Vanbrilliance finished his tasks early. First, he prepared few bags of juicy meat buns, lavishly smeared with organic spices. It's a new and secret recipe, after all. Afterwards, he delivered the meat buns to some of his pals and a large portion of the supply went to the Spud Farm stash. 

He also looked after the small patch of land he acquired from the good graces of Spud Farm. The patch is still empty, yet it holds a lot of promises in the future. Maybe it can be used for crops or a small burial ground for enemies. But this is somehow...out of league. Van doesn't bury his enemies. He turns them into something else.

"Ohhh man, you sure got a nice patch to begin with!" A rugged, leisurely voice echoed from behind. Vanbrilliance snapped from his daydream and instinctively reached for his pistol. He saw a cheerful old man wearing tattered clothes, ready to spark a long conversation. Van somehow relaxed.

"Hey there. I still haven't figured out what to do with this small land. Maybe I can park two or three trucks here."

"Sure thing sir!" The old man offered his hand. "The name's Morningwood Boner."

Van tried not to laugh as he shook the old man's dusty hand. "Vanbrilliance. Just call me Van."

"Sorry about mah name, Mister Van! I don't know if my folks were too high back then! Heh-heh. Anyway, been watchin' the streets lately...I fancy myself an observer, I suppose. The streets sure is busier..."

"Indeed, Mr. Boner." Van replied. "Say, you seem to have plenty of time in your hands. Can you watch over this lot? I can pay you a handsome price. I'm pretty busy nowadays...working on a new recipe for my meat-foodstuff."

"Ohh, I'll be glad to help. I'll even be happier to have some of your new creations."

"They involve potatoes now." Van replied happily. "Imagine...potato and spicy meat, combined in a wave of deliciousness!"

"Now that's fine cookin!' Say...I can also track those filthy Durdens for ye. All for the gratitude of givin' me something to do."

"You can do that, buddy."

Morningwood Boner sat on a wooden chair and began his vigil over the patch of land. Van wondered if the old man will leave or do something crazy...but he just trusted his instincts. With business concluded, he bid Boner goodbye and walked away. At this rate, memories rushed in his mind. Back then, he would be busy plotting adventures with his pals. Those short, glorious days. Now, his feet is taking him to the nearby tavern. Perhaps he wants to drown the specters haunting his mind. 

**

Feeling a bit lazy today, Vanbrilliance chose to visit his patch o'land. He decided to name it: Chillzone. The idea just came in his mind like a wave of Durdens crashing in the heart of the city. In fact, many ideas drummed his mind...yet he plans to tackle them all one at a time. Taking his time, Van whistled casually and passed by the apartment of his old friend, Sceadu. God bless his soul, Van muttered. The apartment seems dusty and unoccupied - it's as if no one is interested in renting the place.

Shrugging his shoulders, Van went on, passing through several alleys. Everywhere, he can see civilians ready to face the bustle of life. Of course, he saw mobsters chilling in local diners; some were just seated in milk crates, discussing fleeting ideas. Occasionally, a shop would burst in flames and people would keep their distance.

That's the Life. Some things will be ripped apart from you, but they can be replaced by new, fancier stuff.

Upon reaching Chillzone, Van went straight to Boner's dilapidated shack. The shack is hardly a home - about 10 feet high and 9 feet wide. All made of scavenged wood. Beside the shack are some old tires...God knows where Boner will use them.

"Oh, Sir Brilliance!" Boner came out of the shack, clutching a mug of coffee. "Care for some black coffee?"

"No, thank you." Van replied. He turned his attention to the still-empty Chillzone. "I suppose no one gave you trouble?"

"Just some kids. Heh! I scared them with my pitchfork!" Boner sat on a loose crate. It made a worrying creak.

"We should plant few crops here. Potatoes."

"I'll work on it, sir! I...I may request a small portion of the land...I got me some rare seeds from Cuba."

"Rare seeds?" Van got interested. 

"Ah-huh. According to my source, these seeds...they yield flowers that can increase a man's strength and speed..heh heh. Also a good aphrodisiac, some others say. To see is to believe!"

"Interesting. Okay, take a small portion. Then give me some of those flowers. What is the flower called?"

"Karakas. Here in 'Merica, few punks call it Heaven's Whip."

"What a weird name."

"I'll start planting your tomatoes and the seeds today. Hrmmm.."

"Go for it. Seems everything is in ship-shape here. I gotta work too. The Post Office is waiting."

Boner smiled. "Stick em up!"

Vanbrilliance walked away. New potatoes. Rare seeds. Now that's something to look out for, Van pondered. As he entered the unwary post office, he silently thanked the Life for bringing out creative opportunities. 

After all, America belongs to hustlers.

**