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  “Sounds good to me”, Nevit agreed.

  “And what’s the plan when we confirm where we’re going?” Fenrit asked.

  “Let’s make the confirmation first”, Tradok said. “Besides, if it’s Prominence as I suspect, we’ll have plenty of time during our travel to perfect a plan. For now I’m going to dig up a scrambler or possibly have to build one.”

  “It is getting late”, Alejade ceded.

  “Let’s call it a night for now and we can discuss how to fish out this guy tomorrow morning”, Nevit said. “The davenport folds out into a bed or you’re welcome to use the floor”, he offered with a chuckle as his eyes once again turned blue.

  The group settled in for the night. Tradok focused on getting a few scramblers ready while Alejade peered out the window checking on Jandra before laying down to sleep. Nevit and Fenrit both laid awake with delusions of grandeur about the adventure that stood before them. Nevit was excited to fulfill his craving to test his limits. Fenrit was determined not to let his people down.

  X.

  The South Main Market varied little from the North Main Market. The shops sold different items, but the setup and ambience of the market as a whole made the two feel like mirror images. One of the few differences was the South Main Market’s proximity to one of the city farms. The farm sat right outside the market walls resulting in a number of shops selling fresh produce. This caused a rush of traffic in the early morning hours as consumers were eager to purchase the day’s crop. The morning crowd dispersed to the rest of the shops after procuring their desired produce and then carried on with the rest of their day’s business outside the market. By late morning the South Main Market looked comparably deserted.

  The group finalized their plan on how to lure in the black market operative before leaving Nevit and Tradok’s residence. Fenrit and Alejade would rotate through the assorted mining shops drawing attention to themselves as they desperately negotiated for supplies and ultimately failing to reach a deal with any of the shopkeepers. Nevit had pointed out that the brother and sister were already dressed for the part as their attire gave off the illusion of frugalness and naiveté. Hopefully, the black market operative would eventually take the bait and make contact with Fenrit or Alejade. Both Fenrit and Alejade were free to change their method as making contact was the ultimate goal. Nevit was tasked with wandering around the market waiting for Fenrit or Alejade to make contact. He carried one of the scramblers that Tradok had completed the night before. Nevit’s sole purpose was to position himself close to the targeted dataport and activate the scrambler. Tradok had reassured Nevit that he didn’t have to get conspicuously close to the target, because the scrambler had a decent range. The extended range would also probably result in the casualty of dataports for some unfortunate nearby market patrons. Tradok would remain outside the market and tail the target for a while to make sure he didn’t do anything brash after the encounter. Tradok carried an additional scrambler just in case Nevit was unable to complete his task. Once Tradok was satisfied with the situation they would all reconvene at a nearby eatery.

  Tradok arranged for two crawlers to transport the group from his and Nevit’s residence to the South Main Market. The first crawler picked up Fenrit and Alejade and set off to deliver the pair to the market shortly after the early morning crowd died down. The second crawler transported Nevit and Tradok and was set to arrive at a considerable delay from the first. Tradok had reasoned to the group that underground dealers would sometimes shadow their marks making sure any potential deals wouldn’t hit a snag. For this reason it was best if the two separate parties weren’t seen together at any point during the operation.

  Fenrit began by rotating through the various mining supplies store. When another customer was browsing alongside him, he would engage the shopkeeper about a specific item. This usually started a cycle of haggling. A few times the shopkeeper met Fenrit’s first bid which made for an uncomfortable backtracking that Fenrit attempted to play off as seeking more of a deal. The goal was to ensure that every bartering attempt fell apart and that all the bystanders in close proximity were within earshot of the negotiations. Fenrit was slow to back away from each shop and casually strolled around the market to notice if he had picked up a pursuer. The result was a letdown time after time. A few times he crossed paths with Nevit who was ricocheting between him and Alejade, however, Fenrit held back his impulse to engage Nevit in conversation despite Fenrit’s desire to communicate altering the tactic that wasn’t producing any results.

