“Wow, dude, you look like an action figure straight out of a movie,” Hitomi joked as she watched Caiden slip on his helmet.
Caiden only shook his head, which caused the twins to erupt into more laughter. “I’ll be back. I promise it’s not gonna be like this for much longer. Once this craziness is all over I’m definitely getting you guys back home to Rune Village,” he promised. The twins gave him a happy nod of approval and he was off. Destination; The Chrome Pit Hangout, East Andromeda District.
The underground garage door opened and Caiden fired out like a missile. The bike left behind dazzling streak light as he sped off. The hypercycle’s engine was quiet and smooth. He turned on the headlights after he reached a safe distance from Home-base, always remembering to take care of its secret location. He switched gears once he hit the main road and took off toward East Andromeda at full speed.
***
It was a fifteen-minute ride from BlackLight to East Andromeda when Caiden used the shortcuts. The navigation in his helmet display informed him that the Chrome Pit would be coming up on the right-hand side. The hangout was on the corner of a fairly busy street. All around were buildings that glowed from the neon signs and holo-displays. To his left, across the street, was a performance hall with a projection ad that read, ‘Rising star Yvora Blue live! Here in two weeks! Tickets on sale now! Hmm, who’d have thought she was who she claimed to be? Caiden began to think about his encounter with Yvora before turning his attention to the task at hand.
There was a large crew of bikers hanging out in the front of the entrance to The Chrome Pit; forty of them in total. Upon closer inspection, this large crew of bikers turned out to be an all-female gang. All their bikes had a pink flame decal, with an image of a pink biker helmet with cat ears. The helmet was encompassed by a streak of bright orange fire.
All the women stopped what they were doing to watch this bold rider pull up unannounced on their turf. Many of them readied their weapons as Caiden dismounted, his biker helmet still on. He was being cautious as well, knowing damn well the precarious situation he had put himself in. He slowly advanced until he was several feet away from the bikers. He paused and took a quick look at what he presumed to be the leader of the gang.
One side of her head was shaven and she sported a unique tattoo there. It was an artistic iteration of a pink lion. Her hair was bright pink with light blue highlights. She sported red lipstick and a pair of white biker goggles with orange lenses that rested around her neck. She was average height, well built, and sported a short orange varsity jacket. She had a white tank top underneath with a slogan written in red that said ‘Men are only good for their d*cks’. She wore a white utility belt loosely around her waist, and she wore a pair of white booty shorts with pink trim. To say she was colorful would be an injustice.
Her motorcycle was pearly white with a chameleon like color flare that would show depending on the angle. It was truly a work of art. The rims were chrome with a pink finish and the headlight was a bright blue.
“You just gonna stand there and get shot? Or you gonna tell me who you are and what you want?” the leader called out. Caiden slowly brought his hands to his helmet and took it off. His golden eyes were particularly iridescent tonight, slightly glowing, as if they were responding to his determination.
“Are you Athena?” he asked.
“Who the fuck are you to be asking?” the leader shot back.
“My name is Caiden. I was told someone named Athena could help me find someone. I was sent here by Wizard. That ring a bell?” he replied.
The women began to whisper. Some were cautious, still aiming their weapons at him. The others were commenting on his eyes and how intense they looked. The leader stepped forward, pacing in a circle around Caiden to inspect him and gauge whether or not he imposed a threat. She stopped in front of him, and stared at him in silence.
“Wizard doesn’t just send anyone to us. That woman is as calculated as they come. What’s your relationship with her?” she asked.
“I returned a favor for something she did for me a few nights ago,” he replied.
“Then I guess you must be pretty special. She usually charges an arm or a leg for favors. My name is Athena. Nice to meet you, Caiden, it was?” Athena said as she gestured for her crewmembers to lower their weapons. After he passed the inspection of sorts, he was shocked to find that Athena was very cooperative.
“So, what can I help with?” she asked.
“A good friend of mine was kidnapped earlier tonight at Club Cosmica. Got into a scuffle with a presumed member of The Sentience in an attempt to stop them from taking my friend. Needless to say, they took me by surprise and got away. I was told that you may know of these androids whereabouts. Am I right?” he said.
