Chapter Five - Professionalism

Chapter Five - Professionalism

Chapter Five - Professionalism

The importance of Samurai in our modern society cannot be overstated. In the 1900s there was a surge of popularity centered around celebrities, especially in the West. Movie stars, musicians, sports stars. They became the idols of their generations, faces and names known to all.

After the initial incursions, some attention turned to the Samurai who had, seemingly, saved us all.

That attention turned to idolization as the full scope of what they could do became known.

That is why it is imperative Nimbletainment continues to be the predominant holder of the image rights of Samurai across North America.Geett the latest novels at novelhall.coment CEO during a company-wide brief. 2037

***

So, I said. How?

What? Deus Ex asked.

I gestured to the television where Katallinas face was still displayed. You want me to find that girl, right? How?

Deus shrugged. I dont know. You figure it out. Itll be like a test or something.

Or something, I repeated, deadpan. I gave her my flattest look. Youre real professional, arent you?

The girl bristled at that, sitting straighter in her seat and glaring right back at me before her face twisted to neutrality. Fine, she said. If you need someone to baby you, I can take some of my precious time to help you.

I snorted. Maybe that would have tweaked the pride of someone who hadnt had my stellar upbringing, but it did nothing for me. The kittens regularly came up with better insults. So how do you expect me to find her? Better yet, how would you do it?

She rolled her eyes. Ill give you a packet with her info. The moment she said that, I got a ping in my vision, an email.

I blinked a few times to open it, then noticed that I had five digits worth of unread emails. Damn, how come my email hasnt blown up yet? It was a good thing I was using one of the free email services. Some charged a fee for every email. Those usually had all sorts of encryptions and stuff, and they claimed not to sell your messages to advertisers, but I never got anything important enough to warrant that.

I might have had something to do with that. You receive a lot of spam. And viruses. Also, images of genitals. The news that youve become a Vanguard isnt widely circulated yet, but some people have connected the dots.

I winced. Just delete all the nasty ones... well, keep the nudes if theyre tasteful.

No.

The afternoon was turning really sour, especially compared to the morning. I opened Deus Exs email, then stared at an image of Deus Ex giving me the finger before a plain background. Uh.

Oh. The information is all in the image. Its stored in the images pixelation, with different colour values representing different bits in hex. The sequence to read these is randomized with the code to decipher the randomization written as a multiplication of the images resolution. Once the actual code is parsed, you need only de-encrypt it. Its a bit simple, and Ive no doubt that even some humans could figure it out given a few hours, but for non-sensitive information it will do.

Uh, I said.

You know, talking to your AI out loud is generally a sign that youre really new, Deus Ex said.

That might be because I am new, I said. Besides, its impossible to snark through text.

Ohh, Ill only get to hear half the conversation then, Lucy said.

I guess so.

That is easily remedied. One moment.

I wondered what she was up to, then Dumbass the First skittered its way into the livingroom and hopped onto one of the sofas. It wiggled around to face us, then lowered itself down. Greetings, the drone said in Myalis voice. It was a little strange hearing her out loud.

Hi Myalis! Lucy said with a wave.

Im still physically within Catherines skull, Im merely using the drone as a mouthpiece, Myalis explained. Nonetheless, its a pleasure to speak with you through a more reliable method than Catherines abysmal communication skills.

Hey!

She is really bad sometimes, Lucy agreed. Its all threats, and cute little grunts.

H-hey! this time my ire was directed at the girl on my lap.

Myalis bobbed up and down.

Youre both awful, I said. Then Lucy gave me a conciliatory peck on the cheek and I settled in to just pouting until they stopped teasing me.

This mission, if we can call it that, is rather simple in its objective, but I suspect that carrying it out will be a great deal more complicated, Myalis said. Evidence of Katalina's disappearance will be time sensitive. Tracking her down might also be difficult.

So youre saying we should head out sooner rather than later? I asked.

Essentially, yes.

I really didnt want to leave. I was comfortable, with Lucys bony behind digging into my thighs and my arms wrapped around her waist. Leaving was the last thing I wanted to do.

Whos Katallina? Lucy asked.

Shes a girl that went missing. She might be a Samurai, maybe. Deus Ex wants me to track her down, make sure shes alright, I explained.

Oh. That does sound kind of important, Lucy said.

Mmm, I guess. I sank into Lucy a bit. I should probably take off. The faster I find this girl the sooner I can return.

Lucy pressed a kiss on my cheek. Ill be waiting here, she said.

I smiled. I know. Ill leave the Dumbasses here, to keep an eye on the kittens.

That would be nice. I bet Myalis is a great babysitter.

I regret informing you of my ability to communicate, Myalis said.

***