Ottawa, Canada

I start my fake corolla. It squeaks for a second before the ignition starts. It's all fake.

Scarlett and AI-bro II helped me build a fusion-powered all-terrain vehicle. Land, Air and Sea. It just looks and sounds like my old Corolla.

I wasn't paying attention to driving. The AI Scarlett used was a Galactic standard. I just put my hands at the ten and two positions and let the micro-motors in the steering wheel fake the driving.

Nancy was using every subtle trick in the book to flirt with me. Wasted effort.

'Scarlett anything yet?'

[Yes Rene. I just caught a chat between Prime Minister Trudeau and Chairman Mung. Would you like to review?]

'Yes, please.' Scarlett was a self-aware entity. A little politeness goes a long way.

The recording began to play.

*We have inserted agent Walker as you have requested. Can you verify?*

*We have verification Prime Minister Trudeau. We will keep our word. Your people have been released and will soon board the plane.*

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

*Thank you, Chairman, Mung. The Canadian people thank you. What about our canola situation?* I can see that Justin was still pushing the Chinese Chairman. I guess I should take it as a compliment that he was getting such a good deal for selling me out. It's not like I could have gone and busted those guys out of China.

Last week President Trump removes the tariffs on Steel and Aluminum. And today he gets China to release our political prisoners. A wasted effort in my opinion. There are a lot more hostages the Chinese government can frame to replace them. The only way he puts a stop to this farce is to release Huawei CFO. China will keep the pressure up until this high stakes situation is resolved.

At least I know where I stand with Nancy. I don't know what she wants but I know that she's after something.

We arrive downtown and I ask Nancy where she wants me to stop.

"How about my place?" I was getting tired of her game.

I stop my car in a parking spot on the side of the road. We're on Bronson street. "I turn in my seat a give her a serious look. " Nancy I am seriously flattered, but I love my wife and I will not jeopardize my family for a fling. You are a beautiful woman. You can also do way better than a middle-aged mailman. 

Her door opens and I turn around in my seat. The message is clear. I am unwilling to play these dangerous games.

Nancy hesitates for a few seconds. I don't think anyone would turn down what she has to offer. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her pouty lips become firm.

She changes tactics. "I am sorry Rene. I didn't think. I don't want to cause you any trouble. Here's fine." She got out of her seat. Before she closed the door she added in an apologetic manner, "I don't want to cause you any trouble." She also laughs it off.

"I should have listened to Linda. She warned me off. She was about to punch my lights out when some guy called Dan called her off. Anyway, I..." She hesitates for a second and says "Bye." And closes the door.

I wave and weave back into traffic. I'm also positive that I haven't seen the last of this girl. After all, a Chinese Chairman sent her after me. I think I need to have a heart-to-heart with Justin. I am no one's trade commodity.

The traffic downtown is light. Just like everywhere else. All I need to do is look up to see why. I'm not jealous. I can power glide. I reshape my combat skin into an aerodynamic shape and push off using telekinesis.

It's quite fast too. Just lousy control. I tried it out and after a few mid-air collisions and a few fights with angry flyers, I was told to lay-off the flying until I got it under control.

I sigh at the sight of all those people enjoying themselves. But hey. I'm not jealous.

My point of view shifts and my attention is directed to the bridge of the Far Justice in space.

The warship had stopped a Sp'yder mothership before it could enter Earth orbit.