The Gray Market

At the border between the Watchdog-controlled Waterfront and the city proper sit several city blocks that have been turned into a big, makeshift commercial center by the Watchdog-affiliated Free Guard Union. This collectivized group of PMC soldiers and business owners provide security and uphold the admittedly loose regulations the market operates off of. Beyond the large tarp signs welcoming visitors that act as it's unofficial "borders" lies a bustling center of commerce not too different from how an old-fashioned bazaar would look. Warehouses have turned into their own flea markets and swap-meets while some of the wealthier shopkeepers have buildings of their own. Even the roads are full of stands on the sidewalks selling food, trinkets, and other small things. It is currently the only place in the city where private citizens can purchase experimental weapons the Watchdogs are using, like gauss guns and EMP munitions. The Free Guard Union themselves offer transportation services to private citizens and commercial groups alike for shipping goods into and out of the Gray Market.
Some basic rules are in place to bring some standards to this otherwise unregulated market.
1. Apollo City Law must be followed at all times, period. If it's illegal to sell in the city, it's illegal to sell here.
2. All goods are subject to a thorough inspection to determine they are safe for the consumer (especially weapons, food, and medicine) before someone is allowed to sell them. Attempting to sell goods that are knowingly unsafe is breaking this rule, but there is leniency for mistakes in quality.
3. The space on the streets and in the warehouse flea markets is open range for anybody to set up in as long as it doesn't block foot or road traffic.
4. To be able to own your own building for a personal store costs monthly rent. If a renter is unable to pay at the start of every month the renter will be evicted but all their goods will be returned to them. This prevents people from occupying buildings for a month, taking the profit and not giving anything back.
5. If someone is found to be currently affiliated and working with groups of criminals, terrorists, or any other group that is hostile to the city, they will be immediately removed and banned from entering the Gray Market again.
Breaking rules 1-3 will gain someone one strike, up to three. If someone incurs three strikes they will no longer be allowed to sell anything in the Gray Market EVER again unless they appeal these strikes and can prove they will follow the rules, however they can still buy things in the Gray Market. The method of appeal is the same for breaking rule 5, it must be proven that that individual is no longer affiliated with the banned group.

Type

Trade post