Sangsum

  Sangsum gazed into Tenzo’s eyes with a restrained disdain, concealed well beneath the false smile he wore on his lips. He could scarcely tolerate traitors; reluctant traitors were even worse in that regard. Sangsum found his patience wearing thin as he watched the researcher fumble with his fingers, twirling them at one moment, then spidering them the next, from the collar of his coat to the pockets at his sides.

  “There…There wouldn’t happen to be any cameras or recording devices here, would there?” Tenzo stammered, glancing at the wooden slat walls of the study.

  “You are inside of an airShip owned by a Legacy Founder Family,” Sangsum said. “Of course, there are cameras and recording devices.”

  The researcher chuckled nervously, slouching low as he did so, as if trying to hide from the light emanating from the nixie tubes dotting the walls. “Is there nowhere we might speak more…privately?” At the slightest beetling of Sangsum’s brow, the researcher retread his steps, choosing more convincing words the second time around. “Mr. Gato, what I am here to show you must be conducted in the utmost secrecy…If word were to somehow get out, that I have smuggled classified information from my workplace—”

  “You are the only traitor aboard this airShip, tonight, Dr. Tenzo,” Sangsum spat. “My people can be trusted.”

  Suddenly the researcher leapt onto his feet, his face lengthening into one of pained indignance. “I am no traitor!” His fingers crawled frantically up and down the length of his coat. “I’ve not betrayed anything this night! Neither my morals nor my mission has been compromised. Do not presume that you know much of me, Mr. Gato!”

  Sangsum glared spitefully at the raging doctor, before deciding he would rather approach his father with a success than a failure. “I misspoke. Sit down, doctor, and have a drink.” It should calm the man’s nerves at the least and get a damned word or two out of the imbecile’s mouth. Sangsum had been instructed to merely retrieve the dataChip. He intended to discover more about this product his father had purchased from the researcher.

  The glass of neat cognac served its intended purpose, and finally the doctor’s jitters had been numbed enough to set his tongue to wagging. From the breast pocket inside his coat, Tenzo drew a small, steel case the size of a thumb. He set it before Sangsum with trembling hands.

  “Inside is what I promised your father and Chairman Mori.” Tenzo nodded at the case and knocked back another finger of cognac. With the back of his wrist, he wiped the dribbling dregs from the corner of his mouth. “I had insisted that I hand it to them personally—”

  “Am I not of high enough rank for your liking?” Sangsum glowered.

  Tenzo shook his head quickly. “No, no, Mr. Gato. Please, don’t misunderstand.”

  “It’s vice president to you, doctor,” Sangsum retorted.

  “Vice President,” Tenzo said. “The information contained within that dataChip is the culmination of my life’s work. It is invaluable to me.”

  “And you are still willing to sell it to us?” Sangsum scoffed.

  The doctor’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.

  Sangsum shrugged before Tenzo could answer. “So, tell me. What is it that my father has purchased from you? And why is it so secret?”

  “It is a segment of code I have developed,” Tenzo answered. “From the study of a certain research subject, and with the data gleaned from the test subjects provided by the B.Ridge Corporation and Shampai Group.”

  “Explain,” Sangsum demanded.

  Tenzo’s brow creased slightly. “I was instructed that I should not speak of this to anyone—”

  “And like you, I have placed myself on the line,” Sangsum explained, as calmly as he might. “If I take a faulty product to my father, what do you think would happen to me?”

  Tenzo appeared to think for a moment, before acknowledging that there was no real harm in informing the heir of Shampai of his work. “Dr. Son names it the Inspiration Code, starry-eyed as she is.”

  Sabina…Son? Sangsum frowned. Parkim’s mother?

  Tenzo became a different man from before as he continued speaking of his work, with the force of a confidence and will Sangsum could not have guessed existed within the timid researcher.

  “I think a more fitting name is the Incentive Factor, or the Catalyst Code. Think of it like this, Vice President Gato. It is an algorithm which mimics that spark of will within the human spirit and mind. It defines the difference between a mindless drone and a sentient being, complete with all the finer points of the human spirit. It is a perfect imitation of a will, a motivation, an impulse. As such, a system injected with this code may also recognize all the factors, both extrinsic and intrinsic, which determine behavior; and therefore, has the ability to sort people, prod them into different directions to serve as a catalyst for a certain action or idea, or even prevent them from doing something undesirable, if the system were provided with the relevant history of said subjects.”

