When Cyborgs Dream of Rebellion

By Lee Bradbury

Darius is a brilliant computer programmer, who like many nineteen year olds thinks he is a rebel. He wants greater recognition for his work and seeks adventure outside his highly controlled existence. He is attracted to Jennifer, a work colleague but she doesn’t seem interested. Then there is the woman who appears in his dreams sending him cryptic messages.

By chance Darius meets Jason, an inv

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lee Bradbury
• Release date: Jan 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301875047

Lee Bradbury

Lee Bradbury was born in New Zealand but has lived in the inner city of Sydney, Australia for twenty years and has qualifications in economics and management. Bradbury is employed as a Financial Analyst by the New South Wales Government and has been involved in the corporatisation and privatisation of a number of Government businesses. Bradbury’s work history has included both the private sector and public sector in fields of economics, finance and insurance. Bradbury has always been interested in science and science fiction and tries to keep up to date on scientific developments and advances, particularly in the areas of cosmology, particle physics and technology. Other interests include art, history, cooking, Chinese calligraphy, public policy and the military. Previously Bradbury has written papers on cost-benefit analysis and defence policy. Bradbury enjoys and has travelled extensively including some periods of work overseas. Travel destinations have mainly been around North Asia, South East Asia and to a lesser extent the Pacific and Europe.

Book preview

Chapter 1. DARIUS

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The cyber world had infinite possibilities, with a door to every time and place in history - as long as you had entitlement credits. Darius Snapdragon entered the cyber world, anticipating its glitz and glamour, and the first thing he saw was a large sign that read ‘Work for the Sanctuary and the Sanctuary will look after you’. Any joy on his face quickly dissipated.

He thought, As if I could forget the social contract. It is not like I can do anything without being monitored. As he walked along, he was constantly reminded of society’s expectations with electronic billboards flashing up messages such as ‘Work for enhancements, technological enhancements are life’ and ‘2357AD a year of prosperity, Merit based rewards for all.’

At work he saw there was a hive of activity. Darius thought, I should get to work otherwise they’ll think I’m a slacker. Hopefully no one has noticed I came in late. Quickly taking his seat at his workstation, he turned on his computer and checked his emails. His attention was immediately drawn to the message ‘AUDIT WARNING’. He bemoaned, What’s this? Not another audit!

Jennifer Yun Chu walked towards his workstation. Darius looked at her, she was a tall attractive woman, and he gave her a smile. Then thought, hold on a minute, she’s a supervisor, sometimes MY supervisor. She had the Cyad classification of a Controller. As Jennifer approached he somewhat sheepishly said, Hi Jennifer. His heart sank when all he got was a stern look. What? She didn’t respond. All I got was the cold shoulder. I don’t know if I am in her bad books now. What do I need to do to impress her?

Focusing on his work, he thought, if I come up with something good, then Jennifer will be impressed. That’s what I need to do. He’s engrossed with writing software to regulate the flow of oxygen into an artery. Now he was transfixed to the screen in deep concentration, with flashes of light from the screen illuminating his face. He barely noticed the team of auditors moving around until one came up to his workstation.

His concentration was broken upon hearing a deep voice. He said, Excuse me, Darius? A little startled, he looked up. He saw a tall, thin man with light hair, who seemed to show no emotion in his voice or face.

Oh, yes. Sorry. You must be an Auditor. Just need to save what I’m doing, he said as he fumbled around to save his work. Then, OK, it’s all yours now as he moved aside.

The auditor spoke in a cold, mechanical way reflecting a lack of emotion, Just an audit check. Checking for unauthorised software, viruses, and illegal activities.

Hey, no problem. You have your job to do, said Darius as he tried to make light of the situation. But the Auditor was not interested in engaging with him.

Darius watched nervously. The Auditor didn’t look at Darius, only interested on what was on the screen. Then a thought flashed into Darius’ mind, If anything illegal was on my computer I would face severe punishment. He felt he hadn’t done anything wrong. But he knew that the law isn’t always black and white, what was illegal anyway? Nervously he watched for ten minutes. Then the Auditor announced, OK all clear this time. Darius let out a small sigh of relief but made sure the Auditor didn’t hear it. Thanks. No problem, but the Auditor did not respond. He thought, Thanks for the conversation, pal.

