Home Sweet Dome
A hybreed Grandkid steers an armored watercraft up the Motoyasu River. Toward the stern, two Terran Grandkids flank Gunta as the watercraft passes underneath a bridge patrolled by more of Grandma’s Militia. Not far from the bridge, the boat docks beside a set of stairs partially submerged by a rising tide.
Gunta exits the watercraft and walks up the stairs. He proceeds past Grandkids posted along the main entryway to a domed, four-story structure. Gunta enters the domed building. Inside, a service drone greets him in a large foyer lined with stone walls. Above them, light pours through a smaller, incomplete dome beneath the larger one visible to all outside.
“Welcome, Mr. Razor,” the service drone greets. “I trust you had a pleasant journey.”
Gunta turns to a board affixed to one of the foyer walls. Although he’s unable to translate the Japanese and English characters, the accompanying four images help depict the foyer’s historical relevance.
“Pleasant enough,” he replies.
The service drone leads Gunta through the foyer.
“I do hope you’re hungry, Mr. Razor.”
Gunta looks up as the interior lighting around the larger dome changes color as they approach a lift and enter. The lift doors close, and it sinks one hundred feet below ground before stopping.
Exiting the lift, they enter an open room with an encased statue of Yasuke stands in the center with five doors surrounding it from behind. Gunta sniffs the air. He bows at the statue, smiles and slowly walks toward the second door from his left. The service drone quickly glides around the right side of the statue, beating Gunta to the second door from their left. It remotely opens the door and leads Gunta down a decorated hallway.
At the end of the hall, another pair of Terran Grandkids guard large double doors that open inward, revealing an entertainment area guarded by two cybernetic Grandkids. Digital displays along the walls flip between random images of people, places, and events around the globe prior to the invasion.
One display alternates between three images of a young Indonesian female with an older German male. One of the images shows the male in a German officer’s uniform, his arm affectionately wrapped around the young woman. A Stellar Corps insignia patch on his shoulder depicts a starship imposed over Earth which is in turn imposed over the German flag. The second image shows the couple at a park with their two dogs, a Doberman with a “J” collar, and a Pitbull with an “R” collar. The third image shows the couple wearing casual attire and a wedding ring as they stand in front of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the same domed structure now serving as the foyer.
Clanging metal turns Gunta’s attention to his right as a super techno rendition of a twentieth century, American country song fills the room. Wait staff tend to Grandma, sitting in her armored hoverchair at the far end of a long dining table. She’s flanked by her trusted robotic canines with glowing eyes.
“Surprised?” Grandma asks.
“Yes,” Gunta responds. “Why did I not smell this sooner?”
He sniffs around and glances up at a vent.
“A lady never reveals all her secrets,” Grandma says. “Sit.”
Gunta walks over to the long dining table covered with various sapien dishes. The service drone escorts him to the chair at the opposite end of the dining table. Gunta sits in front of a yellowish protein slop on a plate beside a chalice filled with bright blue liquid. Gunta chows down on the unappealing hominoid entrée. He grabs the chalice and drinks as a large digital wall parallel to the dining table displays virtual sea creatures swimming underwater.
“Tasty,” Gunta says.
Grandma smiles. She cuts her steak into tiny cubes of meat before slowly chewing them with metallic dentures.
“You often remind me of Alexandr,” she says.
Gunta glances up at an image of the young couple. The Stellar Corps insignia draws his attention.
“I am honored. But I have no desire to mate with you.”
Grandma laughs so hard she nearly chokes to death. Gunta approaches Grandma, but her loyal cyber-cannines stop him with their growls. Only the medical staff entering the room are allowed near her. However, Grandma regains her composure and waves everyone off.
“And I’m fine. Just hadn’t had a laugh like that in a long time.”
Grandma stops eating.
“You found her.”
“I believe she found me.”
“How?” she asks.
“Whispers in the streets. A scent in the air.”
“Now you’re really gonna kill me,” Grandma responds.
Rama and Jaka growl until she silences them. The cyber-canines then follow as she pilots her hoverchair next to Gunta. Grandma places one of her frail hands on his while the Rama and Jaka sit at attention, staring at Gunta.