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  Sangsum’s eyes widened at the revelation. “And why are you willing to sell this to us?” he asked suspiciously. He recognized the pricelessness of such an algorithm, and he began expecting some foul, underhanded play at hand.

  Tenzo’s jaw pulsed. “Your father is warring with the Yamda, no?”

  “He has…acquired the services of the Kargu clan, though engaging in a Joryoku war was not his main purpose.”

  Tenzo shook his head. “It makes no matter. What does matter is that you now have the opportunity to exterminate the Yamda.” The researcher’s knuckles grew white as he gripped the handles of his chair. “This code was the brainchild of two dear friends of mine. The three of us…we toiled for countless nights for many years, to produce this code. And just at the cusp of its completion, they were brutally murdered.” Tenzo’s face contorted into a reflection of the spiteful hatred simmering in his soul. Even Sangsum, no stranger to such dark sentiments, found himself retreating deeper into his seat. “Without the help of their genius, the work was delayed by several years. But here it is, I have done it, and I mean to have them avenged.”

  “And the Yamda murdered them?” Sangsum asked dryly.

  “The Gunman shot them dead,” Tenzo spat. “On the orders of that sadistic monster Norbu.” He glanced up at Sangsum, his eyes fevered and ablaze. “It was a good thing your people did, murdering Moyashino. I drank to my friends’ lives that night. As well as to their son’s health, wherever he might be. Destroy the Yamda, Vice President Gato. Exterminate them like the cockroaches they are, and send me Norbu’s head as your father promised.”

  Sangsum nodded ponderously. This desire for revenge, this rage, he could understand. He decided he could trust the man, or at the very least, work with him. “Very well, doctor. I thank you for your contribution. I will relay all you’ve said to my father.”

  Dr. Tenzo nodded weakly, his previous strength seemingly sapped from his body. “Thank you.”

  Sangsum led the doctor to the airShip’s hangar to see him out, before making his way back to his two previous guests. As expected, Shalla Norix had drunk herself into a stupor while waiting for Sangsum. Heyla, not one to remain in such a situation, excused herself and escorted Shalla out to the hangar, where their hovercar awaited them. Sangsum was sorry to see them go, and he was especially vexed by Shalla Norix. It was not an easy thing, drawing Heyla out of her home, into a public date. He had done so this night under the pretext of the meeting with Shalla and asking for Heyla’s introduction, as the two girls had been friends during their time together at Minzyu Secondary School, before Shalla gained fame and Heyla moved districts.

  But perhaps a part of him was slightly relieved as well. Seeing Heyla so recluse after Kazin’s death had annoyed Sangsum more greatly than he had thought it might. Time healed all wounds, however, and perhaps in time Heyla would…get over Kazin’s disappearance.

  A message sent to his cTab suddenly alerted him of an urgent meeting called by his father. Sangsum was soon hurtling through the sky within his hypercar towards the Gato estateTower at Indato.

  Soon after arriving, he found himself deep within the tower, in the company of Chairman Mori of B.Ridge Corporation, several high level executives of both Shampai and B.Ridge, and two Kargu members, a man and a woman. The latter pair were of raven black hair and deep violet eyes—clad in traditional robes of flowing black, their aura was unsettling, and their demeanor was aloof and removed. Even the corporate executives stole uneasy glances at the Joryoku duo.

  “How goes the attack on Royang?” Chairman Gato asked.

  “There was…an unexpected deviation,” the Kargu man said.

  “And what does that mean?” Chairman Mori demanded. He was a large and round man with shiny, babyish skin, with a head even rounder and shinier than the rest of him. Only his towering height commanded a healthy amount of fear.

  “It means, Chairman Mori,” the Kargu woman began calmly, as if instructing a foolish child, “that the residents of Royang have taken up arms against our fighters, hindering our advance.”

