“[…] The Nova York Office of Workers’ Rights released an official statement recently addressing their stance on non-corporate workers, including freelancers and groups unaffiliated with corporate entities. In short, they announced a discontinuance of support for these individuals and the termination of all open cases concerning them.
The decision was made following pressure from the Nova York Corporate Club, a powerful group that has been pushing for this shift in policy since the recent decline in corporate employment. With fewer jobs in large companies, the Club has argued for reallocating resources to support corporate workers, leaving groups like the Independent Contractors and small business owners out in the cold.
This announcement comes at a time of rising tensions between the two sides of the Nova York workforce. As a result, we can expect pushback from non-corporate groups, many of whom have already expressed outrage at the decision. The battle lines between corporate and non-corporate workers are clearer than ever, setting the stage for what may be a drawn-out conflict over the future of worker rights in the city. […]”
— Excerpt from an article titled 'Corporate Influence and the Abandonment of Independent Workers in Nova York', the year 2333.
----------------------------------------
The next few days were filled with new experiences and revelations about how a city like Nova York actually worked.
After I received the three maintenance packs I ordered–of which two I’ve used immediately and one I decided to keep for emergencies–my body was in a fit enough state to do some light work. Tony’s help with the materials I needed was also much appreciated.
After that recovery process–which took only a day and a half–I was able to contact the man by the name Javier Nylon that needed help collecting trash as the contents of the contract he posted suggested.
He was a man of middle-age that looked much older than his biological age indicated. And when I first saw him, I wondered how a human could look so tired and worn out. His light hair was cut short, but was frizzled and unkept. The clothes he wore were also in a poor state, but surprisingly clean. Overall, the man did not look special in any way. Or maybe he simply looked ordinary as the only reference I had on how an Issuer would look like was in the image of Agatha Morrison. The two were not comparable.
After a brief introduction and confirmation of my status as the Contractor, he told me succinctly what area I would be working in and the gist of what the work would entail. Those details were not anything noteworthy. What was interesting, however, was his reason for hiring a Contractor.
Apparently, the neighborhood around the HQ was not being cleaned by the city. Because of that, citizens left their trash on sidewalks and the piles were growing day by day. But that was not what he wanted me to clean as some volunteers were able to take care of that.
He informed me that he was capable of posting a contract with the financial help of the nearby community as he himself did not have enough money to pay anyone. People could volunteer for the job he tasked me with, of course, but they also had day jobs and the place in question was hazardous for most people to be in for longer periods of time.
Which was where I was currently in.
Two streets away from the Contractors’ HQ was a building that used to be a communal space for the people living nearby, but since a couple of years ago it started to be used by individuals that Javier seemed to resent considering the foul language he used to describe them.
They were gone now, he said, but the trash and dirt they left needed to be cleaned so the building could be used for the community once again.
And that’s how I spent the last couple of days. Sorting through the piles of hazardous waste and dangerous materials that would not decompose for thousands of years to come.
And yes, I had to use just one hand as the paralysis of my right arm did not disappear, and almost cost me this contract. But with a heavy amount of reassurance as to my status as a synth and therefore great durability I was able to convince Javier that I was alright for the job.
The fact that the contract had been posted for almost a month without a response from any other Contractor than myself also helped to convince him.
Furthermore, he told me that I was supposed to take the trash outside and put it in big bags usually used for gathering waste during construction. People from the community would then take it away to the proper dump sites.
The work was slow, because even as I did possess inhuman endurance, I still had only one arm to use. That wasn’t upsetting considering I was being paid by the hour, though.
The money wasn’t much, but it was still a step into a right direction.
As the day became darker and I heard people shuffling in the nearby buildings, I checked the time.
It was late afternoon and I promised Javier that I would not work for too long, as he was still on a budget when it came to my pay.
Eight hours a day max, he said. I agreed and therefore it was time for me to go back to the HQ.
I shrugged the ragged and thin protective gear he provided me and started to go down the decrepit but sturdy built building.
The hazard suit Javier gave me wasn’t much, but it was still better than nothing considering that Tony allowed me to use the downstairs gym’s showers only so much.
Apparently, everyone was on a budget. Even the Contractors when it came down to the water bill.
As I stepped outside with a bag of thrash I was able to scrounge together, a truck came to a stop before the building. It was one of the residents who volunteered themselves to be the transport of the waste gathered.
I threw the bag into the right place and greeted the driver with a small wave of my hand, then my feet started to move me back to the HQ.
It was a short walk, but I still allowed my mind to wonder towards tomorrow since it was going to be Friday and therefore I was obligated to meet with Miss Morrison who still hasn’t sent me a message with the information I needed.
I actually deliberated these last couple of days on whether to cut the contract with her considering what had happened last week, but Tony informed me it could look poorly on my Contractor profile and cast me as unreliable for the future.
Therefore, I decided to stick with the contract I had with her, even though it could put me in an uncomfortable situation in terms of transportation to and from the contract's site.
