Supply / Demand

[kingvercetti]

I like this very much, it's an incredibly engaging read, and the layout is perfectly suited. Oddly enough I get a sort of Mirror's Edge vibe off it, although that's in no way a bad thing. One thing I was thinking is that (I think anyway, you may disagree) it would work very nicely in graphic novel or manga format, which would help to show the vastness of the city and skill of the running. That's my opinion anyway, either way, can't wait to read the next instalment!

[Rhoda]

I like this very much, it's an incredibly engaging read, and the layout is perfectly suited. Oddly enough I get a sort of Mirror's Edge vibe off it, although that's in no way a bad thing. One thing I was thinking is that (I think anyway, you may disagree) it would work very nicely in graphic novel or manga format, which would help to show the vastness of the city and skill of the running. That's my opinion anyway, either way, can't wait to read the next instalment!

Thanks Matt. You're not the first to pick up on the Mirror's Edge vibe; I believe Ciabatta also picked up on that, and to be honest that's one of the key mediums I drew inspiration from. I'm glad it's giving off that vibe in a way. Can't promise when the next part will be up, but keep your eyes peeled.

[Eminence]

Craig and I would like to let everyone know we haven't forgotten about this. Writing's been a little slow for the both of us lately in a collaborative sense for different reasons, but rest assured Episode 2 will be on its way to you soon!

 

In the meantime, here's a concept map of the piece's universe that may help you get your head around things if you're not quite sure what locale this whole thing is set in.

 

 

[El Zilcho]

What is the central annex?

[Eminence]

 

eminence / masterkraft

present

 

 

two / moonlight

 

 