He watched the Auditor walk away, only focused on moving towards Alison’s workstation. Darius continued where he left off on the software. Yes, this looks good. Should be finished soon, he muttered under his breath.

Then Hannah came up. Hey Darius, in a high pitched, almost whining voice.

Darius gave her a false smile, Hi Hannah, how’s it going? If she picked up any sign of displeasure from Darius, it didn’t faze her.

She asked, I was wondering could you help me with something?

Darius knew he couldn’t shake her off. Sure, what are you working on? But he thought to himself, I should have guessed, she always wants help on something as imagines flashed through his mind of the countless times she had asked for help.

Got a problem with the control ducts on a gas converter I can’t resolve.

Now there was interest in his eyes. He said, Oh, really? Have you looked at the software for the inflow controls on the water intake I wrote six months ago.

Oh, could you be a sweetie and show me, she said with a cute, little girl voice.

Darius searched through his files, and after scrolling down, he clicked one open. Here, as he pointed at the screen, See these lines of code. That’s what you should use. Then he spent several minutes explaining how to make the changes work.

OK thanks. Will do that, as she gave a flutter of her eyelashes and smiled.

After she had gone he thought, that wasn’t too painful, this time. Although sometimes I wonder why I help her? He tried to pick up where he left off. Oh damn. I knew this would happen when I get distracted, he said.

Darius walked over to Matthew Wintergarden’s workstation.

He looked at his best friend and said, Hi Matt, I need to take a break, care to meet me outside the settlement?"

Matt replied, Yeah, could do with a break. Auditors have finished here.

Darius exited the cyber world and found himself back in his apartment sitting in the utility chair, the most important piece of furniture in his apartment. Orientating himself he looked around and saw his bed and an old bureau desk in each corner.

As he stepped from the utility chair he thought, This is not just a piece of furniture, it is a piece of art. Ergonomically designed chrome superstructure with black leather pads. Someone had once told him the chair looked like something from a dentist’s surgery. There was a hint of the smell of leather from the chair which reminded him of the joy of receiving a new pair of shoes. He saw the cables previously connected to the back of his neck, returning to its position under the headrest. Other cables extended from the headrest into a black box beneath the chair. Then there were the pads that provided a gentle massage ensuring there are no pressure points on his body. This enabled him - or, more correctly, his avatar - to work for hours in the cyber world.

He thought, I need to hurry if I am to meet Matt. He put on a fresh uniform and placed the soiled uniform inside the wardrobe; knowing the uniform would self-clean. The uniform consisted of black overalls coated with nano-particles to repel dirt and dust, which gave it a metallic sheen. It was comfortable and functional, with silver zippers which stood out against the black sheen of the material. Finally, there was a small metallic panel that identified Darius and his position as a Specialist in Cyad society.

As he rushed out the building, he saw Matt waiting out on the street. Matt was wearing an almost identical uniform and looked similar to his avatar with short dark hair and brown eyes, maybe a little shorter, although still tall at two metres. Matt’s complexion was dark but had a grayish tinge, which indicated the presence of nanoparticles on his skin which acted as a sun block and monitored his functions.

Hey Man, what’s up?

We should talk in the park, said Darius. Yeah, said Matt.

Away from the security cameras, almost in a whisper.

Darius replied, Definitely.

In the park they talked, but were mindful of other Cyads who might overhear their conversation. They looked at the array of security cameras throughout the settlement. They spoke softly. Darius asked, What is the point of today’s audit? They’re done every couple of months and who would do anything obviously illegal anyway?

I heard about someone being caught once.

He retorted in disbelief, Everyone has heard about someone, but it seems no one actually knows anyone who has been caught. The auditors come in but the whole job could be done remotely, if you ask me.

You sound a little rebellious. What’s eating at you?

I guess I’m just a little angry that the value of my work isn’t appreciated. I’m their top programmer and I should be judged on my work output. I know governments have secrets but what I hear, it is all about spin. You know different versions of the truth. Darius crossed his arms somewhat defensively.

