Guanxi

Prologue

Welcome to the beginning of our tale! Sit down, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, yell into a pillow to let out some stress, and relax. I don't mean to sound grandiose or bigheaded, but bear with me while I introduce you to the vast cybernetics-laden universe of this story.

Humanity has conquered two things, both the stars and death. Centuries ago they moved from a planet Earth they themselves ravaged and spread across whatever worlds they could, colonizing them under the banners of nations and those wealthy enough to establish 'Kingdom Planets'. There's also corporate-controlled planets but I think those are pretty self-explanatory.

Perhaps capitalism is overextending itself with those latter two sorts, you may think. Or not. I don't control your thoughts! Or do I? Who even am I? Find out maybe after this next important tidbit of information!

So, as new planets were colonized another important event occurred: the creation of the drive. A drive is a cartridge the size of a USB stick with enough storage capabilities to house an entire human mind. With this, humanity faced a change unlike any other. Now a whole new industry was at the top of the food chain: Secondary Inhabitable Vessels, more commonly known as SIVs. These are bodies made with a slot in the head for the drive to slide into, allowing the consciousness inside to have a new life.

SIVs were at first simple clones, their price being too high for common people. As you can imagine though, as the years went by people found new ways to use the concept as it got more integrated into society and the price of the procedure got lower. Android bodies, cyborgs, repurposing discarded bodies, custom made bodies...They all came about.

These are the foundations of the stage this story is set on, and with that all out of the way its time for us to truly begin. Oh, and I've decided not to tell you who I am. It'll keep things interesting for--

"Enough of this. Begin already."

Mistress, will you not at least let me act as if I am a storyteller? It's magical to think of myself as someone introducing a listener to our shithole of a universe!

"I want us to make the most of our long ride instead of delaying what I've procured you for."

As you wish then, young miss. We'll begin properly...

~~~~~ 

Hundreds of people dead in an explosion that leveled whole city blocks. It happened in an American city, San Rosa, and originated within the halls of Erwitan Hall. A gala was taking place with many of the universe's biggest names. The city is in chaos. Worlds watch on to see the response to the seemingly random act.

That's where we begin with this story, and the summation of all the information prosecutor Tyrone Temitope had when he was called to the home of Asuka Ourifitz. He was a relative to one of those who died. 

Tyrone liked the sound of a big paycheck. He assumed he and his associates would get one if they completed a job for the wealthy Ourifitz. He also hoped that his hastily put together suit and decently combed hair would make the cut. Tyrone had some crazy nights when he was off work, ones like last night if you catch my meaning.

A guard allowed him to enter through the front doors and escorted him to Ourifitz, who was lying down on a seat like he was expecting a therapist. Tyrone found his eyes wandering to all the gold adorning various objects. 

"Mr. Temitope, a pleasure." Ourifitz stated, not bothering to look at the man he was adressing.

"Mm, great to meet your acquaintance sir." Tyrone replied. He had that response ready like a record at this point.

Ourifitz sat up straight, exposing the dark circles under his eyes properly. "I'm sure you heard of the...Tragedy, that occurred in San Rosa, yes?"