Urchin

Haydee steps into a large, spacious room with all the furnishings of a large studio-style apartment, including a kitchen with appliances, a bathroom area with facilities and an ornate claw bathtub, a sofa with a rug and table and a hallway leading further in. Her parents are both standing there by the sofa, smiling happily at her and waving. Haydee can see through her parents to the wall behind them, but she figures that's because they are calling her on the HoloVid. Tommy is standing next to them as well, in his sharp suit, beaming with excitement.

Her mom is the first to speak up. "Hi sweetie! Thank you for coming here. I know you had to be really brave to do what you did, but we all made it!"

Haydee looks timidly at her dad, and asks quietly, "You... you aren't mad?"

Rick smiles broadly at Haydee. "Of course not, sweetheart! I know how angry I can get but I want you to know how much I love you, and I'm sorry for what happened before. We decided to move here because the old apartment was unsafe and making me very unhappy, but I think we all can be very comfortable here. Don't you think so, Maggie?" Rick embraces Maggie lovingly and they hug and kiss sweetly.

Maggie says, "If it's ok with you, Haydee? Is it alright with you? You'll finally have your own room!"

Haydee looks back and forth between the three ghostly people. "Can Tommy stay with us too?"

Rick nods and says, "Well of course! Did you know Tommy knows the best stories? You should ask him to read some to you for bedtime, honey! He knows so much, I bet he's the smartest boy in the whole city! If he says something, I'd bet my bottom dollar it was the real deal." Tommy looks bashful and smiles over at Rick.

Haydee studies their faces, just to make double sure, then nods eagerly. Everyone cheers and claps, and Haydee breaks into a run, arms stretched out wide and charges her father for a hug. Rick looks alarmed and he holds his hands out to try and stop her. She flies right through him and bangs face first into the concrete wall behind. She reaches up to her smarting face to touch her nose and her hand comes away red with blood. She bursts into tears and her parents and Tommy crowd around her, trying to console her.

Haydee adjusted to her new life fairly easily. She was used to fending for herself, and the trade-off of having her parents be incredibly proud of her seemed like an easy win, even if they couldn't be there in person. She didn't have to miss them because they were always there when she needed them, as they were over by the sofa, along with Tommy, whenever she spoke. She also had many holographic pets she could play with, including the lost puppy from the story Tommy told her, but her favorite was catch the squeaky mouse which, once caught, would tell her a secret, then scamper into a virtual hole in the wall behind the sofa.

The place was seemingly equipped for long stays, with running water, a massive supply of vat pills for food, a separate bedroom, storage areas and clothing, although it was much too big for Haydee to wear. There were other areas with pumps, dials and pipes that Tommy said were part of the city's water, weather and sewage system. Past the pumps and pipes was a wall full of small clear plastic cages, twenty wide by ten high, with strange machinery attached to each cage. There was an access door on the near side of each one and a small pipe that led into the wall, presumably into the sewer system beyond. Tommy said these baited traps had once been used as pest control for the sewers, but the system had failed to do the job, and now they had a new purpose.

Haydee had daily school hours, regular bath and sleeping schedules and chores. She had to empty out the rodent traps that had become clogged and unusable, and this allowed new families of mice to move in. Tommy had said that at first there weren't any critters in the city, and when its first inhabitants moved in, they brought their pets with them. He didn't know how mice in particular had made it into the sewer system, but they had been able to live off the trash and build a thriving colony. This allowed the cats to set up shop, followed by the dogs, and soon there were wild dogs and cats in Horizon City. The insects like fleas came with them and they brought diseases. Initially the city had spent billions of yen trying to combat the problem, but eventually it gave up, as the budget shifted to focus on the Gold and Green levels above. He said Red used to be beautiful and safe, but now it was dirty and dangerous, and that made him sad. It was one of the things Tommy said he wished he could change but didn't know how. Haydee had promised to help him, and he said that was kind, but not to worry, because there was much more important things she needed to do. He said she was a very special girl and he loved her very much. Her parents said it too, which at first felt a little uncomfortable, but Haydee quickly grew to love it.

