Genia: Revolt

GENIA - jen’e’a

This saga is about the quest to liberate planet Genia from Imperial Earth rule

The third generation of the occupation rises to reclaim their lands

GENIA

Revolt: definition

Verb

1- rise in rebellion. the insurgents revolted and had to be suppressed

synonyms: rebel, rise up, rise, take to the streets, riot, mutiny

the people revolted

Noun

1- an attempt to put an end to the authority of a person or body by rebelling.

a planetary wide revolt against the central government

synonyms: rebellion, revolution, insurrection, mutiny, uprising, riot, seizure of power

an armed revolt

Prologue

In the near future, Genia, a nearby planet is colonized by Earth for natural resources and the all-important Antlee Wormhole that serves as a potential gateway to far reaching parts of our galaxy and beyond.

Fifteen thousand years in the past, while the prehistoric population of Earth grapple with a persistent ice age and struggle to survive by developing rudimentary stone weapons, the people of Genia suffer an enormous setback. An accident unleashes a mutant military virus that sweeps through the planet, turning their peaceful and advancing civilization into a race of bloodthirsty vampires.

Through several millennia they overcame their brutal ways and establish a blood substitute called Anthropy. Science and culture were returning to the point where they were before the infection swept through the planet. In fact they were starting an aggressive space program when the Imperial Earth Empire arrived. Initially presenting peace and offering advanced technology in exchange for resources. Within a short time the relationship soured. Earth demanded more in exchange for less, leveraging its military might to enslave the planet within a brief year. Furthermore, the Empire took control of the drug dependant society by replacing Anthropy with its own altered blood substitute.

The third generation of the occupation, the assimilated and humiliated, plot to strike back and regain control of their home world by launching a well-planned revolt.

Introduction

Watching over the boy through the years proved to be a bigger challenge than I had anticipated. There were times when I lost vision of the greater wisdom imparted by the Wickery and without hesitation, would have abandoned the quest to bring him into our fold. Yet something prompted me to keep with our investment and as his day of manhood approached it became very clear to me that it was time to claim our prize and take back our beloved planet. If this was to work, we would need him to be all that we expected and more.

The thoughts that swirl in my head lead me to believe that the dark days ahead are merely a well-planned exercise. Orchestrated by some great force that plays our lives out like a puppet master entertaining itself for no better reason than amusement. Against this perception, I am driven even at my age, to fulfill this quest, to develop the leader that will bring our people out of tyranny.

May the good of the Universe set our values as we light the fires of war. Hopefully for the last time. Still something tells me that there’s more to come and that securing Genia is only the first step in our true emancipation.

O.C.

Half-breed

1

And so he wept... Darkness has no forgiveness, it seeks to challenge us all...And in of this pain a new one is born. One for all of us. WC

I usually have a pretty good handle on all of this, but not today, not in the least.

The thirst returns to me with the sobering realization that it never really left.

I need to drink blood! Even from a dirty blood bank, I really don’t care where I get it from. What worries me more, is the fact that I want to suck it from flesh. A cat will always need to hunt and part of me will always be a vampire.

I lie flat on my over-sized bed with my back against the mattress I rummaged from a nearby building many months ago, when I first started setting up shop in the loft.

I slowly lift my left forearm, cocking the elbow to reach the bulbous scab that’s positioned dead center, right below my wrist. I raise my head slightly off the tattered pillowcase to see if AnchKa is still asleep. Her magnificent slender body distracts me for the briefest of moments before turning my attention back to the itchy little beast that’s been calling out to me throughout the day. I know what I’m inviting as I start to pick at the wound with the forefinger of my free hand. Slowly at first, testing the edge of the scab for any elevated areas.

‘Just another test,’ I think to myself, just another little test to move to a higher state. Consialla, the purge, or as close to achieving it as I possibly can with the food chain so heavily controlled by the government. They call me half-breed, but I don’t buy that. I’m not going to let them set my limitations, and it’s certainly not a so called condition.

I can feel my heart pounding with excitement at the thought of a freshly opened wound and draw my hand closer to the edge of the scab, finally lifting it from its deeply rooted saddle. It immediately sends a small rush to my first set of adrenalin glands. The pungent iron odor fills my nostrils, driving me with an insatiable urge to drink, to feast on my own flesh.

