“The repairs will be lengthy but they will be fine. We understand why you had to,” R.Dash replied.
“Oh, and you guys really gotta take better care of your ICMs. Wouldn’t want anything bad happening again, you know?” Caiden counseled her.
“Indeed,” she replied.
“So, what are you guys gonna do now?” he asked.
“We need some serious updating, and we plan to search for a particular ‘someone’. I believe we are in dire need of her wisdom right about now. But I will say this; if you are ever in a pinch and need our help, you have an assured ally in us,” R.Dash said.
“That’s great to know. Good luck on your quest,” Caiden said. R.Dash bowed her head and turned around, signaling to her large crew to leave. Eddi stayed behind.
“Hey, Caiden.”
“Eddi, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you. You were a big help,” Caiden said.
Eddi looked down, to his left, then to his right; he was embarrassed. Caiden laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Eddi asked.
“Oh, it’s nothing. You guys are really fascinating, that’s all,” Caiden said.
Eddi, like the other androids, had humanoid metal faces, which were designed to enable them to show the many complex facial expressions humans make. He smiled wholeheartedly. “Here’s our contact info. Hold out your holo-watch,” he said.
Caiden held out his left wrist and Eddi transferred a cluster of data. In the cluster were the locations of all the Sentience safehouses, terminals, along with his and R.Dash’s contact info. There was also an encrypted message included in the cluster.
“Wait, what?”
“Shh, just check it out when you have a moment to yourself," Eddi whispered.
“Okay, I guess,” Caiden spoke softly.
Eddi waved goodbye and caught up with the rest of the group.
“Well that was a shit show. Glad no one got their head blown off,” Pierce said.
“You saved my ass, Pierce. But why’d you come?” Caiden asked.
“Don’t ask me, kid. My body moved of its own accord,” Pierce flippantly replied. “Anyway, it’s a good thing I came. Somebody had to save your crazy ass.”
“I appreciate your help, asshole,” Caiden joked.
Pierce smiled. “Anyway, we’re outta here. Thanks to you, my other businesses can be restored now that The Sentience is back to normal.”
“Shady guy, you are,” Caiden humorously scolded Pierce.
“Ha! Whatever. Later, kid! Think I’m gonna go pay Athena another visit,” Pierce said as he and his bodyguards walked away. They got in their convoy of vehicles and drove off.
“Hey, you good?” Vantz asked Caiden as they were walking toward Caiden’s hypercycle.
“Me? Oh, yeah. I’m fine,” he replied.
“You sure, dude? Any normal person would’ve had their head blown off their shoulders taking that nasty punch the way you did. That’s a pretty nasty gash on your face,” Vantz said.
“I’m good. Nothing to worry about,” Caiden said. Vantz shrugged his shoulders, but remained unusually quiet.
Vantz was never lost for words. But in this case, who could blame him for being quiet? “You didn’t have to come. Risking your life like that. I mean, I could’ve handled it myself, somehow,” Vantz said after the awkward silence.
“What are you talking about now?” Caiden asked.
“What? You expecting me to thank you or something? I can fight too you know! We did train under the same master!” Vantz yelled. Caiden stopped in his tracks and turned around, blankly staring in disbelief.
Vantz tried to search for the right words. “It’s just, it’s always been like this. Ever since we were younger.”
“You and your mom are the only family I have. What the fuck did you expect me to do?” Caiden said.
“But, Caide!” Vantz looked at his phone. “Why is Yvora calling me?”
“Duh! You were just kidnapped! She’s probably worried. Answer it,” Caiden said.
“Hey there, pretty girl. What’s up?” He said, answering like nothing was wrong.
“Oh my god! Is that really you, Vantz? I’m so glad you’re safe!” Yvora screamed through the phone.
“Yeah I’m all good here. Just had a little scuffle, nothing to worry about,” he said.
“Oh, man. I’m so relieved! Are you hurt? Wait! Is your friend Caiden there? Last time I saw him he took off after you.” Yvora said.
“Whoa, slow down now. Take a deep breath. I’m fine, and yes Caide is here with me now,” Vantz said.
“Oh, good! So glad you guys aren’t hurt! Hey, um, would I be able to speak to Caiden really quick?” Yvora asked.
Vantz grinned. “Uh, sure.” He gestured to Caiden with the phone in his hand, ear to ear smile on his face.
“What are you smiling like that for?” Caiden asked.
Vantz gestured one more time and Caiden took the phone. “Uh, hello?” Caiden asked tentatively.
“Hi. It’s me, Yvora. Are you okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, more or less.”
“I think we should hang out some time. I mean, well, it’s just that you seemed to be having such a good time on the dancefloor back at the club. I figured we should, you know, pick up where we left off? Maybe?” Yvora said.
“Um, sure. O-okay,” Caiden replied in shock.
“Great! How about tomorrow night? Well technically it would be tonight since it's already three in the morning now, but you get what I mean. Meet me at my place around eight p.m. Sound good?” she asked.
“Okay,” Caiden replied.
“Awesome! I’ll see you later! I’ll have Vantz give me your number and I’ll text you my contact info. Don’t forget to check your phone when you get home. Bye!” she said, hanging up. Caiden handed the phone back to Vantz.
“Looks like somebody’s got a date! Am I right?” Vantz asked.
“I dunno. I guess?” Caiden replied.
“Look at you! ‘Uh, uh, o-okay’. That’s all that you could say? You should see the stupid look on your face!” Vantz said, contorting his face and imitating Caiden’s surprised expression. “This is awesome! I just knew you two would hit it off man! You got the prettiest girl in the city, hands down. And you put in zero work for it, all thanks to me!” Vantz continued with a celebratory tone.
The two
