Kayden woke hearing the muffled sounds of Darryl’s alarm clock in the other room. She groaned, and stretched her back, yawning. You know, Darryl’s couch is pretty comfy, she thought. But I need to get a new name and a new ID, clothes that fit me, and stuff like that. *Yawn!* Coffee first. Always coffee.
She climbed off the couch and shambled into the kitchen like a zombie, and started a pot of coffee in the coffee maker - Darryl had one of those old-style pots with the grounds and the paper filters - he didn’t like all the waste from those little plastic K-cups everyone seemed to like these days. Messy, but still good. Luckily, he still had some ground coffee left. I wonder if he still drinks that imported stuff from Brazil? The stuff he says is ‘processed by goats?’ I just hope it tastes good. He spends more on coffee than I do on groceries for a month. Must be nice to have money.
She left the hot water to brew into coffee, and looked over at the bathroom. Sometime between yawning and coffee-ing, Darryl had taken it over. The door was shut, and the sound of running water and such was heard from within.
“Good morning, Dar!” She called out.
“Hey, Kay! Just getting ready for classes. I probably shouldn’t take two days off in a row.”
Kay smiled. I wish I could afford to go to college. “Yeah - you probably shouldn’t. I’ve got stuff I have to do today too. When will you be back?”
“My last class ends around 3pm. What’s up?”
“I just wanted to know when I could come back – that’s all, Dar.”
“I can get you a key, if you want, Kay. You can always give it back when it comes time to move out.”
He’s so thoughtful, she thought. “Thanks, Darryl. I appreciate it. How’s journalism working for you, Dar?”
“Not badly. I’m really into it, actually. I’ve been thinking of headlines for your first appearance and battle. “Hottie stops Naughty” came to mind, as did “Sleepy time for Bad Guys.”
“Hottie stops naughty?!” Kayden couldn’t help it, and started giggling. “It actually sounds better than Sleepy time for Bad Guys as a headline. Are you planning to work for the Weekly World News?”
“Nah - I just wanted to hear you laugh.” Darryl walked out of the bathroom, shirtless and freshly shaved, wearing only his boxer shorts. He smelled like aftershave and the scent of shaving creme - and Kayden felt a twinge of desire at seeing him that way.
“Doofus!” She said, smiling. “You look nice.”
Darryl smiled, and blushed a bit. “I guess I should put a shirt on, if I don’t want to be distracting everyone.”
Kayden nodded, biting her lip. I can’t, she thought. He’ll be late for school. Why do I just want to toss him onto his bed and make love to him again? I don’t understand it, but there it is. I think I’m falling for him.
Darryl waited a moment, still blushing, and went to get dressed.
Get a hold of yourself, Kayden. I thought you wanted to think things over. What the hell? Kayden fought with herself while Darryl got dressed, and heard the coffee pot finish. Coffee. Coffee makes everything better. She went to the kitchen and poured herself and Darryl a cup, adding some milk and sugar the way they liked it. She sipped the coffee, smelling its rich dark aroma. Hmmmmm... heaven! As her mind cleared, she heard Darryl enter the small kitchen, and grab his coffee. He put on some toast, and came to join her.
“Heya, beautiful.”
“Hey.” Kay returned, smiling. “This coffee is pretty good.”
“It should be at fifty dollars a pound.” He said, smirking. “What!? I like good coffee!”
Kayden thought about needling her friend about his choice in ‘hipster drinks’ but decided against it. It *was* good coffee - and she supposed Darryl could afford it. “It is good.”
“See! You admitted it. You like my coffee.”
“It’s 7:30am and I slept on a couch. I’d like any coffee at all... but this is nice. Thanks for sharing, Darryl.”
“You’re welcome.” Darryl grabbed his toast and slopped on some peanut butter, and began to eat. “You want anything?”
“Yeah – I’ll just wait and eat when you’re gone, and maybe tidy up in the kitchen when you’re out. It’s the least I can do.”
“Thanks, Kay.”
“No worries. Any ideas on a new name for me?”
