Cloud Cent Chronicles: Part 1 Chapter 4

 

Another Death in the City

 

Written by Cloud Cent

Edited by Night of the Sergeants

 

    Another body has been found on mod block. Another death that the Sergeants have ruled a suicide. Another article where I tell you good readers at home that everything is fine, that you’re safe, and that nothing is going on. When I got assigned to report on this case, I immediately left. I wanted to get to the scene as soon as possible. I wanted to see as much as I could first hand instead of just being told what happened later by a Sergeant. 

    I got to the scene and saw a similar sight as the last death. A wide barrier to keep people out, not allowing anyone to see what was happening, tons of security making sure no one weaseled their way in to get a better look (Including me. Trust me, I tried), etc. The Sergeants were adamant that this was a suicide, yet they really didn’t want any nosy journalists getting in to see the scene for themselves. I could ask all the questions I wanted, but I couldn’t go any further in. I asked where the nearest cafe was.

    I went in, got a drink, and sat down. I waited for something to catch my attention. In my experience writing, I’ve learned something: if you want the truth, go to the people. And so, I waited and watched until someone came in and yelled to the barista, “My regular please”. The woman sat down and I slid into the seat across from him. I introduced myself and she (Terra) agreed to speak with me.

 

Terra: Uh, I’m not sure what I can help you with. I don’t exactly know much about anything going on. Certainly not anything you don’t already know.

 

Me: I just want to get a local’s perspective on what’s happening in the city. I’m sure you’ve heard about the death on mod block a little while ago.

 

Terra: Yeah, grizzly stuff. Mod block’s always been kinda shady, but it’s pretty deep in the city. You wouldn’t think someone would die there.

 

Me: Mod block is often where rich people get illegal mods done, right.

 

Terra: That’s what I’ve heard. Never gotten a mod done there myself.

 

Me: So it seems kinda weird that someone would take their own life there.

 

Terra: I was wondering that myself. My friends and I were talking about why we thought he did it, and we couldn’t think of anything. I mean, I guess you never know what someone’s going through, but isn’t it weird that it happened on mod block? There’s no way he lived there or anything, so why there? Was it to make a point? Is that why the identity of the guy still hasn’t been released?

 

Me: I have no idea.

 

Terra: Is it normal that we still don’t know who the dead guy is?

 

Me: No, it’s not.

 

Terra: Weird. Oh, I did hear a rumor about the identity the other day though! Apparently, some people think that the guy was a protester or something. Yeah...something about a guy pedaling a conspiracy theory about the new Slums project. People are saying that he was nuts and just killed himself. It’s really tragic.

 

Me: Yeah… tragic. Did you hear anything about the new death on mod block?

 

Terra: What, another one!? When? What happened?

 

Me: The body was discovered about an hour ago. Or at least that’s when I was told to go report on it. According to my boss, the Sergeants know who the victim is, but they’re not releasing the identity. Apparently, it was a suicide.

 

Terra: Woah.

 

Me: When I tell you that, what does it make you think?

 

Terra: Huh? I-I’m not sure if I’m your girl to comment on that.

 

Me: You don’t have to if you don’t want to, I’m just curious what you’re thinking. 

 

Terra: Well, I guess I think it’s a bit weird. There’s lots of nothing going on. Everything’s peaceful. Then suddenly, two suicides. I wonder if the victims knew each other.

 

Me: Yeah, makes you think there’s something more going on.

 

Terra: I don’t know about all that, but the Sergeants have it handled, right? I mean, it seems like everything’s under control.

 

Me: Yeah, I’m sure.

 

Terra:...

 

Me:... Well, enjoy your drink.

 

    I headed back to the crime scene to once again speak with Sergeant Twelve. He didn’t seem like he was in a good mood, and having to deal with me didn’t exactly cheer him up.

 

Twelve: Ah, Mr. Cent. I was wondering when you were going to show up. So, what would you like to know?

 

Me: Just the truth.

 

Twelve: What do you mean?

 

Me: Nothing in particular. Let’s start with the victim’s identity. Who are they?

 

Twelve: I’m afraid that that information is currently classified. For the sake of the victim’s family of course. No offence to you, but we don’t want the media hounding the grieving family. They have enough going on as it is. I’m sure you understand.

 

Me: Uh huh. And you’re sure it was a suicide.

 

Twelve: Yes. It is painfully clear to myself as well as the investigating Sergeants. There is an abundance of evidence for this, rest assured. We will release more information through the gov net soon.

 

Me: You said that last time, and yet I haven’t seen any updates on that case. Did you just say that with the hope people forgot about the case, because I can assure you, I didn’t forget about it, nor did the citizens of the city.

 

Twelve: There hasn’t been any updates to the case, so no new information has been released. And why are you bringing up that old case anyway, it has nothing to do with this new one.

 

Me: You’re sure?

 

Twelve: Yes. I am.

 

Me: How can you say that with such confidence?

 

Twelve: Because I am the lead Sergeant for both cases and I have not seen anything to link them.

 

Me: Really? Two deaths in the same spot this close to each other and you’re not even entertaining the idea that the two cases are related?

 

Twelve: Mr. Cent...suicides don’t relate to each other.

 

Me: And you’re sure they were both suicides.

 

Twelve: How many times do I have to say they are until you believe me?

 

Me: Well I had just heard a rumor about the last death being a hit, not a suicide. Apparently the victim knew about the real reason the project in the Slums is happening.

 

    Okay, I may have stretched the truth a little bit.

 

Twelve: W-w-what?

 

Me: Yeah. It’s just a rumor though, right? I mean, it was clearly a suicide, right? Because if it wasn’t, then that means that this new death could relate to the other one. And that could lead to either a serial killer or a prolific hitman. 

 

Twelve:...

 

Me: But since both cases were suicides and unrelated to each other, I can safely tell my readers that there’s nothing to worry about, right?

 

Twelve:.. Yes. Of course.

 

Me: It was good speaking with you Twelve.

 

Twelve: Yes… you too.