Irintia and the rest surfaced from the stairwell to ‘Regent’s Edge’, the local hotspot for thrill seekers and adrenaline addicts, where any and all of Novus Etá’s extreme pursuits could be found. Situated atop a residential superstructure, the unique intersections of the various skywalks and architecture configured a steep overhang for a truly awe-inspiring view. Gigantic constructs towered above, positioned in a pattern that left a carved void ahead. A cavernous airspace where one could peer towards the hazy depths below.

The Edge had been crafted into an outdoor activity centre that catered to a citizen’s need for dangerous and thrilling urban sports. Clusters of people, each of whom were dressed and designed to be increasingly alternative from the other, relished in the highs of a well-crafted adrenalin rush, accompanied by the mentally altering substances freely passed amongst them. Mounted on pushbikes, skateboards and an assortment of other pedestrian conveyances, they shot back and forth riding ramps and rails and even launching into death defying leaps across the rooftops. A few young men had taken to performing remarkably audacious acrobatic feats along the rails. Each time upping the ante in a vain attempt to impress whoever would look. Others prepared for a BASE jump, checking over their wingsuits and rallying with the crowds as they chanted ‘fly or die’ in eager anticipation. Parallel cables could be seen affixed from one roof to another, suspended over intense declines to facilitate ‘Cable Riding’. With a sturdy board beneath their feet, one hooked on to the higher cable and leapt forth, riding the second across the chasm. Sparks erupted and danced behind in a beautifully deadly display of athleticism. It wasn’t uncommon for someone to fall from Regent’s Edge, yet this did nothing to impede the recklessness of Etá’s youth, it only reinforced the notion that they succeed or die.

It was not all extreme urban sports, however; many of the crowd were just there to party, to have a good time and soak in the euphoria. Music blared from a portable DJ station, blending with the incessant chatter, complimenting the hyped atmosphere. Cliques gathered around graffitied half pipes and repurposed scaffolds sharing in the revels of the night. A young woman had taken to hanging inversely from the bars, dangling her vibrant green dreadlocks as she deeply inhaled intoxicating vapours. Holding for a few seconds before she streamed it directly into the upright mouth of another and locking into an intense public display of affection. Utilizing the advantages of his heavy augmentation, one man dominated a street dance circle with skilled dexterity, inhumanly morphing his posture and stance to the surrounding techno beats.

As Irintia navigated the scattered gatherings and parties many turned with familiarity to grace them with casual greetings. She had already made a small name for herself with the regular Parkour races. Zeek and his crew received an equally welcoming response.

“Hey Iri! Bakari!” A voice erupted from a small group before Micah could be seen hurrying over. Garbed in the more uniform street running gear, he sported baggy bottoms bound from the knees down, allowing for extended leg movements. His hoody was patterned to wrap around his torso leaving a small window to his sculpted abdomen.

“Sup B?” He clasped his hand to Bakari’s whilst elongating the B. Wrapping his arm around in greeting. “And if it isn’t the sexiest runner on the Edge. How you doin’ my girl?”

Rae half hugged Irintia as she appeared from behind. “Think you’ll find she’s my girl, Micah,” She quipped playfully.

“Yeah, yeah, for now. Anyways, I’m temporarily off the market.”

“Oooh” Irintia and the others responded in unison.

“Yeah, alright you lot. Me and Asuka hooked up. So, I guess we’re, like, a thing now.”

“Does she know that?” Bakari’s dark joke hit on several levels.

“Haha, I’ll get around to telling her. Anyways I didn’t think we’d see you lot here tonight. Aint you running tomorrow Iri?” His attention directed towards the handheld drone he had pulled from a concealed pocket.

“Actually, Zeek couldn’t wait to get scrapped, so the race is gonna happen now.” Irintia motioned toward Zeek and his crew.

“You messing with me? It’s on now? That’s jacked!” His eyes glowed purple and cyan as he logged into the network. Various crowd members were alerted as the outgoing message spread with a viral quality. Murmurs, chattering, and celebration commenced as the masses rearranged themselves. Micha tapped a pad on his drone and launched it into the air. Revealed from his inner forearm was a subdermal ‘Comm Cube’, a set of slots used to hold various micro communication devices such his contact lenses and the micro earpiece he had just pulled out.