I would figure something out, but still the thought of not having an ironed out plan did not sit with me well. Meaning I found myself sometimes overcome with torrents of anxious and violent energy.
It was manageable but deeply unusual for me.
As I stepped inside the HQ’s hall, I decided that I'd like to shower, but first I would have to ask Tony’s permission as my situation was a bit unusual.
It still didn’t feel good the way I was using their resources, even after a slight agreement from Moose to let me hang out around the hall. Apparently, the Contractors who have been using the gym found my advice helpful with improving their exercise routine or combat skills.
“Hello, Tony.” I greeted the bearded man and received a brief smile in return.
“Sup. Good day?” Why wouldn’t people put a question in the proper form of a question? Instead, I had to stress my social protocols for the right response.
“It went fine. Have you heard from Gabriel?” I’ve been asking Tony if he knew anything recently, but apparently the blond man disappeared from the radar of many people. Tony included.
“No, unfortunately. But I’ve been thinking.” Tony leaned over the counter and whispered to me with his eyes flickering behind me. “I think Rin might know where he’s at. They’re pretty close, y’know.”
“I’ve had that impression, yes.” Rin’s threat not to involve Gabriel in my problems was such proof of that.
“You’ve done a contract with her, yeah? Maybe message her or something?”
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
“I could, but why me and not you?” He knew Rin much longer than I have after all.
At my question, Tony’s brows furrowed and he looked as if he tasted something vile.
“She doesn’t like me much.” His eyes wandered somewhere to the ceiling and I did recall the first time I’ve stepped into this hall.
They did have a disagreement.
“Very well. I’ll message her.” The black-haired man’s expression relaxed significantly and he let out a long sigh.
“That’s good. Great even. I want to know that Gabriel’s okay too, y’know? He’s always been nice to me.” He glanced behind my right shoulder and turned a bit pale.
I looked where his eyes landed and noticed Moose coming down the stairs, looking straight back at Tony with a grimace forming on his lips.
“Gotta go back to work. Let’s talk some other time. Sounds good?” He turned away from me before I was able to ask him anything else or respond to his query.
I wanted to know whether I could shower or not. And Tony still hasn’t told me if he found anything in the logs he had from the incident that ended in explosion of his drive.
I’d have to survive some more of this uncleanliness, but before I went to Agatha it would be prudent to shower. I was certain that woman paid a lot of attention to how one presented themselves. In that regard, Gabriel was right with ‘dressing to impress’ her.
Which this time around would be much less impressive considering how limited my wardrobe was at the moment.
Also, taking into account my paralyzed arm, such a concern was perhaps much less important. She could just dismiss me on the spot when she would undoubtedly notice my temporary disablement.
Actually, I didn’t know if it was going to be temporary since I’ve had no idea on how to get function back to that limb, but I couldn’t just accept that this was permanent.
Not until I found answers as to why it happened in the first place.
With that thought in mind, I sat myself somewhere in the hall and sent Rin a message. It actually took a bit of deliberation on what words to use.
Hello, Rin. I would like to ask if you perhaps know of Gabriel’s whereabouts or if he is alright? I have been concerned since he has not answered any of my messages.
Now, I had to wait.
The rest of the day, I spent at the gym downstairs. The Contractors that had their routines there usually spent their time working out in the nightly hours, which suited me just fine since otherwise I would have nothing better to do.
I didn’t want my mind to wander to images of a tear-stricken and ashen face.
As I was instructing a man, who probably doubled me in size, with exercises that could improve his flexibility, I received a message.
It was from Agatha and informed me of the new code phrase I was to use.
Then the meeting was indeed happening. The message came late and for some time I found myself hoping she would say it was to be postponed. It would be good to have some more spare time to deal with the ever-growing problems.
Being independent was hard work.
“You okay there, lass?” The sturdy man named Harmon asked me as his hand tried to reach his toes during another set of straddle stretches.
“I’m okay. Just work things. Y’know how it is.” I’ve been gaining some new vocabulary and phrases these last few days. Being around a very specific culture and type of people was bound to be somehow soaked up by my social protocols.
“That I do.” He managed to reach his toe this time.
“Great work. How about another set?” I asked as I turned my attention to the space around us. People were huffing and puffing with exertion, and smells of all different kinds wafted through the enclosed space. Overall, this place looked similar to the gym at the base–back in the Antarctica.
I heard Harmon grumble with agreement.
Right. There was some work to do.
----------------------------------------
“You really should charge for this, Rend.” Cece’s voice came out with some mild distortion through the comm link.
I was currently behind the counter in the hall and it was late morning. Cece just woke up and decided to call me. It was our third call since the last time I saw her and I still couldn’t get used to the casual tone and amusement she could speak to me with.
“I would have to ask Moose or Tony if that would be appropriate. It is not my gym.” I was cleaning the top of the counter as last night some Contractors’ drinking game got out of hand, apparently.
“But it’s your expertise. Treat it like tutoring or something. If I were to tutor a kid, would I have to pay extra if I did it at their place? No, right?” I couldn’t hear anything outside of Cece’s voice but the occasional sigh told me she was doing something. Probably getting ready for the morning. She did tell me she had just woken up.
