The lift softly whirred as it descended into the lower levels of Rathon city.

It seems as though our work takes us down here a lot. Sean mused as watched the oncoming landscape of the under-streets.

Beneath the glass dome his flames were lowered while lazily fluctuating. They matched his pensive mood. Their ethereal light bathed the interior of the elevator a soft blue, mixing with the glow from the light fixture on the ceiling of the lift.

Through the glass view-ports, he could see the darkened streets. Even when it was during the day it seemed as though this sector of the city remained cloaked in a perpetual night.

Within the gloom overhanging the streets, bright neon signs and holo-images shimmered, this sector was constantly alive with their light. They appeared to illuminate the scenery like stars flickering across an expanse of the night sky.

I always find this to be a beautiful view. Never gets old despite being connected to drugs, crime, and filth.

He turned to face his two companions in the lift with him. Both

Standing by one of the ports Veronica looked out over the under-streets, her lean form outlined by blue light. Outside lights reflected off of the smooth black surface of her extend faceplate, across it played an image of a ticking clock. He could never quite figure her out. How could he? She expressed herself in only a few ways.

Behind him stood the hulking figure of the robotic duo. He could hear their large foot rhythmically tapping against the metallic floor to a beat he could not hear.

He looked up at them, “Listening to something good?”

From within the large hooded jacket, Sean could see the angular head turn down to look him. From within the tinted casing, the red outline of their optical sensors focused on him.

“Actually, we are, the smooth instrumental music you recommended the other day.” The timid and gentle voice of Professor paused as the melody of a stringed instrument emanated from their body. “It is most relaxing.”

“Agreed. I find it soothing, but a faster pace with some louder instruments would be better.” Said Soldier as he nodded their head.

From her view, she spoke, “I agree with you, Soldier. Though I think a more digital sound would be better than just instruments.” She nodded her head as a heart replaced the previous image, “And beautiful vocals, those too.”

Inside his glass dome, the flames rose as he chuckled, “Welcome back, you’ve been silent since we left the office. Usually means something is on your mind V.” Slightly leaning towards her, he gestured with a hand, “Are you okay?”

“Or she is planning something that she…” The duo’s hand suddenly shot up as if to cover their mouth.

“Is keeping discreet because plans are important!”

Tilting her head and looking at the two Veronica slowly shook her head. She then turned her attention back to Sean, “I am fine Sean.” Pausing to sigh she continued, “Seeing those torn up bodies reminded me of a certain day.” Veronica turned back to the view. “I want to prevent more people dying from needless murder.”

Nodding his dome Sean said, “That is what our goal is V. I am our friends at The Drunken Robot can provide some insight into this circumstance.”

A robotic female voice abruptly spoke over an intercom within the lift.

You are arriving at the under-street Southern Hub.

The doors silently slid open revealing the dim streets below Rathon.

Walking directly to the bar they took a few alleyways as a shortcut. The group arrived at The Drunken Robot, a secluded bar down an alley off one of the main streets within a smaller sector, mostly filled with various unrecognized eateries and clubs. Above the metallic red door into it was a neon sign. It depicted a cartoonish robot wobbling as it walked, holding a red glass tipping back and forth.

Though he couldn’t smile, Sean imagined a grin crossing his face. This place never fails to feel mysterious while looking like a dump. As one of its few regulars, I oddly feel privileged.

Walking through the doors a familiar sound of jingling bells signaled their entrance.

The Drunken Robot had a unique ambiance, for Sean it was comfortable.

A soft reddish-purple light cloaked the building’s interior, the dim lighting made the place seem cozy.

Throughout the bar, a relaxing melody, emanating from the clunky old-fashioned music machine in the corner, floating through the air. It mixed with the quiet sounds of an advertisement being played from a holo-screen hanging on the wall.

Though a tiny space with very few tables, it did have a bar counter that was fully stocked with both tools and ingredients to make various drinks. The few regulars or customers Sean did see appeared pleased by the drinks made here.

“Welcome to The Drunken Robot!” Said an individual focused on cleaning out parts to the bar-tending mixer. It was a man who wore a fine white shirt beneath a red vest, his long blond hair tied into a tail that draped over one shoulder.

