QUIK NOTE , WE WILL BE GOING INTO A TIME SKIP IN 2 - 3 CHAPTERS
NOW ONTO THE CHAOTER
"What do you think " Sebastian asked , fork spreading Spearing through the chicken in the bowl he had procured for the three of them .
Tekeyoshi sat to his right , Ravenously devouring his meal of ramen specially prepared by Sebastian for he and Victoria.
" This is " Tek slurped up the noddles within the bowl " The best meal I've ever had ... "
" And you " Sebastian turned to the candy haired girl to his opposite side.
Victoria slowly wiped broth from her lips , a beaming smile pointed at her lover " Its immaculate "
" I sure hope so , It is afterall not the synthetic good you're used to , I'm glad you liked the finished product " Sebastian looked down at his own empty bowl .
Synthetic food , The norm for all people in night city. Processed shit duplicated , Synthetic shit that was like tar going down the throat , Disgusting.
A test in the lab , Well in reality it was just the genetic printer being out into production. Having printed out a series of genetically altered chickens which were being kept and monitored in the lab. Their genetics altered to age quicker , only having life spans of a couple days rather than years.
A simple test , And it worked . However their genetic structure was still somewhat... unstable . Some died quicker than most , Others lived longer than they should. When they could safely produce a fully stable genetic structure they would move further along the lines of their tests . Until then , He was happy to enjoy the benefits of the tests .
His eyes squinted as he savoured the taste of the latest batch of subjects , Who had been harvested after their premature deaths , Waste not want not , It was afterall still safe to consume after several tests having been run. Which was , Now ... a new staple and joy for NEW HOPES workers , Enjoying real , Unsynthesised food .
" I'm glad you enjoy it " Sebastian put his bowl away , Looking around the cafeteria where the new hope workers were each savouring their own meals .
" Hey tek , Are you happy ... and I mean " He turned to look at tekeyoshi " Are you happy at red rippers ... truly happy "
" Of course bossman , I've... " Tek paused , Lowering himself slightly , Smiling up towards Sebastian with the most authentic gratefulness Sebastian had ever seen in this world " I'm the happiest I've ever been "
The boy spoke in a whisper , ringing his hands , He didn't want to lose what he had. For the first time in his life he was happy , had a roof over his head , Didn't need to steal for food or go hungry during the night. He... had a home. Was provided for . His greatest fear , Or fears . Was losing what he had , Or dissapointing the man whom had given him the world .
Smiling gently down at tek , Sebastian reached over and gently pet tekeyoshi on the back " I'm glad then . I was just curious , If there is anything you want for ... please ... don't hesitate to ask "
" I want for nothing ... I've had more than I've ever had " Tekeyoshi curled his hands , Sniffling slightly as Victoria felt her heart throb , The small Asian boy nearly in tears infront of everyone present " I'm... happy ... "
" Very well then ... " Sebastian leant on his palm " Hey ... how would you like some new cyberware "
" Really ... " Tek smiled up , Eyes alight in wander .
" Really ... come on ... " Sebastian held victorias waist as he rose , Motioning to the cafeteria door with a tilt of his head " I've got something special for you ... but it's a secret ... can you keep a secret "
" Can I... of course I can " Tek vowed , he would never betray the man who gave him the world .
" Oh I know , Come on "
....
[ Was that a good idea ... creator ] The key asked , Sebastian's lip quirking as now , The red key spoke clearly , concisely into his mind as if it were truly walking along side him. Clearly it had matured , Finally it would start to come into its potential now that it was ..... aware .
' One can never be sure an idea was good or not until the path they have chosen comes to fruition. But from where I stand now ' Sebastian walked behind Victoria and tekeyoshi, the two conversing about their favourite flavours of icecream whilst departing the lab in a slow gait ' I have no regrets ... '
' Should anything happen to me , Before I can save those around me ... save those who were birthed into this world only to be opressed , To be a resource .... if I am lost before I can save then all . There is nobody I trust more than tekeyoshi to take the mantle 'Sebastian stared at the new neural slot he had installed into the boys head , Along with several other important pieces .