“Huh?”
Kayden sighed. “I can’t keep being Kayden. Kayden Ballard is a wanted criminal - so I need a new identity. Any suggestions?”
“You could try Hayden – it’s a bit more feminine sounding, and it’s close to your own name.”
Kayden mulled it over. It wasn’t bad - but it might not be ‘right’ either. “I’ll think about it. I was tossing the idea of Colby around.”
“That sounds cute too. I like it.”
“Thanks, Dar. I’ll think on it, and I’ll let you know.” She smiled, and took the last sip of her coffee, and pouted when it was empty. “I think I need another cup.”
Darryl just grinned at her feminine pout, and waved her over to the coffee pot. “Help yourself Colby. I gotta get to school. What are you going to do about our friends?”
“I don’t know yet. I’m going to tell Laurie - but I don’t know about the others. Maybe it would be best if ‘Kayden’ went on the run and the new me moved into your life?” Kayden looked and felt unsure about it, but didn’t know what to do.
Darryl rose, and walked over to Kay, wrapping her in a comforting hug. “Whatever you decide is fine with me, Kay. If Kayden goes missing, you’ll still be my best friend, no matter what happens. We could always say we met on a blind date at Pizza Hut... Either way, let’s not worry about it now. Maybe text me when you’ve decided on your new name, okay?”
“Will do, Handsome.” She said, smiling, and hugging Darryl back. “You got it.”
The two of them broke apart, sharing a look into one another’s eyes for a moment. Darryl broke gazes first. “I gotta go, Kay. I’ll see you after three!”
“Bye.”
Darryl left his apartment, leaving Kay to mull over what had transpired and what she still had to do. I need a new identity - and it can’t lead back here. I need a post-office box, and access to a computer - any internet café will do. I think I can get this done pretty quick, if I’m right about what I can do. I hope I’m right.
Heading to the couch where her suitcase was placed, Kayden realized she had a minor problem - she had a suitcase of clothes suited for her male self, and one - slightly dirty - outfit of clothes for her female self. I guess I’d better get on that, huh? She unzipped the clothes, and one by one, piece by piece she converted the articles of clothing with her shapechanging ability to other pieces of feminine clothing - socks and undies became lingerie, while jeans and t-shirts became jeans, slacks and blouses. Old running shoes became designer boots, and a bag of old socks she decided to save to transform into really nice stuff later. It’s nice I’ll never have to worry about clothes fitting ever again, she thought. I can wear anything I want, whenever I want. It’s amazing. I could turn a sock into an ermine fur coat! Just to prove she could, she did - and man, did it look comfy! Nice! I wonder what else I can do? She took a cheap plastic digital watch, and turned it into a fancy ladies rolex or something similar to it. It looked like it functioned - and it looked great! She giggled with the sheer joy of playing with her powers, and soon her impromptu changing party was over.
That was fun! I have to do that more often, she thought. She grabbed a pair of tight jeans, and a nice T-shirt with a scoop neck to wear - and paused. This is stuff like I would normally wear. Why not do something different? She took one of the pairs of jeans and transformed it into a lovely blue skirt, a pair of old slippers into nice pumps to go with it, and grabbed instead a silken blouse and a light sweater-top to keep her warm. She stripped from her pajamas and got her underwear on, followed by her top garments... After she had put it all on, she took a look in the mirror. Damn, I look good. I need some makeup.
Kayden knew she could simply change herself to look like makeup - but it seemed like cheating. I’m going to have to learn how to do real makeup in time anyway, aren’t I? Maybe it won’t hurt to cheat a little, just today? She concentrated, and gave herself a lightly made up look that accented her attractive features, and concealed a few blemishes. She judged it was an improvement.
The room around her was in chaos - feminine garments had been tossed everywhere as she tried to get ready, and during her little change-athon. She busied herself with cleaning up the living room she’d been sleeping in, made herself a light breakfast, and then tidied the kitchen and its dirty dishes. Once those chores were done, she grabbed her purse and headed out.