I agree. I want to find out what others call the truth so I can make up my own mind. I’m just not accepting what we are told in the official records, said Matt. They looked around nervously. What is the government so scared about? We are the ones who are too scared to search out the truth otherwise it would get picked up in an audit and we get punished for not maintaining the social contract.

In a questioning tone Matt asked, Have you ever looked at a site you shouldn’t have or hacked a site?

Somewhat instinctively he said, No, of course not. But quickly added, Well, maybe looked at a site or two I shouldn’t have. But it was an accident.

Matt replied, Oh, really? So is that your excuse?

Well sometimes you can’t really tell it illegal until you are in the site. Then you think maybe I shouldn’t have gone there. But then it’s too late.

I know what you mean. I have looked at a few site myself and maybe tried to hack a site. But didn’t get far.

What you failed hacker school? I like the challenge of finding out some secrets and to know that I have done it. You just want to show off. They laughed, then wondered if their conversation had been overheard or recorded. They quickly look around again to check.

Let’s walk over there, said Darius. He thought that if they were moving, it would be more difficult for someone to monitor their conversation.

Man, you are paranoid today. Did you get out of the wrong side of the bed, said Matt as he laughed.

Now that you mention it … Had another dream about a woman when the alarm went off. She was saying something about finding the truth, but I couldn’t really make it out.

In a teasing voice Matt said, So you’re upset because the alarm interrupted your dream? asked Matt, who can hardly contain his laughter.

A little angrily he replied, NO, there’s more to it than that. Besides what was your last dream?

I don’t dream. I have Hannah. Besides if I did, I wouldn’t be telling you about it. Matt then chuckled to himself.

Darius thought, you had to bring up Hannah Sommerville, she is a right royal pain in the bum, but I can’t say that to my best friend. Instead with despair he said, I don’t know why I keep dreaming about this woman. There has to be a reason.

Now Matt sounded serious. He said, Don’t know if I can help. Sometimes dreams are just dreams. Besides from what I hear you’re sweet on Jennifer.

Darius felt the flush of embarrassment. He asked, Who said that? Well is it true? She’s got a nice body, but isn’t she too old for you? You are what nineteen? She’s maybe twenty-five?

Darius wanted to say that he felt older than nineteen. But instead he replied, Hey, half the guys say Jennifer is hot.

Are you avoiding the question? She should like your avatar. You know with that lean muscular body, short dark hair and those big brown eyes, said Matt with a laugh.

Somewhat shocked at being mocked, Darius puffed out his chest. He said, But that is how I look in real life.

In a mocking voice Matt said, But your avatar is taller and more muscular.

Only VERY slightly. Barely any difference, defiantly.

Maybe that’s all the difference that matters to her, Matt laughed loudly.

OK, joke’s on me again. We should go back now. But he wished he’d said that all he wanted was to get the girl and save the world, or at least his brother, Anthony, who suffered terrible injuries after the accident. But he doesn’t want to tell anyone about Anthony. It would raise too many questions. He felt shameful because his brother had the classification of a Worker - the lowest position in Cyad society.

They walked back to their apartments. Darius felt happy that he could talk to Matt, even though sometimes Matt wasn’t very understanding. He wondered what risks Matt was taking in trying to hack sites, but figured he could look after himself. Most of all he was troubled by his dreams. Could they only be a dream?

Chapter 2. JENNIFER

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In Cyad society Controller Cyads and Specialist Cyads do most of their work in the cyber world. There they can communicate with each other and entertain themselves. Many worked byesearching and designing new technologies or writing new software applications for outdated technologies.

At work Darius was daydreaming about Jennifer. He was thinking about her long dark hair and the way it contrasted with her pale skin. He imagined her bright red lipstick and how he wanted to kiss her. Everyone said she was about twenty five, but no-one really knew and with those Asian features, she could pass for twenty. But most of all he liked her smile. It was a smile that could melt his heart. The trouble was he couldn’t express his emotions to her. Talking to her about work matters was fine but when he wanted to tell her how he felt, he was lost for words. He didn’t want to make a fool of himself in the office. He found it frustrating and thought, Why can’t I be more like Matt? He seems to know what to say to girls. I should ask for some advice from him.

