! And why is it always her!? I just–UUUGH!!”
The end of the day for most Sen’i was at about 19:00. An hour before the paneyo lounges would open, and an hour after the last bets were in at the arena. For Francessa, she’d stay open until 21:00. Just to make sure that if anyone might have needed her, she’d be there for that extra bit of time before she’d be back in the morning at 08:00. This was typical for her, of course. It was a point of pride that she’d go above and beyond for her patients. This evening, though, after the day she had, she felt particularly bitter. “Damnedable fox. I’m sure she’s long gone by now. Hmph! Why even be so flippant if you’re not always available?” This was the young doctor’s issue with her enemy as she took the long way home that would take her just past Jiho’s studio.
As she moved by the front facade of the building, she could hear the fox talking to someone, albeit faintly. “Hm, she’s still here? I wouldn’t have guessed. Must be trying to extort one of those infernal favors. I should say something!” The thought was so fast, though, she’d agreed to it before she thought it out. Pushing on the door and falling into the studio. Before she knew it, six eyes were set on her. The client, their partner, and Jiho herself. “Uhm…Sorry, I lost my balance.” As she went to bow her head and leave, Jiho waved her forward. “Nono, this is perfect, actually!. You’re…Fran Lee, right? You have that place on West Oden? Got a minute to help with this consult? I’ll pay you, obviously.” This moment felt like a gift from the heavens. With a curious nod, Francessca walked into the studio and to Jiho’s side, who stood over a schematic for her client’s nervous system. “What do you need, Gukkebi?” Francessca asked, folding her arms as she stood beside the fox.
“Me, I don’t need. This FUCKING MORON wants me to reroute their nervous system through artificial nodes so they can control them dynamically. I would love it if you could agree with me that this is stupid and not how you solve a pain managment issue!” Looking over the schematic, Francessca was able to quickly deduce the issue. The process in question would significantly reduce feeling to all of the extremities. If it was cared for, that would be one thing. But it would only take a day or so of forgetting to have a real issue. “It’s an easy mod,” Francessca said. “I do agree, though; it’s not good. This stands to create a sort of artificial leprosy if you’re not careful.” Jiho nodded, pulling on her kiseru and blowing the smoke at her client, who was dressed in a well-cut dress and enough high-end cybernetic modifications to make even Haerin blush.
“I’m not asking about efficacy. I know the risk; I can pay to ignore that. What’s this pressure, Gukkebi? I thought you weren’t so stuck up about this sort of stuff?” Jiho nodded, pointing at the thin lapis slab. “And I’m not. You like it, I love it. I just wanted someone else to tell you that it’s not gonna go how you think. And I won’t do free tune-ups for this. I don’t think most Sen’i do because of how quick you’re gonna need it. If you really mean that money’s no issue, I’m gonna ask you to pay for the next five calibrations on surgery day.” Francessca’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Jiho in this moment. She was sure now that she was seeing Jiho’s bad practices in action. While it was true that modifications that gave you control over your nerve endings were quick to be calibrated, it wasn’t as true that most people didn’t do them. It was a very expensive procedure and could lead to a long life of medical and biomechanical debt. ‘This is how she does it,’ Francessca thought. ‘This is how she traps people.’ And it was with bated breath that she watched the fox pull on her pipe. Looking at her client and their spouse involved some not-so-light discussion.
Francessca was able to see it all clearly now. She watched as this rude and disrespectful back alley novice fleeced people with their big reputation and alleged skill. It didn’t take much to sell people on her illusion. As she looked down at the seated fox, she made all efforts to keep herself composed. She didn’t want to be overly critical of the woman in her own studio, but she was nearly biting her tongue. “You’ve earned yourself quite the payday,” Fran sneered. “Five early payments for a service they might not even live to see. Quite shrewd. Though I didn’t think you were the sort.” A lie, clearly. Though a lie that Jiho herself didn’t grasp. Either because she didn’t care to, or because she didn’t feel the barbs in Fran’s tone. In reply, Jiho shrugged and pulled on her kiseru again. “I don’t wanna do it, though, is the thing. So if you wanna, you can take it. But they’re not gonna do it. They’re full of shit.”
