by Ted L C
“Thus, I want to recruit talent who will cross off some bounties spreading through the HESTEK world. Tsubasa, Jinzo, the real Zeresh, and his clones.
“Twenty-one Reivs for Zeresh’s unaltered Fames—”
“You said twenty-one Reivs?” Derek’s eyelids inflate.
“Yes, I did,” rows of pearly whites show between Liam’s lips. “Four for one of Jinzo’s Almawt. Eight for two. Seven for Tsubasa’s Sōzō. And, one for each fake Fames.
“Derek, I understand that you do not possess a core or the software to absorb these artifacts. However, if you accept my proposal, I will set you up with what you need.
“With a bonus to these bounties, there is a stipend of point twenty-one tax-free Reivs per month that is provided to your Reiv Wallets. Free vaccinations, check-ups, stem cell injections, emergency room visits, and surgeries at any Reiv Care facility. Free accommodation will be provided at any peer-to-peer marketplace. This only applies to specific users. They have our logo on their profile picture on SkyBnB and CloudCommodation apps.
“Finally,” a floating disk makes its way toward Liam’s fingers. A clump of capsules ejaculates into his palm. The man slings the pills into his open mouth. “Reiv Eats brand snacks at any location are eligible for reimbursement. As long as you use a membership number, which I will provide.
“These benefits will be enabled for twenty-four months. What do you think?”
“Bounties?” Alyssa’s arms cross over each other as her lips form an expression identical to a duck’s face. “My gut tells me you have the ‘abilities’ to deal with these Gladiators and Beta yourself.”
“I would love to,” a hologram of a calendar materializes over Liam’s desk. Every one-hour frame of each day filled with English letters. “Yet, as an owner of Reivscere, my time is more precious than any amount of Reivs.
“With the schedule before us, my time balance doesn’t allot me such a luxury. To hunt down bounties that hundreds of other HESTEKS are seeking. Furthermore, Alyssa, from what I understand, you are a contract assassin. At that, the second-best. This is one of your many talents and thrills.”
“I suppose that’s a fair point,” her gaze locks with Liam’s as a thin line creeps between her cheeks. Brief vibrations surge throughout her upper legs. “It has come to my attention that Reivscere is buying out my current healthcare provider. Thus, render its services useless.”
“The challenges your present employers provide are not worth your time. Are they?”
“If you could even call them that. Picking the petals of a rose is more difficult for me than the tasks they have to do. Moreover, the pay is not adequate.”
“Does that mean you accept my proposal?” Liam’s pupils gravitate to the black hand-print on the desk.
An appendage taps a screen facing him. An army of gray specs marches. They link, forming a box. It crawls along the surface as a muffled hum emanates from the machine.
“I believe there’s no other choice,” Alyssa’s legs carry her toward his desk. “News says that Jinzo’s been taking my targets before I could get to them. I want a contract so I can read through it—thoroughly.”
The moving square drifts over the obsidian juices. As it retreats, the liquid vacuums into the robot. Liam places a clear plastic rectangle in its place. “Let me know if you have questions.”
Eyes deviating from the girl, they float toward Derek. “D—”
“Yes!” the boy shifts his fingers to the table’s side. Liam faces one of his palms at the boy whilst nodding.
“My furniture suffered enough from your fluids,” Liam’s hand descends, clenching the knob of a drawer. “Please proceed to room twenty-one-A and clean up. The map of the facility on the phone will show you where it is.
“No staff will ask anything. An app I am transferring to your new cell phone allows you to enter the lodge, use showers, and to access the lockers to pick up clothing. There are also P.D.F. documents I need you to review and signature.”
Liam plucks a thin, triangular piece of plastic from his workspace and hovers it above Derek’s palm. The boy’s fingers clasp the device as it drops.
The boy makes his way toward the doorway. The walls vacuum the two enormous sheets of glass as he fades into the dim-lit halls.
Alyssa folds both over each other. “Do you have any idea where Tsubasa and Jinzo were last seen?”