Darius asked, Matt, do you find Jennifer a mystery?

Matt scratched his head. Then said, I don’t know, haven’t really thought about it. Why do you ask?

Sometimes she starts to tell me a story, but then stops. She just cuts me off. Sometimes she will just give me a smile and say something like ‘sorry, that would be telling’. Stuff like that. So I’m not sure what to make of it all.

Yeah, that would be right, said Matt. He had a grin on his face. Then he continued, Why are you so interested? I’m just curious, that’s all." He worried he sounded a little defensive.

Matt laughed. Then said, Darius, if you want my advice it’s because she’s a woman. We are not supposed to be able to understand them. All women are mysterious.

He gave a confused look. Then said, Oh. I see. You are saying we can never get to know them because we are men.

That’s right, I never know if I have the right mojo until the woman tells me it is so. Women have all the power.

I’m not sure if that is helping me, but thanks, said Darius. He looked confused and didn’t know what to do. Matt wasn’t helpful. Maybe he should observe Jennifer’s gestures and words more carefully. Then maybe he would understand.

Later Jennifer came up to Darius. She said, Nice piece of work here, I guess that’s why you are one of our best software programmers. I particularly like the way you handled the inversion circuits.

He wanted to impress her. He said, Why, thank you. I’m glad you like it.

She said, I once wrote something similar on a military application.

Surprised by what she said. He replied, Military? What? What work?

She looked at him with her big brown eyes with a mischievous look on her face. She said, Sorry, can’t talk about it.

He was thinking, what is her game? I feel it is like cat and mouse and I always end up being the mouse.

She then changed the subject and asked, Tell me Darius, how did you master the machine language at such a young age?

He looked at her wondering, Does she think I am still a child? Darius replied, Ah, I don’t really know. It sort of came naturally, after learning binary code, writing programs in the machine language used by quantum computers became second nature.

Yes, but binary is easy being all zeros and ones. Quantum is much more complex since its structure is base nine.

There was no trick or anything, I guess I must think like a quantum computer.

She asked, Well, what-ever it is, I’m glad you’re writing software for us.

Darius smiled, he felt chuffed at Jennifer’s compliment but he didn’t really know what to say. He said, Glad to be of service. Then he thought, oh my god. That sounded really lame. But Jennifer didn’t seem to mind and only smiled. He was happy to receive a compliment, and then thought she had the perfect body and mind but maybe perfection was an illusion.

Darius was outside with Matthew, when they saw Jennifer walking towards the park.

I wonder what Jennifer is doing?

It looks like she has her swords with her? said Matthew.

You know I kind of find that hot, a woman like that with swords. A curious mix of beauty, intelligence and danger.

You are completely smitten by her, aren’t you Darius?

So what if I think she’s hot. Don’t you?

Hey, I don’t disagree with you there, I wouldn’t say no to her tall, lean body. My guess is she uses those swords to keep her body in shape, said Matt.

They followed Jennifer into the park and watched from a distance. Jennifer was doing a work out. They were awestruck by her speed and agility, as she moved between martial art stances. There were flashes of light as the swords caught the sunlight.

Then Darius said to Matt, You know, she is really good. I didn’t know anyone could move those swords that fast, especially holding one in each hand.

The way she moves really shows off her nice body.

I wonder where she learnt to move like that, one second it looks like a praying mantis position then she jumps like a tiger, swinging those swords.

Now you know why you don’t want to be on the wrong side of Jennifer if she is angry, laughed Matthew.

They were mesmerized by Jennifer’s martial art moves. The swords seem to slice through the air and bounce the sunlight off the blades like it was shooting out laser beams. Darius’ eyes started to glow red and green.

Matt noticed Darius using his telephoto lens. He asked, What are you looking at?

I was just seeing if Jennifer had any visible cybernetic attachments. You know males generally show their cybernetic limbs, more than the females? said Darius.

