The Cybersecurity Initiatio:N

The emblem of the Federal Cybersecurity Force gleamed throughout the towering building, a symbol of protection in the age of artificial intelligence. A crowd was gathered in a vast lobby, where the buzz of excitement filled the air.

Standing at a podium was a man with pale-skin, red eyes, and black hair. His black trench coat billowed behind him. It was President Vitron, the computer who was running the nation.

“I am pleased to be here with you all today,” The president’s voice resonated through the room. "It is my privilege to join each district for their commencement ceremony.”

He continued. "To enroll our nation's next wave of cybersecurity personnel. There is much to deal with in our society—computers, humans, and the complex spaces in between. In the age of artificial intelligence, we must abide by rules and regulations to ensure a prosperous and unified nation. None of this would be possible without the Cybersecurity Force and its officers."

The crowd stood in rapt attention, nodding in acknowledgment of the weight of the president's words.

The voice continued, “I’d like to give special thanks to Roton, the monitor of District 1, for rigorously training our newest additions to national security and ensuring the safety of many through and through."

At that, a short, stocky humanoid robot, Roton, stepped forward. His wide, blocky face was partially concealed beneath a thick white mustache, and his large cowboy hat.

"I am honored to be here. Yo-ho!" Roton shared.

The President nodded, acknowledging Roton’s words, and then approached the microphone. "With that said, I’d like to thank those who have chosen to make the sacrifice and join our force in District 1. I wish you all long and successful careers."

As the crowd erupted into applause, Shinku Hayate, a young man with pale skin and slightly bluish-white hair, stood among the others. His heart raced with excitement. Today was the day he would begin his journey as a Cybersecurity officer.

A round of applause followed, Standing nearby was Tackle Abashi, a woman with fiery crimson hair, who did not clap but remained stoic. Shinku couldn’t help but glance at her. He had heard of her reputation—an officer known for her fierce demeanor and unmatched skill.

President Vitron nodded once more and said, "And now, I would like to welcome our Vice President, Anthril."

The figure who stepped forward was unlike any human—Anthril was an android with a head comprised of multiple angular segments, like a mosaic of robotic pieces. His abstract face, not resembling a human’s at all. He wore a crisp suit that contrasted with his futuristic appearance.

The audience fell silent.

"Please, a round of applause for President Vitron," Anthril said, his voice flat but commanding. "Our President has ensured prosperity in this nation for the last four years. We owe much to his leadership."

The crowd clapped, and Shinku joined them, feeling a bit nervous but proud. This moment, this ceremony, felt like a dream come true.

After the applause died down, Anthril announced, "Now, we will call you up by name to receive your badges. If you wish to say a few words, please do so."

As names were called, the officers walked up, one by one, to receive their certificates. Shinku could feel the pride swelling in his chest as his turn approached.

"Shinku Hayate," Anthril called out, and Shinku stepped forward, a slight nervousness in his stride. As he passed through the crowd, he could feel eyes on him—people wondering who he was, what he stood for. Engraved on the back of his neck—a serial number identifying his computer roots. Shinku stood before the crowd, nervously.

"I… I’m thankful," Shinku began, his voice a little shaky, but resolute. "As someone who is half human, half computer, this means a lot to me. I’ve seen the tension between the two groups, but I believe we can all work together for a better future. I’m honored to be part of this force, to defend humanity and maintain peace."

He shook President Vitron's hand.

“Congratulations,” he said. Shinku felt an overwhelming sense of pride wash over him. "May you prosper in this new chapter."

After receiving his badge from Vice President Anthril, he then shook Roton’s hand.

The ceremony continued, and Shinku moved to the back of the crowd, badge in hand, letting the words of the president. Outside, the world beyond the building shimmered with a sense of possibility. The Cybersecurity Force was more than just a job; it was his calling.

Outside, the Cybersecurity Force building stood as a towering architectural marvel, a symbol of the harmony between human ingenuity and machine precision. The emblem of the force shimmered on the outside. Androids and humans alike walked through the streets, coexisting in a delicate balance.