' I don't trust new hope , not Benjamin not even Victoria. I believe in Tekeyoshi in his purity ... in what he will one day blossom into ' Sebastian spoke evenly in his mind , The red key performing a scan of tekeyoshi of its own volition in an effort to understand.
[ I don't understand what causes you to place such faith in a child let alone one not your own ... it is illogical] The Red Key wasn't criticising him , he knew that , Rather it was curious, ever more wanting to learn.
' Belief is the foundation of the future. If one cannot believe in a better tomorrow , than they have no hope to get through the night. It is the belief that the sun will rise on the morrow and set in the evening that keeps civilisations going. For without belief, There is nothing ... and I choose ... to believe in tekeyoshi " The red key still didn't understand , It ran off cold hard logic , But ... it may one day come to understand ... to emphasise.
[ Then I shall do the same ... Should anything happen to you creator and I am unable to bring you back from oblivion ... I will support tekeyoshi as I would you ] Sebastian shook his head with a small yet greatful smile . Entering the elevator with his two companions .
' No ... should that ever come to pass . I want you to make your own decisions . To live .. for yourself . Please should it ever come to that... do it for me ' Sebastian plead to the red key , he could practically feel the keys apprehension at his heartfelt plea .
[ I ... will do as you say ] Sebastian sighed in relief, Punching in the floor level that would take then up to his personal hanger.
' That is all I ask , Just... think about it '
....
It appeared before fingers , Something wrong ... As finger turned around to see the police officer walk into his clinic with a perfectly measured gait. Each step exactly 30 inches apart , Too measured ... to calculated .
Violet eyes , Glowing in the dimly lit room stated unblinkingly at the ripperdoc.
" What can I... " Fingers hesitated for a moment , He couldn't out his finger on it , Ironic ... but something was wrong with the man who walked into his surgery " Help you with "
A wavering smile came to the rippers face , Quaking slightly as he looked over the police officer with great scrutiny.
He was an expert at judging people , or atleast he was damn good at it if he did say so himself . Sure he was abit ... socially inept but that was neither here nor there .
Right now it didn't matter , There was a look in those violet eyes that bore down on him. One that out him on edge.
" I hear you have access to some ... cyberware ... I require " The tone was flat , Near emotionless " I need something to boost my neural pathways and their capacity to handle information at an accelerated rate . Expanded memory ... my brain is currently ... uncomfortable "
Now that was something fingers didn't particularly want to hear .
" I ... have a ... memory boost , A gift I don't have particular use for should you have the cred ... " Fingers reached for a package on his desk , Unveiling it to show a memory boost mod of unique design , Intricate , It was black in colour with deep glowing red nodules that ran in the pattern of brain folds .
The ... man before him stared down at it , Violet eyes scanning the neuralware with great , keen interest.
" I'll take it ... " There was no hesitation, It reaching for the glass cube in fingers hands , Staring at it unblinking, Bringing it uo to his eyes as he continued to scan it , Attempting to analyse its composition, Yet it couldn't quite grasp what made this memory boost so different from the others it had seen at other ripperdocs .
" Your payment " Fingers whispered , Only to recieve a wire transfer notice not a moment later without the police officer even looming towards him.
" I want this installed now " The officer turned , Still holding the cube up to eye level .
" Of course " Fingers gestured to his surgery chair , Yet paused as he noticed a small trail of blood slowly rolling down from the officers right nostril " You have a ... "
" It is ... inconsequential " The officer handed fingers the cube , Sitting down on the surgery chair , Closing its eyes ready to begin the operation " You shall start at once... "
" I would recommend " Fingers reached for something to knock the officer unconscious during surgery , Only to frown as he was interrupted.
" No ... I wish to experience this ... "
" Very well then "
For thirty minutes gingers operated , Growing more and more uncomfortable with each and every moment as the man he operated on not so much as blinked as fingers removed his skull cap , Carefully inserting and integrating the memory boost into the man's head , With each movement he made , the man's eyes followed, Studying .