The school subjects often included unusual subjects, but since this was her dream come true, she didn't mind. Tommy taught her how to occasionally adjust things in the next room over to keep the weather going so the city worked right, how to clean and sew new clothes for herself by tacking the big shirts and pants into smaller ones her size and today was a day she was counting down to, the day she started learning how to cook.

"I'm so tired of vat pills. You promised me today we were going to learn how to cook!" Haydee had become used to expressing her emotions and desires in the two weeks she had been living there, without fear, and had started growing out of her emotional shell.

Tommy nodded and smiled. Haydee had decided she preferred him as a teacher over some of the other available choices and got tutoring in math from an elder lady named Mrs. Frizzle, with orange hair and large spectacles, but preferred her parents for help with her homework. Tommy says cheerily, "Right you are, Haydee! Are you ready to get started then? Let's do it! All cooking requires cleanliness and we're going to be using our hands a lot to cook with, so we're going to be washing our hands a lot. So go wash your hands now, and then we will go get our ingredients." Haydee follows his instructions and washes her hands with soap. Tommy nods and says, "Okay. Now you know how we talked about the different types of food? Today we are going to cook meat. So you need to go get some meat to cook. Go into the next room and get some pinkies from the mousetraps. The ones that just got born today and have no hair on them. Get ten and bring them in here."

Haydee nods and walks into the next room. She had gotten comfortable handling the cage duties and knew exactly what he was talking about, having encountered them frequently in her cleaning duties. She found a fresh litter and gathered them up in her hand, being extra careful to close the cage door before walking back.

Tommy peered over from the wall near the sofa where the HoloVid was. "Perfect! Now grab a pot from the cupboard and put them in it so you don't lose them. And while you are in the cupboard, grab the bottle that says oil from the next cabinet over." Haydee does as instructed. "Perfect! We're halfway done! You are really good at this, Haydee! Now grab a frying pan, put it on the stove and put a little oil in it. Use the stool like we talked about." Haydee finds the pan and puts oil in it. "Great, Haydee!" Tommy reassures her. "Ok, turn on the rightmost dial to high, and Haydee, be very careful because that pan and oil are going to get very hot! Hot enough to burn you! That's great. Ok. While that warms up, you need to wash the mice, but with water only. No soap. Just fill the pot with water."

Haydee puts the pot of mice in the sink and fills it with water. "Ooooohhh! They're squirming!" she exclaims loudly.

Tommy says, "I know! Cool, huh? Ok. Take just one out, pat it dry with a towel and then grab the tongs. Now get up on the stool. We are ready to cook! Use the tongs to pick up the mouse and put it in the pan. It might splatter a little, so don't drop it. Just lay it in there. Now step back and wait a minute. Perfect Haydee!"

Haydee watched as the mouse bubbled away in the oil happily. It had squirmed just a little but quickly stopped and curled up onto a little ball. Tommy says, "Ok, now use the tongs to turn it over." Haydee steps up and does so. "Perfect! You are a regular chef, Haydee! Get a plate out. Take it out with the tongs and set it on the plate. You are just so good at this, Haydee! Wait for it to cool. Now, are you ready for the best part?"

Haydee asks, "I get to eat it?" Tommy nods. She picks up the half-inch-sized golden ball, pops it in her mouth and crunches down on it. She chews thoughtfully, then smiles and her eyes go wide. "It's good! It tastes like vat chicken!"

