Ciphered Desires

chapter II

The heavy metal door of the cybernetics clinic groaned on its rusty hinges as Astrid pushed it open, revealing the dimly lit interior of the establishment. Unlike the sterile, clinical atmosphere she had once seen in the Synthopolis, this clinic exuded an air of gritty authenticity. The walls, once white, were now stained with grease and grime, the floor littered with discarded tools and stray wires. The scent of cigarette smoke mingled with the faint odor of antiseptic, creating an unsettling amalgamation of scents that assaulted the senses.

Rows of makeshift examination rooms lined the narrow corridor, separated by flimsy curtains that did little to shield the occupants from prying eyes. The equipment within was outdated and worn, a testament to the clinic's struggle to keep pace with the rapid advancements of the upper echelons of society. Despite its dilapidated appearance, the clinic buzzed with activity, its staff working tirelessly to cater to the needs of its clientele.

At the center of the chaos stood Xena, the clinic's head technician and Astrid's boss. She was a formidable figure, her tall, muscular frame exuding an aura of strength and authority. Her piercing gaze bore into Astrid as she approached, her lips pressed into a thin line of concern.

Xena's appearance matched her reputation. Her jet-black hair was cropped close to her scalp, a stark contrast to the intricate cybernetic tattoos that adorned her scalp and temples. A network of glowing blue circuits pulsed beneath her skin, a visible testament to her mastery of augmentation. Her eyes, a piercing shade of electric blue, seemed to pierce through Astrid's defenses with unnerving precision.

Despite their professional relationship, Xena and Astrid were also close friends, bonded by their shared experiences and mutual respect. Xena had always been there to support Astrid, both in her professional endeavors and her personal struggles. It was this bond that allowed Xena to see past Astrid's facade and recognize her true potential.

As Astrid approached, she could see that Xena was already in the midst of a frantic flurry of activity. She juggled a stack of data pads in her arms while simultaneously talking on her EchoLink, her brow furrowed with worry.

Abruptly hanging up her call, Xena kept her voice low and urgent as she motioned for Astrid to approach. "We need to talk."

Astrid nodded in acknowledgment, concern etching lines of worry on her face as she followed Xena into a secluded corner of the clinic, away from prying eyes.

"What's going on?" Astrid inquired, her voice hushed as she leaned in closer to Xena.

Xena's expression darkened with concern as she glanced around to ensure their conversation remained private. "It's Jax," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the din of the clinic. "He's gone missing."

Astrid's eyes widened in alarm at the mention of Jax's name. Jax, a talented technician known for his innovative designs and unorthodox methods, was a valued member of their team. His sudden disappearance sent a shiver of unease down Astrid's spine, the implications of his absence weighing heavily on her mind.

"We need to find him," Astrid asserted, her voice tinged with urgency. "Have you contacted Nightwatch?"

Xena shook her head, her expression grim. "Not yet. I was hoping we could handle this internally first," she admitted. "But if we don't hear from him soon..."

Her words trailed off, the unspoken implications hanging heavily in the air. Astrid knew all too well the dangers that lurked in the shadows of the Wirelands, where disappearances were all too common and justice was a rare commodity. Nightwatch, a covert organization born from the desperation of residents fed up with government neglect, was an option if worse came to worst. Their methods were mysterious, their presence felt, but rarely acknowledged. If anyone could track down their missing colleague, it would be them. However, with all the disappearances recently, who knows how long it could take.