Debra

I stared out at the city listening to music while I wondered when Dad was going to get home from work.

I heard a buzz from front door and something heavy like a box being dropped down outside. I grabbed my P89 and headed to the door. I took a look from my Datapad to see outside at the cameras I had had installed in our private hallway.

I looked outside a black box sat on the floor in front of my door. I opened my door and bent down reaching for it carefully and picked it up. I went inside closing the door behind me it locked automatically.

I went over to my workstation and put it down. There was a code on of the top box. I scanned it with my Datapad and downloaded a video message.

I looked at my screen.

“I got some bad news baby girl. Well depending on when you hear this and our relationship.. I’m dead. This is my last will and testament to you in the event my heart stopped and I wasn’t able to check in with my lawyer in the last twenty-four hours. I don’t have much but my name to give you. My business and all my accounts are now yours. I was-“

The door was blown open a second later and several Corpo agents came in with pulse rifles. They advanced in pushing me back as they took the black box.

“Your stealing my property.” I said.

They ignored me as they took the box backing out and leaving. “Daisy!”

(At your service, President Sergio)

“Record theft and identity agents draw up lawsuit on corporation for theft and attempted assault.”

(Done. Waiting for response from lawyer.)

I looked back at my Detapad and froze as I saw my Dad pretending to be froze while listening to everything going on. Hope. I allowed myself a little of it. Dad was an odd one.

“Play message.”

“I know. It’s going to be hard for you but your in a good position to transfer into a full Corpo position in your life but-“

“Cut the crap Dad. I want to know who got you jammed up enough to fake your death. This isn’t a recording and you weren’t about to say all this.”

Dad sighed. “Listen. I’m dead. What your seeing now is just an A.I. program I had made up to give you the details and make some arrangements along the way. I’m not live streaming to you. Daisy can confirm it for you.”

(Correct. Chairman Sergio is not live streaming his message from any known device. He is currently located in President Sergio’s Detapad. President Sergio the video has been sent to your lawyer. He is reviewing it now.)

What the hell?!

Dad waved his thin cigar nodding his head. “See. Now. My message is complete. You can delete this program at any time you want. Later-“

“Wait. Your an A.I. of my Dad? You most know somethings about him.”

Dad shrugged. “I know what I know. The past never matters much to me Baby girl.”

Even that answer was so like my Dad. “Where were you born? What is the name of your pack?”

Dad smiled shaking his head. “Nope. I know where you trying to go but trust me Baby girl my past is complicated enough. Let’s just say I wasn’t born in the normal way or in a normal setting. My pack name is of course. Sergio. If that’s all you really should delete this program.”

I smiled and put away detapad. “Daisy. Is the market open yet?”