The streets of Empire city looked different in the daylight. When the sun was up, it actually looked like it might be a great place to live - sunlit streets with happy people walking about, carrying on like happy people are wont to do, yet Kayden couldn’t shake how different it felt at night - when people on the streets grew scarcer and the predators came out to play. The city was very different after dark - and it was both reassuring and frightening... That a place so pretty and nice as what she saw laid before her, could become so frightening and full of danger with just the passing of twelve hours gave her home city a very distinctive feel - like one of those video games that gets exponentially more dangerous once the sun goes down. It gave the city a flavor Kayden was just beginning to be able to sense. She realized she kind of liked it. Empire city had a hint of danger that gave it an edge. All I have to do is make sure that edge doesn’t cut me or those I care about, she thought.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
She walked to the nearest post office - a task that took about an hour, since she could neither afford cab fare or bus fare. Once inside, she waited in line, hoping against hope that the little trick she had planned would work - if it didn’t, she didn’t know what she was going to do.
While she was waiting in line, an older lady, maybe in her late 50's or early 60's turned to her and started chatting. “I love your skirt, miss. Where did you get it?”
“Oh!” Kayden exclaimed. “A little shop across town. The thrift store on Belmont.”
“It’s really pretty. I like your makeup too. It would be nice to be young again.” The lady smiled, fondly remembering her youth.
Kayden smiled too. Little interactions like this with people, where she was treated as the woman she felt herself to be were the things she truly longed for - acceptance. Acceptance and validation that she was who and what she said she was. “Thanks! You know, you look really great, so don’t put yourself down!”
“Thanks, dear. It’s nice of you to say that. I try and take care of myself.”
“It shows - you look great! You’re what - in your late 40's, early 50's?” Kayden asked.
“Flatterer!” She said laughing. “I’m almost 63, and I feel every day of it some days. Thanks dear.” It looked to Kay like her comment made the older lady’s day - and she smiled.
“I hope I look as good as you do when I’m your age.” Kayden replied, meaning every word. “I think your turn is next.”
The woman turned, and started talking with the postal clerk, and Kayden spent a moment smiling to herself, pleased at how the minor interaction had gone. It felt good, she thought. Really good. I could get used to this. She spent a moment musing, before she realized her turn was next. The woman in front of her waved goodbye, and then Kayden was left standing in front of a bored postal clerk.
She began the process of renting a post-office box, and filled out all the needed paperwork. Now the moment of truth, she thought. She handed the paperwork to the clerk, and pulled out Kayden’s ATM card. She had no money in her account at all - but she had the germ of an idea that just might work. If it did, she was set for life. “I’ll pay by debit, please.” She said.
The clerk handed her the little handset, and she punched in the correct numbers, while sending her mind into the little device. After the requisite greetings, she got down to business. “Hey dude,” she said telepathically. “I know I don’t have any money in my account, but could you tell the machine I paid in full?”
The little machine thought about it for a minute. “Maybe - if you have the administrative password!”
“What’s the administrative password?” Kayden asked.
“45JN-M3"
“Oh - well, the password is 45JN-M3.”
“Great! I’ll just credit the funds to your account, ma’am. Have a nice day.”
The little handset beeped - and read “Transaction Accepted - please remove card.” Kayden released a sigh of stress she didn’t know she had pent up. Looking embarrassed, she looked at the clerk. “Sorry - I was just a little worried it wouldn’t go through.”
“Well, it looks like everything went through fine ma’am. Here’s the key to your Post office box. Have a nice day.”
