The Lower Esplanade isn't normally a very quiet place. Tonight, though, perhaps fearing confused dinosaur attacks, people seem to be staying off the streets. As a result, any evening walk had tonight is (with the exception of said dinosaur attacks, which, while possible in this part of town, aren't very likely) somewhat uneventful, and
John,
Samuel and
Clair's are no different. The first to reach the pawn shop, a small two-story building that looks rather rustic compared to the surrounding, more modern constructions, is John with his chaperone.
"Well, looks like we're a bit early. Guess we better wait, huh?"The wait isn't long - just a few minutes or so - before Samuel also appears with his new friend. The two guides greet each other.
"We could work on the timing, huh? Would have been cool if we all arrived simultaneously.""Yeah, I guess. But that'd require, like, crazy coordination and planning."As they converse, both Samuel and John notice that they seem to be awfully similar in looks - nigh-identical physically, actually. Just wearing different clothes. As Clair arrives, they notice that she also seems to have been taken here by another guy almost exactly like the other two.
"Damn, I'm late!""Somebody's gotta be, I guess.""Yeah, let's go inside. Come on, you three."The three identical guys beckon their three respective friends to come in - seeing no reason not to follow through, they all do so, coming inside the pawn shop. It's an unusual-looking pawn shop, to be sure. For one, there's no guns that anyone can see, far from what one would expect in the Lower Esplanade. Only musical instruments, some sporting equipment, a whole lot of polished-looking CRT TVs and stereos, home appliances, telescopes, all kinds of jewelry... really, it's pretty cramped in here. But above all one cannot help but notice the pawnbroker presiding over the store.
The man, presumably Mr. Lee, is a friendly black man in his early fifties with graying, receding hair and a colorful knitted sweater, underneath which he appears to wear a dress shirt. Not the most fashionably dressed individual. His features are distinctly kindly, and he smiles at his new visitors.
"Hey there, youngsters! What can old Lee do for you?" he asks in a soft voice, cracking up a little at the end.
"Nah, don't tell me. I know what I can do for you! First, let me give you a belated welcome to our friendly little neighborhood. Now, you didn't come see me once in your time here, which, strictly speaking, isn't a good way to treat your neighbors, but that's okay. I know you're good kids, all three of you. That's why I've got all three of you something special in store. Can you guess what it is? I'll give you a hint - it's related to that dinosaur thing that's been on TV and whatnot!"Mr. Lee grins widely, looking genuinely happy. The triplets - for that's what they seem to be - also look to be in fairly good humor.
* * * * *
Larry, quite sure that was the most intense piece of gentlemen's literature he's read, shows some choice bits to
Halesey.
"Heavy shit, man. Just check this out! It just goes on, man. I'm sure someone would pay good money for this!"Halesey, upon being shown the heavenly and not so heavenly pictures, is moved but a little bit. Presumably because of limited exposure.
"Er... okay. That's a good idea. We might have to wait until the mafiosi here let someone else touch it I guess. Let's go."After ordering the mafiosi to form a protective cordon around himself, which they happily accomplish, Halesey follows the quickly escaping Larry. He is a bit slowed down on the stairs on account of the numerous mafiosi accompanying him, but reaches the first floor eventually. He is about to start running after Larry, but then notices that there seem to be new arrivals in the factory - an excitable little kid and a crazy-looking dude currently accosting the Jesus-dude, Guitar Bill and Aggie. This may or may not be good.
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Topic: The Forgotten Art: Approaching the Nexus (Read 255199 times)