<strong>Jasper's Shack</strong><br/><br/>Jasper closed the lid to the sterile container and pulled the curtains closed slightly so only a thin vertical strip of light was cast onto the only specimen he was currently working with, a hydroponic soy bean plant.  This was particularly difficult because he had limited access to water filters, which would become much less effective with prolonged use.  However, if his research went well he wouldn't need the filters, the plant would ward off the pollutants and seek out pure nutrients.  His previous tests with pure water were a success, and he was testing the acceptance of small bits of pond scum into the water which he knew would contain mass amounts of algae, as well as hazardous chemicals.  He turned his attention to a wooden box 3'X4'X3' and slid open a small door on the length to reveal 3 small strawberry plants.  Each specimen had worked out quite nicely, as they were growing in solely fresh water, and had produced an average of 6 berries each.  He clipped the rounded berries from their stems and placed them one by one into a plastic bag tinted light green.  After doing so he slid shut the compartment door and retrieved yet another parcel from his work table, sitting next to a wooden box not quite so wide as the other.  It was marked with a biohazard sticker to deter anyone who might come across it from prying inside.  He tucked the berries and parcel into a sidebag and slung the strap over his shoulder.  After checking a thermometer on the wall he exited the small abode and made his way carefully to Francie's Place.  A little over half the trip there he pressed his palm to his forehead in frustration,<em>Damn it all!  I knew I had forgotten something.  It would be a bother to turn around now...It'll just have to wait</em><br/><br/><strong>Francie's Place</strong><br/><br/>He pushed open the door to Francie's as he would the door to his own living space.  Hell, this might as well be his second living space he spent so much time in the damned place.  Jasper made note of the shifty atmosphere and took a seat on a bar stool, his usual choice.  He motioned the barkeep towards him and inquired in a low whisper<br/><br/>"Where might I find Kirk?  I've got something he may be interested in."<br/><br/>The man nodded towards the loft and Jasper registered this meant he wasn't to be disturbed.  Every time he and Kirk entered that area it was for private business matters, and he was sure this was no different.  He scratched his chin, not so much a nervous gesture as an attempt to pass off the question as something more normal, and reached into the his sidepack.  He produced the small bag containing strawberries and laid it upon the bar.  With a half-smile and a squint of his eyes he asked,<br/><br/>"Ya got anything new for me?"<br/><br/>The man behind the counter winked and disappeared behind a swinging saloon door only to step out shortly after with a parcel wrapped in leather and tied with hemp string.  Jasper knew these materials were hard to come by, that meant his payment would be sizable this time.<em>This must be his attempt to make up for all that shitty pay I've been gettin'.</em><br/><br/>The man laid the package on the bar and cast a shifty glance towards the loft he had nodded to previously.<br/><br/>"What'll ya have to quench yer thirst, eh Jasper?"<br/><br/>Jasper didn't reply immediately as he was busy pushing the leather bound package into his side pack.  Catching the note, he stroked his facial hair once more and replied simply,<br/><br/>"Brandy, on the rocks...I'm sure once Logan sees what I have for him he'll be more than obliged to cover my tab."<br/><br/>After procuring the drink the barkeep toddled off to tend to other patrons.  Jasper didn't mind of course, their business was finished for now.   He sat quietly sipping his drink and purposely refusing to acknowledge the others crowded about Francie's.  He had no funds for the prostitutes, and lacked any desire to converse with the other ruffians who frequented this place.  He hadn't noticed any of his highwaymen buddies with whom he would usually share a drink and a story or two if they weren't discussing matters of business.  For now, he would just wait patiently.<br/>