Glancing up from his work, an amused smile formed on the man’s face as his light green eyes shined.

Pushing past the gate at the counter Glen opened his arms in a welcoming gesture.

“Well if it isn’t my favorite customers?” Glen said looking at each of them.

Bright yellow words, forming a hello, flashed across Veronica’s face. She moved to embrace Glen who gave her a tight hug.

He tapped her faceplate with a finger playfully, “Hello to you too my metallic beauty. I assume we are here for a job then?”

Sean waved then nodded, “You know us well Glen.” He reached into his long coat and produced a tablet and gestured to him with it. “We have a new job that requires your insight.”

Glen raised an eyebrow then nodded. He turned back to the counter and leaned across it, calling out to the back of the bar, “Alexis! Get up here. I am going to need you to watch the bar, taking an early break!”

“Coming up Boss! Just finished sorting through ingredients in the back!” Said a muffled voice in response.

Turning back to the group Glen smiled warmly, “A new hire of mine. One of my two employees.”

The sound of a sliding door opened followed by eager footsteps.

A small thin figure emerged into view, a young woman wearing similar attire to Glen. Her amber hair was tied into a bun with some stray hairs poking out. Slender glasses were perched upon a young face. They covered round dark brown eyes that widened at seeing them, especially when she noticed Sean.

“Friends of yours Boss?” She asked then with a quick practiced motion pushed up her glasses. The gave each of them a sweep of her eyes, her curious gaze lingered on Sean.

And he could feel those eyes on him. The staring still makes me uncomfortable. He thought as his flames waved a bit more frantically. Adverting his eyes from her Sean said, “I would prefer if you didn’t stare so hard at me.”

Clearing his throat Glen pointed to the counter with his only extend. The metallic arm gleamed off of the dim soft purple lights present within the bar. It had a much more sleek design compared to Veronica’s which appeared more angular. Then motioned to one of the few tables present.

Sean took a seat across from Glen while Veronica sat beside him. The imposing figure of the two remained standing.

After sitting himself down Glen produced a pack of aether sticks. Sticking one into his mouth he then snapped his fingers using his extend arm, producing a flame. Holding up the finger emitting the flame he lit the stick, the orange flames changed into a dark crimson. Taking a deep drag he exhaled red tinted smoke.

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“Mr. Lockson, the intake of airithum directly into your body is dangerous for you.” Professor said as he motioned to the stick alight with red fire.

“You always feel the need to insert yourself into other’s business. The vice is one he chooses.”

Waving the stick at them Glen snorted, “I always smoke in moderation Professor, especially after your last talk with me. Your words continue to act as a beacon to this lost soul.” Turning back to Sean he asked, “What is the job then and what information can I provide?” Looking at him Glen raised his eyebrows expectedly.

“We were employed by an interesting employer. What do you know about the gang known as the Steel Dregs?”

—

The group left The Drunken Robot with new information regarding the street gang.

Veronica walked ahead of her two colleagues, moving briskly through the dimness of the street. Her extends slightly glowing red within the shadows being cast from above.

Glen did have some information to share on the Dregs and the contacts provided by Paper Bag. Overall, the street gang mainly consisted of people who saw extends as a new step in human evolution. Some of the members bordered on fanaticism regarding the technology and viewed those clinging to their organic form as weak.

Surprisingly the tiny new hire to the bar, Alexis, also had information to share.

She was cute. She briefly thought, feeling somewhat envious at the young woman’s girlish appearance.

Alexis heard that several of her peers at the Institute of Rathon was affiliated with the gang, or so she heard from the whispering of other students. They were students who advocated for increased extend research and apparently saw an opportunity to apply their learning.

According to them both, the gang was considered to have a small presence in comparison to some of the other streets gangs; however, they did have a large reputation to compensate for their numbers. The Dregs were divided into three factions, identified as Mechanist’s, Beyonders, and the Iron Hand. Each of the groups acted mostly in cohesion, they were all united by interest or fascination for extend technology.

