Conversation · Bird's Nest Roy

"What I can do is trade that modified street light over there for some of your shares. It's the most expensive item in here -- the finest in interior lighting."

Expensive isn't everything. Bet this light doesn't even have a recognisable brand. And you can't exactly strut down the street and turn heads with it like you can a new Perseus Black number.

It's still a physical asset, though. Doesn't that count for anything?

Sure it does. Not saying you should definitely not get it. But let's think about what to do with it first. Any ideas?

Turn it into an art installation. Invite viewers to question what it means to bring an outside light, inside? We have so many barriers to break down and concepts to explore... for a price, of course.

Imagine swinging it at a ball -- the distance you'd get! That's the kind of feat that nets sportsmen a corporate sponsorship.

There's much to be learned in this kind of rewiring job. You could steal its secrets and make a whole line of modified street tech to sell to the public.

It's been through a whole transformation. There are so many insights to share -- it just needs a medium. Wouldn't the wake-walkers pay to hear the somniloquy of the spirit light?

It's up to you. If you think it's got ROI potential then go ahead. Just bear in mind that these shares are developing into a fortune without you having to do anything.

"And you won't give me anything else for these shares?"

"Nothing else in here carries that much value, I'm afraid. Plus, I need to make sure I still earn some actual cash -- for food and such."

"Yeah, okay, that seems like it has potential."

"Take a closer look. You'll see the quality of the craftsmanship then. Any other questions in the meantime?"

"You're selling it for 700 reál, right?"

"Right." He nods.

"I'm not sure. I'll certainly think about it."

Good point. I won't bother with it then.

Let's not completely write it off yet. Perhaps there's a business venture to be had here. Any ideas?

"You want shares off me? I was hoping to get a discount or some freebies."

"No can do. I need to make money -- this is a business first and foremost. Not a charity."

"What if I endorse your store? Put my official stamp of approval on it?"

"No offence but I don't think it would do me much good. Nothing to do with you -- it's just my customers tend to be, well... they wouldn't know who you are."

He's right. His customers are desperates, lowlifes, and bored browsers. They don't understand high culture. They don't want their purchases to elevate them. They just want some old junk at a bargain price.

"I'd be glad to trade for your shares. Let's stick to that."

"I understand. It was worth a shot."

"Of course. I'd be glad to trade for your shares. Let's stick to that."

"I'd like to buy back the commemorative pin I sold."

"Yes! Fortunately, I still have it. 3.30 and it's yours."

"3.30? But I sold it for 3.20..."

"Yes, you did, but this is how pawnshops make profit..." He tilts his head, waiting. "So, do you want it or not?"

"Actually, no -- I don't have the money."

"Your choice, officer. I can't promise I can hold on to it for much longer, however."

Buy the pin.

"Here you go, officer." He hands you the pin. "Anything else I can do for you today?"

"I'm looking for something that plays a tape. For police business."

"A tape? We have boomboxes for sale that will play it. Check the shelves."

"Yeah, we still have those boomboxes on the shelves."

"I'm back for the transceiver. Is it still available?"

"For the moment, yes."

"I wanted to ask about my, uh... missing gun. Again."

"Sure thing."

"Thanks for the review. Let's talk about something else."

"Sure, man."

"Any idea where I can find this buyer?"

"My apologies, officer, but I have no idea where she was coming from or where she went."

A needle in a haystack. There is nothing you can do about it right now. You'll just have to hope Evrart wasn't lying and the Union can track her down in time.

A needle in a haystack. There is nothing you can do it about it now. You'll just have to hope you luck upon her somehow.

"Was the buyer a policeman too?"

"She didn't seem like a policeman, although she kept referring to herself as a Pig. Which was odd. I found her interest in the gun a bit... obsessive. But I was just happy to get rid of it. And of her."

"Truth be told, she was terrifying."

"Right, so let me get this right," the lieutenant turns to you, "you sold your sidearm, issued by the Citizens Militia, and now a civilian is running around the streets of Martinaise with it."

Miraculously, his face does not reveal what's happening inside.

"Maybe she's a vigilante. Wants to prove she can do our jobs better than we can."

"It's possible in these parts of town. We ought to find her and discourage her from taking justice into her own hands." He looks around, worried.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I sold my gun."

He sighs. "Yeah, it's not good. I do hope we manage to clean this mess up somehow -- while also keeping our focus on the murder investigation."

'This mess' -- he means your mess.

"I don't like it either. What if she intends to commit a crime and blame it on the Citizens Militia?"

"You're right that she could cast aspersions on the force. We have to find her." He looks around, worried.

"There is only one explanation. She must be one of my rabid fans."