Fried baby mice had become a regular part of Haydee's diet, as her unusual but fun school lessons continued. The next set of lessons was about the history of Horizon City, followed by the local area she lived in. She learned how to identify streets by their street signs and how to navigate the city, all from the comfort of her sofa. Memorizing the local sewer layout was an important focus, especially how to get back home from anywhere in the area. Tommy made a game where she had to race from one point to another by directing which way to go next as she ran down the virtual streets, and she got to race her parents, pets, teachers and Tommy. Tommy was the fastest because he knew the best shortcuts, but she was getting faster all the time and knew she would beat him some day. She learned where the local stores were, the type of people she might meet on the street and even had some good conversations with them. She also learned about the dangers of Red, like the local gangers, how to avoid them and what to do if she couldn't. The increasing aggression she was having to think and talk her way out of in the lessons was unpleasant, but she was getting the hang of it. The final part was about self defense and what to do if she was attacked. She very much enjoyed pantomiming grabbing dirt and throwing it in the holographic people's eyes, learning how to dodge and weave, even when the person was very strong and very fast, and how to use crowds and the landscape features to escape and hide. Tommy was an excellent teacher, and soon she was even getting away from her favorite Judge from the HoloVid, Judge Rachelle, who was the fastest of them all.

Three months went by, and Haydee had never been happier. She could tell she was getting smarter, like Tommy, and stronger, like her dad. One morning, her dad asked her to sit down and said he felt she was ready to try going outside, except for real this time.

"Where do you want me to go, daddy?" Haydee asked, accepting, but curious. She had been out with her parents many times and had navigated the streets and sewers virtually countless times, but knew the actual trip would be scarier alone.

Rick says, "Well, we've talked a lot about how the city works and Tommy has taught you really well how to get around. You always beat me in the races now. So I was thinking it might be a good idea to learn how to earn some money and buy some clothes for yourself. A beautiful princess like you deserves the best, of course!"

Haydee blushes and smiles at her ghostly father, who smiles back. She says, "Oh daddy! I'm not a princess, but maybe some clothes that fit better would be nice. And I am running low on cooking oil."

Rick nods understandingly. "Yes, that's a good point. So your dear old dad had an idea. You remember how to get back in once you leave?"

Haydee says, "Knock three times, then twice, then once. Tommy will unlock the door."

Rick grins. "Perfect. There's a warehouse not far from here. It's called Red Sector Industries. You know the one?"

Haydee nods happily. "Sure, daddy. Corner of Adams Street and Douglas Avenue. You can get there by going south on Clark to Adams and turning left."

Rick says, "Or..."

Haydee doesn't miss a beat. "Or west to Douglas and turning south. Or take the sewer south to Clark and use the ladder at Anthony Drive."

Rick smiles. "Is that how you are beating me in the races? I'll remember that one next time." He winks at her. "My smart little girl, this is why I think you can do this. You know all the paper boxes you have been folding during arts and crafts time? You must have over a hundred by now?" There were some random office supplies that had been found forgotten in one of the storage closets, and she had made liberal use of the old ream of paper. Tommy said important people used to do very important things with paper, but no one used it for that anymore and now it was just waste that clogged up the sewers.

Haydee grinned proudly. "One hundred fifteen. I'm getting faster at making them. The birds, too, but those are harder. I only have fifty-three of those."

Rick's eyes go wide and he leans back, as if blown away by her words. "Fifty-three? Well sweetie, we're going to need all of them. Here's what I want you to do..."

Haydee had spent the whole morning preparing and headed on out like she had done this a million times before and this was perfectly normal. It didn't even dawn on her that it was the first time she had left since she arrived. Twelve thirty in the afternoon found her standing just outside the RSI warehouse with her backpack at her feet, smiling up at the workers as they left for their lunch break to go to the local food trucks.

"Fried baby mice?" She calls out a little timidly. The first three men walk straight past her. Tommy's voice was already in her head from her many lessons, telling her to be more assertive. "Fried baby mice? Only one yen!" She tried, louder this time, as a tall Japanese man strode out.

The man glances down at her, then does a double take and adjusts his course to walk over to her. "Hello. What do we have here? Are you lost, little girl? Does your daddy work here?" He looks genuinely concerned and glances around to see if anyone else is near.

Haydee is ready. "No, sir. Not lost. I have lunch for you. Fried baby mice. They are a della-casey. Only one yen."

The man looks down and smiles curiously at her. "That's delicacy, honey. And I've never heard of that before. Where did you get it from?"

Haydee smiles happily. "I made it myself, sir. I'm trying to earn an honest wager with honest work."