Great, people who are likely going to get aroused by my extends. Nothing but metal-heads.

When Glen asked about what the job was about, Sean replied saying that he would tell him more upon paying for the info. Glen huffed his aether stick in response appearing content with the response.

Glen informed them of one other thing as they left. Saying that he heard of some recent unrest within the ranks of the Dregs. Iron Hand members were becoming unsatisfied with the gang’s operations and they were beginning to be more vocal about it. Reports from eyes on the streets stated that a few clashes between members had occurred, they were violent but contained skirmishes.

The bartender then gave them another source, stating that it would likely be more beneficial to visit before any other leads. He stated that it was an individual who could not only provide more information but also could possibly give them a direct contact within the gang.

It was someone she was familiar with, a slicer. An illegal extend doctor who installed the technology and sold it. She often had visited the clinic when she lived down here. Often browsing the upgrades to her current set of extends and contemplating new additions.

And now she was leading them to that clinic. Time to visit the good doctor, he will be surprised to see me again.

The clinic was located within a district filled with different businesses. Each of them peddling a wide-variety of wares, some legal while others are either questionable or outright illegal. All around the thrum of sound from advertisements playing across information kiosks and holo-boards could be heard, some for local business while a majority belonged to the larger corporations in higher levels of the city.

Passing a commercial playing for Red and Blue Tinctures, a popular vitality drink, she could not help but internally cringe at the sight of people happily drinking the highly chemically infused liquid.

As usual many of the residents of the sector spared a few interested looks at them, they were interesting characters that stood out. Some eying her extends whiles others gawked at the blue-flamed oddity while others shied away from the towering individual in a hooded coat. Any who seemed too curious were discouraged after seeing her giant companion.

Turning past a kiosk advertising a nearby caster store, they strolled down one of the alley’s within the district they reached a dirt courtyard surrounded by several buildings.

In a corner a holo-sign twirled an image of an open palm, one half was smooth skin and the other metallic extend. The sign was above a stairway leading down to a dark metallic door. To the left of the door frame was a visual sensor that focused on them as they stood before it.

Moving to knock on the rough metallic surface of the door, it suddenly swung open, it was followed by the hiss of pneumatic pumps.

A dull robotic voice called out from within, “Veronica. I have not seen you in a while. Come in.”

Sean looked at her, his dome slightly tilting to one side.

She shrugged and then motioned for them to follow, “Don’t worry, the doctor is mostly harmless.” Mostly.

Walking through the threshold she stepped into a room brightly lit by various screens and holo-images. Behind her, Sean walked in slowly while the larger robotic figure lowered themselves a bit to fit through the door.

Glass cases with extend technology lined the walls. At the center was a doctor’s table with mechanical arms hanging above it, each carrying a wicked looking tool.

Sitting on a stool before the table was a slim figure wearing a disheveled white shirt with its long sleeves rolled up, revealing a dull sheen of metallic arms. They were lined with various ridges and screens alight with information scrolling across them. No acknowledgment came from the individual as it lacked a head, an empty neck protruded from the torso.

“I see the good doctor seems to be of the non-human variety, a kindred soul.” Said Professor as their head swiveled around the room curiously.

“And you brought friends. Intriguing.” Spoke the voice again, as an arm from above the table, amidst the tangle of others, lowered to the headless body. It held onto a round sphere. Through a slice of clear glass were several robotic eyes focusing their lenses and affixing them with a cold stare. The arm positioned itself above the neck and slowly dropped down. An audible hissing and clicking noise followed as the sphere connected to the previously vacant neck.

Now connected, a portion of the sphere rapidly swiveled around. It suddenly stopped, its mechanical eyes concentrating onto the gathered group. The body stood in one fluid motion. With quick hands, the figure dusted itself off and then gave an extravagant bow. It bent far forward as the spherical head rotated to track them.

“Does it always act so grandiose?” Grumbled the Soldier through their shared crafted auditory link.

“How about we not say that? Call him eccentric instead? These types are all over the underbelly of Rathon.” Sean responded, echoing stoically throughout the channel.

