In a society controlled by the oppressive Imperium, Curtis finds himself entangled in a web of secrets and sacrifices. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of deceit and loyalty, he is faced with a series of impossible choices as he tries to find the right path forward.

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Chapter 1

The sound of a phone ringing ended the quiet solitude of the apartment. The display showed a single word - Sammi. Curtis answered it right away.

"We need to meet. Normal place. Drop everything. Fifteen minutes and don’t be late."

He was used to his father’s demands and brusque demeanor but the high-pitched voice on the other end of the line sounded more urgent this time.

Neon lights with their messages meant to inspire flickered between tall buildings as Curtis exited the building. Imperium flags hung on every pole. Old posters lined the streets. One showed a smiling soldier with the words, ‘The Imperium needs you’. Another showed a muscle bound man with the word SNIPR tattooed across his chest. None of the slogans were new. Curtis remembered many of them from the days of his youth when he collected trading cards.

He did his best to look inconspicuous as the DICE patrol van turned the corner. It was impossible to tell if the four troopers in the back paid him any mind as their eyes were behind dark visors. To be on the safe side, he ducked up a side street and into a blind alley before pulling a hat from his pocket he kept for this purpose. The trick to stay hidden was to blend with the stream of the other pedestrians hurrying to their destinations.

Everyone in Imperia wore the same face. You couldn’t look nervous and glance around too much. A look down the street showed two dozen cameras not bothering to hide. The Imperium wanted people to know they were watching. Everyone knew a single misspoken word in the wrong place at the wrong time could lead to an arrest. AI sniffers constantly looked for any signs of disloyalty.

That didn’t mean there was no crime. Everyone knew there was a fine line between an act of disloyalty and the petty crimes people like Curtis did to survive. The party didn’t mind graft as long as they got their cut.

Curtis muttered to himself under his breath. "Just keep walking," immediately cursing his stupidity for daring to speak out loud. A look around showed if anyone had heard him, none of them looked in his direction and not one person smiled.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

Curtis looked both ways down the hallway to make sure no one followed before pounding his fist on the door again. Crime lords kept their thugs under control in this part of town but it always paid to be vigilant. Once upon a time the streets in this area ran red with blood until the families and DICE leadership found it more profitable to work together.

“Hello son.” Sammi said, waving Curtis inside.

As soon as Curtis entered, the solid metal door slammed shut behind him, the sound of solenoids locking in place soon after. The combination of a thick metal door and the titanium locking mechanism made it all but impossible for an outsider to gain entrance without a blowtorch and a lot of time on their hands. This had been their secret meeting place for most of the past year.

"Heya Sammi," Curtis raised his hand.

“Call me Dad.”

“I don’t know. It still feels weird to use that name when you’re wearing a dress.”

Sammi shook her head, “I’m your father no matter how I dress.”

“Sorry … Dad.”

Curtis tried not to stare. Every meeting showed even more changes to the point a stranger would never guess the person standing in the lab had once been a high ranking member of the party. Plastic surgeons made her look ten years younger and added all the accoutrements expected of the lesser sex.

“Have you had more work done?”

“A little.” Sammi nodded, “Trying to stay one step ahead of the sniffers.” She turned to the side. “I’m on a new diet too. Can you tell?”

The red dress she wore was impractical for serious work which meant she either had recently been outside or was planning to go there soon.

“Aren’t you a bit old to play Society Girl?”

Sammi chuckled. “Hope springs eternal.”

The dress looked expensive, one of the new polyblend memory fabrics that hugged the wearer, leaving little to the imagination. The fact his father hadn’t been picked up proved sometimes the best way to fit in was the stand out. The streets in the area were full of girls who looked like Sammi though few of them could afford this dress. A person wearing such a garment could enter the highest levels of social engagement with no complaint.

“It sounded urgent when you called.”

“Yeah.” Sammi nodded. “We don’t have much time.”

Stacks of boxes were open in the storage facility. “Are you working again?” Curtis’ Dad had always been a workaholic and not even the heaviest coating of concealer could cover the bags underneath Sammi’s eyes.

Sammi managed a smile. “You know me.”

Curtis didn’t answer. The truth was he didn’t know his father. DICE’s revelation of his father’s deviance had come as a shock to friends, family, and workers alike. His Dad lost his job and party membership. His Mom lost everything she’d ever known in an instant. Curtis lost the ability to attend college.

Sammi furrowed her brow, a sign of impending bad news Curtis recognized at once. "I went to DICE headquarters today and applied for the SNIPR program.”

“YOU WHAT?”

Sammi raised her hand in a plea for silence, “I have twenty-four hours to settle my affairs so you and I can’t afford to waste our time on nonsense."

Curtis sighed. “But SNIPR? Why the hell would you do that? I told you I have contacts who said they can keep you out of reach of DICE raids.” Curtis' mind raced as the news bounced through his brain. This couldn’t be happening.

Sammi’s rising tone betrayed her emotions. “I appreciate the thought, son, but SNIPR was the only way.”

“SNIPR means exile, Dad. I’ll never see you again.”

“I know. I wouldn’t do this if I could think of any other way. I’ve spent the last year wracking my brain but this is the only answer.”

Curtis closed his eyes. Those fucking DICE assholes had been a bane on their family ever since they raided his Dad’s lab. DICE ( Deviant, Immigrant, & Crime Enforcement) were everywhere in Imperia City but the truth was they weren’t really needed. The work camps took care of the Immigrant problem and crime dropped dramatically once the party allied with the crime lords. That left one scapegoat.

“Please don’t go." He hadn’t seen much of his father in the past year but somehow they’d become closer than the first twenty years combined.

"Look at me."

Curtis turned away.

Sammi repeated her plea. “Look at me, Curtis.”

No stranger looking at Sammi would ever guess the truth. Her body was a testament to the miracle of modern science. Curtis stared for as long as he could before turning away. It didn’t seem right for a son to stare at his father’s tits.
Sammi said, “I love you more than anything in this world and I wish I could spare you from the pain I’ve caused but I can’t change who I am.”

“I know.” Curtis looked up to meet his father’s eyes.

Sammi said, "I have to do this."

“I know.” Curtis said again. He curled his fingers into a fist before banging his hand on the table. “But SNIPR? I don’t trust those DICE assholes. There has to be another way.”

Sammi shook her head, “I’ve got friends inside DICE. Remember? My company was a subcontractor on the SNIPR program and I’m pretty sure my contacts at DICE are the only reason I’m not in jail right now. I know you’ve been working hard too, but the walls are closing in.”

Curtis nodded. He felt it too.

SNIPR was the talk of the town when it first launched. Gaining the ability to create super-soldiers with science gave hope to even the most inept athlete like Curtis. Sammi took the family to the kickoff gala but that was the last time he’d heard his father say the word SNIPR before today.

"You know the saying – better living through science," Sammi said the words with the pride of someone who’d dedicated her entire life to the pursuit of knowledge. “SNIPR can make me the person I’ve always wanted to be. I can have a full transformation."

It never made sense to Curtis why DICE hadn’t incorporated deviants into the SNIPR program from the beginning. If SNIPR could change a person’s DNA and turn an average soldier into a muscle bound hero, why couldn’t it couldn’t do the opposite and put breasts and a vagina on those so inclined. It took them until last year to announce the Deviant Amnesty Program, an offshoot of the SNIPR program, developed in hopes of ending the deviant problem once and for all. The only catch – those who entered had to accept exile. After all, while a deviant body might be changed, nothing could fix a deviant mind.

"I won’t see you again." Curtis said, doing his best to keep emotion from his voice. He’d lost his father once. It wasn’t fair to lose her again.

“Please don’t do this.”

“It’s done. It’s the only way to keep you and your mother safe.”

Curtis shook his head, "There’s no such thing as safe in Imperia."

Sammi’s eye’s flared. "I won’t allow you to speak ill of our homeland. She may be misguided but you’re talking like a defeatist and I didn’t raise my son to be a defeatist.” Sammi sighed, her voice sounding hollow and tired. “You’ll be free after I enter SNIPR. DICE has promised you’ll be able to go back to college and finish your degree.”

“They’d let me go back to college?” Curtis tried not to sound too excited. A memory returned of his belongings in the dorm hallway under a hastily drawn banner, ‘Deviant Spawn’.

“I’ll make sure you get a copy of our contract granting you amnesty.”

Curtis shook his head, ““It’s not fair. Your company did a lot for this country. You could do so much more. Why do you have to leave?”

Sammi placed a hand on the back of Curtis’ head and began stroking her son’s hair. “It’s the only way.”

Curtis felt the tears fall down his face. “Twenty-four hours isn't enough time."

“It can’t be helped …” Sammi’s voice cracked as she spoke. She cleared her throat, and regained her authoritative air. “… You and I shouldn’t spend the time we have left talking about could’ves and should’ves. I need you to steel yourself for the future. I’ve spent my life hoping to instill in you the values you’ll need to stand tall on your own two feet. While that day has approached faster than I’d hoped, I know you can do it. We both know your mother will need your strength.”

“I know.”

Sammi’s face clouded for a moment before she forced herself to smile. “Today is a happy day. I’ve invited all my friends to a party at my apartment tonight. I expect you to be there and to be on your best behavior.”

“I don’t want to lose you, Dad.”

Sammi’s eyes flashed anger. “You’re not a child anymore, Curtis.”

Curtis wanted to respond but saw Sammi’s shoulders slump. “If that is your wish … father.”