Kayden took the key, and walked away smiling. Oh my god, she thought. I wasn’t sure that would work. What the hell can I do? Do I have any limits with computers at all? Holy hell! She took a hold of herself, and headed down the street - there was an internet café about 10 blocks away, and a large chain drugstore nearby, so she headed in that direction. About twenty minutes later, she was the proud owner of four pre-paid VISA’s worth $1000 each, and a number of gift cards pre-loaded with cash that she could use to pay for goods. The trip inside had proven even more profitable than she realized - with her telepathic gift to interface with machines, those cards would effectively never expire, and never run out of funds. If she was careful, she would have unlimited money as long as she could pay electronically. It was unreal... Kayden felt abuzz with glee. She’d never had much money - and now the prospect of limitless wealth was rather attractive - as well as the fact that no one was getting robbed to get it - the electronic transfers were being accepted, and the people selling the products were being paid. Kayden did feel some guilt - it seemed like easy, free money - but she was sure somebody somewhere was going to realize that the electronic money had come from nowhere. Maybe I’m causing inflation or something, she wondered. It doesn’t *feel* like I just committed about 8 major felonies... At least the merchants and small shop keepers I buy from aren’t getting screwed.
She headed for the Internet café... Only one major task left to perform - getting a new ID. Kayden knew this would be the real test - if she screwed up, feds and investigators were probably going to come down on her, so she ducked into an alley and changed her appearance, to look sort of like her old Kayden self in sloppy jeans and a dirty T-Shirt. It was straining, but not as straining as being completely her old self. Weird. Again she wondered about the irony of being able to be anyone except the self she was born as. The world was funny.
The internet café was having a slow day - only four other people were there. She went up to the counter, and asked for a computer, and rented an hour of time for it, using a prepaid Visa. Soon she was seated in a comfy chair, looking at a laptop and considering committing yet another major felony - and it wasn’t even lunch time yet. She smirked. We break more laws before 9am than most people do all day! She thought, laughing to herself. I guess I’m not one of those law and order types of heroes. I think I’m more the ‘stop the badguys and keep people from being hurt kind.’ I can deal with that, I think.
Kayden opened up the web browser, and started surfing to a benign page - youtube - and idly surfed videos of cats playing musical instruments and people doing foolish stunts, while interfacing with the system. It took less than a second to secretly break through the infantile security on the internet café’s server, and get out into the net undetected, with no Net or Mac address that could be tracked, no IP address, and no other computer identification. Scanning the files she needed wasn’t hard, but it was something new - absorbing the data raw, and not interpreted by icons, screens and flashing ads and buttons. She found the site she needed.
Ah, governments! She thought. The best tech that could be bought twenty years ago, and updated about every 5th president. Gotta love budget cuts. She accessed the Social Insurance Number database, and looked for a birth certificate that was close to her year of birth. A few moments later, she had one - and changing the “D” for deceased tag on the data packet was easy. Soon, one Carla Joan Haynes was back from the dead. Kayden didn’t stop there; a few moments later the computer recognized a legal name change for Carla Joan Haynes to Colby Hayden Shepard, and further authorized a new birth certificate to be issued and mailed to Kayden’s rented post office box. Kayden smiled... Once that was done, in about a week, Kay could use that birth certificate and new SSN to apply for a driver’s license, bank accounts, credit cards - the sky was the limit. She couldn’t help but be dismayed at how easy it was. Dammit, it shouldn’t be this easy, she thought. If I can do this, some jerkwad hacker can do it too. It’s a wonder anyone ever catches a terrorist at all. This is appalling.
Still, she thought, it was done. In a week or so her post office box would have a birth certificate and a SSN number - and she could easily use those to get the rest of her ID. The nice part of it, would be that all of it - 100% - was legitimate and registered as legal ID with the government. Okay, the means I registered it with the government weren’t legal - but the ID itself is legal. Maybe I should make a few other sets of ID in case of an emergency, for me and Darryl? She paused. Nah - 10 felonies in one day is plenty. I can do it later if we need it.
She finished watching another cat video or two, then logged off. She was lightly sweating - apparently hacking a dozen government computer systems counted as a light workout - and she had a light headache. She paid her bill and left, and found an alley to change back to female Kayden. Her next stop was to purchase a new phone in the name Colby Hayden Shepard - shapeshifting the physical ID cards of Kayden wasn’t hard - and she doubted they’d check the system to see if they were legit. She got a pay as you go, and spent a few moments mentally transferring all her contacts, ringtones and data - and when she was done, her old phone, registered to Kayden, went in the trash a few blocks away at a Go-Mart convenience store.
