[story]Shadows of suspicion[m][cb]

The location was almost unrecongnisable. What used to be San Francisco was now called Black Lion city. One faction was on top here and had named the ruins after themselves. It was the year 2140. Humanity was slowly killing itself. Wars were more frequent and deadly. Factions from all sides fought with anyone. Everything had lost meaning.

Daniel Dark was busy. He was hiding. Normally he would be out there all guns blazing but not today. Today he had a mission. He was to deliver information to a faction. Since everything had lost meaning Daniel didn't care which faction he worked for and why. He was simply fighting to survive.

This house was forboding. Shadows ,created from the light of the gunfire outside, danced around. Ornaments and paintings gave the house a dark feeling. Creaking. Smelly. Daniel did not like this place.

Hey, DD. How are you?

Fine.

Daniel wasn't one for words. His friend knew that. Dominic Moon wasn't in this friendship for conversation. If he was he would probably have shot Daniel by now. He handed over a can of liquid. Daniel examined the can but was unable to determine the writing. Unconcerned he placed the can on a nearby table.

We should get out of here soon. We can head out of the back way. An alley should provide enough cover.

Hopefully.

The fighting that was raging outside was taking its toll on them even though they were away from it. Taking a few seconds to think about anything Daniel got up and walked towards the kitchen.

Hey. Forgot your drink.

Not thirsty.

Dominic was the only person Daniel truely trusted. He had one other "associate" in the form of Martin Nightshade. He didn't trust him quite as much. He was already waiting outside. The small war raging at the other side of the house still hadn't died down. The three figures made their way along an alley and then quickly down the road. At the end of the road the three stopped. While Dominic fished out a piece of paper detailling the location of the drop point Daniel drew his gun. Can't be too prepared was his motto and he lived by it.

Daniel looked at the paper. 224 Luther Road. Luther was a member of the Black Lion faction. He had named that road after himself. Every member had a road. Once the place was memerised Dominic got a lighter out of a pocket and burnt the paper to ashes. Daniel often wondered what was in those pockets but never bothered to ask.

Luther Road was miles away but there was no vehicle in sight. The trio slowly trekked off on the long journey. This information had to reach its destination. Had to.

Daniel looked around him. Several enemies bearing Red Lion badges, semi-automatic weapons and smug grins. Daniel did not like those grins. Daniel turned back round to face his enemy. Carlos. His enemy was only known as Carlos.

So, you are now our prinsoners. Heh. You'll now pay for what you did to me. You do remember - don't you?

Daniel remembered well. He was on a mission to deliver information. Just like he is now. He had encountered Carlos at Luther Road. Carlos was very arrogant and had attacked Daniel. He retailiated and the fight ended with carlos losing an eye. Daniel wasn't sure how it had happened but it did and Carlos blamed him for it.

Carlos made a hand gesture to the others. The trio were ordered to start moving. As they began to move Daniel noticed a glint in the darkness of one of the buildings. He knew what it was and it might just help them to escape. Daniel whispered to his colleagues:

When I say hit the deck. Don't ask questions.

Dominic and Martin nodded in understanding. Daniel watched carefully. Suddenly a flash came from the darkness. Daniel shouted out and the trio dived for the floor. A hail of bullets were peppering the Red Lion soldiers. They scrambled for cover. Daniel, Dom and Martin crawled into the safety of a nearby alley.

The gunfire was now raging from both sides. With their original path now blocked they would have to take a detour. Wearily they stood up and used the alley to get onto another street and made their way along here. Daniel's thoughts bothered him. He had never known Carlos to be in this part of the city. So why was he here - and today?