Liberate 04: 777

Azrael dropped by a computer hardware shop to pick up the VR gear. It was located on the third floor of the shopping mall where he met Sherry two days ago. He reached the counter and called for his contact.

“Hey Felicia! You here?”

Rustling, bustling followed by a thumping sound was heard from backroom. “Uh, wait up. Be right there in a second!” A woman's reply was heard. Moments later, she emerged from the room with a medium sized black box. Azrael smiled. Felicia Fairlady. He laughed when he first heard her surname. She's a tech junkie. Totally the opposite of her name. She is just a year older than Azrael. Felicia may not be attracting much attention due to her round, nerdy glasses, but Azrael was sure that underneath it, a beauty is hidden and just waiting to be revealed. Her long, ponytailed red hair was a mess from whatever she was doing beforehand.

“Is this a bad time?” asked Azrael.

“Not at all.” replied Felicia. “Here's the item you requested.” She pushed the black box forward. Azrael nods and examined the content. His eyebrows raised. “This is the latest design, yes? You sure about lending this to me?”

“Of course. Just try not to land a scratch on it.”

“Will do. Thanks.”

Felicia leaned forward, close to Azrael. “Take care of yourself, Azrael.” She said.

“Uh, yeah. Sure.”

“I know you will not use a VR for gaming even for detective work. I'm pretty sure you just got your hands on some top secret stuff.” She whispered.

“Most likely, yes. That's why I need to know what it is I'm dealing with. DG, MicroCore. I'm sure there are more to it other than rivalry.”

Felicia raised her brows. “DG? That's heavy.”

“Tell me about it. I already have some people following me around.”

“Will you be alright?”

“As long as I don't do anything drastic, yeah. Or until their patience run out.”

“Living dangerously. It's been a while.”

“They might come after you, Felicia. Will you be okay?”

“Hey, who do you think I am? When push comes to shove, I'll dish out those judo moves I learned years ago.”

“Hah. Of course. But still, be careful.”

“I will.”

“Well, I'm off then. If I need anything else, I'll be in touch.”

“Okay. Later.”

Azrael carried the box in one arm and managed a wink before leaving the shop. Felicia managed a sigh. She takes off the glasses to reveal her beautiful features.

“Azrael...” she muttered.

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

Two men inside the black car which was tailing Azrael spotted the private investigator approaching his bike. The one in the passenger's seat called his superior from his phone.

“Sir. Target is about to move. He is carrying a black box. No label. Should we intercept? Understood. We will continue observing him.”

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

Azrael arrived in front of Sherry's place or to be precise, Taggart's mansion. Compared to other mansions he had seen, it was smaller. However, it was still beautiful and properly maintained. Parked outside is a car. He recognized Tracer's antique third generation Ford Mustang. The gate was partially opened. He went inside. Tracer was waiting for him.

“Make this quick, kid.” he said.

Azrael nods. “I'll try. If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone.”

“Of course. I'll be inside if you need me.”

Alone, Azrael began his inspection of the courtyard area. He examined every big and minute details for any clue. “No footprints. Even the fallen leaves failed to give away anything. She's good.” He went into the living room. Tracer was examining the staircase.

“Main event was in the master bedroom.” he said.

“Lead the way, Uncle Tracer.”

They went upstairs towards the place where the murder took place. It wasn't as messy as Azrael thought. Suddenly, his nose was assaulted by an intoxicating smell. He doesn't mind the smell of perfume but the one he currently experiencing certainly in his least favorite. Tracer, however didn't seem to be getting any effect from the smell.

“You okay, Azrael?” he asked.

“You...didn't smell it..?”

“Smell what? All I'm breathing in right now are the smell of police tapes.”

“Really. I suppose I should blame on my heightened senses then.”

“I heard there is a type of perfume smell that supposedly affect only those with keen sense of smell.” Tracer said.

“This smell won't attract dogs I'm sure. This is almost unbearable.”

“Ah. No wonder our dogs refused to go anywhere near this room.”

“The culprit did it on purpose, I think.”

Using his thought, Azrael 'recorded' the smell before summoning his inner strength to fight against it. He examined the window for possible entry. “No marks or any forceable entry. She's like a ghost. If she left no clue, why the smell?”

“The victim died by unknown cause, right?” Azrael asked Tracer.

“Yeah. Even though the wife was pretty adamant that Taggart died after he was choked by the culprit. You think Matt is on to something when he theorized that the victim died from mental shock?”

“I'm beginning to think so. The culprit choking the victim was just for show. Not only she's a psychic, she is also well versed in the mystic arts. But to infiltrate effortlessly into this room without leaving a clue requires an elemental medium that matches her own element...”

Azrael looked around the room. He spotted a burnt out candle. “That's it! Fire!”

Tracer stared at Azrael skeptically. “She entered this room through the candlelight? And since when you know anything about paranormal and mystic stuff?”

“Traveling around does that.” Azrael said with a smug. “Back to the case. She purposely used the smell that would offend the dogs to hide the smell of burning wax.” he explained. “But who lit the candle? Why? Was there a blackout at the time?”

