REACTIVATION

Chief Exterminator Korse, head of the Battery City Police Force. Reactivated under Protocol 4.

[threepoints2lines]

// Floored would be an understatement to Eli’s reaction. But either way, the kid remains calm and collected and takes the folder, looking Korse in the eye. // Me, s- //He pauses to assess his words. Of course him…he was called to the office wasn’t he? Plus, questioning a superior, THE superior could not have been a good way to begin this strange new mentorship. // I’m honored and grateful. 

[protocol-4]

Mm.

//There isn't really much Korse can say to that.  The boy's response is definitely what he wanted, but in terms of planning, he hadn't exactly gotten to anything to say in return.//

You're welcome. You'll be having training sessions led by both me and my assistants, one meant to acclimate you to our section of the office.  These will be separate from your duties at the academy, so I trust that you'll be able to balance the two accordingly.  Free time will be given, but in smaller amounts.

Do you think this is appropriate?

[threepoints2lines]

Oh?  // Was he smiling? Was it the RIGHT kind of smile?// Thank you, Korse, sir. But, am I correct to assume that you didn’t just call me to congratulate me on my grades.

[protocol-4]

That you are.

I'd like to offer you an opportunity.  //He kept from smiling more than the usual pleased expression he put on when an employee was doing something right, and set a folder on he desk.//

An internship, to be exact.  With my office.

[threepoints2lines]

// He takes a seat on the cold black leather chair and tries not to stare at Korse with his heated terror/admiration. It’s difficult- his mind’s racing. Good. Bad. Bad. Good. Was it because he spoke a few times with Killjoys without authorization? Did he know about his dreams of gnashing teeth and red fingers? // // No. Nobody knew of those, he was sure of it. // What have you heard?

[protocol-4]

Good things.  Don't worry.

//Korse sat back in his chair, obviously not at all bothered by the tension in the room.  Eli had nothing to be afraid of, but some good old intimidation went a long way.  It was something he was going to have to learn, if everything worked out.//

Promising things, in fact.  Your scores on the placement tests were impressive to say the least.  You should be proud.

[threepoints2lines]

Fuck, am I in trouble? What does the Chief want with me? Oh man I fucked up, I fucked uuuuuup.

Yes sir?

[protocol-4]

Hello, Yeun.  I've heard a good deal about you.  Have a seat.

[protocol-4]

Trainee Eli Yeun

Report to my office immediately.

[ravanbcpd-blog]

It wasn’t? But aren’t you the chief- kill orders are your jurisdiction. // Ravan nods as he sits in the leather chair in front of Korse’s desk. Tht was alarming, that somebody who had no idea what it was like in Scarecrow handing out the orders. Unless it was Madam…and Madam’s word was law as far as BLI was concerned….but Madam tended to not get herself involved in most things….hell, she was hardly ever seen. // Outside of work? What work?

//He didn’t really consider Morewest to be work, and as far as being within the ranks of BLI- well…nobody really ever QUIT their job and expected that they could be invited back at a lower position. He’d been ready to burn bridges- // I don’t have Zones clearance anymore.

[protocol-4]

They usually are.  I don't know who ordered the quota, but I know who announced it.  Regardless, I had to give my support, or the force would be forced to take sides.

//Winther.  He had no way of telling whether or not the order came directly from Madam, not unless she told him herself.  There was always the chance that Silje had come up with it on her own, but he couldn't question it without being accused of questioning Madam, and that road went nowhere good.  His only choice had been to go along with it.//

//Korse turns away for a second to rifle through a drawer.  The file he comes up with is held out for Ravan to take.//

I'm offering you your old position, Lukesh.  City patrols, staying inside the border, everything you were used to before your promotion.  I can't speak for your clearance as of now, but maybe if you need something out there..  

You seem to be one of the few people in this company speaking some sense.  And acting on it, no less.  Don't think this offer is being given to just anyone.

