Maelstrom of Treason by Michael Anderle

Author:Michael Anderle [Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LNBPM Publishing

Chapter Thirty

October 12, 2229, Neo Southern California Metroplex, Outside of Police Enforcement Zone 122 Station

The MX 60 flew away from the station and joined the living stream of lights that defined nighttime flitter traffic, adding its own to the mix. Erik was alone if one only counted carbon-based people. He snickered.

Emma’s hologram formed in the passenger seat. “What’s so amusing, Erik?” She drew out the last word, almost as if it were a curse. Even AIs weren’t free of the power of habit, it seemed.

“You’ll get used to it,” Erik suggested. “I was just thinking about how Jia bought that new flitter not all that long ago, and she might not get that much use out of it. Even if we stay Earthside, it makes more sense to bring this baby than hers. That’s a lot of wasted credits. She could have stuck with the boring blue Corbinmobile.”

Emma feigned looking out the window, even if, in truth, she had more situational awareness than any human within a few kilometers. “That’s true, but it’s more a symbol than an important vehicle, isn’t it? My impression was the whole point of purchasing the new flitter was to prove she’d broken with her past.”

“It’s an expensive symbol.”

“Says the man who purchased a Taxútnta MX 60.”

“That was as part of my cover,” Erik countered. “And it’ll help if I play that up. It’ll be easier when I’m not a cop.”

“If you say so,” Emma replied.

Erik slid the MX 60 into a new lane. He let go with one hand, reached under his shirt, and slid his finger over the bent dog tag. It was with him almost all the time. Although he often forgot its presence, he would never forget what it symbolized. “The best symbols aren’t expensive,” he murmured.

“I might not be a fleshbag and vulnerable to certain frailties of mind and body, but I understand you.” Emma continued looking out the window. “If you die seeking your revenge, won’t it all be pointless? One might argue that living a rich and full life and remembering those you lost would be a valid way to respond to the events on Molino.”

“Sure, but who said I’m going to die?” Erik’s quick check of the cameras and lidar didn’t pick up anything unusual, which was a good thing for a man who was often targeted. “I’ll live a rich and full life after I take down the bastards responsible. Come on, you’ve been with me for most of my time here. Check the score, Emma. It’s something like Erik, one hundred. Scum bags, zero.”

“You don’t think you can lose, do you?” She laughed. “There are more than a few sayings about pride that are applicable.”

“I’m not sure I’m explaining it objectively enough for you to understand,” Erik replied. “I can lose. I know that. I spent thirty years having that drilled into me. I’m looking for revenge because I did lose, but I can’t afford to lose now.” He grunted. “We’ll find them. I don’t care if they’re hiding behind every yaoguai and experimental Tin Man in the UTC.

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