. .. IC Contact | Duplicity .. .

[konstant]

                                                                 

You've reached the electronic inbox of KD6-3.7. 

Leave your pertinent details and I will return contact as soon as possible.

Comments

[swornsword]

[A thorough answer. He can respect that.]

Got any favorite bars?

[konstant]

I do. Why?

[swornsword]

Just wondering. I only end up going to most bars once.

[konstant]

Why is that?

[swornsword]

Because this city's layout makes no sense.

[konstant]

I hadn't noticed. I'm used to a much, much larger one.

[swornsword]

This place has two cities stacked on top of each other.

[konstant]

Yes.

[swornsword]

How many cities were stacked on top of yours.

[konstant]

I was an officer in Los Angeles.

It was one of six megapolises left on the planet at the time.

[swornsword]

Military?

[konstant]

Police department.

I was a blade runner. It's not a specialty anyone has heard of since I've come here.

[swornsword]

Swords?

[He's trying, okay.]

[konstant]

[It's a common misconception, so K is neither surprised nor bothered.]

No. My purpose is to locate and retire rogue replicants.

[And, anticipating the question:] Replicants are bioengineered humanoid androids.

I'm a replicant.

[swornsword]

So like a bounty hunter.

[konstant]

Kind of, yes.

Although I was commissioned specifically for the purpose, and I didn't receive bounties so much as bonuses for closing out cases, always less than what was paid to civilian blade runners.

[swornsword]

Sounds like a raw deal.

[konstant]

In some ways.

In others, I had a lot more freedom than most other replicants.

You're used to bounty hunters?

[swornsword]

I was one. I hunted pirates.

[konstant]

By choice?

[swornsword]

It was a means to an end.

[konstant]

Several ends, if you were any good.

Why, then?

[He's been attentive all along of course, but now there's a subtle... settling of focus.]

[swornsword]

Kept me sharp, kept me independent — things I thought I'd need to see my promises through.

[Zoro rarely offers more information about himself than absolutely necessary. It's not that he's unwilling to share, but K will need to delve a little deeper if he wants to unearth more personal details.]

[konstant]

[K is known, to those who know him at all, for his patience and calm.

Now is no different.]

Promises to whom?

[swornsword]

[The question hangs heavy in the air. Zoro lets out a slow breath, considering his response. Finally, he settles on the simple truth, his voice low:]

... Someone I lost a long time ago.