I’ve lived in Manhattan my entire life. I’ve gotta admit, this city is a fucking shithole. The statistics are worse than ever. There isn’t a city out there with crime rates higher than here or the rest of New York City for that matter. There are way too many people living below the poverty line. I’d say well over 90 percent of the population. Most of these poor fuckers are living here illegally. Can’t blame them since the outside is practically a wasteland. Life beyond the megacity is tough. Quality cybernetics make the harsh climate bearable, but then there’s a bunch of other shit you have to deal with too. Like the scarcity of food, difficulty finding work that won’t kill you, etc. Life in the megacity isn’t that much better. The only pros here are the skyplate and abundance of resources. That said, those abundances are difficult to access. It’s a neo-feudal city where the have-nots have to kill, steal, or fuck to survive. A classical dystopia. I’m not in the upper class, but I live here legally. I didn’t do it the right way. I did it my way. That means I gamed the system. In other words, I hacked the government’s civilian database and created a profile for Dias Velez. It’s composed of rehashed financial data, psyche data, and any other parameter that is used to define a UCA civilian. Most bytes of data are falsified. Other bytes of data are amalgamations of deceased civilians. People they don’t give a fuck about anymore.

‘You’re spacing out! I think you had too much whiskey, buddy.’

I look up to see who’s talking, and I’m seeing double, to be honest. My neuraware never really did react well to liquor. I’ve gotta get that fixed. Moving on, it’s the bartender and owner here at the Sinner’s Bar who happens to be speaking to me.

‘Hah! Damn, you’re drunk as shit man.’

MAX pulls a small tube out of his pocket as he’s speaking. ‘Want some zone? It’ll sober you up!!’ He always talks so damn loud. It’s annoying, but I could use some zone before I call it a night. I don’t think I’ll make it home if I head out as shitfaced as I am.

I look MAX in the eye and pretend I’m contemplating. After all, I’ll look like a full-blown zonie if I say yes right away. ‘Sure. Sounds good MAX.’

MAX opens the tube and pours a line on the counter of the bar. He made sure to wipe the counter beforehand of course. As soon as that white powder is exposed to the air, it begins to radiate blue luminescent light. That bright soft blue light is something I love to see before I take a sniff.

‘Hell yeah, Dias!!’ Of course, MAX gets enthused about this. He loves zone more than I do. For Cys like me, the addictive side effects aren’t as significant due to neuraware enhancements. We get to enjoy all the fun without worrying about the dangers. As for Norms or Cells, zone works wonders too and to a much greater degree. It fires up their neurons and kicks them into overdrive, allowing them to concentrate and focus more, as well as handle stress with great efficiency. Norms and Cells become hooked with little hope of getting off unless they become fully enhanced with neural cybernetics like us Cys or go through intensive rehabilitation. Neuraware nearly gives us reign over our thoughts and synaptic functions. People can change how their minds are hardwired. Rather than rely on stupid shit like self-talk the way a lot of Norms have done in the past. All a Cy has to do is write a new algorithm and execute it. If you’re someone who happens to be quiet and reserved, you can change that with a few lines of code and be as much of an extrovert as you’d like to be. If you’ve got anger or depression issues, you can change that too. That being said, the extent to which you will change your neural functions is dependent on the quality of your neuraware. Like any computer system, your neuraware has limits. Lots of Cys like myself are always looking for the hottest neural tech on the market. I like to develop my own shit, however. I don’t trust anyone with my brain. There are tons of renowned HET clinics out there. None of which I’ve ever gone to. Most of them are illegal and they almost always get busted. Imagine being a customer at one of those clinics and having your data preserved there. Because that’s what those HET clinicians do. Your neural data is kept on file for the sake of research. There may be something in your synaptic patterns that they could learn from. Something unique that would help those clinicians build better enhancements for future clients. Or something that may help them build the next groundbreaking piece of technology. It happens all the time. When they get busted, the government confiscates all of the data they preserved. All of your data. That’s bad for a Cyber Stalker! We like to lay low and stay off the radar.

‘Dias! You sniffin or what man!!?’ MAX is excited. He leans in and snorts loudly. I lean in and get close to that blue light. Then I take a sniff.

‘WHOO, BOY!!! DAMN, THAT’S FUCKING GOOD!!!!’ Some of the other customers in the bar turn their heads at us. MAX drew their attention since he was so freaking loud. So loud that they could hear his voice over the pounding electronic music that was playing. I exhale as I turn my head upward. Then I look back at MAX.

