#3 Debts

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The Navi colony inspector after talking to (read: threatening) Seyon, walks into yet another desolate building that's due to be demolished on the colony's shabby borders. In one of its moss-covered halls, a slim-built young man awaits his arrival. The sunlight filtering through the cracks in the roofs illuminates some, not all of the halls.

Right now, it flashes over the youth's head like a spotlight beam. The youth appears he's in his early twenties or perhaps late teens. No stark facial features visible; the lower part of his face covered by a white mask that carries an asterisk mark on it. His t-shirt also has the same marking. Asterisk... It's like he's obsessed with the symbol.

"You have done it this time," says the inspector, "CID Inspector Seyon has your number from the constable's call data. Your rotten luck has given you away. If you think killing that constable can stop Seyon you're wrong. I met him twice to know he is the determined sort. Pesky even. You can't escape."

Asterix feels the urge to dive the knife he's been playing into the chest of the man who made fun of him. But he stops, hollow laughter echoing in the halls as the policeman leaves. Yes hollow... That's what is left in the depths of his heart.

The Inspector drives home with hope in his chest, with indignation he thinks, I am a weak man who can't fight Asterix. Here's hoping Seyon will stop him. His courage today was almost awe-inspiring... And his teammates too... It's already proved Seyon didn't kill the constable. I already know. Yet... I threatened him... What was I thinking?

The inspector returns to his duty. That afternoon, he heads home, seeking a temporary respite after officially proclaiming Seyon is innocent. The world knows Asterix killed the constable. How many more will he kill...

The inspector has no answer. Shortly later, he falls to death from his home balcony. In one moment he's sipping his chai, watching the birds chittering on the neighbourhood trees on the street, the next moment, he spots something utterly scary down below. His paralyzed body moves on its own accord hosting himself off of the protective railing down to the hard, unforgiving concrete.

The locals say it's an accident. Asterix may or may not want to take his claim on the murder.

***

When did the woman-on-the-prowl rumours change to power-woman who rescued her lover? Thiya can't understand the change the gossip mill underwent overnight. She braces herself mentally for their snide remarks, trashy talks, and this happens?

Passing by a few smiling colleagues (some of them were wishing her all the best), she arrives at the CID's cafeteria. One extra strong, sugar-loaded coffee should sharpen her wits to understand what's going on. Did the morning air carry voodoo magic? Is everybody having an early-morning hangover? Everybody has turned sweet.

They are routing for her and Seyon which is absurd.

They are routing for her and Seyon which is absurd

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