"It’s the way it has to be." Sammi pulled her son into a tight hug, using arms that had lost little of their strength. The hug was so tight and went on for so long, Curtis couldn’t help but notice the two large lumps pressing hard against his chest. They’d grown larger since their last meeting.

“I have a few more things I need to take care of this afternoon. Want to join me at the lab?”

“The lab?” Curtis hadn’t seen the lab since the government cancelled his father’s contracts. “I thought the place was quarantined.”

Sammi stood and walked towards the door, “I own the lease. They didn’t take that from me. You know how it is.”

Curtis nodded. Bureaucracy at its finest. The government had the right to take it away but someone didn’t do the paperwork. “I’m surprised there’s anything left. DICE agents made quite a show when they raided the place.” The destruction of a deviant’s property was always popular fodder for the holovids.

Sammi opened the door to the storage facility and waited for Curtis to exit. “It wasn’t as bad as it looked. They didn’t touch my office. I’ve been spending a lot of time there, trying to keep my mind off of my dilemma. You know me. I’ve been dabbling, doing a bit of science in my spare time.”

Curtis laughed. All his Dad had was spare time. “Do you ever think about that day?”

Sammi nodded, “All the time. I’ll never forget the look you gave me when you ran into the lab. You looked so mad.” Curtis’ father shut the door and re-engaged the solenoids with his key fob.

Curtis said, “I wasn’t mad.”

Sammi looked both ways before walking down the hallway. “You sounded mad the first time you saw me in a dress.”

“I was a little mad. But your choice of clothing wasn’t the reason I said those things.” Curtis closed his eyes, the memories flowing through him like it was yesterday. “I didn’t think you were brave enough to stand up to the party. You always did everything they told you. You never did that for me.”

“I know.” Sammi said. “I am sorry for the nights I missed.”

“It’s ok, Dad.”

Neither said a word as they made their way to the lobby. People turned as the pair passed through the crowd, all of them turning away in their wake. It wasn’t normal to see a Society Girl with a Street Urchin and Imperium law required all citizens to report ‘suspicious events’. Curtis realized early in life most citizens were cowards. He stopped to look before stepping outside. “Should we split up? The street is full of sniffers. We’re bound to set off an anomaly.”

Sammi walked out the door without pausing. “No need to worry. We’re under DICE protection.”

“Really?” Curtis looked down the street, doing his best to look inconspicuous. He didn’t see any DICE vans but in this part of town there were AI sniffers every twenty feet.

“Do your hackey-cracky thing on my bio. You’ll see.”

Curtis shook his head. In the past year he’d learned more about nat-sec than he ever had in college. He’d spent most of his free time honing his bots both to earn extra money and also to keep his family safe. And after it all, his father couldn’t help herself about Curtis’ career choice. A few taps on the datapad showed a new picture of Sammi. The data was the same with the exception they’d changed the sex designation from ‘Deviant’ to ‘SNIPR Program’.

“Is this picture from today?”

Sammi nodded, “DICE can be very efficient when they are properly motivated.”

The lab looked exactly like Curtis remembered. “Does the coffee machine work?”

Sammi shook her head. “We used a service. I’m the only one who’s been inside in a long time.”

“Damn.”

Dust and dirt covered every surface and the office area looked like people had left while they were in the middle of processing invoices. “Do you talk to any of them?”

“A few. Most won’t return my messages.” Sammi paused for a second before adding. “I like to think they’re more afraid than mad. Their association with me isn’t easy to explain on a resume.”

“Yeah.” It was easy to forget his father’s decision hadn’t only affected him.

The doors to the main lab opened easily. No need to be buzzed in today. It opened to a large open area where dozens of scientists had worked thirteen months earlier.

Curtis asked, “Do you remember the day my school came to this place on a field trip?”
Sammi smiled. “Of course. I had my teams working overtime to make sure everything was perfect. We missed our projections that month but it was worth every penny.”

Curtis nodded, “My classmates were so jealous. I didn’t understand how high up you were in the Imperia pecking order until I saw the way my teacher treated you.”

“Were your classmates jealous?” Sammi grinned.

“Yeah, but it didn’t last long. A few of them pretended to be my friend for a while and the bullies doubled their demands.”

“Damn.” Sammi’s grin disappeared. “You should have told me.”

Curtis didn’t reply. They both knew a complaint would have been pointless. His father raised Curtis to fight his own battles.

Sammi’s office looked spotless as always. Her desk was clean except for the cup of tea sitting in the middle that looked like it had been sitting there for a few days. A faint smell of chemicals permeated the place. The wall behind the desk was filled with diplomas and awards. All of them were addressed to a man named Samuel P. Mallory, PhD.

Curtis said, “Mom hated this place.”

Sammi nodded, “She hated it more when I spoke my truth.”

Curtis remembered seeing his mother when she learned the news. Rather than lash out, she shut down. “The divorce—it tore her apart.”
Sammi turned towards the wall. “I did it to protect her.”

“I know.”

“Is she still drinking?”

Curtis threw up his hands. “Don’t do that! You have no right to criticize her. She lost everything she knew in an instant.”

Even now Imperium files listed her as Mrs. Samuel Mallory. That couldn’t change until Sammi remarried and with his loss of party membership, that wasn’t going to happen. The wife of a party member was linked to her husband in all things. She was expected to be a wife and mother and to support her husband’s career.

Curtis’ Mom had done everything the party asked growing up. She’d attended all the pageants and done every extracurricular in elementary school, taken all the right classes in high school, and had the expected fancy coming out party to announce herself as a Society Girl at eighteen. She majored in cooking at a proper finishing college and met Samuel at a party function after graduation. They married and Curtis was born a year later.

Sammi said, “I tried to free her.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” Curtis didn’t dare look at his father. None of this was fair. A year ago he was on the fast track to graduate from Imperium U. with a degree in nat-sec. A year later he’d been kicked out of school, now taking odd jobs from crime lords wherever he could, and spending the rest of his free time trying to erase his family’s data trails from the snoopers.

Sammi said, “I know things have been exhausting for her … and for you. That’s why I volunteered for SNIPR." She looked at the wall of awards and diplomas behind her desk. She pulled a pin out of the wall, freeing a small picture.

“I’m ready to go.”

“That’s all you wanted?”

Sammi handed the picture to Curtis. “Do you remember this day?”

Curtis recognized it at once. It was from the day of his 8th grade science fair. “Of course.” It was weird to see his Dad in man’s clothes.

“Those judges were idiots. A ‘B’ grade? That was Nobel level work.”

“I think they knew I didn’t do the work, Dad.”

Sammi grinned. “Yeah. You’re probably right.”

Chapter 2

Curtis raced home through back alleys afraid of what he might find in his apartment. At least he didn’t need to buy a gift. From what he knew of the Deviant SNIPR Program his Dad wouldn’t be able to take anything with him. Besides, is there an appropriate gift for something like that? Not even the tackiest holo vendors sold a ‘Congrats, You’ve been Exiled’ vid.

A look in the closet confirmed Curtis’ fear. His only collared shirt lay crumpled on the floor and his dress pants had a large mustard stain on the right thigh. His tie had frayed around the edges and his dress shoes needed a good shine. None of it would be a good look for his father but Curtis didn’t have time to fix it. Maybe it was for the best. The other party guests wouldn’t be surprised if Sammi’s family had fallen on hard times. They might even expect it.

It was a twenty minute walk to the subway and it took another fifteen minutes inside the steel beast to arrive at his father’s apartment. Despite Sammi’s claims the amnesty program protected her family, old habits die hard. Curtis doubled back a few times to make sure he wasn’t followed before arriving at the destination and activated his homemade counter-sniffer before entering.

A scan of the room showed more people than Curtis expected. None of them looked like threats but then DICE wasn’t full of idiots. The invite list was a who’s who of his father’s old friends and many had landed on a government list somewhere. He had no doubt someone in the room would be reporting the events.

"Evening, Curtis." A woman gave him a broad smile. She looked familiar, probably an employee from Sammi’s workplace but Curtis couldn’t remember her name.

“Hello.” He replied, his eyes never leaving the three faces he saw on the other side of the room.

Curtis raced to greet them and smiled at the prettiest of the three. “What are you gals doing here?”

“Late to your own father’s party?” Diane gave Curtis a curtsy while wearing a silly smile on her face. The other two girls followed suit.

“Nice outfit, Party-Boy.” Serena smirked.

Curtis said, “I didn’t see you on the invite list.”

Diane said, "Your Dad called me this morning and told me I could bring anyone I wanted. I figured … safety in numbers.”

Curtis shook his head. “You shouldn’t have come. The government definitely has eyes on this place.”

Diane smiled, “I wouldn't miss it for the world.”

“Doesn’t bother me.” Serena said, “I’m on all the lists.”

"Not much left of the world left these days anyway," Mara said, her tone always the perfect sarcastic counter to Diane’s hopefulness.

Each of the girls held wine glasses in their right hands, Mara held a bottle of wine from France in her left.

"You brought foreign wine? Are you trying to get yourself arrested?" Curtis shook his head.

Serena pointed towards the wine rack on the other side of the room. "We didn’t bring it. Your Dad called it an act of defiance. He said to drink as much as we wanted," Diane gave him a thin smile.

“Oh.” Curtis recognized the label as one from his father’s private collection.

Serena took a big gulp and raised her glass in the air. “Whatever we don’t drink will probably be in some DICE asshole’s collection by this time tomorrow.”

