Jessica

I opened my eyes, revealing my L- shaped futuristic home. The basalt tile lead to a secure wall that enclosed my fortress of solitude. There was no greenery, save the few American holly's that are planted by the elongated entrance. The vegetation of my youth was gone, and as much as I wished for that life to return, it could not.

The revving of an engine awoke me from my thoughts, as my black Jaguar F-Type pulled out in front. The driver side door opened, as I got inside. The door closes and my seatbelt clicks.

"Programming to the Noblesse Convention Center, downtown D.C." Abel said, opening the rot-iron gates of my cell.

I put the car in gear, letting Abel guide me. The Noblesse is a monumental new building located in the heart of D.C, symbolizing overcoming the crises of the great plague and a time of peace and prosperity for the nation. It is the first time a technical convention was held because it is usually for the vain of Washington to deliver elaborate speeches. I was surprised to hear that the convention would be held in such a space, but nevertheless, glad for the opportunity. Even to speak, for I am one of many who aims to aid the U.S. government in overcoming their new war on cyberspace. After many years of research, my AI has been one of the most widely used technology for safeguarding one's house and home. The numbers of cyberattacks have dropped greatly in recent years, and I continue to hope that in due time it will be nil to none.

As we entered downtown D.C, the Washington Monument stood paramount. Its brilliant obelisk structure still strikes me as magnificent. Even though none of the American monuments compare to the great architectural feats created way before its time, it is amazing how one small nation could be a symbol of hope to so many.

I turn a quick left, confronting the convention center. It reminds me of 19th century palaces, with the same sandstone brick used on the other monuments in DC. Yet, the style was very European, almost giving off a French flare with gothic roots. Large banners for the convention hang outside, as a red-carpet laid amongst its doorstep. My engine slowed to a halt as I came upon the valet, who opened my door with haste.

"Welcome to the Noblesse Convention Center, sir." The boy bowed. He looked like he just herded his first flock.

Or…was the common saying now a days, just got out of diapers.

"Thank you." I nodded, handing him my keys and buttoning my suit jacket.

He bowed again, getting into my car as I headed up the stairs. I sniffed the air, only annoying me as I smelled the parish's presence. One of the men, Father Johnson, was to my right: speaking with a woman. The other, Father Migan, was inside handing out programs. There are at least four more…

As I approached the sign in desk, I snorted in disgust when I saw none other than Father Thomas. He looked rather well in his midnight blue suit. I almost didn't recognize him without his clerical collar.

"Mr. Cain." Father Thomas said, like the happiest volunteer I've ever met.

I do not respond, butt offer the best smile I can for the situation. I really want to dangle him off the side of the building. Yet, I merely watch him scan the list and mark my name off.

"Here you are," he smiled, handing me my badge.

"Thank you." I return, as I grabbed his hand rather roughly.

Father Thomas tried to act calm, hiding the pain that I know climbed up his arm. I snatched the badge away from his grip, walking away.

"You damn—" I heard him start in my mind.

"Now, dear Father, what was it, in Colossians I believe, about riding filth from your lips?" I said, speaking into his mind as I moseyed along the booths.

"Shut-up Cain! God, if this is broken—"

"Exodus, though shalt not use the name of the Lord in vain? Jesus…you are a horrible priest, Father. I may be spending my time in purgatory, but at least I know my scripture." I chuckled, only to hear the angst upon his lips.

I knew he would get over it, but it was a reminder because my statement of being coddled was not to be taken lightly. I will not continue to have his perish to treat me like chattel.

The convention floor is full of booths from multiple companies. Many people pull me over for side conversations or try to usher me into funding their latest technological developments. I did see a Solat booth and was surprised to see they dressed up for the occasion. Here I was thinking they were the same gothic wannabes I had crossed before, but they wore fashionable dresses and suits. They even had a few people at their booths, and it did not look like they were selling fake love potions. Yet, I catch the eye of a distinguished gentlemen. He has a dark tan-suit with a light blue button down, almost reminding me of the scholars in 19th century London. His grey-white hair made me reminisce about growing old, yet I knew I would never achieve such a feat. His eyes are hidden beneath his spectacles, yet his figure is fixated on me. He smiled, nodding his head as I pass him by. I returned the favor, diverting my gaze.

"Alex!" I heard someone call the name I now go by.