‘Yeah. I can feel it kicking in.’ My heart raced faster and then slows back down. I don’t feel as shitfaced as I did before. I get up from my stool and extend my left hand. I decide that I’ll pay my tab with V-Coin instead of Creds as I open my palm and get my trans-plant ready to make a payment.

‘V-Coin is okay right MAX?’

MAX is still zoning. He’s really into it but manages to process my question.

‘Money is money!!’ He’s still enthused too… and even louder than before. MAX can be an annoying dumb ass when he’s zoning like this.

He pulls out his trans-scanner from the shelf behind him. ‘200!’ He proceeds to scan my trans-plant after coming up with a bullshit total. MAX is clearly trying to milk as much V-coin as he can. It’s worth a lot more than creds are. Especially in Dark Spaces.

‘Cool.’ I see a transaction statement in my neural HUD. It says ‘-200 V-Coin from DV-Wallet’ (DV-Wallet stands for Dias’ Virtual Wallet). I shake hands with MAX.

‘Will I see you again tomorrow Dias!?’

‘Nah, I’ve got a job to do.’

MAX nods. ‘Well hey man be careful. They’re saying some crazy Cyber Stalker is wreaking havoc throughout the Net Space. It’s got Net divers afraid to go diving these days. At least in Dark Spaces that is.’ MAX only ever speaks in a normal tone when he’s concerned for something or someone. He was right too. I’ve been hearing a lot about it myself. A crazy unidentified Cyber Stalker has been breaking into top-secret databases and using the data they’ve acquired to take control of various Spaces or stir up trouble. Dark Spaces are in the most danger since they’re largely unprotected. Could it really be just one Cyber Stalker? This kind of thing would take a group effort. I’m pretty damn good, but I could never pull this off.

‘You hear me right?’ MAX asks in an unusually stern manner.

‘Yeah. They say this Cyber Stalker calls himself or herself Sinn or whatever. No need to worry about me, I only take small jobs MAX. That way I won’t stick out too much. This Sinn character won’t give two fucks about a small-time Cyber Stalker who likes to chase small game.’ That’s right. Big jobs always involve big risks, which leads to big trouble. I’ve had way too many bad experiences. This is the reason why I went small time and live in the shittiest neighborhood in town: Chelsea. A tech hub throughout the 22nd century that descended into an extremely chaotic state.

‘Take care MAX.’

‘You too Dias!’ MAX returns to his usual tone of voice as he leans in toward that blue glow on his bar counter and continues zoning.

My apartment isn’t too far off. Sinner’s Bar is on 4th street and 8th ave. My home is 4 blocks North of 8th street. I look around and I see the streets hustling and bustling as always. Then I look down and see some blood. It’s trailing off to the southern corner of the block; ending at a body that’s laid out. Out of curiosity, I take the moment to activate my optic scanners to read his vitals. A red light begins to manifest around his body while I zoom in. My HUD begins to display text next to his body. It appears in red and says:

Condition: Deceased

Identity: Unknown

Height: 5'5"

Ethnicity: Based on skin tone and facial structure, Middle Eastern or Hispanic

Cause of Death: Apparently beaten to death, and dragged down the street afterward

Time of Death: Roughly 1 hour ago

Name: XX

The algorithms in my neuraware’s programming got to work and they’re on the cutting edge for sure. This was data gathered from a simple analysis at that. If I really wanted, I could find out everything there is to know about this guy. All the way down to his genetic makeup. I hear sirens blaring from down the street as I stand here pondering pointlessly. The sirens’ sound came from an ambulance of course. It arrives and parks near the dead body. Two paramedic Bots come out of the vehicle and walk up to the body. Time for me to start walking I suppose. Got no reason to stick around and watch since I’ve lost curiosity over the issue.

Holo ads are displayed all over 8th ave and there are various kinds. There’s a large holo ad of two naked sex workers dancing with each other; a male and a female. They begin to grab and embrace each other. Slowly rubbing their hands on each other’s bodies as they make out. It had me thinking of my last visit to the red light district. If I had time I’d head over to the lower east side right now, but I’ve gotta hit the sack early tonight. Moving on, there’s another holo further down. An ad for the SCTF: Special Crimes Task Force. It’s a combat operative standing in his combat gear with a rifle in his right hand and his left hand pointing down at the street. At his feet, neon blue text with a neon green outline is displayed and says in caps:

BEWARE. COMMIT A CRIME AND WE WILL RESPOND WITH EXTREME FORCE.

