Conversation · Kim Kitsuragi

"My financial situation is great! Superstars don't have problems with finances!"

"Sure. But one's financial situation could always be even better, right?"

He doesn't really think you're a superstar or that you're well-off. He's only playing along because it's expedient.

"I'm pretty sure you can pick up some odds and ends to sell here. Take a look around." He nods toward a table heaped with knick-knacks. "The owner has eclectic taste."

Eclectic taste? This shop is full of stolen goods -- a blight on the community!

"Or we could shut this place down? The stuff is clearly stolen."

"On the contrary -- we should do our part to support the local economy."

...we shouldn't disrupt the way things are done here, he thinks. And have little power to do so anyway.

"Mhm. I plan to enterprise my way out of this jam. I have a vision."

"Sure. Why not?" It doesn't sound like he believes in the vision.

(Lower your voice.) "You do realize this place is full of stolen goods, right?"

"We can't go around punishing the people we're supposed to protect for breaking laws they don't even know exist."

"You misunderstood me. I think it's super cool and gangster that he sells stolen goods."

"I wouldn't go that far but..." He shrugs. "Why not?"

"Oh... Yes, I see what you're getting at. I guess we should just let it slide -- and maybe even profit?"

"It would help our investigation if you weren't so hard up for cash."

It pains him to see a fellow officer struggling to make ends meet and not be able to offer assistance. This is his way of making it up to you.

"Shouldn't we at least ask where some of these things came from?"

"It won't help our investigation to antagonize people we could interview."

"It would help our investigation," he adds, his voice softening as he looks off to the side, "if you weren't so hard up for cash."

"True. There are inherent injustices in the social system I -- and all of us -- find ourselves in."

He nods. "Go ahead, do your part to support this grass-roots initiative."

"My financial situation is none of your business."

"It's not my intention to make it my business, just to move this investigation forward."

He is mildly offended that his display of camaraderie went wrong -- though it doesn't show in his posture.

"How so?"

"I'm pretty sure you can pick up some odds and ends to sell here." He nods toward a table of knick-knacks. "The owner seems to have eclectic taste."

"I am fully deserving of the trials life has dealt me."

"Perhaps, but it's no use punishing yourself more."

He's not too comfortable counselling you like this, but he's genuinely concerned for your well-being.

"Won't make my fortune here, but it does seem like a good place to start."

"I've accepted my lot -- sleeping on park benches, getting by on scraps..."

He looks at you seriously. "An officer of the Citizens Militia can't live like that. We won't be able to complete this investigation if you live like that."

The lieutenant's tone doesn't betray any frustration. Concern -- yes.