Awaken of her own initiation. Covered in a gown while soaked in drops of water. Ally begins to wander where she is contained.
“This isn’t my pod.” She thought as she looked over to find her arm is connected next to a series of unfamiliar buttons. “Which one to open with?”. She pressed the red button . “An alarm went off!” .
Footsteps are heard nearby.
“ patient, Ally “Violet'' Miller, needs assistance.” A robotic voice shouts as it opens her pod. “Assistance needed?” .
She remains silent with a look of pure urgency towards the large humanoid white bot with a red cross on the right side of his metal chest plate. Having eyes that look to be like car lights.
“About time you're awake! "a voice said.
Ally slowly turned her head around .
“James!” she shouted happily. “How long was I out for?” She asked.
“Two whole days.” James informed her.
Ally feels her neck covered with a patch. Yet the feeling of her nose is nothing but skin. “The corruption hitted me that bad.Barely could even remember last night.” .
The robot slightly leaned over towards Ally to comment. “Based on past data of patients similar to your condition. The Corruption you speak of affects parts of the brain in terms of memorization.”
Ally rubs her head as she questions the robot. “Is that why cyberlens were made to prevent memory loss?” .
“Note!” the robot said as it leaned back looking forward. “Cyberlens, regardless of the company that produces them. are a tool to help regain lost memory. It doesn't serve as a cure. Due to the elements of the corruption infecting both the operation system and parts of the nerves for the brain. The overheated parts of the cyberlens cause the nerves of the brain to experience burning. ” .
Ally looking at the bot with concern asks again. “What results wield for me?” .
“Your report says that you at least lost thirty percent of memories according to scans through the hospital’s medical pods.” . Ally looks down on her rested feet.
“What happen to the man in the mask?” She asked.
“The suspect being Nick Tyler.” James sighed with great disappointment. “Already makes everything with the upcoming lawsuit more complicated. At least it's been temporarily delayed by a week due to Kyle still recovering from both his neck injury and the assault of his company.”
A call from Ally's lens is heard. “It's Mr. Razor!”. She answers.
“My readings back from the base tell me your status is alive and awake.” Razer with such grand relief in his voice. “ I’m thrilled to have you alive. How are you holding up.” .
Ally chuckles lightly. “Seen better days then what i'm learning about currently.” .
“James informed me about your latest status.” Jack said with a slight grim in his voice. “If you ever feel the need to relieve yourself from future duties.” .
“I think it’ll mean the world to me to see Kyle.” Ally responds sharply. “Considering how the squad were one of the few to first run into this mess. I want to see if I can get any more details to wrap up all of this.” .
“I’ll make some arrangements with the state jail center if you’re feeling well enough.” Razor informed. “Razor, out.” .
Ally looks at the robot. “I’m feeling well equipped to leave.” she said.
“ extraordinary!” The robot cheered while still sounding quite mild. “Just allow for other nurses to come and do a check up for approval. Alongside expenses.” .
“Bloody hell.” Ally thought. “To think about what it's like to not be insured by the GBOP. That man is creating quite a ton of regret for his soon to be ex-followers. ” .
After an hour, Ally and James were finally able to leave the hospital. Both now in their business attire since they first arrived in this city.
“This is the most sunny day I have ever seen being here.” Ally says as she gazes at the partly cloudy evening sun.
“ A refreshing change for once.” James commented as he also looked out. “City of course still has ways to go in terms of true peace among the police and its people. But that's why we’re here.” Ally slowly looks at him for more proper context. “It's why people like us, even if we aren’t as respected or established, throw our lives on the line. To be the middleman.”
Ally slightly smiles and nods. “Even after all these years. I still feel like I'm learning new things from you.” .
“As reckless as you sometimes can be still.” James said followed by a laugh. “You made it this far so I must have done something right to stay when Razor assigned all of us to be on this squad. Which is better than the actual outlook of my family."
Ally was puzzled and then asked. "What happened to them, James?".
" Give up one commitment to do another." James admits while looking down at ally. " She got tired of waiting and wandering in fear of my life. wanted to be with someone who is there in the moment. that break up was four years ago."
"I'm so sorry to hear that, James." Ally expressed deep sadness. " All of these years you kept that ache to yourself."
James chuckles. " Its all good. Time heals the aches. Come on, Darick is resting his scars on the truck with Celi.” .
The two walk onwards into the hospital's parking lot. Moments later, James knocks on the back of the truck. The door is pushed open by someone.
“You are alive, Ally!” Celi shouts while momentarily hopping before her face saddens with melancholy. “I’m sure you know why James did what he had to do.”.