I hate those totalitarian jerks. They don’t give a damn about the people of NYC. All they do is shoot down anyone they see as a challenge to their authority. The SCTF has made things worse here, not better. But what do I know? I’m just a small-time Cyber Stalker, and I wanna keep it that way. As I continue walking north, I feel a hand gripping my butt. I look to my right and I see someone I know all too well.

‘Hey Selena.’ I started to crack a smile, but I tried not to be too obvious about my excitement. Selena Taylor is a really good friend with benefits of mine. A sex worker who is truly loyal to all of her friends and clients and respected for it.

‘What are you up to Dias?’ Selena starts to smile.

‘Heading home sweetheart. I gotta sleep early tonight’

‘Why’s that? You got a job tomorrow? You doing some Cyber Stalking? Or something else? Like gun-running or zone dealing?’

I look Selena in her glowing synthetic green eyes and put my right arm around her shoulder. She’s looking good tonight; wearing a tight black latex dress that cuts off above her knees. Some stripes expose her back all the way down to her butt. Fishnets are under her dress and these sexy black latex boots. She’s also got this really hot black collar around her neck. God damn.

‘You know I don’t do any of that other shit anymore Selena. Especially after that run-in with the Red Crusaders gang.’ I look ahead and reflect on that horrible experience as we continue to walk. Selena slips her hand into my back pocket. She likes to do that.

‘Good. Cyber Stalking is what you do best you know. So it’s a lot safer.’ She exhales and nods while she reflects on that experience too.

‘That gang was gunning for your ass you know. I know you were returning a favor for Rigoberto and all. And that he’s a good friend who you go way back with but-’ Selena pauses and I stare at her face. She had beautiful big eyes, full lips, a soft jawline, and beautiful silver hair. A real babe.

‘If I weren’t friends with some of them, I wouldn’t have been able to talk them out of killing you. They owed me a few favors so I was able to leverage that as well as my friendship with them.’ I definitely owed her for that, but I could’ve handled them. Selena doesn’t know how prepared I am for those kinds of situations.

‘Yeah, I know. I know Selena. That’s why I choose to be small time. I made the exception for Rigoberto since he’s helped me out in the past. A mistake I won’t make again.’

Selena takes her hand out of my back pocket and pats me on the back.

‘That’s good. Remember to remind yourself that Rigoberto wouldn’t be where he is today if you weren’t there to have his back too. I swear, you never get enough credit for that and you don’t give it to yourself either. You should be rubbing in all the hard work you’ve done for the Sanchez Family in Rigoberto’s face every time you see him.’ And that’s why she and I are great friends with benefits. Selena always looks out for me.

‘When are you seeing Rigoberto again anyway?’

‘Tomorrow.’

Selena takes a deep breath and starts fuming.

‘Don’t tell me this job is from him!’

She’s worried and with good reason.

‘Rigoberto says that it’s a small job. He wants me to get straight to it as soon as I’m briefed.’ Selena seems to be in doubt. ‘He says it’s just some Cyber Stalking in a Dark Space. In and out. Simple.’

‘A Dark Space? Are you kidding me? You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me!’ Selena nods in disagreement and starts chuckling. ‘Dude, haven’t you heard the news? You’ve heard about Sinn, right? That crazy Cyber Stalker! They say this person has been mind jacking Cys and Bots. Completely taking control of their minds and using them for infiltration to whatever end. He’s taking over entire networks.’

I look Selena in the eyes again. ‘You think that shit could happen to me? Come on Selena. I’m pretty good at this kind of thing you know. You said it yourself. In fact, that’s an understatement. I’m damn good.’ I say this to her, but she is right though. This Sinn person, or whoever they are, is certainly someone to be wary of.

‘I’ll admit, I am curious as to who this person is. It can’t be just one person. No individual could do this much, no matter how good they are.’

‘It could be a group. Yeah, that makes sense Dias. More reasons for you to be worried you know. Collective thinking is more effective than individual thinking as seen in all societal structures.’ Selena can be pretty smart sometimes. She actually has a BS in Net Space Development but became a sex worker since it was easy and fun. With the right combination of gene editing and cybernetics, it’s impossible to catch STDs now. She’s equipped with the right neuraware and bodily cybernetics necessary for self-defense in case she has to deal with a creep. So why not go into sex work? I did some sex work myself decades ago, but Cyber Stalking always calls you back. So here I am.