Curtis nodded wondering where his Dad had hid this stuff. He figured it had been lost in the raids. “Do you gals mind if I leave you? I need to make the rounds. Everyone here is taking great personal risk by showing up and the least I can do is say hi.”

“Not a problem, Party-Boy.” Mara said, taking a slug of wine straight from the bottle. “You know where to find us.”

Curtis counted at least fifty guests in the room with more arriving every few minutes. He didn’t know most of them but he did recognize one voice he’d spoken to hundreds of times, Nancy, his father’s personal secretary. He made a beeline to the sound of her voice then turned away when he saw the red face and stream of tears. That’s the last thing he needed. Maybe his college friends had the right idea. Alcohol might make this easier. He’d never been a good socializer like his mother and father. One glass of wine was more than enough. His tolerance for the stuff had never been good and now faces and names went by in a blur.

After a first complete circuit, Curtis saw Sammi staring at him. She was holding court near the front of the room, looking better than she had that morning but that might be the alcohol speaking. If she was sad, her face didn’t show it. Curtis knew she’d expect her son to do the same.
He made three complete circuits around the room before tiring and finding an empty spot on the wall. He thought about returning to his friends but they’d been laughing the last time he’d seen them and he wasn’t in a mood to laugh.

“You’re an idiot.”

Curtis knew the voice before looking up. It had been a shock to see Mara in full Society Girl regalia. As long as he’d known her, Mara had never been the type to dress up but she looked amazing today.

“Sorry.” Curtis shook his head. “I’m not in the mood for celebration. You three looked like you were having fun, and I didn’t want to be a downer.”

Mara’s eyes flashed anger. “I hoped you’d gotten smarter in the past year. Diane thinks you’re mad at her. I told her you’re an idiot.”

The words came out hot but Mara’s face retained the warming smile of a pleasant conversation. Anyone watching would assume nothing was wrong. Curtis knew different. This girl had been a bitch to him from the day they’d met but he had to admit, it was nice to see a familiar face.

Mara said, “This is a party. Don’t you want to have some fun?”

Curtis shrugged. He’d never been good at finding friends. He’d met Diane during freshman orientation and she introduced him to the others.

“You’ve done your familial duty, Party-Boy.”

“You know I’m not a Party-Boy anymore.”

Mara ignored him, her voice growing louder than previous. “Serena’s upstairs with Diane. They’re hoping to find something more appropriate in your Dad’s closet. You look the right size.”

“I don’t think...”

Mara cut him off. “That’s always been your problem, Curtis. You don’t think.” She leaned forward, her lips passing so close to Curtis’ he thought she might kiss him. She continued her movement until her lips nibbled at his ear. “I shouldn’t need to explain this to you but Diane’s waiting in bed. If you don’t go to her, I will hurt you.”

Curtis nodded then closed his eyes, remembering the best and worst day of his life. He found Diane standing by his dorm room guarding his belongings and spent the rest of the night at her place. “I … uhh …”

“Yeah, you’re an idiot. Mara took another sip of wine. “I wish Diane didn’t like you but she does. She’s my friend and you ghosted her.”

“Life got complicated.”

“Fuck complicated. She was willing to throw everything away for you. I bet there aren’t a dozen girls at Imperia U. who’d do the same for a boy they liked. I know I wouldn’t.” Mara shoved him towards the stairs.

Curtis wasn’t expecting the shove and the slight push caused him to lose his balance and fall on the floor. Faces of guests all around smiled when they saw him sprawled out. Most of them were well into their cups and nodded their understanding.

By the time Curtis regained his footing, he saw Mara headed for the wine rack so he hurried up the stairs.

The bedroom was completely dark when Curtis entered except for light coming from the closet.

“Diane?”

He saw Serena for second. She smiled at him then closed the closet door removing all light. Curtis waited for his eyes to adjust before taking another step.

He never knew his father had this apartment until last year. He’d learned it wasn’t uncommon for party officials to have a mansion for their wife and kids and an apartment for their lovers. Somehow his Dad had kept the place after his ignominious fall. Curtis figured it might have fallen through the cracks of the Imperium bureaucracy but more likely, party officials didn’t want DICE poking their noses into a building full of their dirty laundry.

Curtis saw a large lump laying under the covers in the middle of the bed. Two sparkling blue eyes stared back in the darkness.

“Mara’s right.” Curtis said, “I am an idiot.”

Diane didn’t say a word, opening the covers to reveal her naked body. Curtis’ heart skipped a beat when he saw the alabaster skin glowing in the darkness.

Curtis said, “I should have called.”

“Sssshhhh…” Diane grinned. “Take off your clothes … idiot.”

Curtis didn’t need to be told twice. His shirt and pants hit the floor seconds later, and he fell into Diane’s waiting arms.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok.”

“It’s been a year.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

A giggle came from the closet. “Are you two already done?”

Diane said, “Shut up Serena.” She kissed Curtis, her lips a warm reminder of everything he’d lost in the past year. A pull on the blanket leaving Curtis naked on the bed.

“Hey … that’s cold.” A second later someone flipped on the light switch. He saw Mara standing next to the door.

Curtis tried to cover himself. “Hey!!”

Mara sat two bottles of wine on the dresser. “You’re bigger than I expected.”

Serena exited the closet holding several of Curtis’ father’s dresses on hangers. “Your father’s closet is amazing.”

Curtis rolled over. “Can Diane and I get a little privacy?”

“Nah.” Diane stood in the middle of the room with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, “It’s the four of us, just like old times.”

Mara said, “The bad sex is new.”

Curtis felt his face blush.

Serena held up a pink dress. “What do you think Curtis? You could be just like Daddy.”

Curtis said, “That’s not funny.”

Serena said, “This would be funny if you’d drank more wine.”

“I’m sorry Diane.” Curtis gave his best friend a pleading look, “I couldn’t call. It would have put you in danger.”

Curtis saw the tears form in Diane’s eyes.

“It was my choice, asshole.” She paused for a moment to catch her breath before continuing. “I called you dozens of times before you disappeared in the system. Don’t give me that danger bullshit. How many times did you tell us how easy it was to hack an Imperium system.”

She sat on the bed next to Curtis, her face never betraying a hint of emotion until her eyes locked on Curtis’. “I tried to forget about you but your Dad called and told me he was going into the SNIPR program. He said you’d be coming back to school soon and made me promise to be there for you.”

Curtis said, “I thought I was doing the right thing.”

Diane said, “Mara’s right. You are an idiot.”

The other two girls chimed in. “Yep. A big dumb idiot.”

Curtis felt Diane take his hand in hers. Tears came to his eyes. “I love you.”

Curtis repeated the words. “I love you too.”

A second warm body sat next to Curtis but he was barely paying attention until he felt the arm around his shoulder. It was only when he felt the third body pressing between his knees that Curtis realized what was happening. One of the reasons Imperium U. was so popular with Party-Boys was because of the thorough nature of the pleasuring classes taught to their female classmates. Most guys couldn’t handle one Imperium girl who'd made it to 4th year let alone three.

“I can’t…”

Mara removed her top flashing a perfect set of tits. “Lay back idiot. We’ll go slow.”

Chapter 3

Mara was right. He was about his father’s size. The tuxedo Serena found fit better than he expected and he descended the stairs like a king. Curtis could only imagine what the other party guests were thinking when they saw he had three Imperium 4th years following behind, their heads slightly bowed as they’d been taught. It was hard to believe how much all of them had changed in a year. Then again, maybe his mind’s eye could only remember the awkward girls from his freshman year. On this night, each was expertly trained in the art of socialization and seduction, the surgeries they’d received perfectly filling out their resplendent party dresses.

Only the shout of a familiar voice stole the smile from his face.

By the time he made it to the bottom of the stairs, Curtis saw the older woman racing towards him. She wore a sequined party dress better suited for a girl half her age and had started drinking long before her arrival.

“Hello Mother.”

His mother gave Curtis an intense stare then looked towards the girls standing behind him. “Hello, Curtis. Are you going to introduce me to your girlfriends?”

Curtis gave his mother a clipped nod. It always amazed him how this woman could make him feel eight-years-old at a whim. “This is Mara, that’s Serena, and this is Diane.”

All three girls gave a formal curtsy they’d perfected during their formative years.

Curtis could see the wheels spinning in his mother’s head but she held off making a comment. Instead, she looked around the room.

“Where’s the lady of honor?”

“Mom…”

“What?” Curtis’ Mom gave a coy smile as she’d been taught.

“Be nice.”

“I am being nice.” Curtis thought about responding but decided it wouldn’t do any good.

A familiar voice saved him the trouble. “Hello Sophie. I’m glad you were able to come.” Sammi gave her ex-wife a curtsey as fine as any of Curtis’ friends.

Curtis stared at his parents, praying the confrontation would remain under control. The past year hadn’t been kind to his mother and now, she stared daggers at her ex with the hollowed out eyes of the habitual inebriate.

Sophie said, “So you’re abandoning us again?”

Heads turned from all over the room to watch the confrontation. Curtis figured at least half came to watch this moment. “I promise my love, I’ve made arrangements for you. You’ll be well taken care of when they settle my estate, but tonight isn’t the time for such talk. This is a party and I know you understand how you’re supposed to act at a party.”

“A party?” Sophia looked like she wanted to say something but her training kicked in when she saw everyone staring. The conversation ended when she saw the wine rack.

