[hr][center][img]https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/f5680f53522101.59377852a7113.png[/img][/center][hr][sub][color=FDAD07][b]Gateway City, California[/b]
July 4th, 2018[/color][/sub]

[indent][center][img]https://www.hipentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/san-francisco-fireworks.jpg[/img][/center]
[color=FDAD07][b]“Do you have everything you need?”[/b][/color]

Bekka smiled warmly as she kneeled underneath Gateway City’s Rainbow Bridge, a kind smile as she dropped the bag of food into the man’s shopping cart, the celebration of fireworks echoing above them.

[color=BC784B]“Yes. Thank you.”[/color]

After an entire day of dealing with the problems of the unenlightened, Bekka was feeling the night weigh on her. The New Gods had boundless energy with longevity that was unparalleled, but in the third world it seemed that things tired her faster. She figured it was the fatigue of war and her body forgetting what it had been like to charge into battle. She had been back into the swing of things for only a small handful of months, but she still herself not at her full power. 

But there was more work to do, and there were things beyond guiding a fallen airplane and dealing with gang disputes in the inner city that she had to do. The homeless were a growing problem in Gateway City and the vile chemicals the homeless put into their bodies was a telling problem. But Bekka was new at this “detective-ing”, so she ended up forcing herself into the most obvious threats rather than thinking about the inner-workings of the drug trade. Having her motherbox was certainly helpful when it came to trying to solve more complex problems but if she wanted to get anywhere with her investigation she was going to have to start thinking more wisely. She would get better at as she continued her benevolent war against the vicious and the fraudulent. Somehow. 

The man in front of her was one of the few of the homeless of Gateway City who didn’t indulge in the chemical that had infected them, a drug called Nepenthe. He was also one of the few of the homeless who didn’t run when they caught sight of her. The groceries she had brought had not been a bribe in her view, but it served a similar purpose. Bartering may have gone out of style among the elite, but among those who had nothing, it seemed like it was enough to get the tiniest bit of information.

[color=FDAD07][b]“What can you tell me about the others without homes? Of what they are putting into their bodies?”[/b][/color]

He remained quiet for a moment, but he responded quickly.

[color=BC784B]“Poison.”[/color]

Bekka chuckled under her breath. While she did not disagree, it wasn’t really the answer she was looking for. She already knew its name, so she was looking for something more substantial. For example, where it was being processed or where to find the dealers who peddled it. Normally she would just sprawl the skyline and look for them on the street corners but those dealing Nepenthe seemed a bit craftier than those who were dealing dope.

[color=FDAD07][b]“Is there anyone you know who is buying? or has heard anything about it?”[/b][/color]

His hands tightened on his walking stick. [color=BC784B]“I may have heard some things. Those who come to trade. They look for Nepenthe in the harbor. I remember something about Neptune.”[/color]

It was cryptic, but it was enough to work with for the time being.

[color=FDAD07][b]“Thank you, my friend. Be well.”[/b][/color]

[color=BC784B]“Likewise, Bekka.”[/color]

Bekka's brows narrowed as she turned to take flight. If she could help it she would find this Neptune and put an end to this epidemic. But for the time being she needed rest. [/indent]