This is a noir which takes place in the retro futuristic city of Libertopolis. In this world, there are robots and grit and mysteries to be solved by our main character, the private eye Rex Malone. The full story is available to our paid subscribers. If you want to become a subscriber, you can sign up right now for a 14-day free trial.
Without further ado, here is Chapter 7: Chief of Staff
Another unmarked robot, just sitting there boldly in the library. It's almost as if they're showing off. But who is behind it all? And Shadid, bless him, was rambling on and on about ancient robots half a world away. I'm not one for ruminating in the past. There's enough problems in the present for me to deal with.
The library felt sinister now, part of the growing conspiracy that seemed to be enveloping Rex. He made a hasty exit outside, back into the Libertopolis afternoon that was quickly growing gray.
He realized that he needed a drink. A real one this time, regardless of the expense or the consequences. But as he headed towards the monorail station, looking forward to the familiarity of The Electric Chair, he spotted a familiar figure near the city's imposing archives building.
That homeless man, the one he spotted raving mad, was shouting out another rant. He was still clad in his layers of insulation, pacing furiously.
"...not him! I tell you, look at his eyes! The eyes are wrong! Soulless! That thing is just waving off variances and signing bills without even reading them!"
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