“Hope you don’t mind me vlogging this.” His drone moved to focus on Irintia’s face. Irintia pitched the camera lens a devious smirk. Then, by slouching the shoulders she slid off the leather jacket, catching it in hand mid descent. Without looking it was tossed directly to Bakari who routinely caught it and draped it over his arm. Light weight, ultra-thin, graphene weaved gloves were retrieved from her back pockets. With extended arms she slipped them on hand by hand, flexing her fingers towards the camera. With the tip of her finger in focus, she teased its attention down towards the fastening of her shorts. The spectators cheered and hollered in unison as she popped them open, edging them downward with each shift of her hips and kicking them off in Bakari’s direction. She now stood stripped to the skin-tight, sleeveless, carbon fibre under suit. Displaying herself to the masses before assuming a position at the proposed start line.

Zeek and his crew had received a similar greeting and readied nearby. He had removed the dubious fashion choices fully exposing his cybernetically scarred torso and metal prosthetic legs. It was apparent now that they originated from as high as his waist. Irintia and the rest stopped in their tracks, checking between themselves in disbelief with the realization that his genitalia had also been replaced.

“Wow Zeek.” Irintia’s face struggled to disguise sarcastic jitters. “I didn’t realize you’d given up being a man”

“What in the nine man!? What did you do?” Bakari blurted out before anyone else had a chance to comment.

The surprised reactions prompted laughter from amongst the crowd.

“Cool yo’ processors kids, It’s all still there.” Zeek retorted, defending against mocking laughter with open palms. “I’m hard wired baby. This package now has more power than an upper level generator. It’s got mad sustain.”-he gestured a hand towards Bakari- “Surprised you aint done it yourself.”

“Nah, that’s way too far man. I couldn’t do it. Nuh uh, no way. Ain’t gonna catch me moddin’ my package.”

Maev stepped forward to get a better angle. “Just how powerful is it? Like, can it lift?”

“It could take a 304 like you for a wild ride.”

“You aren’t the first machine to overpromise a woman.” She bit back to the crowd’s delight, expertly dismissing the ‘hoe’ remark. Zeek grinned through his grills, kissing his teeth towards her.

“Alright kids. Can we stop comparing machinery and get the race already?” Irintia said. “Hey Maev, can I swipe a lens? Need a route finder and I forgot my comm cube.”

“Sure girl, at least you said swipe instead of borrow this time. I’ve ordered a few new ones anyway.” She smirked as held her comm cube forward, allowing Irintia to slide out the contact lens and slot it against her eye. Interacting with the PDA paired to two together turning her iris purple in the process. Her version received a heads-up display, automatically generating a route to the pre-programmed destination. It wasn’t the exact the path she would take but it did aid with general orientation. Zeek had set himself up in a similar fashion.

One of the crowd prepped a small canister rigged with a timer. Placing it a few meters ahead of them he raised his head to address both racers and the crowd.

“First there gets the tag. No rules on the route. Best of luck and try not to get yourselves scrapped. When the tin blows, you run. Everyone ready?” Both nodded in response. “Fly or die.” The spectators echoed the phrase as he released the catch, backing away promptly.

“Fly or die, Fly or die, Fly or die…” The intensity of the chant grew steadily with each tick of the cannister. Both parties braced, tightening their bodies, tunnelling their focus. “Fly or die, Fly or die, Fly or die…” The tone of each tick heightened incrementally. Irintia closed her eyes, filtering out the chant and background noises, concentrating only on the ticks as she exhaled gently. Three, two, one. Click.

The cannister detonated violently to the crowd’s delight. Erupting into a majestic rainbow of powdered paint. They both set off in a mad dash punching themselves through the colourful wall. Paint particles trailed from them as they pushed their opening sprint across the rooftop. Irintia’s peripheral vision caught Zeek as his new bionic legs gave him clear speed advantage. Micah’s drone swung around them ready for a pursuit shot as they rapidly closed the distance to edge. She may have been lagging in pace, but she would make up for it in reckless vigour. The end of the roof approached, and she showed no sign of slowing down. Stepping up the curb she flung herself forward, leaping freely into the air. Timed perfectly the drone swept past her for a dynamic crowd-pleasing display. They roared with anxious excitement and she flew across the chasm. Landing with force, a quick roll carried her inertia ahead, as she disappeared into the dark hollowed walkways of the adjacent building.

