[pshrynk]

As Vera barreled down the highway, she tried to get a bearing on where she was. Some sort of mid level residential area, apparently. She was using the old "Drive straight until something happens" approach to finding one's way. How big was this city? Finally, she saw, in the distance, the docks where she had disembarked. Following that landmark, she veered into the area where her hotel was and parked around behind.

Leaving the truck there, she ran up to her room and hastily changed into her clothes for the tournament. Just her luck that she would get abducted just in time to be late for a really important game! Cursing the need to have straight seams, she tripped down the hallway, trying to put on a shoe as she walked to Montsnmags' room.

Knocking, she heard a muffled, "Come... in!"

Inside the room were Montsnmags and Slick, whose real name she could never remember. They were finishing up with getting into the tuxedos they had rented when they arrived.

"Ah, my... dear! So good... of you to join us!"

"Sorry. I got hijacked."

"Well, we are just... about ready to go, so if you could... call for a taxi?"

Vera went to the lobby and looked up a taxi company. Maria's Fast Cabs caught her eye and she dialed the number. Giving the address, she went and sat down in the lobby. Now, why were those men at the Ice Plant so eager to not let her see what was happening in there? What was the big deal? She resolved to check out the truck more thoroughly when she came back.

Suddenly, she was struck with panic. Where was Vivaldi? In all the excitement she had completely forgotten him! Running out the front door, she pelted down the sidewalk toward the Ice Plant. There was a noticeable lack of small grey dog in front of the building. "Damn!" she cursed, "He'll never let me forget this one."