Contract #1

The first contract sounded like something you'd like to do. Getting involved in something that could you knock you out of action didn't seem like a risk worth taking now that you had someone so...attached to you now. Plus, the idea of doing something super physical in the snow didn't seem all that fun either.

You'd gather your gear and start getting ready for whatever task laid ahead of you and your decision. You were fearful of leaving anything of true value behind, but now you've been here for so long without anything terrible happening to your room, you knew you could travel a little lighter than you had on your first couple of months. You used to bring a couple of different weapons on your adventures, but now that a bases of trust has been made, you figure you can be lighter on your feet.

You had embarked towards the Sage Lodge, which was only about a 30 minute hike beyond the road took you to the little town that had Tiny's Tavern in it. The landscape you were beginning to recognize had drastically changed over night. Most of the ground still had thin layer of snow over it, the trees had also winterized; along with the rest of the brush. The forest after a snow fall, even as light as the one that happened overnight, made it eerily quiet. The crunch and occasional "sloosh" is all what gave you company.

After about 15 minutes, you broke the treeline and entered a meadow - which was also covered in a fair share of snow too. It was very clear that no one had traveled this way in a long time. The road had no tracks aside from the regular wildlife that occupied this side of the country. You didn't even see boot prints. That surprised you the most. Montana saw a lot of traffic. Russians, Canadians, Montanans- the unofficial invasion through Alaska eventually bled into Canada. If though that happened nearly 30 years ago, the battle left (already) war-torn battalions deep in Canadian/American wastelands - now cut off by their motherland, they found themselves trapped far from their homes and families.

Blink

Alright history buff. Let's focus on what you're doing here. No need to dive into the books.

You shake your head and clear your throat. Whenever you found yourself outside and strolling; your mind had it's way of recalling why the north was so...terrible. You halt any further thoughts and adjusted your sling as you made it further up the hill you were just now aware you were mounting. The gear on your webbing felt like it was weighed a ton, you were suddenly a lot happier you decided to take the light load that you did. This could have been very troublesome otherwise.

The meadow stopped. You started to journey inside the forest once more. The snow here was less noticeable; the trees had made sure the floor was mostly clear. But as the snow melted it pooled to the ground and made a mess of the trail. Your leather boots started to sink deeper into the terrain, making the trip seem much more brutal than any other you've taken thus far. In this area at least.

Finally, up ahead you could see another clearing. The closer you got to it, the better you could make out the shapes of building beyond the vegetation. You rolled your thumb under the strap of your rifle and ran up front to where the trees stopped. The Sage Lodge was right where it was supposed to be. Everything else around it seemed to be cleared too. It still sparkled somewhat due to the now sunny surroundings, but there weren't very many trees or hills either. It was actually pretty flat, an odd change of sight considering you just cut through several sections of thick forest.

Without a reason to stop, you continued. In this area, you could see that there was another road that lead to a single path that lead to the building you were going up to. It had some signs of use. Further down that path, where another part of the forest was, another path connected to it. That one had seen some use as well. Horse dung, spent casings, boot prints, they either lead away or towards the lodge. This was also a good sign, it meant that whoever was here intended to either shelter to for information. There's weren't any evidence of a firefight or recent skirmishes.

A short walk later, you made it up to the lodge. The building looked remarkably put together, regardless of nuclear war or not! It stretched a fair ways left and right. Where you walking up however, looked to be the main part of the structure. The front was mostly glass, which you could see through, there were some barricades still, but they didn't seem to be for protection, mostly hastily put together repairs for the winter that was rapidly approaching. You reached for the door and gave it a solid tug. The door responded by opening without resistance. You walked into a decent looking lobby. It was cold and wasn't very well-lit. You knew this was "pit-stop" of some kind. Perhaps they weren't open yet? Well, if it wasn't, they should lock the front door or leave a sign.

"Any body here?" You asked, making your way towards the center. An unlit fireplace sits black and cool. Facing the fireplace were a few well-cushioned red chairs. A coffee tables stands clear of dust and objects. The rug in a fine-state covered the floor. You inhaled, smelling pine and black coffee. You look up and see the other side of the lobby - a glass wall showing the entire world. "Who the fuck runs this joint?"

"I do," a mans voice comes from no where. "I'm the owner of this lodge."

Your heart leapt, but you kept your cool. You turned slowly. You knew by the tone of his voice he didn't mean any harm. You cock your head and smile. "Sorry. I just walked in. Didn't see anyone..."

"No worries," the man replied, stretching out his hand to you. "You're a contractor, aren't you?"

You nod. "I'm here for the snow removal."

He looked at you with a confused expression, so you chased your comment with another response. "Heard you're worried about being picked at by somewhat. What gives with that?"

This time, he nods. His grip on your hand is loose, but you shake it nonetheless. "Yes, yes- that's right! I was starting to think no one was going to show up. It's been a while since I listed that request at the board."

"I guess there aren't very many Independent contractors around here this time of year." You say.

"Despite that...What's your name?"

You shrug. "Warren. You need a last one too?"

"No," he says. "I'm Sullivan."

Sullivan starts to walk towards the windowed wall. You follow and stand beside him, enjoying the rest of the compound. There are other buildings, smaller ones, but they share the same material and color as the building you are in. Sullivan points at the one furthest away from the lodge. "It's that building over there that is attracting the most problems."

"So, what's the task?"

"It's going to sound stupid," he tells you. "I just want you to spend a few nights inside the building and find who it is that keeps breaking into said-building."

"That's not the worst thing I've done for someone, Sullivan." You look around. "How many people do I need to look out for?"

"I believe it's just 1 person, at the most 2. They haven't done anything destructive - and they only steal a few items, but it's very inconvenient for me to deal with. Not the mention, my small staff is getting worked up."

You sigh. "Rightfully so. You don't know what you're dealing with here. Could be a lot of trouble."

Sullivan sighs too, relieved to know you understand. "I don't want it to be terrible, but I'd offer you a room here tonight and a free meal for your efforts for as long as you are here."

"And the payment for a completed contract?"

"I'll pay you well, I promise. But, I'd like to get a professional's opinion on the situation first."

"If they come back tonight, I'll let you know what it's worth."

You go back to the fireplace and sit down. Sullivan follows you and crosses his arms. "You aren't going to...gouge the price, are you?"

"Sullivan. Contractors that lie get bounties set on their heads. I don't intend that to happen to me anytime soon." The man smiles at your statement and nods.

He backs away and calls out a name. "Lindsay!" He looks back at you and chuckles. "We're running a skeleton crew. There's only 4 of us inside the lodge until spring. We're not really open to the public."

"Doubt you get very much traffic up here. This road leads no where that's populated." You settle into the couch and cross your legs. "I've gotta...think for a bit. I could use a cup of coffee - maybe a sandwich, it's kinda late in the day now."

"Of course, of course! Make yourself at home. Don't be shy! No question will be remarked as a waste. My staff and I will help out in any way possible. Do you wish to stay here or...?"

"I'm gonna stay here for a while. Unless you want me to go to a room now, you can just, uh, getting me something to eat here. Expect me to get my things in order out here until then."

Sullivan, once again, nods. "I'll let the others know then. I'll return with some food for you."

"Take your time, there's no rush."

As Sullivan leaves, you hunch over. What kind of fucking thief returns to the same place? You purse your lips together and think for a few seconds. You slide off your gear and start taking stock everything again. You probably over packed for this contract...