Year 2078, the world changed drastically from being a normal place where people used technology to make their everyday lives easier, it became a place where artificial intelligences are everywhere.
As Yolla directed my car for a drive to the nearest supermarket, tall buildings were were flashing various 3D advertisements on the massive screens that were placed all over the buildings.
Aside from the automated cars, gadgets, and even equipments, drones are flying everywhere. A mixture of blue and white drones, flying around of about seven feet high from the ground are watching all over the city to cary out their duty as its watchers. Because of the drones, the city's peace were continuously kept under control, given that all of their recording cameras are connected to the Constables Station of the city.
When the drones were first introduced to us as our security protectors, some people did not take them seriously. Only to find out that the drones were being controlled by the ones in the Constables Station. Where, when they detects something unusual or someone suspicious, it will only take one command from the Constables and the drones will gather around you, and aim for your wrists, firing electric cuffs at them, cuffing you on place until the Constables will march on you, drag you to their station, and worse rot you in prison. That's how tough they are when it comes to the safety of the people within the scope of the city.
Yolla had parked in front of the supermarket as we arrived at our destination. "I will be back in a few minutes, Yolla." I instructed her to have the car on wait for me, while I am buying stuff for me and for Jean. I pushed the car's door open and pressed the button on its kerb, locking it as soon as I climbed down of my car.
Just like what I have expected, people were scattered all over the place, making indistinct chatters whilst having themselves busy with their own business. I have not time to be patient and wait for everyone else to clear before my way inside the supermarket, given that it will be closed in an hour or two.
Thus, I strode my way inside, making all the efforts of sideway fitting in between the crowd of people. It wouldn't have been a problem if only I had used my swift and silent moves, but then I can't afford to be seen being unusual or rather suspicious. Considering that at this time of the day, the number of the drones on watch by the shopping malls, supermarkets, and any other stores are being doubled. Since, the probability of thieves lurking around and might cause troubles anytime might happen.
Looking up at the alert cameras and electrifying metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist that is connected by a chain with another such fastening, the thought of being shot by that thing is just simply excruciating. I had never fancied having the electric cuffs around my wrist, and I would never-ever invite such torment in my being. I have had enough of it already. The training room that Jean had set-up for me to hone my skills and abilities in battle, whether with swords or with arrows or with guns or with physical combat, is the living proof of the hell I've been through. That's of course, aside from the scars I had acquired from it.
After almost half an hour, I was finally able to pay all the things I have picked up and placed on the cart I pushed around with me. It usually doesn't take me this long just for groceries but I spent most of my time looking for the dairy aisle because for some reason, the staffs had rearranged the placements of the products.
I was only relieved when I reached the counter to pay, given that I need not line up for every stores has several automated machines that scans all the things we placed in the cart by the use of sensory barcodes. After that, a small screen by the counter will project your total bill, by then you can finally swipe your card to pay. While, the other workers are packing your groceries or some sort. I know, it's weird and strange, but that's how things work in today's time.
Carrying one large grocery bag on each of my hand, I paced my way out of the supermarket. I was not in a hurry to reach my car at all, since I was entertained by the group of singers, performing a pop song by the nearby exit. Feeling the beat of their song, my head started to jam with the rhythm as my hips slightly swayed on their own. I was feeling the vibe.
Not until I closely dropped my grocery bags, when someone bumped into me. It's a woman of about a year or two older than me. She's wearing a black knee length cycling shorts topped with a white loose shirt. Rage was rising in me towards the woman's carelessness. My eyebrows met at the centre as my lips drew into a thin line whilst my eyes flamed with infuriation.
"Watch where you are going, woman!" I exclaimed. It wasn't my intention to raise my voice at her, but then I was just feeling so pissed off. She totally killed my vibe.
"My bad, didn't mean to bump into you." She nonchalantly uttered. I was taken a back by how apologetic her words seemed to be, but her tone was totally full of arrogance. I looked at her in an intense gaze that I made sure that it gave her chills, and I was victorious. I saw how she flinched by the look I gave her, or perhaps it wasn't because of me, for the constables were marching towards us. They were holding their guns in firing positions.
"Shit! They're here!" The woman before me cursed.
I was confused for a second or two but when my eyes darted from her dirty hands down to her barefoot, I knew it. "You're one of those thieves. Seriously, can this day get any worse?" I am so done. I wanted to get out of there right away and go back home, continue my training and perhaps fire my anger through the bullets of my guns.
"Freeze!" Shouted by the constables all together.
On the other hand, I turned to them and shrugged. Their guns does not scare me let alone their combat skills. I could totally send their head flying off their necks in no time. "You want this woman?" I pointed at the woman who bumped into me. "Here, take her. I'm out of here." I pushed her towards the army of armed constables and turned to walk away.
However, before I could take a step, she grabbed my shirt and forcefully faced me to her. The moment I saw her, my anger faded away. She was tearing up, eyes full of tears threatening to escape. "I'm sorry. Please, help me. Please, you know how cruel they could get with someone like me. Help me, please! I will do anything you want." She pleaded as if she's trading her life to me for a sole reason— her life.