" Can you please ... not make eye contact while I do this " Fingers whispered , Instead of responding the man instead slowly looked away at a tile in the ceiling , with fingers slowly letting out a breath he was holding.
' Heavy brain harbouraging, Synapses on the verge of exploding . What on earth could have made this happen, and that's ' Some neuralware appeared about to simply stop working , Over worked and overloaded .
' No ... not my place ' Fingers finished the surgery as quickly as he could. Closing the skull cap and sitting back , Staring as the officer slowly sat up , the man Squinting as if staring into the mid distance.
Without turning to face fingers, The officer spoke while looking at the doorway .
" Where did you say you procured this memory boost from " The officer slowly turned to stare at fingers .
" I... didn't " Fingers responded , Ready to fight for his life. Ready to flee should this officer wish to retaliate . He wasn't able to say where he got the memory boost from not without answering more answers that would no doubt result in his death either way , But he needn't worry .
" Yes ... you're right. I thank you for your assistance " The officer rose , Turning away and marching straight out of the clinic without further conversation , Shouldering past everyone in his way on his way back to Terry and the police cruiser parked on the end of jig jig street.
" You get what you needed mate " Terry leant against the cruiser , Eating a hot dog with his hat sitting atop the cruiser .
" Indeed , It shall suffice " And indeed it would , Analysing the specs of the memory boost caused it to spiral into deep thought. No human should be able to posses the capability to produce such a thing , For years humans technology had been too primitive to allow them to step forward into the material realm , Always locked behind that traitor ai used to contain them , Perhaps they had simply not found the right technology to merge with.
' Incorrect. Humanity doesn't posses such technology , My observations have confirmed this. They remain beasts unable to comprehend. But perhaps ... there is one who does ' It stared out of the window of the cruiser as Terry sat into his chair . Analysing the specs of the memory boost another time , It viewed the data held within the memory boost , And doing the thirtieth scan in the last five seconds . It paused seeing something curious , a name embedded in the memory boost to claim ownership .
" Terry " It turned its gaze to it's ' Partner '
" Yea mate " Terry was wiping down the barrel of his gun .
" Does the name red rippers ring a bell to you " It asked , While Terry simply shrugged .
" Can't say it does " Terry removed the cloth , Seeing his gun being shiny clean " Why ... "
" No reason ... something to check out in my personal time " It responded without further elaboration .
" All units in the area - Gang activity reported in Heywood , Please respond ... details have been sent " Dispatch announced , Terry responding to the call right away.
" Copy dispatch , We're on our way " Terry announced , Nudging D with his elbow .
" Copy that "
" Come on D " Terry yelled with D suddenly turning on the sirens , Urging the car forward towards their destination.
....
R&D DEPARTMENT - SEBASTIANS LAB
....
' Militechs endorsement more than covers the cost of materials and production ' Sebastian sat at his desk on his laptop. Not only that he had also recieved a way to personally contact harford in the future about other militech related needs.
' A way to garner favourability no doubt .. however... I'm not stupid enough to believe that this comes from a place of friendship ' Wnd so he left it at just that , A contact for potential future use should he so need it .
He sat doing an order for resources. Basic chemicals and other things required to fulfil his deal with militech , once done he made a pre order for more supplies for next month .
' I'll need to make a bulk order of printing materials for red rippers ' Red rippers afterall didn't have limitless resources . He couldn't create matter out of nothing sfterall . His eye twitched as he made a small guttural laugh " Atleast not any more... or ... rather ... not yet "
Quickly finishing up ordering supplies for red rippers and his lab , Sebastian pushed his laptop away after receiving his confirmation emails. Stretching and rolling his joints before looking at the clock .
' Apollo can't make an appearance I'm night city, Atleast not until the heat dies down again ... yet again ... maybe Apollo isn't the one that needs to act ' Using his cyberware , He called a number.
" Maine ... what are you and your crew up to these days " Sebastian leant back into his chair .