The man grins broadly and chuckles. "Well, aren't you just the cutest! That's wage, not wager, but I think I would like to try one. You think they are good, right?"

Haydee nods, reaches into the backpack at her feet and produces a small paper box with a greasy bottom and a paper crane. She hands both to the nice man and accepts his plastic note. The man smiles as he examines the crane, then opens the little flaps of the box. He takes out a tiny golden ball and pops it in his mouth. He chews for a second, then goes, "Hey! That's good! It tastes like vat chicken, but better! You said you made this yourself?" Haydee nods. He tries another, then another. "These are great! Hey Joe!" He waves to a man with big arms who changes direction to come over. "Joe! You gotta try this!" The nice man says and holds out the paper box.

Joe peers inside, then picks up three in a pinch of his massive meat hooks, pops them in his mouth and chews. "Vat chicken nuggets? They're good too. Where are they from?"

The nice man says, "This little girl made them. Said she's trying to earn a living for herself. Only one yen too. I'll take five more boxes. You want any?"

Joe nods. "Yeah, I'm hungry. Give me ten."

It was a matter of minutes before Haydee ran out of stock because a small crowd started to form as word got around to the hungry workers of the affordable food. She packed up her backpack, said thank you and domo arigato gozaimasu, backing away while facing them and bowing repeatedly. Everyone remarked that she had excellent manners and agreed that they hope to see her again. She raced home, taking Douglas north, turned on Razor and ducked into the gutter. She knocked as she had been instructed repeatedly, and the door clunked as it unlocked for her.

Inside, a party is in full swing. Her parents, Tommy, Mrs. Frizzle, Judge Rachelle and twelve other friends of hers her age were standing there against the back wall by the HoloVid. "Welcome back, Haydee!" Everyone shouts in unison, as virtual confetti falls over them.

Haydee shouts, "Oh my life, I did it! I actually did it!"

Her dad shouts, "I never doubted you for a second, princess!"

Over the course of the next few weeks, Haydee worked on getting into the swing of having a job. At first it was a lot of work because she had to make all the boxes by hand, but the second week, her friend Daisuki, the nice man who she sold the first box to, helped her secure proper food-grade paper supplies from RSI for an extremely affordable rate and even helped her carry them back to the apartment complex outside her gutter entrance, where she told him she lived. Tommy had helped her work out such necessary stories in advance, because her real home was a secret that no one must know about and telling a story was better than losing her home. Eventually things got easier as she learned how to make a routine out of fried baby mice Monday through Friday, cleaning and shopping on Saturday and resting on Sunday. The people at the factory were really nice to her, joking that she had become the lost daughter of all the workers there. She was able to buy new clothes and shoes that actually fit her and some things she had been wanting for herself, like a hairbrush, toothpaste, toothbrush and some makeup. For the first time in her life, she actually knew what it was like to feel like a princess.

Haydee was on top of her game after three years of hustling every day, except Sundays, when she would treat herself to a long bath in the bathtub and a screamfeed, or twenty. She genuinely enjoyed working because it kept her occupied and going out, but she still enjoyed the retreat of Tommy and her parents when the streets started to dim. Tommy had impressed upon her that it was impossible to stay safe at night on the streets for very long, as trouble would eventually find her. He had also impressed upon her the need to save money for what he called a rainy day, although she was never sure why the rain needed money. The other thing Tommy had said she needed to save for was her first clone, which was extremely expensive. Updates, she was told, were relatively affordable, but the first time cost six digits. She had been slowly raising her rates and was getting close to the goal, estimating she would have enough in another week.

Today seemed like a normal day, but when she got to the warehouse, the gates were closed and a sign was posted saying, "NO WORK TODAY, COME BACK TOMORROW". She waited outside the closed gate, but no one came. Not quite sure what to do, she decided to go in search of more people to sell to. She wandered down the road for about an hour, having never actually been this far east before. The streets looked mostly like she was expecting, but it was dirtier, with more trash. Some businesses were different, while others were closed, as if what had been on the HoloVid was from earlier in the city's history and hadn't been updated. When she reached the large parking structure on the south side, she turned north, planning to walk until Razor, then take that home. She had all but forgotten about her mission, having gotten wrapped up in her sight-seeing tour.

