Syphon Industries tower stood proud in the city like a beacon of technological evolution. Its high power technology has been the staple of the city, and a major contributing factor to the Nation's future as a whole. Though, immediately beneath it shows the consequences of capitalist greed.
For miles, the city beneath the tower had yet to see any financial improvements. The atmosphere weighed heavily with poverty and homelessness. In fact, the only thing even remotely up to date in terms of economy is the Syphon Tower.
This district of Petrichor City is better known as,
– LAVONNE: THE GUTTERS –
The sewage collection puddle at the bottom of the rich scum downspout.
It wasn't just Dr. Syphon who caused this, though. The district had struggled with this issue for decades due to multiple big-shot companies pouring funding into their own ventures, not caring one bit about the people of the city in their vicinity.
Gemini was waiting for Lexo to meet her before work. It was about 7:30. A man was seen approaching her… His attire was nothing short of suspicious, and he didn't blend in with the crowd at all. A black, loose hood covered his head, and baggy sweatpants were worn to compliment it. Pulling the hood down, Lexo revealed himself. He came just about an arms distance from her.
"Sorry I'm late..."
"I'm surprised you recognized me so easily. Maybe the disguise isn't as good as I thought."
"Well... You're the only girl I know that would be staring at me. And you're the same height by the way. Can't exactly change that with a disguise."
He looked down at her, teasing.
She grumbled about 'the audacity of tall people' for a moment before snapping back on task.
"So work starts in a half hour. I'll wait for everyone to get settled then I'll start downloading the files. I've been snooping a little already so I know which folders I need."
Her voice was low and almost blended into the background noise of the bustling slum city square.
"Lex, if things go south, it's up to you to get me out of there."
He smirked sarcastically, looking over towards where they were headed... From here, they could already have a peek at it. The dark and crooked city blocks that surrounded Syphon Tower like dirt at the bottom of a plant stem... Lavonne, or as locals refer to it - The Gutters.
"Don't worry, I've got us covered. I used to live out here so.. It's pretty much common knowledge."
"That's good to hear."
Her tense body language seemed to loosen just a little. She was still fidgeting and fiddling with her hands. He sighs. He could already feel the painful nostalgia rushing in.
"Alright. So, once I find a reliable route I'll text you the details... Make sure you call me if something happens."
"I will."
She took a deep breath.
"I should go now."
Lexo also took a few deep breaths. He closed his eyes as he calmed his nerves a small bit. Even though Gemini was heading straight into the front lines, this was going to be the biggest and most dangerous thing he'd ever been a part of. It was giving him an unhealthy amount of anxiety.
"See ya later alligator."
"After a while, uh, crocodile?"
He scratches the top of his head, hoping he got it right.
This got a small giggle from Gemini. She gave him a final wave before disappearing into a wave of commuters.
"..."
His heart was beating so ferociously, it was almost as though it was trying to break free of its own bodily confines. So, to calm the nerves, his eyes wander to a nearby fast food place. One he hasn't eaten at in a long while. Unable to resist the urge, he walks over to purchase a small combo with a soft drink.
"Well, isn't this a blast from the past?"
He wandered off and tossed his hood back over his head. His eyes scanned the breathtaking tower, one that looked larger than life when this close up. And even though he was only a city block away from it, the tip of the tower couldn't even be seen from the ground, shrouded in secrecy by the clouds above.
"You've got this, Gem..."
He tossed his empty drink into a bin nearby. This didn't exactly help the obvious amounts of litter that filled the streets, but at least it made him feel a little better.
"... Hmm. These streets haven't changed at all."
He begun scouting, like he promised. Finding well covered pathways of escape from the direction of the tower. The Gutters were full of darkened alleyways, and streets that likely will never see the light of day due to the industrial skyscrapers that snatch every stray beam of sun away. This was bound to be an easy escape... Now, he just needed to find a destination.
As he progressed, he took photos: restaurants, convenience stores, and gas stations. Places they could lay low for a bit while the heat died down. If they were even being chased in the first place, that is.
"This one brings back memories..."
Lex comments on a small corner store. One only about a block away from where he used to live... with his Mom and Dad. The nostalgia is bittersweet. Life was much different back then.
... Before he met her.
"Wait..."
Lex's head poked up in curiosity, slightly distracted from the task at hand by a familiar aroma. Someone was cooking. From the smell, he could tell it was a heartfelt pot roast, cooked in the exact same way his own Mother used to. Before he could even realize, he was already walking towards the scent like a scene out of a classical cartoon. His nose led him deeper into his old childhood area. He got flashes of his old life in this neighborhood, back when life was simpler and much less stressful. Then, he found himself standing right at the edge of steps toward an apartment complex. His eyes widened with shock, as he paused for a moment.
"I'm… Home?"
His mind raced, as he gripped the dry-rotted railing that accompanied the stairs. Every memory from him as a child rushed back. This is the life he lived before Brett, before Inara,
…before everything.
"..."
He proceeded forward. Unsure of what force drew him closer. Perhaps he wanted closure? Perhaps, he felt his mom was living here, still cooking the same home classic meal. He hadn't seen either of his parents since he ran away, so maybe he can finally repair their relationship. He raised a hand, and gently knocked on the door, unsure what he'd say when it inevitably opened.