Liberate 03: binary engine

Azrael went down to the darkest and gloomiest area of the police HQ; the mortuary. He felt a sudden chill on his spine. The atmosphere was cold and foreboding. Suddenly, the lights went up. A young man was sitting on his desk, smiling. Matthew Martinez was the same age as Azrael. He graduated from a top medical university but he chose to work here despite numerous offers from prestigious health institutions. He was good looking with cold, dark eyes. His hair was a mess and bags could be seen under his eyes from lack of sleep.

“Well detective. Dave told me to be ready for you. What can I do for you?”

“Is the report on Mr. Taggart ready?”

Hearing the inquiry, Matt winced. Then, he handed the report. Azrael flipped through it. He looked at him, eyebrows raised. Matt sighed.

“I know, man. I know.”

“You don't know what was the cause of death?”

“Yeah. True.”

“Impossible by your standards.”

“I couldn't believe it myself. But it's the hard truth. If you read on the condition of the body, he was in good condition. No broken bones, no internal injuries, zilch.”

“I believe you already examined the body more than once for any irregularities?”

“Azrael, I already did it eight times. Unless there's a super tool that could help me, I won't do it again.”

Azrael smiled. “If you say so. Let me have a look then.”

Matt went to the table behind him and removed the cloth covering the body. Azrael started looking for hints. He looked into every detail around the upper part of the body. He examined the neck for any trace of hand grip as mentioned in Sherry's witness report. He failed to see any of it.

“If he died by suffocation, you would have noticed, yes?” he asked.

Matt gave a nod. “Yup. I could have tell from the injury on his throat and lungs. But as I said, there is no injury on him The only explanation I can offer is that he died from fright or maybe from emotional shock.”

Azrael paused and think. “Hmm. That might not be far from truth.” he mumbled.

He covered the body. “Shoot me a message if anything comes up.” he said.

“Yeah sure. But don't get your hopes up. I have a feeling this one might be too hot for us to handle. Not to mention I need some decent rest as well.”

“No problem, Matt. Take your time. I'll chase other leads if this one fails.”

..................

Azrael already passed by the reception when Gladys called him. “Detective, someone left you a message.” She handed him a folded paper. He thanked her and read the message. It was from Sherry and attached with her new number and her friend's address where she will be staying.

“So, what's the deal?” Gladys asked.

“Hm? Me and Sherry?”

“Yeah, that woman. She is attractive, you know.”

“Don't get any funny ideas, Gladys. She was a client and the case happened to be connected with my current client.”

“Riiiiight.”

“Don't worry. I still have my eyes on you.” he said, winking an eye.

“Very funny.” she pouted.

He waved goodbye and left the building. He went to his bike. As he put on the helmet, he caught the sight of the car that tailed him earlier. It was still outside across the road. He sighed.

“Enough outdoor work for today. Time to have a look at whatever I nicked from DG this morning.” he thought.

He started up his ride and roared into the street, prompting the black car to follow.

..................

After having a belated lunch, Joanna and Nikki settled on the couch watching TV. Nikki stared at her as she watched the news.

“Are you alright with this?” she suddenly asked.

Joanna turned to her friend, slightly confused. “Huh?”

“That widow clearly likes him.”

“Yes. I can tell.”

“Don't you feel jealous? At least a bit?”

“Should I? In a way, I admire her. She's beautiful and very composed. Especially after what happened. I suppose that goes along with experience.”

“But she is in the way to your prince...”

“Nikki, I left him stranded for two years. He suffered because of me. To suddenly come back into his life and reclaim my place in his heart is just wrong.”

“But you have your reason...”

“It still won't cover the fact that he was hurt from our breakup. I'm sure he's doing his best to set aside personal matters.”

“Ahhh...yeah.”

“I hope...I don't put anyone in danger...”

Hearing this, Nikki held her by hands.

“I don't wanna hear it, Jo. I'm your best friend, right? I will stick with you through thick and thin.”

Joanna smiled. “Like a glue?”

“Like a glue.” Nikki confirmed. “If Az bails out, I will make sure to knock some sense into him.”

