1 Reflections in the Glass I
The rain hammered the panoramic windows of the Rogers' sprawling penthouse, the city below a neon blur of cyber and chrome.
William Rogers, the newly promoted head of the Neo City Police Department, stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse apartment, absorbed in the cityscape. It was 2040. His city, Neo City, was a living tableau of neon blues and pinks against chrome skyscrapers. The metropolis pulsed with the energy of millions.
His slate, an advanced cybernetic implant, flashed a notification across his vision. He swiped it away, mentally processing details from a critical case file. It was all too easy to forget the world beyond the glass, a world untouched by the ceaseless digital flow of data and artificial constructs. The slate had become an integral part of him, of everyone in Neo City, fusing human and technology into a singular, seamless entity.
"William," a soft voice called, tugging him back from his contemplation. Isabella, his wife, stood at the room's entrance. Her flowing evening gown accentuated her graceful silhouette, a single hand extending a champagne flute to him. "A toast to your promotion. To us."
"To us," he reciprocated, their glasses clinking in unison.
Their intimate moment was interrupted by the apartment's integrated AI reminding them of an upcoming reservation at the Elysium. The name sparked a flicker of apprehension in William's eyes, swiftly dismissed at the sight of Isabella's anticipation.
Stepping out of their high-tech sanctuary, they settled into their autonomous car. The soft hum of the engine filled the silence, an uncanny hymn to the city's technological prowess.
The autonomous car meandered through the luminous veins of Neo City. Towering buildings cast long, daunting shadows over them. The city, a complicated weave of life and machinery, was a living entity. It was a mix of the old and the new; graffiti decorated walls stood juxtaposed to slick tech stores, and traditional food stalls nestled under imposing neon billboards. As the darkened cityscape drifted past them, William found himself entranced by the city's hypnotic rhythm.
DJ 4V's charismatic voice suddenly interrupted the silence. "Folks, let's talk about the elephant in the room, or should I say, the rising sun on the horizon?" He started, alluding to the escalating tension between Japan and the WAD. "With the fashion week on the horizon, the city is buzzing, but the happenings in the Pacific are a bit of a damper, huh?"
William shifted, his thoughts unwillingly veering towards work. Yet, Isabella's soft grip on his hand was grounding, a reminder of their present reality beyond professional responsibilities.
As the radio transitioned to a catchy Hana Mizuki tune, William found himself again mesmerized by the cityscape, now gradually transitioning to the more polished architecture of the elite.
They finally arrived at the Elysium. The car slid into the restaurant's lit driveway, an awe-inspiring spectacle of shimmering lights against the dusky sky. The Elysium was an architectural masterpiece. Its polished exterior, adorned with French accents, exuded an air of elegance and sophistication.
Exiting the car, William noticed Elysium's glowing sign. In striking red neon, the word "Elysium" shone, illuminating the cobblestone path leading to the entrance.
Isabella linked her arm with his, and they advanced towards the entrance. Unbeknownst to them, a drone had been following from a safe distance. It had tailed them since they'd left their apartment, silently drifting through the high-tech cityscape, its lens unwaveringly fixed on the couple.
Inside, the Elysium was an intoxicating amalgamation of traditional luxury and avant-garde design. Their host, a gracious holographic maitre'd, greeted them with a welcoming smile.
"Good evening, Mr. Rogers. We have been expecting you."
As they were ushered to their seats, William's slate pinged with an anonymous notification. "Enjoy the experience, Mr. Rogers." The mysterious message sent a cold shiver down his spine, a stark contrast to the warm ambiance of the Elysium. The evening was just beginning.
