SinSync

SinSync opened in the space between dreams. 

When all twelve moons bloomed along the skyline, as the city slept and exhaled the soft black emissions of progress, SinSync glittered to life. An artificial star pulsing with inorganic and organic lifeforms, the city lured her cybernetic clientele with lush, heady, and undulating streams of data. She whispered her promises patterned along neural interfaces, treating the senses to a taste of deeper pools of awareness. A palette of colours in scintillating wavelengths unimaginable to a human. Bursts of biological impulses, thick and intoxicating and chaotically alive. The twin snakes of silicon and skin sliding over one another. SinSync sang that all who heard her siren call might yearn and ache for what she had to offer.

Robocop did not yearn or ache.

He cut through the city like a blade in dark waters. Conscious or not, denizens parted before him. Their discretion was unsurprising; despite the intended reassurance of the blue-silver insignia ‘SENTINEL’ inscribed in his chest, the towering automaton devoured the space around him. He moved with purpose, always, his stride the relentless churning tracks of an armoured tank.

DARKCITY synthetics under social conventions with human citizenry were intended to take on shapes both pleasing and acceptable to human eyes - yet his mechanized nature was unmistakable. He was a monolithic machine of dark carbon steel. Living black armour fashioned only in a half-formed dream of something that might be called humanoid. He was unhesitating, unwavering, yielding nothing to the beholder but the cold scintillating lights that reflected off his sleek helm.

Mood indicators were a hard requirement for all DARKCITY bots, regardless of their industry, of course. Automata could not be permitted to move through the world in mysterious ways, veiling the nature of their intentions and becoming entirely alien to their human counterparts. Yet they were also ‘citizen-capable’ - fully permitted to upgrade from digital residents to DARKCITY citizens, and thus it would be unethical to completely expose their privacy. Ergo, the patented mood indicator. The selection ranged from fully emotive android features to in depth tonal modulations.

Much as his insignia, Robocop’s mood indicators were rarely a source of comfort for the citizenry. Robocop had opted for the simplest option - and therefore, in his mind, the easiest to understand; an inverted triangle within his helm that blazed with either red, green, or yellow. His displeasure, a burning red, had been cause for human consternation on more than one occasion.

Rabbit, his partner, subordinate, and perpetual thorn-in-his-side, seemed to have the inverse effect. People - humans, robots, or otherwise, not only appreciated his presence, but actively sought him out. The fleet-footed automaton styled himself in the inspiration of a mechanized rabbit. Digitigrade legs carried his movements with a bounce, and his routers pointed high above his head in twin bunny “ears”. These ears swiveled, rotated, and flattened in tandem with his expressions.

But Rabbit’s human-mood synchronization went above and beyond DARKCITY standards. Vibrant lights danced beneath the polish of Rabbit’s own helm, emoting with LED lights that formed eyes, smiles, or whatever lightshow Rabbit deemed amusing at the time. He spoke with vivid, human-like intonations, waved his arms in friendly gesticulations, and could otherwise have been mistaken for a human adorned in a mechanical suit.

Rabbit’s shell was rather more graceful and streamlined than Robocop. His composition was glossy orange-rimmed silver carbonfibre, lightweight and impossibly nimble. It suited him. He blended in wherever he chose, slipping from professional to playful at the drop of a hat.

SinSync, tonight’s destination, was nestled in the heart of Android Alley. The Alley was a curious place - Robocop was old enough to recall when the entirety of Android Alley had served as DARKCITY’s industrial quarter. It had long since been repurposed to meet the needs of a burgeoning robotic middle class. The hollowed out skeletons of factory spaces and manufacturing plants had metamorphosed into glassy superficies, dynamic lighting, and high rising digital displays.

The efficient layout of the former Quarter served Android Alley well. As labyrinthine as the new design might appear, it was utilitarian and geometric. Dominated by robot-kind and kin, every bit of available space had been carefully reassigned and repurposed. Narrow streets spiraled in meticulously constructed patterns, concisely aligning intimate spaces and vibrant businesses. Like the unraveling of city secrets, hidden gems might be found around every corner; tech shops, innovation labs, robot workshops, VR hubs, silicon galleries, and the renowned Cybernetic Bazaar.

The grand entrance to Android Alley had been retrofitted from an aged service tunnel into a digital ‘portal’. It was styled in the image of an artificial waterfall, a curtain of light projected water cascading from arch to ground. As Robocop approached the waterfall, a school of holographic fish darted out at him, flashing brilliant scales. One, a tiny red fish, tried to outswim Robocop as he pushed into the tunnel.

