Ch 10: Albatross

The city unfolded before them like a jagged scar on the landscape. Rusted scaffolding leaned against crumbling buildings, and makeshift bridges connected the upper levels of skyscrapers that had long since succumbed to decay. The air was thick with the smell of burning scrap and waste, accompanied by the distant sounds of haggling, laughter, and the occasional gunshot.

Kael brought the crawler to a halt near what looked like a trading post, a collection of tents and shacks cobbled together from salvaged metal and tarps. Mira hopped out first, her bag slung over her shoulder.

"Well, this is where we part ways," she said, adjusting her jacket.

Kael nodded. "Good luck."

"You too." Mira hesitated for a moment, then added, "Try not to get yourself killed."

Kael smirked faintly. "No promises."

With that, Mira disappeared into the crowd, leaving Kael alone with his thoughts.

Kael locked up the crawler and made his way into the heart of the blank city, keeping his head down and his shotgun concealed beneath his coat. The city was a patchwork of survival and desperation, with stalls selling everything from fresh water and canned food to handmade weapons and dubious medical supplies.

His first stop was the supply market. He scanned the goods carefully, picking up dried rations, spare fuel canisters, and a roll of insulated wiring. The merchant, a wiry man with a metal arm, watched him warily.

"You're new here," the man said.

"Just passing through," Kael replied, handing over a small pouch of trade tokens.

The merchant nodded and handed over the goods. Kael moved on, blending into the crowd as best he could.

Kael's next stop was a small chemist's shack tucked away in a corner of the market. The shack was cluttered with glass vials, jars of unmarked powders, and a tangle of pipes connected to a makeshift distillation rig. The chemist, an older woman with sharp eyes, looked up as he entered.

"What are you after?" she asked, her voice gruff.

Kael glanced around before lowering his voice. "Sulfuric acid, lithium hydroxide, and any rare earth metals you've got."

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Planning to blow something up?"

"Just tinkering," Kael said casually.

She studied him for a moment, then shrugged and started pulling items from the shelves. Kael inspected the goods carefully, checking for purity and contamination.

"You're thorough," the chemist remarked.

"Can't afford mistakes," Kael replied, handing over a few more trade tokens.

Kael's next priority was finding batteries. He wandered deeper into the market until he found a stall specializing in electronics. The vendor was a young man with oil-stained hands and a pair of goggles pushed up onto his forehead.

"I need high-capacity batteries," Kael said.

The vendor pulled out a box filled with various types of batteries, most of them scavenged from old devices. Kael sifted through them, testing the voltage of each one with a handheld meter he carried.

"Most people don't bother checking," the vendor said, watching him work.

"Most people don't know what they're looking for," Kael replied.

He found three usable batteries and paid the vendor, making a mental note to test them further back at the crawler.

Kael's final task was the most delicate: gathering information about the Consortium's movements. He didn't trust Mira enough to ask her directly—she was still an unknown factor, and asking the wrong question could raise suspicion.

He made his way to a small bar on the edge of the market, a dimly lit place where mercenaries and scavengers gathered to trade stories and deals. Kael ordered a drink and found a spot near a group of rough-looking men discussing recent events.

"...heard the Crossbones got wiped out," one of them said.

"Serves them right," another replied. "They messed with the wrong people."

Kael leaned in slightly, pretending to nurse his drink.

"Word is, the Consortium's been ramping up their operations," the first man continued. "Looking for something big."

"Big enough to send hunters into the blanks," the second man added. "And not just the usual thugs—real professionals."

Kael frowned, his mind racing. The chips were clearly more valuable than he had initially thought. He finished his drink and slipped out of the bar before anyone could notice his interest.

As Kael returned to the crawler, his mind was heavy with thoughts. The materials and supplies he'd gathered would help him prepare for the road ahead, but the information he'd overheard was troubling.

The Consortium wasn't just searching for the chips—they were hunting for something far more significant. And if they were willing to send professionals into the blanks, it meant they were getting closer.

Kael loaded the supplies into the crawler and sat in the driver's seat, staring out at the chaotic city.

"This place is a trap," he muttered to himself.

He started the engine and began making his way out of the city. Whatever lay ahead, he knew he couldn't stay in one place for long.