~	The night is filled with still and solemn darkness carried silently across the ocean's surface as the gentle waves lap delicately against decaying wooden floorboards. The camera swings freely round the bright lights of the city skyline before closing tight on an old and decrepit boathouse, lying abandoned on the waterfront, corpselike in appearance.   A boat rolls slowly into the building's cavernous entrance, creeping without a sound, camouflaged into the black night. Inside the warehouse, M and E wait defiantly; M rests his elbows on a rotting wooden ledge whilst E presses his back into a slanted wall, one leg propped up nonchalantly. In coherence with the darkness, they are dressed in similar, yet contrasting, suits to their daytime attire: the colours are switched from crystal white to matte black.   Another man stands in the corner, face disguised into shadow. His arms are folded as he watches the boat approach. The vessel holds four men: Murphy and an entourage of three identical henchmen.
E	[Quietly, to M and the shadowed man] Here they are, then. What we gonna do? What’s the plan of action?
SHADOW	There will be no action. Your plan is to stay there, and don’t speak until I tell you to. Do you understand, Agent?
E	So you’re telling me –
M	He understands, Sir.
~	The boat arrives and Murphy’s scowling and overweight figure disembarks, stepping up onto the wooden platform. The henchmen follow suit, robotically.
MURPHY	Well then. [He eyes up M from head to toe, almost approving, then scowls harder as his vision centres on E, stood against the wall] So, you. Fucking punk. Think it’s alright to make light of my situation, right? Is that it?
SHADOW	Calm down, Mr. Murphy. He’s no threat to you.
MURPHY	You’re fucking right he’s no threat to me. He stops himself, realising who he’s talking to] I mean, I’m sorry, you’re right. But, you see – this just isn’t good enough.
SHADOW	We understand that, Mr. Murphy.
MURPHY	Yes – but! First I’m humiliated in front of my entire party after this incompetence. No Nazareth?! What the – what do you think people come to my party for anyway? It’s not my charming fucking personality, is it? No, it’s for Nazareth. They want it. They need it. So that’s why they come.
SHADOW	We realise that, Mr. Murphy.
MURPHY	But it’s not enough for that to get thrown out the window, for me to suffer that humiliation. Then your boy here thinks he can attempt to shoot his mouth off! At me! In front of everyone!
~	E shakes his head, but knows his situation. He restrains himself.
SHADOW	Calm down, Mr. Murphy. We understand.
MURPHY	I mean; I know he didn’t actually say – or do – anything. That’s understandable, he didn’t. Your other boy here had the wits and the sense to stop him before he made a real mess. But I saw it. I saw it in his eyes. He had no respect for me, for the transaction, for anything.
~	M ponders putting forward his own opinion, but falters. He decides against it, acknowledging the clever thing to do.
MURPHY	He had no respect – [he pleads with the shadowed man half with desperation and half with defiance] – for the organization! For what you and your father dedicated your lives to building! He had no respect for you!
E	Just wait –
SHADOW	Agent, quiet.
MURPHY	See? Yeah, you see. You can see it.
~	E snarls, hugging the wall tighter, turning his head to look the other way through gritted teeth. He lets out a deep breath.
MURPHY	Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t smash into that case and take the Nazareth himself. [The shadowed man gives a stern look, his eyes squinting. He implores Murphy to choose his words carefully] He’s probably got it – stashing it somewhere.
M	Come on, for fuck’s sake –
SHADOW	Agent – [he holds his hand out of the shadow, motioning for M to be quiet]
MURPHY	[Licking his lips] They’re both fucking in on it.
SHADOW	Mr. Murphy, we appreciate and respect your – feedback – regarding this matter. However, we assure you these are upstanding men and two of the finest Agents we have. I’m disappointed that you would make such low assumptions regarding their fine character.
~	Murphy opens his mouth as if to speak. The shadowed man again holds his hand out of the darkness, and all is silent once more. Murphy bows his head slightly, accepting the lecture.
SHADOW	Furthering that, Mr. Murphy, we also wish to assure you that we are deeply sorry for your inconvenience. The incorrect contents were simply a clerical error, a matter of one simple mistake. No foul play was involved, I guarantee.
MURPHY	I see.
SHADOW	Mr. Murphy, are you satisfied with the explanation we have provided?
MURPHY	Simple mistake.
SHADOW	Mr. Murphy?
MURPHY	Yeah?
SHADOW	Are you satisfied?
MURPHY	I am. I’m satisfied.
SHADOW	Good. Then the matter is resolved. Once more, we apologise, and assure you and your organization that this will not happen again. Thank you for your cooperation and your patience, and we wish for you to have a safe journey back.
~	M takes a small device out of his pocket and flicks a switch on it, which corresponds with a sudden momentary illumination of the corner, highlighting its emptiness. With a swift motion the device is back in M’s pocket and the corner is once again dark, yet less shadowed than before. The hologram is gone. Murphy retreats to the boat.
MURPHY	This isn’t fucking over.
~	The boat roars into life, no longer disguising its presence, and swishes through the thin waves with raw velocity. The camera tracks its wake, zooming in on the ocean until the screen is filled; the shot morphs to a swirling blue liquid inside a crystal glass, and pans outwards to reveal M and E sitting at a bar inside a trendy nightclub, which is lit with gentle neon. Charming and relaxing music plays through the speakers; none too pulsating. They are no longer dressed in their work attire; they wear casual, slim-fitting suits in respective shades of blue.
E	It’s just fucking annoying, man.
M	I know.
E	I mean –
M	I know. He’s there, shouting his mouth off, doing whatever he likes. That’s the way the world is; nothing we can do about it. You just have to sit back and ride it out.
E	Ride it out.
M	Yeah.