The cavity quickly pools with blood. I continue with my self-inflicted torture and pull back the encrusted flesh ever so slowly, peeling it down towards my elbow. The last part taking hold of the surrounding live tissue and forcing me to twist it off with a tightly controlled yank. A delightful mince of pain further adds to my sense of hunger. My heart is driving to a higher level now. I immediately start to sweat. My fangs ache with the excitement at hand.

The blood quickly runs over its boundary and starts to dribble down the inside of my wrist. I gather myself just enough, controlling its wayward path and rate of decent while concentrating as hard as I can to overcome the burning desire to taste its sweet salty flavor. I slow the blood to the point that it runs thin and watery. A bright red path immediately starts to dry, separating into a second pool of rich plasma that forms on top of the existing tract. It bubbles up, clearer than the first line and dribbles on top of the initial red line until I shift my wrist to separate the two liquids. The two paths slowly dry side by side wrapped around the interior of my wrist in a live deep red tattoo. I glance pleasingly at the rolled up scabby flesh that I’ve just pulled off and toss it onto the rough cement floor beside my bed. This day feels different. It’s challenging me in some way that has yet to reveal itself. I’ve always had a sixth sense about these things but quickly brush it off and collect my thoughts.

I gather my naked body from the bed. I smell of sex and want to quickly shower. It’s drawing later into the evening. Thankfully AnchKa hasn’t moved at all through any of my little escapade.

EhriK had promised his friends they would be outside of Dataloos for half past the late feed, ten thirty. It was hard to commit to anything these days especially since the four of them had pretty much gone their own way since last summer. A little reunion was just what they needed to get their spirits back on track. He was anxious to see if BeatKhn had come up with some special circuits that he promised.

The water was soothing to his muscles. He had been pushing himself rather hard at the tempana in an effort to complete his apprenticeship before his twenty-second birthday which was rapidly approaching. A rare accomplishment these days with such a disfeatured culture. It wasn’t that far in the past, as well as he could remember anyways, that every Genian would have to complete the Odian training before their day of maturity. EhriK knew all too well that he could never bring back those days but he did want to hold on to as many family traditions as possible, especially those that had been passed onto him by his mother and grandmother. Adhering to those values became his internal fortress of strength. More importantly though, he needed to validate himself as a Genicelian not an Earth invader. He secretly longed to be part of something so much greater than what he had been branded as.

He finished his shower and dried off, wrapping a freshly washed towel around his waist while standing squarely in front of the bathroom mirror. He looked keenly into his eyes, slowly drawing his attention down to the scruff that had accumulated on his handsome face since the morning. His pale blue eyes revealed his half-breed identity. Few native born Genian’s had blue eyes. They certainly weren’t the norm and he had hated them for the longest time, he just wanted to be like all the other kids. He was comfortable with them now though. His mother had been there to comfort him many times after getting beaten up by gip-gangers, the enforcers of the schoolyard. Often reassuring him with a storied legend of a chosen leader with pale eyes that would rise to unite his people.

He held that notion close to his heart. It made him feel special and as much of an illusion as it was, for a young boy with a fertile imagination, used those simple words from his sweet mother to guide him through difficult challenges. Challenges that seemed to be mounting ever so quickly, as if rushing towards some unforeseen climax. He picked up the razor and carefully traced the outline of his face being ever so careful to address the daily challenge, not to draw blood.

He hated to be late and decided to wake AnchKa who seemed to be able to sleep forever these days. She rarely had any sense of time or commitment to anything other than dance or art. It amazed him that she could hold down a job with her bohemian perspective on things. Really, he couldn’t blame her though having survived the crippling Prager Riots several years ago that left her as the only survivor in her immediate family. She had relatives on the other side of Middle Genia but that was far removed from the comfort that a ten-year-old girl had needed.

She eventually moved in with her aunt Betsee on the outskirts of Alutian, calling the city home for the greater part of the last eight years. Life with her aunt was in itself a challenge. The scatterbrained elder tried to establish some sense of stability for AnchKa, but for the most part, that was a failure. She liked her booze a bit too much, I is what I is, she would mumble, completely out of her mind.