  Alejade had begun as planned, but quickly switched strategies to perusing shops that weren’t related to the mining industry. She was more interested in observing the mannerisms of other customers. She thought the potential existed to identify an individual that seemed less interested in shopping and more interested in underscoring a failed transaction. She found herself targeting gawkers and trailing their movements through the market as inconspicuously as possible. A few times the target must have known she was following them and they darted in between shops successfully losing their curious follower. After a number of failed attempts with this new strategy, she stumbled upon a mining explosives shop. If the North Main Market explosives vendor had picked up on black market activity, then perhaps this shopkeeper was equally perceptive. Given her lack of success in attempting to be covert, she figured it was now time for her to play the role of bait.

  The explosives shop in the South Main Market wasn’t too much different than the one in the North Main Market. Alejade recognized many of the same models and even picked out the ‘divider’ model the North Main Market’s shopkeeper had recommended. This location currently had more shoppers, which was more advantageous to the overall goal. Alejade began to wonder what explosive could commonly be found at a mining site. If explosives were being stolen, it seemed logical that the black market would have a surplus of what people had bought. She remembered that the ‘divider’ had been pitched as newer technology, so she ruled that out as an option. She also remembered that the integrated security would prevent an intelligent thief from taking the explosives, because the profit on the resell would be extremely low if anything. She could at least use those pieces of information and perhaps the shopkeeper’s input to guide her to the appropriate model.

  The Nosixt shopkeeper was engaged in a sales pitch with one of the other customers. The shopkeeper was able to speak in low volumes despite her flat billed beak. Alejade would need to wait her turn, and decided the gap of time could best be spent researching the remaining explosive options. Prices in artum and descriptions were listed alongside the various models. Each description gave a narrative of how the explosive worked and a brief summary of features. Integrated security appeared to always be a listed feature for models where it was available. Alejade settled on the model with the highest price that didn’t include integrated security. She began to read the description that detailed the explosives ideal usage. The explosive was designed to be used on the outside surface to create fractures either ideal for inserting smaller explosives or by simply chipping away manageable portions of the mineral. The features claimed minimal mineral yield loss.

  “You need a prepper?” the voice of the Nosixt shopkeeper startled Alejade who had been reading the product description.

  The Nosixt’s silver, leathery skin glistened in the shop lights. Although her stiff bill gave no indication of expression, Alejade read the pleasantness from her eyes.

  “I’m hoping to get started on a task, which I think this will help me with”, Alejade said convincing herself that twisting words was separate from lying.

  “I do have a model that performs a similar function, but contains integrated security”, the shopkeeper said attempting an upsell.

  “Not necessary, this is precisely what I’m looking for”, Alejade said trying to keep the interaction with the shopkeeper brief. “I see you want five hundred artum, but I’m looking to procure this for around four seventy five”, Alejade continued with a meek st
art at negotiations.

  “I only offer discounts if you’re willing to buy multiples”, the shopkeeper stated.

  “I can do better”, Alejade said at a higher volume in an attempt to gain the attention of the other customers. “I only need one, so we can reach an agreement or I can go elsewhere.”

  The shopkeeper was taken aback by the drastic change in Alejade’s demeanor. She thought she had led with a gentle disposition, so why was this Chafel reacting so harshly in return? It was rarely a struggle to obtain sales in her shop, so it was time to politely dispose of the potential sale that was Alejade.

  “I believe our pricing is pretty competitive, so if you feel you can do better elsewhere then I wish you the best of luck”, the Nosixt replied in a firm tone that further gained the attention of the other customers.

  “You as well”, Alejade returned feeling guilty about the necessary exchange. She hoped the attention was worth it; otherwise the sick stomach in her feeling might take some time to subside. She promptly left the shop and caught a glimpse of Nevit headed in her direction a few shops down. She decided to head in the opposite direction, so he could successfully tail her and hopefully aid if she had gained a pickup.

