[Jack_Spade]

"Chemical protection, gas mask, chemical seal. We don't know which flavor we have to expect, but we can assume it will involve some nasty chemicals. If you can, get a hazard suit. Hopefully we'll learn the details from Mrs. Johnson."

[Mercy Merchant]

"I can check with my supplier to see if something like that can be available.  How much time do you think we have before it is needed?  You mentioned seeing a Johnson.  When is that to happen and am I invited?"

[Jack_Spade]

"As I said, tomorrow. I've texted you the location. Aurora Village. Expect high security. And yes of course. They said they want a team and that they shall get."

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos nods his head.  "Aurora Village.  0930.  Come armed?"

[Jack_Spade]

"I'm coming with a legal taser. I don't know what you can smuggle through security, but probably no heavy artillery.
Probably best to leave that stuff in the car. Which reminds me: Do you have a car? Pedaling keeps me fit and it's amazing where you can get in this city if you are not restricted by roadblocks, but but it's a chore and I wouldn't mind a ride with you. Sovereign will probably see it likewise."
Kynos inquired

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos smiles.  "Right.  Leave the guns in the van.  Yes, I have a slightly modified Bulldog.  I can pick you up.  Where do I go and what time should I be there to make sure that we are at the meet on time?"

[Jack_Spade]

"Let's say 0800h here. That should give us enough time to get into position and for me to get a bunch of Lilies as a recognition signal. No need for breakfast, we'll get some in the food court there."

Kynos made sure to forward the pick up to Sovereign.

"I'll try to do some research before bed, and I guess you are also eager to let this day end.
Ah, by the way: What did Max say to your proposal?"

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos shrugs.  "Like you said.  Not interested.  No one wants to be a thug any more."  He laughs and stands.  "Except me.  Would not know what else to do.  So 0800 here.  You probably look good with lilies.  I will be here.  Thanks for the invite.  I am off to my new temporary home.  Can I drop you and your ride anywhere?" 

[gilga]

December 29th 2075, 7:30 am
The way to the Aurora center is event-less and you are surprised to see a large police presence deployed to secure the roads in the better neighborhoods of the city. The radio also reports that mayor Barckhaven is about to give statement at 12:00, despite the massive police presence the town appears almost normal. The radio is filled with political chatter about the chemical attack everybody seems to have an opinion tough nobody seem to have information. The mall is a three story complex filled with shops that at the time you arrive most of them are still close. Security is tight and you can sense the buzzing sound of drones circling the facility as well actual security guards. Weapons are of limits (even with a licence,  tough tasers and other non lethal are allowed in.

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos looks around as he and the other two step out of the van.  He has already told Sovereign that he is glad to see him alive.  Athos has locked his weapons in the secure smuggling compartment and is happy to have his SIN scanned by the KE jackboots.  As they enter the mall he chuckles, "Gee, Kynos, your Johnson knows how to pick a spot."

[Jack_Spade]

Kynos enjoyed the fact that he didn't have to drive - his gear was again stashed in his duffel bag and now lay with Athos' gear.
Seeing the mall he just shrugged: "Reasonable at times like this. First stop, I've got to find a flower vendor. You can go and secure a table for four in the food court. If you can, order me some B&E breakfast."
Kynos wandered off to find the Lillies required.

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos walked with Sovereign into the food court and looked for a table that allowed a Troll to sit with non-Trolls, a veritable rarity, but most public food areas had at least one.  This court was no different and Athos staked a claim on one of the two tables available.  He called up the various virtual menus for the food vendors and ordered a meal for Kynos of the bacon and eggs variety, and another for himself of the Troll variety.................namely lots of anything that looks good.  He slots a stick to cover the costs and waits for the food to be delivered.

[Jack_Spade]

Kynos returned after a few minutes with a very small bundle of Lilies in a slender glas vase. Placing it in the middle of the table he sat down to have breakfast.
"Mhm. For something made entirely of soy they sure got the smell and textures right. Have to remember that place."
That was all the conversation anyone got out of him until he had cleared his plate - which wasn't a particular long time.

[Mercy Merchant]

Athos does not mind the silence as he makes his way through several plates of food.  He would like to get through the meal before the Johnson shows up.

[gilga]

The shopping mall is decorated like a rain forest, with a central display of rare and endangered species. Circling the central display there are three floors where the food court is the third. A soft and peaceful 'forest music' with birds and forgs welcome you. It seems a bit sad and perhaps a bit too peaceful for a shopping center.

When you approach the flower stand, you notice that the lilies are a bit pricey and low on supply. Never the less, what llies are left are  beautiful.  The florist mumbles an apology as you are interested in these flowers and say "I am sorry for for having so few, somebody bought the rest for a funeral just a few minutes ago."


At the time you arrive most of the food vendors are just arriving so the variety is not as good as it will be in an hour or so. Never the less it is not difficult to find something satisfying. As you finish eating a young girl no older than 16 approaches you and places a promotional ad on your paper inviting you to experience a game called "Indiana Jones and the Toxic Temple", it may be coincidental but it is a bit strange that she'd be promoting the new game so early in the morning before the crowds arrive.