Matriarchs - Silicon Gods Boxed Set: Matriarchs - Silicon Gods

By Chris Sarantopoulos

The Matriarchs - Silicon Gods trilogy contains three full novels with over 1400+ pages of pure heart-pounding action, set in a dark cyberpunk world. 
 

When giants fight, ants better stay away. 

 

The corporate conglomerate, known as the Matriarchs, claims it brought stability and peace to a world ravaged by war. That it paved the way to a better and brighter future for what was left of humanity. In exchange, all the Matriarchs ever asked was the people's lives. 

 

But the war is far from over. It simply changed in nature.

 

Three unlikely heroes over the course of a century are each caught in a secret war between the Matriarchs that threatens to destroy themselves and their families. There is a timer ticking down to humanity's doom. If the heroes fail to uncover the truth about the Matriarchs and their war, the victor will reign supreme over humanity and turn everyone into slaves. 

The Matriarchs - Silicon Gods trilogy includes:

1. Through Stranger Eyes
2. Through Digital Ascent
3. Through Virulent Time

Megacorporations, biohacking, rogue AIs, body augmentation, mafia bosses, dystopic future, hackers. This series has it all. Recommended for fans of Blade Runner, Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Neuromancer, and Altered Carbon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Sarantopoulos
• Release date: Nov 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223076155

Book preview

Matriarchs – Silicon Gods Trilogy

Books 1-3

Chris Sarantopoulos

Copyright © 2023 Chris Sarantopoulos.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Request, at the address below.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Chris Sarantopoulos

Unit F, Winston Business Park

Churchill Way #38738

Sheffield

https://csarantopoulos.eu

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Through Stranger Eyes cover

THROUGH STRANGER EYES

Matriarchs – Silicon Gods: Book 1

Chris Sarantopoulos

August 31

CHAPTER 1

When a cell attacks another cell, there is nothing left of the loser. The forthcoming acquisition of the Elevation Medical Centre by Augmen Corp, the leader of the Matriarch Corporate Conglomerate and founding member of the Board of The Ten, had seemed like such a battle. What troubled Doctor Rick Stenslandt the most was the new work conditions this acquisition would bring. To him, there was little doubt that things would change after today. Undoubtedly for the worst. And one of the things the new management would ask him to do was to sell out his beliefs and ideals.

All Matriarchs cared about was pushing their bioengineered monstrosities to the public. For the betterment of our species, they said. For the improvement of our way of life, they argued.

Rick studied the pitiful outcasts the interlevel shuttle had dumped as they scuttled towards him and his alms. What about them, he wondered? What about these poor souls? Why couldn’t the Matriarchs, with all their power, provide for them too? Were the stacked megacities Matriarchs like Augmen created so packed with people that they missed some? How? These were people, not grains of sand to slip through someone’s hand.

Up here, on the seventh and topmost level of New Ringwood Eden stacked megacity, among the towering and twisting spires bathed in neon lights and holo-ads, particularly the streets around Elevation Medical Centre and the plaza before its main entrance, the rich and prosperous enjoyed the life the Matriarchs provided. They cared little for those in need. But Rick, unlike the rest of his kind, enjoyed helping the discarded, the wretched, and the less fortunate.

"Last year’s earnings for the Matriarchs from bio-enhancement implants increased by two hundred and fifty-four per cent," the newscast hologram floating before Rick’s eye read. He switched it off and took the holo-link off his head. He had been right all along. Synthetic bio-enhancements became a fashion craze and, if unchecked, they would lead to a life with no real living tissue left.

Humanity should live according to its original design, no matter how long their time on earth may be, he thought. No amount of nanojuice injected into them, or how many organs and body parts they swapped, or how high up they lived should change that. People ought to know better.

The first outcast approached him with timid steps and then the rest. Soon, everything Rick bought for them vanished. As always, Barry stayed behind. He walked with a hobble and kept his eyes behind a pair of massive goggles masking most of the face his wiry beard didn’t cover. He never took alms from Rick and never approached him.

Barry inched towards him, stopped, scratched his head over the beanie he wore, and turned his attention away to argue with someone not there. He had one hand stuffed in the pocket of a long and heavy coat of unidentifiable colour from dirt, puke, and piss stains. He brought something out, examined it at length, then lifted his goggled eyes at Rick.

I … I’m sorry, Rick said and took a step towards the man, there’s nothing left, but I can—

Barry gasped. He stuffed whatever he held back into his pocket and hurried away. I remember nothing, nothing, he bellowed and ran away from Rick. He arrowed through a holo-ad and headed straight to the interlevel shuttles.

Inside the hospital, the scheduled arrival of Augmen Corp’s representatives had turned the place into a beehive in uproar. Every holo-ad displayed either the hospital’s breakthroughs and achievements on body alterations or an Augmen Corp product. The time of independence from the Matriarchs was over, Rick thought.

Sign these, please. Claire appeared out of nowhere and shoved a flexisheet and pad into Rick’s face. She was Dan Havariggs’ assistant, a fastidious woman who always asked about this and that, and had a keen eye for details. In another life, she might have been the finest lion tamer the world, if not the universe, had ever seen. All she was missing was the whip. She got what she wanted from whoever was her supervisor and didn’t know the meaning of the word no unless it came out of her own mouth. Maybe the new management would use her administrative skills. Big corporations loved people like her.

Isn’t Dan in? That’s Doctor Havariggs’—

Not yet. I need them signed. Now.

I’m sorry, Claire. You’ll have to wait for him. I don’t underst—

The board can’t wait on Doctor Havariggs.

Rick sighed. Fine. I don’t even know what it is I’m signing here. He placed his finger on the indicated slot on the pad and felt the tingling sensation of the bio-collector underneath. Why do we need such a massive quantity of growth factor anyway? The synthetic tissue on the implants comes pre-made. We don’t grow the tissue ourselves.

Claire snatched the pad and the flexisheet from him once it chimed that the signature had gone through. You’ll have to ask Doctor Havariggs. As far as I understand, it’s the typical amount he always orders, she said and walked away, her heels tapping on the floor.

