PART 10 - A BORING MEETING

“Thank you for the Tea, Huang.” I replied off-handedly, my eyes still stuck on the lists of names and dates. Missing reports.

“It is no problem Huy, but might I ask why you have been combing our missing persons report for the past 3 days?” He croaked softly, I could feel the man’s new cybernetic oculars staring at me, an ugly scar newly adorning his throat making him seem more intimidating than curious. Loyalty was dangerous. The words came echoing.

“Mm.” I could only reply, my mind paying little attention to the question as I focused on the reports, my mind bullet pointing my findings with all the data I found:

* Starting about 2 months, post-krash, a noticeable rate of disappearances started to gain momentum.

* At that time, the post-krash riots were cited as the main reason given.

* Specifically, the rate of disappearances of children aged between 5 to 13 had increased at a higher rate than adults.

* The current investigation into a potential child smuggling ring has been on hold due to the lockdown with prior results being inconclusive.

* Within District 4, using the same Voronoi technique as Snow’s map, the aforementioned missing reports of children pointed to a higher degree of missing children in predominantly poorer parts of the district- specifically the refugee ward straddling the Saigon river.

* Data could be skewed, due to poorer wards having a higher affinity to Lotus Claws than D4’s SGPD.

* A mole in the SGPD hinted that City Hall Security were briefed. No action took place.

I hummed in thought, eyes scanning my notes again as I double checked the reports on the minted cherry table, placing the name of the reports into my mind- matching it to the pictures captured by oculars stored locally on my deliveries. That place, the child’s apartment… the marketplaces, the parks, the container houses… I have been to these places. Run-down, destitute but so… utterly… dense in life.

Pneuma and emotions… It was like trying to breathe in water.

The golden lattices…. reminding me of Ley Lines in fairy tales, seemed much more bright and lively. The magnetic looking ‘ley lines’ gave more energy there than other places, like the Pagoda.

Still, whereas before, I would have concluded these disappearances to the mundane scummy nature of a post-krash society- too unsensational for news and media. Now? my mind drew up a different hypothesis, one that was less grounded in reality, yet made sense to me.

The ‘Fairies’.

Beings which granted wishes and seeked to do good, who accompanied the likes of Peter Pan onto adventures and wore gowns of leaves… or… such was the literature of Fairies in the modern-contemporary age.

Classical literature pointed elsewhere. Creatures that looked like us yet were alien in thought, culture and morality, the very same creatures that replaced stolen human children with their own.

That took a child from his parents who worked administration 9-5 to pay for his lower-trade schooling?

Having met similar creatures that changed my vision by trick and pain, I was inclined to believe in the latter description. My gut said so. They took the child. I knew it.

Was I crazy? Perhaps, to the world I was, I saw things that ‘weren’t there’, felt things extraordinary. Yet, I knew I saw the truth.

Fuck.

“Huy. You need to rest, the meeting is soon to start.” Huang croaked again, his hoarse timbre sounding serious, even commanding.

I could only sigh, I was imposing on his office of course- and I have been for the past 3 days after each and every delivery run. “Alright. Huang, thanks and sorry- I’ve been thinking about things… a lot”

“Is it related to why the Oyabun called for you to join us in today’s meeting? … not the current one.”

I took a sip of tea, thinking back on how a runner came up this morning to Auntie Kon’s and invited me of all people to attend a ‘meeting’. “I think that is… likely.”

Huang narrowed his eyes in thought, I could feel suspicion lightly spoiling the air as the minutes ticked by oppressively.

He must have read the report or heard about it. If the Head-honcho (I felt too tired to feel shock) of the Lotus Claw asked for my being here, it would likely be for the purpose of ‘the monsters’ we saw that night of the ‘Huu-Hao massacre’ as the locals coined in hushed whispers.

“Regardless, I take it you received the briefing and the package?” Huang rumbled through his chest, the man much less relaxed than I’d remember.

I nodded. Finding it hard to gauge the changed man.

Knock Knock

“I guess it’s time then?” I reluctantly tore my eyes away from the papers, standing up and brushing myself free of crumbs on my immaculately kept suit for meetings like this. Techweave adjusted to my slightly slimmer fit.

Huang took a look at one of his many wrist watches, this one an oriental-styled antique- classy.

“It’s time, please follow me.”

With a straight back and relaxed disposition, as if nothing had worn my soul down the past days, I nodded and followed him into the autumn coloured halls. My steps, deceptively steady.

