Chapter 2:

Intro:Duction To The Fo:Rce

Co:Ded



The atmosphere in the building was thick with anticipation. Cybersecurity Officer Binar stood at the front of the group, a tall figure whose black suit was flawlessly tailored. Despite the casual elegance of his attire, there was an undeniable authority in his posture and presence. His shoulder-length blonde hair swept back, further amplifying the quiet power he exuded. Binar was the kind of officer no one would want to disappoint.

“Hello, everyone,” he began, his calm voice exuded. “I’m Officer Binar. I’ve served this district for five years. Welcome to the cybersecurity force. I’ll be your direct supervisor during your internship.”

One by one, the recruits introduced themselves as Binar shook their hands. When Binar reached Shinku, the young officer’s admiration was palpable.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Officer,” Shinku said, his voice steady, though awe shone through. “When I was interviewing for this position, I mentioned you as my choice of research.”

Binar’s interest piqued, and a slight smirk played on his lips. “Flattering. If you’ve done your research, tell me, how did I earn these three medals?”

He raised his wrist, showcasing three gleaming medallions hanging from the cuff of his suit. Shinku’s eyes narrowed in recognition.

“I’m not sure about each individual medal, but I know the events you must have earned them for,” Shinku replied confidently. “The Kidnapping of Suina, The Drowning of Technamor and Pootle, and The Shooting in Eneth.”

Binar’s grin widened. “Impressive. You know your stuff, Shinku.”

Johe let out a low whistle. “Look at you, Mr. Smart Guy.”

“Please, follow me into the locker room,” Binar instructed, gesturing toward the door. “We’ll get your uniforms.”

As they walked, Shinku’s gaze lingered on Binar’s suit. The man’s confidence wasn’t just from his medals—it came from years of dedication and achievement. Shinku couldn't help but think of him as the Hercules of the cybersecurity force. He was honored to be under his mentorship.

One requirement for the Cybersecurity Officer position was to research a prior officer, and Shinku had chosen Binar. He remembered discussing him with Roton during his interview, and now, here he was, working under the legend himself.

The line outside the locker room was longer than expected. Johe and Bontly exchanged confused looks, and Binar spoke over his shoulder as they neared.

“You’ll notice the traffic around the entrance,” he said. “It’s only this busy when new officers are being registered in the building’s database.”

“Whoa, I’ve heard all about this!” Bontly exclaimed..

Reaching the door, Binar explained the process. “Badges have been outdated for a long time,” he said. “So, you’ve got to stand in front of our scanner. It needs to recognize your face. Make sure to give it a 360-degree view.”

Binar stuck his tongue out and opened his mouth. “If you have a mouth, open it too. It needs full recognition.” He winked at Bontly, who looked puzzled.

The recruits took turns standing before the scanner. Tackle squinted at it, while Johe exaggerated a noise as he stuck his tongue out. Shinku, following the instructions, opened his mouth wide. Bontly crouched slightly to bring his face into range.

“Yo, Bontly,” Johe called, “Tilt your face up and down more. Your face is as big as hell.”

Bontly blushed, but the scanner blinked green, signaling successful recognition. The door opened.

“Welcome to the locker room,” Binar said with pride.

Inside, the locker room was an impressive sight. Digital displays flashed with information, and the quiet hum of advanced technology filled the air. The locker room’s voice echoed through the space: 5 officers entered. Current capacity: 80.

“Is the locker room alive?” Shinku asked.

Binar chuckled. “No, it’s an advanced computer with basic AI.”

Johe nodded toward the cameras on the walls. “That’s a lot of cameras.”

“There’s a variety of security,” Binar explained. “If anyone manages to get in unnoticed, the entire room goes pitch black and becomes unusable.”

Bontly, crouching, tapped one of the lockers. “These lockers are... small.”

“You’ll see,” Binar said, watching with amusement as Bontly’s locker reacted to his touch.

“YOW!” Bontly yelped as the locker expanded. The system announced: Bontelevius Bontelever, cybersecurity officer ID: 827344823. Locker generating. The locker quickly adjusted itself to fit Bontly’s measurements.

“What’s happening?” Tackle asked.

“The locker is loading,” Binar explained. “It’s creating your suit based on the measurements we collected when you applied.”

Shinku watched in awe as his own locker transformed.

Johe clapped his hands. “Damn, that’s convenient!”

Bontly, a bit unsure, asked, “What else do these do?”

Binar nodded. “If you can’t find your locker, you can just shout your name, and it will come to you.”