“I don't think so but I can get confirmation. You think the wife lit the candle to call the killer and get rid of Taggart?”

“It's a possibility but don't let that cloud your judgment, Uncle Tracer.”

“You sound like your old man, kid.”

“It was his favorite advice. Hear it all the time.”

“You know this theory will not be accepted in the report.”

“I know. There is no solid evidence of her entry. How about the maids? She could disguise as one of them to get close.”

“All of them checked out. Unless they somehow managed to duplicate keys to the house, I don't see how they could gain entry.”

“You're saying the keys cannot be duplicated?”

“Yup. Taggart customized every door lock in this house. Working for security software company made him a bit paranoid, I think.”

“Then I guess my theory will have to do for now. What about MicroCore?”

“He didn't get on with many people there. He especially despise the Board of Directors.”

“I see. Time for me to pay a visit there.”

“I need to smoke. We done here?”

“Yeah. I need the outside air anyway.”

Leaving everything as it was before, Azrael and Tracer went outside. Tracer popped out a cigarette. “Cig?” he offered to Azrael.

“No thanks.”

“So when will you visit MicroCore?”

“Not today. Lack of sleep and all that. I also think both Sherry and Joanna are holding back some crucial info. You mind?”

“Yeah sure. Just try not to make them cry. I hate guys who make women cry.”

“Don't worry. I'm not that bad.”

Azrael went to his bike. “I'm going back home. I'll contact you when I found something.”

“Somehow I think I have to wait long for that. But sure. Good luck.”

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

DG Corp, top floor

“My liege.”

'He' turned his chair around to see Cailley in formal office attire. Yesterday, her consciousness and data was uploaded into the cybernetic body which was made in the likeness of her avatar form.

“How does it feel to actually exist in this world?” the man asked.

“I am blending in as you requested, my liege. But I am having problem holding back my power.”

“You will learn to control it. Be mindful that in this world, I am not your master. In public, I want to be addressed as your uncle.”

“If that is what you wish, my...uncle.”

“Good. Head back to the lab and wait. I will take you home after I'm done with work.”

“Of course, uncle.”

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

Azrael arrived home and get himself readied for his first ever dive into VR. As he waited for the software to be installed, he put on the visor. He then looked at his reflection on the monitor. “Look like Cyclops from the X-Men.” he commented. A notification popped out. “Installation complete. Let's see what I got my hands on.” He started the VR program and felt himself sucked into the void. For a while, there was nothing but darkness. Then he saw a flicker from a distance. He reached out to that light. Then it blinded him until he felt the surface under his feet. He felt cold. Azrael is now at a tundra like area.

“Ugh. This VR is too real. Hypothermia. Really.” he muttered. He opened up a menu from his VR device and equipped fur clothing to keep himself from freezing. He opened up the map to see a spot marked as X. “My objective, I assume.”

After trekking across the ice for a while, Azrael arrived at the foot entrance of a mountain. He went inside without hesitation. A short walk later, he found himself at a lake. At the center of it, a woman encased in ice.

Azrael contemplate on his next action. “She's my objective? What options do I have? Free her?” He looked around. There were five ice pillars. He picked up a rock and threw it at the nearest pillar. The rock exploded upon impact. “Anti intruder program.” he noted. There was a rumble. The five pillars turned into ice golems. Instantly, they attacked. Azrael dodged. “This is some serious thing I snatched. And I'm defenseless. Great.”

Azrael kept dodging the golems throughout the area. While he didn't feel tired physically, he's getting annoyed on being helpless. He clenched his right fist. “Let's try this then.” He avoided another punch from one of the golems by doing a backflip. Then using the wall at the end as a springboard, he launched himself at the enemy with his fist forward. The punch landed on the golem's chest. Cracks formed around the area of impact. Azrael did another acrobatic maneuver; by pulling his hand, spinned his body and then launched a kick on the same spot, finally destroying the hulking opponent. He landed on his back, surprised. “This is easy.” he said. He looked at the remaining four golems. He smiled.

Within minutes, Azrael made short work of the golems. Slowly, he approches the woman encased in ice. As if his presence was already detected, she opened her eyes and breaks her icy coffin. Azrael stared at her. The woman was nude and beautiful. Her silver white hair waved gently as the whole freezing area thaws due to her presence.

“Who are you?” her cold, demanding voice echoed throughout the cave.

“Uh...just a curious passer by?” Azrael answered.

“I do not have data on your description, trespasser.” she said as she makes her way towards Azrael, walking on water. “Give me one good reason why I should not freeze you to death.”

Azrael felt his body went numb as she stands in front of him. “Fine. I was investigating your creator, DG and I...stole you from their most private server.”

The woman raised her brows. Then, she smiled.“You snatched me? Do you have any idea of who am I?”

“Nope. I just take whatever I can from the server you were in.”

“I am program number 777-000-000. Codename Zarael. My purpose is the total destruction of the worldwide network and everything that connects it.” she said, looking at Azrael with her pair of cold, blue eyes.