She was twenty now and tough when called for, having laid a lot of the turmoil from her bitter past to rest. She had a huge passion for art and would often drag EhriK along to an interactive art installation featuring more often than not one of her flaky artist friends. They were well suited for each other though, not so much in having the same interests but in taking the time to step into each other’s world. They seemed to have some idea of what could be, to actually dream, if they could just stick together and forge a commitment in this entire world of suffocating chaos. AnchKa had a secret to keep and a good reason for sleeping as long as she could.

He picked a flower from the vase that was set on the edge of the dilapidated dresser. She loved fresh flowers and they had made a point of picking up a bunch of scemils at one of the better local corner stores before making their way back to the loft in the early afternoon. He gently caressed her cheek with the fluffy pale petals prompting her to shift her legs and pry her eyes open. She quickly gathered in her sense of surroundings and turned her head towards him.

Oh! That’s so sweet, you sexy boy. This really has been quite an afternoon, hasn’t it? she said, straining to control her voice.

EhriK was enamored with old English Earth literature, especially Shakespeare, going back to a teenage crush he had for a tall knockout blond teacher from his second level school.

I try to please my lady, he whispered, sat on the bed and leaned forward to kiss her tenderly on the cheek.

To his surprise she exclaimed, I’ve got to get up! What time is it?

It’s getting there! he briskly replied. We still have time but should make our way down to the club. BeatKhn and JanhheK will be there for ten thirty or so... I hope.

Okay, let me put it together lover boy.

She yawned and gracefully slipped out from underneath the bed sheets but not before noticing a few drops of dried blood on his side of the bed. Were you picking at that thing again?

He was initially caught off guard but collected himself before responding, No it must have opened up when I was sleeping.

Uh-huh, she said softly while quickly glancing his way.

She knew just about everything about him, well beyond what he was willing to expose to her on the surface anyways. She purposely avoided putting themselves in a confrontation and sleepily made her way to the shower while EhriK continued to get ready. She wanted to make sure that they would all meet at the arranged time, knowing that he was quite testy about being punctual and especially since he had been talking about meeting up with the boys all week long.

She showered and dressed as quickly as possible without him being able to get a really good look at her naked body. It wouldn’t have taken much for him to get aroused again, setting back their plans by an hour or so. Her backless charcoal grey dress shimmered under the kitchen spotlights producing a cascade of red and blonde highlights across her dark brown hair that was up, placed into a neatly wound bun. She looked amazing but he was too busy now to pay attention to her. He frantically moved about the immense loft searching for his benchko. He just had the thing recalibrated and was eager to test it in a real sword to sword combat at the tempana.

There it is! he cried with relief, promptly marched over to his favorite chair and reached down to pluck its metal sheath from between the cushions. Yad it’s empty. Where is that bloody thing?

His face filled with panic. He didn’t want to be exposed without his cherished weapon at the club tonight, after all just about anything could break out. The benchko was definitely his weapon of choice for the setting, being light, fast and most important when collapsed, easy to conceal. His eye caught what looked like the tip of the handle.

Aha! There you are you little demon, he shouted while racing across the room to snatch it from underneath a pile of colorful pillows strewn across the open living area.

"Daddy is very angry with you Alvie, playing games like that. One day you’ll come to your senses and realize that I truly am your master," he said while caressing the extended black handle against his cheek.

You are so...so strange! Come on get moving, I’m in a mood to dance, she announced from the entrance to the kitchen and applied a last pinch of makeup underneath her eyes.

And dance we shall my dear. He was all smiles now, ‘I just hope we don’t get into any trouble at the club. I can’t afford to be distracted from the Pillar.’

*

They made their way to the tube entrance, passing through the dingy streets that had become a grey and indifferent backdrop to a young couple fighting to realize their fledgling dreams. The occupation had brought uncertain times in the last decade and with continued diffraction between the clans, frustration ruled the day. He had taken a risk moving into the loft in such a dangerous part of the west end but he knew this hood like the back of his hand, having spent many a summer here as a teenager, running with one of the better known gangs. He was well trained in the Odian arts to take care of himself if needed.

His science projects required the largest space possible and even though he considered himself well paid as a junior tech at Inconnus Labs, was forced to setup shop in BeanieHab which presented a notable commute to downtown. It was AnchKa that he worried about and wouldn’t dare let her travel by herself through these treacherous avenues.

No one approached them. It was clear from the glances given by two hooded teenagers standing at the corner that EhriK had a reputation and distinct measure of respect on these blocks. A few challenges to him in recent months had resulted in broken bones for his attackers.