Yeah. Good morning to you too, Claire. He brought his golden pocket watch out and flipped it open. Where the hell was Dan?

*      *      *

I WAS ON MY WAY TO YOU, Dan said from the other end of the hallway. He caught up with Rick as he was getting into the elevator, and patted him on the back.

Dr Havariggs. What a surprise. Rick shook his head like a scolding father, then cracked a smile. Some friend you are. You left me to deal with Claire. First thing in the morning, mind you. How do you cope with her as your personal assistant? She’s like a drill sergeant.

Dan placed his hand on the panel and the system registered him. She’s good at her job, buddy. Plus, she handles all the things I hate doing. If we had more like her, we wouldn’t have to show up for work at all. Dan had an intelligent face and a gaze that seemed to keep track of everyone and everything. He yawned into his palm and wiped the edges of his eyes.

Rough night? Let me guess: The Temptress? Again?

Dan gave him a toothy grin. He squeezed Rick’s arm, wiggled his eyebrows, and leaned close like a conspirator. You won’t believe the things Crystal did to me last night.

Crystal? You do realise you’re talking about a V-hook, right? She’s not real, just electric impulses through your brain—

Yeah, I know.

—the brain you are, apparently, trying your best to fry. Why do you go there anyway? You get some kind of special regular’s discount?

Something like that. There was a hint of blush on his cheeks, either from the booze or the kick from last night’s stimulants still coursing through his body. I was in the neighbourhood and figured I might combine business with pleasure. You should try it sometime.

Dan, you’re not supposed to visit V-hook brothels or ExperienSers more than once every few weeks. The shit they fill your body with could kill you. Not to mention they fry your brain.

How on Earth did you come out a Luddite?

Wait. Did you say business? A well-respected regular party animal of Naughty Town? What kind of business was that? Are you seeing someone?

Errands, Dan said. He fidgeted with his collar, then shoved his hands in his pockets. And no, I’m not seeing anyone. Not the way you mean it. So please don’t preach to me about wife and kids again. Not happening. He snapped his attention to one of the holograms where a young Asian woman advertised the benefits of the latest Augmen Corp ceramialloy knee and whistled through his teeth. Now that is a construct, I’d be willing to share more than one experience with.

Don’t change the subject.

Fine, Dan said. Speaking of wives, did Sherry tell you I left a message? I’ve scheduled your next appointment.

Not again, Rick wanted to say but stopped his words before they came out of his mouth. Had it been six months already? Dan meant good and wanted to help, but every time Rick had these exams, he felt like a different person. As if the nano they injected him with was rearranging him from the inside.

I would have come to you, Rick said. Eventually.

Dan paused and raised a finger. Ricky, my boy, if I didn’t know better, I’d wager you are a lying sack of shit, he said in a lame attempt to imitate Professor Pearl’s thick accent from their time at university. Then his face took on a serious expression. This is for your own good.

I haven’t had a blackout since the last exam. Whatever it is you do, it’s working fine.

Dan shrugged. I haven’t done anything. Your brain seems to be in need of fine-tuning every few months, that’s all. But I’ll figure it out eventually.

The lumipanel next to them blinked into existence and showed Augmen Corp’s sign.

Do you think Augmen will cut back on benefits for the staff? Rick asked. Like my exams?

Don’t worry. It won’t affect you.

I have a feeling a lot of things are about to change after the acquisition.

Dan waved the argument away. You are important.

How can you be su—

Sherry told me the good news, Dan interrupted. Another go for board membership, huh? Good. Between you and me, at your age and with your skills, it should have happened a lot sooner. It would have happened if you weren’t so opinionated.

I’m not.

You’re forty-eight. You should and could have been on the board. You never give up, never quit. If you only had a little more sense, you’d see that one day, you’d make it to the Old Man’s seat.

The Old Man’s seat belongs to Augmen now and Augmen is massive. How many millions in their employment now? A hundred? Two hundred?

Three hundred and twelve million, eight hundred seventy-four thousand, two hundred twenty-five last time I checked.

Rick blinked and tilted his head to the side.

Dan took a step back and gave him a thin smile. He scratched his chin and chuckled. Well, I heard it somewhere. A newscast, probably.

I thought you hated the news. Anyway, my point is, they don’t even know who they employ. Why would they care for someone like me, or who runs this hospital?

Sure they will. You’re good and you’re special. Dan patted him on the shoulder and grinned. Just too stubborn.

The elevator dinged on Dan’s floor. Relax. They may fire me, but never you. Be more flexible in that meeting and you’ll be fine. And don’t be late for your exams. He stepped out of the elevator and spoke through the slowly closing doors. I’m in your corner. Nothing to worry about. Hey, maybe you should join me in one of my night outs. Sherry won’t mind. It’s all in the head. Nothing’s real. He winked just before the doors closed.

*      *      *

THE ENGINEER PREPARED RICK AND made sure the emergency medbots and the medspider hanging over the patient worked to perfection. The nurse assigned to help Rick—not that doctors needed nurses anymore, not even to wipe the sweat off their brow—was watching a newscast coverage.

"… the victim, Neil Mayfield, 91, was an esteemed executive of Onitech NanoRobotics. Police officials have not linked this to Blaze of Insurrection or any other similar terrorist organisation, but it is related to the series of targeted deaths against the Matriarchs that have been going on for some time. The victim was found drowned at Cedar Park, on the seventh and topmost level of New Ringwood Eden in broad—"

Rick switched it off. We have work to do.

I hope they catch whoever did it. It’s a shame all these brilliant and wonderful Matriarch employees getting killed. Her nostrils widened. Chances are whoever did it, will have it easy in the Production Placements. I’m telling you, scum like that deserve to be sent to the wastelands.

Carrie, we’re doctors, sworn to protect all life. If we didn’t have the programme, people would die. And yes, that goes for someone like the murderer. If it was murder. We can’t play God at our own volition. The programme helps deviants return to a productive life.

Her brow creased a little but she kept silent.

Rick ran a last-minute scan on the patient in the operating room and on the new implants he needed. The state of the patient’s lungs and liver was worse than a crater-filled planet.

Sedatives ready? he asked Carrie.