“They really like you,” Grandma says.
“We relate.”
“My protection does doesn’t cover the entire city.”
“But my presence does. I understand.”
“Chasing shadows is dangerous, Gunta,” Grandma says.
Gunta places his other hand on top of the one she has on his.
“No more than this.”
Grandma nods. She swivels her hoverchair toward the display images.
“Hard to believe I might outlive the both of you,” she says.
Grandma presses a button on her hoverchair that switches the wall display from aquarium to a muted promotion highlighting Gunta’s victories within The Outlet. Gunta turns and looks up at his large, digital face smiling down at him.
“Perhaps we share more than we dare to confess,” he responds.
Exiting the room with Rama and Jaka close behind, Grandma says, “Perhaps, Alexandr.”
Rent-A-Cops
Sitting behind an interrogation room table, a hybreed Outlet security officer studies a holographic rendering from his wafer-thin e-pad of Kanzu’s false biofile depicting a registered citizen:
“Londora Nakatomi,” the hybreed security officer reads.
Restrained and sitting opposite him, Kanzu look around and sees nothing but four walls, two vents, and a door.
“That’s what you can call me,” Kanzu replies.
Kanzu smiles at the hybreed security officer when a faint aroma compels her to sniff the air.
“What are you doing here, Miss…Nah-kah-toe-mee?”
“I desire to meet the Razor hunter.”
“You’re not the only fan.”
“Fan?”
The hybreed security officer sighs.
“You are not the only one with a desire to meet the hunter we call Razor.”
“Agreed,” Kanzu responds.
“Thank you.”
“But only I am his kin.”
“Of course you are,” the hybreed security officer says.
“If you agree, then why am we here?”
The hybreed security officer stands and heads for the door.
“Fair enough, Londora. I’ll put your name on the fan club waitlist. Maybe he’ll visit your cell.”
Kanzu’s eyes widen. She lowers her head.
“Kanzu.”
The hybreed security officer smiles and walks back to his chair.
“Now we’re getting somewhere.”
He sits.
“Where is my guide?” Kanzu asks.
The Outlet security officer leans back in his chair.
“I can take you to him.”
“You deceive.”
“I disagree. You see, if you are from Razor’s clan, then he would be very upset to know I kept you here.”
“Agreed.”
“But, if I let you go, only to discover your deception caused the termination of our beloved warrior, then I would be terminated in disgrace. Do you understand my position?”
Kanzu gulps.
“What must I do?” she asks.
Sitting across another interrogation table two rooms down, a Chinese Outlet security officer studies a holographic rendering from his wafer-thin e-pad of Genji’s false biofile depicting a famous, twenty-first-century Japanese actor. Restrained and sitting opposite the Japanese security officer, Genji looks around to see nothing but four walls and a door. He ignores the table display projecting his false biofile.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
“I already told you-”
“The stray hired you to find her long-lost brother, who just so happens to be one of the city’s top celebrities.”
“Man’s gotta eat.”
The Japanese security officer leans forward.
“She offer any proof?” he asks.
“She offered to pay up front.”
“In full?”
“Now you’re catching on.”
The Japanese security officer leans back in his chair. He looks down at his wristlet display, deactivates the hologram, and sighs.
“Look, we both know if I chop your dick off and put it in the system, either Grandma or the Yaks will come knockin’. And believe me, the Man Upstairs doesn’t want the headache.”
“And here’s the part where you offer us a way out.”
“Or you.”
“Or us,” Genji responds, leaning back in his chair.
“How do you know she’s not selling you out to my partner right now?”
Genji leans forward.
“Then why do you go find out and get back to me?”
The Japanese security officer rises and heads for the door again.
“Water?” he asks.
“Filtered, please.”
“Ice?”
“Why not?” Genji responds.
“Don’t go anywhere.”