Sammi gave Curtis a broad smile as she watched her ex-wife amble off.

Curtis said. “It’s not funny.”

Sammi whispered, “Your Mom gets the contents of the wine cellar in the settlement of my estate. So technically she’s providing tonight’s refreshments.”

“That seems especially cruel, father. Why give her the wine cellar?”

“Would you rather she drink the cheap stuff?”

Curtis said, “She needs help, Dad. The last year hasn’t been easy for her.”

“I know. But that particular problem started long before the divorce.”

“I know.”

Sammi stared at her son. “You know … I own a tuxedo that looks exactly like that one.”

Curtis felt his face grow hot. “Sorry … I … there was mustard and I …”

“Don’t worry. It’s technically already yours. This whole apartment and everything in it technically became your property at 8:45 AM this morning.”

A female's voice sounded behind him. “Holy shit.” Curtis turned to see an embarrassed Mara for the first time in his life. Society girls were taught they were to be seen and not heard until addressed at a party.

Mara gave an apologetic bow, “So sorry, ma’am.”

“No problem, dear.” Sammi smiled then looked at Curtis, “Are you going to introduce me to your friends?”

Curtis pointed. “The rude girl is Mara.”

Mara ignored him, this time giving Sammi a formal curtsy, “Again, I’m so sorry. I know your son from school and I’ve read your work. You’ve done amazing work in gentech.”

“A female who likes science?” Sammi smiled, seeming surprised. “You don’t find many girls with an interest in the field these days.”

“I … uhh … major in culinary arts.”

Sammi nodded. “Of course.”

An awkward pall fell over the conversation so Curtis pointed, “Serena graduates in fashion arts this spring. She’s the one who picked out the tux.”

Serena gave a deep curtsy, “I love the outfit you’re wearing. Is that a Hugo Boss design?”

Sammi looked genuinely impressed. “You have a good eye.”

Serena said, “I could spend days in your upstairs closet.”

Sammi nodded. “You’d have to ask Curtis. This is his place now.”

Serena nodded. “Of course, ma’am.”

Curtis had never seen his friends so out of sorts.

Sammi smiled as she stared at the third member of the trio. “And you must be Diane. I’ve been wanting to meet you for a long time.”

“You have?”

Sammi said, “My son never stops talking about you.”

“He doesn’t?”

Curtis blushed as Sammi took his arm. “Oh yes … my Curtis has always had trouble making friends so I appreciate the lengths you three have gone to bring him out of his shell. You’re all 4th years, correct?”

Diane nodded, “Yes, ma’am.

Mara couldn’t help herself, “Ohh … we brought Curtis out of his shell all right. He’s been deshelled, steamed, and eaten whole.”

“My, my.” Sammi laughed. “I thought my Curtis looked a little more flushed than normal.” Sammi’s smile grew larger, “I’m getting the distinct impression I should sleep in the guest bedroom tonight.”

Diane and Curtis' faces both turned beet red. Serena didn’t miss a beat. “Yes ma’am … that might be for the best.”

A hush fell over the assembly as Sammi raised her arms in front of the crowd.

“My plan tonight was to ply you all with enough alcohol to loosen you up and enough food to keep it all down. My hope is the combination gives each of you the patience to sit through another of my speeches.”

Curtis watched as the crowd naturally gravitated to the sound of his father’s voice. Even an octave higher and wearing high heels, Sammi’s charismatic confidence worked its magic.

“I appreciate everyone who decided to attend and do not blame any who chose to remain home. I know my actions hurt most of you and I know I can never fully repair the damage done. I do hope my decision to enter the SNIPR program will free you from further harm.”

“You’re a coward, Samuel.” Curtis recognized the shrill laughter of his mother’s voice from the back of the room. “You’re running away and leaving us with a mess while you get to live your dream in a new country.”

Sammi didn’t speak as a couple members of the security team escorted his Mom from the room.

Sammi waved at the crowd to settle down, “Please excuse my ex-wife. The past year has been especially tough on her and also on my son Curtis. Like I was saying, I know I can never undo the hardships you have had to endure because of me.” Sammi looked at the tablet in his hand, “To Ruth, the secretary who kept my schedule straight. To Tom, Ken, and Brian, my project leads. I wish I had time to thank each and every one of you but please know I value you all. I have done my best this past year to find you employment though I know I wasn’t able in every case. I know those of you who chose to come here tonight won’t be viewed kindly by the party. I don’t deserve such devotion but please know it is appreciated.”

Sammi took a deep breath then pushed a button on his tablet. The crowd gasped as a holo machine projected the largest holovid Curtis had ever seen into the center of the room. The girl looked so lifelike, and for a moment, Curtis thought he might be able to look up the young woman’s skirt.

“This is Rosa. I’m sure many of you remember the hours we spent on the SNIPR program and this image is one of the fruits of our labor. At this time tomorrow, this will be me. Perhaps my ex-wife is right. Perhaps entering SNIPR is a vanity project to allow a tired old man the ability to become something he’s not. If I could explain my actions, perhaps the government wouldn’t feel the need to persecute people like me but tonight is not a night for recrimination. It is a night for farewells and I wish you all the best of luck and good fortune in your futures.”

The crowd didn’t say a word when Sammi stopped talking. A few people clapped but most didn’t know what to do. Curtis thought he felt a sudden lightness from those who felt a sense of relief that the man who’d brought them so many problems would soon disappear. Maybe it was his imagination.

Sammi stood at the front of the room, her face unmoving as some guests stared at the young woman hovering above them. It didn’t take long for the gossip to begin. Many grabbed their coats and left right away. Others stayed to the point of annoyance reliving the glory days of their past.

Curtis found himself entranced by the girl spinning in the center of the room. In a world full of lies, the miracle hovering above seemed like one more illusion.

Serena asked, “Are you sure you don’t need us to help clean up?”

Sammi nodded towards the brown skinned staff lining the walls. “No need.”

Curtis stood by the door, thanking each of the guests for attending. Diane, Serena, and Mara stood beside him, performing a masterclass as hostesses in place of Sophie who under normal circumstances would have filled that role.

Nervous laughter followed many of the guests out the door. At first, Curtis assumed it was his mind playing tricks but as it continued, he suspected guilty consciences at play. Samuel Mallory had shepherded many of these people’s careers and no matter how the story ended, he’d taught them lessons they’d never forget. On this night, in the finality of their farewell, each felt their part as a cog in a society that forced their mentor into exile.

Some guests left right away. Others needed to be encouraged. Serena called a cybercab for Ruth. Diane called the driver for Curtis’ Mom.

All the while, Sammi played the part of a gracious host and hostess, bearing each compliment and veiled jab with equal grace. As the last guest left, she gave a nod to the head staffer and the party began to disassemble.

Diane asked, “Are you sure you don’t need anything?”

“You performed marvelous ladies.” Sammi said, “My son will escort you home.”

Curtis shook his head, “I’m staying here tonight.”

“I’d prefer if we did our goodbyes now.” Sammi shook her head. “Besides, you know it’s not proper to let a Society Girl roam the streets at this hour and I raised you to be a gentleman.”

Curtis shook his head, “I don’t want to leave you, Dad. It’s not fair.”

“This entire ordeal has never been fair.”

“I can’t …”

“Remember what I said this morning.” Sammi straightened her back, Curtis seeing her eyes turning hot. “I raised you better than this. Don’t turn our goodbye into an argument. I’m going to give you a hug and then I need you to turn around and walk out of this room. That’s the only way the bastards won’t win.”

Sammi’s strong arms wrap themselves around Curtis. Hugs and displays of affection had never been a big part of his childhood. His mother found them ridiculous and his father thought them not proper. All of that changed in the past year and after tonight, the hugs would be gone forever.

"I don't know how to do this without you."

"You’ll navigate this world better than I ever did, son. You’ve always been my shining star, even in the darkest of nights.” Sammi’s eyes glistened, but her face remained determined.

“I love you … Father.”

“I love you too, son. Always and forever," Sammi’s voice cracked as she spoke. “Now go.”

Curtis did as he was instructed, turning and fixating his eyes on the door. Diane took his arm and the pair walked together.

Diane urged him forward, the words uttering a cadence barely noticeable, ‘Step … step … step…’ They arrived at the door faster than Curtis hoped. Mara and Serena opened the door for them but Curtis paused in the door’s frame anyway.

Diane whispered. “Don’t turn around. Remember, this is what she wants.”

Curtis gave Diane a slight nod and the pair stepped through the door. Mara and Serena closed it behind them.

Chapter 4

Numbers flashed on the data pad as Curtis watched the swirling array of calculations on the nearby screen. Slender fingers danced across the keyboard, the only noise in the room against the hum of the computer. With every stroke, Curtis moved a step further through the maze of digital code.

"Come on," he said, pleading for answers. It had taken an hour to penetrate the firewall protecting the DICE servers. It took another hour to find the SNIPR server. The problem with a penetration challenge of this magnitude wasn’t so much about getting inside, it was finding the right data in the billions of file folders, honey pots, and dead ends.

The teachers at Imperium U taught Curtis how to train his AI bots to perform routine database functions but over the past year he’d modified them for use in other, less savory purposes. They’d become extensions of his will, millions of digital children birthed from lines of code he’d created.

In Imperia, it was safe to assume unseeing eyes were always watching. He’d covered his tracks as best as he could and his bots had held up well so far. Only a few fell prey to the system’s defenses and each delay cost him more time to cover his tracks.

