Rattus sized up the other person on the line upon hearing him speak. Tristram introduced himself and said that he had no last name given. This raised several questions on Rattus' mind about him, such as the available scope of legal services he can get and even his credibility as a person. Neo, on the other hand, laughed when he heard Tristram saying that his last name does not exist. This was not a jeer at the student himself, but rather a reaction to the inevitable confusion that will ensue when this clashes with Rattus' overtly-formal mannerisms.<br/><br/>And indeed, Rattus went silent when he wanted to begin addressing Tristram. Since he had no last name, he therefore wasn't able to address him with the honorific "Mister". However, he didn't like to use his given name because, for him, it implied a lack of respect and it anticipated non-professional familiarity. However, he did remember everything that Tristram said about his views regarding life, the City itself, and one specified personality in the City that he suspected as having a strong tie with the Council. By that, he knew how to reply to him.<br/><br/>"Young man," Rattus began. "I know you are in an emotional state of distress and severe discomfort right now but bear in mind that, as of this moment, it is highly possible that our current geographical locale is using audio-based recording devices on all ongoing telecommunications traffic and verbal conversations right now in order to maintain security. So I strongly suggest that you be more discreet in messages you want to convey."<br/><br/>"And regarding your information about Miss Veasey here." He tipped his glasses back, which was not visible to anyone on the other end of the line. "You say that her personality lends to attention-enticing behaviors, yet seemingly able to command large groups of men or being able to hold by herself in a decision-making meeting among executive members. I believe this could be characterized as innate charisma, rather than any degree of aptitude in making strategic choices. However, even the latter can be subject to question, due to the fact that you revealed her involvement in modelling."<br/><br/>"As for your self-admitted constant observation of her moving pattern, cease all of those activities immediately. If anything else, by the degree of awareness you are exemplifying currently, I suggest that you personally contact us for further discussions." Rattus kept droning. "Neo can lead you to the location where you can do so."<br/><br/>"M'kay, Tristram." Neo immediately intervened. His tone change from that to deliberately trying to get a raise from anyone who heard it, to serious. "I heard tha' things you said righ' from da sta't. And I'mma tellin' ya, real talk, no bullshit: Ya' still got ya' baggage of typical teen angst in ya', 'cause anywun in our crew will say tha' what ya' just ranted was amateurish. It won't just come from me, it'll come from Ratt and Jappy. And we just ain't a buncha happy fun buncha' balls dere, man. I ain't kiddin' 'round when I call Ratt a fuckin' Nazi. And Jappy freaks out ovah sudden flash and 'sploshuns. Guess why. And 'ere's a clue: She was awready livin' in Hiroshima 'round 1920s and stayed there even afta'. Get me?"