Maxim and the others cautiously walked down a brightly illuminated stretch of road that housed dozens of taverns, eateries, and sketchy shops that he wouldn’t even dare enter unless absolutely necessary. The dozens of people around them were mainly gruff and hardened men who had seen their fair share of scrapes, or scantily dressed women who were trying to attract potential customers. Melek looked at the ground as he walked, unsure of where to look. Amanda chuckled as she watched Melek. “What’s wrong Melek? Too embarrassed to keep your head up?”
Melek nodded. “We don’t exactly have areas like this on Sivov, so this has been a bit much for me.”
Amanda cocked her head. “Sivov? As in the latest planet to join the Republic?”
Melek nodded. “Yep. We joined just a few years ago, and the integration process has been…less than stellar to say the least.”
Maxim glanced at Melek. “Wasn’t the vote to join separated by only a few hundred votes?”
“Yeah, and after two recounts, the results were ratified, but the sharp divide has still persisted. With the construction of their military base just outside the capital, there were protests for weeks that nearly single-handedly destroyed the economy. It’s calmed down somewhat, but it’s still a sore topic.”
“Sounds like an interesting time to be alive.” Amanda said, stretching as they passed by a few men who were huddling up in front of a tavern, giving the group a suspicious glance as they walked by. “Though it looks like we’re sticking out like a sore thumb…like I thought we would.”
Maxim sighed. “Yeeeah, not sure how much they thought about this task. I mean, it’s like we’re as bright as the sun entering a cave that hasn’t seen a shred of light in billions of years. It’s going to draw attention.”
Kolten shrugged. “As we were told, we’re not really here to stop crime, but merely to get a grasp of the surrounding areas.”
“Then why did Kerilyn say that this task was only able to be done during the night?” Eric asked as he avoided walking into a couple who were walking by them. “I mean, I’d be clearly capable of knowing and understanding the area during the daytime.”
“Are you sure about that?” Amanda asked, shaking her head. “I mean, look at Melek. He can barely look up. The event is going to happen just outside of the area, and if something were to happen and flee into the redlight district…well…how would we be able to chase after them if we’re in shock of what’s going on around us?”
Melek nodded. “I…actually agree with Amanda. I’m not sure I’d be able to chase after the culprit if I wasn’t first exposed to it to such a degree. I’d be too distracted with my surroundings.”
“The only distractions that I see here are a group of kids who are in way over their heads by even enterin this part of town.”
The group turned and saw an armed man standing in front of a large bar, having very short black hair and facial tattoos. “Why are you kids even here anyways? Get lost while on a field trip?”
Amanda shook her head and continued walking. “Ignore this guy. Let’s continue our patrol.”
“Patrol? Patrol?!?” The man began heavily laughing, trying and failing to catch his breath in the process. “Well I’ll be! We got some cops in trainin over here! Don’t look now everyone or they’ll put you in jail!”
A few others who were in the area began to chuckle at the man’s antics. Kolten shook his head at the man as they began to walk away. “Hey, where you all goin? Off to report us to your buddies in blue?”
The group continued walking as the guy heckled them every step of the way. After they were finally out of earshot from the man, Melek sighed. “What an…interesting fellow.”
Amanda chuckled. “That guy is actually pretty mellow for everyone who works here or frequents this part of town. You should see some other people I’ve experienced.”
Maxim glanced at Amanda. “You’ve…frequented places like this before?”
Amanda nodded and shrugged. “What can I say? It was the lifeblood of what I was doing before.”
“What were you doing before coming to the academy? I mean, I know you’re a sniper and even the instructor acknowledged your skills, but what were you doing to gain those skills?”
“Let’s just say that I’ve seen some interesting things and have had a pretty eventful life. That’s all you’re getting for now”
“I…I see…”
Eric sighed. “Well, either way, I guess we’ll be relying on you for the rest of our patrol Amanda. Hopefully you’ll be able to get us through this…”
Amanda laughed. “Oh I’ll try, but just imagine how the other group must be doing right now. I’m pretty sure none of them have any experience with these kinds of people.”
Melek grinned. “Oh I’m sure, though I’m not exactly one to make comments considering what I’m feeling like right now.”
“Considering you went from a planet that has more nature than cities, and no nightlife to speak of, yeah I can see why you would feel that way.”
Maxim looked around as others were continuing to stare at them. “It feels like we’re at a zoo, and we’re the animals put on display.”
“They’re just curious about you…and that can be either a good or a bad thing.”
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Meanwhile as the group was walking past a bar, on the inside, a middle-aged man holding a briefcase walked up to a man who was guarding a room. The man looked him over before asking, “Name?”
“Ziven.”
The guard nodded and stood to the side, opening the door. “Enter.”
Ziven entered the room and was greeted by another man, who was currently smoking a cigar with two barely clothed women at either side of him. Ziven gave a slight bow to the man. “Long time no see, Terry.”
Terry nodded and motioned towards a sofa. “It certainly has been a while. Never expected to hear from you again, that is until I heard the rumors.”
Ziven nodded. “Those rumors are probably true. I came here to ask you for a favor.”
“A favor, huh? Considering the last time we saw each other was when you were the one throwing me into the brig, I’m the last person you should be asking for a favor.”
“I’m not the same guy as back then. In fact, I was sure that you’d contact the authorities after hearing about the rumors and me getting in contact with you.”
“I’m not a snitch, as getting the attention of the feds isn’t a smart move. So what’s the favor?”
“I need transport off planet after I perform my coming out party. Off grid.”
“Hmm…a transport huh? That’s gonna be costly as most smugglers under my employ aren’t cheap…at least the good ones anyways.”
“I know, but I have more than enough money to hire one of your boys.”
Ziven opened the briefcase he was still holding and showed Terry the contents. Terry’s eyes widened as he looked at all the cash that was inside. “How’d you get this much dough?”
“Calling in every favor I had and some financing with some like-minded individuals.”
“I see…well then, now we’re talking. I’ll get in contact with my best smuggler. She’ll be able to get you out and bring you to your destination of choice.”
Ziven grinned and nodded, closing the briefcase and handing it to Terry. “Thank you, Terry. I’m glad we could conduct business.”
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