~	They give each other a look of acceptance and pick up their drinks, taking a sip of the brightly coloured liquids, filled with enough chemical alterations to give the impression of a natural high without any form of intoxication. The perfect legal drug.
E	Fuck it.
~	E downs the rest of his drink, unsatisfied with the smaller sip. M, watching this, smiles, and follows suit, eager to catch up in the competition. He signals to the bartender.
M	Another round, good sir!
E	Matt, you’re good, you know that? You are.
MATT	[He laughs] What are you talking about, E?
E	Come on, man. Don’t call me E. Not now.
MATT	Why am I good?
E	I mean it, man.
MATT	Alright. Evan? Why am I so good?
EVAN	You just are, you know? A good friend. You look out for my interests as well as yours. You stick up for me. There’s a lot of agents would’ve never got involved with that whole affair... would’ve never looked out for their partner.
~	Matt pauses, not knowing how to react. Eventually, he steadies himself.
MATT	That doesn’t mean I agree with what you did.
EVAN	What?
MATT	What you did. Come on, it’s a rule you have to follow: we’re the bottom of the chain. The customer’s always right. Yeah, I might stick up for you but I don’t want to get in the middle of you pulling that shit again, you know? Hopefully you’ll learn from this one.
EVAN	Fuck off, learn from what?! I had every right to react the way I did. That guy thinks he owns the world! He’s got no right.
MATT	I know.
EVAN	No fucking right.
MATT	But you’ve got no right to question him, to face off with him. You don’t have a leg to stand on E... Evan. He’s too powerful.
EVAN	There’s nothing too powerful for us. You tellin’ me he’s more powerful than the cops? We get away from them easy enough.
MATT	It’s not the same. The cops aren’t connected to our employers. We get a bad rep with them and it’s over.
EVAN	I guess.
MATT	We’ve got to play by the rules. Not theirs, but ours. Stay out of sight, stay low key. That’s how we survive, yeah? Bartender! Where’s the drinks?
~	The music picks up and the camera montages through a variety of shots inside the club, where Matt and Evan down more drinks and dance with women. They smile and enjoy the evening, finding pleasure even in the toned down artifices of present day United East. They eventually retire to a small booth with two girls, still laughing and smiling. The camera tracks Matt’s turning head in slow motion as he blinks and his grin slowly dissolves into a look of horror: he spots Murphy strutting towards the bar.
MATT	Shit.
EVAN	What?
~	Matt motions in the direction of the newly arrived adversary.
EVAN	Fuck! What’s he doing here?!
MATT	You got me. Look, Evan. Evan? Evan! Forget it, okay? We’ve got a good thing going here, just leave it. He’ll probably leave soon enough anyway; this place is too trendy for a piece of trash like him.
~	Matt’s words fall on deaf ears. Evan’s eyes are fixed in the direction of Murphy’s pompous figure. He starts to rise.
MATT	Evan, don’t! Fuck!
~	Evan stalks towards the bar in a trance, unfaltering. Murphy, with his back turned as he scans the bar’s contents, does not see him approach. With a swift grasp Evan grabs hold of Murphy’s jacket and swings him round tightly, taking him by the collar with fierce grip. Two men standing either side of Murphy step to intervene, by Murphy shakes his head and waves them off; they step aside.
MURPHY	Well, well, well! If it isn’t my favourite little worthless delivery boy. What are you doing in this neck of the woods? It’s expensive here, you know.
EVAN	Evan disregards Murphy’s condescension, gripping tighter, teeth gritted, eyes incensed.
MURPHY	What are you – let go... [His words become weaker. He wasn’t expecting this reaction; he realises the true danger of the situation] Guys, guys!
~	In an instant the two-man entourage reaches for Evan, who is pulled back from Murphy and restrained. Murphy steps back cowering whilst Evan continues to attempt to reach forward and grab him viciously; meanwhile, Matt has approached gravely, disappointed in his partner’s outburst. He wears a look of resignation and defeat, sighing heavily with a slight shake of his head. Evan continues to struggle.
EVAN	You think you fucking own this city?! You won’t fucking keep it up. Fucking bastard!
MURPHY	[Composed, standing firm in front of Evan] I do own this city. I fucking own you and your little friend, and your bosses. Don’t forget you work for me.
~	Evan scowls harder, stops struggling for a moment, then with one ambitious swing of his head spits into Murphy’s face. The projectile makes a direct hit with his nose, landing firmly before dripping down like a viscous paste. Murphy’s face turns red with anger and embarrassment and he unleashes a forceful punch into Evan’s stomach; he recoils and hunches over, collapsing to the floor. The entourage step away, smiling lifelessly.
MURPHY	Don’t fucking forget that next time you think of trying something like that again, punk.
~	Evan lets out a long and sharp blow of air as he coils on the floor. Murphy kneels down to meet him after wiping his face clean; his black shoes shine reflectively despite an absence of penetrative light, blending in with the tiled black flooring.
MURPHY	It’s a shame, you know, about your sister.
~	The pain suddenly becomes absent; Evan listens intently.
MURPHY	Or haven’t you heard yet?
EVAN	[Whispering tamely in Murphy’s direction] Wh-What are you talking about?
MURPHY	Ah! [He lets out a twisted laugh, each alteration in pitch a sharp dagger into Evan’s ears] Just perfect. I’ll send her your regards.
~	Evan’s heard enough. With a rapid ferocious movement he springs from the floor and sends Murphy tumbling into the bar as he rises; he instinctively follows in Murphy’s direction and swings with a right hook towards his face. With a crunch his knuckle makes contact with Murphy’s nose, dislodging the bridge and sending a flurry of pain through his sinuses. Blood begins to drip rapidly from his nostrils, emerging rapidly enough to stain both men’s clothes. Matt, quick onto the scene, pulls Evan away and drags him towards the exit, stumbling out into the street as Murphy falls embarrassed to the floor and darkness envelopes the screen.

