To: Interested Parties

From: Friends

We thank those of you that uploaded CyMS data via the research console. This message has been sent only to the three groups that tagged themselves. Your contribution was crucial to our work and what follows is a summary of our findings:

Five weeks ago, a particular update from the Shui-Guo communications company was somehow infected by a computer virus. Anyone with a phone implant affected by the update was vulnerable. Neural signals from the implants have direct access the individual’s brain and this virus causes a very specific – and unprecedented – change in perception. It appears that individuals believe themselves to be inside some sort of virtual reality game. When they perceive threats within this artificial world, they become CyMS, responding with violent, often lethal, attacks. We assume that they don’t realize that they are committing these acts.

This virus can also spread via Near Field Communication in the phone – anyone who has a Shui-Guo brand device, and has been near a CyMS, can be infected. We believe this is the cause of the crisis and with up to 70% of the San Lazaro population owning Shui-Guo devices, we can grasp why a majority have been affected. Unfortunately, this virus is mutating rapidly and may soon be able to jump to other brands of phone implants; and even other implants equipped with NFC receivers.

However, we are working on a solution. We call it a ‘purge script’ – a computer program that cleans up a virus as an antidote would a poison. Once modified by the script, handheld computers can simply be held close to the implant of a CyMS. Using NFC to transmit the script, this method should remove the virus, enabling the individual to escape the false reality and return to normal consciousness.

We must ask for your help again. We need to test the effectiveness of the ‘purge script’. A package will be dropped by drone to a certain location in the city. Within you will find a piece of software that can update any computer and deliver the script to an affected individual. You may wish to use the individuals you have already captured as test subjects. Please monitor them carefully and upload your findings to us using your key-card and the research console.

Once again, time is of the essence. We look forward to hearing from you.

‘Man, that second message was even freakier than the first.’

‘I won’t disagree with you there,’ said Sergiy.

Thug shook his head as they walked through the darkness. ‘I mean, this all happened because of a phone update?’

‘I know,’ added Sergiy. ‘It seems bizarre but I always said these implants were dangerous. People have opened up their brains without knowing what might be put in them.’

‘I hear you. Makes me want to take mine out.’

‘Just be grateful yours aren’t Shui Guo.’

‘Yeah, sometimes it pays to be poor!’

——-

As they hurried across Aureus Gate Park, Thug glanced around, searching for any threat. As usual, he was armed with his faithful steel pipe, Rusty. Sergiy was armed with usual pack containing the requisite materials for several Molotov cocktails.

Sergiy continued: ‘The real question is why San Lazaro? We don’t know what’s going on outside but we’ve clearly got the worst of it.’

‘Damn good question,’ said Thug. ‘Not that I can think of any answers.’

At last they reached the statue of General George P. Saber.

‘Good evening,’ said the man who stepped out of the shadows.

‘You Flyboy?’ asked Thug.

‘That’s me.’

The three of them shook hands. When he saw that the man was young and more than a little nervous, Thug lowered Rusty to his side.

Sergiy spoke up: ‘We’re told you know a lot about drones.’

‘Guilty as charged,’ replied Flyboy with a ready grin. ‘Glad to be working with you. Cyborg and the rest of us were pleased to get the call from Lucky. It sounds like these mysterious friends have really made some progress. Shall we get going? It’s still half a mile to the drop zone.’

Thug pointed towards Aureus Gate bridge. ‘You’re the expert. Lead on.’

——-

Nix had decided to use the road. Though there were a few abandoned cars, it was a swift route that kept them out of the park. Trees gave cover to waiting CyMS and he’d also heard talk about wild animals that had escaped from a zoo. With him was Flash, who had the TMI flying along just above them.

‘Is that thing reading the other drone?’ asked Nix.

‘No,’ replied Flash. ‘I’ve just got the power and nav systems on. Saving battery.’

‘Right. Just thought it might be an idea to track it?’

‘I can try if anything goes wrong. But they’re our friends, right? We don’t have to worry about them.’

‘Let’s hope so.’

——-

‘Guess those other groups are around somewhere,’ said Gudu, looking warily out from beneath the branches of the tree. They were at the edge of the park, very close to the bridge.

‘Guess so,’ replied Fei. ‘But as long as we get to the package first it doesn’t matter. If there’s any competition, I expect you two to keep them away.’

‘Not a problem, said Crimson.

Fei and Gudu had teamed up with her after Lady Rose had exchanged messages with her new ally – Arcadia, the boss of Cynfo. Fei wasn’t sure that she really trusted a shark like that but Rose seemed to think the alliance could work. It was H3x who had first learned of the drop by monitoring the bug the Red Dragons had planted at Auto Technology Solutions.

Fei was glad to see that Gudu and Crimson were getting along well. During the walk to the bridge, they had exchanged notes on fighting styles and various weapons. The two warriors had even spent a minute sparring.

Fei checked her watch. ‘Five to midnight, ladies. Let’s keep our eyes on the skies.’

…

To be continued…

Next Story: 56. The Airdrop - Part 2