  “An anomaly,” Chairman Gato offered to both Mori and the Kargu. "We could not have predicted such a willingness to take part in the battle by the Royang residents."

  “Might the Constabulary offer their aid?” Mori asked.

  “They have their hands full at the moment,” said an executive. “The mayors of Zanaku and Miyatano Cities are visiting for the technology expo in Andaka this coming week. Commissioner Akato assures us, however, that the Constabulary will close their eyes and shut their ears to whatever incidents may occur within Royang.”

  “The matter still remains,” said the Kargu man. “Royang cannot be easily taken. Our numbers are too few at the moment, owing to the problem of the White Tiger Syndicate that we must also deal with.” He turned to the chairmen in what almost seemed like annoyance. "Of all places you might hold your expo, must it be Andaka?"

  Several corporate executives cleared their throats in disgruntled apology.

  Chairman Gato nodded ponderously. He turned his head towards Sangsum, as if noticing him for the first time. “How was your meeting with Dr. Tenzo?”

  “It went well, father,” Sangsum said stiffly.

  “And did he bring what we asked of him?” Chairman Mori said, twirling his glass of champagne. “Convincing that man to part with his work was no easy task. Until now.”

  “He did,” Sangsum answered. He drew a dataChip from his coat pocket, neglecting to inform them that it was a copy.

  “Ah, wonderful,” Chairman Gato said. He nodded his head in pleasure. “Dr. Tenzo will soon have what he seeks.”

  “Then it is time, Gato,” Mori said in a tone of furtive excitement. “It is time we unleash the B.Ridge experimentals.”

  “Indeed,” Gato said. He turned back to the Kargu pair. “We have never tested this code before. Are you prepared to sacrifice your members in the event of its failure?”

  “They have pledged to sacrifice themselves,” the Kargu woman answered. "What may become of them is no longer our concern."

  Chairman Gato and Mori exchanged smiles with the Kargu pair. The partakers of the meeting stood and straightened their clothing. “The feast and celebrations have been prepared in my estate above decks,” Gato proclaimed. When Sangsum stood to follow, Chairman Gato shook his head. “You will take that dataChip to the B.Ridge experimentals. See the invasion of Royang through, Sangsum. Prove to me your worth.”

  Sangsum tried his best to hide the disappointment flowing through his veins.

  Chairman Mori turned to Sangsum, a coy smile on his thin lips. “Be sure to take with you a scented handkerchief, Sangsum, or perhaps a cybernetic valve for your olfactory nerves. The Underbelly gives off quite the reek these days.”

  Appendix

  People

  AKATO, old friend of Kashniro’s and Commissioner of the Handata City Constabulary.

  AKO, captain of Seven Star Mob.

  BAKU, Joryoku, Kargu Clan.

  CHAIRMAN GATO, chairman of Shampai Group and Sangsum Gato’s father.

  CHAIRMAN MORI, chairman and CEO of B.Ridge Corporation.

  DAMERA, Yamda clan healer.

  DANBA KANBAR, Vorin’s father.

  GANZAMA, Yamda clan captain.

  GENTO, captain of Seven Star Mob.

  GHOST, a resident of the Underbelly, or as she claims it is called, the Copper Commune.

  HATA ZAKINODO, ex-boss of Yamda clan when Kashniro was a member.

  HAZGAL, Kashniro’s partner, ex-Joryoku, ex-mercenary.

  HEYLA, Kazin’s friend, and friend of Shalla Norix.

  INA, front desk worker at Mezi’s VR.

  JIN, captain of Seven Star Mob.

  KALA, Yamda clan captain.

  KENJI, Yamda clan captain.

  KASHNIRO MOYASHINO, Kazin’s dad, famed lieutenant of the Yamda clan, known as “the Gunman.”

  MAYAKO, Kazin’s mother.

  MUGEN, leader of Seven Star Mob.

  MUZGAL, Shora’s personal driver and bodyguard.

  NERA, Hazgal’s wife.

  NORBU HAMADA, Commander of the Yamda clan.

  OLD MAN HAZIKAWA, surrogate, vessel.

  PARKIM SON, a friend of Sangsum and Jerim’s.