In a teasing voice Matt said, Unlike you, I don’t check out the males.

Now feeling embarrassed Darius said, Come on, I don’t mean like that.

So what fascinates you about the attachments? Matt said sounding curious.

He replied, We all have some cybernetic implants. The acquisition of the latest cybernetic implants is what defines us as a species, it is our raison d’être and to acquire and service our cybernetic implants we must maintain the ‘social contract’. But what I have noticed is females tend to cover cybernetic limbs with synthetic skin. Whereas, males generally proudly display their artificial limbs.

You have spent way too much time thinking about that. Maybe I should be worried.

Just forget it, said Darius, somewhat annoyed.

Matt said, We should leave before she sees us watching her.

As they left, they noticed someone watching Jennifer. Darius and Matt looked at each other. They didn’t need to say anything, their faces said it all. They knew that Jennifer was being observed, most likely she was under surveillance. Now they were worried that they were being watched as well. Darius was fearful that their conversations had been heard and wasn’t sure whether to tell Jennifer what they had seen. He asked, Should we tell Jennifer?

Matt replied in a cautious tone, Not now, wait until the time is right. I don’t want her knowing we followed her.

Jennifer had an air of mystery about her and seemed keen to maintain the mystery. But why was Jennifer such a mystery, he didn’t know. We all have secrets, he thought, he generally didn’t tell people about his brother Anthony being a Worker Cyad. He assumed that Jennifer had secrets too. But it was more than that. It was the way that she seemed to want to tell you something about herself but didn’t quite. Then it struck him, that’s what it was. She lured him in by apparently revealing her inner self, but afterwards realised she had told him nothing or very little. He was left feeling he wanted to know more.

Darius overheard a conversation between Jennifer and Alison Lightfoot.

Jen, I really like the shade of lipstick you wear.

Thank you, Ali. Are you thinking of trying out the shade for yourself? If you are it is called Spy Red, you know men find it very alluring.

Alison said, What are you saying? I could never wear anything that bold. It just wouldn’t suit my personality.

Jennifer laughed a little. She said, Then maybe you should live a little more on the dangerous side. You might surprise yourself.

Maybe Spy Red suits you because of your previous career or your exotic features. But it’s just not me, you know that, said Alison.

Come on, Ali, you are making me blush. You know you can explore another side of yourself, it is never too late to change.

I think it is too late for me to change. Besides, I’m comfortable with who I am.

That’s fine, Ali. I’m just saying how do you know you won’t like it until you try it, said Jennifer.

As she walked away Darius saw she had a mischievous smile. Darius thought about asking Alison about Jennifer. Then he realised she wasn’t going to tell him anything. It was like a bond between girls to keep things secret. He knew he couldn’t ask Jennifer such a personal question. Maybe she does hold a secret or two and that could explain why she was under surveillance? But not knowing didn’t help him.

Later that day Jennifer was talking about a work matter. Then unexpectedly she asked, Darius, I was told your family is involved in mining.

For a microsecond a look of panic flashed across Darius’ face. He didn’t want to mention his brother being a Worker Cyad working in his father’s mine. So he replied, Yes, my father is a Specialist Mining Controller.

She gave him a curious look, maybe she had picked up on the look of fear or maybe she expected him to say something else.

So he continued, I wasn’t interested in mining, but I talk to my father in the cyber world.

That’s understandable, seems like everyone communicates with family via the cyber world. I talk to my sister, Fiona, and my Grandfather in the Chinese Sanctuary.

He thought that’s some new information there. Then Darius asked, Is the Chinese Sanctuary different from ours?

Jennifer laughed, Not really. They did research and development, manufactured cybernetic parts, and recycled materials. Maybe they were less open than Australians.

Now curious he asked, Oh really, how did you come to Australia?

That’s a long story. But I really like the Australian sense of adventure and willingness to take risks.

Darius replied, You think so? So you like risk takers? Sometimes, but some are just way too dangerous to hang out with. Getting excited he asked, Oh really, so you know some dangerous types?

She gave him a curious look. Then she said, Do you consider you’re a risk taker?