“Hmm, that’s definitely serious. I’ve been hearing some troubling shit about those androids for a few months now. Their recent actions don’t make any sense,” she said.
“So, can you help me?” he said.
“That depends,” she replied.
“Look, if it’s about my showing up on your turf unannounced, I apologize. But my friend is in danger, and—”
“Say no more. I’ll help you, but you need to do something for me,” she said.
“Okay. What is it?” he asked.
“Kera, bring me the package,” she called out.
Kera went into the Chrome Pit and came back with a small box that was securely wrapped with packaging tape. Caiden looked at the package, then at them, confused.
“The man you are bringing this package to is a man who has his ear to the streets. Pretty much knows all the dark shit that goes on in the city. Goes by the name of Pierce. He's got a bar called 'Lotus' in Merchant's Rowe. He will have a much better idea of where those androids are. He does some dealings with them. But anyway, just tell him I sent you, and once he sees this package he’ll know you’re legit,” Athena stated. Caiden was hesitant. He stared at the package that Kera was still holding. He then glared at Athena.
“I’m sorry, sweetie. I can’t tell you what’s in there, but trust me, it isn’t a bomb or drugs, but it is something important,” Athena said.
Caiden took the box from Kera and shook it; it felt as light as a feather. He gave them another baffled look. They simply laughed it off. "You best be on your way there, pretty eyes,” she said.
Caiden put the box in his pocket. “Thanks for the help.”
“Good luck finding your friend,” Athena replied. Caiden nodded, went back to his bike, revved up the engine and took off. Destination; Central Andromeda District, Merchant’s Rowe.
CHAPTER 16
---usr/systems/server-x/MERCHANT’S ROWE---
He pulled up to an old paifang gate. It had thick wooden beams, supported by cement bases that were bound together. The top of the gate was governed in gold-plated roof shingles. On each end, were symmetrical dragon statues etched in limestone. On the gold-plated sign was calligraphic writing that read ‘Welcome to Merchant’s Rowe, Place of Commerce’. The design was archaic, but majestic. It was an interesting and graceful contrast to the actual neighborhood it gave way to.
Beyond the gate was the ill-famed Merchant’s Rowe, sometimes known as ‘Murderer’s Rowe’. It was another part of the city where illegal activity was common and under policed. It was home to many black market events, including genetic altering clinics, illegal cybernetic replacements and enhancements, and gambling spots. There were also illegal Psych Booths; they were mood altering clinics that use special VR machines originally developed to cure depression, schizophrenia and other psychological disorders. It had since been outlawed, but others saw it as an opportunity for extreme recreational use.
Caiden drove his hypercycle into a shabby public garage, parked and opened the compartment where his gun was. Securing the gun in the holster under his coat, and checking that Athena’s package was still in his coat pocket, he looked around to make sure no one else was nearby and put the chameleo-ware cloak over the bike. Wa
lking to the edge of the musty garage, he looked through the opening down to the street level below; it was very busy. He descended the rusty metal stairs and walked out into the busy, narrow street. The night sky showcased an entrancing silver half-moon, and the sidewalks were packed with vendor booths, shops, and street performers.
There were very few street lights; the majority of the lighting came from traditional paper lanterns that were propped up on specialized bamboo supports or across the streets on clothing lines. The majority of these lanterns were red and had ‘Commerce’ written in them in a calligraphic font.
On one side of the street were sex shops, peep shows, small-time brothels, and different sex exhibits. The showgirls moved and posed provocatively to entice passing customers. Their display booths were encased in reinforced glass. Almost every show girl display room was lit a glowing red to enhance the licentious appeal and add to the overall mood of the area.
A little further down, freshly cooked food was available for purchase. There were dozens of restaurants and food stands with an assortment of delicious and unique dishes. Some of the best recipes came from this section of the city.