Crossing her arms, she sighed and shook her head, “Dr. T, this visit is related to work.” Tilting her head at both Sean and the giant she said, “We have questions.”

Straightening back up the doctor gave a slight wave of the hand to her two companions. The multiple orange lenses of its eyes pivoting within their sockets as they examined them both.

The appearance of those visual sensors reminded her of a spider. An image that always seems fitting to me, he just seems so manipulative.

Looking closely at Sean Dr. T raised a hand and pointed to him, “I hardly get to see your kind around, a ghost. Most fascinating.”

Sean simply shrugged his shoulders.

Those eyes then aimed their attention to the duo, “Your companions are interesting.”

Suddenly Dr. T looked back to her, “Work? Questions?” The doctor wagged a finger, “Veronica you have not visited me in, how long? And we exchange no pleasantries?” It said coolly looking at her while taking a step forward with arms spread open, a welcoming gesture veiled in mockery.

Across her faceplate flashed the large red letters of the word no. “I am not in the mood for your theatrics T-MA02.” She said emphasizing each part of the name with irritation.

A brief moment of silence fell across the room as the doctor remained still. Lowering its hands Dr. T spoke, “To business, it is then. How may I assist you all?”

“We are on a job that requires we gather information on a street gang, the Steel Dregs. What can you tell us?” Sean said as he motioned to the doctor with one hand while the other was casually pocketed.

For a moment the doctor tapped its head and hummed. Then refocused on the group, “Steel Dregs are clients so I do know a few things, but to divulge information would be a breach in trust.” Dr.T shook its head, “I have a reputation to uphold. Though it should be asked, why do you seek information on them?”

Of course, this lump of metal is going to play the businessman. She groaned then spoke with a lowered voice but impassioned voice, “This is important T. We are looking into a situation where people are getting hurt.”

The sphere rotated to simulate a shake of a head and spoke with deliberation, “And how does this relate to me?” Dr. T said as he paced in front of the table. “My services mostly supply those the means to harm others, that and these streets are already slick with blood.”

Across her H.U.D she saw readings displaying an increase in heart rate. She felt herself tensing up. Before she could let out an angry outburst she felt something tap the back of her head.

“Veronica be calm. I can see your tension. Getting angry is going to get us nowhere.”

Sean glanced at over at her and nodded his dome, “As I am sure you know V, this guy is probably got connections. Let me talk to him.” His gaze returned to the doctor, “I will not disagree, but…” He motioned to the surrounding room, “you peddle extends. And the Dregs are a gang filled with those modified by them.” Walking a few paces toward Dr. T, Sean spoke again in a flat voice, “The situation involves both and you could be implicated, doctor.”

Dr. T leaned in closely to Sean, blue light glowing onto the matte coloring of metal, “This seems to an interesting situation.” The sphere rotated a few times, eyes scanning the group once more, “Does this perhaps involve the murders? That may change things.”

No one in the room reacted at the question.

“I am not surprised that it knows.” She said through the link, “But it still caught me off guard.”

Sean nodded and then tilted his disembodied head, “Yes, this makes things easier. From what I know they have been mostly covered up. How do you know?”

“This is true. Very few know of the murders taking place down here. They have been covered up well. Too well.” The doctor leaned against the table, appearing to be in thought while looking around the room.

“You should have just outright stated the exact nature of your inquiry. Now that I know, this is a situation that conflicts with my own business.” He tapped a finger twice onto the metal surface of the table and imitated a nod, “As such, I have no qualms in providing you with information if the Steel Dregs are connected.”

How quick of him to change his mind, how calculating. Some machines just piss me off. She thought irritably, now Dr. T had a reason to help. Business.

Pushing itself from the table Dr. T held a hand out to Sean, “Well then, I believe that we have a means of working together?”

Within the dome, she saw Sean’s white opaque eyes move from the featureless face to the hand hovering before him. Sean moved to shake the hand when Dr. T interrupted him.

With the other hand, it raised a finger, “I ask that you keep me informed, this situation is curious one.”

“I’ll see about keeping you informed as best as I can,” Sean said as he grasped the outstretched hand.

She relaxed, at least some progress was being made.