Kerilyn’s eyes were as wide as saucers as Maxim dropped the package of information on a table in front of her. “Here’s a treasure trove of information that we were given during our efforts to press for some more information from the diner. We were banned from the diner, but that doesn’t mean we left empty handed.”
Kerilyn perused through some of the files and pictures that were in the package, nodding her head. “This is…well…incredible to say the least. Where were you even able to get this?”
Maxim took out his communicator and showed her the message. Kerilyn’s brow furrowed. “So…who was this person? And why did she request you by name?”
Maxim shrugged. “I don’t know who she is exactly, but she told me that she was a former associate of the two of them. As to how she knew my name or why she requested me specifically…she never really mentioned why or how she knew my name.”
“I…see. Well then, I must say that I’m impressed! When I sent you all out to eat dinner, I wasn’t expecting you all to try to continue your investigation, especially considering that your previous attempts didn’t come up with any other relevant information.”
Kolten shook his head. “Well, we were all frustrated! We felt like we had been given the short end of the stick with the assignment, and the fact that we couldn’t really do anything to change that was a tough pill to swallow. Maxim then came up with the idea of going back to the diner to try to get more information while having our dinner, killing two birds with one stone. However, the staff there either knows about what Lirk is up to and are complicit, or they’re completely terrified of him. They refused to tell us any information, and immediately informed Lirk that we had been asking questions, leading to us getting kicked out.”
Eric nodded his head. “But shortly afterwards, we all received that message and…well…this is what happened.”
Kerilyn nodded her head. “I see…well then…I should thank you all for going above and beyond, but next time, at least report to us that you’re going to be going back. If something were to happen to you, we would have had no idea where you went, and wouldn’t have any leads as to what happened to you to start the search.”
Everyone nodded. “Understood.” They said in unison as the door behind them opened up, revealing the second group. “Ah, welcome back everyone!” Kerilyn said as they lined up. “Did you enjoy your dinner?”
Aidan nodded. “We did! We went to that barbecue place just a couple blocks from here.”
“Ah Jerry’s…some of the best barbecue you’ll get this side of the Republic. Good choice, though I hope you didn’t eat TOO much, as you still have your one last assignment for the night.”
“What’s the assignment?” Ellie asked as she stood next to Aidan.
“This assignment will be a joint venture between the two groups, and serve as a test to determine how well you two can cooperate with one another. Have any of you heard about the nightlife that we have here on Hathea?”
Amanda was the only one who nodded her head. “I knew some people who would always come here after they had gotten paid. They’ve told me quite a few…stories…about what happens here at night.”
“I…see. You seem to know some interesting characters then. As she implied, there’s quite a few places here for tourists to enjoy. Those range from perfectly legal activities such as bars and casinos, but there’s also an unsavory criminal element to it as well. Prostitution, organized crime, drug rings, you name it, we’ve got it. The event is being held just outside of the ‘night zone’ as I call it, so your job for the next two hours is to patrol the area around the event and report to each other, and to me, anything you might think is suspicious. If you see something truly illegal, I’ll get in contact with the authorities to make an arrest. Do NOT engage or interrupt any criminal activity you see unless someone’s life is in danger. Any questions?”
Freya slightly lifted up her hand, getting Kerilyn’s attention. “What would you consider to be suspicious?”
“Groups of individuals up to what you would consider to be shady behavior, or could be considered behavior that is preparing for an attack on the event. This would be such things as drawing maps or entering and exiting lightly-traveled or out of the way paths. The finishing touches for the event site are being completed as we speak, so our suspects most likely are going to try to see what exactly the event looks like and plan their attack.”
As the others were silent, Kerilyn nodded. “Looks like there’s no other questions, so get a move on! I’ll contact you guys when the patrol is over and for your report. Afterwards, you’re free for the night, though I highly recommend getting ready for bed shortly after writing your reports for the academy. Now, please follow the gentleman behind you all as he’ll escort you to the site of the event. I have a contact who will tell you where to go from there.”
The group looked shocked as they turned and saw a tall, lanky man standing behind them, having entered the room without any of them noticing. The man opened the door behind him and motioned for them to exit. “Please, follow me.” He said with a completely monotonous, emotionless tone. Everyone stood in place for a few seconds, their unease plainly evident on their faces before Amanda confidently walked up to the door. Slowly, everyone else followed suit. As soon as the man closed the door behind him, Kerilyn immediately made a quick call. “Hey, it’s me. I have a favor I need to ask of you.”
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