“I believe you will.” Joanna chuckled.

..................

'He' made his way down the lab. The woman in the lab coat was waiting for him.

“Is it ready?” he asked.

“Yes. We're about to commence testing.”

“Do it.” he demanded.

“Yes sir.” she turned to one of the lab assistant. “You, start the virtual reality sequence.”

The assistant nods and activates a console. Almost instantly, both of them were warped into a bluish white cyberspace consisting of binary numbers and streams of data.

“I see we're not at the center of this place, doctor.” he noted.

“A precaution, sir. We made heavy alterations to the beta program to make up for the loss of the complete version. It may become unstable.”

“You expect hostility, then.”

“I'm afraid so, sir. I apologize if this is somehow displeases you.”

The man grinned. “No need for apology, doctor. I could use some warm up.”

Together, they walked towards the center of the space. As they were within reach, the central area glowed.

“We're here.” she said.

“Release the protection seal.” he ordered. “Doctor, you should leave.”

She did as was told and unlock the program from her own portable keypad. She then logged out from the area. The glowing object shattered into data fragments to reveal a beautiful woman. Her body was pale white. Long, crimson red hair flowed gracefully. She opened her eyes. They were green in color.

“Who dares disturb my slumber?”

'He' smiled as his eyes followed the curves. “She's perfect.”

“And who are you? Speak, before I lose my patience.”

“Your master.”

“I serve no one but my own.”

“Really. Looks like I have to put you in your place then.”

His comment sent her into an uncontrollable rage. She jumped up and summoned her own crimson battle armor.

“Insolent fool. You shall burn in the flames of my rage and hatred.”

She summoned a red fireball and hurled at him. He managed a smirk as the ball of flame hit him. She smiled but it didn't last long. As the flame died, 'he' was standing in the same spot unharmed. He was now in his own dark battle armor.

“Your power is still raw. You still have ways to go.” he stated.

“Silence! This time I will finish you with my own hands!”

She called a longblade in her hand and shot towards him from the air. He grinned as he summoned a dark broadsword.

“With this one blow, you will kneel before me.”

A violent clash ensued followed by swirling winds and white light. As everything finally cleared, both of them stand still. 'He' smiled. “You have great willpower, I grant you that. But it is not enough.” He then called of his equipments. “Now kneel before me.”

She stared at him defiantly. Then, her armor broke into data fragments and she fell down, kneeling. “My liege.” she said.

“State your program name.”

“I am Beta Program Number 11022354. Codename: The Plague.”

'He' cringed at the name. “The Plague? Awful name. Let's convert that to something nicer. From now, you are Cailley. It's your name. Remember that.”

“Cailley...” she mumbled.

“From now, you serve me. Your life is mine and mine alone.”

“Yes my liege.”

..................

Azrael arrived home and prepared himself for a long night. He could have asked a hacker friend to do it but he was curious on this particular set of files he 'picked' from DG's deepest and most secured server. His intrusion earlier was purely by luck. He was unable to penetrate the firewall until he found a small loophole which appeared every few milicycles and pushed through.

He made dinner for himself which consists of nothing but instant noodles and other tidbits to keep himself going. He also took the liberty of temporarily cutting off all communication devices. He sat in front of his computer. He breathed in, muttering a short a prayer.

“Let's hope this will go smoothly.”

He opened the folder he quarantined earlier and began the process of removing various malwares, hijack programs and other security files embedded in it.

“Oh, this will be a long night.”

Groans, moans and whines could be heard from his apartment until dawn.

..................

“Nikki, I don't think this is a good idea.” Joanna moaned as Nikki pulled her out of the elevator, approaching Azrael's place.

“Oh come on. It's not a date since I'll be around.” Nikki said.

“But, he asked us to be low profile...” Joanna mumbled.

Nikki winced. “Ugh. Screw the detective terms. We're hanging out with him. Nothing wrong with that.”

As they approaching their destination, noises could be heard. Music, laughter and the like echoed. Both looked at each other and walked cautiously. The door was wide open. They peeked in and saw Azrael entertaining a group of people as they enjoy food and share their joy. Azrael caught the sight of them and excused himself from his guests.

