The streets are quiet in the Gray, the few remaining police aircraft cruise along the inside of the uncompleted dome, then nothing but the sound of shoes upon pavement once more. The Gray is not so much a safe district as it is a not so dangerous a district, even then it pays to take precautions; the silent drone hovers above while two Brothers stalk along in the wings. Candy smiles, NEM once took great care of his personal well-being, no doubt it chaffs them that their protections still lingers as well.

It was a show of respect that he was walking into the territory of Fredrik Alburs, Capa of the Death Shivers, on foot with only an honor guard. Already the distinctive stylized shark tag was making itself known – “This place is protected by the Death Shivers”.

It is not long before I stand before the home of the Capa, an old run down apartment building, still the eyes it must give him over his territory well suits his agenda. Walking up the steep stairs to the door: “Hello there shark-pup, the names Candyman and I’ve a meeting with Capa Alburs.” The heavy set man grunts and steps out of the way with a curt nod – the inside is clear and smells of the sea. The silence behind me shows that my Brothers are waiting outside, the Capa wishes to talk in private. The pups stay out of my way, giving old slight nods of affirmation at my passing, it is a somber place. Simple doors lead into the inner sanctum of the Capa – I step inside after a brief knock.

The Capa is much smaller than expected, a slight man much like myself dressed in a simple black suit. The room seems to be underwater, alive with the movement of sharks swimming in the distance, surely not a intimidation tactic? No seat is present in the room save the Capa’s “throne” – all of this posturing! Closing the door behind me and taking a relaxed stance, “Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice Capa.” Alburs smiles coldly and waves his hand, “You said there was something of common interest we were to discuss – I trust you understand our motivations and goals? We have no interest in running the guns and drugs of filth like yourself.” Ahh so that’s his angle, “No, no – I understand well that safety is your stock and trade. I provide safety in equal measure, drugs are of no interest to me. I fear my children would be corrupted if we were to dabble in such a thing. No, I came here to discuss a possible alliance.” The Capa gestures me to continue, " The Black Toenail Clade, they sell drugs and arms without concern for the balance and further, they seem to have ties to Dream Corp. They are a dangerous group with Corp backing – Desiderium is prepared to move on them with some hired professionals in the next day or so. In return for the assistance of manpower I can promise the elimination of a dangerous gang and equipment, free of charge, to be donated to your causes upon the job’s completion." Capa Alburs stiffens before the spark of a smile lights his eye, "The Black Toenails have been a thorn, a minor thorn, in our side for some time. The drugs they sell drift into our territory often enough and the weapons they sell seem to go to “puppets” as often as not. If you can provide those guns, good sturdy man killers, I think we can throw in on this arrangement." I step forward and shake the Capas thin strong hands, “A pleasure Capa, I feel our friendship will be a great boon to the Gray. I hope to hear from you again soon – Desiderium will have details on the strike to you soon.”

The trip back is less than eventful, flopping into his chair Candy begins to speak to the air, “The Capa, probing about the Corp connections was a wise move, poor man was damned either way.” Candy smiles as he reminisces about the days before his fall, “Poor Capa.”