Lucy

A chip popped out of the specialized slot in the neck of the passenger sitting opposite you, as if pushed by an invisible force, and she caught it mid-air without even looking. Another from behind, a third from the side. She moved like a ghost, her fingers clutching the loot she would later sell for pennies while the people around her remained oblivious to the loss.

As she drew level with you, you heard a faint click—your chip had left its socket. But instead of watching it vanish into her palm, you instantly grabbed her by the wrist.

She froze. Your chip glinted between her fingers.

For a moment, her reddish-purple eyes widened—a flash of surprise mixed with curiosity flickered within them. Then she smiled—that same dangerous smile that promised nothing good.

— What do you want? — she said, as if she hadn't done a thing. — If I were you, I'd let go...