I turned to see my twenty-one-year-old red-head business partner, Rand Griffin. The large smile across his smug lips was almost contagious, and that is probably why I hired him. He is a college dropout, basically my version of Mark Zuckerberg. As my spokesperson, he mainly goes to events and meetings when I am unable to attend. However, he is also a notorious 21st century hacker who has turned a new leaf. That was needed for an old specimen like me. I may have learned the ways of the new world, but my soul is trapped in the times of old. And since the cyberworld is ever evolving, it is imperative to have someone on my team who knows the inside and outs of the surface, deep, and dark web.

"Rand, great to see you." I said, looking him over. "I'm a bit surprised that you cleaned up this nice."

"Psh, dude, my dad taught me how to press a suit just so I could look good for my first day at MIT. Little did he know, no one on the staff gave a shit about how I dressed. They only cared about what was in my mind. But these people, they're looking to be impressed on the inside and out. So, I couldn't just roll up in here unable to impress my thirty-year-old boss."

6,030-year-old boss. I wanted to correct him, but he had no clue who I really was. That was the deal I had to make with the perish in order to gain his employment. Plus, Rand, like most young men of his time, only cared about the money: not the backstory. The more videogames he could purchase, the less time he cared about diving into my social life.

"Well, you didn't disappoint." I am happy that he went with the Desmond Merrion suit.

"Oh, and I've got a surprise." A smirk crossed his face.

I am not one for surprises. The thought alone made my heart race, for the last surprise I got was to live for an eternity.

"Jessie, come over here!"

I looked over toward Rand's gaze to see a twenty-five-year-old woman in slim fitting black dress. It is elegant, matching her form, alongside her small black Gucci purse. Her tan skin contrasts her dark shoulder-length wavy hair. Yet, it is her eyes that strike me, for they are a beautiful brown. They remind me of my younger days…of the man I once was.

"Alexander Cain, this is Jessica Tihill." Rand announced, ushering Jessica over as I graciously shake her hand.

She seemed almost overjoyed to meet me. "But I call her Jessie, just easier."

"It's so nice to meet you, Alexander. I've worked for a lot of amazing people, but none in the tech industry. Science and technology have always been my father's passion, but of late I've developed an interest. I know you are interested in reaching mast markets and getting a seat at the table with SpaceX. I have an in there and I've got connections all over the globe. I can really be of help."

I want to respond, but Rand butts in. "Isn't she great? I hired Jessie for advertisement. She's the best in the business. Hell, she worked with celebrities! I got a call from Angelina Jolie, Kylie Jenner…Beyoncé! Like I couldn't say no to that!"

I nodded, looking into Jessica's lovely eyes and ignoring Rand. "It's nice to meet you as well. Please, call me Alex."

I truly was impressed with what she had to say. Yet, I did not know her, and Rand was out of line to hire her without my knowledge.

"An advertiser? No, Cain. The more people that you bring into your circle, the more you risk compromise. You've got to shut this down." Father Thomas urged.

"Do a background check on her. In the meantime, let me handle this." I retorted, looking over toward Rand.

"I'd be lying if I said you haven't perked my interest. Yet, may I have a word with Rand? My apologies, Jessica."

"It's fine, I'll be inside awaiting the first panel. See you guys in there." She nervously smiled.

I tilted my head to her in acknowledgment, taking Rand aside.

"I know," Rand started, "I know you said not to hire anyone without your blessing, but we needed this Alex. How else are we going to see our tech in space?"

Now, it is Rand I want to dangle off a building. Yet, he is young. I cannot fault him for diving straight into a problem and finding a solution. That is what I pay him for; however, this did bring a new complication. Father Thomas was right about that…

"You did well but this is the last time, Rand. If you do this again—"

"No, bro," Rand apologetically clasped his hands. "It won't. I'm sorry, I was just in a rush and I know you've got crazy hours and she had more than one offer. And…she's hot. Her presence will be a blessing for us, you gotta believe me on this one."

Blessing. I had to smile at the boy, for he knew nothing of the word. I patted him on the back as we merge into the penguin line to enter the auditorium. I leave Jessica and Rand, who sit five rows back from center stage, to be amongst the other leading minds in industry. Once the convention kicks off, introductions are required. Upon my name being called, I stand, wave, and give a small speech about the progress we made with AI. The audience roared; excitement filled the air for my presentation later this week. After the claps and nods from my colleagues, I regained my seat.