 

 

written by

eminence

[Oxidizer]

A lot of development in this one! I like the intro of the powerful shadowy man, who I look forward to learning more about, finally knowing M & E's names, and the final cliffhangher with a hint towards some kind of personal history involving Evan's sister and Murphy.

 

Impressive shizzle.

[Chunk]

I came.

 

This is shaping up pretty fantastically gentlemen. As Andy said, alot of development and the introduction of "Shadow" in this chapter. I also seen at the bottom that it was only written by you Phil, so will Craig be writing the next or is there some other plan of action?

 

And f*ck you Phil! Wrecking my dreams of Matt being based off me.

[Eminence]

This is shaping up pretty fantastically gentlemen. As Andy said, alot of development and the introduction of "Shadow" in this chapter. I also seen at the bottom that it was only written by you Phil, so will Craig be writing the next or is there some other plan of action?

Tied into the set timeline we have there's places for individual work and collaboration. In what order will they appear? You'll just have to wait and see.

[Ciabatta]

Once again, great work. The vision of Murphy as this slimeball really stuck out in my mind. One thing though I don't know if you will take it as negative or positive but the "montage" of Matt and Evan in the bar gave me an image of something cheesy. I don't know why but other than that, amazing stuff.

[aragond]

Still got my full attention!

Nice work. I'm still impressed. A LOT of the swirling clouds of mystery were blown away in this episode and we're zooming in quite rapidly on the story's tension, its conflict. You should know that is what I have found to be the most appealing aspect of your story so far, it's far-away-ness, mystique, working in shadows, shrouds of mystery.

 

You've cultivated that very effectively.

 

There's more, but I've decided to PM you both instead. It might be that you're writing this with no interest at all in seeking detailed critiques which I can't help but write, it seems.

 

But before I go, let me off that:

• The M and E characters are developing nicely and I appreciated witnessing their after-work banter.
• Gotta say I'm hanging onto the line "M rests his elbows on a rotting wooden ledge whilst E presses his back into a slanted wall, one leg propped up nonchalantly." particularly the word "presses". Ah! Evocative. Poetic. Reinforces and adds to things I've learned about them.
• LOVED the direction "[Licking his lips]". In other words, he'd found a way to hurt them and was going to press it.
• When you mentioned the camera followed Murphy's boat, I half expected that to be one of Shadow's toys. I was almost disappointed that it was stage direction.

Great work, guys.

 

 

[Rhoda]

 

eminence / masterkraft

present

 

 

three / box

 

 