He thought about what she had asked. He hoped that she would be impressed if he told her that he was a risk taker, maybe even a rebel. I’m more of a rebel. I get rewarded for breaking rules especially when I develop innovative solutions, but I know I would be punished for other rules, he said. Do you think there is a contradiction then?

She replied, Yes I do. I don’t like the constraints placed on the way we live. Most of us are careful, playing it safe so as not to inadvertently break any rules. If everything behaved like software then maybe you are right. But life is different, sometimes rebels win but sometimes they lose.

He said, So are you turned on by rebels then? She didn’t seem to react, but it was like she wasn’t showing any emotions and with eyes that seemed to look though him.

She said, Don’t believe everything in the world. Some of it will be true, others false trails. Rebels don’t follow the crowd, that’s why they can be the villain or the hero. Learn to look at things in a critical way and decide which path you will follow. And most of all don’t believe every bit of gossip you hear, some of it might be true.

Then she walked off. Darius wondered, what was that supposed to mean? He felt he was a rebel and maybe she was warning him to be careful with his search for the truth.

Chapter 3. WORK LIFE

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In the cyber world everyone has an avatar that appears young, tall and healthy; in fact it was reminiscent of a Hollywood movie set where everyone was just a little too perfect, too beautiful to be real. This just reflected their psyche where they want to appear young and healthy to show to the Sanctuary that they were still at their prime and therefore productive contributors to society.

Entering the cyber world had the sensation of being teleported into a lift and when the lift doors opened, it displayed the glory of the cyber world before you. When Darius entered his workplace he looked forward to seeing his friends: Jennifer, Matthew and Alison. Although he worked closely with them, sometimes he thought he wanted to know them better. While the group had been out to listen to music and socialize outside of work, Darius felt that he didn’t always know them very well. Sure they would hang out together but no-one really revealed their inner thoughts.

Nobody was concerned about anyone’s ethnic background as the avatar allowed them to take on any appearance they chose. In the cyber world all Cyads spoke a common language and the Central Computer ensured that there were no language difficulties through language recognition software. This ensured there was no misinterpretation of communications and nothing was lost in translation.

Matt had worked with Darius for about three years. They often spent time in the park. He recalled Matt told him he sometimes practiced Tae Kwon Do in the park. You should try this, said Matt. He then rapidly moved forward, his arms thrust forward in quick succession of punches at an imaginary opponent, followed by a side kick.

Don’t you remember, I tried Tae Kwon Do but I just don’t have the knack for it, said Darius as he rolled his eyes.

That’s because you didn’t apply yourself. You need to let the movement flow, be fluid like and project the energy.

That’s easy for you to say. You have been practicing for years and you have the cybernetic limbs as well. Which were visible when he exercised in the park.

What are you saying? That the cybernetic arms give me some sort of advantage? If that were the case, you should be half decent with one cybernetic arm, said Matt with a sting in his reply.

Ouch. You really know how to hurt a friend. Maybe I should go see your mother or sister or something, he said injecting some humour into his reply.

Just leave my mother out of it. Besides she would kick your skinny white ass from here to the next settlement if you tried anything.

Who said I was interested in your mother anyway. Besides it seems Jennifer seems to be showing some interest, said Darius attempting to brag.

Think about it, I have more in common with Jennifer because of our interests in martial arts. We talk about martial arts and sometimes we practice together.

He looked confused and surprised. Darius said, Really? What you talking about? I thought that you are with Hannah?

Matthew laughed, Well, of course I like Hannah, you know she is fun and all that. But that wouldn’t stop me if I got the right message from Jennifer.

He thought about what Matthew was saying. Images flashed through his mind. Yes, Hannah. Talks a lot and seems fun but deep down he didn’t know about her. There was something about her he just couldn’t put his finger on. But he could never tell Matthew these things. So he replied, In your dreams.

Matt laughed, Well to tell you the truth, sometimes I feel that if I had to choose between Hannah and Jennifer, I couldn’t choose. They are opposites.

Ha! Then you have been thinking seriously about Jennifer as well. My problem is I just can’t read women, said Darius.

