Oct 13, 2077, District 24, Neo-Chinatown Metropolis | "Neon Dreamscape"
On rainy nights in Neo-Chinatown Metropolis, neon lights stretched long, distorted light and shadow across wet streets. In a jazz lounge called "Blues Foxtrot," a saxophone played languidly, the air mixed with whiskey, cigar smoke, and the scent of old wooden floors.
Kenneth Ryder sat in the innermost booth, a glass of nearly untouched soda water before him. Across from him, Sophia Rossi swirled the amber liquid in her glass. Her scarlet hair resembled a blaze amid the murky light.
"So, Longmen Tech was quite lively today." Kenneth's voice was kept very low, almost drowned by the bass. "Police, the Ministry of Transport's Technical Safety Bureau, Stardroop Railway Company security, even intelligence agency people like sharks smelling blood. That engineer named Charles Du is at the eye of the storm."
Sophia raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue.
"He's nervous, but calmer than expected. More importantly..." Kenneth leaned slightly forward. "After work, I saw him go to the seafood market and perform the 'Black Cat ritual.' Yes, that Black Cat we know of. And judging by his reaction, Black Cat should have accepted the commission."
Sophia stopped swirling her glass: "Black Cat?"
"Extremely high probability." Kenneth nodded. "Following Black Cat's style and the current situation, I deduce Du will take action as soon as tomorrow morning—personally entering 'Stardroop.'"
"Damn it." Sophia cursed under her breath, downing her drink in one gulp. "That cat is a complete freak, an unpredictable variable. Even my... uh... 'top-tier information source' can't fully predict its behavioral patterns. This just got interesting."
Just then, some customers' attention was drawn to the TV hanging in the bar's corner. The screen showed fully armed police raiding some facility, with eye-catching red-on-white "BREAKING NEWS" in the upper right corner. Simultaneously, the TV volume suddenly increased, the news anchor's tone serious:
[Breaking news just received by our station] The RCMP launched a lightning operation today, successfully raiding and dismantling a facility located in Ottawa's suburbs. Intelligence indicates the facility was an important stronghold of an extremist organization 'Babel's' branch. According to reports, during this operation, police killed two senior cadres who resisted, captured one, and arrested five mid-level cadres and twelve members, seizing large quantities of illegal experimental equipment and data...
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Kenneth and Sophia's gazes were also drawn to the news.
[Our reporter on scene] "It's worth noting," the reporter emphasized into the microphone, "this operation codenamed 'Operation Hammer of Justice' was entirely planned, organized, and commanded on-site by Constable Valeria Mendoza. Appointing someone of constable rank and such youth to head such a major operation is unprecedented in the RCMP's over 200-year history..."
The scene cut to the field, showing a young, upright female constable with a composure beyond her years being interviewed. Her eyes were sharp, carrying a steadiness and determination transcending her age.
"Constable Mendoza, how did you precisely locate this extremely covert stronghold?"
"Apologies, details involve police confidentiality. I can only say it relied on rigorous analysis and determination not to give up on any leads." Valeria's answer was airtight, her voice calm yet powerful.
Sophia watched the screen, a corner of her mouth suddenly curving into a highly interested smile. She said quietly to Kenneth: "Hey, look who it is. Our 'little knight.'"
Kenneth cast an inquiring look.
"Had a conflict with her once." Sophia shook her empty glass, her tone carrying a hint of appreciation. "About three years ago, she set a trap for me. Plan was pretty thorough, almost really cornered me. At that time I happened to be... hmm... having a spat with my 'fate goddess,' refusing to receive any messages from her, and nearly came a cropper over nothing."
The news continued playing, Valeria's face on screen particularly earnest.
"But later," Sophia mused thoughtfully, "when closing the net, she hesitated for some reason, exposing an extremely brief opening. Just that instant, I seized it. Otherwise, today I might not be sitting here drinking with you."
She paused, summarizing: "Good seedling. Thorough planning, decent skills too. Lacks a bit... real combat tempering, but tremendous potential."
The news broadcast ended, cutting back to regular programming, conversation in the bar gradually regaining dominance.
Sophia's gaze returned to Kenneth, the previous playfulness put away, becoming sharp and serious: "Situation has changed. Black Cat's involvement will muddy the waters. Ken, my previous commission stands, but now I need 'dual insurance.'"
Kenneth immediately understood: "So you need me to 'board' as well?"
"Exactly." Sophia nodded. "You do your thing, I do mine. We pretend not to know each other. You in the light, me in the dark. Mission is to keep close watch on Charles Du, protect him as much as possible."
"Compensation?" Kenneth asked professionally.
"Triple. Plus if I accidentally 'die in the line of duty,' all the remaining money in my Swiss bank account goes to you." Sophia said it casually.
Kenneth thought for a few seconds, extended his right hand: "Deal."
Sophia smiled and shook his hand: "Pleasure doing business. Tomorrow morning, see you on 'Stardroop.'"
The two quickly finalized boarding details and signals. Outside the booth, jazz music remained languid. No one knew that a journey toward the unknown abyss had quietly been laid out on this rainy night.