Jiho’s odd-colored eyes glared knives at the couple. She knew they could probably pay the fee, and she would do it if they did. Although part of the big dollar amount was a deterrent. The idea that she could be wrong sat heavily on the vixen’s body, and that irritation read to Francessca. She saw a beast licking their chops, almost in spite of what she’d said. “No, I couldn’t.” Replied the doctor,” Besides, you’re at least half-right. No one’s going to do that work for anything less than a high five figures. I don’t think I’d do it for less than six.” Jiho’s smoke poured out from her lips, and she grumbled in agreement. “And that means they’re fuckin’ stuck with me. Awesome.” The fox’s voice was as clear as crystal. From her posture, her tone, and even the words she said, Francessca knew that this woman was salivating in anticipation of taking up that wicked Foxbane. Her leg wouldn’t stop bouncing, and her odd-colored eyes were tight on the couple. It was with some apprehension that Jiho even held her breath. As the couple walked over, the Sen’i both sighed. Francessca spoke first, putting on her typical bedside manner as if it were a reflex. “So! Have we decided on a method of payment?” And the pair nodded, with the client speaking first. “Ah, yeah. So, we’ve got the money to pay for the procedure. The tune-ups, though, that’s not as fair. Like, I’m a Bushika too. I might not make it there. But” she gestured to her partner, who handed Jiho their card. “I’m a member of the Agricultural Corps. If you’d be amenable, we’d like to barter.” Jiho’s eyes rolled, and Francessca winced. “Ahh, okay. But you need to make some calls first.”
Jiho and her client continued to discuss, while Francessca sighed and looked at the pair. “Uhm,” she asked softly. “Gukkebi, if you’re done with me?” Jiho nodded affirmatively, handing over a generous payment of poly for the consultation. “Oh! Sure thing, Fran. And thanks for your time. We should hang out or something, I owe you a drink.” Looking at the fox, Francessca couldn’t help but look upon her with some scorn. Still largely unaware of what it would look like for these people to be trapped in the fox’s trap. But it was because of that feeling of fear that she herself couldn’t stand to see what they would be subject to. At some point, she was limited in what she could do for someone else’s patient. Stepping out of the studio, Fran fell back onto the door for a moment before stumbling from the doorway to the raised flowerbed, where she sat for a moment.
‘I should do something’
‘I should say something!’
‘She’s totally robbing them!!’
For Jiho’s part, she had her client call Sunmi, who’d make the most of this particular connection. The fox herself was largely outside of this negotiation. She’d been sitting with her client, looking over what the maintenance on something like this would look like, and how it would affect the long-term viability of her nerves. “Did you know you were gonna do this?” Jiho asked her client, who shook her head. “We didn’t plan on it till you mentioned the maintenance costs up-front. That a problem?” Shaking her head, Jiho stood up from her seat and moved to stretch a bit. “Nope, but if you lead with a plug into the food bank people, I’d have skipped the poly entirely. What’s money in the face of food?”
As Fancessca spiraled in her mind, she eventually made her way to her feet and started on the long walk home. She’d seen more than enough, and it was clear that what she needed now was to convince other people of the wickedness that she’d seen. The fact that she’d watched this couple be preyed on and did nothing would sit with her for some time, but more than anything, it would fuel her irritation at Jiho’s behavior. How could she be so callous to patients who simply didn’t know any better? As she made her way home, she’d pass several witches, to whom she’d give some of the money she was paid. ‘I’m not keeping all of this.’ She thought. It was well over what she would charge for a consultation, and it was no doubt someone’s last few slips of poly. It would be cruel to keep more than she needed. “That damnable fox. And those poor people…I should be more aggressive about this.”
Francessa’s time in Jiho’s studio taught her more than she’d ever thought she could learn about the Gukkebi and how she ran her business. She saw firsthand as she excitedly watched people deliberate over life-changing debt or life-altering favors. From the slouch in her shoulders to the incessant smoking in her office. Even her rude manner to her patients! Everything Francessa saw was playing over and over in her head. Jiho’s smile grew wider with each recital of the memory. The augmentations on the patient and her partner got more and more average. It took some quietly furious paces around the forest, but by the time Francessca was back home, she saw the image in her mind perfectly. Enough to complain about it to whoever in her life might think to listen to her. In some ways, that felt like what it should be.
“I know what I saw. I don’t need to see much more. She’s a wicked beast.” Said the woman, clenching the poly she’d kept from the work she’d done. “I simply cannot condone her practice.”