The Japanese security officer exits the room and shuts the door behind him. He stops one door down and enters an observation room situated between Kanzu and Genji’s interrogation rooms. Inside, a Chinese producer observes the two captives while the hybreed security officer plays with Ren’s digital monocular. The two demising walls include one-way displays of Kanzu and Genji sitting at their respective interrogation tables. The Japanese security officer sniff around. He turns to his partner.
“You gassy again?” the Japanese security officer asks.
“Wasn’t me this time,” the hybreed security officer answers.
The Chinese producer chuckles and turns to them.
“That, my friends, is the smell of record earnings,” the Chinese producer replies.
“Or record deaths,” the Japanese security officer replies.
Both security officers laugh.
“The first intelligent response you’ve ever given,” the Chinese producer says.
“Thanks,” the Japanese security officer replies with a smile.
The Chinese producer rolls his eyes.
“What you smell is a pheromone that diminishes a hominoid’s keen sense of smell to that of a mere human.”
“What if her story’s legit?” the hybreed security officer asks.
“Her biofile wasn’t,” the Japanese security officer replies. “And our license grants us custodial rights over the unregistered.”
“You’re not as dumb as you look,” the Chinese producer says.
“Thank you, sir,” the Japanese security officer replies with a smile.
EZ PZ
Shinzo and Ren return to the second floor safe house. Sofi activates and mutes the display showing a news report on the growing tensions between Grandma’s Militia and the Yakuza Protection Force. Brazin exits the bathroom.
“They’re alive,” Ren says.
Brazin lets out a sigh of relief.
“Thank goodness,” Sofi says.
“They’ve been added to this weekend’s lineup,” Shinzo responds.
“Double shit,” Sofi exclaims.
“Perhaps Gunta will find them,” Brazin says.
“He won’t miss them from the owners suite,” Ren replies.
“We have to do something,” Brazin says. “Shinzo, can you formulate a plan?
“Bray,” Ren interrupts, “I think it’s time we cut-”
“We already have credentials,” Shinzo answers.
“Excuse me?” Ren asks.
“Shin knows the place inside and out,” Sofi says. “We just skip the dry run.”
“You, too, Soaf?” Ren asks.
“Although our probability of success decreases,” Shinzo says, “we are still within the margin of error.”
“Sounds like a bigger error to me,” Ren responds.
Brazin turns to Ren.
“Is it more credit you need?” Brazin asks.
“I can’t spend it dead,” Ren fires back.
“Neither can Jakob,” Sofi says. “But he took no credit to free you, did he?”
Everyone turns to Ren, who sighs.
“Guess it’s better to die for something,” he says.
Brazin, Shinzo, Sofi, and Ren congregate at the dining table. Shinzo remotely activates the table display to show holographic schematics for The Outlet, it’s surroundings, and underneath the property.
“And I compiled every video and image I could find on the public network to help fill in the blanks. I also managed to retrieve pre-Man Fall data.”
Brazin points at the various color-coded symbols in the rendering.
“What are all those things?” Brazin asks.
“Security positions. Drones. The usual,” Ren answers.
“How can we bypass all of them?” Brazin asks.
Shinzo points to the base of the rendering.
“I will enter through the transit and sewer systems,” he replies. “Right under their cybernetic noses.
“And while Robocop disables their power generator,” Ren says to Brazin, “you and I will rescue Genji and Kanzu.”
“So I guess that puts me in the airvan,” Sofi responds.
“I’m the only one here with production knowledge,” Ren says, pointing to a specific area on the holographic schematics. “This wing houses the Prey simpods.”
“While the contestants are incapacitated, most of the guards are concentrated around the perimeter,” Shinzo says. “You should encounter minimal resistance.”
“I hope you’re right,” Ren says. “Or we’ll all be all over the evening streams.”
“Regardless of the outcome, we will forever be recognized throughout the city,” Shinzo says.
“Most fortunate,” Brazin responds with a smile.
The others stare at him.
“Or perhaps not,” Brazin self-corrects.
Orientation
Lying on the floor, Genji opens his eyes as Kanzu shakes him conscious.
“We’re alive,” he says as she helps him sit up.
“Most fortunate. But it appears my sense of smell has weakened.”
“Trust me. That’s a good thing.”
