High Off the Lows

Chapter 01

"Finally, SICA-10, you'll be stationed at the Redvel building."

"Yes, sir."

"That is all. SICA team, you are dismissed."

SICA-10 surveyed the list of suspected bombing locations one last time before he rose out of his chair and merged with the rest of his team as they exited the briefing room. It was no surprise to him that he had been assigned to the location with the lowest priority in the mission. They didn't even give him a partner.

SICA-10 headed over to the equipment lockers down the hallway. He made his way to his own locker, number 0227, and punched in the code to unlock it. He reached in and removed two large tool belts equipped with a variety of gadgets, most of which he never had the chance to use, along with some medical supplies. He made sure his navy blue dress shirt was tucked in before slinging the belts diagonally across each of his shoulders, forming a cross on his chest and back. Though the division's shirt and insignia were standard issue, the diversity of the team's members called for a bit of flexibility in terms of apparel, and SICA-10 had taken the time to fashion a unique set of field gear to suit his abilities and preference.

Just as he turned to face the mirror attached to his locker door, there was some shuffling as another group entered the adjacent locker bay.

"I suppose I should ready myself to encounter an explosion today," said a man's voice, "Hopefully, we can resolve this soon."

"Agreed," replied a woman's voice. "Also, SICA-5, I saw that they put that cyborg at the bottom on the list. Are you sure he'll be alright?"

"For the time being, he is unstable, so it would be in our best interest to minimize his responsibilities. That said, as our communications coordinator, your role is crucial to us, Harold."

"Of course. As always, I will remain vigilant for SICA team's sake."

SICA-10 heard the click-clack of Harold's heels as she exited the locker area, followed by the opening of SICA-5's locker door.

Florescent light glinted off the silver on SICA-10's jagged insignia. As he adjusted their alignment on his lapel, his mind drifted back to his role in the mission. They were right about him being unstable. SICA-10 cursed the fact that, even after several months of being on the field team, he routinely failed to control his own semi-robotic body. In fact, he was beginning to believe that one of his vexatious mechanical limbs would eventually lead to a stupidly dull and pointless demise. But he knew that he shouldn't to linger on the subject directly before a mission, so he quietly exited the locker bay and headed towards his post.

---

According to the reconnaissance team, the bomber's two previous targets were small, unoccupied office buildings. The attacks had caused a few injuries, but no casualties. HESTA team had compiled a list of three suspect locations for the next bombing. Third on the list was the Redvel building, but unlike the other predicted targets, it was too busy and a bombing there would mean significant collateral damage. Furthermore, it was located on the opposite side of the city from the other locations, leaving SICA-10 far from the action and very, very alone.

As a fairly amicable person, SICA-10 enjoyed talking to, and even flirting with, people who fascinated him. Without a partner on missions, he tended to act on any opportunity, reasonable or not, to speak to civilians. When he was in a truly solitary state, he would often lose himself scripting monologues in his head in order to satiate the urge to speak. And so that is exactly what he was doing after almost three hours positioned on the rooftop of the Redvel building, when he noticed that something had gone amiss.