imperial system · lololoshka · dystopian · algorithmic control · commissar dave · kate · dilan · radan · kavinsky · russian series
**Vince's Workshop. The shadows are long; the light is muted.** Dilan was handing Kate the box with the found kitten. Dave, the commissioner, stood apart, his gaze concealed behind sunglasses sliding over Dilan with a frightening appraisal. The air thickened, saturated with chill. Kate, noticing the boss's approach, quickly introduced them, but her words did not dispel the tension. Dave's aura pressed down like an invisible wall. Dilan felt every nerve tighten under that piercing silence, unable to look away or draw a full breath. The quiet had become unbearable, heavy and clinging. —Kate, please, make it stop, Dilan whispered, holding his breath.