“I wish that one could provide that information for you,” Liam’s gaze transfers to the robotic box on his desk. It evaporates into a legion of charcoal NanoLites. “Tsubasa’s location is unknown. As for Jinzo, I am awaiting a response. To see if they can halt his operations. For now, we will worry about training the two of you to work together in case the threat escalates.
“The best-case scenario; Jinzo is taken out in action and Tsubasa leaves Earth. The two of you receive your benefits over twenty-four months. Therefore, allowing us to focus our efforts on locating Zeresh.”
“How will we know who the real Zeresh is—”
“Alyssandra,” a grin pushes Liam’s mustache upward. “You of all people should know his true personality.”
“I understand,” Alyssa takes a step closer to Liam. “How do you know about my past?”
“Your reputation in the HESTEK is broad, Alyssandra. I, myself am fluent in the happenings of the underground and broadcasted world alike.”
“How come you do not have a bounty on Alexander, Liam?” Liam’s emerald gaze shifts toward Alyssa’s tattoo. The battalion of ebony specs on her arm alternate. The Rose vines exhibit expanding and tightening animations.
“I told you that I am a busy man, correct?”
“Yes; however, Alexander’s the original founder of Reivscere corp. Awful convenient that you have bounties on the remaining Gladiators and Beta. Especially ones that could withstand his power.”
“You are powerful. Moreover, Derek is glimmering with potential. Yet, your track record doesn’t state that you are ready to face a man of his magnitude. Do not get me started with Derek’s power level compared to Alexander’s.
“At this time, I will start the two of you off with HESTEKS that I feel confident that you could eliminate. Moreover, a Beta whom the two of you have had past quarrels with. Once you can end them; then, only then, will I hire you to hunt Alexander.
“Furthermore, finding and eliminating Alexander is a personal mission that I am currently tending. The sooner you can find the bounties. The sooner you can prove your worth to me.”
Alyssa’s eyes shift to the map on her phone. She makes her way toward the door.
“Derek!” her feet bounce against the marble flooring as they carry her to the boy. “A moment, please!”
“What’s crackin’, my mahogany goddess?” Derek’s hips swivel.
“I need you to ’port us to my castle so I can retrieve my outfit,” she scans the salmon-tinted clothing encasing her body. “My helpless self can’t even off a decaying zombie in these clothes.”
“Your castle?” his skin transforms into a pale tint. “Care to explain?”
“Not enough time, my honky simpleton,” the NanoLites on the girl’s arm rush to her hand. They mold a statue of a woman identical to Alyssa, yet shorter. “Teleport us to this statue, it’s within the halls of my domain. Close to my pool.”
“Who’s she supposed to represent?”
“Just—” her fingers burrow into Derek’s arm. “make us vanish.”
* * *
Darkness shrouds the arena before them. Sheets of a cobalt tinted light project from every direction toward the two.
The sapphire glistens vanish as Derek’s eyes collapse.
“Now I know a Plasmokin’ can pass this part,” Alyssa’s voice dribbles among the darkness and metal surfaces.
Sekhemet—won’t be able to keep Eri out—
“So wait, you have a castle?” a collection of onyx silhouettes spread throughout the room appear.
“Where do you think we were before we were kidnapped?” Alyssa�
��s palms pat against each other. A solid white light consumes everything in sight.
Rings pulse through Derek’s ears.
“I thought it was a house you had in Matoma,” the boy’s thunderous voice fills the area.
“No need to scream, dick,” as the lights fade, Alyssa materializes. She reaches for a ruffled skirt shrouding the statue’s thighs. “We’re on a planet called Vulcanis. It’s how I hide from Reivscere.”
“Vulcanis—” Derek’s pupils follow Alyssa’s fingers, shimmying the kilt through golden legs.
“Yes, Vulcanis.” Upon reaching the boots, she tugs. “Haven’t you heard their slogan? ‘Portal to the unknown’.”
“Nope.”
Tightening her appendages against a collar, she slides a vest over bust’s head. “Derek, will you be a hun for me and take this phone out of my pocket?”