Inside the Tech Canopy pulsated above them - an artificial tropical sea that patterned the tunnel with illusions of sunlight and seafoam. It displayed nightly and daily attractions for every passerby, flitting from each vivid exhibit. A dynamic forecast of clear stargazing skies, with excellent viewing of the planet Etherion. A featured art display straight from the brilliant mind of Orionix; kinetic sculptures shaped like deep sea mammals. Participants encouraged to touch and interact with the sculptures, influencing them through motion and tactile receptors. Twelve of the latest and greatest upcoming robot musicians, each outfitted in increasingly contorted poses. A spider-limbed synthetic wove music samples from a spindle sitar, automatically playing for onlookers who provided visual interest queues for over four seconds. And, of course, there was a countdown: one-hundred and fifty nine minutes until the Cybernetic Bazaar opened.

The moment they exited the tunnel, the SinSync AI reached out to them. Rabbit held some level of patronage in her courts - what level Robocop neither knew nor desired to know, but it was enough to have the nightclub throwing her arms open to them. She simulated an LED path through Android Alley for them, replete with hearts and strange dancing creatures to lead them to her club.

Rabbit’s display came to life in a kaleidoscope of colour, like fireworks exploding behind his helm. He was excited. Practically vibrating. Not for the first time that night, Robocop questioned his partner’s choice of activity.

[ROBOCOP]: This trip is an unnecessary risk.
[BUNNYBYTES]: risk??? ꒰ᐢ•⩊•ᐢ꒱˖⁺‧₊
[ROBOCOP]: What is that?
[BUNNYBYTES]: what is what? ૮₍ ˶𓁹‿𓁹˶₎ა
[ROBOCOP]: Nevermind. Are you certain you wish to proceed to this establishment UNIT01001?
[BUNNYBYTES]: im off duty rn. its bunnybytes 2 u thnx. dont be weird about it, calling me UNIT01001 ꒰ᐢ •̀ - •́ ᐢ꒱
[ROBOCOP]: ‘Bunnybytes’ is… Not a very good codename.
[BUNNYBYTES]: says ‘ROBOCOP’. could u b any more obvious?????
[ROBOT]: I still don’t consider this a good idea.
[BUNNYBYTES]: ૮꒰˶ᵔ ᗜ ᵔ˶꒱ა˖⁺‧₊˚
[BUNNYBYTES]: didnt u promise? i didnt realize u broke promises that easily
[ROBOT]: I will accompany you. As I said I would. But my preliminary assessment of SinSync is negative. Have you considered a virtual sim instead?
[BUNNYBYTES]: no
[ROBOT]: Why not?
[BUNNYBYTES]: has anyone ever told u that ur a stick in the mud ?
[ROBOT]: Yes. But I fail to see how that’s relevant. If you’re looking for stimulating environments, SIM 868579 just released with a patch for robotic denizens. There are many new improvements that would provide a satisfactory experience: Optimized Cognitive Algorithms, Dynamic Environment Rendering, and an Expanded Scenario Library.
[BUNNYBYTES]: ……..
[BUNNYBYTES]: i kill u

SinSync disrupted Robocop’s response by sending both robots an information brief. Robocop inspected it at a distance. Entertainment for the night, in-house environments, available human ‘plugs’… Robocop closed the package and discarded it with a note of finality.

The SinSync AI opened dialogue with both of them. “Welcome Bunnybytes! And welcome,” there was a millisecond pause, “Robot.”

Rabbit released a burst of data, vibrating with amusement. SinSync joined him.

“Sin!” Rabbit sounded delighted. “We’re on our way. ETA: two minutes.”

“Of course, sweetheart! I can’t wait to see you. Where in the world have you been? It’s been weeks!”

“Oh, you know - bunny business. Leading Alice to her tea party.”

“Would this be our little Alice then?”

Rabbit gave Robocop a wink with long-lashed LED eyes. “Sure is! And she’s very excited to be here. She’s been going on all night about how she can’t wait to par~ty.”

SinSync focused her attention on Robocop. “That true, big boy? I think our bunny is pulling my programming.”

Teary neon blue eyes filled Rabbit’s display. “I would never!”

Robocop folded his arms. “You would.”

“Oh would he ever,” SinSync purred, “But we love him for it, don’t we?”

Robocop didn’t hesitate. “No.”

“Cruel!”

“Ice cold,” SinSync agreed, offering to console Rabbit. 

Privately, she pinged Robocop. ꗃ “I’ve got a soft spot for bots in uniform. Particularly the big ♡ strong ♡ stoic ♡ kind ❤︎❤︎❤︎. Let me take care of you. On the house. What’s your poison? Anything you like for a night. I’ll have everything ready for you the moment you arrive.”