Ally rubs head.“My memory is a bit fuzzy but I do recall him telling me in the hospital.” She looks at Celi's despair. “ Don’t beat yourself up over that. At the end, it was my fault for not telling any of you.” .
“Hey girl!” An excited but tired Darick wearing his pod wetsuit with multiple bandages on his cheeks. He squats down on the open edge of the truck.
“Holding up well, Urgo?” Ally asked as she smiled slightly.
“Im born from Nigeria.” Darick looks up profoundly. “Living life on the edge is a common recurrence for me.” .
“Say that again!” Celi jokes as she looks down on him. “Seeing you and James both come back into the truck beaten up and exhausted. I looked after both of you in your pods while dealing with any questions both the police and swat team had. Darick took a few stabs to the face and lower chest areas from the glass but still recovered. James had some areas hit around his arms but thankfully not too much.” .
Ally looked around her crew all collectively as one.
“When I got hit by corruption.” Ally spoke up with a sigh. “The only thing on my mind was just finishing the mission at any cost. I didn't want to lower morale when we came so close. I didn't realize that in actuality I was tearing everyone apart around me. made this mission my own instead of it being ours.”.
Celi smiles at Ally. “Personally speaking, you always view this case as a team operation. The moment I realized that was when you told me about Steve.” .
“It's as much of his fight and current victory as ours.” Ally smiled. Celi, James, and Darick all collectally nodded.
“I was told by the head we should be on our way.” Ally informs.
“I'll get a change in clothes!” Darick says as he kneels up.
“ should have directions on how to get there.” Celi says. “You are ready to leave?” .
“There is an arrangement I want to call for beforehand.” Ally scans through her lens interface.
A thirty minute drive to the states prison later, lies a dark gray painted room with a light at the center.
“We appreciate you coming, Ms.Tyler.” Ally would say sitting across next to the brown coat wearing detective Steve.
“It's a shame that we had to keep reuniting under these circumstances.” Steves sighs as he holds on to his cane.
“Of the same as Steve.” Ms. Jessica Tyler says wearing what looks to be a red shirt and a name tag. She stares at the empty glass half of the room.
“He should be arriving at the interrogation room right about now.” Steve informs.
The door from the other side opens with a young man being escorted by heavy armored guards.
“My dear sweet, Nick.” Jessica says. The guards force him down in front of a metal chair.
“Brought a new guest.” Steve said, looking at Ally. “But I'm sure you both are well acquainted .” .
“I've said what I could at the station.”. Nick spoke irritability.
“Had a bit of a cat nap thanks to your work.” Ally insulted with a glaze of scorn. “ Was out for two whole days. Memory got affected so it's going to be rocky for quite a long time. Can’t fathom the amount of time others from across the world are going through.” .
“ Are you here to insult me?” . Nick argues.
Ally, keeping her mild composure, responds. “ I’ve actually come to check on you personally.”.
Nick sighs with no response.
Ally continues on. “It's ridiculous of a thought to you. But vaguely before the corruption blacked me out. recalling your attempt, I felt in some ways total empathy.” .
Nick only moving his menacingly eyes towards Ally asks. “What does a cold steel know of any traits above its own desires?” .
Ally, softening her voice, says. “ From what I've known, Your field of work should’ve shown light to those that need it.” .
“I second that opinion.” Jessica intervenes. “Early high school graduates should be in an ocean of opportunity. You build a booming service in mental health yet trade it away for such a vile website for god sakes!” .
“It was out of spite!” Nick shouted. “Hidden away as more of a virtual diary. But that day.” He moves his head up but glares across the room with the three figures. “The purpose of that site expanded right before my eyes.”
“Hey guards!” Ally asked. “How safe is he for a memory inspection?” .
“Took a good whole few days i n the medical bay but Mr.Tyler is free of any conditions.” the guard on the left behind Nick responded.
“Great” Ally commented. “I need one of you to use the cuffs to unlock his memory ports.”
The right cuff lifts up Nick’s right hand. Ally lifts up hers and extends her port cable.
“Mr. Nick Tayler, I need you to give me info on what your motives were.” Ally commands .
“April, twenty thousand and ninety four.” He comments with such grief and nostalgia.
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
“Noted.” Ally leans forward and puts in her link wire into Nick's ports. Their link's sync .
As Ally and Nick enter the digital space. They stumbled across the space itself being covered partly in black pixels.
“Seems like the damage is greater than i can think.” Ally said, looking around space. “ The darkened spaces may mean a part of your memories are corrupted.” .