They kept their distance from the couple and the shorter of the two nodded out of respect as they passed by. He paid little attention, after all he was the bright star at his tempana and an accomplished young master of the Shenn style. It was understood that he was the alpha male in these gloomy quarters.

*

They made their way from car to car, giving up their initial seats to get to the second car from the front of the train that was closest to the exit at Carnekie station. The car was already filled up with people rushing downtown for an evening out as the couple stood side by side, huddled together. The old train rumbled through a dozen well-spaced stations with the last four, Tatnoo, StheKge, OliN-Court and Carnekie becoming more tightly grouped together as they rumbled towards the city’s central hub.

An unexpected fart by AnchKa, while the train whistled through a long dark tunnel and over a well-known bump, made an older lady wearing a flat hat with a small green feather, wrinkle her nose and frown in disgust. Which prompted the couple to giggle like school kids while they tried in vain to ignore the odor. EhriK and AnchKa remained silent for the most part, exchanging glances and the occasional whispered word or two, most of which was in reference to the gaseous episode.

The Waliccs were playing at the newly rebuilt Metropolis Center, the latest construction gem for the Alutian City council. EhriK quickly clued in that most of the crowd was headed downtown for the game. He really wasn’t much of a fan and not at all familiar with the team schedule. He much preferred the game of anti-eka, faster paced, more tactical with a much harder hitting style. His team was the Ranggers and he rarely missed a game. He had played for years as a kid but as he grew into his teens his interests shifted to the martial arts and sciences.

It didn’t take long for the cars to crowd with buzzing fans washed in a sea of bronze, red and black. Each game was becoming increasingly important for the Waliccs, striving to make the playoffs with just a few desperate games left in their season. They trailed the top nine teams sitting in a precarious tenth place and would need to win the last four to make the end tournament. A tall slim fellow wearing the team jersey and scarf who had managed to secure a place along the way, got up from his seat and offered it to AnchKa.

Please take my seat.

No that’s okay, thanks. We’re getting off soon, she blurted back.

Please I insist. It would be unclan of me to take a seat from you in your condition.

She seemed startled by his comment but after a moment of hesitation, avoided challenging it and attracting any additional attention to herself, accepted his kind offer. After all she was feeling so tired these last few days and dark circles had started forming under her eyes that were well concealed by a heavy swatch of makeup.

Thanks. You’re very clan.

EhriK had remained quiet through the exchange and moved to her side grasping the railing for support as he muttered, Thanks, much appreciated.

The stranger carried the momentum of his good will gesture and broke into the fight song of the Waliccs engaging a good half of the car into the main verse,

"As we go marching forward towards our greater goal

we will not be defeated our land and heart and soul

for we are Willy Waliccs the fiercest in the land

our great and shining Captain will crush ye with just one hand

say nay to the bastards the dirtiest of the clans

for we are mighty warriors the bravest in the land"

On that note the car erupted into a raucous chorus of cheers and laughter at the inspiring and all too familiar silly lyrics. The ice was broken and the mood set for a great night of adventure as the train finally settled into the main downtown station. The car was still buzzing with laughter and spirited conversations well set by the Waliccs fight song as the doors opened at the weathered Carnekie platform.

The young man that had bellowed the lyrics barked out one last parting phrase for all of the tightly jammed riders to interpret.

Tis with great sadness that we now part, as angels flock till dawn has start, Iasaku sleeps till wakened well, remember all the fallen souls, for now is time, now is time!

His message carried a much heavier tone this time, momentarily dampening the mood of the now confused crowd that briskly exited the subway car, making their way to the game.

‘No one could possibly know its meaning, could they?’ he thought to himself, and imagined that most will have chalked it up to excessive winakk drinking. But it triggered something in EhriK who looked back to find the young man.

The stranger was nowhere to be seen—vanishing into thin air. He looked back again with more conviction this time, raising himself high up on his toes to see over the crowd. Again nothing, not hide nor hair.

‘He must have been swallowed up in the game crowd,’ he reasoned, ‘probably swept towards the far exit doors closest to the stadium.’