She nodded.

Rick put the matrix over his eyes and blinked them into focus to the new software-created environment. He wore the sleeves linking him to the medspider and adjusted the thimbles at the tips of his fingers.

You should get implants on the fingertips and the eyes, Doctor, the engineer said. They’d help with the operations.

No, thank you. I like me the way I am.

The metallic spider hanging over the patient came to life, and the appendix with the cutting laser moved. The other limbs held the artificial lungs, the liver, another the tissue weld, the last the injections with the nanobots.

Five minutes into the operation, the alarm went off. Rick’s field of view filled with a red light. The patient’s readings flashed across his eyes. The medbots rushed in.

Pressure’s dropping.

One tube E.N.I. to the heart, Rick ordered and moved his fingers accordingly.

The spider’s arm with the nano injection plunged it into the patient’s heart. Rick’s field of view narrowed and showed the depth and location the needle pierced.

Another alert.

Not working, the nurse said. He’s rejecting the nano.

Capillary microscan.

The medbots punctured the patient’s toes, fingers, shoulders, head, and abdomen. The holo-display mapped the patient’s veins and arteries, as the nanobots went through them at ultrafast speeds.

The patient flatlined.

It’s no use. Call it in, Doctor Stenslandt.

Call it in? He hadn’t even started trying. Initiating Boyarova method.

You can’t, the engineer said. It’s not designed for that.

Doctor, the nurse said, it’s no use. We lost him. If nano can’t save him—

There. That’s where he’s bleeding from. Full control to me. All systems to manual.

Nothing.

Now, and get the hell out of my O.R.

The engineer fiddled with his instruments. The spider jittered momentarily as full motion control passed to Rick. The engineer and the nurse left the room.

A small crowd of nurses and a trainee doctor gathered outside and watched through the window. One hour and fifty minutes later, Rick stepped out of the control room, drenched in sweat, his face grim. The crowd broke up and parted, their murmurs and glances over their shoulders the only thing indicating something out of the ordinary took place. From the next door, the pair of medbots guided the sedated patient back to his room.

The medspider’s not designed to operate under these conditions, the engineer said.

The next time you disregard my instructions will be the day I’ll kick you both out of this hospital. Are we clear?

The nurse nodded, her face ashen.

What you did, was not within operational parameters, the engineer insisted.

Really? And stuffing a human body with machines is? Rick’s voice rang against the walls. The few patients and their families walking the nearby aisles stopped and looked in their direction. He was full of an illegal batch of nano near his liver because as it seems, he thought it would help him to patch things up like that. Unregistered nano, therefore undetectable. Once their expiration date passed, they remained inside him, because his body couldn’t piss them away. And once our scanners kicked in, their self-destruct programming also kicked in, so we wouldn’t trace their manufacturer, and they ripped through every vessel they were in.

The Boyarova method is unorthodox, the nurse said. You could have killed him.

He pointed a finger and loomed over her. The Boyarova method was created specifically for such cases.

Rick took them both by the shoulder and pointed at the patient. And he was already dead. But not anymore. We’re here to save lives, not to fool around and make them look pretty. He pushed them aside, walked down the hall alone. I told you before, you cannot always rely on machines to do the work for you. I will not tolerate anything less than complete focus on the goal. And the goal is to save lives and make things right again for the patients. If you can’t do that, hand in your resignations.

CHAPTER 2

Rick stepped into his office and crashed into his chair. Music, low. The faintest idea of a headache pulsed behind his eyes.

"Preference?"

Schubert. Piano Trio number two. On repeat.

The gentle and melodic strokes of the piano filled the room, and Rick closed his eyes. The cello in the second movement was his favourite part. Schubert’s expression of pain and anguish and love were almost tangible. Music. Stripped to its core, what one got was mathematical harmony, nature’s way of communicating with humans. And what did humans do instead? They discarded their nature for machine parts. There’s no room for harmony in machine men with machine hearts and machine lives.

He brought a hologram of his wife and kids out and set it on loop. Marta was trying to get rid off her back a grinning Sean, who already had a grip of his sister’s hair. Sherry, the most beautiful woman and loving wife in the world, was trying to break them apart. And now both his kids wanted to enhance their bodies. How long before they would no longer listen to him?

Rick pinched the bridge of his nose, sat back on his seat, and let himself float. The operation had been successful but wearing. He could hardly raise his arms above shoulder-height. It was as though the medspider stole ten years of his life.

Enter cello. Sadness. Melancholy. Lament.

Maybe he was getting too old after all. Maybe he was fighting against something destined to win. Maybe all the evolutionists had it right; inferior species lost an undeclared war and were eventually swept away by a current that grew stronger the more they resisted it.

Both piano and cello now. A crescendo of hope, an allegro, and the tune turned livelier. Franz—Rick was certain if he and Schubert lived at the same time instead of centuries apart, they would have been on a first name basis—was a genius, a mastermind.

A light blinked on the surface of his desk. The music faded to the background. "You have an appointment with the board of directors in ten minutes," the computer chimed.

He forced himself up with a grunt. We’ll advance our civilisation, he mumbled. We’ll build machines to do the hard work for us. We’ll be the masters, and they, our slaves. He snorted. He couldn’t remember who said that quote, but someone made a mistake on who ruled whom. He swiped his hands in front of the display on his office to stop the offensive blinking. Inform the board I’m on my way.

He took his pocket watch out and flicked it open. The hand for the seconds ran on its perpetual circular path. Maybe things would get better once he sat on the board. Maybe he could make them see reason, and change some things. He’d have enough power to do that. Maybe they’d see they could benefit from an old-timer like him. He listened to the pop the watch’s cap made as he closed it. He was tired, almost exhausted.

His mind wandered to what was in his drawer. He opened it and there it was waiting for him; a vial of hexatholene, also known in the streets as Phoenix. A stimulant meant to multiply perception and stamina to ten times the original. Great for street thugs who wanted to come out of a turf battle alive, but with nasty side effects. Uncontrolled anger was one of them. Not that street thugs had a reputation of being able to control their anger or saw that side effect as a problem. Unfortunately, it was also a favourite among colleagues and other health-related professionals, which made things volatile during an operation. Too often newscasts mentioned a doctor assaulting a patient or a colleague after using it.

