Court Okays Succubi
Fayetteville—The Fayetteville Observer
Federal Circuit Court Judge Janice Hudson ruled Monday that Bragg Boulevard club Just South of Heaven is not in violation of federal equal employment opportunity laws. The topless entertainment club which employs only succubi, had been sued by local human dancers denied employment there.
In her ruling, Judge Hudson concluded that "since over the course of an evening a succubus may manifest as any conceivable racial or ethnic group, and since federal law recognizes no general racial group of 'human' or 'Unchained,' this court has no choice but to find for the defendant."
Speaking for the plaintiffs, Elizabeth "Bambi" Scott said, "This is a real setback for Fayetteville's dancers. All of the big tippers go to that place."
A spokesman for the Fayetteville police department confirmed that the force would continue to keep a close watch on the club to forestall any of the illicit activities commonly associated with succubi. "We'll shut them down in a heartbeat if they step over the line," said Lt. Frank Devon.
Just South of Heaven reacted by offering free doughnuts to all law enforcement officers.
Ft. Bragg officials continue to hold the club off-limits to all Army personnel.
Rhea's cellular phone beeped. She took it from her purse and flipped it open. "Samuels," she said.
"Got some good news, I think." It was Jan, barely audible over the drone of the Cessna's engines. "I've got someone on-line who comes on like he's swimming in money, and wants to drip some of it in our bucket. Want to talk with him?"
Jack looked at her quizzically from across the cabin. "Money," she mouthed at him, then cupped her hand around the microphone to shield it from the noise. "Definitely," she told Jan. "Right now, we'll take lunch money from kids if we can get it."
"Well, this guy's no kid, but that's all I can tell you. Here you go." There was a click as Jan switched the call over.
"Ms. Samuels?" The cultured voice on the other end had a faint trace of Cajun accent.
"Speaking," Rhea confirmed.
"Domino Glibbens at your service, Ms. Samuels. You'll not have heard of me, I'm sure."
"Well . . ."
"Oh don't flatter me, Ms. Samuels. I keep a low profile, and I've been out of the country for several years. The point is I own a small herd of oil wells down in the gulf and I consider myself relatively well off, at least compared to my poor friend Ross." He paused and Rhea took the opportunity to ease her chair back. "Now, I understand you're building a private spaceship."
"That's right," Rhea said. "All the details are in our prospectus." Jack came up behind her and started massaging her shoulders. She hadn't realized how tense they were.
"And you're desperately in need of capital," Glibbens continued.
"I wouldn't put it that way, Mr. Glibbens," Rhea said. "I would say that our development schedule is ambitious and that we always have room for additional investors." Jack stopped kneading, and she could almost feel his eyes roll.
"Well, however you want to put it, I'm very interested, Ms. Samuels. Been a space buff since I was knee-high. Can we meet face to face and talk turkey?"
"I'm afraid I'm not in the Triangle now, Mr. Glibbens. In fact, I'm about to touch down in Manteo on the Outer Banks to do a few days work here at our shipyard."
"Well now, that's nigh perfect. I'm up at Corolla myself, above the lighthouse, and I'm fed up with watching those damn wild horses chomping the plants at my beach house. It's what, three forty-five now. Shall I meet you there at eight for supper?"
"That sounds fine." Rhea said, "I'll have one of my engineering staff go with us to answer your technical questions." She paused. "You do understand, of course, Mr. Glibbens, that we'll have to verify your finances before we can do business."
"I understand completely," Glibbens said. "Wouldn't deal with anyone who didn't work that way. Eight o'clock then."
Rhea gave him directions and hung up. Jack looked at her.
"I don't know," she said. "If he's legit, he could save us a lot of grief, and take some of the pressure off. On the other hand, he could be trying to run a scam on us somehow. There's something in his voice I'm not sure I like."
Jack shrugged. "We can't get much further in the hole," he said, "and you know what they say about beggars and choices."
The pilot signaled them to buckle up, and the plane began its descent to the small airstrip below.
"So why did you include me in his dinner invite?" Jack asked. "You know I like talking business about as well as I like root canals, and you invented the key technologies. You don't need me there to explain them."
The plane bucked slightly as they descended into the clouds. Rhea pulled her seat belt tight. "You need to know how the other side works, Jack," she said. "And I want you there with me."