Conversation · Coupris Kineema

"Great title, man! Number one stuff."

"Thank you very much! Yeah, it's the shit-hot new single from DJ Flacio. Really shredding up the sonic waves."

"... What?"

"'An Asshole Is A Mouth For Shit (And I'm Puking),'" he says more slowly.

"Yo yo!"

"Yo yo yo! You got DJ Mesh here, my man. I got a few minutes before I gotta go back on air. What do you need?"

"Hello, is this DJ Mesh?"

"It is. I got a few minutes before I gotta go back on air. What can I do for you, cop-man?"

"The Lamb is calm before its slaughter. It does not know what will befall it."

"Uh... What?" He laughs, confused. "That's the wildest shit I heard today. You are a cop, right?"

"Yes. And I have a question."

"You aren't the only one. Anyway, I only got a few minutes before I gotta go back on air. What can DJ Mesh tell the RCM?"

"..."

"Sorry, officer. Your radio personalities are unavailable, probably until tomorrow. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

"Speedfreaks FM. A radio station. It's for the case."

"Okay, officer. One moment."

"Did you find out more about the owner of the armoured boots?"

"Precinct 57, we've been attacked. I repeat -- Lieutenant Kim Kitsuragi and..."

Something is wrong. Only static hisses through the speaker.

"Hello?"

No reply. Only the mindless drone of static, crawling through the air.

"It's been this way for a while now." The lieutenant shrugs. "My guess is, the Union is listening in on our conversations -- and jamming outward communications to protect themselves from Krenel."

"It only happens when someone mentions the attack -- the rest is unaffected. Our best bet is to carry on like nothing happened -- that is, if we don't want us cut off the grid completely."

"Okay." (Turn off the radio.)

Silence.

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"No more dangerous than stepping between three armed mercenaries and eight Union men, I hope." He glances over his shoulder.

"I don't like it either, but that's the way it is. The streets seem safe enough to me. If anything, taking out the mercs made things calmer. For now..." He flicks off the radio. Silence.

"You can try calling again -- just don't mention the tribunal. And remember, they're listening in."

They're shutting you up. Silencing you. Don't fucking drop your guard.

Everything sounds okay. No drumbeat of total war yet. If anything, everything sounds too okay...

If only Lieutenant Kitsuragi were here to make sense of it...

Turn off the radio.

"Alice this is Firewalker. Re-connect me to the 41st."

"I'm done with the radio for now." (End call.)

"Fifty-seventh, over and out." Her voice disappears into the void.

"I need you to connect me to a civilian -- a Sylvie. She may have reported a murder."

"Of course. What is her number, officer?"

"Change of plans, Alice -- connect me to you."

"What do you mean, officer? I'm not Sylvie."

Oh, did you hear that? How she said 'officer'?! She's a wild one, wants it bad, bratan. Get that party going!

"I feel deprived of human contact."

"Who doesn't," she states matter of factly. "Now, how can I help you in your investigation?"

"Do you like to party, Alice?"

"Sir, you're already connected to the 57th Precinct." Her voice is sharp and noticeably less friendly.

What an unbelievable prude... Oh well, at least now you know.

"Sir, how can I help you with your investigation?" The voice on the other end is becoming impatient.

Odd... she didn't sound menopausal. Must be frigid or something. Oh well.

Hold on! As a feminist I find these implications offensive.

Offensive-smoffensive, just ask her, alright!

"I don't know, Alice... just connect me."

"Sir, you're already connected to the 57th Precinct." Her voice is sharp.

"Now, how can I help you in your investigation?"

What is wrong with you? Why did you ask to be connected to her? Who does that?! Act professional now.

You told him to do that stupid thing...

As your parasympathetic nervous system I call bullshit. Now ask her!

Wait, what? 'Wild one'? That doesn't sound right...

C'mon, wake up! The way she said she's not Sylvie -- practically begging you to make a move. Just go for it.

Yeah, bratan, otherwise you're always gonna be wondering what could've been. Just ask her!

Oh, did you hear that? Pure lust. She's a wild one! Throw her a curve-ball, see if she's down to party.