~	A bright white light flickers as the view suddenly fades in from black, revealing a magnificent yet threatening skyline ahead. In appearance, it is identical to United East. Traffic overhead is already getting thicker as the lunch-time rush begins. As a particularly large goods craft rumbles overhead, a rich shadow is cast on a sign below; “UNITED WEST”.   As the ship passes, the shadow too takes flight, now looming over a small public transport unit as it weaves clumsily through more aggressive, important vehicles. The bus is obviously an older model that cries back to more liberal years, its wheels replaced with struggling repulsion lift jets. A light ringing sound is heard, indicating the bus is descending towards a docking station marked Platform K.   Amid the flurry of passengers disembarking, a fresh faced Matt emerges, nodding an appreciative thank you towards the driver. As he re-adjusts his backpack, Matt then delivers a second nod to a man stood in the arrivals waiting area, sheltered by thick, dirty glass. With a quick glance towards the bus once again, he approaches the man.
MATT	Hello – [He scratches his forehead in an effort of recollection] – Roach, right?
ROACH	It is indeed. You’re M I believe; I daresay one letter is slightly easier to remember.
MATT	I suppose it is, yeah…
~	The two men begin to walk deeper into the city, negotiating busy streets.
ROACH	So you’re the delivery boy they’ve sent to escort this package between cities? I have to admit, you look a lot more capable than your hologram image.
MATT	I should hope I do, those things are always blue, constantly flickering. Oh, and they’ve actually stopped using the term “delivery boy”, its just courier now. They were going to use “delivery girl” but it gave out a bad vibe at the last meeting.
ROACH	Figures. This world is getting tighter and tighter, even in rebellious groups and trusts.
MATT	I’m glad you see that. What else do you know of the organization? I know they trust you; you’ve been a supplier for many, many years.
ROACH	Oh, not all that much. Current affairs, you know, things that may affect my trade? For instance, I did learn of the pending suspension of a courier, much like you, that’s being processed later. Poor bastard. Apparently he just said the wrong thing at the wrong time. I hear it’s hard to keep your personal battles separate from your courier business but you just can’t do it sometimes.
~	Matt hums in response. An awkward silence is shared for a couple of minutes as the two men continue to walk at a rather brisk pace. Matt breaks the tension by clearing his throat.
MATT	So – so this package, where are we collecting it from?
ROACH	Well, the preliminary package is at my place of business, just a short walk away.
MATT	Preliminary?
ROACH	You picked up on that, huh? Yeah, long story short we don’t actually have what we’re supposed to be exporting yet, but that’ll be on my desk this time tomorrow I’m told. I’ve been contacted to ensure I have room to accommodate you comfortably should a delay arise, but I doubt my supplier will want to falter. Demand is high for these particular goods.
MATT	Naturally. You speak of business, how is it lately? I know you’ve carved yourself quite the niche here in United East, highly spoken of in the bars I frequent.
ROACH	Eh, business is slow, but things like this come in seasons. It’s like air conditioning; who wants a unit in winter?
MATT	I guess so.
ROACH	Don’t get me wrong, I’m not completely dry, but I put it down to people either being a lot healthier or a lot more careful. It has to be one of the two.
MATT	Who was your last client?
ROACH	Oh, she was this amazing elderly woman, really generous but had quite the peculiar habit of facial twitching. Didn’t really matter but I felt awful talking to her, you know?
MATT	Not really but I’ll take your word for it.
~	Several more awkward minutes pass as the two carry on walking at a steady speed. As they do so, the quality of life begins to dwindle; instead of businessmen arranging meetings to a frantic deadline, less fortunate waves of people sit bored, confused and alone in the city’s generous offering of soup kitchens and lounges. Just as Matt begins to adjust to the remarkably different city life across the country, Roach stops him.
ROACH	This is it, friend.
MATT	This? I thought you worked by the sea? You’re constantly saying you can feel the wind in your hair.
ROACH	Hey, I work on the forty-seventh floor with a window open, I’m allowed a bit of a breeze when you’re doing what I do.
~	Matt nods his head, not quite sure what to say as he takes the door from Roach, who has already found them a vacant elevator. Matt then joins Roach in the surprisingly spacious lift, which although clean as the city promises, the pungent smell of something rather odd peppers the air. Fingerprints can be seen on the buttons various floors, presumably where they have been pressed in a frantic bid to reach their respective floors to meet appointments. After hardly any time at all, the lift grinds to a halt with a groan and Roach impatiently bounces on the balls of his feet waiting for the doors to open once again. As they do, he scurries to his workshop at the very end of the corridor with his hands in his pockets, rummaging for a key. Matt follows but keeps a distance, taking interest in what the other rooms on floor 47 have to offer.
ROACH	Here we are.
~	He pulls out a rusty key which is coupled with a key ring of a silver heart shape and opens the door with much needed force. Clearly the door has seen better days.
MATT	Oh... Oh dear – [He sniffs sharply] - what’s that smell?
ROACH	Apologies, apologies, that’s a client from a couple of days ago, he was very reluctant to part with his end of the bargain. Bit of a struggle, you know?
MATT	N-no, not really. [He eyes the room and spots his package immediately; a shoebox-size container with the letters “UW-UE” stamped upon it gingerly] That for me?
ROACH	Ah, yes, well, no. Not yet. [He mops his brow free of nervous sweat] Its contents are on their way, rest assured.
MATT	As long as I stick to my schedule, I’m not too fussed on time.
ROACH	There’s a receipt in the box if you want to read it? Check the order’s right?
MATT	I’ll do just that, thanks. [He approaches the box and flips the lid open which is kept closed by two solid iron clasps. As he does so, his fingers tighten around the edge of the box as he spies the small piece of crumpled paper which resembles discarded litter. As he reads it, he murmurs out-loud and stop suddenly] Oh.
ROACH	Something the matter?
MATT	[He remains silent for a few seconds] Are these details… are they correct?
ROACH	To the letter, as instructed. Something wrong?
MATT	Hmm? No, no. [He clears his throat] No, that’ll… that’ll do I think.
~	Matt smiles weakly, which soon drops as Roach turns away to wash his hands, ready for another client. While Roach dries his hands, Matt looks out of the window, his gaze like cellophane, and the screen fades.

