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 need to get to the temple faster.” One of the women said to one of her peers: “I don’t wanna be late. Last time we were just a few minutes late, 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 in the city college alone, and I really need to buy more of these so that I can finally feel safe - ”

“Oh - oh - so do I, so do I!” Another woman whined, almost making the entire car notice 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 commute, and only allows them to come 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 fine. The worst they’re gonna say is no.”

“What if they laughed at us?” One young woman asked, braiding some loose locks of her hair back into 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 even be talking 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 cleaner than the stops before. Lights were brighter too, and Marcus could see more armed security walking around.

“Alright. One more stop before we head off. Check your bags.” 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 forget what this meeting is for, huh? We’re here to ask for help AS WELL AS information. And we’ll be talking to a politician. Okay? So stay smart and follow my lead. Don’t say anything that will give out our investigation or draw too much unnecessary attention to us, remember?”

Their meeting place was in a building across the street from the city hall, where the councilmen and councilwomen’s offices were. Councilman Ding, as the speaker of the council and member of the security committee, was definitely one of the more esteemed ones, judging from the fact that his office was on the tallest level and was one of the biggest ones in the entire building. He also definitely played his role pretty intently - 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.” Councilman 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 working desk without standing up for he seemed to be busy with some paperwork: “As you can probably tell, it is a very busy time for me. With the election going on, and all those cases that needed my mediation as the speaker of the council. Things are just - you know, very delicate and need a lot of attention from everyone. So - what can I do for you gentlemen?”

“Well, esteemed Councilman - 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 unfettered access into some of the Blue Envelopes. And hope the city would grant us that, without it being too big of an issue.”

A concerned look flashed through the face of Councilman Ding but disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Marcus caught it, and noted it down in his mind. He had some questions, but decided to ask only when the time was right.

“Oh? Why are you - why are you asking for this?” Councilman Ding put on a confused and innocent face: “The city should have already provided ALL law enforcement agencies and personnel with open access to all Blue Envelope cases. So I am not entirely sure what you’re asking…”

“The issue is with the frequency checks, and some restrictions on how we can act on the information, share intel with related parties and access to other related evidence and documents.” Captain Ko nodded: “Our precinct has been investigating certain cases that might be linked to some of the old Blue Envelope cases. We’re assuming these might be some kind of copycat murders going on.”

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

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

“Excuse me, Councilman.” The secretary opened the door: “There’s an urgent document that needs your attention. It should be just a minute - ”

The councilman grunted, then stood up and headed toward the door: “Sorry gentlemen, let me handle this real quick.”