Apocrypha

Chapter 23

"He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding."
Proverbs 15:32

MORNING WAS HECTIC as the two men had to ready quickly before leaving for the trading hub. Dromio had breakfast for the two men. They ate a bowl of fruit, a glass of kefir, and were given a few protein bars for the trip.

Gabriel was incredibly nervous. He knew he was going to be recognized at some point. So, he placed his hood on and covered his face as much as possible.

The trip to the building took around 30 minutes. Along the way, they came across other people who were also on their way to trade. Lysander spoke to them, but Gabriel kept himself hidden.

At the front entrance, Gabriel could see the building's facade. He was mistaken. It wasn't exactly a building, but more so like a warehouse. People walked around with bags or large boxes in their hands that were full of knacks or electronics.

Lysander pulled Gabriel aside before entering the building.

"Cover your beautiful face." Lysander said, tugging on the blonde man's hood.

"Geez, am I your secret mistress?" Gabriel jokingly asked.

"In a way." Lysander replied. He kissed Gabriel on the forehead. "Let's go."

Gabriel took a deep breath as he followed his lover close by. Everywhere he stepped he saw something that would immediately get someone arrested if they were caught with it. Banned books or racy magazines, everything caught his eye. He had never seen so many illegal yet intriguing things.

"This way!" Lysander shouted. Gabriel had fallen behind and sped-walked to Lysander.

There was a smell of something in the air. Gabriel looked around and saw an area was reserved for eating as plastic and wood tables and chairs were stationed under a tarp. Surrounding the tables and chairs were food stands. One that caught his attention was a woman selling a type of fish.

"Coming through!" A person yelled. The crowd broke through as a man walked by while having several goat kids following him.

Much walking later and they arrived at their first destination. A man behind a counter was selling all types of electronics. He had his hat over his face, Gabriel assuming he was asleep.

"What do you need from here?" Gabriel asked. Lysander looked down at a few of the electronics.

"Anything, really." Lysander replied as he picked up a taser the size of his hands. "Where is this from?" He asked the man behind the counter.

"Hmm?" The man said, lifting his head. He looked at the weapon Lysander was holding. "Oh, that's a military grade weapon from when Barksdale was stormed a few decades back."

Lysander turned it on. There was a light blue zap that made a loud buzzing noise. Gabriel stepped back as he was worried.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt you." Lysander told him. He turned back to the seller and paid for the seller. Gabriel wasn't going to ask why he needed a taser in his bag, but he didn't question it. Because he himself had a gun, which was much more deadly.

"Can I look around?" Gabriel asked.

"Sure. Meet me in the lunch area in..." Lysander looked at one of the clocks on the booth in front of him. "30 minutes."

"Got it." Gabriel replied. Lysander leaned down to his ear.

"And keep your pretty face hidden. I don't want this place to suddenly become a GabrielCon event."

Gabriel nodded in understanding. He gave Lysander a farewell before walking into the crowd of people. He was one of the tallest people there and was able to see above everyone. He scanned the different booths, figuring out where he wanted to go first.