 

 

written by

masterkraft

[El Zilcho]

I'm really enjoying this series, not too much for me to say that hasn't already been mentioned, but I eagerly await the next chapter.

[Ciabatta]

I love the series. I like how you end everything with a cliffhanger or mystique (both in this episode) so the reader is constantly waiting on the next episode. I really thought Roach was going to waste M for some reason. The awkward moments helped to build the tension.

 

Good stuff, once more.

[aragond]

Excellent stuff, fellas. Excellent. This is getting interesting.

[Oxidizer]

Loved the introduction of Roach and this being a Matt-centric episode. Makes for some very interesting stuff, especially the mystery and intrigue at the end (as always seems to be the case with this series; which is one of my favorite things about it).

 

Top quality work, Craig.

[Eminence]

 

eminence / masterkraft

present

 

 

four / burn

 

 

~	Sunlight creaks harshly into a high-rise apartment through narrow slits in the blinds that cover the glass wall; the light burns into the soft white features of the room, slicing into the skin of Evan, who lies motionless atop a bed’s creased covers. Waking to the searing illumination of morning-time, he lets out a gurgled moan and places a hand on his stomach, recounting the pain of the previous night. Stiff, sore and with throbbing temples, he sits up groggily, running a free hand over his face and through his ruffled hair whilst the other moves from clasping his stomach to propping himself up, forcing his weight momentarily onto a solitary wrist followed by an elbow.   After pausing for almost an entire minute, he finds the strength to slide out of the bed, placing a foot down onto the soft carpeted floor. The glimmering silver skyline can be seen in slits as he pulls himself to his feet and slides over to a small glass desk adjacent to his bed. Noticing the small red light on his answer machine, he drops a lazy finger onto the play button and is met with an ear piercing beep that lasts the full length of multiple seconds, ringing inside his head with menace. The noise subsides and a voice echoes through the crackling speakers.
MATT	E, this is M. I won’t be able to make any transmissions from aboard public transport – you know the deal, they block everything because of the radiation – so by the time you get this I’ll probably be halfway across the country. Anyway, the organization have me heading out to do some important job, got to bring a package right across from West back to East. They haven’t told me what it is yet, but I figure it must be something pretty secret and, well... pretty prioritised. They told me you’re going to get word of another assignment too, so I guess that’s why you’re not with me at the moment. So, yeah, I’ll see you soon, E.
~	Evan, now more aware of his surroundings, thinks over the contents of the message. Matt; halfway across the country, probably on one of those cheap public transport units where the thing smells like urine and the air tastes even worse. He lets go of a wry smile as the machine dies down and shakes his head happily, slipping into an en-suite bathroom decorated in glowing silver and reflective mirrors. Time to freshen up: he splashes cold water on his face, sparingly at first, then more, then he rubs a handful of the cool liquid through his hair and across his features. The fluid drips from his chin and down his back as he grabs a towel and drags it harshly over his head, rubbing the excess water away. From within the confines of the white cotton another sharp beep slices through the air and Evan grits his teeth as the machine again whirs into life.
VOICE	Agent four-five-four, codename ‘E’, you are to report immediately to the Administrations Building in the Lower-East Financial District. Your presence is desired within the hour; failure to attend will not be received graciously. Thank you for your cooperation.
~	The mechanical voice dies and Evan sighs heavily. Perfect. He draws nearer to the wall-window and places his hands on a thin white cord, and with a delicate motion snaps the blinds open, revealing the beauty of the city in all its glory, which fills the screen. As we zoom out of the picturesque skyline, we are no longer in the apartment but in a high-tech office, where three almost identical figures sit behind a grand mahogany desk. They wear black suits with white shirts and black ties. Evan sits opposite them.
