Legionaries

Rama Lazuardi's

October 22nd, 2018

At 08.52

"I'm Rama Lazuardi from Metropolis. My need to come here is to ask for information. Is it true that a journalist named the Cloud Universe once worked here? I need the full data, especially the full address and mobile number."

The receptionist from Suara Massa print office looked at my entire body and appearance. His eyes scoured all over my body before stopping at the press card hanging from my neck.

"Sorry, Mas. For matters of internal data of the company, I am not allowed to provide information to parties outside the office."

I snorted in despair. "But, Ma'am, isn't the name I mentioned earlier, his status is no longer an employee in this office?"

"Sorry, Mas. I still do not have that authority. But if indeed you really need the data, I suggest you contact our leader, Mr. Hary Wiranata, directly to ask his permission first."

I'm sure the woman's receptionist's advice is nothing more than a purely bureaucratic procedure. I understand the interests of the Suara Massa newspaper office that hinder my intention to gather information about the Cloud is none other than to maintain the confidentiality of their internal information. Nowadays competition between press companies is getting tougher, not even infrequently they use devious ways to bring each other down. So, what is done by the employees of the resepsionis is already a standard procedure that is normal and widely applied in some other print media offices.

"Good, Ma'am. Thank you." Thank you."

Secretly, I cursed at myself. My investigative journey has come to a dead end and this impasse is none other than my own fault. Why didn't I ask for Cloud's address or contact number? Had I not been too suspicious back then, maybe things wouldn't have been this complicated. After a deeper review of the investigation Cloud submitted the other day, I found the missing piece. There is a disconnected relationship between some of the cases that are the focus of the investigation. And, of course, only the Clouds can solve that mystery.

With a desperate step, I walked towards the exit of the lobby of the Suara Massa office. My attempts to track the Cloud's whereabouts were fruitless. Apparently, I should have started this investigation from the beginning, and it would be very time-consuming. In addition, I also have to rearrange some information from sources in the field for my professional interests as a Metropolis journalist.

"Stupid!" my curse, while crossing the automatic door in the lobby of the Voice of Massa. Just a few steps beyond the door, someone suddenly called my name. "Rama!"

"Andika?" My forehead frowned to find my colleagues in Metropolis was actually in the office of a competitor company. "Remain here?"

"I just finished the interview."

"the intterview? You apply for a job here?"

"so. I've been frustrated with the situation in Metropolis. You know that."

"Are your contracts really going to end? How can I apply elsewhere?"

"not yet. Just anticipation. Lately, the Boss has also been sultry with my performance. Before he kicked me out, I had to prepare myself."

"Ooh." I nodded my mafhum as I continued my steps towards the parking area. "By the way, what was the interview?"

"Lumayan. I think I'm positive about moving here, Ram. They asked me to come back in a week to get fit and proper tests."

"So, what's your contract in Metropolis?"

"I think it doesn't matter if I submit a letter of resignation. I won't be penalized either."

"You sure? You are not a permanent employee yet."

"After all, what can Boss Raymond do, Ram? Wanna politicize me? How could he possibly spend so much money to sue the court? While office finances alone are still problematic until now."

"Are ya?" I laughed lightly while patting Andika on the shoulder, my best friend. "Congratulations if that's so. If you're moving, don't delete my contacts?"

"Ah, usually if you again need help or loan money, you also directly come to the house. If at any time you need help again, just stop by. Just like anyone."

"OKAY. Understand me. Who wants to move to a big office," selorohku.

"Smatch! Your attitude hasn't changed since."

Instantly my laughter exploded as we moved away from the towering Voice of Massa office building.

"Eh, by the way, I haven't asked. What are you doing here yourself?" Suddenly, Andika looked at me suspiciously. "Don't you secretly apply for a job here too huh?" hatchlings.

"Ah, no. I'm not interested in moving. There's just another need."

"I want to find the address of a journalist who used to work here. Called Clouds. The clouds of the Universe."