It’s done, she thought. Kayden’s gone. To be honest, Kayden didn’t know how she felt about that. I would have liked to have kept being Kayden, if I could as female me - but I can’t. Doctor Pierce saw to that, the jerk. I guess Colby it is, from now onward. Colby sounds nice. She texted Darryl. *Hey, you. The name’s Colby Hayden Shepard. Meet you at 3:30pm?*
She waited a few moments until she got the reply. *Nice name... it suits you. I’ll see you then.* Kayden - now Colby - smiled. Everything went exactly as she had hoped. Now she had to decide what to do about Justin Pierce, Trask Enterprises, and being a new heroine. As for anything else, she thought, I plan on talking to Darryl before I make any plans. She headed off to the mall to spend some of her virtual money... It was time she started paying Darryl back a bit for the help he’d given her.
* * *
Detective Allan Taylor inwardly groaned, looking at Bolivar Trasks’ ruined office - or what we left of it. A huge blast had blown the entire outer wall of the room off the building, sending it falling dozens of stories below to crush itself to pieces on the ground. Luckily, there had been only a few scrapes and cuts and serious injury had been avoided - but it was more good luck than good measure. This is going to be one of THOSE cases, isn’t it?
“Could you please tell me what your assailant looked like again, Mr. Trask?”
His partner, Brian Keller snickered. “He already told us, Allan. He was wearing a tinfoil hat.”
“Thanks, Brian.” Allan replied, exasperated. “Mr. Trask, could you please describe your assailant again?”
Bolivar Trasks’ look shot daggers at Detective Keller, who lost his jocular attitude. “He was wearing some kind of homemade armor that could deflect bullets. I know cause I shot at him three times, and they bounced off. He had a helmet with some sort of computerized faceplate, and, yes, detective, I saw some tinfoil on it. He also had a gun - a shotgun - ducktaped to his forearm, and a utility belt of stuff that looked like it came out of somebody’s junk heap. Oh - and the freakishly huge energy weapon that blew apart my wall.”
Bolivar continued. “The man used to be an employee of mine - a doctor and a researcher named Justin Pierce. He’s gone completely off his rocker, and threatened to kill me and destroy my company. I want to know exactly what you’re going to do about it, Detectives. I want him DEALT with, am I clear? So what ARE you going to do about it, Detective?
Detective Allan Taylor looked at the arrogant man in front of him, knowing if he handled this wrong in the slightest way, Trask would have he and Brian working parking meters for the rest of his career. Fuck it. Fuck it and Fuck him, he thought. I’m going to do my job. “You want to know what we’re going to do about it, Mr. Trask?” He said turning to leave. “We’re going to catch him.”
Brian watched his partner walk out on perhaps the most powerful, important man in Empire city, and gulped. Dammit, Allan, he thought. Not again. Brian turned to leave also, not wanting to bear Bolivar Trasks wrath. “What he said.” He rushed to catch up with Allan.
“Hey, Taylor! What the hell was that?” Brian asked.
“Stow it, Brian! You know what he wanted us to do. We’re cops, not assassins.”
“Hey, you and I aren’t but we both know what this city is like. If you and I won’t do it, he’ll just find somebody else.”
“So let him.” Said Allen. “I’m going to catch this Doctor Pierce, and make sure he gets brought in alive. I’m not a killer.”
“What about our careers, Al? You know if you piss him off, it might be us found in a dumpster next weekend. You know who he is.”
“Frankly, Brian, I don’t give a crap. We’re cops. We’re going to bring Pierce in alive, and let the courts deal with him. If Trask has a problem with that, I’ll make him MY problem.”
Brian Keller looked at his partner, amazed and shook his head. “You’re gonna get us both killed, you dumbass.”
“Probably. You coming or not?”
Why do I let him get me into messes like these? Brian wondered. Oh yeah – I’m apparently an idiot. Fuck me. Brian nodded, and followed his partner.