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I did my best to shake off the instinctual itch, but as much as it made me feel confident, the loaned high collar vest was ill fitting and it was still much too tight in certain places, it was cheap- vintage even. Who the hell manufactures twill-34 anymore?

Regardless, I was quickly joined by Camille, who instead outfitted herself in combat gear- minimal. sleek. Really… a little more than a ceramic body plate you could easily buy in the closest 7/11. No licence required. I mused.

She positioned herself right behind me, eyes bored, yet gleaming with barely concealed danger. It truly came natural to her… at least that was my assessment… it… had been such a busy week, I never got the chance to truly get to know the samurai who guarded me even now.

I hope that was not an excuse. It wouldn’t be proper. I sipped my coffee- sweet with condensed milk, hiding the slight frown.

It was a raised platform, illuminated by paper lanterns and fluorescent lighting, a calming scent of ointments and incense tying in the sense of being in the pagoda proper. Cushions were laid out neatly in a circle. We would be expected to sit seiza.

Yet, the other party had not yet arrived.

I scanned the room again, there were only me and the ‘Oyabun’ so far and we had been assured that we were supposed to be a third party.

I sneaked a glance at the kindly looking man who fought with me that day, deciding to gauge his reaction at such disrespect.

Sadly, he had to be really good at Poker.

Still, I could breathe a sigh of relief in the fact that I needn’t worry about being gang pressed into the colours for how much I truly relied on them as of this moment. Although, I was very keenly aware that my being here was a foregone conclusion since the Lotus Claws patrolled my specific neighbourhood… I couldn’t have exactly said no.

What’s taking them so long? It’s been an hour.

While the ‘Oyabun’ seemed perfectly content sipping on the tea, I could see Feng barely restraining his anger. Even Huang was bristling in annoyance.

“Do you require a stool Huy?” I heard Camille whisper, her words almost silent.

I shook my head no. You had to sit Seiza for hours in elementary- there were even child appropriate femur mods for that purpose, this was nothing.

It took an additional half an hour before our missing guests arrived.

The SGPD.

I sipped on my coffee again, enjoying the soft fragrance. It was a textbook technique to hide surprise… or in my case- fake it.

I have got to say, Huang really outdid himself.

They walked in without a care in the world, expressions ranging from mild dislike to hatred marred their fine navy and shale. Ceramic and silk composite if I remembered the specifications.

“Ah sorry, we got stuck with some traffic.” The gangly police chief plopped herself down, cross legged, tucking the golden-trimmed peaked cap under her arms. Not even looking any bit sorry.

Bullshit.

Gesteland 2054, 5th edition. They would’ve sent a warning beforehand or brought ‘lateness’ gifts. I sipped on my coffee again, this time to hide my distaste for the poor excuse of this attempt of a ‘power-move’. Boardroom politics again.

Annoyance surged through me as I felt the amusement and disdain through the masks of the officers behind the sickly-looking police chief. It was not directed at me, yet it irked me all the same.

“Chen.” ‘Oyabun’ said, his face passive, yet his words enunciated it like sour grapes.

“Bao.” The woman shot back, almost hissing the name. Her malice bare.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

And so, it begins.

“I believe we are all in attendance?” I raised my voice, trying to overpower the waves of barely veiled violence with faked gravitas.

The salt-haired lady turned to me, tired and annoyed. There was a pregnant pause before she dumped the jasmine tea off the platform- onto the wood laminate floor. She filled it with ‘water’ from her own flask. Then sipped it like fine wine… it… certainly smelled like it too.

“Fairenn Logistics? Congratulations on your consolidation in this slice of hellhole.” She gave a short bow, before turning over to the gang leader. “It would’ve been a good move if it didn’t all go to shit Bao. I would’ve given you the honour of getting strangled by my hands.” She growled the words out. Her hair slightly turned red. Rea-Hair. Cosmetic implants. Discontinued in 2058.

I wanted to sigh again but kept it under control. I’ve read about this, it was better to let them air their grievances out first. Furthermore, to silence either one or another too early would be to cause either to ‘lose face’. They needed to display strength befitting their organisations. It was a dance of sorts.

“Chen, you knew this would happen, why the malice?” The man slipped on his tea in response.

“Keep playing the wise man while the district burns Bao and we’ll find out ‘why the malice’ soon enough.” She huffed back. “You’ve been sandbagging your people and District 4’s SGPD has been paying for it in blood.” She took another sip before crossing her arms. Eyes closed.

“The Lotus Charity Foundation is not an organisation which harbours para-military resources to be deputised. At best we are a pharmaceutical charity.”

