When a child is born into this fine city, a communication device is placed just beneath the left ear. The device can, connect to a car or house depending on the owner's setting, so communication appears more...normal, and this is how our story begins. Aleen wakes startled, by an incoming call broadcast by her house com, she quickly press's the coms button on her night stand and says...

*ANSWERING NOISE*

[Aleen](Waking up to the phone ringing)Mmmm....hello

[Jones]Ah Miss Harris. Sorry to call you. However, I'm a very busy man...and quite impatient. I'm calling for an update...how'd the date go.

[Aleen](Aleen is totally disgusted)(Breath)That's really none of your business Jones...and wasn't I suppose to call you?

[Jones]Yes, but as I said before I'm very busy...not to mention, impatient. As far as my business...yes, it kind of is. Now about my update...would it make you feel better if I asked please?

[Aleen](Breaths again)Tharin didn't really want to talk about it. All he told me was, Sorrel placed Dayton in Saris's place and the council isn't happy...at all. That's all he told me.

[Jones]

(False positivity with Aleen, feels this interaction was on the verge of ‘wasting time’)Well...its not much...and information we already knew...but I'll give you credit for the attempt at least. Thank you Miss Harris, we'll be in touch.

(Phone hangs up)[Aleen]Jerk

(Song and intro)

[Narrator]

(Keeping its normative pace, the city is hard at work, ignoring the dangers that loom with each political checkmate. In the heart of the city, a light morning fog sets in around a workshop. The sun, always in it's own power struggle with the thick clouds, lends a slight glow, that gleams lightly off Ross’s spotless high-tech workshop. Tharin enter the shop, eager to see his commissioned device. Ross reveals his genius machine, Tharin looks over it for a second and says...)

[Tharin]So I just push this button...and what? It shows me the location of Saris?

[Ross]The location of his tracking device at least. Last night I tested it on my own pps unit and it works fine. I just put in Saris's. Once it's done...you just push the button...and it should, yes, show you his location.

[Tharin]Perfect, what are we waiting for?

[Ross]It has to go through the calculations.

[Tharin]Hmmm...how long does that take?

(Ding)[Ross]It's done...go ahead.

[Tharin]Well that went quicker than I was expecting. Here goes nothing.

(Machine makes noise)

[Tharin]Is this some kind of joke Mr Ajin?

[Ross]What do you mean?

[Tharin]Have a look for yourself, see if you can figure out what I mean.

[Ross]How is that....what's it doing?

[Tharin]Well if you can't figure it out, how am I supposed to know?

[Ross] They must have encrypted the signal somehow.

[Tharin]Or it doesn't work.

[Ross]I assure you, commissioner Grady it works.

[Tharin]Ok then, if that's not it, there appears to be, by my count, around 50 Saris's all over the city.

[Ross]Yes I see that. They've encrypted his passcode somehow, see how they're all moving around. They've tied his code to others throughout the city. It's going to take a while to figure out.

[Tharin]Right....let's hope you can figure it out Mr Ajin. If not, someone must be held responsible...is that clear?

[Ross]As a bell.

[Tharin]Good...well don't let me stop you...get to work.

[Narrator](Tharin, in a moment of frustration abandons the desk that holds the device. Ross sits in the background behind him, leaning against the duos new machine, he stares at it for a moment, hopelessly as if the answer will reveal itself. Tharin paces back and forth, pressing the coms button just below his left ear saying...)

[Tharin]

Call father...

It doesn't work...

[Ross](Loudly speaking to Tharin as he walks away)It works fine...(Under breath)I just have to figure out the code

[Tharin]Hes working on it now. I'll talk to you in a bit.

[Narrator]

(Ross Ajin continues his work, continuing to question how ‘he,’ of all people, could be outwitted by the Theosin. Tharin steps away from the workshop for a break from the discord within in his very political life. He makes his way towards Aleen’s, glancing at her coat from the night before that now looks at home, on his passenger seat. He smiles for a moment, and begins to wonder if Aleen enjoyed the night as much as he did.)

(Knock, knock, knock)

[Aleen]

(Surprised and concerned, but there is a moment of flickering happiness.)

Tharin, what are you doing here?