  SABINA SON, foremost researcher in the fields of algorithmic biorobotics and cybernetic psychiatry, recently joined the research at the Crystalline Towers.

  SANGSUM GATO, heir to Shampai Group.

  SHALLA NORIX, social media star and celebrity.

  SHORA ASANO, Councilor.

  TAIKI, Joryoku, Kargu Clan.

  TANO, Councilor Shora’s intern.

  TENZO, (Ten) Sabina Son’s lead assistant.

  VORIN KANBAR, Vyvani’s companion and son of Danba Kanbar, a Contractor.

  WINZI, a girl in Sangsum’s friend group, on track to become a model after graduation.

  YUKIA, Yamda clan assistant healer.

  Handata City Districts

  ANDAKA DISTRICT, a wealthier district of Handata City.

  BYANZA QUARTER, a nightlife district, base of Kargu clan’s Handata City operations.

  CITY CENTER, the district of government.

  DOCKS, major port district.

  INDATO DISTRICT, affluent area of Handata City, home to many corporate executives.

  KAMA DISTRICT, contested district of Handata City.

  KOBOKO DISTRICT, a nightlife district.

  MINZYU DISTRICT, an upscale part of Handata City, where Kaz goes to school.

  SARO DISTRICT, district where the Yamda clan compound is located.

  SHIRUMO DISTRICT, a nightlife district, where Kaz and his father live.

  TOBASHINTA DISTRICT, a nightlife district, contested by the Kargu, Yamda, and the Seven Star Mob.

  Handata City Places

  CHUNZANTEN HALL, home of Handata City Parliament, located in City Center.

  KENDAKU BRIDGE, bridge stretching across the Hano River, into Indato District.

  KYANDO, nightlife neighborhood, located in Tobashinta District.

  NAMINO, an industrial field, located on the outskirts of Tobashinta District.

  ROYANG, an isolated area in Tobashinta District, controlled by the Seven Star Mob.

  ROYANG SHOPPING CENTER, where the Yamda/Seven Star Mob energyTower is located.

  Corporations

  B.RIDGE CORPORATION, bought out Sakranda Motors in a hostile takeover.

  SAKRANADA MOTORS, founded by Handa Sakranada, bought out by B.Ridge Corporation in a hostile takeover. Makes hypercars.

  SHAMPAI GROUP, company that Kashniro had plans to sign a deal with. Heavily involved in nightlife.

  VERMETA CORPORATION, heavily involved in VR.

  Syndicates

  KARGU CLAN, a Joryoku clan from the northern city of Zanaku, making recent forays into Handata City.

  YAMDA CLAN, a Joryoku clan originating in Handata City.

  Other

  SEVEN STAR MOB, a biker gang in the Royang neighborhood of Tobashinta District.

  WHITE TIGER SYNDICATE, a gang in Andaka District.

  Terms

  beamShot, shot discharged by photonBlasters; color changes with amount of kinetic energy and levels of radiation present.

  blastRifle

  breakLock

  crackler, melee weapon utilizing electricity.

  directEn railgun

  energyShield

  energyTower, a tower that emits energy so that bioEnhancements are charged for use.

  estateTower, the preferred style of homes for the elite of Indato, consisting of large, towering cylinders with a megamansion and grounds at the pinnacle.

  flameSword, weapon favored by Joryoku, a hilt with a blade of flame-like energy of color of choice.

  hoverTram, a tram that is more expensive because it utilizes hoverTech.

  ionBlade, a sword, ion on ion-enforced steel.

  Joryoku, blanket term for crime syndicates operating throughout the countries.

  laserPrinted

  LFF, Legacy Founder Families, families who have founded one of the powerful conglomerates in the country.

  nerveChip, a chip present in all bioEnhanced Joryoku, allowing the neural connection between bioEnhancements and the brain.

  photonBlaster

  spinalChip, chip in Kazin’s spine that completes the connection from his nerve endings to his brain, allowing him to control his bioEnhanced limbs.

  strategicalTrooper, (stratTroop, stratTrooper) elite tactical unit of the Constabulary.

  strikeChopper

  walkWheel, allows a kinetic VR user to mimic the movements of real life while connected to a kinetic VR set.