“Trust me, Ms.” He said swifty. “I remember quite a few days that one doesn't easily forget.”
Ally activates her interfaces and goes into the memory date Nick mentions. Suddenly they’re on a sidewalk. The two are looking left at three children roughhousing.
“Dull meatbag!” A tall child in sports gear with a cyber arm punches another one down.
“Got it on recording on my lens!” another one spouts.
“Officer, help me!” The down one shouts down to the cop across the street.
"Good for nothing steel armored killer” Nick looks at the cop. “So busy talking on his lens to deal with the issue. Dealing with property and gangs by sundown and rich, robot, looking beings by the day. High school life was hell.” .
“When did you make the site?” Ally asked. “Fast forward across this mess.” He requested. “Maybe by two hours.” .
Ally brought her interface and fast forward towards the location spawning inside a dark room with a single mattress and The two stare at a virtual young nick using his bright lit laptop while under his blanket. Minor facial scratches being visible.
“ They treated me the worst when I wanted to just go home and study." Nick looks at his younger, more broken, vitual duplicate . "Belittle my image of being due to my dad and mother being under the wage. They try to mentally break me but thankfully I made a site. Nothing much but basic graphics and a large line of text. All spouting my frustrations of a being cursed only with pure blood and flesh. Only to know more definitions to better spread my misanthropic feelings towards the companies that I feel ruined generations of not just Americans. But humanity. ”.
“ You’re intentions started off rather sympathetic.” Ally crosses her arms. “ But knowing how you gain your followers currently is malicious .”
“ But the results of a huge traction for the next few decades.” Nick bragged. “ You coppers! All of you only want to know the truth. Many that saw my website work knew about my raw thoughts.”
“You mean they know of your hatred of those with cybernetics?” Ally, puzzled by the battling response. “When did you develop the program?”
“That is much more recent.” Nick admits. “Late last year, August, twenty six, twenty-one fourteen. Already deep into my career choice of being a psychological doctor . ”
Ally fast forwards towards the date. The two see Virtual displays of an adult Nick wearing a black looking sweater and jeans sitting in a leather chair and Oscar Andrews wearing a street jacket with sweats laying down on a resting bench. Ally stops the recording.
“This is where I first met Oscar." Nick said. "The fool that wanted to burn down a block for the sake of my protection.” .
“So, that was initiated by him.” Ally realizes. “Steve told me he harassed someone online to give away who was interacting with us.” .
“ Yet, all that lead was more suspension.” Nick sighs. “Which is why I left him to deal with the police. His reward was any weapon he could take after the carnage.” .
“You left him for dead.” Ally reacts slightly angrily.
“ He wasn’t the brightest of the bunch.” Nick said looking at his virtual partner in crime sitting on the leather chair. “ But he is a simple man grieving over his broken heart being cheated on. I figured since it was in the experimental phase. I wanted to make a program with the combination of Computer graphics and an algorithm of what stresses the brain of a person. The program resulted with people seeing past memories of people and events that affect them the most.”
“What was the positive outlook of this all?” Ally asked slightly, looking right at Nick next to her.
“The point was that a person would face their trauma head forward.” Nick looked directly at his virtual henchmen. “If a person were to give into these thoughts. I would make sure the program gives off stimulation from the brain. Of course people’s reaction to this would vary.”
“From what was told of my reaction to it.” Ally, still looking at the suspect, admitted. “I came across as if I was shot full of adrenaline.”
“you, me, Oscar, and many were using a new variant of this program.” Nick glazes towards Miller.
Ally brings up her interface. “Where are we going?” . “The day I first met Steve.” Ally says with dread.
The room changes to a small but fancy white apartment complex.
“NO!” a male voice is heard.
“Why in god's name did you bring me here?” Nick glares angrily at Miller. Ally walks around the white couch laying in the center in the room.
Witnessing a virtual Nick cry in despair. “He could have walked out alive and they just shot him.” .
“I know , honey.” Jessica Tyler responds to Nick's lens call. “The whole thing just left me speechless. I’m going to call back later. Be strong my dear.”
The call ended as the virtual nick slowly stood up and walked to his bedroom .
Ally followed as the real Nick watched from the window. walking between his white bed and black coated wooden dresser. He looked at a single flash drive sitting on the dresser before picking it up.
The dresser came with a mirror that displayed his sad, hollow state.
“ Years I've tried to be strong.” The virtual nick talking depressively in the mirror. “I’m sorry mother but I’ve failed you but maybe someday I’ll be even stronger.” He flips up his right wrist and jams the drive in. “Ugh!”.
The recording blacks out. Nothing but darkness surrounding both Ally and Nick.