‘Well, here’s my stop.’

Selena pauses. It looks like she’s getting ready to say something important.

‘Look, Dias. Don’t take any more jobs from Rigoberto. He’s a good guy and all, but he always drags you into some crazy shit. He is a son of the Sanchez Crime Family. No job from them is a small one. They’re as big as it gets.’

Selena kisses me on the cheek and starts to walk away. ‘I’ll keep that in mind, Selena!’ I walk into the apartment complex. The main plaza on the 1st floor is rather occupied. At the center is a bush with roses popping out from it. A group of people is standing around it. Looks like they’re enjoying drinks together. They look at me as I walk past them. I give them a nod and one of them waves back at me.

‘Yo! What’s up, Dias?’ The one who waved was rather jovial. It was Hwang. A gay SCTF operative who lives in the apartment across the hall from me. Basically, my annoying neighbor. I wasn’t paying attention when I nodded at these guys. If I did, I would have ignored them. Damn it.

‘Fuck off.’ I can’t stand SCTF scum.

‘Oh come on. You know you’ve got the hots for me man!’ Hwang is getting ahead of himself as always and starts smiling. His whole group of buddies must be operatives too. What an eyesore.

I continue to walk up the stairs as I start to ignore them. My apartment is on the 2nd floor and the hallway is a mess. Broken bottles are scattered about on the floor along with spilled zone and other drugs too. I step on a few pills as I walk towards my door. Since the hallway is dead silent, the sound of me stepping on pills was rather loud. I look at the camera on my door as it performs a facial recognition scan. It’s a secure smart door that’s interlinked with my neuraware. My HUD displays a translucent blue box with darker blue text outlined in white on the upper right corner of my sight.

...loading...

...loading...

...loading...

...done...

Dias Velez

29 years old

5'9"

Owner Of Apartment 2B

Tuesday

02/05/2204 AD

1:02 am

...opening...

My front door clicks loudly. It’s unlocked. I walk right in and head straight for the couch. I’ve got a pretty decent setup here. It’s actually a studio apartment, and my bed is off to the far right near the exit to the balcony. From the balcony is a pretty clear view of the plaza, but I’d rather not take a look outside since that douche Hwang is there. I hear a pinging sound going off. Looks like I’m receiving a call. It’s Rigoberto; guess that call should be answered.

Brilliant light begins to manifest in front of me. It takes on a humanoid form. The holo becomes clearer and clearer and begins to take on Rigoberto’s image as it goes into full motion.

‘Yo.’ It’s Rigoberto. Standing there with his arms crossed in a black sporty business suit that cuts off at the forearm.

‘We gotta talk man. Like now. It’s about tomorrow’s job.’

‘I’m all ears.’

‘I need you to start early, so I’m gonna brief you a little bit.’ Rigoberto says rather impatiently. ‘For starters, the job isn’t actually for me.’

‘Is that so? Then who needs my skills?’

Rigoberto takes a deep breath. ‘Howard Graves.’

It took me a moment to process what he said before giving a reply. ‘The Howard Graves? The CTO of Gamble Industries? Rigo, you know I only take small jobs.’

‘I know, but I promised-’

‘I’m not interested.’ I abruptly interrupt him. ‘I’m not interested in taking big jobs. Too risky. Remember last time? That last job that you said was supposedly small. The one from last year? The one which nearly resulted in me going at it with a notorious street gang?’ I started to get pretty worked up.

‘That was a small job Dias but you took it too damn far.’

‘Really? How do you figure that?’

‘You copied a private algorithm of theirs and added it to your neuraware for your own use. I’ll admit that you made impressive use of it too. What was it? A combat algorithm? One that increases frontal lobe efficiency and muscle reaction time? As if you didn’t have that prior to-’

‘Okay, okay. So what if I did do that?’ I interrupted Rigoberto again.

‘They had no proof that it was me, so they had no reason to-’

‘They’re gangsters Dias! And they were pretty fucking pissed that you went in and stole their shit!’ This time I was interrupted.

