Chapter 4

China Town. Part of Outer New York. Thus, shitty. It used to be a nice place you'd be able to come for Asian culture… but now, not so much. On all the roads are fish markets – most of which are fronts for various black markets. China Town has now become the part of New York you got to when you need anything at all. From high tech weaponry to what Alice and Scarlet are here for – information.

"So, uh, Scarlet, which fish store we lookin' for? They all kinda look alike to me…"

"Mmm" Scarlet grinned and nodded

Alice shrugged and continued to follow Scarlet. Finally, after passing a million and two identical fish markets, Scarlet stopped. He exchanged a few words in a language that Alice didn't understand at all with the Asian owner of the stand. At the end of the conversation, the man pointed further down the road.

"More walking" Alice sighed

Finally, a change of scenery – the place pointed out was a two story high restaurant. Like everything in Outer New York, it was crappy looking, but never the less, they entered. As soon as they did, a short Asian man was thrown against Alice.

"Woah!"

Alice shouted in surprise as he caught the man. The attackers were the Enforcers – in their usual black SWAT gear. During the year of the earthquake in New York, the crime rate soared to new highs. The police and the like lacked the funds to keep up with the rising crime rate – thus they began to allow corporations to literally buy parts of the police, paying a high monthly wage. Thus, each big name corporation in New York had their own small army of police officers – able to use them however they wanted. Sacnoth, the biggest corporation and thus the one to buy the biggest chunk, has since nick named their owned officers 'The Enforcers'.

They shot a sharp look over to Alice and Scarlet, then roughly bumped past them and out the door.

"The Hell'd those drones want?" Alice asked as he helped the guy back onto his feet

"Info… but I wouldn't give it to 'ta bastards." The man explained as he straightened his colorful Hawaiian shirt "Ah… Scarlet"

"Chiyo" Scarlet nodded

"What brings ya here?" Chiyo asked as he led them to a table "Haven't seen you in ages…"

Not wanting to wait hours for Scarlet to explain in one or two worded responses, Alice began to speak up.

"Information" Alice blurted

"Ah. Who are you again?"

"Oh. Yeah. Alice."

"Hmm… Alice, eh? Interesting." Chiyo smiled

His reaction towards his name interested Alice, but at the moment, he was pressed for time. So, Alice began to explain of recent events, with Scarlet adding an occasional nod or 'yes' – his main question being where Emma was taken..

"Hmm… if she wasn't a Robison, I never would've heard a single thing about her…" Chiyo explained as he lit up a cigarette

"So?"

"So, yes, I know somethin'. I heard she was transferred to Auburn…"

"Yeah?" Alice asked, jumping up

"Hold on, kid. From what I've heard, the equipment they use is crap bought off the black market… so expect a few surprises, I guess" Chiyo said, putting out his cigarette

"Thanks"

Alice told Chiyo as he got up and headed toward the door. But as soon as he was about to leave, Chiyo asked him a final question.

"Why ya doin' it, Alice?"

"Hm? Uh… curiosity, I guess. Like Rodney King, I don't take kindly to getting randomly beat up by the police. Though, mostly to get my hoodie back… I love that thing…" Alice laughed as he left

"Hah… the gears are turning and Scarlet is right where he said he'd be" Chiyo smiled

"So, Alice" Scarlet began, as the two were walking out of China Town

"Yeah?"

"Have you…. got a plan?" He asked straight forwardly

"Well, you see… I planned on busting in, finding my hoodie, and possibly maybe saving Emma, if we have time left. Maybe grope her too… though I dunno about that last part… might get me shot" Alice laughed as he rubbed the back of his head and continued to walk