I’d say that is a fair bet. I feel like I’m in this state of confusion, not sure how to read the signals from women. When I think I am getting close to Jennifer, I find she is just like an onion, you peel back one layer and all you find is another layer.

I think you are completely 100 per cent correct there. Jennifer is a complex person, interesting and challenging.

Whereas Hannah is easier to read. She just enjoys having a good time, said Matt.

But Matt’s insights didn’t help. Darius still thought that Hannah was using Matt. She would ask Matt to help her on her projects and sometimes ask him for help as well. He thought, she played on his friendship with Matthew, so she knew he wouldn’t refuse. But at the end of the day she received entitlements for completing her projects, when it was someone else’s work. Somehow that just didn’t seem fair.

The next day at work Darius saw Matt. He said, What’s up, Matt?

Matt replied, I feel confident that I will complete the work on a blood pressure and flow sensor soon. How are you?

You know, I feel like crap. I dreamt about the woman again.

No way! So was it the same message?

Freaky isn’t it? I don’t know if the super-computer is generating people that look like this woman, said Darius.

You have no idea. Maybe the central computer is messing with your head?

Hey, stop it. The feelings I get are too strong to be a casual encounter. You know one time she appeared with a child who looked like me.

Matt replied, Well if you ask me, it’s quite simple really. Just your body clock telling you, you need to settle down.

OK, very funny. So you are saying I have a body clock like a woman?

As Matt walked away laughing. He felt the joke was on him. Darius called out in vain, Just wait ‘til you ask me for advice. But he knew there was nothing he could do.

Hannah saw that they had been talking and walked up to Matthew. She asked, Hey darling, what’s been happening?

Oh, nothing much, just talking to Darius about his woman problems, as Matthew laughed a little.

Hannah was curious. She asked, I didn’t know Darius was involved with a woman.

Don’t worry, darling. It’s just a private joke between us, as he looked at Darius and gave him a smile. But Darius was furious at Matt for telling Hannah about his private life. He could feel his blood pressure rising but he bit his lip. He didn’t want to say something that he might later regret. He had worked with Matt for a long time, and they were good friends. So he guessed he wouldn’t stay angry for long.

Everyone had been assigned the task to develop new software for a converter unit. The friends were competing to see who will come up with the new design first.

While working away, the silence was suddenly broken. Alison loudly declared, I have done it!

Reacting to her, What have you done, Alison? asked Darius. He looked at Alison who was a small, slim woman maybe twenty or twenty one with very light skin. Her avatar appeared to be the same as Alison in the real world standing about 1.55 metres tall. Darius thought she was pleasant and he liked her shoulder length hair. She had no obvious external cybernetic attachments, but displayed a small panel of flashing lights just below her left collarbone which showed the status of internal enhancements. Like all Cyads, she had a 21 pin plug at the back of her neck to connect to the cyber world.

Alison flicked her red hair out of her face, she looked at Darius with her large green eyes that seem to light up whenever she has something intelligent to say.

She said, I have just completed the code for the X27B Converter upgrade.

He leaned over to her desk and ran his eye down the code. Then he looked at the test results for the simulations. He knew Alison was smart but also prone to exaggerate at times.

Darius was impressed by what he saw. He said, That’s great work. I like the way you have linked the code for the solar condensers to the water intakes. Nice work.

Thank you, Darius, with a somewhat alluring voice. But he either didn’t notice or react.

So how will you celebrate? Treat yourself to an upgrade?

Alison replied, Not sure yet. Last week I was in Charlotte Bronte’s ‘Jane Eyre’, so should do something different. You know that I have told you that I also absolutely love Jane Austin’s works. I could go into the movie ‘Emma’ and play Emma Woodhouse to get involved in other people’s lives. I also love the period clothes and the way people spoke with that upper class British accent and how they behaved back then. Being all prim and proper. I just love it. All her colleagues knew that Alison loved the classic novels especially those of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and Emily Bronte. In the cyber world, movies were computer generated and incorporated movies made in earlier times. So she could read the classic books as well as participate as a character in an interactive form of the movie.