He remembered the phrase well. His Nana on his mother’s side, had sung it to him as part of a longer ballad when he was very young and she quite old, towards the end of her days. Nana CasKa, with her delicate shaking hands of weathered skin, said that this was a very special secret ballad that must be kept between the two of them. It had great meaning and will be used wisely one day, to summon the new leaders of the clans. She squeezed his arm with all the force that she could muster from her tiny frame and looked oh so seriously into his eyes as she spoke with great emphasis.

Now EhriK, I’ll only speak of this one time with you. So hear me well. A day will come when this chant will be heard from a stranger in a strange way and it will echo something very special for you, listen well and be prepared, be prepared, as now is time!

She quickly released his arm from her shaking hand just as his mother was coming back into his bedroom but her deep stare persisted for a few moments longer. And why she had taken that small window of time together to make such an odd statement puzzled him for years. Its meaning was definitely a mystery—Nana never elaborated on it at any time after that moment, never in all the time they spent together, yet the impact of the moment and that chant stayed embedded in his memory forever.

The crowd funneled them forward towards the exit as if being squeezed from an old toothpaste dispenser with no real option to choose another direction without fighting your way against the masses.

AnchKa grew agitated with each passing moment. Oh, I hate this feeling, I need some fresh air. He put his arm around her shoulder and drew her in tight to his chest.

We’ll be outside soon enough, hang on for a few seconds longer babe.

A collage of odors filtering down from the street above, immediately catching their attention while they made their way up the final escalator to breathe in a sense of freedom. Darkness was taking a full grip on the bustling city. Their seventy-odd minute commute from BeanieHab station to the downtown core had seen significant change from twilight to full dusk.

Hundreds of people spilled out from Carnekie, the main station in downtown Alucian City with the streets quickly filling up with night partiers ready to extract relief from a long frustrating work week. A good portion of the central blocks surrounding the station were suffering from an economy that was battered by recent insubordination. This city, if any in Middle Genia, represented change and where the White Pillar was gaining momentum with its youth underground movement.

AnchKa’s complexion was returning to normal, this little episode certainly wasn’t the norm for her, she usually did well in crowds. She was determined not to let it affect the night that they had so carefully planned for.

He piped up to change her mind, Hey! Do you remember that little restaurant at the corner of 16th Avenue and Clenmark? What was its name? Brinnyhs! Yes, that’s it. They made the best pestali soup in Middle Genia. My mother used to bring me there religiously in the summertime. We almost always met up with uncle ChanHn from Upper Genia. He was supposed to have been a retired captain from the fabled Blue Daso Army who had settled down to run a small bakery up in Shining Constal but I never believed it.

Why, what made you think that he wasn’t what he said he was?

Well he never really looked military. He was loose about the way he kept himself. I mean uneven and scruffy most of the time, as if he had just rolled out of bed after a night of hard drinking. More on the artsy side, I would say.

Well that could have been normal for a retired officer. I mean the drinking and all.

Yeah fair enough, but the Blue Daso Army had dwindled down to a mere shadow of itself by the end of the northern uprising with most scattered underground. They really tried to disappear out of fear of retaliation from the Empire, you know, Shatka and what not. Really hush-hush stuff near the end.

Do you think he was a double agent or something? she said abruptly.

I would be surprised if he was, seeing that my mother was so adamant about the underground having success and if he’d given any sign that he was against the movement in any way, she would have quickly distanced herself from him. They also seemed quite close, I mean in the way that they looked at each other. And physically too. You know what I mean caressing, holding hands when they met and that lingering look of contentment when they saw each other.

Really! she exclaimed loudly. You never mentioned this before! So do you think that they were having an affair?

I really don’t know. If they were, my mother kept it very discreet. She never brought anyone back to our apartment. My mother was totally dedicated to taking care of me and my sister. Besides my uncle ChaHn was actually my mother’s distant cousin on her father’s side, or at least supposed to have been.

Well, all I can say is that it’s only natural to need some love and affection, you know what I mean, the kind that your children can’t provide, she said with emphasis. There may have been more going on than you were aware of. I mean, I’m just saying.

She knew that he was very guarded about his feelings towards his mother, in his mind she was the entire Universe and more. He took a few seconds before responding in an effort to erase any emotion that may be attached to his response.

Maybe there was something afoot. I guess I’ll never really know since I didn’t find any love letters or anything like that in her personal stuff after she died. I have no idea where my uncle is or what he’s up to. Mind you I’ve never made it up to Shining Constal to look him up.

