You arrive at the mall with time to spare.
Everyone seems to be lining up patiently, chatting amiably, sharing snacks.
This is WRONG.
You hear people discussing which stores have the things they're after. Offering advice and even directions.
Mall staff dispending warm drinks.
You ask what's going on, and a clerk explains "This is the chosen mall. Every year one mall gets properly supplied."
Really? Huh.
"The tricky part is that we only have a limited time before staff and customers from the other malls hear about it. So no need to rush for bargains... but we do need to be quick about this." She smiles, but her eyes dart to the food court clock.
It's all quite orderly, for the first hour or so. A band plays shopping classics, and the PA includes regular assurances that the security watch teams haven't spotted any approaching convoys so far.
But then the alarm goes up. Delivery trucks from West Harbor. And they're high on the axle, empty in back. Looking to be filled.
Mall security hold the line, knowing this is their best chance of an extra bonus.
And the new tablet you got is SO light, you agree to help shore up the shieldwall for half an hour. If you make it out it'll be so worth it.
