The First Assignment

The group sat in their sleek new officer’s vehicle, the air thick with curiosity and excitement. Bontly’s excitement bolstered as he flipped through the various compartments of the utility belt. "Oh wow! Oh wow!" he exclaimed, pointing to a small rectangular device. "What’s this thing? Looks like a toy!"

“That,” Binar said, turning to face the group, “is called a Digi. It’s a specialized mobile device for officers. With it, you’ll have access to maps of every city in the area, along with real-time crime reports. Anytime someone reports a crime, a notification pops up on the map.”

Shinku, confused, tapped the screen of his Digi as a red alert dot blinked into existence. “What happens if I tap it?”

Binar nodded approvingly. “Good question. When you tap an alert, it shows details of the ongoing crime. You’ll also see how far away you are and get the option to accept or skip the assignment. But once you accept it, it disappears for other officers.”

Johe leaned over to peer at the map, watching as the blinking red dot suddenly vanished. "Wait, where'd it go?"

Binar smiled as he brought the car to life. The dashboard lit up with holograms, and the vehicle began to move, its lack of a steering wheel both fascinating and unsettling to the new recruits. “That alert was picked up by another officer. That’s how it works. Efficient, isn’t it?”

As the car sped through the city streets, Binar shifted to a more serious tone. “Now, I have to ask—a bit late, I admit—but do any of you have a Program?”

The group exchanged confused glances.

“A Program?” Johe asked, tilting his head. “Nah, I never figured out how to get one of those.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Bontly said, waving his hands dramatically. “A Program? What’s one of those?!”

Johe’s jaw dropped. “Bont, you’re telling me you don’t even know what it is? How old are ya, really?”

Bontly scratched his head. “I… don’t know?”

Tackle sighed, leaning her head on Bontly’s shoulder. “A Program is a special ability a computer can develop by manipulating its life force—also known as data.”

“Well said,” Binar replied, impressed. “So, does anyone have one?”

“I don’t,” Tackle said simply.

“Nope, not me,” Bontly added. “I mean, I can manipulate my body if that counts?”

Tackle shook her head. “It doesn’t.”

Shinku, who had been silent for most of the conversation, finally spoke up. “Actually, I have one.”

All eyes turned to him, surprise evident on their faces.

“You? The quiet one?” Johe asked, smirking. “How’d ya manage that?”

Shinku crossed his arms, his voice calm but firm. “Because I trained. I thought everyone in the force had a Program. I developed mine a few months into training.”

Johe leaned back, impressed. “Damn. I guess we’re just some slackers then.”

Binar chuckled. “All computers are born with the ability to develop a Program. It’s not impossible for any of you to get one. But for now, it’s good to know who has one—it determines what assignments you’ll be able to handle.”

He turned his attention back to the Digi map. “One of you pick our next assignment. It’s time to get some hands-on experience.”

Before anyone could respond, Bontly yelped. “Uh, oops! I accepted one by accident! I’m sorry, I’m sorry! The dot was blinking, and it scared me!”

Binar waved it off with a grin. “That’s fine. That’s actually one I was hoping you’d select. The blinking means it’s a quick assignment—probably a petty crime.”

Johe raised an eyebrow. “Petty crime, huh? How’d you tap that tiny screen with those big fingers?”

Bontly flexed his hands. “Oh! I just bend them and use the really pointy part of my joint area!”

Shinku cut in. “What’s the assignment say?”

Tackle read aloud from her Digi. “Two computers causing a disruption at Saltine Park.”

“Ah,” Binar said, “this sounds like a case of public disturbance. Simple and quick. Car, navigate to Saltine Park. Ground travel only, no air.”

The car lifted slightly, hovering just above the ground as it zipped through the streets.

Shinku frowned, flipping through his utility belt. “I noticed we have teleportation tickets. Why not use those to travel?”

Binar shook his head. “Teleportation tickets are only for emergencies—getting civilians out of danger or saving yourselves if needed. If they fell into the wrong hands, it would create too much risk. That’s why we limit their use.”

The car arrived at Saltine Park within minutes, and the group stepped out into a dazzling display of futuristic design.