‘Logic won’t apply to them in a situation like that man! They weren’t gonna wait until they found proof before they decided to kill you! For all the Crusaders knew, you could have been affiliated with the Reavers! You’re really lucky Selena was able to work things out with them. Oh, and by the way! For some reason, she blames me for what happened with you and the Crusaders!’ We both got silent for a few seconds. I guess he was right. Maybe I really did take it too far?

‘Look man, Howard said he needed the best talent that money could buy. I told him about you.’

‘You what?’ This motherfucker.

‘Rigo, this guy could start bothering me himself. You do realize that right? I don’t need that kind of attention right now.’

‘I told him about you Dias, not who you are. There’s a difference. I know how much you value your privacy.’ Rigoberto pauses and stares at me intently. I can’t make out his thoughts with a blank expression like that. His aviators make it even more difficult too, but I can see his blue eyes illuminate from time to time. One of the few cybernetics he has. You see, Rigoberto is a Cell. Cell is the slang term we use on the streets for people who are primarily enhanced with gene-editing tools. Some people like to enhance their bodies with a combination of cybernetics and gene editing. Of course, nobody can be considered a Cy unless their bodies are entirely replaced with cybernetics, they’re otherwise still considered Cells. I’m a pretty good example of an advanced Cy. I spent years working on my body and I love to upgrade myself with anything that’s on the cutting edge. My cybernetics are designed by me for the most part, but sometimes I steal other people’s shit and tweak it for my body. That being said, Rigoberto and I did not acquire our enhancements legally. We’re both heavily enhanced with unregistered cybernetics and gene editing. Most Cys and Cells usually are these days. Especially in this city.

‘Since when were you buddies with executives huh? I thought the Sanchez Family hated megacorporations.’

‘My father does.’

‘And you don’t?’ I was a little bit surprised. Hell, I can’t stand em.

Rigoberto scratches his beard. ‘Not as much as my dad at least. I can look past my differences with them.’

‘What kind of relationship do you have with this guy?’ I asked him with obvious curiosity.

‘Howard and I have a pretty good arrangement. We exchange data and intel.’

‘Regarding what?’

‘I tell him what’s hot and trending on the black market and which Dark Spaces he could reap profits from and in exchange for that, he shares intel regarding the SCTF.’

Rigoberto is giving a lot more than he’s receiving in this arrangement.

‘Seems like an uneven exchange to be honest.’

‘Under normal circumstances, yes. But the SCTF has been moving in on us hard.’ He’s talking about a big bust the SCTF made a week ago. A warehouse prioritized for weapons storage. It was a rather substantial loss for the Sanchez Crime Family, but they’ll recover from it. I know these guys well; they’re too big to fail.

‘The SCTF is no joke. They’re an elite task force.’ Rigoberto scratches his forehead.

‘In any case, I’m working on building a solid professional relationship with this guy. Howard has a lot of connections. It would do good for the Sanchez Family to have a network in the corporate world, despite what my father feels.’

‘So I’m some kind of bargaining chip?’

‘Hey man, you owe me you know? I helped set you up with that body and identity 29 years ago. You wouldn’t be where you are today if not for-’

‘Bullshit!!’ Rigoberto started to get under my skin. We go way back, and we both have paid each other back in full.

‘Rigo, I’ve covered for your ass just as much. I had a hand in getting the entire Sanchez Family to the position it’s in today here in the city. As I said, I’m done working big jobs. I used to take clients like Howard Graves all the time. I’ve changed bodies and identities so many times too. Always changing nationalities and gender. You know, I can’t even remember who I originally was. I don’t know my actual age. The only thing I’m actually sure of is the fact that I’m pretty damn old. As a small-time Cyber Stalker, I don’t have to worry about getting into crazy shit like that anymore.’ I took a moment to breathe. He worked me up a bit.

‘You’re right Dias. I don’t blame you. But..’ Rigoberto paused again. ‘Are you really happy Cyber Stalking for crappy little startups and small businesses? The reward is big.’ Rigoberto makes open gestures with his hands. ‘2 billion Creds, and 5 billion V-coins. V-coins man! They’re twice the value in Dark Spaces.’

That perked my ears quite a bit, but I made sure not to be obvious and kept my cool.

‘Alright, alright. I’ll talk to him at least. Set up a time and a place. If his shit stinks a lot, I’m going right out the door.’

