T'was high noon in the city if Fairhaven, far from the reaches of the Zephyrian strongmen, at the edge of the city where law was subjective and survival hinged on one's own prowess. The clouds hung low above them, slowly rolling over the skies, obscuring the already limited sunlight and bringing with them all the more frigid cold. In these times it is easy to forget the problems of the city, but for those more opportunistic and clever, these dangerous field would come not as threatening, rather they'd be laced thick with potential for gain and advancement.

It is human nature to rebel against the state of affairs, to demand more in exchange for less in the absence of ramifications, a word given to this unique characteristic. Greed, the insatiable craving for more material or otherwise things, a core flaw so prominent it is the driving force of countless evils. Even today, after the world had all but ended, even in the dawn of a new world unlike anything before, those less inclined to follow societal rules would linger in the shadows, sometimes organize to better thair ill-gotten gains.

Today however, one fennec with a knack for scouting had secured Zephyr's RND team some much-needed materials. Well, he hadn't secured anything yet, to do so implies they are in his possession, however he had tracked down a deal that they can seal! Sitting at the steps leading into a luxurious casino just there, where the city ended and the wildlands started, chatting idly with one of the burly doormen, Magnus the little fennec fox awaited those brave and clever enough for a quick briefing on what they were expected to do.

Gloomy... an excellent descriptor for the weather and coincidently the best time for dealing. Bright and shiny or a depressing downpour wouldn't do for dangerous deals. No you need a particular balance between miserable and optimistic for the desperate optimistic types and dangerous dealers to meet where they would deal. Knowing this the large Hound, Hellhound in fact, strode down the way toward to casino as today it was time to make such a deal. Clad in his usual duds reminiscent of a character from a media likely few in the world who're still sane would recognize, not wanting to draw any due suspicion of being a dealer rather than an optimist, he says, "Good day, gents." to Magnus and the bounder with a greeting nod once he's close. *Can we trust this guy or should I keep everything to myself?* he asks telepathically.

Between the ruffles and the stockings and the fur, short though it may be, and the duffle coat worn over it all, Nena wasn't feeling the chill much. Not to an uncomfortable enough degree that she lets on, in any case. Taking a moment to adjust her scarf and flick a bit of ash off of her cigarette, the otter maid comes to a stop at the foot of the stairs. No words, just a nod of greeting and a cool lean against a nearby object and a folding of arms.

Cerris strides up to the casino, an equally burly man, but one that has painstakingly cultivated an aire of oopulence, style and shall we say...class to him. Or at least that is what he was going for when he created this look. Tearing away his canvas hooded poncho, he tosses it into a corner and dusts himself off to make certain he isn't wrinkled.

It's not easy to get people to ignore the fact that you are beyond olympic level weight lifting when you one sidedly decide you should take actions on a political and financial level just because you believe yourself cunning and goodlooking.

But pushing his personal desires aside, he is present, imposing and exactly the kind of guy one would have expected to se in a casino prior to nanites. Recognizing Nena, he gives her a thumbs up and a large grin, then folds his arms over his chest waiting to see how things are gonna start off.

The kemomimi german shepherd that is Anagram walks up to the group, shirtless to show off his many tatoos and completely unfazed by the cold. He stands tall with a swagger, like the world belonged to him. Following behind Anagram is an actual german shepard dog, heeling to his master as Anagram whistles for him. "What is the details of this arrangement?" Anagram asks Magnus.

Entering the room while trying to ignore the quiet growl behind her from the german shepherd security guards, a bipedal snow leopard enters and looks around curiously. Glad of her warm jacket on the journey over to the location specified in the message she'd received, in the warmth of the casino it's now a little too insulating so she unzips it, revealing a little more of her figure. She looks a little uncomfortable in this place, but judging from the rifle on her back is prepared for various possibilities. Spotting the contact for the mission she heads over to Magnus and the group around him, offering a warm smile and a friendly nod as greeting.

There was a strangeness to Magnus today, his hands and legs covered in gloves and shoes, unlike he'd done so in the past. It was safe to assume that it'd gotten so cold what his wee pawpads were too frigid for comfort's sake, however... that wasn't all. There was a look in his eyes, that once soft mischievous gaze now glinting with intelligence, and a hunger difficult to put into words. Regardless, he... sounded all the same. His tone was chipper and his smile just as genuine.

The fox lets his gaze wander among those that'd arrived. Yes, a hearty pack of multi-talented agents. Luck would be on his side once more, perhaps? "Heya fellas!" He'd greet with a jovial yip. "Welcome to the Carnal Pleasures Casino. Unfortunately, we are here on business today! No time for the ahem... pleasures." the lad casts them all a wink before hooking a thumb towards the door.

"Our contact is called Mister Finch. He's a local businessman and entrepreneur, operating a multitude of businesses in the area. It seems that a company of his scavs have procured some rare minerals that may well be quite useful for Zephyr's research and development effort. Now then!" The fox would stomp on the ground with a loud *thud* from one shoe. "Mister Finch is not a man looking for more wealth. He has plenty of this already. Rather he has informed me via proxy that his requests may be esoteric in nature. He has assured me that there will be no demands for anything humiliating or mind-breaking."

A wave of the hand follows "Nonetheless I have reasons to believe that his lackeys and even underbosses, as loyal as they may be, are still given some liberties, in addition to, much like any other sentient folk, being able to be coerced. What will happen is we will enter through these here doors, and meet with this person, see their demands and negotiate for the goods. If all goes well, we will have ourselves a lot to take back."

His glance wanders towards Ebreus, though only for a moment, before they wander back over the crowd. "So without further adieu, we'd best not be late! This way!" Magnus would step back and push the double doors leading into the luxurious casino. There, he would guide those following through the crowds and towards the commercial area, the classy jazz music audible in the main chamber slowly fading behind them. There, they'd take a right towards one of the lesser used hallways, and stand before a large wooden door.