A small group of women who were on the older side in terms of age came into the train, looking around, whispering to each other and shaking their empty brand name shopping bags.

  “This time we o get to the temple faster.” One of the women said to one of her peers: “I don’t wane. Last time we were just a few mie, and everything’s sold out.”

  “But - do we know if they really have it? I haven’t heard anything from her.” The other woman asked.

  “I don’t know - it’s best we just go there and wait. If not we’ll think of something else. I mean - I am getting worried for my son. He’s iy college alone, and I really o buy more of these so that I finally feel safe - ”

  “Oh - oh - so do I, so do I!” Another woman whined, almost making the entire otice her: “I’m always so worried - normal people wouldn’t even know how much, absolutely stressed out of my mind. They’re still living in dorms. The college is not letting them ute, and only allows them to e home on weekends. What a bunch of stuck up asses!”

  Before Marcus could eavesdrop some more, the train stopped and another small group of people came into the car - this time, it was four young people, in very formal looking suits and carrying briefcases that made them look slightly more mature than their faces suggest.

  “Don’t worry, it’s gonna be okay.” One young man whispered, both to himself and to his peers.

  “It’s not that big a deal, trust me.” Another young man patted his friend on the shoulder: “It’s okay - it’s gonna be fihe worst they’re gonna say is no.”

  “What if they ughed at us?” One young woman asked, braiding some loose locks of her hair bato her bun.

  “Then fuck ‘em.” The final young man ticked his tongue: “We don’t have anything to prove to them. Our ideas are solid, if not for the fact that we just need a little bit more cash, I wouldn’t evealking to these old farts.”

  The train stopped again. As the door opened a gust of fresh air flowed into the car. It was the first stop into the area of Northern District, and the walls outside already looked er thaops before. Lights were brighter too, and Marcus could see more armed security walking around.

  “Alright. One more stop before we head off. Check ys.” Captain Ko told Shrevas and Marcus.

  “Okay. ” Shrevas came out of his thoughts and nodded.

  “Noted.” Marcus stopped eavesdropping, because some more passengers got into the train and the car became loud and crowded.

  “And - don’t fet what this meeting is for, huh? We’re here to ask for help AS WELL AS information. And we’ll be talking to a politi. Okay? So stay smart and follow my lead. Don’t say anything that will give out our iigation or draw too munecessary attention to us, remember?”

  Their meeting pce was in a building across the street from the city hall, where the cilmen and en’s offices were. cilman Ding, as the speaker of the cil and member of the security ittee, was definitely one of the more esteemed ones, judging from the fact that his office was oallest level and was one of the biggest ones iire building. He also definitely pyed his role pretty ily - his secretary kept the three waiting outside for 15 minutes before seeing them, though they arrived absolutely on time. Captain Ko had to ping the secretary, a sharp looking woman named Bri Fung, a few times before they were finally called into the office.

  “Sorry about that gentlemen.” cilman Ding was a middle aged, slightly chubby man with a young looking face for his supposed age. He only greeted Captain Ko and the two detectives from behind his w desk without standing up for he seemed to be busy with some paperwork: “As you probably tell, it is a very busy time for me. With the ele going on, and all those cases that needed my mediation as the speaker of the cil. Things are just - you know, very delicate and need a lot of attention from everyone. So - what I do for you gentlemen?”

  “Well, esteemed cilman - it’s like I’ve told you in the call.” Captain Ko sat down on the biggest chair in front of the desk, while Marcus and Shrevas could only two smaller chairs from the side: “We are asking for some uered access into some of the Blue Envelopes. And hope the city would grant us that, without it being too big of an issue.”

  A ed look fshed through the face of cilman Ding but disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Marcus caught it, and down in his mind. He had some questions, but decided to ask only wheime was right.

  “Oh? Why are you - why are you asking for this?” cilman Ding put on a fused and i face: “The city should have already provided ALL w enfort agencies and personnel with open access to all Blue Envelope cases. So I am irely sure what you’re asking…”

  “The issue is with the frequency checks, and some restris on how we a the information, share intel with reted parties and access to other reted evidend dots.” Captain Ko nodded: “Our prect has been iigatiain cases that might be lio some of the old Blue Envelope cases. We’re assuming these might be some kind of copycat murders going on.”

  “Oh, really? ” cilman Ding leaned in and narrowed his eyes at Captain Ko: “What kind of cases are we talking about here? you let me in on some of the details? I’m happy to help, but it’d be easier if I have something crete to present to the ittee. And - who are you pnning to share this intel with?”

  “Regarding the cases, I’m afraid I ’t present you with anything solid, I’m afraid.” Captain Ko sighed and shook his head: “All I share with yht now is they’re murders, with some deliberate se setting to mimic old occult style crimes…”

  “Excuse me, cilman.” The secretary opehe door: “There’s an urgent dot that needs your attention. It should be just a minute - ”

  The cilman gruhen stood up and headed toward the door: “Sentleme me hahis real quick.”