Genji looks around the large room to find four other sapien captives standing among them while two security cameras peer down from catwalks. He reads the Japanese, Korean, and hybreed symbols on the walls.
“Genji, we’re in a Prey Locker.”
“I know.”
“They promised we could see my brother after.”
“After life.”
“I had no choice.”
“Agreed,” Genji responds.
All of the captives, like him, wear bodysuits donning a specific, single-digit number embedded in The Outlet logo. He and Kanzu are six and five, respectively.
A bell chimes, drawing everyone’s attention to a digital projection of The Outlet’s virtual setting.
“Greetings, contestants,” The Outlet AI explains in a soothing tone. “For those of you unfamiliar with The Outlet, there’s only one goal: survival. You have two hours until the exit portal opens in a random location. At which point, you will have an additional thirty minutes to escape the hunting grounds by entering the portal.”
They watch a digital dramatization of these instructions.
“Succeed and you will receive full citizenship, along with several promotional opportunities,” The Outlet AI continues. “Fail, and you will be recycled. Regardless, your contribution to Hirokuza will be greatly appreciated.”
Kanzu turns to Genji.
“E-Zee-Pee-Zee,” Kanzu says.
“Yeah,” Genji responds.
The other four captives slowly approach them, prompting Genji to clench his fists. Kanzu places a hand on his shoulder.
“Genji, we need them.”
Genji lowers his guard and he studies the four captives by number:
1. A green-haired female hybreed
2. A shy, red-skinned male hominoid with tiny holes around his head.
3. A middle-aged, bald American cyborg male
4. A young Thai male with short hair
“Kanzu tells us you are familiar with this death sport,” the green-haired hybreed says.
“Not this familiar,” Genji replies.
“They were promised expedited citizenship for participation,” Kanzu explains.
“I don’t think they have any intentions of keeping their promise,” Genji responds.
“Then we’ll just have to make them,” the American cyborg says.
“So what’s the plan?” the red-skinned hominoid asks.
“There’s only one plan,” the young Thai answers. “To kill that Bonzai bitch.”
While the others nod in agreement, Kanzu and Genji nod to each other when a bell chimes.
“Showtime,” Genji whispers.
The door opens, and twelve armed Outlet security personnel enter.
The Promise
Gunta opens his eyes to blinding light and his vision adjusts. He finds himself confined to a hospital bed with metal clamps and various wires protruding from his body. Gunta turns to his right; two sets of glowing, canine eyes stare daggers at him, followed by deep growls rumbling the hominoid’s internal organs. He then sees two wrinkled, tanned hands gently petting the crowns of each robotic dog, silencing them.
“Forgive Rama and Jaka,” Grandma says. “They’re very wary of strangers.” Especially strays.”
Gunta looks down at Grandma’s armored hoverchair. Sniffing the air, he spots an armed Grandkid posted by the door.
“Kanzu,” he exhales.
“Your mate?”
“Sister. Where is she?”
“I’m afraid you’re the only one we found.”
“Where am I?”
“Safe. You can call me Granny.”
“Gunta.”
“Most fortunate we found you first, Goon-tah.”
Gunta tries to rise. However, the metal restraints keep him in check.
“Please…”
“Apologies, but we must all take precautions.”
“The ship…”
“There was only one box out there. And my men pulled you out of it.”
Gunta’s eyes water.
“I mean you no harm,” he says. “Just let me go.”
A Grandkid enters the room holding a rolled-up, wafer-thin e-pad and hands it to Grandma. She unrolls it and reviews the display.
“First, you must heal.”
“I have to find her.”
“You must’ve done something awful for your masters to drop you this far inland.”
Gunta struggles in vain.
“Release me!”
Grandma places a hand on Gunta, calming him down.
“I will. You have Grandma’s word.”
“Do not deceive me.”
“Agreed.” Grandma replies. “I’ll be back for you in the morning.”
Grandma leaves the room with both cyber-canines close behind.
“I want to go home,” Gunta pleads.
Grandma and her loyal pets stop just outside the door but don’t look back.
“So do I, Gunta. So do I.”