“Hey Nikki, Joanna. What are you doing here early?”

Joanna skipped beat the moment she saw his smiling face. “We...”

Nikki suddenly interfered. “We thought we're gonna crash your morning but...” she looked inside.

Azrael raised a brow. “Oh? They are my neighbors. Thought I throw a small breakfast gathering...”

“...after what he put us through the night. Him and his late night activities...” an attractive brunette suddenly appeared from behind, holding a bottle of alcohol.

“Late...night...activities?” Joanna queried.

“It's not what you think it is. And Miss Beatrice, where did you find that?”

“Umm...the kitchen..?” the woman called Beatrice replied as she struggles to stand up. Azrael had to hold her.

“It's morning and you already drunk.”

“Yeah. Way to start the day...” Beatrice replied between hiccups.

“I know I shouldn't invite you.”

“But you caaan't...”

“Miss Beatrice...”

“Oh, drop the 'Miss'.I'm not that old.”

“You're totally drunk. Normally, you'll be pissed if I don't call you without the 'Miss'.”

“Shut up, pretty boy. I want you to take me. Now.” she said before finally passing out.

Azrael turned red as both Joanna and Nikki stared at him suspiciously. “I think she needs to lie down for a while. Come on in.”

“Uh huh. What's the occasion?” asked Nikki.

“Well, I did a fair amount of computer work throughout the night and I somehow disturbed them. As always.”

“Always?” asked Joanna.

“Yeah. They understand the situation, thankfully. Seldom happens though.”

“So you throw this small party to make up to them?” Nikki continued.

“Correct.”

“So, did you sleep?” Joanna asked worriedly.

“A bit. Not to worry. I will definitely rest after this is over. Please enjoy the food while I put this one in the guest room.”

He carried Beatrice on his back and slowly walked to an empty room. Nikki sighed. “There goes the date...”

“He wasn't like this before...” Joanna noted.

“Really?”

“He's always a loner.”

“In his line of work, he have to socialize more, right?”

Joanna sighed. “I guess you're right, Nikki. He's changed a lot. He moved on. What have I been doing all these years..?”

Nikki held her hands. “Jo, you did your best to protect him, remember? You...sacrificed a lot for him. It is time for him to take care of you. As will I.”

“Nikki...”

An elderly lady came up to them. “What are you two lovely ladies doing at the door? Come on in. This is a public function, you know?”

“Yeah.” said another. “The more, the merrier.”

..................

“Sorry for making you two clean up the mess.” Azrael said as he gathers various rubbish. The party was over by noon and He already took Beatrice back to her place once she sobered up.

“It's okay, Azrael.” Joanna said from the kitchen. She took the task of washing the dishes. “We...did actually messed up the place.”

“No shit.” Nikki yelled as she was vacuuming the carpet. “You really know how to throw a party. In the morning.”

“Thanks?” Azrael replied, smiling. “Would the two of you like to have lunch here? I'll whip up something pretty quick.”

“Oh no. We don't want to trouble you further...” Joanna pleaded.

“Yes please!” Nikki cut her off with a loud voice.

Azrael laughed. “Alright. I'll throw these trash out first.”

He went outside and went to the window at the end of the corridor and looked at the street below. A black sedan was there. He wasn't sure if it was the same car that tailed him yesterday but he was certain that it was from the same organization. He sighed and threw the rubbish bag into the chute before went back inside.

..................

Azrael walked to the dining area, with a tray in hand. “Sorry for the wait, you two.”

“Smells nice.” Nikki commented. “As far as spaghetti goes.”

Azrael smiled at her as he put the tray on the table. “Thank you for the kind words, missy. Let me prepare the drinks...”

“No, let ME do it.” Nikki said, standing up from the chair. She then forcefully made Azrael sit down in front of Joanna. She quickly left the two. The detective sighed. Joanna chuckled.

“I knew this would happen...” Azrael muttered.

Joanna smiled. “That's Nikki for you.”

Unknowingly, something slipped out from his lips. “Anna...”

