Eric Taylor had gone around the docks, making small talk with crew workers, checking shipments, covering the usual bases before he made it back over to the decaying building that housed his office. He had asked them about their families and their adventures abroad; listened to the replies with genuine interest & handed out unsanctioned bonuses from his own pocket to those he knew needed a little extra cash to get by for the week--for those who had families to feed. Eric was the real deal; didn’t have a phony bone in his entire body. Unassuming and yet had a personality that drew people to him like cold hands to a fire. He played father and peacekeeper on occasion. Not the guy who demanded to be in the spotlight but probably the best-liked man in the yard. A guy who could make just about anyone feel as if they were his best friend.
As soon as his eyes had a moment to adjust, they perceived an unusual sight. It was not some homeless man or a hung over sailor that had come looking for respite from the chill of the night, but two armed--what looked to be black ops soldiers-holding with some kids in costume hostage. They were mangled and obviously in distress, bleeding on his floor and startled by his entrance. What had he just walked in on? Had this man and woman team kidnapped some conventioners? In their full cosplay gear? He froze, keys still in hand, before they unceremoniously dropped to the floor and he rose those hands in the air. "Whoah whoah whoah, hey now, lets not do anything hasty." He said to the woman along with his placating gesture as she held him at gunpoint. The door was still wide open, if he could but signal someone for help....
