"Ahh, hot! Let's drink some coffee, you brat! What is it now? Can't you shut your mouth for five minutes, or even three? Ezel!!"
Chief Inspector Ralph Montclaire, unlike the other agents who were quietly checking their equipment or resting during the emergency standby, was on the verge of a nervous breakdown due to the endless chatter of his greenhorn subordinate while organizing the report.
"How many times do I have to tell you? It's already decided! The principal has signed off on it! The operation to tame the Old Picture is under the jurisdiction of the Enforcement Department! And it's 100%! We have no say in it!"
"But... why is the Enforcement Department suddenly getting involved with something the Inspection Department sealed and managed for years?"
Ezel was frustrated to the point of wanting to die. Why did those idiots have to crawl into the central area at this time, and how did they manage to mess with the Old Picture, which was so well-handled, in that hell of Sector 45?
Hrrr-
Montclaire, who had been sipping his coffee silently in response to Ezel's question, frowned and spoke. With his hat and clothes always a bit off, and his actions always a bit skewed, Ezel seemed to always find the rough edges, just like himself.
"You know this is a really important time for the Dome and for our Inspection Department, Ezel."
"...."
"Your silence means you'll shut up if I explain, right? I don't have much information on the details of this operation either."
"Even you, Chief Montclaire? Information is being controlled up to the department head level?"
"Yeah. It must be that important and that shady. From what I've heard, they almost gave half of the Underdome's interests to get the full operation plan. The principal seems to have judged that their plan is bound to fail. But even so, it would be much better if it went smoothly. You know what it's like there. Criminals, people brainwashed and controlled by drugs, and the intricate web of connections. Who knows how many people would be hurt trying to unravel it all. It would be better if it was handed over nicely. Even if the strange project succeeds, it won't have a significant impact on the vote."
"But... if the plan fails, that's a problem, isn't it? When it exploded properly two years ago, not only the actors but all the related people died! And the Inspection Department had many casualties trying to calm it down!"
"Huh? You weren't in the Inspection Department back then, right? How do you know so much?"
"Public exam students know the history of the relevant groups best. It was prominently featured in the Inspection Department's proud achievements in the practice book."
"I see. Anyway, there's no need to worry so much. Although the Enforcement Department is in competition with us, it also means they have aces up their sleeves. They've dealt with the Old Picture's rampages before, so they won't let it go berserk and reveal its true form. At worst, it'll just be a terminal device, a mannequin's shoe, going crazy. The people nearby might suffer some mental aftershocks, but they'll be fine after a few months of rest."
Tap, tap.
Montclaire patted Ezel's shoulder, which was tense with anxiety.
"From what I hear, you have BDSM friends. Don't worry. Nothing will happen. Unless the Enforcement Department is completely incompetent, they won't push the Old Picture to its limits—"