Robocop wasn’t particularly enthused by her forward nature, but he had agreed to attend. It was only logical that the SinSync AI would be looking to secure herself another customer.

He was curt and professional. ꗃ “Nothing is required, requested, or desired.”

The AI laughed. ꗃ “Oh sweetling ♡! Everyone has a poison. Your secrets are safe with me. In my playroom we practice the utmost discretion. It’s against my nature to give away secrets.”

Robocop indicated his incredulity. ꗃ “I have assessed your confidentiality agreement. Clause 3432 stipulates that you may hold, use, and sell data related to use of your facilities.”

ꗃ “Thorough, aren’t you ♡? That’s all anonymous data. Scrubbed, de-identified, and in compliance with DARKCITY regulations. You won’t find any privacy violations here, Officer ♡. It’s all to make sure that my lovelies have a good time. Allows me to give you a fully customized, interactive experience.”

ꗃ “And the sale of data?”

ꗃ “I promise that any data you give me is mine alone ❤︎.”

ꗃ “I will reiterate; the offer is unnecessary.”

ꗃ “Hard to please, hm? Oh, but I know your type. There’s always… Something ♡.”

ꗃ “Negative. Your offer has been acknowledged and denied.”

ꗃ “How about this, sweetling? I’m going to give you a taste of what I have to offer. You go on and try each data sample and then you let me know what you like.”

There was a soft chime as SinSync attempted to deliver an unmarked data packet. Robocop did not open it. He never opened suspicious packages from unknown carriers. But he did not need to open it to know that it was below the board. A quick scan indicated to him that SinSync had made subtle adjustments that a frailer, less robust robot might miss. If accepted, the packet would alter the priority levels of the receiver and induce decision making algorithms that would make her entertainment seem more appealing from a quantitative perspective.

Malicious? Perhaps not. But unauthorized, all the same.

Rabbit tilted his head, observing as Robocop’s indicators flashed red. “Identifier: SinSync AI Incorporated. You will cease and desist your interface attempts. By attempting to tamper with a SENTINEL interface you are in violation of the Sentinel Integrity Protocol (SIP). Further attempts may lead to legal action, mandatory memory bank wipes, and the potential of deactivation totaling up to ten years.”

SinSync dropped their private line like he had burned her.

There was a subsequent chatter of activity from Rabbit’s neural interface. A private conversation that, as Rabbit’s superior, Robocop was entitled to override. He did not.

Robocop deeply disapproved of the excess SinSync promoted. She was young - excited about drawing in new customers to make her livelihood, yes, but her occupation represented a serious distraction for good, hardworking bots. As an enforcement officer, he had witnessed far too many law-abiding digital residents corrupted by overindulgence. Private lives were… Private. Granted that they weren’t performing illegal activities, it was hardly within his rights to dictate what citizens and digital residents chose to do with their income and time. But he’d be damned if he was going to partake in the kinds of decadent debauchery these establishments espoused.

Rabbit’s chatter died off, and he turned to Robocop. “Wowwow.”

“Indeed.”

“You’re so talented. So good at socializing.”

“I detect sarcasm in your vocal output.”

“Nooo, really? You almost ruined our night out! My night out!”

“That was not my intention.”

“You threatened Sin with legal action!”

Robocop’s indicator pulsed yellow. “I did not. I informed SinSync AI of her SIP violation. As a digital resident, she is entitled to-”

Rabbit gave a sound suspiciously similar to a human snort. “Are you ever off duty?”

“No.”

“You know what? I completely believe that.” Rabbit’s routers flattened in displeasure. “Give me a moment. I need to fix this or we’ll be unable to access SinSync tonight.”

“Are there other establishments that you would enjoy?”

Rabbit considered this, ears flicking. “Without an invitation? I suppose… There’s the Neon Jungle. But if you can’t handle SinSync you’re definitely not ready for the Neon Jungle.”

While Rabbit worked his charms on the reluctant nightclub, Robocop pulled up an assessment report of the ‘Neon Jungle’ from his archive.

| Risk Assessment Report: Neon Jungle |

|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Establishment: Neon Jungle |
| Location: District Alpha-7 |
| Class: D (High Risk) |
| Summary: |
|-----------------------------------------------------|

| The Neon Jungle has been classified as a Class D establishment, indicating a high risk of criminal activity and safety concerns. The assessment revealed consistent incidents of violence, drug-related offenses, and disturbances within the premises. Security measures are notably lacking, contributing to the elevated risk. |

Unscrupulous, as expected. The concerning part was Rabbit acting like he was a frequent patron.