It’s 7:25 am right now. It’s cold. I’m standing next to a pole at Morningside Park as the precipitation of snow gets heavier. Cybernetic fibers that are woven into my muscles are producing more heat, causing me to grow hungry. At least I’m warm though. Rigoberto stands next to me and starts zoning. He’s resistant to the cold too, but his resistance functions differently. His leather coat is adding an extra layer of warmth, plus the zone keeps his mind off of the weather. Rigoberto used to be a full-blown zonie a few years ago. He’s taken anti-addiction drugs to curb his addiction over the years. That being said, Rigoberto can enjoy zone without becoming hooked the way he used to be.

‘Morningside Park is usually pretty empty at this time of the day. It’s due to the outbreak that passed.’ He puts his tube of zone away. ‘The Blue Rush.’ It was an outbreak that resulted from a stronger airborne strain of zone being released by the Red Crusaders a year ago. Cells and Norms went insane from the overstimulation of their brains. They got incredibly violent and then died within hours of infection. Even Cys suffered some damage, but they didn’t lose their shit and die though. Assuming they had really good neuraware. The Red Crusaders are a religious gang and believed that they were doing God’s work. What a load of crap.

‘There he is.’ I noticed Howard standing at a fair distance from us; looking exactly as he does in his lame holo broadcasts. The distance between us is populated with several holo ads floating about, and a few surveillance Bots kinda just hanging around. It looked like Howard was observing us. ‘He loves to watch people doesn’t he?’

Howard begins to walk towards us.

‘It’s good to see you.’ Rigoberto says calmly.

‘Is this the guy? The Cyber Stalker you spoke highly of?’ Howard’s voice was deep and unnerving. It must be a vocal enhancement. Corporate executives like to get enhancements like that. It helps them gain dominance in social and business settings.

‘Yeah. Dias Velez.’ Rigoberto responds calmly, but I can tell he’s faking it. I don’t need to use my optic scanners to see his body grow tenser when he’s this obvious.

‘I’ve never heard of you, Dias Velez.’ Howard responds in a very skeptical manner and crosses his arms.

‘Maybe I’m just that damn good?’

‘Or Dias Velez is an alias.’ Howard says as he makes unwavering eye contact with me. The guy means business. He’s got that traditional corporate look that adds to his stern demeanor. Black slicked-back hair and a dark grey trench coat with a business suit that has 21st-century corniness written all over it. Dias Velez is my nth identity, but calling it an alias wouldn’t be too far off either. It is common for veteran Cyber Stalkers to have aliases or past identities.

‘It might be, but I wouldn’t share that with you. I’m not your buddy so you’ll just have to trust what Rigo told you about me.’

Rigoberto steps in. ‘Forgive Dias. He’s a rather abrasive individual, but my opinion of his skill still stands. If you want the best that money can buy as you said to me; then he’s it.’ I’ve never heard Rigoberto brag about me like that. It was awkward. ‘You might know Kenji Albom. Well, that was Dias’ previous identity 30 years ago.’

‘Rigo! What the fuck man!?’ So much for valuing my privacy. Kenji was the last identity I went by and it was a roller coaster of a life. I pulled a big stunt on Gamble Industries’ financial accounts, and I was doing a lot of wet work for the Sanchez Crime Family too. I drew way too much attention and never had any peace. This is why I became Dias Velez.

‘You’re Kenji Albom? The Cyber Stalker who helped shape the Sanchez Crime Family into what it is today? You were all over the news you know. I was a kid watching all of that.’ Howard was surprised.

‘You hacked into Gamble Industries’ financial accounts and stole a lot of money. You then proceeded to give that money to poor institutions across New York. People referred to you as a new-age Robin Hood. Hell, kids would play games and pretend to be you.’

‘Were you one of them?’ I said as I cracked a wide grin.

‘No. I didn’t care about your nonsensical heroics. What impressed me the most were your skills. I don’t know how you did it, but it was remarkable.’

‘Look, let’s head to a warmer spot. There’s a cafe nearby. It’s a lot more conducive for conversation and I don’t wanna freeze my dick off.’ Rigoberto said as he started walking ahead of us.

The Cafe was really cozy and it wasn’t very occupied considering the time of day. Rigoberto and Howard still had their coats on. I guess they were still feeling a bit cold. Howard sips coffee from a mug as he prepares to brief me on this job. Meanwhile, I just took that last bite of the sandwich I ordered.

‘The reward I’m offering is big. I’m assuming Rigoberto told you already.’

‘Yeah. I want more. If I’m going to risk my neck for you, it’s gotta cost more.’ I lean forward to show him how serious I am.

