“Are you Athena?” he asked.
“Who the fuck are you to be asking?” the leader shot back.
“My name is Caiden. I was told someone named Athena could help me find someone. I was sent here by Wizard. That ring a bell?” he replied.
The women began to whisper. Some were cautious, still aiming their weapons at him. The others were commenting on his eyes and how intense they looked. The leader stepped forward, pacing in a circle around Caiden to inspect him and gauge whether or not he imposed a threat. She stopped in front of him, and stared at him in silence.
“Wizard doesn’t just send anyone to us. That woman is as calculated as they come. What’s your relationship with her?” she asked.
“I returned a favor for something she did for me a few nights ago,” he replied.
“Then I guess you must be pretty special. She usually charges an arm or a leg for favors. My name is Athena. Nice to meet you, Caiden, it was?” Athena said as she gestured for her crewmembers to lower their weapons. After he passed the inspection of sorts, he was shocked to find that Athena was very cooperative.
“So, what can I help with?” she asked.
“A good friend of mine was kidnapped earlier tonight at Club Cosmica. Got into a scuffle with a presumed member of The Sentience in an attempt to stop them from taking my friend. Needless to say, they took me by surprise and got away. I was told that you may know of these androids whereabouts. Am I right?” he said.
“Hmm, that’s definitely serious. I’ve been hearing some troubling shit about those androids for a few months now. Their recent actions don’t make any sense,” she said.
“So, can you help me?” he said.
“That depends,” she replied.
“Look, if it’s about my showing up on your turf unannounced, I apologize. But my friend is in danger, and—”
“Say no more. I’ll help you, but you need to do something for me,” she said.
“Okay. What is it?” he asked.
“Kera, bring me the package,” she called out.
Kera went into the Chrome Pit and came back with a small box that was securely wrapped with packaging tape. Caiden looked at the package, then at them, confused.
“The man you are bringing this package to is a man who has his ear to the streets. Pretty much knows all the dark shit that goes on in the city. Goes by the name of Pierce. He's got a bar called 'Lotus' in Merchant's Rowe. He will have a much better idea of where those androids are. He does some dealings with them. But anyway, just tell him I sent you, and once he sees this package he’ll know you’re legit,” Athena stated. Caiden was hesitant. He stared at the package that Kera was still holding. He then glared at Athena.
“I’m sorry, sweetie. I can’t tell you what’s in there, but trust me, it isn’t a bomb or drugs, but it is something important,” Athena said.
Caiden took the box from Kera and shook it; it felt as light as a feather. He gave them another baffled look. They simply laughed it off. "You best be on your way there, pretty eyes,” she said.
Caiden put the box in his pocket. “Thanks for the help.”
“Good luck finding your friend,” Athena replied. Caiden nodded, went back to his bike, revved up the engine and took off. Destination; Central Andromeda District, Merchant’s Rowe.
CHAPTER 16
---usr/systems/server-x/MERCHANT’S ROWE---
He pulled up to an old paifang gate. It had thick wooden beams, supported by cement bases that were bound together. The top of the gate was governed in gold-plated roof shingles. On each end, were symmetrical dragon statues etched in limestone. On the gold-plated sign was calligraphic writing that read ‘Welcome to Merchant’s Rowe, Place of Commerce’. The design was archaic, but majestic. It was an interesting and graceful contrast to the actual neighborhood it gave way to.
Beyond the gate was the ill-famed Merchant’s Rowe, sometimes known as ‘Murderer’s Rowe’. It was another part of the city where illegal activity was common and under policed. It was home to many black market events, including genetic altering clinics, illegal cybernetic replacements and enhancements, and gambling spots. There were also illegal Psych Booths; they were mood altering clinics that use special VR machines originally developed to cure depression, schizophrenia and other psychological disorders. It had since been outlawed, but others saw it as an opportunity for extreme recreational use.
Caiden drove his hypercycle into a shabby public garage, parked and opened the compartment where his gun was. Securing the gun in the holster under his coat, and checking that Athena’s package was still in his coat pocket, he looked around to make sure no one else was nearby and put the chameleo-ware cloak over the bike. Walking to the edge of the musty garage, he looked through the opening down to the street level below; it was very busy. He descended the rusty metal stairs and walked out into the busy, narrow street. The night sky showcased an entrancing silver half-moon, and the sidewalks were packed with vendor booths, shops, and street performers.
There were very few street lights; the majority of the lighting came from traditional paper lanterns that were propped up on specialized bamboo supports or across the streets on clothing lines. The majority of these lanterns were red and had ‘Commerce’ written in them in a calligraphic font.
On one side of the street were sex shops, peep shows, small-time brothels, and different sex exhibits. The showgirls moved and posed provocatively to entice passing customers. Their display booths were encased in reinforced glass. Almost every show girl display room was lit a glowing red to enhance the licentious appeal and add to the overall mood of the area.
A little further down, freshly cooked food was available for purchase. There were dozens of restaurants and food stands with an assortment of delicious and unique dishes. Some of the best
