u/ava_shiver

"Liquidation"'s just corporate for "corpse"; looks like classic Sidonian scavenging, decomposer eats fallen apex... circle of life.

...

Which corp. though? Looks like buyer wants that wrapped, but it's Sidon--no agro or medi--so I'd bet something industrial.

Sidon's shattered; no One United Power this go-round, no matter the end-details. Gonna be local island-kingdoms like was way back, before even PLA and Syndicate. My sight's toward Estside; best Tunnel network, plenty of securable floor-space thanks to ROLSEROICE's bouncing to Kernel 5, and I was born there, so local-bias is in my favor.

I'm looking to take the ol' Granary specifically. Needs some love, but her bones are solid as they come; Borkish Agregate wrapped around Borksteel frame. Once usable, it'll be a fortress--big one, too.

Your business is your own, but if you're looking for work? I've got openings. Just knock at the gate; always a few of us on-site, no matter the hour.

A shrug.

She goes alright, but been better... Gold wasn't good for either us.

I raise my visor.

Looking forward to this Churn; got plans. Howsabout yourself?

Mounting up, I flick the kickstand, then pause, hovering.

A booted foot touches pavement.

Come out if you like; I won't bite.

A pause, then something clicks.

Da' used to sing the same... lifelong company man. How's the new boss?

A sidelong glance, one of many.

^{Ten on the wait-staff, even odds?}

A second glance, then a shrug.

^Sure.

Sipping my espresso, I watch as the employee turns toward the newcomer's table, steaming carafe in hand.

Obliged, and please, call me Shiver.

With practiced flick, a blue jet of heat springs from the metal, unwavering in the wind. Dipping the rolled paper into the flame, a glowing cherry blooms, and the gentle aroma of granola with it. With a smile I hand back the lighter, exhaling to the side.

Nice piece. Dragon mean anything?

Evening, gents. Borrow a light?

Delay is acceptable, but past ETA is problem.

A quiet, metallic sound.

Our deal: still on, or off?

A transfer; end one line, begin another.

...or that's the plan, anyhow. Do we have a deal?

A quiet stare, thoughts churning beneath.

Shoving the ticket into my pocket, I approach.

I am willing to forget this Realm, the whole of it. Its ins and outs, Tunnels and Alleys... the lot... but I want a synopsis of the 38th before I let you touch those memories.

I offer a veritable map of the city. Who or what was the 38th?

I bolt, vaulting up the ladder, pausing only to shove the massive cover until it drops into place over the manhole.

All too quickly, I hear that cover slide across the pavement, just before I round the corner into the street.

A pair of veiled eyes watches warily from a hidey-hole down a tributary tunnel.

Who in hell are they? And--wait... Minx?

I quietly fade backwards towards the access chute.

Eyebrows arch, a smile spreads.

Pike's is reopening? I... yes, to all.

...haven't been this excited in months.

A month.. hm.. ^{engine-start could do within week, motor sorted next one, another for tuning... and one for shakedown?} Tight, but doable--

a small grin

--if we're both working on it, of course.

Sorry; just... hadn't realized that was on table.

I pull off my helmet entirely, eyes studying your face in the half-light.

...think I might like that.

Could you elaborate?

I pull my face up to the street drain, glad to have something to break from the monotony.

Dunno who y'are, but all-best; PLA wasn't great, but Manos' Hands... woof. Good seeing some shaking.

I lower myself back to the Tunnel floor, then pause.

Sheg; we're bottom-feeder now; might as well make best of it.

Hey, be back in a mo', ya? Gonna snag sommat up top while chaos lasts, maybe get us something other'n starve rations.

...maybe even get ye raise, too; man's earned it a while back.

I shove my Hardshell through the curbside hole, then wriggle out into the riot above, adrenaline up and eyes bright.

A rare visit topside, a rare smile.

Good to see someone still getting up. I'll stay in Tunnels, where I for now belong.

...Not much longer, though, if'at Kernel place an'my source're real.

I sigh, suddenly nostalgic, before I keep stepping.

I... long story, but aye, I work here... a temp, suppose. I'm no Cultist--can't into restricted sections unescorted--but I can get you in the complex; will that do?