LEFT	Now, agent. As we understand, you were involved in a situation in a downtown establishment late last night, correct?
~	Evan doesn’t respond; he only nods his head slowly and cautiously.
RIGHT	We were most dissatisfied to hear of your behaviour, agent.
~	Evan’s eyes fleet from the man sitting on the left to the one on the right. They speak in an uncannily similar manner.
LEFT	Yes, indeed. It was quite a shock to hear the report.
RIGHT	We even questioned if it was truly you, based on your track record and excellent standards.
LEFT	Alas, the conclusion we came to was wholly correct –
RIGHT	And the consumer’s complaint very thorough –
CENTRE	So we’re afraid, agent, that we’re going to have to take some rather strict measures.
RIGHT	That’s right –
LEFT	Agent.
~	Evan blinks, overwhelmed. The mechanics in play before him continue, relentlessly.
CENTRE	Don’t worry, agent. We are on your side. We are. But, you see, we have to take the complaints of customers extremely seriously, and this is a very, very important and grave situation you’ve found yourself in. We’re still investigating; the process is far from over and we want to make sure we have everything one-hundred per cent correct before we take any permanent action... But, we regrettably inform you that for the time being, we’re going to have to suspend you until further notice.
LEFT	That’s a full suspension, agent.
RIGHT	Your status as a courier shall be promptly revoked.
LEFT	And our networks will no longer be open to you.
RIGHT	Nor will our other services.
CENTRE	Do you understand what we’re telling you, agent?
~	Evan’s mouth inches ajar slightly as he sits there, speechless. Murphy has done a job on him, plain and simple.
LEFT	Agent?
RIGHT	Do you understand?
CENTRE	Please answer.
EVAN	Yeah, I got it. Loud and clear.
CENTRE	Thank you, agent. Now, we assure you your position has not been permanently revoked. We still value you as an extremely competent and skilled member of our organization, so we would appreciate your continued discretion, obviously.
LEFT	That’s a warning, agent.
RIGHT	We’ll have people monitoring your situation whilst our investigation continues.
EVAN	And what about M?
CENTRE	M, agent?
~	The three men give a synchronized look of confusion, peering forwards to receive more information.
EVAN	Agent two-zero-seven. Agent fucking M.
RIGHT	Agent!
LEFT	M is away on business.
EVAN	I know that. Give me a fucking break here, fill me in.
CENTRE	Agent, we are not at liberty to discuss the matter at present.
EVAN	And what about all that shit Murphy was spouting last night? What about that?
LEFT	Agent, we’d kindly ask you to leave. Your presence is no longer desired.
EVAN	What about my sister? What’s going on?
~	Evan leans forward intently, reversing the tables; his interrogation is about to begin. But before he can continue, the flanking men stand and motion towards the door, which opens with a snap; two further men instantly file into the room, dressed sharply in black armour, which Evan recognises quickly.
EVAN	Alright, alright. [He rises slowly and backs away from the table] I’m gone.
CENTRE	Thank you, agent. You’re dismissed.
~	The three suits nod in sync and Evan slips through the large bodies assembled at the door without contact, shaking his head as he walks through a lifeless white corridor.
RIGHT	Well.
LEFT	Did that go as expected?
CENTRE	Most certainly. Go and set up the holographic link. I want to speak with Murphy.
~	Fade to Evan, walking slowly through the underbelly of the city, hands in his pockets. He’s no longer dressed in his customary running suit; instead he wears a pair of dark blue jeans with a light blue collared t-shirt, the outfit completed by a thin black woollen jacket. The city, despite the high sunshine, is cold in the shadow of the towers, and he pulls the jacket together by the pockets in order to close the gap and retain heat.   Freight traffic buzzes overhead; a number of low-level passenger cars grind along the streets like an old fashioned city. Citizens litter the streets in abstract formations; nothing is filled. Nothing overly busy. The traffic systems run like clockwork.   