At the corner of Razor Avenue, she saw a group of guys hanging out by some apartment steps. She remembered the food in her backpack and had the bright idea to see if they wanted to buy from her. She walked up to the group and said cheerfully, "Is anyone hungry? I have fried baby mice. Only ten yen!", interrupting one of them mid-sentence.

The man who was speaking to her turns to look down at Haydee and she gets a good look at him for the first time. He's wearing baggy jeans, a white tank top, dark tan skin and big crosses tattooed on his face. "Well, well, well! What do we have here?" he yells. "What's your name, little girl?" he says, his voice thick with a Latino accent.

Haydee had been warned about this particular style of dress and marking and knew she had made a mistake. The Sinners were a local gang and one she had been told to avoid, as they could be very aggressive. She had a good idea of what she needed to say to walk away, but her heart leapt into her throat anyway. She looks down at the ground and says, "Haydee, sir. Sorry for bothering you. I'll be going now." She turns towards home and starts walking.

The Sinner grabs her backpack and yanks her back. "Whoa now, chica! You just got here. Don't go runnin' off, eh? You say something about some food? What was that about now?" he demands gruffly.

Haydee frowns at being grabbed, as Tommy had impressed upon her this was not OK. He had given her very specific instructions if this ever happened, and she was preparing to put them into action. "Fried baby mice, sir," she says quietly.

The ganger looks down at her with surprise. "Did you say 'baby mice', chica? Let me get in on one of those! I'm hungry!"

Haydee pulls her backpack off her back and reaches in to pull out a little wax paper box with red floral print on it. She timidly hands it to the Sinner, who tears it open and examines it with interest. "¡Hijo de la chingada! ¡Esta niña! She wasn't fucking around! These had better be good, eh?" He takes a popcorn-sized mouse out and bites down. "Mmm. Tastes like vat polo! Where did you get these, niña?"

Haydee says quietly, "I made them, sir," and stares into her backpack.

The Sinner demands, "And you think you can sell these on Sin Street, cabrona? Where did you get permission to do that? Huh?"

Haydee stares into her backpack, saying nothing.

The Sinner sneers and says loudly, "Well you fucked up! Ain't no one allowed to work on Sin Street without permission from the Sinners. But don't worry, I'm gonna set you straight!"

Someone in the crowd says, "Nacho, she's just a little girl..." but Nacho doesn't stop. He winds up to take a swing at her head and lets fly with a fast left hook. Haydee, having seen the punch telegraphed, ducks right under his swing. She drops her backpack and reaches with both hands to grab his crotch through his baggy jeans, clamps down hard and twists with all her might. The ganger doubles over with pain, so Haydee grabs her backpack, shoves it over his head and turns around to bolt away as fast as she can.

As she rounds Razor, she screams at the top of her lungs, "TOMMY! SEND HELP! IT'S AN EMERGEN..." The bullet from Nacho's gun sends her brains flying into the street, and she slumps to the ground, unmoving.

"¡Perra estúpida! That little whore twisted my huevos! Fuck!! Let's get out of here," Nacho shouts, and the assembled crowd scatters. Fifteen minutes later, a Horizon Justice Force LawBot flies in, hovering thirty feet above the street. It photographs Haydee's dead body, files an automated report and sends a request to Horizon City Services for a body pickup on Red, which automatically routes itself to the trash. The next day, two Sinners drag her body to the dumpster in the alley.

