Log:MAMBA, Scene 2

MAMBA 2005/01/17 	 Syphon

2

City Hall

The interior of City Hall is a resplendent example of the neoclassical architectural style, which is like taking a walk into the past. The gothic style architecture is the main highlight of this older building. From the street, a short entrance hall leads visitors across polished marble floors into the center of the building with its high vaulted dome ceiling. The high arched dome with the murals painted upon the interior gives anyone entering into the City Hall a glimpse into history. A large chandelier hangs from the domed ceiling into the center of the lobby area, which provides ample light to view the magnificence of the structure. Two grand stairways, on opposite sides of this cavernous hall, allow access to the offices and archives on the upper floors. The walls bear bas-relief carvings reminiscent of the ancient Greek style, spaced out at even intervals, and fluted decorative columns flank most of the doorways and archways.

The DA has arranged for you to be shown up to his office. You have to wait a few minutes in the outer office before he comes to the door and invites you in to his inner office. "Syphon, please come in. Would you mind if I had a coffee while we talked?"

Syphon nods, "No...go right ahead." He takes a seat in the chair.

Syphon steps into the office, and looks around.

Syphon looks to the DA, "I wanted to speak to you about Black Mamba, if that's alright."

The DA heads back behind his desk and gestures to a chair in front of the desk. "Please, sit down. Certainly, I'll be pleased to discuss what I can of the case. Although obviously I can't discuss court issues. And I'll tell you up front that I'm unlikey to change my mind about seeking the death penalty for Black mamba number one."

Syphon nods, "That was one of the things I wanted to talk to you about. I noticed something when I heard you on television the other day." He pauses, and looks directly at the DA to see the reaction to what he says next. "Your speech, and tone...and cadence, sounds just like Black Mamba number two...who also claimed to be a lawyer."

The DA smiles, "Is that a comment... or a question?"

Syphon says, "Both. I want to know...first, if it's you. Or if it's not, how you're related. And then...if it IS you, how can you reverse the process to work here?"

The DA sips at his coffee before speaking. "You remember the terrible activities of Lyton Whtye when he was the holder of the Mamba franchise in the city?"

Syphon nods. "Vaguely. I wasn't involved in taking him down personally."

"In his attempt," the DA relates, "to gain control of an advanced virtual reality technology he was responsible for over two dozen deaths in the course of attacks on the EVR company and its founder, Jon Masters. Since the new holder of the Mamba franchise has taken over the total number of deaths is zero. In fact there has only been one injury and that was to a Mamba agent when his phasing backpack malfunctioned. In the same period three drug shipments coming into the city have been destroyed due to Mamba activity, and a number of criminal investigations are making significant headway due to information being received by the police from an unknown source. So before I answer your question let me ask one myself. Are you sure you want to know the answer?"

Syphon nods, without hesitation, "Of course I do. I'm not saying what I'd do with the information from that answer, but it's important to know. And if you have a way of reversing the process, I DEFINITELY need to know that."

The DA looks directly at you. "Speaking off the record, then, yes I am a Black Mamba. So that puts the ball firmly into your half of the court."

Syphon nods, "Alright...how did you manage to look like this then? Can you undo the process? Or is this a hologram?"

"No I'm really here." The DA picks up a small ceramic paperweight and tosses it over the desk to you. "As that paperweight proves. I'm a hobbyist. One of my interests is meta-genetics. I have developed a serum that reverses the effect for a period. Pure luck to be honest. The discovery was an accident."

Syphon says, "The original researcher...the one whose extended family is being held by MAMBA, is stuck in the half snake state. She was used as a guinea pig forcibly by a fellow researcher, as well as the leader of MAMBA."

Syphon says, "Needless to say...she's not happy with her current state."

The smile goes off the DA face. He pulls a small leather pouch out from his suit jacket inside pocket. "There are five vials of the serum in here, plus a copy of the formula." The DA opens the pouch and extracts one of the vials. "I don't know if it will work for her but take the pouch and find out. Even if it doesn't work it might be a starting point for her own efforts." Putting the one vial back into his pocket he pushes the pouch across the desk to you.

Syphon nods, "Thank you." He takes the pouch. "That gesture said more than you think." He pauses, "I won't reveal your identity. But I think we're going to have to have a long talk about this in the near future. Now doesn't seem like the time or place."

The DA nods. "Give me a call on my private number when you want to talk." He writes a number of a scrap of paper and hands it over.

Syphon nods, and takes the number as well, "I'll get out of your hair then for today. What there is of it." He chuckles quietly, "I'll be in touch. Have a good day."

The DA stands and walks with you to the door. "I'll expect to hear from you then."

Syphon nods, and makes his way out, shaking the man's hand before leaving.