Unity by Carl Stubblefield (epub read online books TXT) 📕

and some of the wet docs love experimentation. Apparently there’s more work for them than they can handle.”

Gus shivered at the thought. He had wanted to be popular and noticed when he was a teenager, but never even dared coloring his hair a wild shade, let alone getting a tattoo or piercing for fear of how his father would react. He was still mad at himself that he had been so cowed. Still, those people were only affecting themselves, so what was the harm? Harmony seemed to act like they were being exploited.

Darik put up his arms placatingly. “All I’m saying is that there’s probably a happy middle ground somewhere in there. Sure, we maintain order with Purple Faction, but it stifles innovation. People are afraid to step out of line, and that only lasts so long.”

“You should have joined Orange. They love augments and tinkering with DNA,” Grimdark said archly.

“Aw, shuddup. Things have been stagnant, and you know it. People are getting restless, and we’ve had to step in to manage more civil disturbances the last five years than in the previous ten. Eventually rebellion springs when people are oppressed.”

The ship slipped down into the fog, following the pre-programmed course given by Seneschal.

“I don’t like this. Leto was never that trustworthy, and I trust him even less now that he has what he wants and doesn’t need to keep us happy for future trades,” Yuki murmured.

Tempest grimaced, hearing his own fears verbalized.

“I think we all feel that way. Let’s work quickly and be on our way.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Private Eyes

“How are we going to find our contact?” Harmony asked.

“Why don’t we do as one of the locals?” Yuki suggested as she did a quick search and held up her laptop so the Crew could see. A spartan web-page showed the contact information for the nearest private investigator, who went simply by ‘Shamus.’

“Not very impressive, is it?” Anastasia asked, scrunching her nose.

“I kind of like it. Not too flashy, maybe he’s no-nonsense, get to the point. Usually if you have to brag, you’re compensating for something.” Darik leaned in close to read the text. “Says he specializes in surveillance, background, and missing persons. Over twenty-five years’ experience. Could be just what we are looking for.”

“I agree. If he’s good at finding people who don’t necessarily want to be found, that will save us a lot of time and legwork. Can you set up the appointment, Yuki?” Tempest asked then gathered Aurora, Grimdark, Prime, and Gus over to him. She threw him a big thumbs up and got typing.

“We probably don’t need all of us to go in here, but I would like someone to keep watch outside while I meet with him. We need to be discreet.”

Grimdark raised a hand solemnly and folded his arms in front of him.

“Thank you. Prime, how are you feeling? We won’t absolutely need you; did you want to stay onboard?” A quiet nod in response and preparations were done.

Aurora showed them the supply closet she had used earlier and they all put on coveralls that hid their conspicuous suits. While the shrouds would hide their Nth signature, they were unreliable as far as visually changing one’s appearance. Best to have the greatest margin of protection.

“Let’s double check everyone’s shrouds and get ready to go,” Yuki said while still typing, eyes never leaving her screen.

Yuki scanned and analyzed everything, and determined that it was all functioning as it should, calibrating the shroud to their new outfits. Seneschal notified them that they were at Shamus Investigations as they set down on a landing plate that served this district.

They walked down to the cargo bay, and Gus noticed the jet-sky vehicles stored in recesses. Closed chutes yawned underneath them, hinting they could be used for rapid deployment. His hand traced one as they waited for the gangway to drop.

They exited onto a paved lot wet with condensation. Contrails of fog spun in little vortexes as different vehicles zipped by in this more remote area. The area was fairly foggy, and Gus inhaled the moist air. A stairwell led down off the lot and snaked around the sides of buildings.

After a couple turns, they arrived at a humble office, with a simple LED sign proclaiming Shamus Investigations. Nodding to Grimdark, the team entered the small office while Grimdark stood watch on the landing.

Tempest brushed some water off of his shoulder as he stepped inside the tiny waiting room. A hologram of an attractive woman with coiffed hair meticulously stacked atop her head materialized in front of them.

“Good evening, I am Eliza. Mr. Shamus will be with you shortly, please wait here.”

After a brief pause, the metal door separating the small entryway from the rest of the office slid into the ceiling and the group entered. Gus slid a bit, barely catching himself from falling on the smooth floor. Something dark stained the tiles, streaking away from where he stood.

Was that blood? Or motor oil? Maybe even something I stepped in on the way over here?

“You okay?” Aurora asked as Gus recovered from his awkward ‘Twister’ pose. Gus nodded as Eliza reappeared and gestured to a door on the far side of the room. As they walked in, a chime rang and Shamus turned around in a large chair. Gus started as he saw the heavily augmented man who at the moment was missing his left arm down from the elbow. The investigator’s expression darkened when he saw the group.

“You gotta be kidding me. No way. I should report you right now,” Shamus growled, his dark expression replaced with one of outright hostility.

“What are you talking about—” Tempest began to protest.

“You three are supers—clear as day. If you didn’t get the memo, you are not welcome here in Hinansho. I’ve already had enough trouble today, and I don’t need any more drama. This,” he waved a dismissive hand at them, “looks like a whole ball of drama I don’t want any part of.” The augment twisted, ready to spin