[Tharin]

I just wanted to return your coat...and apologize.

[Aleen]

Apologize for what?

[Tharin]

For not trusting you with the investigation. I have a very hard time trusting anyone, the city is full of people trying...to do...bad things, anyway. I'm sorry to insult your character in that way.

[Aleen]

No need to apologize, and I know what you mean about...bad people.

(Awkward silence)

(Both talk at the same time)

[Aleen]

Thanks for taking….

[Tharin]

Well, I just wanted to…

[Aleen]

I'm sorry (laughing)

[Tharin]

No, I'm sorry go ahead.

[Aleen]

I was just going to say, thank you for taking me to Madison Fare last night. I know you had to, with the bet and all, but...I really had a good time thank you.

[Tharin]

I also had a good time. You're quite an entertainer and I needed a break so, thank you, for...forcing me to take you.

[Aleen]

We should do it again sometime.

[Tharin]

(Momentary pause, considering his next words)

I think we should.

[Aleen]

Really?

[Tharin]

Yes, really...maybe something a little less expensive next time though.

[Aleen]

(Laughing)

Right, I hope it didn't set you back to far.

[Tharin]

No it's fine. Anyways…(breath) I'd better go. We'll talk later though?

[Aleen]

[Tharin]

Ok, goodbye Aleen.

[Aleen]

Goodbye Tharin.

[Narrator](Aleen closes the door behind Tharin, watching him for a moment through the looking glass. She smiles. Leaning against the door, she clutches the moment.)

[Aleen]

He trusts me…

[Narrator]

(Her hands dropping to her sides, her eyes widen, as concern blankets her face…

[Aleen]

Oh crap...he trusts me.

[Narrator]

(Aleen contemplates the dilemma before her; foster a newfound trust, or betray it.

*pause*

Before us sits a warehouse at the edge the city border: windows boarded, corrugated sheets cracked, and fallen from the rooftop, rafters aged, bent and breaking. A swathe of dust would be collected on them if it were not for the mice running to and fro from their homes, rested neatly in unperturbed corners of this uninhabited warehouse.

Saris sits alone. Wrists and ankles burned by the ropes that bind him. His sight darkened by the blindfold. Alone with his thoughts, confined within the silence of this abandoned building. They practically echoed in his mind.

But what's this? Another sound? A foot step. Multiple in fact. They echo off the concrete, shaking the rust from the rafters above…)

[Jones]

Moose

[Moose]

Yes sir?

[Jones]

It would appear our adversaries have found a way to track Saris.

[Saris]

(Laughing in his evil “you're so dead” laugh)

[Jones]

(Pausing for a moment to recognize Saris's laugh)

So here's the plan. Saris is to be moved every 8 hours. Here's the next location, you now have 7 hours and 22 minutes and….23 seconds 22, 21. Anyways, keep him moving.

[Saris]

(Laughing again at the plan)

If they've already found a way to track me, your dead where you stand.

[Moose]

What's the likelihood they'll find us?

[Jones]

I'm told by our techs, that we have a 99.7% success rate if we move every 8 hours. That goes down by 20% every half hour afterwards. So I suggest you keep him on the move.

(Jones now speaking to Saris in a calm manner)

Oh and don't worry Saris, Sorrel has all but abandoned you. Hes placed Dayton in charge. The one looking for you is Tharin. So as you see Sorrel has written you off...the offer still stands if you want to, oh I don't know, help?

[Saris]

(A mixture of disbelief, and potentially fostered anger)

Sorrel wouldn't abandon me. Not after all that I've done for him, and Dayton won't last a week.

[Jones]

Yes well...offer still stands, let me know when you wake up and realize Sorrel cares only for himself...and Dayton.

(Jones starts to walk away but stops for one last comment)

Oh and...one last thing...don't test my patients by pretending to care for the council. I know your disdain, and soon Sorrel will show his lack of interest in you. When that happens I'll be here to give you a...shot at revenge. Goodbye for now Saris.

(Jones leaves the room)

[Saris]

Was he telling the truth Moose? Has Sorrel made Dayton Enforcer?

[Moose]

Ya. It's not official yet, but as of right now...Dayton is filling the spot.