Turning tight corners, evading clutter, and gliding across small gaps, she navigated the alleys at speed. The under suit contorted cooperating with her every move in addition to protecting from physical impacts. Approaching an apparent dead end, she locked her sole against the wall bouncing to and fro, gripping the overhead ledge just before the loss of momentum. Still relatively energized she quickly lifted herself up and over, rolling right back into a sprint.

Most of Regents Edge had tuned into the multicast of Micah’s vlog and the direct feeds from the racer’s lenses. Picking their favoured contestant, they placed various bets on the possible outcomes.

“The girl’s too reckless” stated one “Thirty says she drops before the end.”

“Are you faulty mate?” said another in disbelief “I’ll take that easy Standard.”

Irintia surfaced at an elevated plaza. The distance between this building and the next was far beyond jumping distance. Her eyes scouted around taking this small moment to catch a breath. A reinforced glass skywalk below linked the buildings together. The drop was too much. Zeek appeared on the adjacent walkway, already bridging the gap between. She winced and sighed in response.

“Ah c’mon girl.” she uttered to herself “Where’s your steel?”

She swallowed her hesitation and vaulted the rails ahead. Adrenalin flooded her system as the fear was buried beneath instinct. Dropping heavily onto a massive neon sign instantly destabilized it. Panicked, she extended a hand and reached in desperation, finding hold of a cable as it fell away. Making use of the gloves she expertly controlled the downward momentum. A sudden tightening of her grip momentarily stunted the descent just before impact. With a sure-footed landing, any pain and concern were disregarded as she flowed back into stride. Even the thunderous engines of an aerial transport flying dangerously close went ignored. Nothing would distract Irintia from winning.

Rae and the others had taken to public transport whilst watching the race progress, intending to meet them by the finish line. Both contestants proved their athletic ability time and time again swiftly moving from one death defying feat to another. Watching in ambivalence, they rooted for a victory yet worried for her safety. There was no lack of confidence in her capabilities, but everyone knew that a single mistake, just one mishap could take her life. That was the fun of it. That was the thrill Irintia required to give her own life some form of meaning.

Fatigue was taking hold. The route proved to be a true test of endurance when pitted against an opponent. The destination was close now. She paced through a corporate courtyard weaving between wealthy citizens and their service droids. Passing under archways she could spy the enclosed landing bay ahead. The shattering of glasses could be heard in the distance as Zeek appeared, accidentally crashing into a droid. Irintia sparked back into pace like a hunted rabbit. One final wind could win her the race. He was closing the gap rapidly, chasing her now instead. She pushed everything she had into the final stretch. The lip of the building came into full view. It was too far. Neither of them would make the jump. Determined, she quickly looked for an alternative route. There it was. A huge advertisement held aloft from the building by metal struts and accompanied with a temporary scaffold. She shot towards it. Without pause she leapt, hopping from beam to beam maintaining an immense speed and catapulting herself onto the catwalk. The metal shuddered beneath as each step surged with force. Zeek had realized her plan, but the distance was still too great.

“Don’t be stupid!” He yelled simultaneously stopping his stride, watching on as she sped towards the final jump. “Irintia, stop!”

His words echoed through the air as she launched herself forward. Everything slowed down. The jump seemed to last a lifetime as everyone watched on in horror; the arc was not right. Spectators gasped and screamed in unison as she just fell short of the landing bay, yet still reached out. Her hands grappled with cargo netting that draped from the ledge. The full force transferred from body to concrete as she rammed into the wall making her struggle to maintain her grip. Even with the suit’s ability to dampen the blow pain surged throughout, but she had done it. She had won the race.

Regent’s Edge washed off the shock and cheered with the realization that she had won. Rae and Bakari hugged each other tight with that knowledge, relieved at the outcome. Irintia stood on the platform, raising her arms, bowing to the camera as the drone circled her. Zeek stood across the chasm and smirked.

