Can Ci Pin/Imperfections(残次品)BL by Priest

Chapter 5

"There is evidence of a strong association between the Toxic Nest and interstellar pirates, according to the conversation we overheard," Zhanlu said.

B4 crossed his legs, looking out of the car window. The twisted space field outside was very dizzying, and could make one puke if they stared at it even for a few seconds, but B4 was quite used to it. He did not say a word after Zhanlu finished speaking.

Zhanlu realized something suddenly during the silence, and corrected himself.

"Sorry, Sir. That part of my basic lexicon has not been updated yet."

According to a clause in the IU Anti-Pirate Law, any unauthorized military is an interstellar pirate group. Naturally, Black Hole was among them.

"Get rid of that lizard when we get back. Get a parrot instead," B4 said, "It'll help you fit right in as a pirate."

Zhanlu quickly scanned his huge database, finding a cartoon picture from the Ancient Earth Era— a corsair captain with a ferocious face, and a parrot with an equally ferocious face perched on his shoulder.

After analyzing the picture for some time, he came to a realization.

"Oh, you are joking."

B4 anxiously massaged his brow.

Zhanlu gave an unsettling, mechanical laugh, "Ha-ha-ha."

To prevent Zhanlu from telling another cold joke in return, B4 changed the subject. "Penny is a local gangster from planet Beijing, and a capable one at that. It's not that easy to get rid of her. Did you find out how he did it?"

"Yes, sir. I found it under his skin," said Zhanlu, presenting a bloody biochip, "I was unable to figure out what it is in such a short amount of time. If the chip is implanted in his heart, upon activation, it will cause all humans and artificial intelligence within a small area to experience a shared illusion."

B4's gaze sharpened immediately, resembling an icy blade.

"He was aware that he was being watched this afternoon. To get rid of Penny, he disguised the boy and himself as two beggars, and he succeeded. He got on a city shuttle, trying to escape through Venus Harbor. There were other 13 passengers but no one was aware. The collective illusion woke up the Forbidden Fruit system in my body, therefore I was not affected by it. I performed some tests on the way, trying to release some of the interference; however, only one girl broke free of it. She happened to have vacucerebral syndrome. In order to ensure the safety of the innocents, I hacked into the public transportation system, forcing it to stop at the Speakeasy and sent a message to Miss Penny," Zhanlu answered in his usual smooth tone. "Sir, I suspect that this chip utilizes the same principles as Eden, but much simpler."

B4 frowned. "I may not be able to get you a research group here in such a short time."

"I know, sir. I will figure it out by myself." He paused for a second, and asked again, "May I ask, do you still want to look for..."

"Don't tell me the probability. I know your algorithm," B4 interrupted him. He clenched his jaw for a second, then tapped the car gently, "We're going to leave soon. It's okay to give up if we can't find him anyway. Too many children have died in this cursed place. The kid's probably gone too."

"Sir..."

"If he's gone, he's gone." B4 did not express too much emotions, "During hard times, one may not necessarily even have a good life. Have we arrived?"

The car had already passed the space field and arrived at the back entrance of the speakeasy in the span of the short conversation. The wheels were silent as they touched down, nothing but the shifting of the light snowflakes. The high-speed motors that had parked there were not there now, suggesting that the traffic lights group and Penny had gone.

Spider had used the space platform as well when he tried to escape; however, since he was the only one there, the space platform starting up caused great commotion. The location error seemed to be great, too— otherwise he would not have needed to pretend he was a beggar, hiking to Venus Harbor through cold and hunger.

Meanwhile, Zhanlu could control a vehicle weighing multiple tons, passing through the space platform and locating the narrow alley leading to the Speakeasy's backdoor, which required precision or else one would be on the fence as to whether or not it was even a car.

The two space platforms appeared similar, but any expert could tell that they were as different as heaven and hell— like "gay sports" and an interstellar mech.

It was a pity that there was rampant illiteracy in the "uncivilized" Eighth Galaxy, and no one could appreciate the beauty of technology.

That wasn't entirely true, one could still find people who shared the appreciation. However...