“The ‘Lotus Charity Foundation’ my ass.” The woman scoffed. “I’ve seen the application Bao. What was it again? ‘More than 80 security personnel on call 24/7?’” She dawled, her cantonese accent lazily emphasising her quotation. The SGPD chief kept her eyes closed and arms still crossed as if unimpressed. “Hide it all you want. Extortion, ‘protection’, pit fights- your foundation is anything but clawless. I’m not blind Bao.” Her eyes bored into the eyes of her ranked counterpart. Unimpressed.

“Fair medicine, fair repairs, refugee housing and more.” The Oyabun corrected, a small hint of annoyance creeping in his tone. “We have not lost sight of our founding.”

“Yet.”

“Never.”

Without a beat, he continued: “And since you’re not blind, then you would know that the claws are for keeping the peace. We’re stretched thin enough. Even now, the Metro remains lawless.” At this the Oyabun placed his cup beside him, hands folding neatly. Eyes locked intensely at the police chief. “Besides, this is no time to argue. I know I’d rather live than be buried alongside you.”

As if noting the change, the salt-haired police chief gave a nod in return.

It’s time.

The true purpose of this meeting was to facilitate discussion between the two. SGPD couldn’t be seen requesting a meeting with a smaller organisation like the Lotus Claws and vice versa, where they’d be kicked outright. But… if I requested it?

Sitting straighter, that I might project my voice as taught, I declared:

“As the largest and currently only corporate shareholder remaining within this district, I, Huy Mai-Vy of Fairenn Logistics, organise this meeting with these aforementioned parties, under the emergency bill C-14 section A.” I thumbed the manila files that sat next to me. Papers of corporate ownership. Name haphazardly chosen from a rotting warehouse on the asset list.

I checked before, twice- even triple. There were things missing of course… a logo for one. Yet nevertheless, it was legit. A few warehouses by the slums riverside with a view of district 2 across the river and a small temporary office address by the Pagoda. Not too far from Auntie Kon’s.

Before the lockdown, the Lotus Claw would assist me in facilitating the quiet buyout of many small failing entities under a single entity- namely. Me.

It wasn't too hard nor expensive either, the lockdown plummeted the D4 market and I just swept it up… but honestly, I’d never expected my little plan on using my personal funds to return to the corporate rat race to be used like this. It felt… weird. It felt wrong but I didn’t do anything wrong. So why did it feel weird?

Regardless, for now, it was a convenient way to set up this meeting.

Both the Claws and I would stand to benefit from a direct deal with the SGPD. The resulting paper trail would help legitimise them.

“Firstly, addressing the elephant in the Room, what does the SGPD hope to do against the current murders?” There were only three parties this time, but I nevertheless enunciated the question clear and loud as if I was back in City Hall representing Mai-Vy Textiles. There were no disapproving stares of my parent company this time.

“The SGPD intends on containing the situation first and foremost. We need to get results first. City hall is itchy and a few prominent voices intend on condemning the district. Containment is realistic and measurable.”

The Oyabun piped in, “Short-term yes. Long-term- we need to find a way to deal with the supernatural. Guns and blades seem to work.”

“Inefficiently. Yes. If we are to do something, better sooner than later when we still have the firepower.”

And so on it went, the atmosphere was still tense, yet hostility abated with cooler heads. Truthfully, my Job here was done, I was just a convenient tool inorder to save face for both parties. Insider information was worth its weight in gold. Kotick 2074.

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The meeting dragged on for at least 3 more hours. With the gravity of the situation, I paid attention.

Yet, I won’t deny it was a tad tiring. Even with refreshments.

Camille was even worse, I could see her digging her nails into her palms trying to keep awake.

Inwardly, I noted the main points in my N-IO:

* [SGPD and Lotus Claw will deepen coordination henceforth.]

* Medicine will be shared

* Patrol routes will be shared

* Liaisons will be appointed

* Enforcement of crime will be shared

* Responsibility of Jurisdiction on punishment will be SGPD responsibility.

* [Those who can see the monsters will be in charge of each patrol squads]

At last, the meeting reached an ending.

“We are in agreement then.” The Cantonese police chief took a sip of her wine. “It’s like ‘Red February’ again. It will be bloody.”

* [Both parties will prepare for the Containment operation. The deadline, in a month.]

“My people survived the Krash day riots, Chen. We will survive this.”

As the SGPD turned to leave as nonchalantly as they did entering, the Oyabun motioned for me to stay.