He took the vial and studied the cobalt blue fluid in it. He had used it twice in the past, no more than a drop each time, but it had been years since the last time. He had hated himself afterwards for weeks. He was better than that. He was a survivor. If he survived the wars, he could survive anything. He tossed it back in his drawer and slammed it shut.

*      *      *

TRY TO UNDERSTAND, DOCTOR STENSLANDT, the hospital needs to be profitable to continue operating, Mr Wulff, the chief accountant said. If we implemented what you suggest, we’d go bankrupt in a matter of weeks.

I understand your concerns, but—

No, you do not. You have repeatedly attempted to dissuade patients from having an enhancement operation.

Rick made a bitter little chuckle and scratched the side of his nose. Patients?

What?

You said patients, Mr Wulff? I’m sorry, but in my book, a patient is someone who suffers from something and needs medical assistance. Like those in the lowest levels. What we do here is distributing toys and gadgets. Those coming here are not—

Doctor Stenslandt, Mr Alcorn said, chairman of the board and managing director of the Elevation Medical Centre, and fixed him with a cold and penetrating stare, you’re not here to lecture us on semantics. You’re here to be given two options.

Oh, on the—

Alcorn slammed his synthetic hand on the table. It left a small dent on the wooden surface.

Quiet.

Alcorn clenched his jaw and made a small muscle jump out. Given the fact the Augmen Corp representative is scheduled to arrive in a few minutes, the corporation which has been supplying us with their tech for decades, and who is responsible for you having a paycheque might I add, I suggest you refrain from interrupting me again, unless you want him to be present at this meeting.

Rick straightened, sat back, and folded his arms across his chest. If the Old Man thought that this kind of threat would work on him, he didn’t know him well.

As your colleague, Alcorn continued, I advise you against it. As your superior, I strongly advise you against it. You’re a great doctor and, I’d hate to have to let a member of my staff go the day the new owner took charge. He let the threat linger for a moment.

Rick forced a dry swallow down and shifted where he sat. Let go, he thought? They must be terrified of their new owner to throw threats of this kind at him.

As I was saying, Alcorn continued, you have two options. The first is to carry on acting the way you have been and wait for Augmen Corp to deal with your personal morality. They employ well over three hundred million people worldwide, excluding the asteroid belt mining facilities. I’m confident they’ll have a need for a doctor somewhere. I do remind you, however, that confidence is not a certainty.

He paused, took a sip of water.

The second option is the one I urge you to take. Stop trying to dissuade your patients, and do as you’re paid to do. I assure you, it will be better for you in the long run. Do I make myself clear?

Rick chewed the inside of his lip. Why did it take him so long to say yes, why did it feel so hard? Sherry would have answered before the Old Man had finished his sentence; she and every other reasonable human being. But then again, the one thing that mattered the most in people were their morals. 

Rick closed his eyes and gave a hint of a nod. He didn’t trust himself to speak. He probably would have lashed out at the Old Man.

Good.

Rick stood up, turned around, and headed for the door.

You may think of me as the enemy, Stenslandt, Alcorn said. Rick halted. When he turned, Alcorn had fixed his gaze on the desk before him, as if reliving something from his past. A sell-out to the Matriarchs. A money-driven bastard. He chuckled. An old man clinging to life when I should be clinging to the underjaw of worms in my grave.

Yes, Rick thought. Everyone on the board waited for him to die and take his place. If not die, then step down. The seat Rick was supposed to get belonged to Doctor Hicks. The late Doctor Hicks, who joined the hospital after the Old Man was already a senior member of staff.

Just so you see I’m not the villain here, he said and transferred some data from the desk in front of him to a flexisheet, which he waved impatiently for Rick to take, I’m consciously putting unfortunate events like this behind us.

Rick glimpsed the other board members. The few gazes he met caused a knot to form in the pits of his stomach. He crossed the room and took the flexisheet. Transcripts of conversations he had with patients while trying to change their mind about augmentation. His pulse thrummed. They were watching him this whole time. They knew he spoke out against them, and had chosen to keep him after all.

There are many more records like these in the servers. But then, there’s also your involvement in a purist demonstration. He swiped the desk in front of him, brought a hologram up, and transferred the feed to the flexisheet in Rick’s hands.

Rick drew a deep breath and steadied himself. How did you get that? It was years ago. And I took part not only because I’m against transhumanism, but to help those who would need medical assistance. Like that poor man the sentinel sprayed with the bio-agent.

Alcorn snatched the flexisheet away with a lifelike hand. There will be no such record left when the Augmen Corp representative arrives later today. But I need to make sure we have an understanding of how we expect you to behave from now on, yes? Alcorn’s eyes remained fixed on the wall ahead of him as though looking at Rick would somehow stain him.

Rick wanted to say yes but found no spit left in his mouth. He nodded a fraction.

Good. Like me and everyone else here, you are now the property of Augmen Corp. I can’t force you to accept this, but then what’s the alternative? You’ve been around people from below, you feed them, you care for them, you know what it’s like. He nodded. Yes, we know. I don’t approve, but I’m not the one to tell you what to do. Augmen may do it, though. Try not to give them a reason. Don’t let your ideals blind you. He waved a bored and tired finger for Rick’s dismissal.

Rick walked out of the door with the Old Man’s words ringing in his head. Property of Augmen Corp, he thought. He knew this merger was going to be a disaster. Everyone had jumped right in, despite being aware they might no longer be employed. Why? Why were they moving forward with it?

He scratched the edges of his mouth. The answer was simple: because basic human stupidity dictated that if something bad was to happen, it would always happen to others.

So? How did it go? Dan waited for Rick outside the meeting room and clapped him on the shoulder when he came out. He had a tight-lipped smile that made the muscles of his lower jaw stand out.

Not good.

Dan sucked air through his teeth. A frown replaced the smile and his jaw muscles relaxed. Really? I’m sorry, Ricky. Did you give them the anti-synth lecture again?

