We're clear. Those rioting machines didn't follow us down.
"Rioting machines"... Yeah, that fits.
Thanks for the backup. I thought I was finished back there.
Deeper in the sewers, the three slow their pace, finally clear of the rioting machines and now heading for the exit.
Why were you operating alone? Did you request backup from HQ?
Old White retired the day before yesterday. They haven't assigned me a new partner yet.
You didn't know?
Moore gives Moineau a puzzled look.
Wasn't paying attention.
Really? I always thought you kept up with all the office gossip.
Stereotyping.
My comms got jammed during the fight. Couldn't call for help.
Moore probes the wound at his waist, and a sharp hiss of pain escapes his clenched teeth.
How did you two end up down here?
We're investigating a homicide on Arclight Avenue. The victim had a storage unit at the docks. We found a hidden passage there leading to these sewers.
What was the victim, in construction?
They just dug a private tunnel from their unit into the city sewers?
No, she was probably a data analyst. Population statistics, census work, that sort of thing.
?
Moore misses Moineau's dry humor entirely. Teddy shoots her a sharp look, but Moineau only answers with a nonchalant shrug.
She was likely... some kind of hacker.
No official records, and she was using stolen bank accounts.
Interesting. Seems like everyone's a hacker these days.
You've encountered something similar?
Yeah. I'm on a missing persons case, but we can't find any record of the person who filed the report.
Disguised voice, unknown gender and age. Couldn't even trace the IP.
To bypass our security like that... we're definitely dealing with a professional.
We're here. Exit's just ahead.
The trio follows the sewage as it converges through a labyrinth of pipes, finally spewing out to sea through a massive drainage outlet.
Just beyond, blinding searchlights sweep the area. Public Safety anti-grav cars hang in the night sky, their red and blue lights flashing a stark warning.
Backup is here.
Moore perches on the edge of an anti-grav car's trunk as a medic tends to his wounds. The radio channel crackles nonstop with a stream of incoming reports.
Rioting machine remains discovered.
One civilian casualty confirmed.
Bring him back to the bureau.
No active rioting machines detected.
He pivots to face the other two and makes a suggestion.
Mind bringing me up to speed on your case?
Both our investigations led to the sewers. There has to be a connection.
A silent, knowing look passes between Teddy and Moineau.
Apartment 703, 442 Arclight Avenue. The victim's name is Christina...
Huh?
Moore stares at Teddy, his expression one of genuine surprise.
Now that's a coincidence.