"Easy now," Curtis coaxed. He knew the bots couldn’t hear him but speaking to them made him feel better. To sharpen his mind, he injected another stim … was it his second or his third? It was hard to remember. Doctors warned against using more than one stim every twenty-four hours but no self respecting coder listened.

The boost gave him focus to read code and see things where others could not. One folder among the forest looked innocent but that was by design.

Curtis knew the truth at once. “That’s the one. Got it you bastards.”

Curtis entered the encrypted door sideways, hoping to break its code and parse its contents before the nat-sec guys at DICE had a chance to get a lock on him. They had to know they had a breach by now but he was sending his signal through a dozen backchannels. He’d broken dozens of Imperium laws already but he’d gone too far to turn back now. Millions of lines of data streamed into his system as Curtis confirmed the data, performed the wipe, and ran the exfiltration code.

“Got it.”

Curtis didn’t move after finishing the crack. Adrenaline settled into his pores as seconds dragged into minutes. When he opened his eyes he didn’t hear sirens so that was a good sign. Of course, that wasn’t the way DICE worked. Their raids preferred to nab people in the middle of the day when they could make the biggest show. Even in the worst case scenario it’d be hours before they showed up to arrest him.

Just having the data wasn’t enough. There were a million names in DICE’s SNIPR file, all of it encrypted, and all Curtis had was a single name. Rosa.

Of course that wasn’t exactly true. If all he had was a name, it would have been impossible to run a trace. The scan his hacker pad had made of the holovid at his father’s party was the real key as he knew DICE would keep extensive records of each girl’s DNA to make sure they’d never return.

A search of the file showed DICE sent all SNIPR girls to South America, all with brown skin, probably another measure meant to keep these girls from returning to the country. Everyone knew any brown skin foolish enough to re-enter the country would end up in a labor camp.
Matching the name didn’t parse the list much. It appeared the DICE naming system preferred names like Helena, Maria, Rosa, Isabella, and Sophia in equal measure.

"Come on, come on," Curtis said, urging his bots to work faster through the flood of Rosa’s.

Curtis almost fell out of his chair when woke. “Shit.” A look at the clock showed he’d been asleep for three hours. If his apartment had a window, the sun would soon be poking over the horizon.

His computer screen showed a single match.

‘Rosa Gomez’ - Rua das Flores 1789 - Bairro Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro - BRAZIL

“Brazil? Ha. Dad’s going to need to learn Portuguese.” Every SNIPR girl had to do the same. Imperia schools hadn’t taught anything other than Latin and English for a long time.

Curtis stretched, then jabbed himself with another stim. His nap wasn’t a total waste. He definitely needed a little shuteye and it had taken the bots over two hours to find the match.

Now all he needed was a way to contact ‘Rosa’ and surprise her when she arrived. Thankfully, he’d made contacts in the criminal world helping them smuggle goods all over the world. A few keystrokes sent the message.

“Need a confidential messenger sent to the following address. Please advise.”

The response took ten minutes to work its way through the backchannels.

“No such address exists. Double check details on your end.”

“Shit.” Curtis cursed. Why did he think this would be easy?

He ran another name. It took another ten minutes.

“No such address exists. Double check details on your end.”

Fuck. He’d need to hack the problem from the other end.

“I need access to South American databases that store emigration data for Imperia from the past year. Can you help?

Another ten minutes.

“There have been no emigrants from Imperia to South America for over five years.”

A cold dread seized Curtis’ spine as fear spread through his body. Those bastards.

"God damn them."

The possibilities seemed endless. Curtis wanted to scream. He needed to scream but his father had taught him to control his emotions under stress. He’d cracked the DICE servers once. He could do it again. Penetration was easier the second time.

Each level he climbed increased the likelihood of discovery but he didn’t care. The servers threw roadblock after roadblock but nothing could stand in his way. Curtis worked his way higher and higher up the chain of authority until he found what he needed. A single memo showing the truth of the SNIPR under a single man’s name. Jack Devlin.

Memo: Addressing the Deviant Problem.

There wasn’t much in the file in the way of details but the implication was obvious. The media portrayed the SNIPR program as a beacon of hope for deviant, but it was nothing but a charade. A systematic elimination of all of those like his Dad, meticulously designed and ruthlessly executed.

Curtis re-read the memo to make sure he wasn’t overreacting. "Those bastards..." He stared at the name of the author. Jack Devlin. A perfect name for a monster.

Curtis slapped his face in hopes of waking himself. "Focus, idiot I need a plan."

The idea he came up with wasn’t much of a plan but forlorn hopes rarely are. He stripped off his clothes, letting the tuxedo fall to the floor, returning to his normal disguise of jeans and hoodie that were more suited to this task. Before leaving Curtis grabbed his hacking devices, then raced out the front door.

His data pad showed the time a little after 8AM and if he guessed right, his Dad’s appointment with DICE would begin promptly at 8:45. Unfortunately, his Dad was never late.

“Fuck!”

A few pedestrians turned when they heard his shouted anger. Curtis knew he’d set off every sniffer in the neighborhood but it didn’t matter. He knew before leaving the apartment there was no way for him to avoid standing out. That’s impossible when you’re running towards DICE headquarters with a crazed look in your eye.

A line of unending pavement lay before him but it wasn’t like he needed directions. The DICE building loomed large over Imperia City, a combination of black steel and polished glass nearly touching the clouds.

Curtis urged his body to move faster. “I can’t be late. I won’t be late.”

Curtis had never been much of an athlete and hadn’t visited a gym in over a year but the stims certainly helped. He hoped the surveillance office might take pity and call off the threat assessment when they saw his hobbled gait. Thankfully, the crowd parted when they heard the sound of his pounding feet.

"Out of the way!"

Curtis was one block from the building when he saw his first DICE patrol. It didn’t make sense he’d gotten so lucky but then again, DICE probably didn’t figure they’d need many patrols in this part of town.

When he heard the squeal of tires, Curtis took a shortcut though the plaza, and made it to the front door before the troopers had a chance to close. The building’s doors opened wide at his approach and he jumped over the scanners, skipping several people in line, and then raced through the lobby until he slammed into the reception desk.

The woman behind the desk stared in abject horror, her morning coffee now staining her blouse.

Curtis held up a black ID card from his pack. ““I’m a party member. I need to talk to someone in the SNIPR program.”

No one spoke as guards filled the lobby. The guards looked at Curtis and then back to the receptionist, not sure if they should beat him senseless, or give a salute.

The lady at the front desk took the card, ran it through the scanner, then gave Curtis a closer look. “I see you’re a Party-Boy, recently reinstated.” She handed the card back to Curtis. “I’m sorry sir. I don’t see you on the schedule.” She looked towards the guards whose numbers were growing larger by the second.

A voice called from behind the desk. “It’s ok, Marcy. I’ll take it from here.”

Curtis looked around the lobby and to the man dressed in the well-tailored DICE uniform. It had no insignia or designation of any kind.

“Are you sure Mr. Devlin?” The woman had returned to her chair and did her best to resume an air of professionality. “This man is not in the appointment system and he jumped the scanner. Allowing him entry is against protocol.”

Jack nodded, “It’s ok. I’ll take it from here.” He turned to face Curtis.

Curtis balled his hand into a fist, before planning his next move.

Jack’s posture spoke of a person used to being obeyed. “Whatever you’re thinking, I assure you, you’ll find more answers if you follow me than any other course of action.”

Curtis took a deep breath, then nodded.

Marcy said, “I’ll need to scan your badge for authorization sir.”

Jack Devlin’s eyes never left Curtis as he offered Marcy his badge. “Of course.”

Curtis knew better than to speak as he followed Jack down the hall. Jack whistled as they walked, giving off an air of almost giddiness at this turn of events.

Jack pointed at a door. “Your father is in that room. It’s a quiet room so anything you say will remain between you.”

Curtis found it hard to believe it could be this easy but as he popped his head through the door, he saw his Dad sitting on the other side of the table, looking as beautiful as Curtis had ever seen her.

“Dad?”

The walls of the room were white, with a round white table in the middle and seven white chairs surrounding it.

Sammi did not look happy. “Close the door and sit down.”

Curtis closed the door but didn’t sit. “What’s going on?”

Sammi shook her head. “I’m not sure whether to be pissed at you or proud of you. Hacking a DICE server? Unauthorized conversations overseas? Downloading top secret information? Do you know how many years in prison comes with those acts alone?”

Fuck. DICE had traced him. “I don’t know.”

“Exactly. You don’t know. I taught you to be better than this.”

Curtis said, “I had to warn you. The SNIPR program doesn’t change your DNA and turn you into a woman. It’s a scam. It doesn’t work. It never worked. It’s a PR honey trap meant to rid Imperia of deviants.”

Sammi didn’t react.

Curtis repeated his plea. “Did you hear what I said, father? You aren’t going to South America.”

Sammi gave a grim look, “I know.”

“You know?” Curtis fell back, his posterior finding the chair. “What does that mean?”

Sammi shook her head. “Why couldn’t you be happy with the cover story? You’d believe I was living the life of my dreams in Brazil. In time, you’d forget about me and live your own life.”

Curtis repeated himself. “You knew?”

“Of course I knew. My company was a main contractor on SNIPR development. The project’s goal was to use DNA markers in hopes of stoking genes that increase a soldier’s strength, speed, and aggression. All of it was a failure.”