What Rick did was right and had little qualms over it. Why couldn’t others see it too? Maybe.

Dan tut-tutted. You’ll never learn. Always bent on getting things your way. All you had to do was keep your personal feelings away from the hospital. Keep them to yourself.

We’re doctors, Rick said. We’re supposed to care for those who come here. Instead, we urge them to jack up on stimulants, neurachems, artificial limbs, synthetic organs. We infuse their bodies with a ton of nanobots, and for what? Money?

Dan allowed a stray glance make its way to the meeting room. Yes, it’s about money. And in your case, it’s money spent on Marta and Sean. Money used to keep Sherry’s shop afloat. Think about it.

Sometimes you sound just like them. Was Rick the only who could see that what they did was wrong? The only sane person in this world?

Hey, look. He’s here.

Rick followed Dan’s gaze. From the corridor on the other side, a crowd followed a strutting man. The followers were talking amongst themselves, pointing at things for the leading man to see in their flexisheets or the display-on-wheels following them around. They were headed Rick’s way. The leader was a man—no, not a man; he had equal parts of real and synthetic flesh—somewhere between the age of forty and fifty, though given the amount of synthetics in him, perhaps much older. He pointed at something with his artificial fingers; a beam touched the wall. He said something to a woman studying the hologram of the building from a handheld projector. She zoomed in to the wall section and nodded.

Yes, I got the specs for that too and I’ve marked it for demolition.

Augmen Corp’s representative, Rick thought. And he came with plans for their new toy.

The representative halted a few paces away from Rick, as if he heard his thoughts, then he approached and studied Rick. The retina in his eyes parted and a scan beam landed on Rick’s face. The executive smiled and made a minute bow to him. Doctor Stenslandt. He extended his hand. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. The man’s entourage and the trail of doctors took a couple of steps back to allow them privacy.

The man’s voice was soft and melodic, calm and soothing at the same time. The tension inside Rick ebbed just by hearing him. Modulated voice, Rick thought. Artificial vocal chords, the latest fashion for the business-oriented, that produced harmonics in frequencies known to yield the best results for a tough audience. Guaranteed to change the outcome of a deal.

Rick took the man’s synthetic hand. Normal temperature, lifelike skin texture, delicate and smooth to the touch. The handshake was firm but not crushing.

I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage, mister …

Campbell. Harry Campbell. His face radiated with an awestruck smile. Rick wondered if Augmen Corp figured out a way to fake emotions too. The executive let go. The retina parted and the scan beam came out again. This time it ran Rick’s body up and down. Quite an impressive resume. Climbed the social ladder without any previous support from family, mainly because of lack of—

Rick took a step back. Hey. That’s enough. My life and my past are of no concern to you.

Campbell clumped his mouth shut and blinked as if at a loss for words. The retinal scanner withdrew and the executive lowered his head. My apologies. I did not mean to offend. I simply accessed the Public Archives. I’m … intrigued. He rubbed his fingers together; nanocircuitry flashed. Pure, he muttered almost astonished.

Are you checking my DNA? Rick pointed at Campbell’s fingers. Are you accessing police records as we speak? Stop it.

I’m sorry. I’ve heard of you. The rebel doctor who sells our enhancements while trying to persuade patients not to buy them. The synthetic-free, implant-free doctor. A purist. With such perfect physiology, I can’t blame you. They’ve done great work with you. He paused, then smiled. I meant nature, he added as if talking to a primate that’s yet to understand the use of opposable thumbs. And he still managed to make that smile appear genuine. I know you’re against modern technology, even though you are a product of it, like all of us.

A product?

The executive blinked, cleared his throat. His eyes shifted to Dan, stayed there for a moment, then back to Rick. He nodded, spread his hands, and took in their surroundings. This hospital has been using our products for ages. It wouldn’t exist without us. Likewise, you wouldn’t have been shaped this way, if not for this hospital, therefore, us. So you see, you are the product, the sum, of what we’re doing here. Under this prism, we’ve done great work with you. His gaze drifted to Dan once more. Campbell adjusted his cuff, raised his chin in a somewhat challenging and defiant way, then turned to Rick and smiled once more.

So, Augmen Corp is interested in me because I openly speak against them? Are you saying the leader of all Matriarchs is afraid of me and my beliefs?

Rick, Dan said and chuckled, I don’t think Augmen—

Of course not, Campbell said and threw an almost angry look at Dan, probably for interrupting him, and turned to Rick. We are merely interested in our property, as well as everything and everyone that comes with it. Anyone with enough senses would be. I’m afraid that’s all the time I can spare at the moment. Have a good day, Doctor Stenslandt. He left and the entourage followed, their humming, audible once more.

I don’t like him, Rick said.

Hmm? Right there with you, buddy, Dan said.

He accessed police records. He scanned me, like some kind of—

Property?

Rick nodded. He always thought working for this hospital would ensure his independence from the Matriarch way of doing things. That he could influence things and minds easier. Campbell had just stepped into the meeting room but he was already instructing them and pointing at things. The Old Man had a stone-cold expression on him, and for a moment the Old Man’s gaze and Rick’s met. The Old Man lowered his eyes and he vanished behind the closing door. Even from this exchange, it was clear the Old Man was biting down on his anger.

Anyway, back at our discussion, I think you’re overreacting, Dan said. You see demons and danger where there’s none. You’re blinded by—hey, look at me when I’m talking. You’re blinded by your irritation at those who have a different perspective and view of life than yours. Not everyone has to conform to purism.

True enough, Rick thought. Even his kids wanted to alter their bodies.

You’ll get another chance at the board, Dan said at length. I heard you saved a patient’s life today. That makes Augmen’s reputation shine even more, and all thanks to you.

Rick hung his head. He ran his hand through his hair, stopped halfway through and hastily readjusted his parting.

A rush of weariness swept him. There was a moment where up and down lost their meaning, but he steadied himself on Dan’s shoulder.

Whoa, there. Dizziness? Have you been blacking out again? Dan brought his face close to Rick’s, held his face in his hands. Come on, buddy. Let’s go get those exams, huh?