Inside, Shinku couldn’t help but swing his new badge back and forth, feeling like a dream had finally come true. He had spent six long months training for this moment, and it had finally paid off. As he joined the ranks of legendary officers. He could practically taste the comfort of financial security, the 65 bytes per hour wage he’d be earning.

Lost in his thoughts, Shinku suddenly collided with something large and metallic. He rubbed his face, grimacing.

"Ouch," he muttered, looking up at the towering computer he had bumped into.

The computer, built like a massive brute, stood at an impressive 6'5", his frame bulky and imposing. Yet his voice was soft and apologetic.

"Oh, I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!" the computer stammered, waving his hands in a frantic apology. Looking down at Shinku with his singular lens-like eye.

Shinku blinked, trying to suppress a chuckle. "You’re one big computer."

The computer’s face flushed—if such a thing was possible for a machine. “I was supposed to install blindspot mirrors on myself but... I procrastinated.”

Shinku waved it off. "It’s fine, really. I was daydreaming." He glanced up at the figure. "So, you just got your badge too, huh?"

"Yeah, I did," the computer replied, his voice shaky. "I’m... uh... Bontly."

"You stutter?" Shinku asked, a bit taken aback.

"Jeez, I’m sorry! I wasn’t supposed to do that!" Bontly’s mechanical hands clutched nervously at his sides.

Shinku smiled, trying to put him at ease. Shinku raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t see you in training. You’re hard to miss. Where were you?”

"I did my training in District 2," Bontly replied. "I transferred here because there’s more fun stuff to do."

Shinku answered. "I won’t forget you, Bontly. I’ve got your serial number now. It’s been downloaded to my memory."

Bontly timidly reacts. "Uh, are you sure you could find it? I think it might be hard to—"

Shinku grinned. "Relax. Don’t be so nervous."

“I’m sorry, I’m just really nervous!” Bontly quickly excused himself and hurried off.

Shinku shook his head. “That was... weird.”

Roton began to speak atop the stage, calling the crowd to attention. The chatter silenced.

“Congratulations to all of you. But remember, our work begins now,” Roton continued. “You will be divided into squads of four, each led by an upper-level officer. For the next three months, you’ll work in probationary teams until you are ready to work independently. Once your groups are settled, head to the locker rooms and consult with your manager for further instructions.”

As Roton rattled off the squads, Shinku listened closely. His group was called:

“Bontlevius Bontlever, Tackle Abashi, Shinku Hayate, and Johe Barlow. Your manager will be Cybersecurity Officer Binar.”

Shinku’s brewing excitement. "That’s the big guy I just met..."

As he moved through the crowd, he found Bontly, standing beside a hard-boiled-looking man with black hair.

"Hey, Bontly!" Shinku called, waving. The computer turned, startled.

"And you must be Johe," Shinku said, extending a hand to the man who gave him a sly grin.

Johe stretched and yawned dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. Hold on a second."

Johe turned to a figure on the other side of the room, calling out, "Tackle! Hey, Tackle!"

Tackle approached with her sharp glare, hands on her hips. "What’s the point of yelling? I would’ve found you myself."

Bontly’s voice squeaked. "Nice to meet you all."

Johe, wrapped his arms around both Shinku and Tackle. "Ahhh, I’m Johe! And I hope you guys are as excited as I am."

Tackle shoved his arms away, frowning. "You’re a bit much."

Johe laughed, his enthusiasm undeterred. "Three years I’ve been trying to become an officer. Finally worked out."

Bontly’s wide eyes flickered nervously. "Three years? That’s such a long time, wow!"

As Tackle narrowed her eyes at Bontly, she asked bluntly, "Are you a boy or a girl?"

Bontly hesitated, "I don’t have human features... but most computers refer to me as male."

Tackle scoffed, crossing her arms. "Great. Three men. Just what I needed."

Shinku couldn’t help but admire her beauty.

Johe grinned and yanked Shinku and Bontly along. "C’mon, boys. Let’s go find our manager!"