On the north end of Red, a sleek craft shaped like half an octagon soars through the air on vector thrust power. The Hover sets itself down in one of the Hover parking spots next to the strip club with a clank, followed by a wind down of the turbines. The back hatch opens with a hiss and a tall, slender Japanese man steps out wearing a black suit with black shoes. His black hair is slicked back and his green eyes glance over the neon Orifice sign briefly before walking to it slowly. Daisuki's face is frozen in a neutral look as he approaches the heavy outer door with the seven-foot Black ganger standing next to it. As the Sinner sees Daisuki coming, he steps in front of the door, pulls his gun out and crosses his arms, his gun clearly visible, pointing down and to the right. He intones in a deep voice, "You're in the wrong part of town. You get lost? Need directions to the local fish market, Nip?"

Daisuki is unfazed as he stops before the large man guarding the door. His hand is on the hilt of his katana as he says quietly, "I have business with Mr. Sampson. You should step aside." His English is fluent and without a hint of Japanese accent.

The guard chuckles and says, "You got a lot of nerve telling me what to do, Nip! Now get the fuck out of here."

Daisuki just stands there, staring directly at the guard. The guard, quickly getting the message, uncrosses his tree trunk arms and points the gun at Daisuki's head. Daisuki rolls his eyes up to look at the gun and says in a calm tone, "I think you will find that guns are limited to a certain range of efficacy," as if remarking on the weather. The guard looks confused for a second, then decides he's had enough and squeezes the trigger. The bullet rips right past Daisuki's head as he leans to the side. He reaches up with a lightning quick motion, rips the gun out of the man's hand and points it directly at his crotch. He says in an even more calm and quieter voice, "You should step aside." The ganger holds his hands up and shuffles to one side. The clip falls out of the gun in Daisuki's hand and clatters to the floor as Daisuki pulls the slide back and off the gun. A single bullet tinkles on the ground as he hands the ganger the parts of his Glock, pulls open the heavy door and marches inside.

The club is banging loud music and laser lights splay colors everywhere as dancers waggle their assets from the stage in the middle of the club to the cheering crowd, who litter the stage with yen notes to show their appreciation. Daisuki walks around the stage to the right, past the bar and to the booths up against the back wall. He approaches the booth with an enormous black man sitting in it. Daisuki says loudly over the music, "Mr. Sampson?"

The man looks up and shouts, "Big Pappa to you, asshole! Who the fuck are you?"

Daisuki bows respectfully. "My apologies, Big Pappa. My name is Daisuki. It is important that I speak to you about a recent incident."

Big Pappa leans forward and says, "So speak, Nip! And make it quick!"

Daisuki says, "Thank you, Big Pappa. I will be brief. Last week a girl was killed on the corner of Sin and Razor by a Sinner."

Big Pappa grins and shouts, "Well there's a fucking shock! Everyone knows Sinners run Sin street! You got some nerve coming in here telling me what happens on my turf, Nip! Best be seeing yourself out now, if you know what is good for you."

Daisuki stands his ground. "The girl in question was not more than ten years old."

Big Pappa grunts, "And why should I believe you?"

Daisuki explains, "I would not be here if it was not true. I ask only that you give me the opportunity to prove it. I have learned he's been hiding here since the incident."

Big Pappa stares at Daisuki, and Daisuki gazes back unblinkingly. Big Pappa finally says, "What's the Sinner's name?"

Daisuki says calmly, "He goes by Nacho."

Big Pappa glances around the room, then stands up and yells, "Ignacio! Get over here!"

A Sinner with baggy pants and a large cross tattooed on his face stands up and slowly walks over, eyeing Daisuki. Big Pappa shouts, "Did you waste a little girl on our turf the other day?"

Ignacio looks back and forth between them, and says a little confusedly, "Yeah, that bitch twisted up my nuts, heffe! She was..."

Big Pappa shouts over him, "You got a clone yet?"

Ignacio says, "Well, no, but..."

Big Pappa yells, "Good!", pulls a gun out of his waistband and blows Ignacio's head off. His body falls backwards, as a dozen gangers stand up and draw. "Put them away, Sinners. We had to send one of our own to meet his maker today. Killed a little girl on the streets. He's in hell now. Where he belongs," Big Pappa bellows. The gangers all relax their posture, as Big Pappa turns to Daisuki. "Anything else?"

Daisuki shakes his head, bows politely and turns to walk out.