Tales from the Wheel

“The bustling blue-collar district of Copper Lane has long represented the best and worst of Mars. Throughout the Lane small business owners, bright eyed entrepreneurs and hard-working laborers exist side by side with con artists, crooks, and cutthroats. Still, there is an unwritten agreement between the salt and the scum of the earth in the Lane. The ‘scum’ will try to keep collateral damage from their actions to an absolute minimum in Copper Lane, and the ‘salt’ won’t run straight to the corporate overlords of the Consortia to report shenanigans unless it’s something big.”

-From “Unsanctioned: A Rigellian Tourist’s Guide to the Martain Consortia” by Zek Tollminder.

Pawns of the King.

Summer, Earth Year 2901- Hasan’s Corner, The Copper Lane District, Mars.

The Grix had limited knowledge of this location, and the three pawns became a little confused. Since entering the Copper Lane district there was less and less they could draw upon from the Grix to understand their surroundings. Its body was exhausted as well, and they risked damaging things if they did not let it rest soon.

Taking a scan of the quaint cul-de-sac they found themselves in, The Grix recognized a small food stand as something called a “chain restaurant”. The sign red “Johnny Scar’s Snack Stop”, Although Pawn #2 noted the word “Snack” appeared to be partially scratched out with “Stank” painted over top. They practiced exchanging credits for nutrients and used the Grix’s knowledge with social interactions to enquire about a place to rest.

They were directed across the street to a rundown old lodge called The Sutton. The Grix negotiated three nights to start with. They could rest the Grix and then start to explore. The King, who saw all they saw and who they were part of would be free from the nest soon. His priority was to locate the source, but any knowledge was wanted. Any could be useful. While the Grix finished up with the Robotic attendant, the pawns had been watching the going ons presented on the lobby’s telescreen. What an incredible source of information! They had the Grix enquire if such a device was available for their chamber.

“Sir,” replied the synthetic worker that had introduced itself as Winston. “The Sutton may be a modest establishment, but we certainly have all the basics.” Splendid! The 3 pawns thought. “Just to note, as a model C hospitality unit, I have access to all the latest news streams… and the best gossip sights as well. Feel free to stop by and chat anytime I am not with another guest.” Information and gossip! Pawn #2 pondered on what the difference might be. It seemed the Grix struggled with this as well as his mind held several contradictory thoughts on the issue.  But still, Magnificent! The pawns had the Grix enthusiastically tell the robot he would be back to catch up on everything after a little rest.

The King saw all they saw and was pleased. The uplifters’ world was turning out to be vast, but it could be understood. It could be navigated. It could be manipulated.