“Then I shall ask them next time. Do you have a shift tonight?” I queried as my mind churned with plans for what to do after the meeting with Agatha. If I were to survive getting there that is.
I decided to let my thoughts be hopeful for once, instead of processing scenarios that were getting more and more dour with every thought.
“I have a shift every day,” This time I knew that the sigh she let out was not due to exertion. I realized that people did that when life felt too heavy. “But it would be nice to see a friendly face if you want to come by. I’ll be tending the bar this time and it could be a slow night.” She snickered some at what she said.
Apparently, Cece was well aware of her ability to attract crowds with her performances and how empty the club could look when she wasn’t on stage.
“I might do that.” I strained my left hand more as one stain was being stubborn.
“Good.” I could hear a smile in her voice. I felt my mouth stretch in a similar manner. I wondered if my emotional response circuits could somehow evolve. I’ve never heard of such a thing happening but considering that I couldn’t control the facial expression that bloomed on my face upon hearing Cece’s contentment, maybe I was becoming more empathetic?
I didn’t mind if that were true.
“What are you going to do today? Besides your shift later?” I enjoyed hearing about the other woman’s routine. She was very talkative and with a right question, I was able to listen to her talk for a very long time. The cadence of her voice was pleasant in my hearing implants. Maybe it was the resonance?
As I listened and cleaned the bar, the HQ’s door opened and I, of course, looked at who stepped in.
It was Rin and she was coming straight at me with a scowl marring her face.
“I have to go now, Cece. Something came up. I’ll text you, okay?” I cut through the blue-haired woman's monologue and ended the call. It was most likely rude, but the way Rin walked towards me told me to be on alert.
“Hello, Rin. How are you?” When she stepped close enough, I asked as was customary. I didn’t want her to develop a permanent grimace after all, so some pleasantries were necessary.
“Shut up.” The words seemed to escape her as her mouth curled up in distaste and then she sighed. “Fuck, I hate this.” She murmured to herself as she started to fidget.
The floor must’ve been fascinating to grab her attention like that.
As she did say to me that I should ‘shut up’, I said nothing further. I was curious as to why she seemed to be in such a physical and probably mental discomfort and I would most likely ask her about Gabriel after she’d said to me what she clearly felt she needed to speak.
“So–” Her eyes pierced mine and then she gathered enough confidence to say this, “I need your help. Well, Gabby needs your help.”
That didn’t sound good.
I came from behind the counter to stand in front of Rin, who scowled at my movement. Although, her eyes widened slightly when she noticed how my right arm was bound to my torso in a homemade sling.
She didn’t ask me about it.
“Of course I’ll help him.” He was my kindred and gave me a roof over my head. Also, the way he treated me with kindness could not go unreciprocated. “Why haven’t you answered my messages, though? Are they not coming through?”
“Well, I didn’t wanna.” She gained some more of her confidence back. “Gabby’s at my place so we’re going or not?” She nodded towards the exit and FERS said she was impatient.
“I can’t right now. Tony will come back in an hour or so and then I can go. Unless, it’s urgent?” I hoped not.
“Fine. I’ll wait.” Rin turned around and took a seat at the nearest table, with her back to me.
I did not understand why she was angry with me. The last time we saw each other she was a bit annoyed at me, but this behavior seemed to stem from something else.
“Why are you angry with me?” I asked as I came to stand before her. Talking with someone required me to see their face if I were to choose a correct action or proper words.
Rin looked at me with wide eyes and a slightly opened mouth. Then, after shock came rage.
“Are you for fucking real?” She even stood up, but it didn’t change much as she was still much shorter than me.
“I am genuinely asking. I cannot recall what I could possibly have done to deserve such enmity.”
Rin’s brows furrowed and then she said, “You for real?” Now confusion overshadowed the subsiding anger.
“Very much so.”
“Damn.” She appeared to be contemplating something. “So you didn’t tell Moose, you’re saying?”
“I’m not sure what you’re referring to. I did speak to him about some things yesterday, but besides that, the only instance I could see you alluding to might’ve occurred after I came to the HQ the day Gabriel left. Moose told me that he found out about the fights and asked if I knew. I answered yes.” Considering that Gabriel’s fights were the point of contention between the two men, the subject of Rin’s query appeared to be in a similar realm.
“If you’re a liar, you’re a damn good one.” She glanced at my right arm and continued, “But I think you’re telling the truth.”
She exhaled loudly and closed her eyes. The way her hands covered her head told me she might’ve been feeling frustrated or perhaps experiencing a headache.
“Gabby’s such an idiot sometimes, I swear to God.” She murmured.
I was still confused.
“So you were angry with me because you thought I told Moose about Gabriel’s fights?” That seemed to be the reason.
“Yeah, Gabby thought you told on him.” With still closed eyes, she cracked her neck. “I’ll tell you what happened. We’ve got time, right?” She sat back down and I did the same. I was very curious and concerned about what she was going to tell me.