  Alejade continued down the row of shops at a lethargic pace. She turned right onto another row of shops observing the corner she had just passed to see if any other individuals were headed on the same course. A Batarmiv and a Zentyl turned the corner ahead of Nevit. The Batarmiv had been standing outside of the shop and the Zentyl must have been mixed in with the market traffic which was headed along the row that Alejade and Nevit had turned off. The Batarmiv had long ears that stood straight up giving him a height that stood out from the rest of the market patrons. The Zentyl had pink tipped quills, which Alejade couldn’t determine if they were natural or synthetic coloring. This allowed Alejade to discreetly look back from time to time and determine if either of the individuals was still following her. She made a few other turns slowly heading towards the exit where Tradok had positioned himself outside. The Zentyl was still following her route while the Batarmiv no longer joined in the pursuit. Alejade came to a halt in front of a produce store waiting for her potential pursuer to catch up. The Zentyl walked on by and left the market. Alejade let out a sigh of disappointment. This process had been arduous and she was ready to give up.

  Nevit had caught on to the fact that the Zentyl was sharing the same path as Alejade. When the quill covered being left the market Nevit turned around and started his line back to where he had last spotted Fenrit. Alejade watched as Nevit began to walk away and her body slumped from the overwhelming feeling of failure. A hand grabbed Alejade’s elbow startling her back into a rigid position. She spun around and faced the Batarmiv from earlier.

  The elongated whiskers that protruded from the Batarmiv’s muzzle began to jostle as his nose twitched. Alejade wasn’t sure if the nose twitch was a sign of his anxiety, if he was simply sniffing the air or if it was just his face scrunching together as his upper lip quivered baring his elongated incisors. His ears remained vertically rigid, but twisted from side to side as if they were an antenna struggling to pick up a signal. The majority of his body and ears was covered in an amber colored fur spare his muzzle and paws that was a bleached white. He wore a simple navy blue shirt and black pants that were cutoff at the knees. The joints at his legs and impressively large feet indicated sprinting was a trait he had managed to maintain from his ancestors.

  “I couldn’t help but overhear your predicament at the shop”, he finally spoke.

  “Not everyone is willing to do business I suppose”, Alejade responded.

  “I believe I can help you”, the Batarmiv said.

  Alejade began to panic. Nevit had headed the other way towards Fenrit and it’d be awhile before he returned. She would need to prolong this transaction, so Nevit could finish his part of the operation. She had gone over her setup several times and it didn’t take but a few moments. She would feign interest in purchasing the explosives until she had what she really needed. She didn’t anticipate him withholding insignificant pieces of information about Prominence if he really wanted to make the sale.

  “Good”, Alejade replied. “If you can get me what I need, then I can head to the Ulea Range southeast of the lake and begin my work.”

  “It won’t make a difference where you use this”, the Batarmiv replied not biting Alejade’s lead. “If you just need a single unit, I’m willing to part with it for four hundred Artum even.”

  “I need to know that you can help me with my business out in the Ulea Range”, Alejade said. “I don’t wish to waste my time traveling out there only to find the trip was made in vain.”

  “I’ve traveled the area before”, the Batarmiv said. “This unit will be just as effective on the outer layer of rock out there as it would be in the nearby Split Range.”

  “I’m told there is an impenetrable force out there”, Alejade continued with her cryptic verses. “Could you detail where you’ve been out there?”

  “Where is your claim?” the Batarmiv demanded trying to cut to the point.

  “Do you know where Prominence is?” Alejade asked figuring her question was asked under the guise of direction giving.

  “I’m familiar with the stronghold”, the Batarmiv responded suspiciously.

  Alejade waited a moment for him to continue, but the dealer remained tight lipped. She realized she was painting herself into a corner. She had little knowledge of the Ulea Mountain Range let alone Prominence. If he picked up on this, it’s likely he’d walk and she’d cost the group their best lead on the information they needed.

