Gods and Monsters

V

Quantum Technologies London HQ - Canary Wharf, London

Mike stepped out of his car, with Atlin in tow, and stood in front of the glass and chrome exterior of the Quantum Technologies building. "God, I hate it already," Mike said.

"C'mon Mike, I'm sure it won't be that bad," Atlin chuckled as they walked over to the revolving entrance.

"Alright, but if someone offers me a ride on a hoverboard, I might just have to deck 'em."

Atlin smiled quaintly as they entered the building and took sight of the flashing screens that decorated the white walls. A large image of Jack Canterbury, the CEO of Quantum Technologies, alongside some of the company board members and some young school children was just one example of the work that QT did with local communities although there was always an air of suspicion behind the pictures. The smiles were too bright, the suits too neatly pressed to be genuine, but who was going to question a company with a revenue in the multi-trillions?

"How was your date the other night, squib?" Mike asked Atlin who was continuing to gaze around the lobby of the Kasbah that Quantum Technologies called their London headquarters.

Shaking herself from the images and videos which adorned the interior, Atlin thought about Mike's question. It had been four days since Atlin had gone on her first date with her new girlfriend, Jessica. Having originally come from South Korea, Jessica was still adapting to English culture, but overall their date had been good, a simple game of bowling after a film, but Atlin felt it had gone well enough for a second date.

"Yeah, not too bad, thanks." She struggled to keep a coy smile from appearing on her face as her cheeks grew redder.

The two detectives walked up to the large metallic desk in the centre of the lobby to speak to one of the receptionists. A few screens were advertising the latest products Quantum Technologies were working on — everything from new phones to cures for dementia. They certainly lived up to their tagline, the industry leaders in every industry.

"Sir, madam," the young receptionist said, "Welcome to Quantum Technologies. What can I help you with today?" The receptionist didn't look too dissimilar to Jessica actually which made Atlin feel slightly flush. Her onyx hair hung loosely over her porcelain-like features while Atlin could only hope that the receptionist was wearing heels as she stood up from her desk and towered over the two police officers.

"We were hoping to have a chat with your boss," Mike replied.

"I'm sorry sir, you'll need to make an appointment if you wish to see Mr. Canterbury."

Atlin flashed her police badge to the receptionist, "I'm sure he can find a bit of time."

Continued in Part 6