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Ardyn listens, not interrupting, as Togusa explains. He certainly does not feel that he is wrong, for finding balance is often the ideal in just about any situation -- and yet, that's a rather idealistic way of thinking, isn't it? Perhaps some would consider it strange that Ardyn, professor of law, would think in such a manner. In reality, he believes flexibility and compromise is key in the world of law; nothing ever remains set in stone, changing constantly with the times, tweaked by the whim of the zeitgeist.

"Balance, then? I'd be a fool to argue against the rationality behind what you've said. Being cautious is hardly ever a failing," he says. "And yet, I also agree that no one could have prepared for a situation like this. In that sense, how does one judge what is balanced, and what is merely being too cautious? Too stationary?"

A shrug of broad shoulders. Despite his words, he'd never push Togusa into doing anything he'd be uncomfortable with, and doesn't mean to suggest as much.

"Difficult to say. As of now, Retrospec has the advantage. Acting when our backs become pressed to the wall may be too little too late, and that time might come before we even realize what's happening."

Ardyn has unknowingly found the precise issue. It was Togusa's idealism unwilling to bend in the face of what would have been required of him as a lawyer that sent him to a field that was more absolute. But it's that exact same problem that's coming up here. Should the law change to fit the situation? How about when there is a situation the law has not accounted for?

"The whole point of this is to bring them under accountability under the law. Because they think they can act as they please, subvert the entire system. You're right in that they have the advantage. But we can't fail to act out of-" a shrug, "fear of their retribution? The worry that they have so much control over our circumstances?"

"Circumstances, not us." He glances back up at Ardyn. "I guess, maybe a push is in order. I've already spoken to some people, and maybe I'll have to make it more widespread. The balance is in remembering that our first job is to the people. There are people who need protecting from Retrospec."

"And if I can't get my superiors' attention, maybe enough citizen complaints will." Togusa leans back in his chair, stretches out his arms. "Oh, Gabranth is going to be pissed if I manipulate the system like that. But if it's the only way to get anything started?"

And that turns Ardyn's smile into a wry one. Sharp and lopsided, as Togusa would've been used to seeing during the professor's many lectures at university.

"I think seeing a push would be enough to reaffirm that the police department is doing what they can in the face of all these mysteries. Besides, who said anything about manipulation?"

A chuckle. "You said it yourself; your job is to the people. And if the people complain, if they make their voices heard, one would be under obligation to respond, wouldn't they? The Detective would have absolutely no reason to be upset."

And that gets Togusa to outright laugh, his irritation from only moments ago forgotten. "Oh, just because Detective Noah Gabranth has no reason to get upset doesn't mean he won't get upset." Togusa shakes his head. He will completely acknowledge why his superior officer is difficult to work with.

"There's a chance that we've already gotten enough extra help with this latest update, though. I counted a new detective, two new officers, and a member of our CSI team. But at least I want us to let the Department know what we're doing. Even if we've got the numbers to act on our own."

"I'm still going through some unofficial investigations, there are some leads, mostly of information that people have probably overlooked, to go through. It's man-hours more than anything else." He sighs and shrugs. "But, for some reason, again, it's my name that keeps coming up."

"A stubborn sort of man, isn't he?" Good for you, Ardyn, you left your criticisms of his character rather vague and generally without undue bias. Gold star.

He effortlessly moves on.

"If the investigations are of an unofficial capacity, you know of a lawyer-slash-professor who would be more than willing to put in some effort, should his schedule allow it. Maybe then my name can annoyingly crop up almost as often as yours."

Togusa's smile softens, remains very genuine. The whole situation feels strangely lonely, as if it's supposed to be all on the Department to protect everyone else from Retrospec. But maybe it doesn't have to be. "I'd appreciate it. As I've mentioned before, it's far too late to tell you to butt out."

"That," he nods towards Ardyn's coat, where the map is hidden back away, "might be coming into play sooner rather than later. All I need is the right opportunity."

Interest sparks in him almost immediately at those words. Ardyn straightens in his seat, looking at Togusa quizzically, but certainly not with any amount of hesitation.

"Is that so? Should I ask for the details?"

"At least, somebody needs to go down there and check, are people being kept out of there because it is actually unsafe and there is active construction? Or is there something being hidden down there. Is Retrospec taking advantage?" Togusa smiles a little. "And they can't keep us out of every entrance all the time. Looking into something like this is right in the job description, isn't it?"

Well now, this is an exciting sort of proposition. Sign Ardyn up; he's ready to do a little exploring in dark, abandoned subways for the sake of potentially unravelling the mystery.

"You're right, it is. And I'd hate to discourage you from doing your job." That is definitely not a mischievous intonation in his words.

"I'll gladly help. The more pair of eyes, the better, hm?"

Oh really? Togusa leans forwards in interest, because this is something he'd like to see. "Getting the Professor out of the classroom? Like I said, I'll take all the help I can get." But this is going to be some help he will be fascinated with.

"I'll be sure to let you know when I give it a try, then." When, not if. As soon as he gets a clear opportunity, Togusa will go for it.

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