  “Are you familiar with the route between the lake and the stronghold?” Alejade asked attempting to carefully fish information from the Batarmiv.

  “That’s the basic route one would take to Prominence”, the Batarmiv started. “Your claim is off this route?”

  “I don’t have a claim”, Alejade revealed not wanting to get caught up in the web she was spinning. “I need information on Prominence, not explosives.”

  “Then you need an information broker”, the Batarmiv said brusquely.

  “I’m willing to pay for the information”, Alejade pleaded.

  “There’s no price you can offer that is high enough to offset the cost I’d incur if the divulged information was traced back to me”, the Batarmiv said turning to walk away.

  “So you know something”, Alejade said trying to draw him back into the conversation.

  “We’re done here”, the Batarmiv shouted keeping his back turned to Alejade.

  Alejade was now the one trailing the black market dealer. She matched his speed as he headed back into the center of the market. The Batarmiv picked up speed after glancing back to notice Alejade’s pursuit. He was a sprinter and it took all the effort Alejade could give not to lose him. He began shoving his way through market patrons and pushing over boxes forcing Alejade to hurdle them in order to keep up. The ruckus drew a lot of attention and soon the other market patrons began clearing a path for the chase to take place. The Batarmiv knew he would never lose Alejade as long as she had visibility of him. He darted into the crowd of patrons and Alejade fell to her knees trying to catch her breath. She knew she couldn’t sustain her top speed for much longer and he had already proven he could outpace her. The chase had ended in a failure and a successful lead had slipped through her fingers. The part that hurt the most is that she had learned nothing to bring back to the group.

  Alejade returned to her feet after catching her breath and realized the market patrons were staring at her in disbelief. She felt she owed them an explanation, but now was not the time for a lengthy story that would paint the whole picture of what had actually happened. The fact that the Batarmiv had made a mess of the market painted him as the guilty party and Alejade figured that would have to be enough to satisfy their curiosity for now.

  The crowd parted again and the Batarmiv burst back through the hole and back towards the direct
ion where he and Alejade had begun the pursuit. Alejade was stunned by the turn of events. She had not yet fully caught her breath, but knew she needed to pick up where she left off even though she was sure the chase would be fruitless. She turned around and picked up speed giving her legs everything she had. She was moving, but the overall motions felt sluggish. Her legs were heavy having not fully recovered from the previous dash. She decided this time she would continue in the Batarmiv’s direction with the goal of running a gradual pace that she could sustain for a longer distance. Surely the Batarmiv would tire out eventually and maybe he’d still be in sight for her to catch up. Her body agreed with her mind and set the plan in motion. She continued moving forward before noticing an Indigo blur blaze past her. It was Nevit and he was moving faster than Alejade could ever hope. Alejade slowed down realizing that winding herself wouldn’t do anyone any good.

  Nevit had locked on to his target and was quickly gaining ground. He had the advantage of the Batarmiv being drained from his earlier competition with Alejade. There was no escape for the Batarmiv. He could continue to circle the market where Nevit and Alejade could work together to corner him or he could shoot out into the city where the wide open space provided nowhere to hide and would allow an energetic Nevit to run him down. He chose the latter heading for the market exit. Nevit slowed to a halt realizing he had led the mark right into a trap. The Batarmiv’s fate was better off in the hands of the Chafel or the Mortoptera.

  The Batarmiv covered a considerable distance outside the market exit before coming to a stop. The Mortoptera had ceased the pursuit and if it was going to start back up again the black market dealer would need to catch his breath. His heart beat heavily, but it would only be a matter of time before it settled back to a resting rate and the Batarmiv would be good to go again. The Mortoptera had come out of nowhere just when he thought he had successfully evaded the Chafel. The black market dealer knew he was in for a race when he saw the Mortoptera’s fleeters. No one wore footwear like that who couldn’t perform when it came to running. The Batarmiv wasn’t sure why the Mortoptera had called an end to the pursuit, but he was grateful for the reprieve.