Chapter 22, Page 23
Letters to the Editor, Pallad City Post
[Published 2 Weeks Ago]
Dana Menos’ article on prostitution and the sex trade in the Lago District left my blood boiling, but not for the reason you might think. My issue is that Menos did nothing to address how Lago’s sex trade is now extending into the Ardus District.
Everyone knows that Lago’s red-light sector is Pallad City’s worst kept secret. The police and city hall clearly turn a blind eye to it, or else there would’ve been a major crackdown years ago. If people want to sell their bodies for money, so be it, that’s their business—but it shouldn’t happen publicly for all to see. At least, according to Menos’ article, Lagos’ red-light sector is mostly kept to a single area of the district. But now it’s in Ardus, and it’s NOT limited to just a few blocks. When the sun goes down around here, it isn’t a pretty sight, unless you’re looking for that kind of action. Don’t see a sex worker on the corner you’re on? Keep walking, you’ll run into several soon enough.
Our district’s not only facing the highest crime rates in the city, but a monumental drug crisis as well. As if we didn’t already have enough unsavory characters populating our streets, preying on the desperate, poor, and vulnerable, now we have another growing issue to face: a booming illegal sex trade.
Maybe our elected officials think the people in Ardus are uneducated and ignorant, but many of us are growing tired of being ignored. We demand something be done and it’s the media’s responsibility to report what’s going on here, no matter how unpleasant it is.
—Leti Keban
Danger Zone One. Story by Midnight. Art by Salaiix.
I’d give that a whiff first. You never know, those two convenient patron’s might just be hidden muscle, and that drink might have been more than just watered-down.
I’m not sure if I can trust Bionic Commando-esque bartender here…………
Bionic…aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarm =P
He somehow gives off the vibe of being a shittier Johnny Silverhand, and he was pretty damn shitty.
Yep, getting that vibe too.
Out of interest, Midnight, were (or are) you a professional journalist? Because you constantly keep coming out with these absolute banger pieces of writing that’s every bit as enjoyable as Salaiix’s artwork.
Where’d you get the writing chops?
I’m honored you would think that, and happy to hear you’ve been enjoying the written entries! I have done some writing for a magazine in the past and also majored in writing which, I admit, has come in handy for a lot of these fictional DZO articles 🙂
Yep, definitely enjoying the written entries for sure. Also, do you write novels, or just working on the three comics (DZO, PCS, GunRiot)? Because it just seems you’re a pretty solid writer all around
I’ve written a few short novels in the past, including some for DZO (though they’re non-canon). Years ago I wrote a full-length sci-fi novel titled Galaxy Runner, which I believe is still on Amazon. And I’m currently working on a DZO prequel novel, with the goal to have it finished by the end of the year.
You aren’t naive enough to drink that are you
Maybe the bartender knows Novak has been arrested, and yeah, it’s a trap??
Madison’s eyeing that drink!
Gosh, that background’s alive with so many details. Big fan of the Bar Rules sign and the pinup girl.
That bartender really is a slimeball.
The slightly suspicious drink is one thing. Pretty sure Madison is on top of that one.
I am more concerned that the big fellow Madison spotted in the back of the bar isn’t to be seen anymore….
That girl in the back has quite the eye-catching outfit on.
“Here you go: the house special, one Mickey Finn Fizz, on the rocks. Whoops, looks like it melted the rocks already, better drink up fast before it eats through the glass”
This dude really just asked if Madison wants to be a hooker, didn’t catch that the first time 😂😂