Curtis couldn’t believe his ears. “SNIPR is a sham? But those posters. I went to the parades. I collected the trading cards and watched the holovids. What about Captain Imperia? Shooter Kelly? The Night Hunter?”

“All lies created by Imperium Public Relations.”

Curtis said, “I don’t understand.”

Sammi sighed, “SNIPR was a failure but not a complete waste.” He bowed his head. “Near the end of funding, I decided to try the opposite end of the spectrum. Instead of stats to increase aggression, I looked at other traits. The truth was I hoped to use the funding to create a cure for deviancy and I made a lot of progress. I developed a DNA test that could determine deviancy with a 90% accuracy within two standards of deviation when societal circumstance was incorporated. I knew better than anyone the danger that came with that knowledge so I kept the testing in house. I never expected the results when I tested you.”

“You tested me for deviancy?”

“I had to know before I went further and when I found it, I destroyed it all.” Sammi shook her head. “I destroyed my files and everything in the backup servers too but it was too late. Someone in the lab went to the Imperium Research Council and told them of my discovery. They demanded to see my research and I told them it was gone. You know what happened after that.”

Curtis asked, “Did you do the test on yourself?”

“Of course. I was the control subject.” Sammi nodded. “I knew I had the genetic markers. My DNA was the key to the project.” Her face took a faraway look. “I fought the desires for most of my life but eventually…” She looked down at her curve-filled body. “... I gave in.”

Curtis looked at the door. “Should we be talking so open? That Jack Devlin guy said this is a clean room but I don’t trust him. He's the one who wrote the memo setting the guidelines for the government’s deviant solution.”

Sammi nodded. “Jack has always been a survivor but I think we can trust him. We’ve collaborated on many projects over the years. Besides…” She held up a small white device that fit easily into her pocket. “… I have this.”

“What’s that?”

“I've had a lot of free time over the past year. That’s an invention of my own design. It scrambles AI sniffers and video snoops within an 8 meter perimeter.” Sammi pushed the device across the table. “You can keep this one. I’ve got more at the lab.”

The device looked no longer than Curtis’ thumb and was twice as thin. “This makes my hacker gear look like amateur hour.”

“The IRC invests billions in technology. You put your gear together with spare parts purchased on the black market. I think you did pretty well.” Sammi sounded like a proud papa.

Curtis didn’t look up as he stared at the device. “You said I tested positive for deviancy. What does that mean?”

Sammi shook her head. “I can’t know for sure. The test is based on my DNA it is possible my son would turn up as a false positive. I never brought it up because it’s not my business. I figured you'd say something if you wanted to talk.”

Curtis bit his lip. “Deviancy. I don’t…”

“Let's not speak about it. Not here. Not now.” Sammi’s voice cracked. “And the proper term is transgender.”

Curtis winced when he heard his father say the ‘T’ word. The government had outlawed the term long before he’d been born.

Sammi said, “I knew from a young age I was different from my colleagues. It took me a long time to figure it out. I hid it as best as I could but DICE found out. They get dirt on everyone eventually and the Research Council used that against me. They didn’t expect I’d fight back.”

“What’s the plan?” Sammi always had a plan.

“Of course, well ...” Sammi said while standing, “First, I need to give you a hug.”

As Curtis stood as he father approached and Sammi lifted him off his feet with the biggest bear hug yet. “I’m so proud of you. Not many of your classmates could have made it this far. I've always known had more inside you than met the eye.” Curtis felt a sharp prick on the back of his neck as they parted. “I love you, son.”

Curtis felt the area with his hand, but the device that poked him was already gone. “What did you do?”

Sammi said, “I gave you a small sedative. It will relax you and put you to sleep. You look tired. You need to rest.”

Curtis put his hands on the table, hoping he could remain standing. “No … no … no … no … no …” It was no use. His knees buckled seconds later.

Sammi leaned over Curtis’ prone body and placed a soft kiss on her son’s forehead. “I’m late for my appointment and you know how I hate being late.”

Curtis tried to keep his eyes open but it was no use, “No … no … no … no … no …”

Sammi said, “Do not mourn me, my son. I’ve done terrible things in my life. You were right when you called me a weak man. I only found my strength through Sammi and through you..”

“No … no … no … no … no …”

Sammi whispered into Curtis' ear as the world began to dim. “Just know … of everything I did with my life … you were my greatest accomplishment.”

Chapter 5

Curtis tried to move his head but found the slightest movement painful.

“Ahhh .... the dead have returned to life.”

The taste of metal entered Curtis’ mouth. He spit it out and shook his head when the device tried to re-engage. “What are you doing to me?”
Curtis tried to move but found his hands and feet restrained.

“It’s a feeding tube. You need hydration. The drug your father gave you packed quite a wallop.”

Curtis looked down. He saw a chair and metal restraints pinning both wrists and ankles. A few seconds later his eyes cleared enough so he could see Jack Devlin sitting behind a nearby desk.

Curtis said, “Let me out of here you bastard.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“You need to calm down. And you need to drink.” The feeding tube tried to re-engage. “I promise … it’s only water.”

Curtis let the tube enter his mouth and he took a sip. It tasted like water. He took another and another, soon drinking so fast the machine had trouble keeping up.

“Good.” Jack stood and strode towards Curtis. “I was worried the sedative might kill you and we have a lot to discuss. Stims and sedatives are not a good mix. How many stims did you use last night?”

Curtis shook his head. “I’m not sure.”

Jack gave an approving nod, “You took as many as you needed to get the job done?” The man inspected Curtis like a spider might a fly.

“Yeah. Something like that.”

Jack said, “Just so you know … my team tracked your activities from the moment you left the party last night until your grand entrance at this building. We know everything.”

“Everything?”

Jack smiled. “DICE is not stupid despite what some people think. Our goon squads get most of the attention but the people pulling the strings only act when the time is right. That’s why we didn’t bother arresting you or your father this past year. You were more useful outside a prison than inside but then your father volunteered for SNIPR. I expected you’d do something foolish.”

Curtis swallowed hard. “What happened to my father?”

“He’s gone, son." Jack looked at the floor. "I’ve found it’s best not to dwell on such things.”

Curtis pulled on the restraints and they seemed to grip tighter. “He’s gone?” The matter-of-fact way Jack announced his father’s death filled Curtis with a rage he’d never felt before. As he continued to pull on the restraints the metal constricted. “Let me out of here you bastard.”

“I’d stop pulling on those if I were you. At some point pulling on those restraints will cause the auto-tightening mechanism to snap your bones and neither of us want that.” Jack pushed a button, allowing the pressure to ease a bit.

“Fuck you.”

Jack paid Curtis no mind. “I was watching last night when you entered our system. My team claimed you’d never crack the firewall but you did it in under fifteen minutes. They told me you’d never get the personnel list but you got the personnel list. And then they promised you’d never see the SNIPR memo but we know how that turned out. I made a few credits betting on you last night. My team wasn’t so lucky.” Jack smiled at the memory but it was impossible to tell if it was a happy memory or a grim one
.
Curtis leaned forward as a wave of nausea passed through his body but didn’t get sick.

Jack said, “I want you on my team.”

“You have to be joking.”

“It’s not a joke. You’re obviously a skilled Nat-Sec.”

Curtis laughed. “Why would I join DICE? You killed my… fuck you.”

“I didn’t kill your father.” Jack didn’t speak as he approached Curtis’ chair and he didn’t speak when he took Curtis’ hand. “It wasn’t my idea. I considered her a friend.”

“Her?”

Jack looked lost in his thoughts. “What?”

“You called my father … her.”

Jack nodded, “I met your father in college. We joined the same groups and eventually we ran with the same crowd. She was always good at figuring out things. It didn’t take long for her to learn my secrets. Eventually, I learned hers too.”

“You knew?”

“Of course I knew. I’m an Elder member of DICE. We know everything.”

Curtis asked, “Are you the reason she wasn’t arrested like all the other deviants?”

Jack shrugged, “Have you heard the saying - ‘Some pigs are more equal than others’?”

Curtis nodded. The saying came from a forbidden book. It was an odd admission coming from a man expected to enforce the Librorum Prohibitorum.

“Your Dad and I stayed in touch after college. I like to think she considered me a friend even if our career paths went in opposite directions.”

“And your organization murdered her.”

Jack shook his head. “That’s not what happened. DICE may get all the best headlines but we’re merely Imperia’s boot. The Imperium Research Council comes up with many of the ideas we put into practice and they’ve tried to get Sammi to restart her research for years. They used her deviancy against her long before the information became public.”

“She was transgender.” Curtis said, giving Jack a defiant look. The two stared at each other until Curtis realized he’d referred to his father in the past tense and closed his eyes to choke back a tear.

“No one cared Sammi was … transgender ...” The word seemed to stick in Jack’s throat as he said it. “To be honest, I leadership prefers department heads with flaws. They think it makes us easier to control." Jack thought for a moment before continuing. "No ... the IRC didn't care about her private acts. They needed her mind. That’s why they put her in charge of the SNIPR program but everything changed when she hid the destroyed the secret to deviancy. The research council worked for over a year to get Sammi to restart her research. They raided her lab. They kicked you out of college. They interrogated her countless times. In the past few months, they started getting more desperate, threatening to use extreme measures to try to rip the memories from her brain. She never wavered until they threatened to pick you up. She showed up at my office the next day.”

