Today started just like any other for Anna Pakwit. A makeshift cigarette dangled precariously from her seventh lip ring, a half cup of Joe mixed with stale Absinthe swung loosely in her left hand, and a copy of "Today's Events" - the only Government sponsored news mag around these parts - stayed neatly tucked under the heavy appendage she now used as her right arm.
It seemed the Japanese minister of Commerce had been found decapitated along with his driver, two prostitutes, and several aides. Lots of heads had rolled that night.
Although there had been no obvious leads, the government had printed a ridiculously aggressive statement. Their Modus Operandi. Anyone who did not come forward with information, despite being in the know, would be arrested and submitted to the immersion tank.
"Damn Government Fucktards." she muttered as she turned left towards the alley that lead to her first floor office.
Grabbing a copy of "Today's Events" was essential for survival on the trash covered streets of South Bedlam.
Source; Pixabay.com
Savvy readers could see between the lines, discovering with great success the location of the Cerberus Armored Police Units. Staying ahead meant staying alive.
Anna was a Torah Saree. A stealth adviser.
Everyone around these parts had something to hide; only the smart ones could actually keep it hidden.
As soon as she opened the solid grey office door, Anna knew something was wrong. It wasn't the overwhelming darkness, nor was it the long circling trails of dingy smoke that spiraled upward through unwashed air vents. No. It was the stench.
Licorice and dirty diapers.
Pinching her nose with one white buttoned sleeve, a single name came to mind. Antwerp.
Not much was known about the secret organization. They'd been known to steal memories, rendering their victims nothing more than mindless husks. The only detail on record was that notoriously fetid smell. This particular combination of scents was thought to prevent Cerberus from creating mind links. It was their olfactory Ace in the Hole.
She didn't bother to walk all the way in, choosing instead to sit down in one of the rickety wooden chairs usually reserved for clients. Reaching in the breast pocket of her overcoat, she pulled out a pre-rolled smoke stick, lighting it with a Red - E - Match. She loved the feel of hard wood catching fire.
"I didn't kill him. Hell I never even met the guy. Besides, I had no reason to. I'm innocent."
The voice seemed to come from all around her. Inhaling deeply and letting out a torrent of grey vapor, Anna formulated her response to be as neutral and inoffensive as possible. Antwerp was not a group that you wanted to make an enemy of.
"I believe you. I do. But what does any of that have to do with me?"
The voice was calm, but filled the room with an uncertain dread.
"Torah Saree, I need you to hide me."
This is the first part of a two part story that will eventually be entered in Neoxian's cyberpunk contest. This is only the rough draft of the first part. It is NOT the completed story. I should end up with a complete 1000 word flash fiction piece. I will release the first draft of the second part tomorrow then compile both parts together and edit them before releasing the full story as a contest entry. This is an original work.
Great great story! I would love to create it into an audiobook.
I'm glad that you like it. I kind of pulled out of thin air. I suspect the second part will be much more difficult to envision and create.
I've only recently heard of Steemhunt, btw, and I've been meaning to check out what exactly that is. Also I noticed you are posting from your WordPress blog. I'll check your blog out tomorrow when I have some time. Would you say that posting stories to the blog is it worthwhile endeavor? I thought about opening a blog myself but I wonder about the initial cost vs ROI.
Well, I created a guide to on using Digital Ocean and only costing $5 monthly no initial investment due to the fact it's paid monthly.
I still need to get a domain but that is also not very expensive. Much cheaper and secure that shared hosting.
Great story. It will serve as an inspiration and so really impressive. 😍😍😍😍 brilliant article. Can't just collect words to describe emotions. Hope you understand.
OK then.
Nice post...
Thanks.
Good work, i really got into it.
Great.