The city, as many scattered throughout the Empire, painted a backdrop of stark contrasts between dilapidated war-torn buildings and ultra-high tech renovated facades with the streets filled with interactive high tech advertising. They passed several restaurants and cafes that up until just a few months ago had been lively local hang outs for downtowners, who were just starting to see their shops recovery from a stagnant economy and continued civil unrest. The renaissance movement that was being orchestrated by the Alutian government was in the process of gobbling up older Genian businesses and transforming them into chic Earth modeled enterprises. EhirK saw that as just another slap in the face, as part of the greater eradication of Genian culture. The local food would surely be replaced with some homogenized version of human and Genian palettes. The anger that fueled his connection to the White Pillar inflated as he passed through this constant reminder of dreadful unwanted change.

Suddenly, two Zipher cars raced by them with sirens blazing, most likely rushing to break up an altercation between fans entering the match. She was clearly startled by them and jumped towards EhriK. He grabbed her tightly around the waist, slightly lifting her off the ground and squeezed her tiny frame against his for reassurance.

I don’t know why I’m so wobbled tonight! she exclaimed while looking up into his handsome face, you’re always there for me, aren’t you?

Why so serious? Come on, let’s have a great big binge of madness tonight.

The moment was quickly disrupted by a loud shout coming from the far end of the block just past the intersection on the almost always crowded Hankey Street.

Hey superpanties!

A clear head above the bustling crowd, JanhheK was easy to spot as he weaved his way towards the couple. The big man with a penchant for drinking who would more often than not carry the party with an arsenal of clever, funny stories that were repeated time and time again to the same chorus of sustained laughter. They met each other at the perfect spot adjacent to the alleyway that provided the back entrance to the club.

JanhheK scooped AnchKa up in a great bear hug that easily lifted her off her feet.

Easy big fella! she exclaimed, kissing him gently on the cheek as he returned her to the newly paved sidewalk. Oh my God! It’s so great to see you JanhheK.

Me too, sexy. You know that I haven’t stopped thinking of you all day, and as always looking marvelous.

I’m feeling left out.

Well who said this concerns you anyways, JanhheK snubbed back.

I believe that you’re the one that introduced us, it better concern me.

You know I always have your back brother, announced JanhheK and on that note the three broke out into big wide smiles as the boys laughed and bear hugged each other, slapping each other firmly on the back. It had been months since all three had managed to find the time to get together.

JanhheK leaned into EhriK lowering his head and whispered, I’ve got some choice snuffer if you want to cut it loose later, when we’re in the right state of mind. You know what I mean clan. He winked and stepped back.

No mate, thanks for the hook up but I’m packing my benchko and want to keep a straight head on, just in case.

No problem, I just wanted to let you know that it’s there if you need it.

Snuffer had been EhriK’s vehicle of drug-induced escapism for the better part of the past two years, being the closest thing to an actual blood feed that a Genian could experience without actually opening up a wound. With EhriK being in a state of controlled Consialla, it took a blunt reply to sever the temptation.

AnchKa was fully aware of what JanhheK was proposing, having seen their pre-club conference many times in the past and the all too often tragic results that followed later in the wee hours of the morning when things got out of control. She was desperately hoping that he would be able to shoot down the offer.

She quickly interjected and positioned herself in the middle of the boys, Come on guys let’s get in line, Dataloos is going to be a hot spot tonight even before the game finishes, wrapping her arms tightly between them as she guided the trio to the left and down a dark alley.

The clubbers were quickly building a line that extended from the legendary blue back doors of the storied building’s loading dock area. The Embers of Wrath were headlining at the club tonight, one of many rebellious new rock bands that had sprung up in recent years, embodying the growing unrest within the youth of Genia.

EhriK made a quick pass over his belt with his left hand just to make sure that Alvie, now folded down to the size of a coin that sat in a tailored pocket, was there and well positioned if needed. Packing some type of heat was still acceptable and legal in most parts of Alutian City despite the hangover from the Tinto and Prager uprisings. It certainly wouldn’t be welcome in the club though. He needed to make sure that it wouldn’t be detectable by the goons at the door.