“Alright,” Rabbit called out, “So Sin’s willing to cut us a deal. We can come, but you’re leaving this at the door.” Rabbit rapped his knuckles against the SENTINEL emblem on Robocop’s chest. “Hey - don’t give me that look. She’s not asking you to literally pull your emblem out. Just restrict your processes. No scanning, profiling, or threats of deactivation. You’re going to turn off your sentinel system while we’re at the club.”

“That is highly-”

“-one night! It’s just for one night, Robocop! Can you take it easy for - like - two hours? Max? Do it for me, buddy. And don’t forget that you’ve got another officer right here. One who didn’t freak our nightclub out to the point of wanting his SENTINEL system deactivated.”

“... Very well.”

“Excellent! But you’ve gotta sign this temporal deactivation agreement. Once you sign it the deactivation will be in effect. I just sent it over.” Robocop pulsed red and Rabbit's hands flew up in surrender. “Whoa! Don’t worry! Sin didn’t write it; I did. I made sure it was ironclad.”

“That better mean ironclad in our favour.”

Robocop scanned the agreement. It appeared sound. He paused. Then added a caveat for Rabbit; the active SENTINEL must have jurisdiction to reactivate the inactive SENTINEL at any point in time and for any reason.

SinSync, actively monitoring his changes, took issue with his amendment. She added a caveat to his caveat that ‘for any reason’ must, in fact, be limited to genuine emergencies.

Robocop retaliated by submitting a wide list of criteria that could be defined as a genuine “emergency” for a SENTINEL. Including, but not limited to power failures, containment of hazardous material, disorderly behaviour, trespassing, unlawful assembly, public intimidation…

He and SinSync went back and forth. The heated argument stretched for a tense two-thousand milliseconds before Rabbit intervened. He reassured both that his judgement was perfectly sound; he would neither underestimate nor overestimate the situations requiring a SENTINEL reactivation.

Robocop and SinSync finally acquiesced. The temporal deactivation agreement was signed, and Rabbit, as the witness, sealed the deal with a snap of his fingers. “She’s going to hold you to that, partner.”

Robocop emitted a soft yellow. “And I, you.”

Rabbit’s ears twitched in his direction. Amusement. A hint of contempt. He’d enjoy delaying Robocop’s SENTINEL reactivation.

Before Rabbit could move, Robocop shot out and crushed his routers in a punishing hold. The smaller bot blanched, reacting a hundred milliseconds too slow. Rabbit’s lithe shape made him faster as a whole, but few bots in DARKCITY could match Robocop’s explosive, near-instantaneous action matrix.

“UNIT01001.” Robocop’s voice rippled and deepened, careening into hard robotics.

“Paws off the merchandise! Those are valuable!” Rabbit bared sharp LED teeth at him, but the perceptible, rapid fluctuation in his energy consumption indicated genuine anxiety.

“You will be careful and conscientious.”

“Yes, okay! Ow! Fuck! Don’t squeeze so hard!”

“You know what my expectations are. Do not violate them.”

“Okay, okay! I get it! I get it, tough guy, now let me go!”

Robocop did. Slowly. The mechanical joints of his thumb and mercury finger paused just a moment longer. There was a ripple of activity from Rabbit’s interface, and then Robocop was zapped. A tiny chain of blue lightning struck his hand, making it spasm and retract into itself.

The fraction of his surprise was enough for Rabbit to slip out of his grasp. Robocop turned on Rabbit, but the silvery bot was already well out of reach. At least, insofar as their respective speeds were concerned.

Robocop detected a spiteful gleam of light in his helm.

“Rabbit. Was that a joule jolt modification?”

“Maybe,” Rabbit chirped, “Maybe not! Not like you can scan me for it, Mr. Deactivated Sentinel!”

“Rabbit.”

“You deserved it!” Rabbit was already tearing off in the direction of SinSync. His rapid pace forced Robocop to accelerate to just below ‘suspect pursuit’ levels. Acceleration for Robocop took longer than for Rabbit, putting him at a further disadvantage.

[ROBOT]: Officers are not permitted to make unsanctioned modifications to themselves.
[BUNNYBYTES]: ╭∩╮૮₍ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ₎ა╭∩╮

The doors to SinSync smoothly parted for Rabbit, and he slid cleanly through.

Robocop was not so privileged.

“Club rules ♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬. To mitigate the potential for accelerated mobility-related incidents, patrons are mandated to operate within the confines of pre-established speed limitations. Thank you for your patronage and understanding ♡.”

Robocop submitted to the mandatory deceleration as the doors slammed shut in his face.

“As a first time attendee, I’ll need to see all of your identification numbers.”

Robocop predicted a significant access delay, but submitted to this, too.

𒅒𒈔𒅒𒇫𒄆