Curtis did his best to control his tears. “No … no … no … no …”

“Her plan was simple. Once the IRC had outed her publicly as a deviant, there was nothing they could do when she went public with her decision to turn herself in and enter the SNIPR program. The Imperium has spent too much money and told too many lies to admit it was all a sham. With her gone, the IRC would have no reason to take you. You could go to college, meet a girl, and live out your life safe from the sins of your father.”

Curtis wanted to scream. He wanted to hurt something. He wanted to hurt someone. He focused his anger on the man in front of him. “You bastards have killed thousands.”

“More like millions.” Jack answered without a hesitation.

“Fuck you. You’re all cowards. This country is rotten to the core and you know it.”

Jack nodded. “I earned a first class ticket to hell a long time ago but you are right. A change is coming to Imperia and it’s going to be here sooner than most think.”

“What does that mean?”

Jack assumed a military posture and spoke as if giving a lecture. “The only thing holding this country together is the Imperator and he’s only alive because they’ve stuck him full of tubes. Most of the true believers on the leadership council are long dead or dying. Factions are growing stronger in every branch of the government. No one talks about but we all know there’s a civil war coming. It may happen this year, it may take five years, but it is coming.”

Curtis said, “Why are you telling me this?”

“I told you. I want you on my team.”

“Bullshit.” Curtis stared at Jack. There was no way he could trust this man. “It’s all lies. You’re trying to scare me.”

Jack shook his head. “You aren’t stupid, Curtis. You said it yourself. This country is rotten to the core. It needs a shakeup. You see the crime. The graft. The lack of control. None of this would have occurred twenty years ago. Imperia has been hollowed out from the inside and all it’s going to take is a push for the whole thing to topple over.”

“Ha.” Curtis sneered. “And I suppose you are the one to bring this order?”

“Me? No…I’m too old and too compromised to fight a revolution.” Jack gave Curtis a solemn look. “I am putting together teams of smart young people because the country is going to need them when the time comes.”

Jack pushed a button and released the clamps, freeing Curtis from the chair.

“I made your father a promise that I’d look out for you and I will do that but I’m giving you a choice. You can leave here, go to college, marry that Diane girl, and be one more cog in a cubicle. Or you can work for me as a DICE agent, and have a chance to make a real difference when the time comes.”

Curtis rubbed at his wrists hoping to help get the blood flowing into his hands. “A faustian bargain.”

Jack nodded. “Of course. Is there any other kind in this country?” The man smiled as he clapped a hand on Curtis' shoulder. “I understand why you don’t trust me. I know it’s going to take time but I’m not lying. I think you might be useful when the time comes, and I know I can better fulfill my promise to a friend if you work here.”

Curtis stood, wobbling on his heels as the blood returned to his feet. When his balance stabilized, he saw Jack holding a small box in his hands.

“What the fuck is that?” Curtis said, horrified.

“Oh god no…” Jack said, guessing Curtis’ intent. “This box contains the items your father had in her pockets when she died. I can get her remains too if that’s what you want but it would complicate things.”

Curtis considered the consequences. Getting Sammi’s ashes wouldn’t solve anything. It wouldn’t bring her back. It wouldn’t help his Mom or the thousands of people affected by Sammi’s outing. He’d honor his father’s final wish. Curtis straightened his spine and looked Jack in the eye. "My father is living out her dream in South America.”

Jack pressed a button. “I knew you were a smart boy.” A young woman appeared moments later. She was wearing a short skirt and an overly revealing top. “Could you take Curtis to processing?”

Curtis interrupted, “I haven’t agreed to join DICE.”

“Of course.” Jack’s voice was cool but his eyes showed a look of annoyance. “I understand you need time.” He pointed at the woman. “This is Jillian. She’ll be your supervisor if you decide to work for me.”

The information came as a surprise. A woman officer? Maybe there was more to Jack than first appeared.

Jack spoke to Jillian. “We’ll put Curtis on the payroll as a probationary agent until he makes a decision.”

The woman came to attention, “Of course, sir. Is there anything else, sir?”

“Not at the moment.”

Jillian gave Jack an Imperium salute. Hand to heart. Hand to sky. Jack returned it, “You’re dismissed.”

Curtis didn’t say a word as the pair walked through the halls of DICE headquarters. A look out the window showed the entirety of Imperia City.

“How high up are we?”

“48th floor.”

Curtis took a deep breath, doing his best to calm his nerves. “The tallest building at my college was eight floors.”

“This place was designed to intimidate.”

Curtis nodded, his knees wobbling some as he looked down towards the streets. “It does a good job.”

The young woman walking beside him was clearly in great physical shape but also had all the body work expected of a Society Girl. The spike heels on her leather knee boots made her two inches taller than Curtis, and her skirt left nothing to the imagination. A skimpy top barely restrained her bulging chest, and her face had the painted beauty expected of all girls her age.

“Have you worked here for a long time?”

Jillian answered, “I’ve been here long enough.”

A non-answer answer. “So I’ll be working for you?”

“If you decide to join.”

Curtis nodded. He could take a hint. This woman was all business.

The elevator doors opened and passengers crowded inside. Jillian was the only female but everyone was staring at him. A look in the polished steel walls showed his outfit of jeans and hoodie stuck out like a sore thumb.

*DING*

Jillian got off on the 12th floor and Curtis followed in her wake. She took him to a large sign marked “Dispensary’ and the pair walked past the guard without stopping. “I need to pick up a few things for a new recruit.”

“Sure thing Miss Devlin.”

Curtis stopped when he heard her last name. “Are you…”

Jillian turned around. “The first thing you should know about me is I’m a stickler that my subordinates understand when it is OK and when it is not OK to speak freely. This is not OK.”

Curtis nodded, falling in line with Jillian as she made her way to a room full of boxes. The door closed as soon as Curtis entered.

Jillian said, “You may speak freely now.”

Curtis turned to see Jillian holding a device that looked exactly like the one his father used in the white room.

“Are you related to Jack Devlin?”

Jillian gave a look of annoyance, “In the future, and until you are told differently you will refer to our boss as either Mr. Devlin, Elder Devlin, or sir. Do I make myself clear?”

Curtis nodded, “Yes, ma’am.” The look on Jiliian’s face told he’d annoyed her again.

Jillian said, “You will address me as Miss Devlin, or if we’re in an informal situation, I will allow you to address me by my given name, Jillian. To be clear, there is no place in this building that is considered informal.”

“Yes… ma…” Curtis corrected himself. “... I mean … Miss Devlin.”

“Good.” Jillian’s posture relaxed. “To answer your question … yes … Jack Devlin is my father.”

“Oh.”

“Any questions?”

Curtis had dozens but knew better than to ask. “No.”

Jillian nodded then turned to look through the boxes. “I want you to know that your activities last night cost me a week’s pay.”

“I … ohh … sor …”

“Don’t apologize. That’s something else you’ll find I hate.”

Curtis found himself smiling. “Yes, Miss Devlin.”

“I do like quick learners and my father hopes you’ll join my team.” She held up two fibreboard boxes. “The bigger box contains a standard uniform every low-grade DICE officer wears. It’s a blend of kevlar and memory fabric with autofit features built in. The other box contains a pair of leather boots of similar design.”

“Sounds fancy.”

Jillian said, “If you join my team, you won’t be able to wear hoodies and jeans anymore. You’ll be expected to wear this uniform whenever you leave your apartment.”

Curtis stared at Jillian, noting her outfit’s black fabric and sharp cut pleats. “Even at school?”

Jillian nodded, “Even at school. I’ve got someone working to re-enroll you in Nat-Sec classes at Imperia U. starting tomorrow morning. In the afternoons, you’ll do pen testing with my cybersecurity teams. They clearly need practice.”

“And after that?”

Jillian shrugged. “I haven’t thought that far.”

Curtis shook his head hoping to knock some sense into his brain. He couldn’t believe he was actually considering joining DICE. “I’m not like you guys. I won’t hurt anyone.”

Jillian sighed. “There’s a revolution coming, Curtis. Lots of people are going to get hurt. The only question is whether you plan to watch from the sidelines or do something about it.”

“I’ve never held a gun.”

“Good point.” Jillian nodded, “DICE has a fast track boot camp program on the weekends. I’ll have someone enroll you starting this Saturday.”

“No … no …” Curtis shook his head. “… everything is moving too fast. I haven’t agreed to join.”

“You’ve agreed.” Jillian smiled. “You might not want to admit to yourself but deep down you know the only way to get justice for your father is by working with me and my Dad.”

Curtis shook his head. “I read your father’s SNIPR memo. He’s a monster.”

The assertion didn’t appear to bother Jilian in the slightest. “My father is no better and no worse than your father. They are both a product of the system that created them and they both made decisions I’d rather not think about.” Jillian handed Curtis both boxes. “Our generation has the opportunity to be better. Do you think I like how I’m treated in this place because I have two X chromosomes? Do you think I like wearing this ridiculous outfit? Every guy in this place thinks it’s ok to stare at my breasts whenever they want and I can’t say a word or I’m being difficult.”

“I never thought about it that way.” Curtis said.

“It’s because of the way you were raised.” Jillian didn’t speak for a second. “The only way to survive in this place is to learn to control your emotions. Go home, take a shower, and think about what I’ve said.” She handed him a small ear bud.

“Put this in your ear when you’re ready to do some work.” Jillian pushed the button to turn off her privacy device then walked out of the door without saying another word.

