Mega Tokyo 2032 AD File 1.3: The Body from Pier 17 Part 4

Case File 1.3: The Body from Pier 17 Part 4 Classified: For Official Use Only After Akiko had left, I decided to get back to work on the report. Something about the ID didn't feel right, though I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I decided to send the ID to Chris Gildenstein, he’s the pilot and hacker for our special unit. If anyone could crack this mystery, it was him. The next morning... The room is illuminated solely by the holographic monitor. Brian: "Sir... Ms. Madigan... Everything is ready for the test run of Project Red." ???: "Very good. But first—are there any updates on Project Eve?" Brian: "She is active in the field, but still missing. Ms. Madigan?" Madigan: "No trace of her so far, she is skillfully evading our satellite surveillance. She also appears to have deactivated her GPS module." ???: "That is unacceptable. I expect results. Is that clear?" Madigan/Brian:" Yes, sir!" ???: "Let the test run begin!" Brian: "As you wish. I’m switching to the surveillance feed." The monitor displays an image of a darkened laboratory. A pair of glowing blue eyes awakens in the gloom. A red cyborg steps out of the shadows and begins its work of destruction. Equipment, machinery, scientists nothing is spared. ???: "Impressive. Truly impressive." When I arrived at the office the next day, the autopsy report was already waiting for me. I sat down at my desk and began to read. Cause of death: fluid in the lungs—so he really did drown. Where are the toxicology results? Ah, there they are: positive for drugs—specifically, hallucinogens. I should discuss this with Captain Tanaka, so I head to his office. I knock and step inside. Hana: "About yesterday's case... something isn't right." Capt. Tanaka: "I’ve read both your report and the autopsy results. I agree with your assessment, but I don't see any evidence to substantiate it. Is there any evidence that things aren't as they seem, Detective Amano?" I can't simply tell him that this man shattered my arms; that information is classified. Hana: "I'm afraid not." Capt. Tanaka: "Then I have no choice but to close the case. I know that isn't a satisfying outcome, but without evidence, our hands are tied." Hana: "I understand, Sir." Capt. Tanaka: "I'm sorry." Back in my office, my comm rings it's Gildenstein. Hana: "Hey, Chris. Long time no see." Chris: "Hana." Hana: "As taciturn as ever." Chris: "Would you prefer small talk? Or would you like the info you asked me for? Your silence suggests the latter. Regarding the ID: Jonathan Drake, he died of a heart attack two years ago at the age of 89. Your intuition was right, this guy is a phantom. No fingerprints, no dental records. Sorry, that's all I've got." Hana: "That's actually more than I’d hoped for. Thanks. Say, have you heard anything from Ryu since the unit was disbanded?" I ask hopefully. Chris: "No. I tried reaching him myself, but without any luck." Hana: "I see." Chris: "If I do hear anything, I'll let you know." Hana: "Thanks, Chris." Chris: "Alright, Rookie. Take care of yourself. Bye." Hana: "You too. Bye." This is the evidence I need, but unfortunately, this information is classified as well. It's so frustrating... I stare out the window and ponder it for a while longer. It's no use, I can't pass this information on. I turn away from the window just as a loud bang shatters the silence. Moments after the blast, a tremor shakes the building; windows shatter as I catch sight of the explosion. "Oh God..." I cover my mouth with my hand in disbelief. I can’t say exactly how much time has passed when the door to my office is thrown open and Cap Tanaka storms in. Cap Tanaka: "Detective, are you all right? Are you hurt?" He practically shouts at me. Concern is written all over his face. Hana: "I’m fine, no injuries. What just happened out there?" Cap Tanaka: "Just before the explosion, we received an alarm signal from a GENOM facility. That’s all we know. Get ready, we’ve got work to do." He’s right. I head to my desk, grab my shoulder holster, load my pistol, and storm out of the office. You reached the end of this file. Don't forget to close it if you are finished.