There were about twenty people at the back entrance waiting to get in as they approached the tail end of the line with no sign of BeatKhn. With the night fully engulfing the cityscape, the larger of Genia’s two moons, AStradia, reflected a relatively bright light into the alley casting long shimmering shadows from the closely huddled patrons. The full moon painted an eerie backdrop, dodging in and out of clouds, to a night that beckoned such promise of mischief.

BeatKhn appeared on cue from the bustling sidewalk, striding with confidence as he approached his eager friends. His swagger was accented by a newly acquired knee length black leather jacket that he was showing off. It was clearly a high-end piece of material with the cut, stitching, grain and detailing as distinct features from Tastii, one of the better leather shops in the city.

He had just started working for a downtown communication company a few months ago. Living at home with his parents afforded him the luxury of his highly-coveted prize. He was making a statement to the crowd that he had arrived, no longer the butt of jokes as the poorly dressed geek in the dilapidated house on the block. BeatKhn seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his newly found confidence as he made the last few strides to join his companions. His tall lean frame and dark curly red hair stood out from the crowd, jokingly flashing his fangs as he smiled in true Genian style.

JanhheK was the first to shout out a reaction, extending his hand to congratulate BeatKhn, Oh man! That’s some styling rag mate.

Wow! Mate, I wouldn’t have recognized you if I’d passed you on the street all spiffed up in that coat. You must be liking the new gig then? EhriK dropped in his comments as the other two shook hands.

Yeah! It’s looking good now. I’m working on some database management projects that, although are not the most interesting things to be doing, do keep me busy and even more importantly paid. Paid damn it! And that reminds me, I was able to get in tight with your friend MarhKHN in the parts department at Inconnus. He was able to get a hold of a couple of Amtergate 5 circuit boards that you were asking for, directing his response to EhriK.

You’re not serious brother. That’s fantastic. I knew that you’d come through. Did you bring them?

No clan, I didn’t know how you were going to get them through security at the club, besides there’s a little something extra attached to one of the boards that you may want to take a look at. That’s what he said anyways.

OK, such as?

I’ll talk to you about it later, it’s regarding the anti-flux capacitor you were talking about last time we met.

Really! You’ve peaked my interest now, I can’t wait to take a look.

BeatKhn was a diehard geek with a rare talent for coming up with the most interesting hardware solutions to EhriK’s crazed quantum molecular projects. They had worked well together through public college where their friendship was forged and despite having their own independent paths to follow these days, managed to support each other when possible. There was a solid reason why he hadn’t mentioned the circuits to him on the Jiptel and especially over the recently revamped Mapnet. Everything, absolutely everything was followed, monitored and measured including the fact that all Genians, native or mixed were implanted with a grade 7 Nano-tracking chip, referred to as the Vise. It had all started with the innocence of IoT (internet of things), getting sensors onto every imaginable device or machine, to PoT (internet of people) and now MoP (Mapnet of people).

The tiny pin sized metal device made of a specially treated bio molecular alloy that was normally inserted at the back of the head just above the top vertebrae, served as the state’s-state of the art tracking device. Discretion was paramount especially with EhriK’s association with the White Pillar. He made it very clear that he wouldn’t have his friends dragged into his affairs as all of these subversive activities were truly risky business.

AnchKa piped up to give her feminine perspective on the new look as well as to break up the conversation between BeatKhn and EhriK which could ramble on for several more minutes before either one came up for air.

It looks hot BeatKhn. I think that your little black book will be filling up faster than you can handle. She leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek and stepped back, waving her finger playfully as a warning. But you had better muck it up a bit before it gets skipped off your back, she said while laughing through her statement.

Yeah mate. You wouldn’t want to be your own worst enemy in this. Here let me take it from you to relieve you from all that miserable aggravation, said JanhheK and made a move, putting his arm around BeatKhn ready to strip it off his shoulders.

BeatKhn would have none of it and quickly countered his move by stepping back. Releasing a well measured strike with his open right hand to JanhheK’s mid-section, with just enough force to send a message. The impact was minimal but he was totally surprised and simply laughed it off to save face.

Looks like you’ve been hanging around EhriK a lot these days.

Not really, it’s probably by osmosis, it’s just rubbed off over the years from sparring with the both of you mutt heads. But you’re right I should make the jacket look a bit ragged up.

Before anyone could get their next round of thoughts thrown into the ring AnchKa spotted an IDtag group heading their way from off the street where BeatKhn had just appeared. What drew her attention was