[ravanbcpd-blog]

Mostly, it just doesn’t settle right with me to be forced to kill or detain people just to make a quota. The margin for error and hurting the WRONG people is far too high. And I cannot consciously choose to do that. I was fine hunting the people I was told to hunt. They were legitimate criminals…but I also know that everybody out there isn’t a bad person- so why should they suffer for the crimes of their peers?  It makes no sense, and I didn’t want any part of it. Plus, I was only promoted to fill the gaps left by that attack that stripped Scarecrow of its frontmen. I was quite happy just being a civilian Scarecrow. I didn’t have to kill people unless it was absolutely necessary.

[protocol-4]

...I see.  

Well, Lukesh, as strange as it may sound, this quota was not my idea.  Our job is to protect this city by removing threats, not creating problems where there are none.  There have already been retaliatory strikes on the border, and while they were handled, the day may be coming where we kill the wrong person and everyone pays the price.  This order...  This order doesn't seem to take the bodies of our officers into account.

I'll have to take your word that there are innocents out there.  Perhaps, with your assistance, outside of work of course, you can create a list of those individuals for me.

[ravanbcpd-blog]

It’s not a problem sir, just- ….is there something wrong  with me?

[protocol-4]

However you choose to think of it.  If it's not too much of a problem, I'd like to hear your reasons for leaving your position.  

I'm sure you have some.

[protocol-4]

Mr. Lukesh.  I apologize for calling you in so suddenly.  

Come in.

[protocol-4]

@citycrowravan

Congratulations on your recovery.  Your presence is required tomorrow morning to discuss your future at Better Living Industries, due to your retreat from Exterminator ranks.

[protocol-4]

This is ridiculous.

...To the self-proclaimed King of Dogs, this is a message concerning the release and return of Exterminator Noctus, Rank 8 of S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W.  Your request has been received from the patrol you detained two days ago, and has been evaluated. 

Better Living Industries will refrain from sending any further Extermination squads into your detailed area during the entirety of Order #213 until such time as any member of your group gives us a reason to wipe every one of you out.  This is not out of consideration for those individuals you have placed under your care.  The possibility of having to repeat this scenario is undesirable to certain parties, and Better Living has far more important things to attend to.

In exchange, you will release Exterminator Noctus and all his affects to the western border of Zone 4, where a physical copy of this message will be handed over to one of your representatives.

You have 24 hours to respond.

[protocol-4]

[STATUS UPDATE:]

EXTERMINATED: 

'Arsenic Bomber' 

'Fraction Subtraction'

'Red Zed'

Cyanide Sweetheart'

APPREHENDED:

'Acid Spat'

'Slaughterfest Fourteen'

All Exterminated Killjoys will be left in BLI-Approved Body Bags at the designated drop point.  All apprehended Killjoys are to be returned as quickly as possible to Battery City for re-education.

[protocol-4]

He did what?

[protocol-4]

One which I’ll gladly accept.  It’s hardly the sort of thing that could prevent me from maintaining productivity, but it is a hassle.  

[artificialdesires]

If you say so. I do want to believe you’re still fully functional… hm.

Well. As lovely as this chat is, I do need to return to my work. I’ll leave you to yours… Unless there’s anything else you’d like to converse about.

[protocol-4]

No, I think any questions have been answered.  Thank you again for your advice, Katherine.  Have a Better Day.

[artificialdesires]

As do I. Such compassion isn’t very becoming of you. It… interferes with the Company’s desires, in my professional opinion.

[protocol-4]

One which I'll gladly accept.  It's hardly the sort of thing that could prevent me from maintaining productivity, but it is a hassle.  

[protocol-4]

Yes, as it happens.  For a variety of reasons.  It seems that if no one steps up to look after him…  You’ll see what I mean in his paperwork.  Sometimes I wonder whether or not it’s wise to let some of the Academy’s students graduate early…

[artificialdesires]

… You’ve grown sentimental. It’s rather sweet. 

[protocol-4]

I hope it passes.

[artificialdesires]

Feel free. You sure do seem to have taken a liking to him… Is he one of those employees you worry about?

[protocol-4]

Yes, as it happens.  For a variety of reasons.  It seems that if no one steps up to look after him...  You'll see what I mean in his paperwork.  Sometimes I wonder whether or not it's wise to let some of the Academy's students graduate early...