"What girl is a guy?"

"Turkey!" I hurriedly answered Andika's tickling question with affirmation. "Right. Your mind is never far away from a girl's business."

"No. I just want to make sure," he said, still with a tickling smile, "Is there really a need for you to be the same journalist?"

Suddenly, I came back lethargic. My mind again remembered the fate of my investigation which until now still hangs. "That's her. You remember what happened in Boss Raymond's room a week ago?"

"When were you angry there? Crazy one! I didn't think you could be that brave. I remember when you came out of that room. Me and my friends didn't blink to see you after the incident." Andika seemed excited to express her amazement at my anger at that moment. "But if I may know, what the hell happened back then?"

I took a deep breath for a moment. "On one occasion, Awan, the journalist I was referring to, came to me to ask me to continue investigating an important case. He claimed he had just been dismissed from this office for insisting on working on the investigative coverage."

"Attent. Important case investigation? You mean, who deals with important people?"

"so. The daily office is not willing to take the risk and choose to kick it out. That's why, he finally came to me to ask me to continue the investigation considering that I still have access to the media."

Andika's forehead suddenly frowned. "Then related to the boss?"

"A week ago, I persuaded him to let me continue this investigation. But, apparently, just like the attitude of the print media office, he also did not want to take the risk and rejected my research proposal. Luckily, I wasn't laid off."

"Tuh, right? True said. You're Mr. Raymond's favorite son."

I was furious to hear Andika's slurs that were not right at that time. "I'm serious, Ndik!" I snatched with a loud tone.

"Sorry sorry, Ram. Sorry. Don't be emotional."

For some reason, my blood suddenly boiled because of Andika's words. Even after he apologized, I still had enough trouble controlling my anger. I had to stop my steps for a while to calm down.

"Rama," Andika who was astonished by my unusual condition tried to calm me by rubbing my shoulders. "You don't need to get frustrated like this. What do you need help with? Just tell me the same."

Slowly, I took a few deep breaths. After feeling quite calm, I started to respond to Andika's offer. "No need to bother, Ndik. I don't want you to get involved either. It's very risky for your career."

Andika thought for a while. "mmm... Maybe I can help you find information about the reporter. Oh yeah, what's his name? Clouding?ik? ⁇

⁇ Universe Cloud. ⁇

“As I said earlier, tomorrow the day after I have a fit and proper test schedule in this office. And, most likely if I pass that last test, next month I'll start working here."

After a few seconds, my eyes were glued to the face of my colleague. I remember the times when we both worked together, shoulder to shoulder under the banner of Metropolis. As far as I can remember, the man who was younger than me, was indeed a sincere friend figure. Countless times I asked for his help, especially for the financial problems that often entangled me. Suddenly, I felt guilty for spilling my frustration on her just a moment ago.

"Sorry yes, Ndik. I lost control."

"Not to think about it," Andika smiled widely. Nothing had changed from his cheerful face. "Where? You still want to be helped, don't you?"

"Can. If you don't mind. If the investigation goes well, I'll deal with it, huh."

"Tractier? Money from where? Just making a daily meal is still difficult," he said, laughing at me. "Ah already. I'm going back to the coverage. Poor thing, the Anggi's been waiting too long."

Suddenly, I remembered someone who was also waiting for me for the same purpose: Mr. Markus! At 08:00 this morning, I asked him to go first to the state courthouse to cover the course of the trial of a case. While now my watch hand is far enough past the number 9. That means I've been making him wait for over an hour.

"Okay, fuck!" I cried, while hitting the forehead.

"Why?" ask Andika who has not been able to leave me.

"Sir Mark is alone in the court! I'll pull it off first, will I?" After saying a short goodbye, I immediately turned on my motorbike engine and kicked it several times. "Don't forget about the clouds?" concluded me while advancing my motor gear. In a matter of seconds, my motorbike immediately breezed out of the parking area of Suara Massa's office.