The tests, Rick thought. He had forgotten about them. The board meeting had been in his mind for days. All he wanted was to go home and get some rest. Nuzzle in Sherry’s embrace. And to stay away from those machines.

Maybe we should reschedule. I’d rather get some rest at home.

Oh, and leave me to deal with your wife alone? I’d rather face five Claires than one Sherry. Come on. You’ll have plenty of rest in here for the next couple of days. You’ll be like a new Rick.

*      *      *

THE CAPSULE STOOD BEFORE RICK, open like the mouth of the lair of the most terrifying beast. One of Dan’s team was calibrating it, the monitoring devices, and the nano.

Rick’s heart beat a fearful cadence. The air around him had somehow lessened. All he had to do was step inside. Dan and his assistants would deal with the rest. Two days in stasis and the scans would be over for six months.

Dan put his hand on his shoulder. I’ll be right here monitoring the whole thing, as always. Come, come. Let’s get this over with. He injected Rick with the nanojuice and helped him inside. Don’t worry. Your body will piss them out before you wake up.

Rick’s eyes followed the closing seal separating him from the world. His pulse drummed in his ears and his breathing became too loud, too fast. A weight settled over his chest, as if the walls of the capsule were alive and cognisant, with the intent to squeeze him, crush him to the point only the nanites in his bloodstream remained.

Relax, my boy, Dan said through the com with professor Pearl’s thick accent. Remember, all this is horse shit. Ever seen a real horse? It shits a lot, lemme tell ya.

Rick huffed a little breath. The capsule filled with a blue light. A pair of semicircular sensors came out of the sides of the capsule’s ceiling and glided down over his body. He stifled a gasp and swallowed.

Calm down, Ricky. Your readings are off the charts. The new instruments will help us map your brain far better. And in two days time, when you’re out, I’ll buy you your first V-hook. On me. Yes? Yes, indeedio. Professor Pearl approves, yes.

The scanning bars reached his feet and made their way up, this time slower. His heart pounded like a caged animal desperate to escape. A heaviness settled over his eyes. His body weighed a ton. The stasis fluid touched the sole of his feet, crawled up his legs, and slowly rose. A breathing muzzle descended over Rick’s face.

A dreamy haze swept over him. He struggled to keep his eyes open, and for a moment he thought he floated outside the capsule. He saw technicians bringing another capsule into the room. A man full of synthetics—was that Campbell?—cast a watchful eye over them. Inside it, Rick almost made out a man, another patient, with a parting in his hair, who looked like him. The sedative Dan gave him must have been stronger than ever before. Seeing that patient was like looking in the mirror.

The weight in his eyes clasped them shut.

September 2

CHAPTER 3

See? I told you there was nothing to worry about. Dan helped Rick out of the capsule. He was dripping stasis gel on the floor then coughed and slipped on the slick, gel puddles under his feet. Easy. Dan covered him with a towel and helped him sit.

Rick’s body tingled, as if millions of tiny feet were crawling on him. He made a jerky move to wipe his head and face from the sensation. The world was out of focus, his mind stuck somewhere inside the stasis capsule. One by one the memories of who he was, where he was, and what had happened came back. They aligned themselves like soldiers getting ready for inspection. Is … the nano … out? His tongue refused to obey his mind, and the words sounded strange.

That thing will never change, will it? Dan smiled. You know, one of these days I ought to leave it inside, so you can see for yourself it does nothing to you. Dan’s mirth slid away the moment he noticed the expression of utter fear and dismay on Rick’s face. Hey, hey, I’m joking, Ricky, just a joke.

One of the assistants placed Rick’s clothes in a neatly-folded pile by his side. She walked behind the capsule and fidgeted with the instruments there. When Rick coughed again, she turned and locked gazes with him.

Those eyes, Rick thought. Almost like déjà vu. Where was it? In the orphanage perhaps? One of the nurses there? He remembered someone watching him from the other side of … something like this capsule. Some sort of glass wall that made the eyes garish and monstrous. No. He probably woke up during the tests and saw her examining his readings. Still …

He tried to stand but lost his balance.

Dan helped him back down. Easy. I told you, you’re clean. You pissed the last of the nano three hours ago.

Do, he cleared his throat, do I know you from somewhere? Rick asked the assistant. Have we met before?

The assistant snapped her attention to Dan, then shook her head.

Jane is new, Dan said.

The nurse nodded, smiled wanly, and hurried out of the room.

Hey, focus and stop flirting with my—

"I wasn’t.

—team. Get your own assistants. Go get a shower, get dressed, and go home. I’ve told Sherry. Oh, Sean was also asking for you. His sports practice. Set the autopilot there. I don’t want you driving like this, you hear?

Rick nodded, though the movement made him queasy.

Dan sat by his side. How are you feeling?

Like before, only … Different. Heavier, fuller. Dizzier. Too many things in his head hadn’t aligned properly yet.

What?

I can’t get past the feeling that something’s different in my head.

There’s nothing different with your head and nothing to worry about. In fact, I think it may be a while before you black out again. Like I said, I used a new method for your exams this time. Courtesy of the new owners, of course. We can map your brain better, see what parts of it shut down every time you black out. They will lead us to the source of the problem. He brought Rick’s brain up on display. He glanced at Rick from the corners of his eyes. Of course, it would help a lot if you allowed some nano in there on a regular basis.

No. What did you find?

Dan sighed. A man can only hope that one of these days you’ll come out of the capsule a different person.

Rick grumbled.

Nothing new, Dan said with a sigh.

You sure?

Hey. Trust me.

*      *      *

THE LIGHT ON RICK’S DESK WAS BLINKING. "Welcome Doctor Stenslandt. You have pending messages from Marta Stenslandt and Sean Stenslandt. Would you like me to call them back?"

Yes.

The hologram filled the air over his desk. He sat on his chair, rubbed one side of his head. This new method Dan used was more aggressive. Was there any part of his brain Dan hadn’t prodded? It hurt, like having surgery without anaesthesia.

Sean and Marta came into view. Hey, dad. How did it go? Can you come and pick us up?

Marta punched Sean on his shoulder and glowered at him. How are you feeling? Marta asked.