Shinku opened his locker, revealing his sleek, black-and-white suit. It was form-fitting, skintight, and designed for maximum mobility. Tactical armor covered his shoulders, chest, and thighs, providing both protection and agility.

“This is it,” Shinku thought, admiring the suit in the mirror. “The day I’ve been waiting for.”

Johe, equally excited, held up his suit. “Shit, look at this!”

Binar gave them time to change. “Get dressed. And just so you know, there’s no men’s or women’s section. We all share this room.”

As they changed, Bontly hesitated. “Are you sure this suit isn’t too small?”

“It stretches,” Tackle reassured him.

“Whoa, it really does!” Bontly marveled as it adjusted perfectly to his form.

Tackle, quickly donning her suit, caught Shinku’s eye. He couldn’t help but notice her toned abs.

“Bontly, cover me,” Tackle instructed. Bontly complied immediately. “Yes, ma’am.”

Binar’s voice interrupted. “Each locker contains a utility belt you must wear while on duty. It holds essential tools, like a baton and a hydroarm, being the X314 Harpoon.”’

“Oh, sweet!” Johe declared as he held his hydroarm.

Binar added. “It shoots pressurized water bullets that disable most computers on contact.”

Johe grinned as he examined his hydroarm. “That’s badass. I can’t wait to try it out.”

Bontly, however, was concerned. “But I didn’t get a gun! Did I lose it?”

Johe smirked. “Lost your gun already, big guy?”

Tackle rolled her eyes. “Quit bullying him.”

“Alright, redhead,” Johe said with a grin.

Shinku stepped in. “According to the law, any computer over 400 pounds and over six feet cannot carry a weapon…It’d be illegal.”

Binar, giving Shinku a nod of approval. “You know your stuff. So, for you, Bontly, your only weapon is a walkie-talkie.”

Johe burst into laughter.

Bontly looked down, dejected. “Oh... I think I heard about that.”

Binar guided them through the building, and Shinku marveled at the efficiency of the officers around him. Janitors equipped with tech-infused mops cleaned the floors and windows.

Shinku, absorbed in the surroundings, thought to himself, Everything here runs on data. The walls, the lockers, everything... even myself. We’re all made of data. Our life force.

They entered a sleek elevator.

“This is the Machavator,” Binar said. “It’s faster than anything you’ve ever seen.”

He hit a button, and the Machavator’s lights flickered to life.

ZOOM!

Johe and Bontly stumbled as the elevator rocketed horizontally. The others grabbed the railing to steady themselves.

“This is our supply shop,” Binar explained as they left the Machavator and entered a vast room designed like a retail store for weapons and tech.“Though, It’s more of a manufacturing plant.”

They wandered past clerks who encouraged them to test out products.

An engineer approached a counter clerk with two strange, white-and-black gloves. “Look at these! The new Bit Gloves Model 4! They’re infused with data and can overpower anything!” Demonstrating them enthusiastically.

The clerk, adjusting his monocle, nodded. “Price?”

“400,000 bytes per unit!” the engineer exclaimed.

The clerk shook his head. “Reject.”

The engineer tossed the gloves aside in frustration. Tackle picked them up, intrigued.

“This place is more of a testbed,” Binar explained. “Contractors create gadgets for us in exchange for discounts. You’ll get to use accepted tech for free since the company pays for it up front.”

The group passed through the cafeteria, where computers efficiently served meals. The tables and chairs slightly hovered off the ground.

Johe inclined. “Just as I was thinking about some food!”

Bontly inquired. “How does it know what to give us?” The computer served oil soda and spaghetti onto his tray.

Binar grinned. “Based on the information we collected on your personality we’ve input, the lunch computers know exactly what to serve. It’s all optimized.”

With their trays they ate their seats. Tackle wthout a tray, opting not to eat.

“Sure you don’t want any?” Johe teased.

Tackle denied. “ I’m fine. Whatever you’re eating, looks disgusting.”

“Suit yourself.” Johe, scarfing down his meal.

After their feast, Binar led them to the vehicle deployment area. They climbed into a sleek, armored vehicle.

“Alright, everyone in,” Binar said, his eyes glinting. “I’m taking you on your first assignment—your first mission.”

The officers exchanged surprised glances.

“Usually, we don’t take rookie officers on missions until a few weeks in, but things have been quite boring around here lately. So, I’ll break the rules.”

Lucaz Elda
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Lucaz Elda
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