[Narrator]

(Under Saris’ breath is a growl. His breath feels heavy. His chest knotted, heat rising up the back of his neck. He pulls at his bindings to distract himself. Light trickles of blood scatter on the concrete floor. A new sound, alone once again with Saris’ thoughts.)

*pause*

Tharin, frustrated sits in his car. Unsure if he is more angry by the lack of results from Ross's device, the case to find Saris, or the indent left by the wheel in the palm of his hand. Moments pass, feeling like hours. Even committing to conversation with his car, Salistine.

[Tharin]

I am beyond frustrated Salistine. There are so many variables.

[Salestine]

Variables you have invariably been trained in, sir.

[Tharin]

Yes this is true Salistine.

[Salistine]

I just want to say sir...I have done nothing but help when I can, that said sir, I was wondering if you could stop hitting my control wheel?

[Tharin]

Yes of course Salistine, I'm sorry. It's just...what do I do with Ross. I know he's not sabotaging the machine, but the lack of results is quite disappointing. I mean, it's not like I can just kill him, we need him.

[Salistine]

Sorry to interrupt sir, but an incoming call from councilman Grady's office, do you accept?

[Tharin]

Yes of course Salistine, patch it through.

[Salistine]

Patching through now sir.

[Jarrett]

Tharin, are you sitting down?

[Tharin]

Yes, I'm in the car why?

[Jarrett]

Sorrel is about to give an address to the entire city.

[Tharin]

An address about what?

[Jarrett]

He thinks it's a good idea to quell some of the concern over Saris's disappearance.

[Tharin]

He's actually going to tell people Saris is missing?

[Jarrett]

No...hes going to tell people Saris is Ill and unable to perform his duties as Enforcer.

[Tharin]

Well that's better than telling them he's missing.

[Jarrett]

I don't agree that lying to the people is a good idea. He's going to dig a hole for the council.

[Tharin]

Hmmm, is there anyway to delay him for a few days?

[Jarrett]

No, he's going to go live in a few minutes. I have to go. The council has been requested to stand behind him in the address.

[Tharin]

Of course, that way you can't deny knowing…

[Jarrett]

Exactly...I'm truly concerned Tharin. Find Saris, and do it soon...or we'll have more than just his disappearance to worry about.

[Tharin]

I'll do my best father.

[Jarrett]

Of course you will, goodbye son.

[Tharin]

Goodbye father.

Salistine?

[Salistine]

Yes sir?

(Salistine is interrupted by an official address. It starts with a bong then the city anthem begins)

[Sorrel]

Greeting, salutations, hello and blessings be with you all. My brothers and sisters, I apologize for the interruption of your evening, but I have a grave concern. I've been notified that there are rumors flying about this fine city, about the disappearance of our beloved Saris. Know that he, our sworn protector, our refuge from chaos, our friend and our brother has not disappeared. He is right now...unable to tend to his sworn duties do to an illness, an illness that has him more than just under the weather. I feared, having to inform you of this, because I wanted to save you from the stress you might incur having heard said news. However, I also feared the rumors might cause more damage, so in the Hopes that I, councilman Sorrel, could save you the more stressful thing, I have decided to release this news to you here. My fellow citizens, the council and I care a great deal for you, so know that we always take the actions necessary to keep you all safe. This being said, we have placed Dayton in Saris's stead, til he is either able to return to his regular duties or is forced to retire his title to Dayton. I apologize for the delayed announcement, but as I said before we were hoping to save you the stress. Know that the doctors are working around the clock taking care of our Saris. I ask that you keep the hope that he will be returned to us soon...healthy and ready to resume his responsibilities. I will leave you tonight with our blessing, and pride. For we are proud of the great people of this majestic city, for the way they handle such situations. That is with confidence and courage. Until next time my brothers and Sisters...may the blessing of the council be with you always...goodnight.

[Narrator]

Sorrel’s voice echoes in every corner of the city. Across all mediums, his lies spread to an all too trusting populace. Well, trust from some of “his” population. There was one set of ears in particular whose call was interrupted by the message. The man who has Saris himself. The man who without a doubt knows of Sorrel’s lies.

[Jones]

Well played Sorrel, but you aren’t the only one with a hand in this game. You want to play?.....Let's play.

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