Dizzy. A bit of pain. Dan’s working on it. He said there was improvement, but nothing new yet.

Mom said he also mentioned it would make his life easier if only you agreed to some nano, Sean said. It’s no big deal, dad.

Next subject please. God, his head was about to explode.

Can I have it then? Marta whined.

Kids, we’ve had this conversation before. No machines inside us. You’re perfectly fine the way you are. Mom and I love you both.

Every other kid has them, Sean insisted. It’s the only way to make it to the team.

Yeah, dad, it’s not a big deal. Even Courtney got them.

It is a big deal, and Courtney had a serious problem with her kidneys.

Her kidneys, yeah, what about her shins and calves? C’mon dad, you’ll oversee the procedure. You’re the specialist.

Yeah, dad. Please? There’s not much time before they finalise the team. Please?

Rick rubbed the centre of his forehead. Absolutely not. These are dangerous and purposeless operations. Please, enough of this. My head’s killing me.

Both kids exhaled and rolled their eyes.

Can mom pick you up? I just got out of stasis, and I’m not feeling very well.

Sean sighed. She can’t. Something to do with the shop.

The pain at the back and top of his head descended behind his eyes. All right. I’ll be there—the kids’ faces vanished—soon. Love you too, he thought. How much longer before they were old enough to do what they wanted? How much longer would he be able to keep them implant-free?

He stood at the hospital’s entrance overlooking the grand plaza, now half-full with folk in bright colours and flashy metallic wigs. The sun shone behind a paper-thin layer of clouds, but still bright enough to sting his eyes. A faint smell of lavender drifted in the air from the bio-engineered flowers around the hospital. Water splashed in the fountain at the centre of the plaza.

Rick made his way to the parking lot with a hand over his eyes for the glare and headed for his magcar. All those in the lower levels, he thought, how did they manage to live without sunlight?

He paused and looked back at the hospital. Today should have been different, he thought. He should have walked away as a board member. Had he been so foolish to jeopardise his family’s standing and well-being? Had he—

Someone crashed into him and sent him to the ground so forcefully it stole his breath away. It took Rick a moment to get his bearings back. I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there. The glare, he said and tried to get back on his feet.

A large shadow swept over him. Rick glanced up. He was a heavyset individual, dressed like a beggar, who walked for a couple more steps like nothing happened, then noticed Rick and stood rigid.

The beggar turned his head slightly, but it was hard to tell much about his face with all the muck on it. He was buried under piles of rags, leftovers from coats that must have dated from before the Global Reaping. They added to his massive physique. His hair was lanky and draped all the way down to his shoulders, unevenly cut. Tufts covered most of his face.

As the man turned his head, the breeze caught some of his hair and exposed part of a hypodermic alloy mesh underneath his face.

A war veteran, Rick thought. How many of them were left? Those prosthetics were probably more than half a century old. And some still lived despite what the biotechs had done to them. He must have been looking for Rick. I haven’t got anything on me, but I’ll bring food tomorrow morning, as usual.

The man drifted away, not one step deviating from a perfectly straight line, as if he were marching rather than walking.

Rick staggered to his feet, still woozy from the stasis, and dusted himself. His car was a few feet away. He touched the scanner pad, then waited for the scan to flash green and enter. He thought it took a moment longer than usual to respond, then it flashed red. Come on, will you? He slapped his hand on the surface, and let the scanner drift over his palm. A small beam shot out of a port on the car’s roof and glided over his face, then vanished into the vehicle.

Rick studied the veteran’s figure in the crowd. He had never seen this one before. Even from this distance, he stood well over a head taller and made quite a few of the passers-by move out of his way.

The pad flashed green and the door opened. The car needed service. Like him, Rick thought and chuckled. He took his pocket watch out and flipped it open. Sean and Marta were waiting for him. And whatever was wrong with Sherry and her shop would also be on his plate. The retinal scan on the dashboard flashed an emerald beam over the top part of his face, and the car revved up, the magnetic bond to the ground beneath humming gently in the background. Autopilot. Sean’s practice.

He switched the newscasts on and the broadcaster’s face blocked the view of the magway ahead of him. "… but an Onitech spokeswoman stated: ‘furthermore, Onitech NanoRobotics will be able to provide the general public with the necessary advanced polyneuron networks that will integrate and fully automate every city’s services.’

"When asked about the alleged new cloning laws The Board of The Ten is thinking of discussing, the same spokeswoman stated: ‘such practices are dangerous and fail to demonstrate on our commitment to the public regarding peace and stability. Onitech is against such practices, and we will do anything within our legislative and administrative powers to veto them.’

"In other news, another esteemed Onitech member was found dead today in her house in the controlled habitat of Upper Birchwood Heights. Early indications point towards suicide, but police officials—"

BANG!

The sound was deafening. The flash blinded him. The force slammed his body from the left. Rick’s heart leapt and forgot to beat. He screamed, but the clang of twisted metal and shattered polymers and fibres smothered it. For a moment—or an eternity—the car oscillated between the impact’s force and the magnetic energy commanding it to stay on track. Impact won.

Rick’s world flipped and toppled over repeatedly. Something hit him in the head, another in the face. Pain. Blurriness. Loud noises. Automated highway sirens mingled with crushing sounds. The highway’s electromagnetic charge on the floor of the highway somehow ended up where his ear was, its hum clear like an insectile predator swarm. He was upside down. His vision blurred. Sirens wailed. Magnetic beacons hummed. Metal thudded and clamped all around him. The magway’s emergency stop for the oncoming traffic. The seals gripped the vehicles tightly on the ground. Their bodies screeched on the magway. Sparks flew. The world changed, and the inside of his stomach spilled upwards. Something drilled his face. His eyes stung and something warm washed over his face. Pain.

The world turned black.

October 10

CHAPTER 4

Darkness. Grinding metal noise bounced in his head. The shock. The accident. The inability to understand what was happening. Weight on his face and on his eyes. Recollection of what happened came slowly.

Rick called for help, but only a groan escaped. A machine whirred from his left. Beeping came from his right. Something warm floated over his face, near his eyes. It beeped and clicked and chirped, then withdrew.

