Prologue: In the remnants of Tallahassee, FL, James Dumont Jr, known to his friends as Gremlin, is sitting talking to his father, who is on his deathbed. James Sr tells Gremlin about a house he used to own in San Francisco, back in the Day Before. He implores Gremlin to travel cross country and find the house and claim his birthright, which is waiting for him there, but he neglects to tell Gremlin what exactly it is. Gremlin agrees anyway, since it’s an excuse to get out on the open road, and he’s got a plan to expand Tallahassee’s trade network westward.

Gremlin is hanging out in The Strand in Tallahassee, working on assembling his team to head across country to the West Coast. George has signed on and plans to compile a travelogue of their time on the road. Troy has recently breezed into town, but is eager to get back on the road again, as he doesn’t really feel comfortable around so many people.

Troy introduces Gremlin to his former roadmates, Alex, Marcus, and Maude, a Brainer, Angel, and Gunlugger, respectively. Gremlin makes some conversation with the trio, and finds that Alex and Marcus are looking to collect some alligator eggs before they head back up north.

Gremlin heads off to talk some local gator hunters, and facilitates a bargain with K-Bar and his buddies, who will act as local guides, in exchange for Marcus’ services as an Angel.

Gremlin and Troy make an agreement with Maude. She will accompany the group as far as San Angelo, Texas. For free, in fact. After that, they will see.

Gremlin speaks to the group, says he doesn’t know what to expect on this trip, as no one’s gone that far west and come back to report on it. He tells them that he can’t guarantee there will be fortune and glory, but if there is jingle to be had, the group will share equally. This seems to suit everyone just fine.

# OnTheRoad