<strong>Tagged:</strong>Frankie, Aurora<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Garage; New Amsterdam, Bazaar; New Amsterdam, Hotel Cigüeñal<br/><hr/><br/>Joy had grown hungry as she took note of various shortcuts and potential new routes someone on a bike could take. The track that they would be racing on took them through the old downtown of New York. The topside track allowed larger vehicles like trucks, cars and her 3-REX to race through the dusty and deserted Times Square and the subway systems had only enough space for the smaller vehicles. To make the race more lively, the system allowed the old subway lines to operate, allowing for front-row spectating to be done and to provide more exciting obstacle for those racing in the railway lines. The topside fared their own obstacles. Due to the export of steel, some of the skyscrapers had become brittle when exposed to the salty air. There was the potential moment when one of these high-rises would fall upon the track. The official hoped it would happen eventually. It would certainly drive the ratings up. The big corporations could use a death or two to take advantage of the rankings.<br/><br/>Avalon had a secret stash of preserved CLIF bars from the old times. Though they didn't taste as good as they did before, it sure beat a insta-meal every time. She looked for the box underneath her hammock, but found it empty. No doubt she had finished it last time she was hungry. All she had to do was go out and buy some more. Joy hoped they had some in stock. She donned a poncho and hood over her current outfit and put on some racing boots. The security system would surely be able to keep any unwanted visitor away from the truck while she was away.<br/><br/>She was heading to the bazaar, but stole a glance of Frankie coming out of an alley with a box full of parts. She looked like she was in a hurry, judging by the speed she was going. She paid the mechanic no mind, since New Amsterdam was the place to stock up on needed supplies. She entered the bazaar, trying not to draw too much attention with her hood hanging over her face. She avoided the junkyard and the tech booths and went towards the market section. Here, spices, fruits of fine quality, and foods to fill an empty stomach were located. Much of the sellers were farmers who tried to make a living selling their weathered crops at a decent price. She eyed an old woman with a tent behind two farmer who were selling spiced apples and dried licorice.<br/><br/>"Do you have any, today?" Joy asked, lifting her hood a bit so that the purple streaks in her hair could be seen. This was a sign exclusively for Joy, since the relationship between her and the old woman went way back, back to when she was a little girl with her father.<br/><br/>"Not much, love. I have this whole box of energy bars, but I'm willing to part them along with my remaining CLIF bars for a good price," the old woman bargained.<br/><br/>"How much?" Joy hurriedly asked.<br/><br/>The old woman looked up, letting her hood fall behind her head. Her left eyes was gone, replaced by a synthetic on that glowed in whatever light came into her tent. With a chuckle, she muttered, "As much as Joy's platonic affection for the Grey Merc. Don't worry, dear. I don't think I will be here the next time you come to New Amsterdam. I'll send for delivery to your truck. Expect to have my wares by tonight."<br/><br/>"Seriously?" Joy asked.<br/><br/>"Do you want me to change my mind?" the old woman shot back. "Besides, I'm hoping Mercer will multiply my investment tenfold after the next race."<br/><br/>"Thanks, Mimi," Joy happily showed her gratitude. Donning her hood again, she left the woman's tent and made her way back through the Bazaar.<br/><br/>She stole another glance of another crew member, the team handler, Aurora, no doubt off to do business in the town. "Couldn't hurt to follow her," she whispered to herself and trailed the woman to a Hotel. She followed her in and sat on a stool at the end of the counter. Joy, not much of a drinker, only when Alex paid for it all, waved the barkeep away with her hand. She wondered what reason the handler was here for. No doubt she was here doing business, but what kind?