"And here I'd heard so many lovely things about California." All tales that crossed the land were stories. The same parents told thier children about before bed to make the world seem like a better place. People wanted to know about places they hadn't been yet. The grass was greener on the other side, and all that crap. "Tell me mate, what's so off about this place? This bloody network all refers to things and people just don't make all that sense. The Scooby Doo act has to stop."
It didn't make any sense. If people had these 'dream lives' or whatever they'd call it or if this place was so off then why did they stay? Why was no one leaving? More pointedly, why were people ignoring it?
Because the gin and tonic was so nice, John could rightfully ignore everyone. Thank the gods it was finally kicking in. So even though his question to Katou should have been serious, he was getting to the point of talking on clouds. Made it easier to open up and ask these things.