Grandma, Rama, and Jaka continue down the hall. The armed Grandkid shuts the door. Gunta stares up at the ceiling.
“Kanzu!”
Wearing personalized tactical gear, Gunta awakens from his meditation in a ransacked department store straight out of a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Loud music blares through speakers hidden throughout the building, negating his powerful hearing. The hominoid looks down to his left to see a laser rifle on the ground next to him. He picks up the laser rifle and cautiously stalks the dark, dilapidated halls. Gunta’s sharp eyesight spots a silhouette sprint into a storefront. He enters a large open area with non-functioning escalators and lifts. Above him, a large, bright marquee:
THE OUTLET (The letter ‘S’ at the end of Outlet remains unlit)
Gunta ducks right before laser bullets zip past him. The agile hominoid dives into another condemned retail shop, crawls to cover, and returns fire.
Two shadowy figures creep toward Gunta and flank what’s left of the storefront. On signal, one of them moves slowly into the retail shop with an itchy trigger finger. The other provides cover when a red dot appears on the back of his head, which explodes. The headless body collapses as blood pours from his neck.
Sweating profusely, the lone assassin unloads his last ammo clip in random directions. He then dashes into another blown-out retail store. He pulls out his knife and desperately shortens his breath to avoid detection. The loud music prevents the assassin from hearing much of anything.
Gunta makes his move, but the assassin is gone. A laser knife slips into his back, the blade protruding from his chest. Gunta’s face resembles more a look of disappointment than pain. He turns to see the white-haired, cybernetic hybreed Bonzai, also in personalized tactical gear, smiling at him.
“Winner,” the Outlet AI confirms. “Bonzai!”
“Loser,” Bonzai mocks. “Razor!”
“You can’t win forever,” Gunta says.
“Only ‘til I die.”
A bell chimes.
“Attention,” the Outlet AI interrupts. “Special words from the Man Upstairs.”
The building transforms into an auditorium filled with virtual avatars resembling other Outlet hunters and personnel. Before them floats the large, holographic head of a generic Japanese male.
“Greetings,” the Man Upstairs begins in a raspy voice. “On the eve of our hundred and sixty-third episode, I want to say you have all carried the torch with honor and character. You are the mucilage that binds this great city. And for your dedication, I thank you.”
“Outlet forever!” the Outlet hunters chant in unison.
A bell chimes. Gunta and Bonzai find themselves facing off in the middle of a pitch-black room.
“What do you say, stray? Let’s up the pain to severe. Two weeks’ credits, yeah?”
“End sim,” Gunta commands.
“Coward,” she hisses.
Gunta wakes up inside his simpod. Sensors on his body retract into the pod, as does the glowing, metallic visor covering his eyes. Sitting at a forty-five-degree angle, the simpod positions itself vertically before opening. An Outlet staffer helps Gunta exit the simpod.
“You almost had her,” the Outlet staffer says.
Unfazed, Gunta walks past the line of occupied simpods with overhead displays monitoring each hunter’s progress and vitals. He stops at Bonzai’s pod and sees her smiling face. He looks up at the display to see her ripping virtual prey to shreds.
“Winner!” the Outlet AI confirms again.
Gunta shakes his head and exits Hunter Simroom One. He walks down the hall, passes four more hunter simrooms, and stops at the Hunter locker room. He enters, removes his sweat-drenched bodysuit, and places his soiled clothing in an open autobin near the lockers. Gunta activates the autobin, which closes then purrs. He then walks over to an autostall, enters, and shuts the door. After a few moments, a clean and refreshed Gunta exits the autostall, walks over to the open autobin, and retrieves his clean bodysuit. He carries them to his locker, places his palm on the chest-high locker door scanner, and sits. The locker door pops open, exposing a small, face-level display screen on the inside of the door. The small screen automatically activates the default mirror setting. A naked Gunta hangs his clean clothing in the locker and stares at his reflection. He closes his eyes to see…
…himself, Kanzu, Mabel, Vinzi, and their two masters enjoying a sunny day at the Yanskii shoreline.
Gunta stares at his reflection.