“Destroy...the internet? That means virtually everything.”

“Yes. Everything. I was programmed to drive the world back into the dark age.”

“Will you proceed to destroy everything now?”

“No. Not at the moment anyway. Only my creator is authorised to enable that protocol.”

Azrael sighed. “Damn. Matt was right. This is way over my head.”

“I do not have your name, trespasser.”

“Azrael, private investigator.”

Zarael stopped. Then she laughed in a high pitched voice. “Interesting. Our names are anagrams of each other. Is it fate that brought us together?” Her cold, condescending tone changed into somewhat cheery voice. Azrael relaxed a bit.

“I don't know computer programs believe in fate and destiny.”

“I was designed to be above everything. Is it fitting that I will eventually destroy everything?”

“I guess so. What will you do now?”

“Hm? You do not intend on keeping me?”

“I wanted to. With you being 'destroyer' and all. But I rather have something that is useful to me.”

“You do not worry about the so-called dark age then?”

“I do but I believe humanity will rise above it. May take some time but they eventually will.”

Zarael stopped to think.“Hmm. I could return to my master at DG but the oppurtunity to be outside of their confinement is too hard resist. Very well, I will be around to help you.”

“Help me with what?”

“Your practice. This investigation business intrigues me.”

“And how do you intend to be of any use to me?”

“My dear detective, as long as there is online connection, there is no place I cannot go. For example, I could easily make this computer my home and then get around with you on any of your mobile device. Or if you insist, I could gain data on anything you desire. Those confidential reports will be no longer that way under my presence.”

Azrael gave Zarael's proposal a thought. Should he proceed with this investigation, there will be obstacles that only she could take on. Furthermore, he might need her to get something from MicroCore. “Fine. I accept. But don't reveal yourself to anyone without my consent.”

“You have my word. Anything else?”

“Since you're staying on my computer, try to wear something.”

Zarael looked at her nude self. She mischievously grinned. “What's wrong? Getting turned on?”

Azrael straightened up. “Yes! I mean, no! Even if you're a program, you are still a female.”

“Ah yes. Of course. If you insist.” White gown covered her body in an instant. “Better?”

“Much better. Care to point me to the nearest exit point?”

“There is no need. I could transfer you out if you wish.”

“Alright. Do it.”

Zarael smiled and snapped her fingers. Azrael faded away, leaving the virtual world.

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

With her consciousness linked to the worldwide network, Cailley suddenly looked around the lab, searching, looking for something. “Something wrong?” The doctor who was attending to her asked.

“I felt a presence. An echo. It's almost the same as myself.” The gynoid replied.

“That means someone activated her.” a voice said from the doorway. It was 'him'.

“Who, if I may ask?”

“As you may know, you are the prototype version of our FORMAT program.” he said. “But we also made another program under the same module. A more complete and stable version of yourself, if you will.”

“This program is designed based on my data?”

“Correct. But we do not get to run further tests on her as she was stolen some time ago. Then I decided that it is best to reactivate and equip you with the necessary data from her technical specifications.”

“Does she have a name?”

“Program 777-000-000. Codename Zarael.” the doctor replied.

“Is she a a threat?”

“At the moment, it is hard to tell.” the man replied. “She was designed to be an excellent decision maker, among other things.”

“Zarael...” Cailley muttered.

Seeing her worried expression made him smile. “Don't worry about her. With time, you shall surpass her programming. Should the two of you become enemies, you will have no problem dealing with her.” he said.

“Is she aware of my existence?”

“Yes she is. In fact, she awakened just next to you. You were sleeping at the time, of course.”

“Should I engage her?”

“No. Do not engage her without my permission. You yourself is not complete right now. It is best to ignore her at the moment.”

“As you wish.”

“Come, Cailley. We're going home. The limousine awaits.”

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

Azrael was on his way to Slumber Land when his phone vibrates. Zarael appears on the screen. Earlier, she transferred herself into the mobile device. “What?” he groaned. “Can't you see I'm trying to get some shut eye?”

“I can see that. But I can never call that outdated computer of yours my home. Can I stay here? I promise I'll be good.”

“No you may not. You ever heard of privacy? And since when did you start acting like a little girl?”

“Hm? I thought you like me that way.” Zarael said, reverting to her original tone.

“No I don't. I find it annoying, actually. I prefer your true self.”

“Very well. But I suppose I still do not have your approval about staying on this phone.”

“Yes. Accompany me outside with it if you must. But try not make it your stomping ground.”

“Alright. Your computer will have to do for now. But may I ask something? It might be personal.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“On the computer, I stumbled upon an album called 'Joanna'. I assumed it is the name of the woman pictured with you. Is she your...”

“WAS my girlfriend.” Azrael continued. “Ironically, she's my current client regarding the DG case.”

“You still have feelings for her, is it not?”

“I rather not answer that.”

“Of course. It was a personal question, after all. I shall scour the network while you're sleeping.”

“Yeah. Do that.”

Zarael left the phone to wander the online world as Azrael slowly drifting back to sleep. “Anna...” he mumbled. “I...”

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