Hollow Point Happiness

Case 11: Pocket Change

Chris walked out of the apartment early in the morning, he wanted to be done with his plans early in the day so he could pick up Ash that afternoon. Pulling his jacket close he made his way down the stairs towards the street. After about 15 minutes of walking through the snowy fog, he found himself at a small shop crammed into an inlet between 2 skyscrapers.

"Hey, Brad. The same as always."
"Yep, I'll be back in a sec. It's going to be 3.5 Neuro."

Chris pulled out his wallet and pulled out a few coins to place on the counter. The man came back and placed a bouquet on the counter as he picked up the coins.

"This is only 2.8."
"Sorry, it's all I have. I'll make it up to you later."
Squinting at Chris the man scoffs, "Whatever, you're a regular so I'll trust you."
"Thanks, Brad."
"Pay me back, then thank me."

Chris hurried back out into the foggy and frozen world. Shifting through the crowd and keeping the flowers close to himself to avoid people hitting them.

"Mr. Cartwin, I'd advise you to take a car it is currently 17 degrees out."
Chris tapped his earpiece, "Didn't I tell you to leave me alone, you're costing me money using up my electricity."
"I'm a Health Monitor AI, you can't have me turned off without your doctor's permission."
"Whatever, I'm not taking a car so leave me alone AVA."

The snow was getting thick and it was extremely difficult to see but Chris trudged on. Eventually, 2 large forms appeared in the distances, slowly forming into the world Chris looked at the 2 massive gate posts, above it read "Interplanetary Police Memorial Cemetary". He pushed open the gates and made his way inside and walking down a small path. It was impossible to see any of the signs so Chris just counted the number of rows he passed. On the 18th row he made a right turn down a smaller path. Counting the number of headstones he passed making his way to 57. At number 50 he noticed something, a shadowy figure over standing over the 57th headstone.

"What the hell? Hey you! What are you doing!"

No response, he started to storm over.

"Leave that alone!"

Still no response, Chris started to make the figure out as he got close. Clocked in black.

"Hey! I'm talking to you!"

Sticking a hand out he pulled the figure away from the grave and threw it to the ground.

"Oh, um."

The figure's sensors adjusted and it gave out a monotone voice.

"Please refrain from damaging graveyard property, this unit is currently cleaning. If it is in the way please provide it 5 minutes for it to move on."

The figure was a simple robot, dressed in funeral attire. Chris stepped back as the robot stood itself up and resumed polishing the headstone. After a few minutes, it stood and moved over to the next headstone and Chris moved to kneel in front of the headstone. He placed the flowers on the grave. Genetically altered green roses, their petals were glass-like and highly reflective.

"Hey Emerald. It's been some time since I visited last. But, life's changed a lot recently so I figured I'd stop by to keep you updated." He breathed out heavily, "I'm... not a cop anymore. I messed up I guess. I got greedy... that's what Chuck said anyway. I want to be mad at him... but I know he's right. Speaking of Chuck, he's doing good. He took over as Chief after Alex stepped down. I always knew it would one of you to take over for him, you and Chuck were always Dad's favorite unit after all."

He was quiet for a long time as he stroked at the petals of the flowers.

"I haven't given up though. I'm going to avenge you... I got the best person in the galaxy to do it, spent every last cent on it. Plus, that way I'll be able to stay at home with Ash instead of going out myself. I plan to take up small jobs again to pay for everything but I'm broke right now... please don't tell Ash that though. Well, I've gotta go, I need to get home so I can pick Ash up on time."

He stood and started to make his way down the path when a noise behind him caught his attention. Turning around he looked into the fog.

"You know stepping on twigs makes noise right?"

A hand falls on his shoulder from behind, his heart dropped. A thickly accented woman's voice filled his ear with a whisper.

"And noise is a distraction."

Chris turned to face the voice.

"Oh, it's you two. I was wondering when you would show up."

Chris looked the woman over. She was an African woman of average height, maybe 5' 6". Her head was completely shaven and her face was covered in piercings. Then he looked at the man. A large burly man, of maybe South American origin if Chris had to guess. He stood towering and was close to 6' 8", he was also shaven and had many piercings.
 Removing her hand from his shoulder Chris noticed she wore black gloves and had what looked like snake tattoos running down both arms with the heads hidden under the gloves. The man was to match with gloves and tattoos.

"Aren't you cold?"
They spoke in unison, "Not really. Such trivial things don't bother us."
"Hmm, well, let's get started then."
The women spoke, "I agree." She leaned into a small bow, "Now then. We, the Huntsmen are at you're beck and call, till death do us part, Mr. Cartwin."
The man spoke, "I am Inta, and she is Aja. Let us know what must be done. We're all ready for a new hunt."
"Um... all? There are only 2 of you right?" He pointed at the 2.

A branch broke in the fog, followed by another noise, and another, and another as footsteps crunched through the snow. Chris started to spin around to see he was surrounded by no less than 3 dozen shadowy figures at the edge of the fog.

They spoke in unison, "We are many of one."