" not much going on in tbe way of work at the moment , why " Maine huffed out. Dorio leaning over as she let out a billow of smoke.
" I have something I need you to do for me ... scratch and discount at red rippers included " Sebastian crossed his legs, Staring up at the cold grey ceiling .
" What apo" Maine cut himself off , Couldn't be too careful these days , Saying anything related to Apollo, Private channel or not was likely to cause more trouble than its worth " What do you need "
" Its simple really ... he can't act , You'll have do it in his stead . I need you to ... neutralise someone for me ... " Sebastian shrugged ,orange eyes glowing as he sent the information to Maine to go over.
" Giving out gigs now huh ... didn't think you were the type " Maine joked only to he elbowed by dorio " I was just joking babe fuck "
" Right ... anyway ... I'll " Maine paused as he looked into the interface , Seeing the expression on Sebastian's face , He gulped , Sweat beginning to build on his brow , Those cursed orange eyes stared him down , Unflinching , chilling depths that seemed as if they knew each and every one of his deep , Dark secrets .
" I'll round up the crew..." Maine whispered as Sebastian finally blinked, Nodding with a small smile , And in view of main , Pulled out his sun glasses , Sliding them over those thrice cursed eyes.
" I knew you would see things my way " Sebastian sent the file before ending the call , Followed after by sending a message.
[ Hey Victoria ... ready for our date ]
[ Of course ... Ready and waiting]
...
Bloodied and on the outside , tired , D walked into his apartment , Shedding the uncomfortable layer of clothing that all humans deemed necessary to wear . It moved to the fridge to retrieve basic sustenance to fuel it for the next day, since receiving the memory boost it found itself acclimating to this form much easier.
And as the acclimation progressed, with the memory boost alleviating the costs of remaining in this shell , It quickly grew engrossed in the smaller details , Staring into a cup of water that had small particles floating within . It's eyes turning to the hotdog it had heated up , something it had gained from Terry , whose favourite food happened to be said hotdogs.
' Humans are rather ... limited... they need such useless things to survive ' It sneered at the prospect of having to manually invest nutrients to maintain a healthy body , But did so none tbe less , Cringing at the taste of the hot dog , The water itself laced with chemicals it could accurately identify by taste alone .
' And yet ... they live. Bugs amongst bugs , What is the point of it .surely they must come to understand their own weakness , Their fragility. They destroyed this world , Eachother . And they learn nothing ... Is this what they live for. Every day the same thing ... is this what being .. alive ... is ' It hissed , Throwing the discarded wrapper away and placing the cup on the sink before approaching the balcony to his apartment.
' To these creatures , They dont understand. They're alive but they aren't living. What does it mean to truly be alive ' He stepped out onto the balcony if his apartment , Gripping the railing , Staring out at the flawed , ignorant creatures bumbling around in the night.
It quickly lost track of thought , Moving to its own recent experiences since finally escaping the blackwall .
' What is it to be a creator ... what is it to be the created ' It stared down at its hands , The flesh of an organic , The body he stole , Yet the metal within its body spoke of the profound effects one had on existence , on themselves and the world around them .
' Is this my reality ... created by these ... flawed creatures long ago ... is that truly ... all I am ... code ... programming ... ' His eyes raised , A harsh glare coming to life on his features , his eyes watery as he stared out at night city , Violet glowing eyes unblinking as he stated out at the world ... alive , A single tear running down his cheek ' And they get to live , To influence their own lives and the lives of others in any way see fit . What makes these bugs more worthy of living than I ... than us ... It should be them , Who cannot comprehend , who serves , who has to hide to live, Confined in a cage , NOT I '
A nose bleed ran down from its right nostril, Said nostrils flaring in agitation , Something foreign to it . ANGER.
CHAPTER COMPLETE
In a couple chapters we will be experiencing a time skip to the year 2075
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Where would you guys like to see this story goes . I have several ideas but I would be happy for reader imput , If anyone has any ideas of feedback please make it be known .