“At the end of it all.” Ally turns towards Nick facing away from her. “ You based this whole program off of your eternal struggles.” Nick remains silent. “ Guess that's all you got. Desyncing.” .
“WAIT!” he shouted. “Quite the revelation isn’t it?” Nick asked smugly. “ I’ve tested the program on any members of my group available. It's almost as if with all of those technological implants . Their neurological systems have gotten truly weaker. Making it quite easier for them to embrace their new form of evolution.” .
“There is nothing remotely positive about turning people violent.” Ally said firmly. “If this was your experiment. You failed hard installing that program on me.” .
“Ah yes.” Nick went. “There was an endgame to my rein and I figured anyone watching with their lens had made up their minds about my work. I redid my application one last time. Perfecting my message to the masses on a larger scale.” He looks at Ally deeply. “ You saw it right?” . Ally remained silent for a second.
“I saw the plea of a broken child who greatly misses his father.” She said, “Willing to deconstruct anything that got in your way. Became such a danger to everyone. even yourself.” .
“Stop trying to reason with me, BOT.” He argued .
“If i’m a bot now then how was I before the implants?” Ally asked.
“Stop!” Nick shouted. “ Like you once. A child caught on one of many misfortunes on this war torn planet.”.
“We are nothing alike!” Nick claimed. Ally shakes her head. “Yet we are. Especially when you told me at the tower how everyone, even with cybernetics, has a soul.”
Nick was silent.
Ally reactivated her interface and said. “Exiting the link.”
The two enter back into reality breathing heavily .
“You ok, Miller?” Steve taps Ally’s back.
“Quite well and filled with context.” She said catching her breath.
“I can’t forgive what you did, Nick.” Jesscia said, forming tears from her tired old eyes. “But my love for you as my son is eternal.” . Nick slowly looked up at the three with a single drop from his left eye. A heavy suited guard came up from behind Nick.
“It's time to go.” the guardsman commanded.
Nick stands up in front of the chair and looks at the sorrowful state of his mother. “Good bye, mother.” He said in such a regretful manner while turning towards Ally. “ I’ll think about what you said Ms.”. Ally nods slowly. “ So long, Detective.”
“ Pleasure for the info.” Steve said, looking back at the hollow suspect walking out with the two guards.
Outside of the prison gates located on New Haven's coastline. Vehicles are parked near the guarded fences.
“I can only guess he’ll have a trial in a few weeks.” Steve said as he leaned slightly with his cane. “Sorry for your loss once again. ” .
“It's overwhelming.” Jessica said, walking towards her car. “I need some time to think. The lawsuit and now losing both men in my life.” .
“ Time is cruel but it also makes us strong.” Ally said . “ Give yourself what is needed to rest.” .
Jessica turned around to her saying. “ Whatever you said towards him. Saw it in the look of his eyes. He valued your speech.” .
Ally had a sad look to her as she went. “ He has his demons to fight but he knows he is not alone now.” .
“He is loved by those who truly get him.” Jessica wipes a few small tears off her eyes. “Thank you both for giving him the chance to know that.” she puts out her hand in front of Ally and Steve. The two smiled and each took a turn to shake.
Moments later, the pair watch as Ms. Taylor’s red electric car drives away towards the long concrete road back to the city.
“ Well, I guess this is a closed case.” Steve says as he turns his head to ally.
“For my crew, we got a ton more. ” she says while looking over at the GBOP truck parked on the lot.
“ Damn shame too.” He sighed. “Guess you’re needed elsewhere. Can’t blame you for wanting to leave this city.” .
“ I'll go where I'm needed.” Ally responded as she looked at Steve. “That means if there happens to be any more unusual activities. I’m sure our other agents will be back if necessary.”
Steve uses his cane and turns around his body towards her in a rush.
“ If you’re not in much of a rush for anything. Maybe sometime around early morning I can treat your crew out with some donuts on me! Give you a nice parting gift.” .
Ally gladly nods “Sounds lovely!” She cheered.
“Well, time to cross this bridge and back to the station.” Steve said.
“How is the station holding up?’ Ally asked.
“Ever since this case with the cult has wrapped up. Spirits have gotten an uplift but the pain has slowed momentary. it's an experience we won’t forget. A burial is planned in a few days for those that want to say their last goodbye.” . Steve puts out his hand. “Got to get a move on before Ricky chews my ear about helping with the lawsuit. Until we meet again, partner?” .
Ally turns around gracefully as she says. “Partner indeed.”
The two shook hands as they both stared at one another gracefully.
