Chapter 22, Page 19
[Encrypted NetMail – Dated 3 Hours Ago]
To: VHardiman@PCPD.xop
From: MBurton@PCgov.xop
Subject: ATF updates?
Chief Hardiman:
The Mayor’s office just received word that the Pallad City Post is planning an in-depth article on the drug crisis, specifically the rise of Afterlife-related deaths in the Ardus District. From what we hear, it will paint both Mayor Neville and the PCPD in a less than favorable light.
If the Pallad City Post asks for a comment, it would be in everyone’s best interest for you to express how your department’s newly-organized Afterlife Task Force is making “notable progress”.
I’ve attached part of another recent article that also covers the situation in Ardus. This is far from the “hard-hitting” piece that the Post is working on now.
Mayor Neville is hopeful that your department will provide results capable of placating both the media and public in an expeditious manner. The PCPD has a lot at stake if this isn’t brought under control soon.
Mindi Burton
Executive Secretary
<NetMail Attachment>
THE FORGOTTEN DISTRICTS
Deni Leemos, Pallad City Post
Ardus, Alka, and Lago are often considered to be Pallad City’s most notorious districts, each one similarly overcrowded, poverty-stricken, and plagued by failing infrastructure. Last year, Mayor Hynden Neville referred to these areas as ‘problem districts’—a term that has now found common usage among Palladians.
The recent presence of Afterlife in Ardus has eroded what little functioning lifestyle many in the district had left. With crime rates reaching unprecedented heights, Ardus has undergone a transformation from destitute slum into a haven for drug addicts willing to do anything for their next fix. Adding to the volatile equation are criminals eager to take advantage of an increasingly limited police presence—reportedly, many 911 calls go unanswered in the district, regardless of severity.
The residential areas offer little refuge, comprised of buildings in nightmarish condition and in dire need of renovation. It is estimated that 90% of all buildings in the East End are condemned, but the Department of Health has done little to penalize property owners and landlords. <Outgoing link to full article>
Danger Zone One. Story by Midnight. Art by Salaiix.
I can’t sing enough praise about the art on this comic and this page is a prime example.
Between the backgrounds and write ups it really gives life to the world these characters inhabit.
Now, what’s Madison doing in this part of ‘da rough neck of ‘da dangerous hoods?
I’ll go out on a limb and say she is following up the lead she tricked out of that lunatic junkie earlier.
Also, who else here strongly suspect that the Mayor have something to do with the drug trade, uhmmmmm?
Salaiix is a *phenomenal* artist.
I wonder if they’ll start their own webcomic on Webtoons or something, b/c that’s really professional grade stuff.
“Notable Progress”, huh? So far the whole Afterlife Taskforce seemed to the opposite of Progress…
Wonderful work on this page. Really brings out the near-dystopian look of the neighborhood.