“Uh—” Derek’s fingers slide into her pocket, gripping a hard object.
“Mmm—”
“What?” his arm yanks backward.
“You touched my dick.”
“What?”
“You didn’t know?” her voice deepens. Casting the vest to the ground, she leans forward. Reaching for the mesh lining extending across the sculpture’s bicep. “I’m a man.”
“Gross!” his hand flicks. The device flies from his grip, bouncing against the floor.
“Joking,” Alyssa’s fingers clench the handles of her shirt. They yank upward, revealing nipples with the appearance of chocolate candies.
“Thanks for breaking my ringer, by the way,” a horde of translucent NanoLites swarms to her palm. They link, forming a rectangular object. “Do you mind if I send a Nano to yours to get a copy of the contract and map?”
“You should give me more sneak peeks—”
“Whore—” a nanoscopic bot crawls, latching on an object inside of his pocket. “I’m taking it, anyway. Because I’m a man, again.”
“Just don’t wipe your dick on it,” Derek flashes the phone. “Here—”
“Already have what I need,” Alyssa’s hips shimmy the sweatpants over her legs. “By the way. Who do you know who wipes their dick on things?”
* * *
Derek’s gaze shifts toward the phone as its screen blares through the fog consuming the room.
Contract Between Derek O’Brien and Reivscere Corp.
AGREEMENT
This License Agreement is made and entered into the 21st day of November 2543, by and between Derek O’Brien with an address of New Intuit Rd. 127, house 118, MA, 88023, and Reivscere Corporation whose principal place of business is Street 1059, YA, Russia, 677000, concerning licensing.
In consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained, both parties agree that the recipient will follow whatever duties Reivscere Corporation will ask of until the 21st day of November 2545.
RECORDS AND PAYMENTS
Licensee agrees to keep separate records of the sales of the Work.
Licensee agrees to have all records pertinent to Sleight of Hand and payments referred to in this agreement available for inspection by the recipient or its duly authorized certified accounts. The recipient shall give Licensee a 15 day and 8 hour notice for said inspection.
BREACH OF LICENSE
Each party shall have the right to terminate this agreement immediately if either party breaches any of the terms and provisions of this agreement. The party in breach must be notified in writing by the other party specifying the particular breach. If the party in breach fails to cure the breach within 30 days after receiving written notice from the other party, the other party has the right to terminate this agreement.
TERMS OF AGREEMENT
This agreement shall be in full force and effect upon execution of this Licensing Agreement for the term pursuant to Schedule to Licensing Agreement. At the end of the initial term of this agreement, Licensee may choose to extend this agreement for successive periods of 1 year. At the end of any renewal period, either party has the right to terminate this agreement with 90 days written notice to the other party.
MISCELLANEOUS
All notices and/or changes to this agreement that may be required by Licensee must be made in writing and sent to Author at the address noted in the heading of this contract, or other talks as designated by the Author. All notices and/or changes that may be required by Author must be made in writing and sent to Licensee and the address noted in the heading of this contract or other address designated by the Licensee.
Should any provision of this agreement become invalid or unenforceable or should the contract contain an omission, the remaining provisions shall be valid and enforceable. In the event of an invalid provision, a valid provision is presumed to be agreed upon by the parties, which comes economically closest to the one agreed upon; the same shall apply in the case of an omission.
This agreement shall be governed and construed according to the laws of the State wherein the headquarters of the Licensee are located.
Signature: _____________ Name: ____________
“How did I end up here?” Derek faces the long metal tube leading to the sink’s faucet. The boy’s nails dig into his face. “I need a cigarette.”
“Derek!” Alyssa’s voice reverberates through the doorway. “I’m going to get some rocket fuel. Would you like to accompany me?”
“Sure,” rumbles come from Derek’s stomach. “Cupped lightning sounds like it would hit the spot.”
“Once you’re done choking your chicken, meet me in room 257-A. ’Port us to someplace decent in Taipei.”