A sudden panic scurries round a corner up ahead; people looking in awe and shock at something up above. Evan, noticing the commotion, walks briskly into the small crowd, peering into the maze of wires and pipes and buildings and vehicles towering above. The usual gaps lending to a view of the piercing white sky are muffled by shades of grey and black; smoke wisps through the air silently.   Evan tries to see through the commotion, looking for the source of the outbreak. Amidst straining eyes hidden behind makeshift visors created by hands, and amidst audible gasps and shocked reactions, he hears a distant crackling, and realises the source of the bellowing plumes of thick dark cloud; it surges forth from a small square in one of the reflective towers: his own apartment.   The sudden realisation of the inherent dangers of his situation strikes him. Things have become extremely serious. Someone wants him dead; or in discomfort. He predicts it must be Murphy, or, more worryingly, the organization itself.   Another realisation surges through Evan’s mind and he races to the nearest payphone possible, a small, clear booth sitting idly on a street corner. He hurries inside, flicks coins into the machine and mashes the buttons desperately, picking up the receiver and holding it to his ear intently.
EVAN	Come on – [his grip becomes tighter as the phone rings] – come on, fucking pick up! Come on!
~	There is no answer as the phone rings out. He slams it down and repeats the process.
EVAN	Come on, don’t do this to me. Pick the fuckin’ phone up, sis.
~	The dial tone slips in and out of life menacingly, each one longer than the last, the call becoming slower and slower. Precious seconds drag wastefully. No answer. His expression sours; his eyes slam shut and his head hangs in defeat. Murphy wasn’t lying.   Opening his eyes, a cold wind rushes into the open booth, making them water further. The air chills his soul ominously. Last chance: he picks up the jet black receiver once more and slowly, carefully, presses the numbers. The dial tone commences, and after just two rings, the phone picks up.
VOICE	H-Hello?
EVAN	Jen?
VOICE	Evan?
EVAN	Oh, thank god. Thank god.
JEN	Evan? [she pauses] What’s – wrong?
EVAN	Nothin’. Nothin’, sweetheart. Just – just checking up on you.
~	Evan’s face lifts immensely. His head rests backwards on the panelling of the booth and he smiles uncontrollably, shrugging off his previous dismay. For all he knows he has a price on his head – and he has nowhere to go – but if nothing else, one of his worries has been lifted.
JEN	Oh. You don’t usually call.
EVAN	I know. I’m just... I’ve had a rough day, that’s all. Just wanted to hear your voice.
JEN	It’s been a long time.
EVAN	Yeah, I know.
~	There is a long pause. Evan can’t hear anything from the other end of the call; no breathing, no attempt to continue speaking. Finally, Jen replies.
JEN	Well, I’ve gotta go. I’ve got a – meeting later, with some friends from work. I’ll see you around, yeah? Stay safe, E... don’t go getting your hand caught in the cookie jar!
~	Evan laughs warmly. She’s still got that spark about her.
EVAN	Yeah, you too, Jen. I love –
~	The line has gone dead.
EVAN	You.

 

written by

eminence

[Oxidizer]

One of my favorite episodes yet! Left, Right and Centre were arrogantly amusing, and I loved finally being introduced to Evan's sister Jen. Yet another solid ending, and more intrigue packed in! I'm really interested to know what's going on with M and who torched E's gaff.

 

Stellar work.

[Chunk]

Fantastic work gentlemen, this is just so.. smooth, the flow is truly brilliant. I think Burn has to have been my favourite episode so far, I quite liked the characters of Left, Right and Centre.

 

I have no criticism to give to you 2 chaps, so I'm going to tell you this is quickly becoming my favourite piece on WD. Keep it up.

[El Zilcho]

Fantastic work, the imaging of the latest chapter was superb and really helped me view the things going on. I was actually thinking of them in my minds eye, something rare for me to do so vividly. Excellent stuff.

[Oxidizer]

What's going on with this project?

[Rhoda]

I know Eminence wanted to take time to finish his projects and I was going to start my own, but I decided against it. Currently, I think the next chapter needs drafting. It's not died, don't worry about that...

[Oxidizer]

 

Glad to hear it!