It was a comforting silence, the aroma of tea leaves brewing, moist steam and dim lighting keeping it cosy.

“I used to be in ‘Public Security’ Huy. When there were no walls nor refugees in Saigon… When it was a small city in a big world. An age ago it seems.” A sip, then a moment of savour.

I nodded, myself already drawing conspiracy beforehand. This merely confirmed it.

“It never gets easier.” He sighed, steam misting over the teacup. His hands now folded in apology. “I mean to ask for your support… once again.”

Pink hair, face down in the rain, seperated from her children and in body. Crimson blood in crimson lights. The screams. The gunshots.

The silence.

“No.” I said it simply. I had no intention of throwing myself before danger. I was lucky before, but luck is a fickle beast.

“... Huy, without you there, we'd have been slaughtered.”

Debatable. I did nothing.

“You saw it before any of us, I don’t know how- but your insight saved a lot of good men and women that night.” The man before me spoke softly, like a teacher calmly explaining a topic. “Help us help more. This is what the Lotus foundation was made for- why it has claws.”

I wanted to sigh, but held it in. “I don’t intend on joining if that’s what you mean.”

He chuckled at that.

I merely kept a polite smile, exhaustion creeping in the bones.

“No, If you did there would be no point to our arrangement- I’m asking for your cooperation in keeping us updated on the beast’s whereabouts- supposedly it looks like a barracuda right?”

“If Barracudas could swim in the air and could swallow a man whole, indeed.” I could only offer a stiff smile. You were there. What’s the angle?

“Right, so… be our Firewatch, update us when and where you see it and in return? Food? Medicines? Repairs? Privileges? Done.”

I knew I was too close to the Lotus Claws, that I am where I am because of them, the thought of further ingraining myself with them? It was like playing with fire. I cringed inwardly, hating that I found the deal enticing, that I wanted to say yes.

So, being the coward I was, I chose the middle option.

“Thank you for your offer… but… I would need more time before I can make a decision.” I stood up, bowing deeply so I could avoid his gaze. Half fearing it, half fearing disappointment.

“I see.”

I got out of there fast. Almost running. Lest I changed my mind then and there.

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Crunch Crunch Crunch.

The weeds are beginning to really grow through the concrete.

“I’m surprised you can even use inline Patins in this place.” I mused loudly, so even Camille can hear us while taking point.

“Yeah it’s no biggie, makes deliveries fast- that’s why I’m called Highlight see?” The metallic green guide boy laughed as he slid on a nearby rail, almost falling face first before rushing ahead, his face flushed in embarrassment as I cackled hyena-like. Much appreciating the get-away from the long talks.

Slowly, calming down. I decided to attempt engaging in smalltalk, though cringing at the awkward delivery. “Ahem… Camille, how was your day?”

“Good?”

“I see…” I wanted to shoot myself. “... Anything to report back at homebase?”

“Jazz-addicted squatters… Cultists… Either one.” She shrugged… I think? The massive pseudo-power armour made it hard to know.

“Uh huh.”

As we turned the corner, ignoring looks of wariness from the locals. I could see Highlight standing proudly in-front of an old warehouse. “Well! We’re here boss!”

The sign hung loose, white words completely faded or obscured by gunk- but despite that I was still able to make out the words: Fairenn Cold Warehouse.

“Excellent work Highlight!” I yelled back, cupping my mouth to project it farther. “Tell me if there’s anything in there!”

Looking up, an old galley crane hung ominously- rusted and missing its colour to time, some pieces were obviously looted from too. Gulping down the ominous feeling, I took a look at the other warehouses. Lined up side by side, facing the river, where- in contrast, a LASH ship sat below the setting sun, glimmering in the water. An old river dock, pre-Korean reunion. The papers read… and all of it was mine.

“I wonder if The Americo or Vespucci would be appropriate.” I mumbled to myself. Thinking of beauty and my clinical heritage.

I received a soft sigh for my musings. Which I could only meekly smile back at. “Alright, let’s see what's inside the first warehouse- what’s taking Highlight so long?”

With each step towards the warehouse- sunlight dimming, the ominous feeling returned.

Whether by exhaustion or sheer foolishness, it wasn’t until Camille grabbed me by the arms forcefully did I stop in my tracks- almost like waking from a trance.

It was a pathway into the dark- two man wide- concrete flooring of the warehouse sunken inwards, heading down at a 45 degree angle. Wisps of gold trailed deeper. The strange waves of ambient emotions- eerily absent.

And beside the entrance? A pair of Inline skate patins in neon green.