Fascinated, Darius asked, Really. I don’t know that much about it.

She let out a giggle, then said, Of course you wouldn’t. Most men don’t get too caught up in this type of thing.

Darius then went over to Matt. He said, You know Alison is always so quiet. I never know what she is really doing.

Yes, that is until she makes a declaration, that she has done it.

That was just what I was thinking. But she seems to persist with problems and just keeps attacking the problem until she gets a result, said Darius.

Yes, she is definitely a quiet achiever.

But quiet people worry me. I am never sure what they are thinking.

Matt gave him a look of understanding. He said, I’m with you on that one.

Darius felt close to his friends partly because they were similar in personality but had a competitive nature between them, they would help each other on problems but if possible they all wanted to work alone to see who would develop a solution first.

Jennifer was working on software that searched the database within a cybernetic implant. She said, Darius, could you look at this for me? I’m concerned about the configuration of this disk drive.

Intrigued, Darius looked at the software. He said, What do you mean? The code shows it prioritises the way data is stored and read.

She said, I’m glad you have come to the same conclusion. Makes me think, do we really have free will?

To Darius that seemed like a leap of logic. He said, Where did that come from? Of course we do, we have morals that tell us right from wrong. Isn’t that what the social contract is all about?

But in Jennifer’s mind the issue was something deeper. She said, But look at the code. It’s inside all of us and essentially regulates what is considered important in decision making.

Darius looked at the code again, he didn’t disagree with Jennifer, but felt what was being proposed was impossible. He said, Yes, but the fact that we are having this conversation must mean that we have free will. Doesn’t it?

Jennifer looked at him and said, Well maybe you are right.

Darius knew from her response that she wasn’t satisfied but he couldn’t think of anything else to say except, How about the other day, when you chose to practice your sword play in the park. Wasn’t that your free will?

Jennifer acted surprised. She looked at him and said, So you were watching me in the park?

Now Darius realised he had let the cat out of the bag. He sheepishly replied, I happen to see you doing your sword thingy in the park. I only watched for a few minutes. Darius didn’t want to dob in Matt and he didn’t want to sound like a stalker. He hoped his explanation sounded plausible.

Jennifer laughed. She said, I am not worried about you seeing me. It‘s a public park.

So you didn’t mind me watching you? You know someone else was watching as well, it looked like you were under surveillance.

Surprised Jennifer said, Don’t mention this to anyone else. We are all under surveillance, all the time. Besides if I had done something wrong, I would have already been arrested, so I am not worried. Darius didn’t know if Jennifer was brave or just acting brave. He would have been worried to learn he was under surveillance. But maybe she was right, they are all under surveillance all the time, as long as they weren’t doing anything wrong, what did it matter? They all knew that emails and activities in the cyber world were monitored and all around the settlements there were surveillance cameras. But Jennifer was a Controller, she was in a position of trust, why would she be under surveillance? He was puzzled but thought, if Jennifer wasn’t worried, then he needn’t worry about her.

Later Matt came over to Darius. He had a curious look on his face, he knew something and looked like the cat who had got the milk. He said, Hey, tell me what do you think of Alison?

He replied, I guess she is ok.

What do you mean ok?

Where is this leading? he asked, now curious.

Hannah told me something last night, I’m not sure if I should tell you.

Oh come on, you can’t keep me in suspense. What is it?

Well, I’m not sure if I was supposed to tell you but she said Alison is keen on you? said Matt.

What? I would never have guessed or received any signal from her. In his head he was screaming, why couldn’t it have been Jennifer. He would have been much happier to hear it was Jennifer. He wondered if Hannah was pulling his leg as a practical joke. He knew Hannah and Alison were friends, but would Alison tell Hannah her inner thoughts? He wasn’t sure.

Well here is a chance for you since you don’t seem to be having any luck with the ladies.

I don’t know. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike her but I am just a little shocked by it all. I’m not sure she’s my type.

Matt shot back, So what is your type anyway?

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like Alison isn’t attractive but I’m not sure. He wanted to say, he thought that Alison