Chapter 6

The subway station under the DICE building didn’t appear to have an item out of place. Why wouldn’t it? A person would have to be an idiot to deface a wall here or toss trash on the ground.

Train lines from every part of the city converged on this point but only the northern line had a queue. That’s the part of town where party members lived. Crime lords controlled the east side of town. Workers tended to live in the south.

The people in the northbound car didn’t look evil. They were laughing and joking, and some were talking about their weekend plans. Did any of them know the truth of the things being done in their names?

Curtis guessed most of them didn’t see the bad things. It’s easier to go along when it’s someone else. It’s human nature to swim with the current rather than against it. Imperia’s national motto could have been ‘keep your head down and focus on yourself.’ A look at any sidewalk showed how easy every citizen fell into step.

Curtis opened the box with his father’s belongings and found three items. The first was a biometric transponder he’d need to gain entrance to his father’s properties. The second was the smartcard for his father’s bank accounts. Curtis had become a rich man in the past day but all thought of celebration disappeared as he picked up the third item - a picture of him and his father at the 8th grade science competition.

He didn’t remember getting off the train. Curtis knew he’d walked the streets for hours, aware of the destination but not wanting to get there. The smell of cleaning chemicals wafted from his father’s apartment when he opened the front door.

This had been his father’s hideaway for many years before her outing. How many hours had she spent in this place when she could have been at home with Curtis and his mother? Curtis had only been allowed inside a couple of times since his father’s disgrace. She told him she needed a place where she could be alone without any judgement. The main room felt cold and alone without the chairs and decorations.

Diane picked up on the second ring, her voice lifting the sobs hanging in Curtis’ throat, “Father’s gone.”

Diane said, “He’s in a better place. I hear South America is nice this time of year.”

“Yeah.” Curtis sighed. “I know.”

“Do you want to come over?”

Curtis wanted nothing more. He wanted to be held. He needed to be held. Despite all the bad of the past day, he did have good news. He was a Party-Boy again and once he’d graduated Curtis could marry a Society-Girl of his choice. The past year had been tough for everyone and even though Diane had no reason to wait, she hadn’t attached herself to anyone else. Maybe she was made of sterner stuff than the other girls at school. She’d need to be.

"Thanks, Diane. I’d like that."

A quick check showed his father’s apartment had all the amenities his mother had never allowed in their home. Everyone expected a good Imperia wife to run her household in the old fashioned way.

Curtis grabbed a sandwich from the food replicator and tossed his clothing in the autowash. It had been two weeks since his hoodie had seen a chemical rinse. A sniff test told he needed a good cleansing too.

The bathroom mirror showed a young man neither tall nor short, handsome or ugly, well-endowed or tiny. For most of his life he’d never stood out and never broken the rules. No one at his high school would have called him remarkable in any way but he’d learned a lot in the past year. Now he had opportunities few could fathom. Why risk it?

The spray from his father’s swift-shower could clean a person from head to toe in under ten seconds but cleanliness wasn’t Curtis’ goal at the moment. Heat from the water soaked into his body, its warmth leeching some of the sadness from his bones. It had taken a year to rebuild the relationship with his father and now it was gone forever.

Curtis repeated the ‘immersion’ cycle four times before stepping on the drying pad.

It was a weird feeling to walk through the house completely naked. The place was sterile and clean, and for the first time in a long time – so was Curtis.

A smell of sex wafted from the room when he opened the bedroom door. The place looked exactly as he and his friends had left it. PIllows and blankets lay strewn on the floor and a sheet covered the mess they’d made on the bed.

Only one thing looked different. Someone had placed a machine made of glass and chrome on the table by the dresser.

The device roared to life as soon as Curtis put his hand on the front panel. The bootup process whirled for twenty seconds and then the flashing lights stopped. The side of the machine had a simple input screen and the menu listed a single preset - Curtis.

The machine lit up again when Curtis touched the preset, and flashing lights showed where to place his head.

Swiveling jets and robotic fingers activated a microsecond later, assaulting Curtis’ face with their fragrant mists creating a second skin which clung to him with unnerving precision.

A voice from the grave echoed from inside the machine. “Do with this what you will, my son.”

Curtis pulled away and looked in the nearby mirror. “What have you done to me, father?”

Where once sat an unremarkable boy, now sat a beautiful young woman. Behind him, the machine announced using Sammi’s voice. “Voice match identified. Full security protocol added for this user. Full functionality unlocked.”

Another check of the machine showed a long list where moments before was only one option. Dozens of different choices and millions of possible combinations lined the display screen. It would take days to decipher the machine’s inner workings, probably much longer.

Curtis had heard about such machines but he doubted many existed on this side of town. Society expected Imperia women to do their makeup by hand but crime lords on the east side weren’t so particular, preferring a consistent image over traditional values.

A flutter filled Curtis’ heart as collagen-laden eyelashes tickled his brow. Another look in the mirror showed parts of Sammi, Sophie, and Curtis staring back. Few passing this woman on the street would doubt her gender. Sniffers had more sophisticated tools to make a distinction but Curtis knew all the tricks to fool them. He looked towards the closet full of blouses, skirts, dresses, and heels, all in his size.

“God dammit, Dad.”

How many hours had Sammi spent in front of this same mirror pondering the same questions and feeling the same ache?
“I can’t do it. I can’t.”

Curtis ran from the room, finding the sanctuary in the bathroom where the swift-shower removed all evidence of his crime. His eyes focused on the two boxes sitting on the counter where he’d left them. He put them on in hopes they might undo the impure thoughts.

"Autofit."

The smartcloth reacted at once, snaking around Curtis’ body, both measuring and shrinking with mechanical precision until the DICE uniform fit perfectly on his slight frame.

Curtis waited to exit the apartment before inserting the earbud. Jillian answered within seconds. “So you’ve decided to join us.”

“I guess so.” Curtis said, the adrenaline from his bedroom experience still pumping through his veins.

“You look good.”

Curtis stared at the sniffer outside his father’s apartment. “Thanks.”

“Are you going to see Diane?”

“Yeah.” Curtis sighed. Had they listened to his call?

“Excellent. Father was hoping you two might join us for dinner tonight at the Imperium Grille. I’ll send you the address. 7PM sharp. Don’t be late.”

“OK … uhhh...” Curtis started to respond but realized Jillian had already broken the connection.

For the past year, walking the streets of Imperia had become an endeavor to be endured rather than an enjoyable experience. Tonight was the first in a long time Curtis found himself walking in unencumbered bliss. Memories of what had happened in his father’s apartment bedroom returned to his mind again and again. Curtis couldn’t keep the smile off his face.

“It was one time…” Curtis said, not fearing the sniffers.

The passing crowd averted their eyes when they heard the sound of his jackboots on pavement. He wanted to shout, ‘I am one of you.’ though he knew none would believe his words while dressed in this garb.

He was halfway to Diane’s place when the compromise appeared. Had anyone gotten hurt when he used the machine? Where was the harm? A second time would be easier after he figured out the settings. Getting out of the apartment without anyone noticing wouldn't be hard. Curtis had the means and the knowledge to make it happen.

But was his plan? Sammi always taught him never to do anything without thinking of the ramifications. Did he intend to be a Party-Boy by day and a Society-Girl at night? The thought caused a smile to form on Curtis’ face.

A screech of tires ended his train of thought. Down the street, four DICE troopers jumped out of a van holding metal sticks. It took them under ten seconds to beat the man senseless.

Curtis shouted, “Stop doing that. Stop this instant.”

The soldiers looked up, at first expecting to inflict another beating but quickly coming to attention when they saw Curtis' uniform. No one spoke. All looked directly forward though it was impossible to tell through their thick visored helms. It took Curtis a moment to realize they expected him to speak.

“At ease, soldiers.” Curtis hoped that sounded right. He’d heard someone say something similar in a holovid.

Each of the men let out a sigh, their breathing coming in fast bunches. Clubbing a man to within an inch of his life sounded like tiring work.
The boldest raised his visor, his eyes never leaving the HQ insignia affixed to Curtis’ chest. “Do you have orders for us … sir?”

The man’s belated ‘sir’ dripped with sarcasm. It was apparent this trooper had distinct feelings for DICE members who worked downtown. Curtis decided to ignore the insult. “What are your plans with this man?”

The trooper retained an insubordinate air. “You know, standard stuff for indigents we find on the sidewalk. Rough him up some. Make an example. Leave him for the others to see.” The young man didn’t look a day over eighteen.

Curtis looked at the man on the ground. Blood from his skull had formed a pool on the pavement. “I’d say this man is roughed up.”

The bold trooper spoke again . “Would you like us to return to our duties … sir?”

Curtis turned to see all the DICE troopers had removed their helmets and all of them were staring at him. “Of course, soldier. On your way.”

All the soldiers nodded, each pounding their fists against their hearts, then extending their hands high in the air. “Hail, Imperator.”

Curtis did his best to return it. He clumsily pounded his fist into chest, then winced as he raised his hand in the air. “Hail, Imperator.”

The troopers started laughing when they returned to the van. One was brazen enough to mutter under his breath. “What’s up with the toy soldier thinking he can give us orders? Capt’n is gonna love hearing about this…”

The nearby crowd scattered as soon as the troopers left, and Curtis found himself alone with the unconscious man. The man writhed and groaned but Curtis, knowing it impossible to call for help, hopped over the puddle of blood, and hurried on his way towards the warmth of Diane’s waiting arms.

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