Holographic trees shimmered with vibrant projections of various flora, their digital leaves shifting colors with every step. Minimal patches of synthetic grass, infused with self-cleaning technology, spread sporadically across the park, while waste-collecting computers zipped about, analyzing and recycling trash. These computers occasionally handed small crafted objects to playful childlike computers in the playground.

Drones and computers bustled about, fountains of holographic water danced in intricate patterns, while bioengineered plants climbed skyscraper-like structures in the distance. Benches with solar panels dotted the walkways, and computers greeted the officers warmly.

"Saltine Park, huh?" Shinku marveled.

"This place is incredible." Johe added.

Binar, by the push of a button on his wrist-watch, donned his work suit. His suit being entirely black with green highlights. "We’ve got a situation to handle." His voice said, steady.

Near the center of the park, two computers were causing a scene, shouting and pushing each other while drawing attention from concerned bystanders.

“Officer Binar!” one of the park-goers exclaimed. “Thank goodness you’re here! They’ve been making such a racket!”

Binar nodded. “On it”

The group turned to see two computers— with dingy looks and boxy frames—shoving each other and yelling incoherently. They were causing a commotion near the playground, drawing concerned glances from families and workers enjoying their break

Tackle sighed. “These two idiots.”

The hooligan computers froze when they noticed Binar approaching. "Oh no, it's Binar! Let's get out of here!" Erupting into a manic laughter after.

Shinku stepped forward. “Officer Binar, can I handle this?”

Binar answered. “That’s what you’re here for. Check with your teammates first.”

"Way to take the spotlight," Joye added with a smirk. "But go ahead, Shinku" As the others nodded in approval.

Shinku’s face lit up. "Yes!" He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. An aura of data began emanating from him, faint at first but growing more intense.

Johe’s eyes widened. “That data… what is he about to do?”

The hooligans teased. “What are you, some kind of cop? What’re you gonna do, huh?”

Shinku opened his eyes, his voice calm but commanding. “Program: EMP.”

With a flick of his fingers, a web-like amalgamation of data shot from his fingertips, spreading outward in a dazzling pattern. The web struck both hooligans, enveloping them momentarily before dissipating. They froze, their once-aggressive demeanor replaced by stunned silence.

Johe gawked. “What the hell was that? They just… shut up?”

Binar stepped forward, inspecting the restrained hooligans. “Interesting. Shinku, how does your Program work?”

The hooligans slumped to the ground, murmuring incoherently.

“It’s called EMP,” Shinku explained. “I form my data into webs and shoot them off. When they hit a computer, it stuns them temporarily. The larger the web, the more data it uses, but it can disable multiple targets.”

Bontly shivered. “They won’t be stunned forever, right? That’s scary!”

“No,” Shinku reassured him. “The effects only last about ten minutes. I’m glad I got to test it on someone else for the first time. I’ve only tried it on myself before.”

Binar nodded, impressed. “You’ll do well as an officer. Just keep refining your abilities.”

After restraining the hooligans, Binar searched their pockets, pulling out several colorful SD card-like chips.

Binar examined them, his expression darkening. "Virus chips. They overload the system with excessive data, giving a rush of euphoria. It’s like a drug for computers. These have been circulating recently. It’s a growing epidemic"

Binar slipped the chips into his suit pocket. “Shouldn’t those go into evidence bags?” Shinku suggested.

“They’ll be analyzed back at the station. For now…” Binar curtly replied as he leaned over the stunned hooligans. “Think about the disturbance you caused. If I see you here again, I’ll deal with you personally.” Gripping their shoulders, firmly.

As the group prepared to leave, a loud mooing alarm echoed from Binar’s holographic wrist display.

Tackle blinked. "Is that… a cow?"

“Lunch break,” Binar said casually. “You’ve got an hour. Go relax and meet me back at the office.”

"But—" Shinku protested. "There’s still work to do!"

"That’s an order," Binar said firmly. "Interns must take their breaks. If you don’t, I’ll know—and you’ll be fired. Now go."

“Leave me and enjoy your time.” He added.

Shinku began to sulk comically, his disappointment drawing a chuckle from the others.