Captain Laserhawk - Lost Stories

The Codec

Zero POV:

"Do You want to be entertained? Don't change the channel. Because in two minutes, I will die before your eyes. I've leaked my location to your overlord, Eden Innovation Technologies, a corporation that rose from a crumbling empire that was once called the United States of America. Crim, poverty, anarchy. Eden made it all disappear by bringing UBI, Universal Basic Income, and an idealist stipend for obedience. Yeah, Eden saved you. They've brought you stability. You're free now. Mm-hmm. You are free to work, as long as it's for Eden. You are free to eat, as long as it's Eden's food. Free to consume Eden's revisionist bullshit. And if you don't agree... they will instantaneously turn you into something you're not. A monster. A terrorist to shoot on sight. No arrest. No trail. Just as they are about to murder me. So you bow before Eden, regurgitating their propaganda in exchange for their daily handouts. But deep down inside you, you know there's only one way out. You're done being entertained. There is another way. join us. Join the revolution".

I was in MegaCity 2, on the roof of a building drinking a glass of lemonade watching a blimp show a broadcast of Eden's number one enemy, Marcus Holloway. After that played Rayman's show describing the Niji 6 and Cody Rhodes' wrestling match. I just look at the highways and see the cars driving past. Soon Valmet came and leaned next to the railing.

Valmet: Hey Z. It's a very nice night.

Zero: Not as nice as you, Valmet.

Valmet: Oh, you flirt. I love it when you say nice things.

It's been a whole year since I escaped the labs and met Valmet. We've been guns for hire and raking in money. But we still sought to escape Eden. One day, we came across a tip about a special device called the Codec that can store unlimited and untracable credits. Luckily for us, we've been hired by an Eden Executive as additional security for their party.

Zero: So, soon enough we'll be sailing into the sunset together?

Valmet: Yep. In two days, the two of us are out of Eden spending all our time with each other on the beach.

Zero: Any chance we could snag a few credits while we're here? Have our own personal celebration before we get that Codec?

Valmet: You really need to ask me that question when you know the answer?

The Eden Executive comes onto the roof with his body guard and is clearly tipsy from the booze.

Exec: Hey you two, thanks again for coming here. I feel much safer knowing recommended mercs are watching my back. I promise you're money from this will allow you to take it easy for weeks.

Bodyguard: Sir, you should take it easy.

Exec: I am, I switched to lemonade just like this kid. It's surprisingly tasty. Did you know it was tasty?

I pat his back as I try to have him move away

Zero: If you're not feeling well, go to the bathroom. You said it yourself you have a rep.

Bodyguard: Sir, let me take you to your room.

I pat the bodyguard's back as well.

Zero: Listen to your guard, she knows what's good for you.

Bodyguard: Do not touch me, please.

Zero: Sorry.

The guard takes the exec away and Valmet moves closer to me.

Valmet: You got what we need.

Zero: Yep.

I hold out my hand and a black, shadowy substance moves on my palms before disappearing.