His eyes burned every time he tried focusing on the flash—a permanent resident—on the inside of his eyelids. He propped himself up on an elbow, but dizziness brought him down. Someone placed a hand under his head, another on his shoulder and helped him down.

You mustn’t. Sherry’s voice, sweet and familiar. Reassuring. Thank God. You’ve been in an accident.

The kids? He smacked his lips and tried to send the metallic taste away. I was on my way to the kids.

They’re here. You’re at the Elevation Medical Centre.

He stretched his hands, searched the empty air. One hand brushed against Sherry’s. She squeezed it. Two smaller and more delicate squeezed the other.

Marta sniffled. You’re going to be all right, dad.

I … I’m sorry, Sean said. If you hadn’t …

It’s okay. Not your fault. Poor kids. Rick took Sean in an awkward embrace and squeezed Marta’s hand. I’m here. I’d never leave you, you know that. I’ll never let anything bad get between us. He winced when he tried to open his eyes. They burn. He brought a hand to his face.

Don’t touch them, Rick. It was Dan’s voice, mirthless, sombre. Heavy. So unlike him. It’s protein polymer and coagulant gel. Tissue weld too. The good news is, you’re alive. The wreckage they pulled you out of … Dan drew a breath in and let it out as though pushing a burden off him. The bad news is your eyes sustained significant damage.

Diagnosis?

Silence. That was ominous, Rick thought. He felt his throat closing.

How bad, Dan? The proteins and the tissue weld would do the job, and the nano would repair whatever damage his retina had sustained. Restorative measures he had performed several times on his patients. He’d be all right.

Dan cleared his throat. Your … your cornea is crushed. So are the pupil and the humor. The damage to the ciliary bodies is irreversible. Your sclera is burned. That’s your right eye. As for the, uh, the left, well, the left is, um …

Spit it out.

Everything up to the optic nerve is gone.

Marta and Sean whimpered.

The machines whirred.

Burned, Dan continued, his voice almost broken. We … we reversed the damage to your skin and the bones, but the eyes … You need ocular implants.

Implants. Modifications. Enhancement. A synthetic body inside him.

We were going to have the operation while you were out.

No.

What? All four spoke as one.

I said, no. I don’t want a machine inside me.

Rick—

Dad, wh—

Ricky, you’re a doctor—

Enough. The Old Man’s voice cut deep and snapped like a whip. What was he doing here?

Doctor Stenslandt, the Old Man said, over the years you and I have worked together, I have come to respect your medical skills, your resolve to see things through no matter the odds, and your steadfast beliefs, though I find them annoying, to say the least. It’s expected, I guess. Part of who you really are.

Dan cleared his throat.

The Old Man paused and grumbled. Last time we spoke, I told you your ideals blinded you. He paused and sighed. Please excuse the poor choice of words. There is no easy way to say this, so I will speak the way I always do. You need this, otherwise, we will have no further use for someone in your condition. We want you with us, but we want you functional. Failure to do so will result in the termination of our partnership.

Sherry hissed a breath through her teeth. Sean swallowed something between a protest, a question, and a gasp. The machines carried on whirring by Rick’s sides.

That’s how you give bad news to patients, Havariggs, the Old Man said. He is now a patient, not a doctor, not your personal project. Patient. He dragged his footsteps away. Somewhere near the door, he paused. I’m sorry this happened to you. I honestly am, Stenslandt. His footsteps faded.

Rick dry swallowed. I don’t want a machine inside me. It was unnatural.

Ricky, you heard what he said.

Give us a moment, Dan, Sherry said, voice cracked, but determined. Please. You too, kids.

This couldn’t be happening. Rick opened his mouth to speak once they were gone, but Sherry placed a finger gingerly over his lips and shushed him. No talking. She sat by his side and took his hand into hers. It’s been a month since the accident, and in that time certain things happened. The district my shop is now belongs to Biolife and they’re planning to raze it and build something new. I’ll be out of business soon. Which leaves you to support the family. Biolife offered me employment opportunities with their Production Placement—

No, not there.

—but once they look into it, I doubt they’ll allow one of us to be with one Matriarch, the other with another. I’ll try Augmen Corp, but it’ll take time and it won’t be any different than what Biolife is offering. Bottom line is only this hospital supports us now, and to continue so, you have to keep your job. I understand and, to a certain extent, admire your views and values. I don’t always agree with them, but I don’t mind.

There are other ways.

Dan already went through them all. If there were any other way, he would have found it. This is the time when you have to put your personal feelings aside and consider what’s best for us. I don’t want to lose our social status. I won’t allow it. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep myself and my kids on this level. Whatever it takes. She gave his hand a meaningful squeeze, a little tighter than before, and cupped his face with her other hand, traced the stubble that had grown.

You don’t understand.

"You don’t understand. Those machines you hate and preach against set your face and body back in order. You were a mess when they brought you in. She swallowed a hitch. A couple more days and there will be no scars left. Her voice broke. She sniffled. The nano put you back together, but the damage to your eyes was too much. Dan hardly slept until they made you whole again. Even Mr Alcorn kept checking up on you every day. I think some of Augmen Corp’s top executives came for you as well. You owe them. It’s not always about you, honey. You have to think of your family and our needs. What life will the kids have in the lower levels? What kind of practice will you have? she shuddered and exhaled. Doctors need their eyes, Rick."

She got off the bed, and let his hand land on the mattress. Do what you have to do. For God’s sake, they’re not trying to torture you. They’re trying to help you.

Rick brought a hand over his mouth. A shy finger made its way to the edge of the polymer over his cheekbones. She was right, he thought. Family first. No more preaching for him from this point on. Not an easy thing trying to persuade someone from enhancing themselves, when the one talking was enhanced himself.

But the alternative would be a life without Matriarch protection. And Sherry’s loss of independent employment came at the worst time possible. There was no such thing as luck, but if it was real, then it was having the laugh of a lifetime.

He opened his mouth to speak. His throat had cinched up and he had to clear it. Okay.

She didn’t reply but sighed in relief, and that breath seemed to drive away some of the weight that had settled in the room. And placed it on him.