Mike sat forward. "How do we find this guy, Rick?"
Rick scratched the back of his neck. "I can tell you roughly where he lives, but I've never been out there myself. It's a place called Bankport City, right by the ocean. I think it might be somewhere south of San Francisco. You can't miss it, it's actually one of the biggest trading ports on the whole coastline. Once you get there, I'm sure you can ask around and figure out where the scientists live. You know what, I can even write you up a letter to give him so he knows to trust you when you meet."
Mike thought about it for a minute, then nodded. "I think that's the best option we're gonna get. Unless we think of something else in the next few days, we'll try to get the data drive westbound as safely as possible. Everyone agree?"
Everyone nodded, Thranion looked like he was going to protest but decided against it and nodded too, "Well, that's good. Was there anything else that needed to be discussed?" James asked.
"Well…." Mike put his hands on the table and laced his fingers together. "Before you all break camp and go back home, I just wanted to touch bases with everyone and make sure Bernon, Tanrial and I have done all we can to repay you for your help here. We're only three people–we don't have any money or power to offer you. But I admit I feel bad letting you leave empty-handed after what some of you have sacrificed for this cause. I know I already said this, but if there's anything at all we can do, please tell us and we'll try our best to get it done." He glanced at Bernon as he said it, who nodded in agreement.
"Hey, Mike, you don't have to feel bad," James said, "I think we all knew that we weren't going to be getting money out of this and I don't think we care. I don't anyway. But thank you, if we need anything we'll be sure to speak up about it."
Trouble and Polla nodded. "Consider it a new customer discount," Trouble said jauntily. "Besides, this was a great way to give some of my younger warriors more experience."
Dane cleared his throat. "I hate to be that guy, but I would actually like you three to do me a little favor. I'll talk to you about it later, though."
Mike nodded. "Sure thing. In that case, I think we're done for today."
"Not sure when you folks are thinking of leaving," Polla added, "but just so you know, you're all welcome to stay as long as you'd like. It's been good to have some fresh faces around the place."
"Thanks Polla, that's very kind if you," James gave her a smile, "Well, I still need a nap so I'm gonna go do that if this meeting is over."
"Seems so." Rick stood up and hefted his pack once more. "I'll be out at the other lake if anybody needs me."
Trouble followed him out, as did Dane. Polla went to talk to the bartender, and Jackie quietly excused herself, saying she wanted to see her siblings. Bernon watched them go, then glanced at the others. "Well….now what?"
A slight cough came from the far side of the table. Ven was still there, watching them. "You guys got a minute to talk?"
Tanrial nodded after she watched Thanion and James go, "Yeah, what's up?"
(brb, gotta eat supper)
"I've been out west a couple of times," Ven said. "Are you three planning on taking the drive yourselves, or sending someone else?"
Brandon blinked and glanced at the others. "I guess I hadn't really thought about that yet…..I mean, I think I'll be going, because I was the one originally entrusted with the thing. You guys can come if you want…? But you don't have to."
(Okie)
Tanrial shrugged, "I was thinking of going if that fine by everyone. Why? Do you want to come with whoever that does go?"
"Heck no," Ven replied. "I'm getting out of the country if I can. I just wanted to tell you some of the stuff that might be in your way. You thinking of going on foot?"
"Um, well, maybe," Bernon replied. "That's what I'd do. But I've only ever traveled alone before. What's your recommendation?"
Ven sat back. "Walking can work, but you might consider hitching a ride with a trustworthy caravan, or chumming up with a trucking fleet. Those usually cost you, though, and they get attacked by bandits a lot. It depends on whether you care more about speed or keeping a low profile, really."
Bernon nodded. "Thanks. Anything else? Any landmarks to head for, or avoid?"
Ven thought for a second. "The central part of the country is infested with forest beasts. Stick to roads and paths, they usually avoid those. Oh, and make sure you pick a really good time and place to cross the Rockies. Those mountains kill more travelers than any bandit tribe." He shrugged. "I don't have any more specific advice. But you should definitely find a good map and don't leave too much to chance out there."
Tanrial nodded, "Thanks. I wonder if anyone here has a map we can borrow? It would be helpful if they did but if not… where would we get one?"
"I'll ask around," Bernon said. "I've got a couple maps of individual states, but the atlas I had last year got eaten by a bear. And anyway, most old maps are so outdated they're useless. I can navigate by memory pretty well, but it would be nice to have a really good picture of what we're getting into."
Mike nodded. "Thanks, Ven. Let's take a few days to rest up, gather what we'll need, and figure out our plan. Bernon, you can be in charge of supplies for the trip if you want. I'll do some scouting and see if any caravan or similar group is planning on going west soon. Tanrial, is there anything else you can think of that we'll need?"
Tanrial thought for a few moments before she shook her head, "Not right now, no. But if I do I'll make sure to tell you."
Ven stood up. "I guess I'll leave you guys to it. Should I tell the other ex-prisoners that you're looking for traveling companions? Some of them might be useful to have around."
Bernon, who was already making an inventory list for their trip, glanced up dubiously. "I think we three make a pretty good team…..but he could have a point….."
Mike stood up and went to the door to find his jacket. "We might as well stay open-minded. Tell them if they really want to come along, they'll have to come talk to us and we'll decide if they're fit and trustworthy."
"Will do," Ven said, heading out the door.
Mike finished tying his shoes and made to follow Ven outside. "I'll be out for a while, but hopefully I can get back here before dark. See you guys later."
Once he was gone, Bernon flipped open his notebook, staring at one of the diagrams with a faintly sullen expression. "Call me petty, but I'm not sure I like the idea of letting anyone else travel with us…."
Tanrial blinked once, then twice, "Wow. I never thought I'd hear something like that come from you of all people. But I feel the same in all honestly, though."
"I mean yeah, it sounds really crotchety to say it that way. And having more people would probably be a good thing…." Bernon sighed. "I just miss the days when it was only the three of us, I guess. I want to get back to that as soon as possible. I'm glad you agree with me, although I'm not sure how Mike feels about it."
"Mhm. I mean, he was reluctant to work with just the two of us at first and now he was basically running this entire thing. I guess it's a good thing that he's open to working with people but yeah, I wonder how he feels."
"He's a weird one sometimes–hard to read. I feel like he's kinda shy, but he's also a natural leader, and that can make him seem a bit brusque. But deep down I think he cares a lot about us." Brandon smiled a little and stood up. "Wanna help me find the stuff on this list that we'll need? There's quite a bit."
Tanrial shrugged a shoulder, "Sure, I have nothing better to do. Well, maybe sleep but I'll help," She gave Bernon a smile before standing, "Where do we start?"
"Well…" Bernon studied the list for a second. "We'll need a map, like Ven said. Let's go find….um…..Dane, I'll bet he's got a spare. Or else he might know where to find a good cartographer near here."
"Is there anything even near here?" Tanrial asked, "I feel like we're in the middle of nowhere like… how close is the nearest town from here?"
"Uhh…..I have no idea. We may have to talk to Polla after this." Bernon made his way outside and across the beach to Dane's encampment, trying not to get in the way of the soldiers as they packed up their things. "Looks like he doesn't plan on sticking around very long."
(I'm off to bed, seeya ^^)
(Seeya. I might not be on a lot the next couple days btw ^^)
"I mean, the People's Army have a lot to do, right?" Tanrial raised an eyebrow and shrugged, "I wouldn't stick around if I was them either."
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