Yeah, sure. Alyssa’s swiveling hips streams as a clip within his mind.
* * *
Zealously
“One honey macchiato; please,” Alyssa’s glistening iris’ jolts across the many screens. Her stare transfers to Derek’s gaze. “What do you want?”
“No idea,” his eyes glue to the animation of a dancing coffee cup. “What do you recommend?”
She aims her nose at the barista’s plump cheeks. “And he wants a Nitrus Cold Brew. Make the drink for someone with acid reflux. And that’ll be all.”
“Total’s on the screen, hun,” the barista utters as she rotates a tablet toward Alyssa.
The numbers and word ‘.000002624 Reivs’ appears.
As she taps the number pad facing her.
The following sentence materializes:
Thank you for your patronage, Miss. Kouris. Current purchase code: Deleted.
Please use the app. for your next purchase!
Her fingers clasp the double-walled glass; Derek cocks an eyebrow. Appendages skim the stubble glued to his chin. “How did you know I have acid reflux?”
“How did I know about the folks whom you thought were your parents?” her finger faces a seat aligning a window the width of a studio apartment. “Research. How one gets most existing knowledge.”
Aromas of coffee mixed with hints of chocolate vents through their nostrils. The sounds of steam emitting from machines pierce through their silence.
Alyssa gazes at the concrete jungle and neon traditional Chinese characters. “I appreciate you taking us to Taipei one-oh-one, Derek. I find traveling as a great means to clear one’s mind.”
“Moreover, thanks for making reservations.” his eyes affix themselves on a scar in the center of her right eyebrow. “How did you get that brow scar?”
“Every scar portrays a unique story,” she faces the back of her hand, leaving a glance on her faded multi tinted nail polish. “One night, I was on a mission. Hired by the Yakuza to dispose of a wanted figure in the underground Normie community. Apostolos the Ripper.
“Got his name by tearing the limbs off those who pissed him off. Anyway, was in Antarctica, where his quarters were. After bathing with the blood of twenty-one guards, I made my way to his bedroom. Remaining silent as a mouse.
“Was told they’d double my prize if I humiliated him and posted it on Funnies dot onion. With the camera in my collar, I attached a razor blade to a l
arge dildo.
“As I swung, the dinosauric thing, it flung backward and clawed my eyebrow. Which then woke him up. Caused a mess and a lot of headaches. Thereon, the memory’s bathed in crimson.”
The story paints an episode of animated scenes within his head. A thin line creeps across Derek’s face—he shields his lips using a hand. “Such a lie.”
“You have a lie detector, now?”
“I do as a matter a fact,” his palm lands against the table, revealing his curved grin. “I noticed that whenever you’re about to say something witty, nine times out of ten, you’ll look at your nails before doing so.”
A coral tint forms on her face—she leans toward her coffee. Alyssa’s lips blanket a straw and tugs. “It’s a shame that this story’s actually true. So, what do you notice when I tell the truth?”
Derek slides his drink less than hands-length from hers. Leaning forward, his cheeks collapse and his shrunken pupils align with the girl’s. “I haven’t seen that yet, so I don’t know.”
“Making me out to be quite the antagonist, boy.”
His head drifts to the transparent wall lining the cashier’s counter. Alyssa’s reflection occupies the mirrored surface. Her legs open while both sets of toes aim in his direction.
“What are you lookin’ at?” Alyssa’s gaze pursues his. A smirk shows as she rests a cheek against a palm. Her eyelids crumble. “It’s that girl, isn’t it?”
“What?” the arced line between Derek’s dimples evaporates. “Which one?”
“The one behind the reflection. The cashier.”
“Oh, no,” a slurp comes from Derek’s lips. “This coffee’s dope!”
“The scar in between your thumb and index fingers,” her gaze fastens itself to the gap between his fingers. “What story does it tell?”
“When I was at a burger place in the U.S., I ordered a kid’s apple juice,” his opposing finger caresses the marking. “And you know, I was blackout drunk. So I thought I could tear the plastic apart.