Ciphered Desires

chapter VI

The relentless alarms from the Synthopolis drones had kept Astrid up all night, leaving her on edge and weary as she stumbled into the clinic earlier that morning. She was late, her mind foggy from the lack of sleep, but there was no time to dwell on her exhaustion. The Lunar Festival was just three days away, and the clinic was bustling with clients eager for last-minute enhancements to stand out during the festivities.

Among them was Kara, a striking woman with neon hair that seemed to dance with electric hues under the clinic's fluorescent lights. Her hair cascaded in waves of vibrant purples and blues, framing her angular face in a mesmerizing display of color.

As Kara settled into the chair, her eyes sparkled with anticipation, reflecting the vibrant hues of her hair. She exuded a sense of confidence and excitement, her presence commanding attention amidst the bustling clinic. Despite the weariness etched into Astrid's features from a sleepless night, she couldn't help but admire Kara's boldness and vitality.

Practically everyone knew each other in the Wirelands, a tight-knit community bound together by shared struggles and aspirations. Astrid had crossed paths with Kara on numerous occasions, their interactions brief but memorable.

Kara worked as a freelance tech scavenger, scouring the depths of the Wirelands for discarded cybernetic components and salvaging them for resale or personal use. She was known for her resourcefulness and ingenuity, often turning the scraps of others into valuable commodities through her skillful craftsmanship.

Astrid, despite her fatigue, was focused as she meticulously worked on Kara's LED implants. With delicate precision, she carefully attached the tiny luminescent nodes to Kara's skin, ensuring each one was positioned perfectly to create the desired effect. Kara winced slightly as Astrid made the final adjustments, the sensation akin to tiny pinpricks against her skin.

Despite the discomfort, Kara remained still, her eyes fixed on Astrid's hands as they moved with practiced expertise. With a sense of satisfaction, Astrid activated the devices, a soft hum filling the air as the LEDs came to life. Kara gasped in awe as her skin began to glow with an ethereal radiance, the vibrant hues casting a mesmerizing glow that danced across her features.

"It's amazing," Kara exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder as she admired her new glow in the mirror. "Thank you so much! You're a miracle worker!"

Astrid smiled wearily, her fatigue momentarily forgotten as she basked in the warmth of Kara's gratitude. Despite the long hours and sleepless nights, moments like these made it all worthwhile.

As Astrid watched Kara leave, she pondered the possibilities of getting LED implants for herself. However, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of apprehension. Drawing any more attention to herself in the tightly monitored streets of the Wirelands was a risk she couldn't afford to take. Perhaps temporary implants would suffice for the festival, allowing her to blend in with the revelers without raising suspicion.

With a growl of hunger, Astrid realized it was well past lunchtime. She pushed open the door to the employee room, greeted by the dim hum of the refrigerator. Retrieving her pre-packed meal from the small, worn-out refrigerator, she glanced around the room, it was empty, as usual.

Her lunch bag, a faded canvas tote adorned with patches she had crafted herself, swung lightly from her shoulder. Among them were patches bearing symbols of resistance and rebellion, reflecting her own defiance. She had also stitched a small emblem depicting a pet she had been wanting for years, a mechanical cat with glowing eyes and sleek, metallic fur.

But in the Wirelands, where even the most basic necessities were a luxury, owning a pet was a distant dream. Pets were a rare sight, usually only seen within the confines of the Synthopolis, where they were pampered and adored by the affluent inhabitants. Astrid knew that even if she were able to acquire one, she wouldn't be able to provide the care and attention it deserved, her work at the clinic often keeping her away for long hours at a time.