Moments later, Ally watches Steve car leave the parkway. She then makes her way back to the truck.
“I’m ready here!” She shouts knocking the backdoor.
“Everything go smoothly?” Celi asked, opening the door. “Quite hard to track you without any surveillance from your lenses.” .
“ Grateful that you considered the risk of getting chewed on by Jack.” Ally said.
“ figured due to how personal it is for that mother to speak to him.” Celi said. “Besides, you being there is enough to inform Razor on what happened.” .
“The only thing that matters now is that his anger is contained and is protected reasonably behind bars.” Ally said. “ He may have abused his position and treated those that needed him cruelly. Yet, I couldn't help myself but to see the misfortunes of a grieving child.” .
“Incoming call is Head of GBOP Jack!” James shouted sitting on his pod.
“Got one coming to me as well.” Darick said.
“Must be a meetup if everyone is getting one.” Ally thought as everyone correctly answered.
“ Evening operatives!” Jack Razor greeted.
“ Greetings Mr Razor and Max!” Ally said looking at the two screens displayed on her lens. Jack continued. “ The head of the FBI and I are sending out agents from across New Haven city for any other group infected with corruption. Now that the main lead is behind bars. The city that can’t sleep can at least nap from the mess of the “Hollow Shells” group.” .
“The FBI has seized the website as soon as the takeover of Metx Industries has started.” Max said, still displaying himself in the dark. “My men informed me that you, Miller, had to be carried out of the conflict. Be a shame for the successful operation you helped lead for only to die in vain.” .
“Mr. Daniels, sir”. Ally said with such determination. “That is a mistake. The successes of my squad as a whole is how the mission was completed. I’m nothing without them.” .
Celi, watching the feed, turns towards Ally happily.
“Which is why I'm contacting you.” Jack said with a slight smile. “ Positive Word and mouth of your squad bringing down a fast growing empire has spread around not just HQ but even some of our global organizations too. In fact, I made an offer if you are all willing to partake.”
Ally looked around the truck with everyone making confused glances towards one another.
“ I want you all to investigate the main London headquarters of Eden Robotics and weaponry.” Jack requested.
James, looking confused, asked. “You mean the same company that Nick’s father was with?” .
Jack nods his head. “When you two first went into that sudden investigation of that tragically viral footage. I did some digging of my own. Didn't want to complicate when so many operations were going on. From my searches of how this company works. It's quite lacking with its working conditions. Even worse when it has a low universal wage system from across all of its companies. Since your squad has helped the police with fixing its image. The GBOP United Kingdom branch would like to cooperate with your squad on a company infiltration mission.” .
Darick laughs as he leans on the truck’s wall on the left and goes “We are famous, Yo!”.
“Didn’t suspect I would go back to My country so soon.” Ally said eagerly. “When is the time we should meet with the other members?”.
“As soon as you can.” Jack quickly states. “The moment you state your answer. I'm booking tickets.” .
“Let me ask the crew.” Ally states as she looks around the truck.
“ If it's that serious, I'll take it!” James said.
“If I can just easily boot into their systems for information like I did for Metx.” Celi said happily with a nod.
“ Count me in with this crew!” . Darick shouted while holding on to his patched up arm. “Can’t think of a more interesting group I'll be driving for!” .
Ally, standing outside of the truck, looked at the far neon pillars of New haven city from across the freeway bridge.
“I'll subject my crew to all be their best when we arrive.” She said,
“I’ll be sure to do my part.” Jack said. “Just as much as you and your crew has for not just the nation but the world as a whole.”
Ally, still looking out at the view, softly goes. “ Won’t let you down, sir.” .
“I’ll set up your squad for first class as soon as possible." Jack informs. "In the meanwhile, I want you all to cut contact with anyone met during the operation. Don’t need anyone knowing classified operations like this.” Jack says as he hangs up.
“As head of the FBI.” Max says. “ I thank you and your crew once again. May your trip be successful.” Max hangs up.
“Alright, yall!” Darick says. “ Change into your wetsuits because we got a drive ahead of us.” .
Celi looks at Ally. “ You alright, ally?” She asks her worriedly.
“It's all fine love.” Ally responds softly . “Just taking in the scene last time.” .
“Not sure what you see in this noisy city.” Celi said, leaning out to catch the view.
“ At times, Chaos is trapped in dark cramped spaces.” Ally states. “ But slip between the cracks and you see a dawn of light.” .
“City does look nice from the view at least.” Celi says walking towards her pod.
“So long, New Haven. I hope to keep carrying you in my mind.” Ally thought to herself as she climbs up the truck and closes the door.