Becoming Alice

Chapter 5 Cooperation

 The sports car was driving along the viaduct.

 The view from the windows on both sides of the car, overlooked the city.

 As far as the eye could see, tall buildings rose from endless stretches of man-made land.

 “Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Martim Morales.”

 “Alice Kelly.”

 "Yes, Miss Kelly. James doesn't always come to me to borrow money. He's very kind and self-controlled. A month and a half ago, he told me he had a big deal and got a lot of stuff from me.”

 To soften Alice up, Morales told her part of what he knew.

 “Who killed him.” Alice was more interested in this.

 “I'm not sure, but I found out when I was at FCPD that the killer was an amateur. He was even caught on surveillance camera," Morales said.

 Alice was puzzled. “Wait, then why hasn't FCPD caught the killer yet?”

 “He fled to Old Los Angeles, and FCPD wouldn’t chase him there.” Morales shrugged, “A hundred years ago, due to the collapse caused by the Great Disaster, half of Los Angeles caved in. The man-made land of Future City, is built on top of Old Los Angeles.”

 “The 'Great Collapse' in California, changed the country. But for all I know, Old Los Angeles should have been abandoned long ago. The survivors are in Future City.” Alice knew a little of the history of Future City.

 “Yes. St. George Street - where James lived - is home to many descendants of the survivors from old Los Angeles. But that's not what I'm talking about. It's not completely abandoned. A lot of factories are there with a number of stowaways and homeless people. It's one of the darkest places in Future City, just one kilometer below our feet.”

 Morales' words made Alice sink deep in thought.

 It's not easy to find people in such a chaotic place.

 “Where are we going now?” Alice changed the question.

 “I booked a hotel for you. I thought you might need a place to stay,” Morales said.

 “Don't you dare go behind my back.” Alice thought Morales was up to no good.

 “Don't hit me! I'm a good guy.” Morales quailed at Alice's powerful vibe. Although her body had changed, she was still a battle-tested veteran.

 "Earlier on, your cyber bodyguards were quite imposing.” Alice scoffed at Morales.

 "I just thought you were more of a naive girl coming to New Hollywood to chase dreams. I had no idea you were such a strong fighter,” Morales explained.

 Morales said, with his eyes scanning Alice.

 “Cowardly bully?” Alice was not satisfied with Morales' explanation.

 “No, I just... I just want to help them realize their dreams,” Morales stammered and replied.

 “So you want to help them by getting them into bed?” Alice grunted.

 “Usually they do it on their own initiative. I'm just a little anxious this time... you seem like the kind of girl who has come to follow her dreams.” Morales's voice trailed off.

 “Why do you all say that? Do I look like I'm going to New Hollywood?”

 She’s seen three people, including Morales, saying similar things to her.

 “That seems to be the way in New Hollywood,” Morales said.

 “Don't they like punk?”

 “That was before. It's out of date now. Maybe it’s still popular in the Martian colonies. New Hollywood now prefers the kind of dolls showing no sign of transformation but with the dreamy beauty, regardless of gender.” Saying this, Morales glanced at Alice again, “I didn't realize you were James's partner.”

 “I didn't come to Future City for this kind of nonsense.” Alice paid no heed to Morales's argument.

 “That's good, maybe we can have a free relationship or something… hehehe, I'm just kidding.” Noticing Alice's gradually ferocious eyes, Morales wisely discontinued the conversation.

 Alice had no desire to continue the conversation. “Stop, I can find a place my own place to stay.

 “But from the hotel I booked for you -- we can monitor James's house. And I suppose you need proper clothes, too?”

 Hearing this, Alice noticed her T-shirt had become dirty and torn in many places.

 “My backpack… Oh, damn it!”

 Because of the shock of James's death, it was then that Alice realized her backpack seemed long gone. Fortunately, it contained only a few pieces of clothing and daily necessities, but no valuables -- after the electronic reform, the currency and driver's license had been electronically converted.

 “I can help you. And I will try to see if I can get surveillance videos and other information.” Morales took the opportunity to add, “and I can get you some weapons, too.”

 “All right. You win.” Alice could only temporarily compromise, “I need a suit that is easy to move in, and preferably a gun.”

 “No problem.”

 “Now it's your turn. I'm not going to owe you a favor. What do you want from me?” Alice asked Morales about his purposes.

 “The most important thing, of course, is the investment, and our friendship.” In addition, you're a good fighter, so my club need your help. Of course, you're paid for it.” Morales sighed with relief.

 “Ok. Alice jumped to another topic, with her tone turning cold and her gaze moving to Morales’ lower half. "If I catch you trying to get someone else into bed by force- regardless of gender - then I will definitely disable you from committing that crime. No, 'disarm'.”

 Morales subconsciously clenched his legs, and said with a ghastly expression, "It was an accident. I just couldn't control myself. Really.”

 “I hope so.”

 Morales sent Alice to St. George Street. James' house had been cordoned off by the FCPD, and Morales took Alice into another building down the street.

 This is an unmanned hotel. You can check in all by yourself as long as the money is paid.

 Morales dropped Alice off here, then left, saying he would arrange for someone to help her find her luggage and clues.

 Alice entered the room.

 It was small, with fully automatic furniture and a one-way transparent window at the front.

 Alice went over and looked out the window, which gave her a slanted upper view of the semi-basement door.

 It was blocked off, and the projected electronic cordon would alert the police if people tried to force their way through.

 “I hope Morales can get the surveillance videos, or I'll have to deal with FCPD again.”

 Alice was thinking. She needed to know what the killer looked like so she could find the person. The doorbell rang while she was thinking.

 “Who is it?”

 Alice turned her head.

 Just then, a projection screen lit up behind the door, showing the view outside.

 It was a cyborg, one of Morales' bodyguards, who had been punched several times by Alice.

 She went to open the door. The cyborg subconsciously took two steps back at the sight of her. Then he lifted a cloth bag in his hand. “Miss Kelly, these are the clothes and weapons from Mr. Morales.”