Joanna gasped. Only he used called her by that name while others prefer to use the first two letters of her name. “Az...”

Azrael was shocked and mumbled incoherently. “I...uh...I don't...mean...”

Her heart skipped upon looking at Azrael's face. He was blushing. She gently put her hand on his. “It's alright. You don't have to apologize.”

Almost instantly, his face turned normal. “Thanks...Joanna.”

Joanna looked at his smiling face. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to give him the love he lost years ago. But she knew it will never be the same. She pulled back her hand. “If someone should apologize, it's me.” she said. “If I never come back to this city...”

“Hush, Joanna.” Azrael cuts her off. “No one knows what the future have in store for us. No matter what happens, the only way to progress is going through the present.”

“Azrael...”

“So, since Nikki set us up, might as well go along with it. How are you?”

“I'm good. How about you?”

“Same, I guess. Dull, probably. Since nothing interesting happened lately. Aside from this interesting case of yours.”

“I...see. I...heard you went overseas after we...”

Azrael smiled at her. “You don't have to say it. And yes, I did left the city. Went to many parts of the world. Broaden my horizon. I learned many things as well.”

“That's...good. Sounds like you enjoyed yourself.”

“I really did. Never felt so free before. So please, stop worrying about me. Alright?”

Joanna smiled and nod.

“Let me worry about you. You are my responsibility.” he said, looking straight at her face.

She blushed. Her heart beat faster. “Azrael...I...”

Nikki suddenly burst out from the kitchen. “Hey! What about me, huh?”

Joanna quickly recovered her senses as her friend brought drinks. “Took you long enough.” Azrael remarked.

“Hey, your kitchen isn't the easiest place to get around. You have weird sense in interior design. Seriously. I swear 2/3 of the stuff in your kitchen are alcohol and beer.”

“Don't exaggerate, Nikki. It's not that many.”

“Do you drink, Azrael?” asked Joanna.

“Occasionally.”

“Oh puh-leeeaaase.” Nikki snorts. “With the amount you have, you could bomb a small country, you know.”

Azrael mocked a surprised gasp. “Oh jeez. You caught the Unabomber.”

“Very funny. I don't remember him being so pretty.”

Azrael closed his mouth, unable to counter the argument. Then he opened his mouth but no words came out of it. Joanna chuckled. Nikki managed a smirk. He sighed. “Fine. You win. This time.”

..................

“Make sure you rest.” Nikki reminded him. She and Joanna are now outside the apartment. Azrael yawned.

“Yeah, yeah. I'm really tired, you know.”

Joanna smiles at him. “You usually end up not sleeping. You're always like that.”

“Well, a man can change, right?”

“I suppose so.”

Nikki slapped Azrael's shoulder. “Well, gotta go. Later Az!”

“Yeah later. Be careful, you two. And please, try to keep a low profile this time.”

“We will.” Joanna replied. Nikki shakes her head. “It is hard, you know.”

“I understand, Nikki. But this very serious.” Azrael said. “Try to understand the situation here.”

“Ah, okay, okay. I get it, detective sir.”

“You two are my clients. If I failed to protect you two, who will be able to pay the fees, hm?”

..................

After his clients left, Azrael went back to his desktop computer, wandering the next course of action. He managed to neutralize the files he stole from DG but required a piece of hardware that he never used before; a set of Virtual Reality (VR) visor and headgear.

“A VR program, huh. I'm not into this but I have no other choice.”

He flipped out his handset, select the contact he wanted and dialed. “Yo. It's me. I need you to loan me something. A VR set. Ugh. Don't ask me. I need this for my investigation. Okay. I'll come by soon. Just get it ready. Yeah. Thanks.”

The call ended and he was about to throw himself to the sofa when the heavy metal tone roared from his phone. It's Tracer.

“How can I help you, Uncle Tracer?”

“Kid, if you have the time, come to the Taggart house sometime today.”

“Of course. I'll be there in...say, 30 minutes.”

“Alright. Meet you there.”

“No rest for the weary...” he muttered. He got up, took his jacket and left.

..................