Tower Bound (L 1.4, E 1.3)

Location: Downtown Archipelago - The Tower docks
Time: evening


Litch,

With Kes at your side, you rode your jet skis to The Tower to meet up with Edmund. You pull your skis up to the Tower Dock. It's pitch out except for the torches in sconces to indicate the pier and the few electric lights in the harbormaster's office. You know Dremmer will have his Team on you soon to make sure you aren't a threat. Your skis are too small to draw notice from the guns on top of The Tower, but Dremmer's team has guns they aren't shy about using.

Entrance to Crystal Court isn't difficult for the Talons. Why is that? Have you helped Millions out in the past? Or Dremmer? Or is it something else?

When Roark comes your way, he gives you and Kes a nod. He's got his AK, but the barrel is aimed at the dock, not a threat.

What do you do?

Somehow, the ride we've made dozens of times from our sanctuary to the Tower feels like it was three times as long as it normally has been. Perhaps it's the darkness; more likely it's the heaviness of the day's events. We pull up dockside, as close to Dremmer's guards as we can. No sense in making them walk extra steps to check us in if that can be avoided.

We're on good terms with both Millions and Dremmer. The former has often hired us for various hits and shakedowns, and once even to get his boy out of a sticky situation at Poseidon's Belly when he went to hobnob with the flotsam of the city. Poor sod thought thought nobody would dare to touch him in the fighting pit, because of who his daddy is. I don't recall who he was fighting before we started a separate bar fight that got rowdy enough to close down the whole joint, giving Dremmer and his boys time to ferry out the young buck, and take all of the credit. I don't know who told Millions what really happened, but I don't care. Two fish with one hook. Three if you count Dino...or whatever the boy's name is.

I'm helping Kestrel off of her ski as Roark ambles over toward us. I give him a polite nod as I tie the watercraft to the mooring. "Good evening, Roark. How is your family?" I think I recall that he has children, but keep the question of his familial relationships vague, just in case I'm mistaken. "We're here to see Mister Sterling. Are we clear to go in?"

"I'd be delighted to pray for them, my friend. And...thank you for the warning. That's good advice." As we stride toward the main building, I can hear the subtle intake of breath from Kestrel as the dock chief approaches us, speaking to me but eyeing her. I don't care for Dremmer; Kestrel despises him. Yet, a good working relationship with this gatekeeper is a necessary evil. A lusty gaze from Dremmer is ultimately harmless.

"Sergeant Dremmer", I address him with a title that gives a nod to his authority, even though it's not a rank he has been bestowed. "Millions treating you well, I hope?" I don't mention the reason for our visit, hoping my humble demeanor and conversational tone is enough for him to let us bye.

I move forward as Kestrel steps back, directing Dremmer's attention to me. "As he should be, with how deftly you pulled his boy out of the fire." I cross my arms, with one finger held to the side of my growing stubble. I should have taken time to shave before coming over to this palace of lights. "We're always looking for work, Dremmer. Do you have something in mind at the moment?" Before he can continue, I turn to Kestrel. "Darling, would you run ahead so our appointment isn't canceled? I need to go over important business with the Sergeant here." The tone is intentionally patronizing. I hope she recognizes my intent to get her away from Dremmer. Otherwise, I'll hear about it later.

Kestrel picks up what you're putting down and she ducks her head submissively before scurrying off. Dremmer takes the chance to stare at her zok, even though he probably can't see dren in the night. Once she's gone, he moves a step closer, close enough you can practically taste his acrid aftershave.

I don't kill for jingle, though a fair wage for a fair day's work is necessary. Keeps mercenaries like us from rioting and the world from descending into total anarchy. Our targets are often rivals in the industry of death or those who dance so close to mortality's edge in their high-risk livelihoods that a bounty placed on their heads doesn't come as a surprise. "Perhaps. Though we don't deal in contracts and we take our wages at the end of a job. If we decide for any reason to abnegate, we walk and you keep all of the payment. Quick and quiet? Aye, we can do that. But, " I hold up a palm to him, "If you object to those terms, keep the target's identity to yourself. Otherwise, please proceed."

Edmund,

After cleaning everything up at your master's place, you headed down to Crystal Court to try to find Litch, right? Well, you found Millions at neo eating with various members of the families along with Canary in a pretty sunflower-yellow dress. Also, Kestrel is here - she's near the entrance to the Crystal Court, keeping an eye on things as she waits.

What do you do?

A piece of me feels relieved to see Kestrel, but then I catch sight of Canary. Like a cable that has slipped from its pulley, my intentions come crashing down around me. A flame ignites in my chest. Did she know what was going to happen? I begin to storm toward her, intent to piece together her connection with Blue Light, but then I realize with whom she is speaking. Millions is right there. The flame in my chest turns into a lump in my throat.

Taking a deep breath, I find my resolve. I need answers. I stride to the entrance of noa.

Edmund,

A guard standing outside neo reads your angry demeanor and speaks quickly into his hand and moves to intercept you. "Mr. Sterling," he says calmly. He's about your size, has a bulge in his suitcoat that barely hides his magnum. "Can I help you, sir?"

I look the guard up and down before gazing beyond trying to catch a glimpse of those inside neo. "I was simply hoping to have a word with Ms. Canary. Though I can see she is with more prestigious company."

His touch makes me startle.

"Master Dinero." I bow as much as I can without pulling away from his hold on my shoulder. "I’m honored by your view of me. Your assessment is correct. Tonight, I’m finding myself quite out of my element."

I smile at him. The smile is authentic but also masks a fear I have of him and his family. "When did you become so insightful?" I muse.

"Ah." I say "That would make me wary too. Those who have been burned once do not carelessly hold their hand over the flame." I decide to switch tactics. Truthfully, I'm curious who Dremmer wants assassinated. I take a half-step closer to Dremmer, angling my head conspiratorially. "You are clearly quite upset at this man who crossed you, my son." I murmur softly, soothingly. "I...cannot simply take a contract without first consulting the spirits. But...they rarely say no. Who do you need eliminated, my friend?" I coax. I should have known better than to state my own terms before getting as much information out of him as I could.