EXT. VARRENGER COAST – BORDER DISTRICT – DAY

Layers of rooftops stack into the distance where waves of heat ripple over them as they blend into the haze. There a column of dark smoke rises over the horizon. Below, streets are packed with cars and crowds of people fleeing the war with all their belongings in the place where they’ve run out of land to run on.

EXT. STREET CORNER – CASTILLO PUB – CONT.

Among the hubbub, two figures make their way through the crowd, an older bearded gentleman, and a boy of about 16 closely guarding a case, both looking a little out of place and trying not to be noticed. They slip in through the pub entrance.

INT. CASTILLO PUB — CONT.

Inside the dark space is as crowded and humid as the street had been. The man makes his way to the bar, keeping the boy close by, and speaks with the bartender there who directs him to the corner where HAYDEN VOSS, a man of about 30, sits with his feet up and a drink in hand, looking like the only person in the room who chose to be here.

MAN

I’m told you can make deliveries over the border to Klein.

HAYDEN

I can deliver anything anywhere. The only question is who for and for how much.

MAN

10,000 in cash up front, another 10,000 in Klein, but only if we can skip your first question.

HAYDEN

(amused)

What question was that?

The man nods. Hayden raises his glass.

EXT. STREET CORNER – AT A PAYPHONE – LATER

Hayden looks over his shoulder then places a call. The line is ringing and then an indistinct voice can be heard answering.

HAYDEN

I might be able to deliver you your missing palace brat.

(muffled speech replies)

HAYDEN

Well, that depends on your price.

Written by a human without AI. Cover image made with Midjourney.

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