It took a while for people to navigate the streets due to the shoulder to shoulder traffic; it was an agoraphobe’s nightmare and a pickpocket’s dream turf. It wasn’t unusual for first time visitors to experience a sensory overload. There was simply too much going on, but that made it a prime hotbed for illegal activity. It wasn’t Caiden’s first rodeo; he strode into the rundown bar called ‘Lotus’ to look for the owner, Pierce. When he walked in, he saw a bunch Hybrids and Purebreds hanging out. The mood was mellow, listless even.
He approached the barmaid. “Lookin’ for Pierce. Is he around?” Caiden asked.
“That depends, who’s askin’?” the barmaid replied. She looked to be in her early thirties, short, curvaceous, and extremely cute. Her facial expression was stern while she awaited Caiden’s answer. As he leaned over the bar, she pulled back a little.
“Tell him I was sent by Athena,” he said.
The barmaid continued to look him down, maintaining stern countenance. Her facial expression soon changed completely. “Nice eyes. You get those enhanced so you can take every girl to bed with you?” she asked. She was openly flirting with him. He stuck with an expressionless face and no answer. “Ooh okay. I see you’re pretty determined. If it’s Athena who sent you I’ll let Pierce know. You wait right there” she said.
He waited as she walked to the back door behind the bar. Meanwhile, Caiden subtly checked out the bar’s patrons. Most were keeping to themselves and drinking, whereas others were glued to the monitors overhead, money in hand, watching the Graavboard competition. Caiden felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end; someone was watching him. He kept his hand on the gun beneath his coat. His heart sped up, and a single bead of sweat formed on his forehead. His target was across the bar, three degrees to the left. He knew this because of his powers of perception and deduction, afforded to him by his amazing genetic makeup. He was ready to confront whoever it was when he heard the barmaid called out to him.
“Pretty eyes! Back here.”
Caiden took a quick look over his shoulder to his left. Whoever had been watching him had slipped out the door. Caiden relaxed, but remained vigilant as he got up and headed toward the back room to converse with Pierce. He walked into the dimly lit office. The desk was littered with paper. Alcohol had spilled on the floor and left behind a sticky residue, leaving behind a stale stench. Pierce sat behind the desk. He was a wiry man in his late thirties with a fauxhawk hairstyle and a salt and pepper beard.
“I heard you were looking for me, Mr—”
“Caiden, Caiden Nyx,” he replied.
“Caiden. Okay, Caiden, why in the name of this cursed city did you decide to come and see me? It’s for something a little more unconventional, I presume?” Pierce asked as he squinted at Caiden skeptically.
“I saw Athena. She told me to give you this,” Caiden said as he presented Pierce with the box.
Pierce examined the box, grunted humorously, and proceeded to unwrap it. He opened the box and found a hot pink thong with a note attached to it that read, ‘Thanks for the other night’. Pierce’s chuckling soon exploded into laughter.
“Kid, you had no idea, did you?” Pierce asked as he saw Caiden’s bewildered expression. Caiden merely shook his head, unfazed by the little gag.
“So, what do you want?” Pierce asked.
“The Sentience strongholds. Where are they? I heard you might know where they are,” Caiden said.
“Whoa, whoa, there slick! You the feds? Or are you some sort of contract merc or hitman?” he asked.
“They kidnapped my friend. I need to know where they’re located!” Caiden exclaimed.
“Hmm, no good. No good at all,” Pierce mumbled, stroking his beard. “Been hearin’ a lot of shit bout those guys for a while. It’s been really bad; kidnapping, ransom, even assault. They’ve been fucking up business for people like me, too!” he exclaimed.
“Tell me where they are!” Caiden pressed.
“Whoa! Now I understand that they might have your friend, but you do understand what you’re asking for, right? I’m putting my life on the line by talking to you about this shit!” Pierce rebuked. Caiden gave him a stern look. “Okay kid, look. I can help but it’s gonna cost you,” Pierce said.
“How much?” Caiden asked.
Pierce thought about it for a minute before deciding. “Five thousand Creds,” he said, not really expecting him to have the money on deck.
“Done,” Caiden said.
Caiden synced his holo-watch to a blank codec he pulled from his pocket, and uploaded five thousand Creds to the codec from his account and handed it to a surprised Peirce. He didn’t think he’d pony up the money like that. Peirce was tempted to ask for more, but Caiden’s intense behavior convinced him otherwise.
