“…A man who has changed District 11 and indeed the whole institution of NORML. When I met the man – no! the God – I became a follower. He could sell a flat tire to a bike, a dick to a dyke –“
“A dick to a dyke.”
“And he has indeniably gained the most marijuana for the mission. In all of the regional districts, he has reported much of the gregariate total of pot. Indeniably the best!” Dogbert raised his index finger to the sky.
“Indeniably.”
“But of course, he has soured. Ah – the greed of man! He has stopped reporting what he acquires and hordes it for himself. A perfect case of a man gone horribly awry.”
“Well that’s why I am here.” Mitzi said.
They had been walking for quite some time now and the streets became denser and denser with dilapidated buildings. Their shadows hung luminously on the ever-narrowing street below as if there was a battle between street and edifice. The buildings seemed to materialize and swell while the streets cowered in their midst with no escape. The natives below had no prayer. Some were dead, their bodies decayed and in the air hung the stench of death. Who was in charge of human clean up? Wondered Matt.
“Don’t worry about them,” Virgil said as he pointed to the grove of dead and dying, “Time will take its course.”
“Well, this is our post. You will remain here until your transportation is obcured.” Announced Dogbert. Dogbert and his disciple lead him into a makeshift settlement building, which was kempt and fit. It was a functioning office; a refreshing sight from the revolting and shadowing landscape outside. Everything was in its place – there was in an inbox and an outbox and everything was white and sterile, much like the backroom of the doctor’s office. Beside the inbox sat the name plate:
Mr. Donald Scheffield
Chief Accountant
He was very neatly dressed. His impeccable habit of “looking professional” rejuvenated Mitzi’s soul and brought him back to a world that functioned with certain dignity. His lapel was white and starched with a white collared button-down poking out beneath it. His tie was even white and he seemed to dress in accordance with his office. Mitzi was mystified by this important man, who so contradicted the dirtiness emitted from Dogbert and Virgil. How could a man keep his esteem so unimpeachable in a such a foul and detestable place? This man defied everything that Mitzi had so far encountered on this mission, and his aim was to keep his respectability in0line with this man.
“Good morning,” said the accountant. He resumed typing on the neat little computer before him. Continuing to do so, but without looking up, he said, “I trust Dogbert and Virgil haven’t ruined you yet? They can often be exasperating. But – one learns to deal.”
“They were entertaining.” Mitzi could tell this man was all business, so he hastily got down to the point. “They informed me that my transportation would be arriving soon.”
“Ah yes.” The accountant looked up. “You must be Matt.” He abandoned his position at the desk with the computer and made his way with an outstretched arm to shake Mitzi’s hand. After the formalism, he politely asked him to tae a seat.
“I am sure you have heard of Mr. Katz, then. Very troubling case. We are glad to have you, I have heard great things from the headquarters in L.A. Coffee?”
“No, thanks.”
“Then we shall begin. Your car will be here in a few minutes. You are to swiftly enter into the more populated part of District 11 by following Broadway. We haven’t actually made it into the heart of the District yet – a bit dodgy, if you know what I mean. Men have gone in and never come out.”
Mitzi looked straight into the man’s eyes. They seemed unattached and distant, like they were staring right through Mitzi. Suddenly, a moan seeped in from a back room. The moaning continued throughout the pause in conversation, and had it not been for the accountant’s typing that had begun again, Mitzi might have inquired. He didn’t need to, however, because the account addressed the moan complacently:
“Oh don’t mind him. His time is almost here. I wish he’d get on with it already.”
Mitzi was too stunned to ask any questions.
“Anyway, you are then to find Katz and bring him back to the settlement. We would like to detain him for the time being, but if he is not alive, at least bring the body back.”
“Absolutely.”
“Your ride is here.”
“Excellent.”
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