Free United States of Japan by Peter Tieryas Page B

fresh and–”
    “Order as you please,” she said. “I’ll leave my lunch choices to you.”
    The interior of the restaurant was painted in a colorful mix of curry yellow and braised brown hues that made it resemble a fried crustacean. Statues of their mascot, Shrimp Boy, smiled at them from every corner. There was a playground in the middle of the restaurant and the walls were huge portical display screens showing both adult and children versions of the Shrimp Boy drama and cartoon series. Waiters and waitresses dressed in pink shrimp costumes bowed and welcomed them in Japanese: “Good afternoon, officers.”
    They were escorted to a private room blocked off by shoji screens.
    “It’s cheap, has great service, and the food is amazing,” Ben said excitedly. They took off their shoes and sat on the tatami mats. “The only place I like better for lunch is a chicken and waffle place on Pico that’s fantastic, though I’m really digging the Cajun sauce and boiling crab at this seafood place on Wilshire.”
    Akiko took out her portical and started reading files.
    Ben said, “I have a rule. No business during lunch.”
    “Why not?” Akiko asked.
    “Everyone needs a rest now and then.”
    “The enemies of the Empire do not rest. Neither should we.”
    Her eyes went back to her portical.
    “What’s so interesting?” he asked.
    “What are you seeking? An exchange of useless information?” She put her portical down. “What would you like to know?”
    “A little bit about who you are.”
    “I work seven days a week, my brother was killed by American terrorists, and I hate people who waste my time.”
    “What do you like to do for fun?” Ben asked.
    “Hunt traitors,” she snapped. “Anything else?”
    The burgers came a few minutes later. Ben savored each bite, relishing the mix of the shrimp and the honey. Akiko chewed without a word. She only ate a quarter before commenting, “It’s too sweet,” then put it aside.
    “The eggplant fries are pretty good,” Ben said.
    She took a bite and spat it out. “They’re too salty.”
    Ben was about halfway through his burger when she asked, “How much longer are you going to eat?”
    “Just give me another minute.”
    She sighed before looking at her portical again. A ring went off and she immediately picked up. “Hello, General,” she greeted.
    “Any progress on the case?” the general asked.
    “A little bit, sir. We’ve found evidence that Claire Mutsuraga had the game on her portical. It was a tricky connection, but I was able to figure out the best methodology of breaking through. I’m going through her files this very minute.”
    “Excellent. Our first tangible connection. Well done.”
    “Thank you, sir. I’ll be following up with her friend, Jenna Fujimori.”
    “We’ve tracked Fujimori to the Compton Opera House where she is taking part in rehearsals. Head there and interrogate her. Report to me immediately once you learn anything new. Command has taken a direct interest in this and wants continual updates. You understand the revised orders that were sent earlier?”
    To Ben’s surprise, Akiko seemed uncomfortable replying. “I do, sir. Is there any room for–”
    “No,” the voice cut her off and the communication ended.
    When Akiko looked up at Ben, he said, “I’m done,” even though he had a third left.
    She looked away, clearly preoccupied by a troubling thought.
                                  12:11PM
    The Compton Opera House (known to everyone as the COH) was a favorite spot for first dates because of their beautiful gardens and an all-night zoo that was tailored for nature outings. The government had rebuilt Compton after massive riots destroyed it a few decades back. It was now one of the richest, most exclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The COH was shaped in the dragon mask of the Emperor, a massive conglomerate of crimson eyes, a commanding nose, and snarling lips. Adjacent buildings