Rogue Element [Cyberpunk]

Exiting the building, the bustle of the city enveloped me. Wild Dog Station was a few blocks away, named after an infamous bar that once stood here. The station was a sprawling hub, with graffiti art depicting wild dogs running along its walls, adding a touch of rebellion to the otherwise sterile cityscape. My pace quickened as I approached FreshMart I walked past with my head held high, half-hoping to be recognized by someone from the store.

However, my confidence faltered when I noticed a group of men nearby, spray-painting the walls and swigging beer. A chill ran down my spine as memories of the robbery flashed in my mind. I quickened my steps, trying to avoid any interaction.

Just as I thought I was clear, one of the men called out, "Hey, isn't that the juicy girl from the shop?" Laughter erupted from the group, and lewd comments about my figure followed. My heart pounded in my chest as one of them yelled for me to wait, to let him 'get a feel' of me. Panic set in. I started to run, the sound of their laughter and footsteps hauntingly close.

Running in these shoes was a nightmare. I darted through the streets, narrowly avoiding a car that honked angrily as I crossed on a red light. Glancing back, I saw the men were still pursuing me, their crude shouts echoing in my ears. "Please, not today," I begged silently.

Finally reaching the metro station, I saw police officers near the entrance. The men chasing me slowed down and eventually stopped, not daring to continue their pursuit in the presence of law enforcement. Relief washed over me as I passed the gates, my eyes flashing green to confirm the payment.

Gasping for air, I swiped my comlink at the gates, the green light flashing as I passed through.

Inside the station, people cast curious glances at me. I tried to compose myself, straightening my clothes and taking deep breaths. The echoes of the men's taunts still rang in my ears, but I forced myself to focus on what lay ahead.

"This is it, Marlene," I whispered to myself. "Time to change everything."

The screens in Wild Dog Station flickered with adverts, each trying to catch the attention of busy commuters. I tried to focus, sorting through my jumbled thoughts. Pulling out a stick of gum, I popped it into my mouth, hoping the minty freshness would help settle my nerves.

The train arrived, I stepped inside, still feeling the remnants of my earlier panic but determined to let it go. I found a seat and pulled out my comlink, scrolling through my playlist for that perfect song to calm my mind. Music had always been my escape, a way to shut out the world and find peace in chaos.

Finally, I settled on a track called "Echoes of Tomorrow" by The Lost Frequencies. It was an electronic piece with a haunting melody that somehow always seemed to resonate with me. The lyrics spoke of resilience and finding strength in oneself, a message that had always hit close to home. The pulsing beats and the ethereal voice of the lead singer provided a soothing backdrop to my tumultuous thoughts.

Listening to "Echoes" I let my mind drift. I thought about my past, about being an orphan with no memory of my parents. All I had from them was a name and a legacy of questions with no answers. My distant relatives had sent me to Crystal City Academy, a place where I felt more like a forgotten item than a student. They never visited, never showed any interest, until I turned 18. Then, they coldly informed me of the inheritance left by my parents, money that suddenly made me valuable in their eyes.

But that meeting, devoid of warmth or familial love, only strengthened my resolve to be my own person. I dropped out of the academy, a place I never wanted to be in the first place. That money, while not significant in the grand scheme of things, gave me the independence I craved. It allowed me to start a life on my terms, in a city that could be cruel but also full of opportunities.

As the train whisked me towards the city center, the song filled my ears, and its lyrics echoed in my heart. It was a reminder that despite the odds, I had come this far on my own. And now, with a potential opportunity at TriColor Corp, I was ready to face whatever came next.

I stood before the colossal office building of TriColor Corp, I felt dwarfed by its grandeur. The skyscraper soared into the sky, its glass facade reflecting the bustling city around it. The massive logo of TriColor Corp was emblazoned at the top, shining like a beacon of corporate power. People streamed in and out of the revolving doors. I rarely ventured to the city center - it was too grand, too pricey, and now it felt too intimidating.

My palms were clammy with nerves, and I had to consciously remind myself to breathe. The comlink beeped, a 15-minute warning for my meeting. Swallowing hard, I mustered my courage and stepped into the building.

The entrance was guarded by a security scanner and a stern-looking man. He glanced at me briefly with unreadable expression , as I passed through the gate. For a moment, I thought I was clear, but then he called out, "Hold on a second."

His eyes glowed red, a cybernetic enhancement scanning me. He approached, his hands reaching out under the guise of a security check, but it quickly became invasive. His hand lingered too long on my backside, squeezing inappropriately. Anger surged through me, and before I could think, my elbow connected with his face.

The guard reeled back, anger flashing in his eyes, but before he could react, a voice from the reception desk intervened. "That's enough, Mark! You're crossing the line again. Stop harassing our visitors!"

Relief washed over me as I approached the reception desk, though my heart was still racing. Stepping inside the grand hall of TriColor Corp, I was immediately struck by the opulence surrounding me. The interior was a blend of sleek modernity and ostentatious wealth, with polished marble floors and walls adorned with high-tech displays showcasing the corporation's achievements. People moved around in sharp, stylish suits that screamed power and success. Amidst them, I felt a bit out of place in my chic but less extravagant outfit, yet there was a sense of pride too - I was here on my own merit. The receptionist, a woman with sharp features and a no-nonsense look, wore a nameplate that read 'Susan'. Trying to calm my shaky voice, I said, "I'm Marlene de Burge, here for a meeting with Caroline Kaminsky from TriColor Corp."

Susan checked her system, her fingers flying over the keyboard. "Yes, Ms. de Burge, you're expected on the 80th floor. Someone there will guide you to your meeting."

She pointed towards a set of elevators along the far wall. As I made my way over, I noticed Mark, the guard, still holding his nose and glaring at me. In a moment of bold defiance, I stuck out my tongue at him and stepped into the elevator. The doors closed, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding.

The elevator began to ascend, and at the 23rd floor, the walls turned transparent, revealing a breathtaking view of Crystal City. The heart of the city stretched out below me, bisected by a winding river. Drones buzzed through the air, weaving intricate paths against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers bathed in sunlight. It was a view I had never seen before, and it left me in awe of the city's vastness and vibrancy.

The city that sprawled beneath me, a sea of buildings bathed in sunlight, a knot formed in my stomach. Was I ready to be a part of this vast, unyielding world? The drones, like distant stars, seemed to echo my own uncertainty.

Arriving at the 80th floor, the elevator doors opened, and I hesitated, still captivated by the view. A couple of people waiting to get in gave me curious looks, and I quickly stepped out, feeling slightly embarrassed.

A young man stood nearby, and as he noticed me, his eyes glowed light blue, scanning me. I felt a bit uneasy under his gaze but tried to appear composed.