“You one crazy bitch, Iri!”

“I told you those rust poles couldn’t keep up!” her face brimmed with glee as she taunted from afar. “How’d you like the view of my ‘peachy arse’?”

He pats against his bald head. Though clearly frustrated he respected the attitude and capability she always displayed. He considered the jump himself but loud passing of a transport scared him to his senses.

“Aw, get scrapped. The next tag’s mine.” He yelled before walking away.

***

A seemingly endless alley of stairs. The lack of glowing signs that would typically grace every visible surface left Irintia and Rae shrouded in darkness. Irintia lead the way, climbing with a purpose, partially obscured amidst the thick steam ejected from the building exteriors. Low-level light emitted through frosted glass, which guided their ascent highlighting the steam plumes as they passed.

“I thought you were taking me somewhere nice?” Rae’s voice faintly resonated up the stairway.

“I am taking you somewhere nice. Have a little faith and keep up.”

“This is hardly romantic” she playfully remarked “I’m not built for all this walking.”

They reached an upper platform hugging the side of a grand mega structure. The stairs reached out over an expansive void where skywalks and concourses stitched building together for hundreds of yards either side. They stopped by a small entry point harboured within its colossal carapace, marred with warning signs stating its restricted nature. Irintia pried open a loosely fastened access panel.

“You know how you’ve always wanted to visit the hydro gardens of Fervile?” -she attached a small fob to the exposed panel-. “Well, I couldn’t quite get the money together to organize it, So I did the next best thing.”

Rae was silent with curiosity, waiting to discover what Irintia had planned.

“I asked around and heard about this door, right. But what’s a door got to do with anything? Well, this door, just happens to be a magical door. A Gateway to your greatest desires…”

“Irintia, what in the Nine are you on about?” Rae impatiently asked.

“Let me show you.” She cranked the handle and pushed the door wide open.

A forest lay before them. Man-made columns of plants built the illusion of enormous trees stretching into the skies. It was a cultivation centre or more commonly known as a ‘Biodome’. Vertical hydroponics were the backbone of Novus Etá’s self-sustaining agricultural efforts. Though this was mainly a food growth and distribution facility, that didn’t make it any less wondrous. The evenly spaced network of trees made for an elegant labyrinth of love for the young couple.

“Oh Iri, it’s beautiful!” She jumped into a hug almost toppling Irintia over. “I can’t believe you did this for me.”

They took each other hand in hand and explored the forest, examining the plants and enjoying the rare sights. Nutrient lines pulsed with a luminescent compound, weaving along the columns and channelling through the ground carrying life essences to the plants.

“I can’t believe you got us in here. It’s breath-taking. How’d you do it?”

“Blind luck to be honest.” She sniggered “I was on the counter at Aunty Tam’s when a few girls came in looking for something unique to wear. We got chatting and turns out, one of them worked here.” -continuing to observe Rae as she examined the plant life- “So, I told her how I designed some of the stock. To cut it short, I offered to make a custom garb if she gave me a way in.”

“I love it. I can’t thank you enough.”

A small nutrient reservoir sat centred in a small clearing. It had been verdantly decorated. Those who worked here clearly cared about their job. It had been turned into an aesthetically pleasing lagoon amidst the purpose filled Biodome. Irintia was just as amazed. None of this was common amongst the dense hive that dominated their day to day life. They took a seat by the reservoir, dangling their feet over the edge and absorbing the sights. The day cycle was set to night, creating a romantic mood as Irintia rested her head in Rae’s lap.

“Once my botany courses are completed, I’ll be able to work in one of these places.” Rae mused. Losing herself in the bountiful environment. “All this life. It’s all altered y’know. They manipulate the lifespan to compensate for the high demand. It’s crazy the things we do to keep the ‘machine’ running.” Rae’s temperament saddened as she considered her own half-life.

“Will you still love me when I’m old and decrepit?” she asked insecurely.

“Probably, I do like a quirky antique. Really depends on if I ever have to wipe your arse.” Irintia jested.

“I’m serious Iri! You know my time is limited as an I.V. I age much faster than you. When you’re in your prime I’ll be fading away. It’s worrying.”

