“If that’s what you think is best,” Thiago said. He didn't sound very happy. "Good luck.”

Thiago ended the chat.

Kitana nodded, then started looking around, trying to find a defensible location.

The only open building they found was a convenience store. It looked like any other corner store, once selling snacks, liquor and groceries among other things. Alan motioned Kitana over.

Upon entering the store, Alan noticed that all the shelves were bare. Someone had cleaned it all out a while ago. The cash register was still there, as well as a few old magazines and lottery tickets.

There were two small aisles, and a door in the back. Alan tried the door, it was locked.

"Well, I guess we should try to hide in here, they probably won’t find us,” Alan said.

Negative, the scouting hounds of the Predecessors have already picked up your scent, Eve sent.

“Um, actually, scratch that. Looks like we’re in for a fight.”

Kitana took up a stance in front of the entrance to the store, shutting the door.

“So, uh, well, what do you think I should do in this fight?” Alan asked.

Kitana glanced at him. “Stay in the corner behind the counter and don’t get in my way.”

Eve?

That seems logical. At your level you are more likely to hinder than help.

Oh, well if you agree…

Alan climbed over the counter, standing behind the cash register.

Huh, despite all the times I’ve been in a convenience store, I’ve never seen behind the counter, Alan thought to himself. There was a digital safe below the counter. Apparently there was still electricity within the city, as the safe made a beep when he pressed the enter key on it. Maybe it ran on batteries. Now if only he had the PIN…

There is something inside the third magazine from the top, Eve sent.

A pile of magazines also sitting behind the counter was highlighted.

Alan grabbed the magazine, opening it up. Halfway through it there was a folded post it note with a code on it.

It can’t be that easy, can it?

It was.

The safe opened revealing a stack of cash, now probably useless, and a handgun with a box of ammunition. Alan took it all. Some files and permits were in there too, but Alan ignored them. After putting everything else in his backpack, he began examining the gun, making sure not to point it at himself or in Kitana’s direction.

Kitana looked over at Alan, seemingly unsurprised he’d randomly found a gun in a safe. “Have you ever fired a gun before?” she asked.

“Um, no, but how hard could it be?” Alan said. Kitana rolled her eyes.

“Don’t point it anywhere near me, alright? Even if the gun is unloaded, or you fired all the bullets, or there’s a giant kaiju about to bite my head off, do NOT point the gun anywhere within five feet of me.”

“Um, okay,” Alan said. This was the first time he'd heard Kitana raise her voice.