Dash: Chapter 1

A retro diner was an unusual drop off location, but for the payout this contract would bring Devon was willing to take the risk. She surveyed the room as she entered: on the left a holographic man wearing an ancient Earth style uniform stood behind the counter ready to take orders, on the right booths lined the oval-shaped window looking out into the maze of catwalks and skyscrapers that made up New Bogotá. In the back corner booth next to the primitive Earth music machine sat a man wearing the long coat style preferred by men working in the accounting sector.

Devon crossed the floor and sat down across from the man in the back corner. She asked the confirmation question specified in the contact, “Are you in town long?” .

“Only as long as it takes,” the man casually responded, answering correctly. Devon took out her tablet and presented it to the man for a thumbprint. He looked at her colorfully tattooed thin fingered hand pointing the device’s screen at him. “Is that really necessary considering what you’re getting paid?”

“Look bud, I don’t ask or answer questions like that, I’ve got a five star rating to maintain. If you want this package you press your thumb right here.” Devon stared patiently at the man until he reluctantly placed his thumb on the pad. The pad turned red and the man tried in vain to grab it out of Devon’s hand. She leapt from the chair and made…