“Don’t be silly.” Irintia swapped to a sterner tone. “Of course I’ll love you. It’s one thing you don’t have to worry about.” –She placed a palm on Rae’s cheek. – “I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“Besides…” she said laying her head in Rae’s lap once again. “It doesn’t have to plan out that way. We could scrape together some Standard; try to fix your body.”

She sighed before carrying on. “I’m always torn about it. I hate what your parents have done to you. But if they hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met you.”

“Don’t hate them for it.” Rae smiled, hanging her head over Irintia. “They just wanted their daughter back. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child…”

“What about your pain?” she Interrupted. “Aren’t you angry? They crafted you in a lab just so they could watch their daughter grow up. Not a single care for how it would affect you.”

“It’s complicated…”

“It’s selfish.”

Rae smiled again at the passion displayed in her defence. Rae’s parents and Irintia had not seen eye to eye since the day she found out.

“You’re cute when you’re angry.” She mocked.

“Don’t joke, I’m always cute.”

“It’s what I love about you. Always so driven and passionate. Once you set your sights on something, you make it happen, take me for instance. You wouldn’t take no for an answer…”

“I don’t recall any objections.” Irintia cut in humorously.

“I was tongue tied” she coyly stated. “The fact is this city is your playground. I just hope I get to see what you do with it.”

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of movement nearby.

“Did you hear that?” Irintia whispered as she shot to attention.

“What do we do?”

They gathered themselves together and moved quickly disappearing into the treeline, narrowly avoiding detection. They darted from column to column giggling with the trill of wayward behaviour. A decorated arch sealed by a door caught Irintia’s attention. An attempt at the handle revealed it to be unlocked. Shutting the door behind they stifled their movement and listed carefully for potential pursuers. One at a time their faces turned to a state of shock as they examined the surroundings.

“These shouldn’t be here…” Rae said.

A rainbow of assorted flowers carefully cultivated in intricately ornate designs graced the landscape. A delicately designed garden making use of artistic shrubberies as barriers cordoning off beds of exotic plants.

“What in the Nine is this place?

“Expensive and beautiful.” Rae stated whilst running her fingertips across various petals. “But not meant to be in a biodome.”

“Some gold gen’s private garden…” Irintia muttered with hints of disgust.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like it. It’s almost overwhelming.”

Irintia noticed a particularly magnificent flower head. A deep regal purple: It’s dark petals cascaded out from the centre. Each one tipped with a light luminous blue, a suggestion that the plant was modified with bio luminescence. It reminded her of Rae’s commonly adopted colour choices.

“Oh dear J.A.N.E, that’s a purple Dahlia!” Rae squealed before rushing over. “I never in my short life thought I’d get to see one! This really is the best Irintia.”

She broke one off at the stem and attached it to Rae’s jacket, locking their eyes together.

“You know I’d do anything for you.” Irintia uttered softly.

The two lovingly hugged each other, letting their appetites guide them into loving embrace. Caught up by the throes of passion, even stumbling over a shrub did little to dissuade them, leaving it acknowledged only by nervous titters. Things would have gone a lot further if not for Rae noticing where they had fallen. She patted Irintia in a slight panic and they both fumbled to pull themselves up. A small plaque lay nearby, obsidian plated with marble backing and an engraved inscription.

“I think we’ve just desecrated someone’s memorial” Rae said ruefully.

Irintia dusted herself off and examined the plaque.

“‘In memoriam Everett E Katari: A true son of Novus Etá.’ Well, that’s depressing.” Irintia groaned.

“Iri, be nice, it’s sad. Someone clearly cared enough to make all this for them, and we’ve spoiled it.”

“Your conscience can be a real clitorference sometimes, it kills the vibe.”

“Oh, that’s in bad taste, even for you.” Rae adopted a disapproving tone to hide her amusement.

“It’s ok to be impressed by me. I am.” She said with playful arrogance.

“You’re such a gem. How could anyone bear life without you?” Rae mockingly remarked.

“Probably the same hedonistic way we’re about to.” Irintia snuck a suggestive look on her face.

“C’mon. Let’s go and eat something decadent before I ravish you.”