B, again.
***
Update Three (Episode One)
The conversation is starting to wear on past your liking, but you still see some advantage in negotiating with this individual. 'Well, what can I offer in return for what I ask, my weapon and d-pad aside?'
In response to your query Elias shifts in his seat, absentmindedly stroking his chin. He ponders the question for a moment. 'I don't know, stranger. What can you offer, your goods aside? Do you have any slaves hidden on your person that I cannot see? Or perhaps you would toil in the mine or the refinery, instead? No... I want your needler. I am tempted by it. A weapon of that quality is very uncommon on this world. Were I not so fair-minded, I would have you killed and I would take it - this is my land, and so is anything on it. As of earlier today, that includes you, the things you carry and your craft.'
Immediately, but imperceptibly, you engage combat mode. Your enhanced adrenal glands begin delivering the hormone to your system. Your blood vessels begin to contract. Targeting information appears on the periphery of your vision. Nonetheless, you stand perfectly still. 'I would strongly advise against it.'
Elias leans forward and examines you anew. 'Yes. But I
am a fair-minded person. So this is what I will do for you... Go relax in the canteen, with my permission. The food and water are free. As is lodging for the night. This will give me time to consider what an equitable exchange would look like, in this case. If you do not accept what I offer tomorrow, you will be sent on your way empty handed. With the understanding that your craft - or what's left of it - is mine. Where you go after that is your business. Though Iris will, understandably, not re-open its doors to you without good reason. Do we have a bargain?'
You grit your teeth. The combat reflex is subsiding, as you anticipate no further immediate danger. 'Sure, we have a bargain.'
'Marvelous. I expect you back here tomorrow at noon. Now, go wait outside. I will send Kindra to escort you to the canteen in a few short minutes. Please do not wander off.' With that, Elias dismisses you.
Reluctantly you walk out and wait in the adjoining hallway. Some time passes. You begin to suspect something is awry, when Kindra finally emerges and smiles at you. Without a word, she invites you to follow her back down the mazy corridors of this place. You decide that your mental map's accuracy was high, after a few minutes of brisk walking.
As soon as you are out in the 'open' and away from the eyes of Elias' guardsmen, Kindra turns to you. 'That was stupid, Mr. So stupid. Elias is a dangerous man. You should have traded with him when you had the chance. He might have even honored it.'
It takes a second to click, but then you realise that Kindra is no longer stuttering. At all.
Strange, indeed. 'Are we not still bargaining?'
'No. You're waiting while he picks up the stone he'll brain you with. Come on, just follow.'
***
The Iris is an enclosed darkness.
A few more minutes of keeping pace with Kindra and you are suddenly at the door of a dank establishment. More graffiti covers the walls. Hanging limply above you is a sign that reads 'The Murderhole'.
How delightful.
Kindra strides in, and you follow. Inside, you find yourself under immediate scrutiny. Scores of eyes are looking right at you, as card games and drinks are hastily put on hold. A tense silence follows. It lasts for what feels like an eternity, before the eyes begin turning away, pair by pair. The noise level slowly returns to what you believe is 'normal' for this place. You had barely noticed it, but Kindra had already walked over to the bar and entered into a conversation with the heavily tattooed, graying barkeep. For lack of anything better to do, you stand still and observe.
Moments later, she is back at your side. 'Alright. Glasseye is the barkeep's name. He'll feed you and give you a bed for the night, courtesy of Elias. I'll show you to your room.'
She leads you back across the front area of the Murderhole and up a darkened staircase. Glasseye and a few others watch you closely. As soon as they are out of earshot, Kindra beckons you to come closer. You comply. 'Okay, Mr. Here's the deal. I know what Elias was going to tell you, if you gave him the needler. I mean, I know the place he was going to send you. I can take you there. All you have to do is take me with you.'
'Why?'
'I just want out, okay? You haven't seen anything yet. You don't know. This is a good deal. Really. If you go back to Elias, chances are he'll have you killed. Did you actually believe that bullshit about staying the night so that he can think things over? If you stay, you're a dead man.'
Your face is expressionless. 'I am not easy prey.'
'Mr. I don't care if you shoot lightning from your fingertips. Elias doesn't fight fair if he doesn't have to. He didn't get to where he is by being stupid. Listen to me. We can take a sandskimmer. It's much bigger than the buggy and has a longer range. They use it to ship refined rare minerals to Cortica. But it's guarded all the time. I'd need your help to get rid of the sentries. There's one being fuelled for tomorrow's shipment, right now. What do you say?'
Kindra's look is one of quiet desperation. 'I say that this is a very elaborate plan considering that we have been acquainted for less than a day - and under less than ideal circumstances. Why should I trust you?'
She smiles in a bemused fashion. 'You shouldn't. I wouldn't. But these are desperate times for both of us. I have nothing to gain by betraying you. And my freedom to lose. I do not work for Elias; I am only his slave.'
You scoff. 'So why did you not run when you were alone, outside of Iris, at the wheel of a fuelled vehicle? You had a chance to escape.'
Kindra's eyes light up. 'And go where?! That buggy can't even make it to Cortica. Mr, I want out. You are my best chance to get out. Do we have a deal?'
Well? Do we have a deal?