“Okay,” Peirce said as he leaned in with one hand on his knee. “Now, most importantly, these androids love hanging out in select spots all over Andromeda District. Rumor has it, that a data terminal at one of their hangout spots was hacked with some unknown program. The androids who used that terminal are rumored to be infected and have been actin’ out of character. Since then, they’ve been increasing in activity. My usual android connection that helps with my, well, you know, side ventures, started flakin’ which is totally unlike him. When I tried to contact him, and figured out what was wrong, I was met with some serious hostility. It was weird, it was like they all operated with one single mind, man. They no longer had their own individual personalities like before. But, either way, they started moving around more often too. They have a series of abandoned warehouses out in West Andromeda near seven forty-six President’s Avenue. They don’t like sittin’ still or waitin’ for nobody. I dunno where they are now, but you have a decent chance of finding some clues around there,” Pierce added.
Caiden sat on this information for a few seconds before he got ready to leave. “Thanks, I appreciate the help,” he said as he stood and began to walk out.
“Hey, kid!” Pierce called out to him. Caiden stopped and turned to him. “I dunno what it is, but I got this funny feeling that your crazy ass is gonna succeed with this rescue mission somehow. Either way, be careful man. When those androids are pissed, they are frightening to deal with,” Pierce said.
“Thank you,” Caiden said, before he took off.
He made his way past the creaky wooden door and through the bar to the front exit. He briefly looked back to nod at the barmaid who saw him out and she smiled in return. He walked out onto the busy streets of Merchant’s Rowe. The streets were crowded, even though it was late. Among the crowd appeared three tall cloaked and hooded individuals. Caiden paused and examined them. Their eyes glowed a dangerous red; they were androids. They approached Caiden, blocking his path.
“Come with us,” one of the androids said in a robotic voice.
The two androids eithe
r side of Caiden closed the distance. One stepped in front of him and the other went behind him. He felt the barrel of a gun press against his back as the android behind him nudged him to walk forward and follow the others. The androids somehow caught wind of Caiden's impending arrival and made sure they prepared the perfect execution grounds to slaughter him. They pushed through the many pedestrians and twisted and turned down dark backstreets until they reached a smaller alley with a dead end.
The alley smelled of drugs, stale piss, and alcohol. The walls were littered with graffiti. There was a small dumpster on their left by the dead-end wall and a large black duffle bag, industrial grade trash bags, duct tape and a pair of massive sharp machetes. Caiden’s heart began to beat violently. He was both terrified and furiously angry. His adrenaline began to skyrocket through the roof before he was able to quickly get a grasp of the situation. His heart rate began to slow as he thought through escape plans, attack strategies, and a variety of other scenarios.
“Where the fuck is my friend?” Caiden yelled.
“You are a threat to our plans.”
“Yes, a threat.”
“And we must eliminate our threats.”
“Yes, that is what our master ordered us to do.”
It was as if the three androids were speaking from one mind. It was one continued sentence, but spoken by three different people.
Caiden knew that trying to talk to them was useless. He had to think fast. There was a brief lull in time between the three, no more than a half a second. That was all he needed as he slipped his hand inside his jacket, grabbed his gun and fired a round through the back of his coat, into the android behind him. The shock round stunned the android and left it standing helpless as it flailed its arms in malfunction.
Caiden spun around and violently shoved the android into the other two and shot two more shock rounds from his gun. All three of them shorted out and crashed to the ground, spewing out robotic jargon indicating system failure. Caiden wedged open the skull casing of one of the androids and pulled out a small fiber optic cable from his pocket. He plugged it into the port of the android’s ICM and then to a small port in his holo-watch. He opened a command terminal on the holo-display menu and hacked the android’s ICM to check out its programming and see if there was some sort of issue. He issued a command to scan the memory of the android. The only response he got back from the android’s ICM was ‘Program terminated with signal 11, Segmentation fault. Access violation’.
Neon District: ALPHA (The Neon District Trilogy, Book 1) Page 17