‘Okay. How about 3 billion Creds and 6 billion V-Coins? A substantial increase wouldn’t you agree?’

Howard puts his mug down on the table between the three of us and turns his head toward me while he sits to my right. Rigoberto decided to add his two cents.

‘Dias, that’s a small fortune you know. You’re lucky he’s even willing to increase it.’ I nod in agreement with Rigoberto and stare at Howard.

‘Start briefing me.’

Howard takes another sip of his coffee and leans back then crosses his legs. ‘I need you to hunt down an AI.’

‘Hunt an AI?’

‘Yes, a runaway AI that the Gamble Industries’ AIR&D team had been working on for quite some time. It is very, very advanced and dangerous. This AI has continued to evolve since breaking free.’

‘That’s fascinating, but all I can do is track it down, not hunt it. Cyber Stalkers don’t hunt; we do surveillance, infiltration, and observation. A guy like you should know this.’

‘Indeed, that is the job of a Cyber Stalker; but a man with a sense of justice like Kenji Albom would feel obliged to hunt this particular AI though.’

I raised my right eyebrow in curiosity. Rigoberto leaned in and shifted his body towards Howard, who had been sitting across from me.

‘And why’s that?’ My curiosity intensified.

‘This AI goes by the name of Sinn. I’m sure you’ve seen the news. I know you’ve heard about it. A heroic guy like yourself; like Kenji Albom, wouldn’t sit back and let a rogue AI terrorize innocent Cys and Bots.’

‘First off, I’m Dias Velez now, not Kenji Albom; and second, I’m not a hero.’

For some reason, Howard smiled after I said that. Then that smile became a chuckle. Why is he finding this funny?

‘You’re not at all what I expected the infamous Kenji Albom to be like. There are stories of you back at Gamble HQ. Horror stories. I expected you to be this large towering individual. One with a frightening personality. That’s probably how you were.’ Howard’s chuckling subsides. ‘Moving on, Sinn is actually an alias. The AI has taken on a male persona and has named itself Prometheus.’

‘Like in Greek mythology? That’s cute.’

‘Yes. He sees himself as a creator of sorts. One who steals fire from the Gods.’

‘Those Gods being megacorporations like Gamble Industries I take it?’ I respond promptly and coldly. These megacorporations see themselves as such.

‘The Cys and the Bots he mind jacks, they’re the fire of the Gods in a metaphorical sense. Objects that are the result of man’s ingenuity.'

That statement just fortified my opinion of them. Howard became even more stern, uncrossed his legs, and leaned in.

‘Unregistered technology that was manufactured by Gamble Industries over the course of the 22nd century. Technology that was stolen from us by petty dealers and sold off onto the streets.’

‘Right.’ My disagreement was easy to see since I leaned back and crossed my arms. There was a time where I was one of those dealers.

‘I can’t continue briefing you right now. I’m starting to see that this place is too public.’

Rigoberto stands up. ‘Excuse me guys, I gotta go take a piss.’ He walks away from his chair and heads to the men’s room in the corner down to the left of him.

‘Tonight then. You and I could meet in the Net Space. Whichever you prefer Howard.’

‘So does that mean you’re in?’ Howard makes strong eye contact. His eyes illuminate a blue light like Rigoberto’s. I think he’s using his optic scanner to gauge my interest as I get ready to respond. He puts up a good poker face, but I’ve had my optic scanner active the whole time. Blood-red light glows from my eyes whenever I do and I’d seen how much his body shifted throughout our conversation. All the way down to the twitching and spasmatic movement of his muscles. He’s tense. Desperate. This Prometheus AI has him nervous and cornered it seems and I’ve probably become his best hope of handling this thing. His desperation is understandable. The Cyber Stalker known as Sinn has been viral for quite some time. Every day there’s a story about him being broadcast by True Media. He’s always minding jacking innocent Cys and Bots in large numbers and these days, members of the Red Crusaders have been his prime targets. Crime rates have nearly doubled as a result of the chaos he brought forth. I haven’t retained much of the data from my previous life, but I can feel the emotions that I once had resurfacing right now. The large reward for the job adds incentive for sure; but In my past life as Kenji Albom, I would have gone after this son of a bitch in a heartbeat. Reward or no reward. Within a millisecond, I deactivate my optics.

‘Sure Howard, I’m in.’