Light cringed as Senjen asked yet another probing question. They had only been acquainted for five minutes! He outwardly sighed, dispelling bubbles around his suit, and didn’t reply for a moment.

“Two years, maybe? I am by no means the VC’s most prolific operator. I am merely an old smuggler with breathing problems. So I have to spread the treatments out more. We could get there sooner if we get into very high risk jobs, but I would actually like to stay living long enough to be cured.” Light offered eventually.

Behind them, the following droid began cross referencing the acronym ‘VC’ with all known entities in the Fourteen Factories. Venture Capital? Valuable Creations?

[i]Boss, you ever know of a ‘VC’? That’s who these bozos work for. Doesn’t sound above board.

Maybe. Do you think you could take the clanger alive on your own?

Maybe. Could use that back up though.

They are fifteen minutes out. Proceed as planned until then.

Roger.[/i]

They were moving at a fast pace through the segments, but Light was still surprised when they got to Tanguska Boulevard. It seemed having a bulky, noticeable assistant had its advantages. 

This area was old, and had begun as low-rise buildings before having further and unrelated additions made above them. The result was a confusing jumble of different cultural and architectural references piled on top of one another up to a height of eight storeys. The plots were uneven, so many of the buildings had side and rear access where vehicles or goods could be moved. The occupants had taken advantage of this, turning many plots into warehouses, workshops or event spaces. It was a lower class area, and many people did not hang around outside for long. About halfway down the mile long boulevard was an ancient QV gel repository opposite a cavernous provisions market with hundreds of different stalls. Light directed Senjen to stop between them.

“This might take a little bit of time. Why don’t you go over there and look for cheap supplies for our next trip? I’ll send you a full inventory of what i usually stock and previous prices i’ve achieved for them. If you hear of any honest and freight work while you’re at it, find out a bit more. I’ll message you when i’m finishing up."