The Awakening of Katie (Chapters 1 to 4)

The Awakening of Katie1

Chapter One2

Alex hobbled slowly along the crowded street. He wasn't sure exactly where he was; somewhere in the Soho warrens was all that he knew. The bright neon lights reflected back from the rain soaked pavement, giving the street a fairground feel. His left arm was pressed tightly against his ribs; beneath it, his antique Mars Landing tee-shirt had grown another patch of red. 3

Alex knew that the Razorbacks were still there, following him, waiting for him to move off of the main drag to somewhere less conspicuous. Somewhere they could finish him off. The largest of the Razorbacks already had his credit bubble, he'd slash and grabbed it as Alex had come out of the Gun Mart. The only reason to follow him now was payback. Alex never walked down the street without his micron blade welded to his wrist, it had saved him on a number of occasions, but today his tweaked reflexes had let him down. Still hyper after dropping off the Krysmec at the Gun Mart, he'd automatically retaliated, severing the hand of one of the clan, before he’d known what he was doing. The Razorbacks were not a clan you fought; you gave them your money, took some of their abuse, and survived. Now, here was Alex, klicks from home, with seven or eight angry Razorbacks behind him. And he'd lost his profits anyway. As Alex stumbled along the road, the early evening crowd of freaks and misfits parted before him, they knew that glazed look in a Cit's eyes. They knew trouble when they saw it and were staying well clear.4

Alex knew that he had to do something. He was steadily losing blood and, every minute the Razorbacks were getting higher on glanded drugs, building to an amok frenzy that would end in Alex's drained body floating in a sewer. Alex tongued his uplink tooth and projected a heads-up display on his retina. The open link was slow, but fast enough to reward him with a schematic of the Soho levels. Alex saw that there was a tube entrance not far away on Oxford Street, which ran parallel to the side street he was on. Immediately Alex darted to his left down a fetid alley. He was slowing and knew that this was his only chance. Halfway down the alley he heard the whoops of the drugged Razorbacks as they closed in on him. Alex knew he couldn't make it. Accepting his karma, Alex stopped and turned to face the clan. He extended his micron blade and, crouching slightly, waited for death to take him.5

The Razorbacks slowed, loose grins spread across their vacant faces. They knew that they could take their time in discontinuing the stupid Cit who'd fought back. As they shambled closer, two figures stepped out of the shadows; one tall and lanky, the other short and squat. Both were sharply dressed in microweave greatcoats, all shoulder pads and plastibrass buttons.6

The lead Razorback stopped. "Hey prettyboys, dissipate. 'Less you want what he's getting."7

The two men remained silent. As one, they reached into their greatcoats and pulled out matt black Krysmecs. Silently, high velocity carnage pounded into the seven gang members. Before they could even react, the Razorbacks were lying in bloody heaps in the dirt. The tallest of the killers stepped into the shambles and turned the leader over with a plastibrass tipped boot. The teenager was laying awkwardly, the tip of his grafted plasteel shark's fin dug into the ground. Blood spurted from the holes clustered in an impressively tight group in his chest. He coughed and bright blood spilled from his mouth. With a gurgle the clanboy died. Beanpole bent and retrieved Alex's credit bubble.8

Standing, he slipped it into his pocket and strode over to Alex. The killer's dead eyes looked straight through him. "Come on. Nero wants to see you." 9

Alex wasn't going to argue. Still clutching his side, he hobbled after the tall assassin. Looking back, he saw Frog finish off a couple of the wounded Razorbacks and then turn to join his partner.10


Chapter Two11

Alex woke up and groaned. He was in a lavishly decorated bedroom, but he couldn't remember getting there. The last thing Alex remembered was staggering, weak from loss of blood, into a big, black, gas powered Zil with the two assassins. He sat up and winced, the wound in his side had been dressed, but it was tightening up. Alex eased himself over to the washbasin and threw some cold water in his face. Standing, leaning on the cool porcelain, he looked in the mirror. He'd seen better. Alex was thin at the best of times, now he looked positively gaunt; the tight white skin of his face marred by the two ugly dark patches beneath his eyes. In truth, his eyes were pretty shocking too, bloodshot and watery. His long brown hair hung limp and lifeless over his shoulders. Cupping his hands, Alex took a long drink of cool water.12

The room must have been watched. Beanpole walked in, unannounced, and threw some clothes on the bed. 13

"Nero is tired of waiting. Get dressed."14

For the most part, the clothes were Alex's own, freshly laundered. He pulled on his boxers and then the imitation leather work trousers and his low slung boots. Over the trousers he clipped an ancient tool belt, hung with a variety of tools, they were modelled on those of a twentieth century handyman, but were much more specialised than they seemed. The shirt was similar to the one that had been ruined by the Razorback knife and Alex's blood. This time the tee-shirt advertised the fortieth anniversary of the first moon landing. It looked genuine; if it was then it was worth at least 400 euros.15

So, freshly dressed, if not fresh in mind and body, Alex followed the tall enforcer out of the room and down a painting lined corridor. The paintings looked original to Alex's untutored eye. He knew little about Nero, and most of that was rumour. Seeing the house, the enforcers, and the treatment he'd received, it seemed that the rumours understated his wealth. Beanpole lead him into a wide open room. Seated in a large easy chair was a large man.16

Alfredo Nero was a criminal institution. Born in the early 1960's, Nero had cut his teeth on car crime and shop lifting. By the time he was 20 he was heavily involved in drugs and prostitution, first as an enforcer and then, later, as a boss. By the late 90's, Nero had moved into more 'respectable' crime, computer fraud, espionage, anything that needed intelligence, guts, and a ruthlessness honed on the street. Now, almost 80, Nero looked 60. Millions of euros had been spent on the latest surgical techniques, drugs, and hormone treatments. Nero was not planning on going anywhere.17

"Mr. Steele. Come in, sit down. I hope you're feeling a little better; you were in a bad way when Thompson brought you in. Wasn't he Thompson?"18

Beanpole, or Thompson as he should be known, simply nodded and took up a position by the door.19

"Um.... I'm a little stiff” confessed Alex, “but much better, thank you Mr. Nero."20

"Good. Good. Now sit down. I suppose you're wondering what you're doing here ..."21

Alex sank gratefully into an easy chair facing Nero.22

"So I'll come straight to the point. I need a thief."23

"But ..."24

"Quiet and listen." A tinge of steel in his voice. "In the last few years, one of my rivals, a relative newcomer, has been expanding his business in gene tech. He has something I want. And I want you to get it."25

"Mr. Nero ..." Alex took his life in his hands.26

"OK Mr. Steele ... What is it?"27

"Well ... I am a thief. Pretty successful; particularly in lifting hardware, guns, stuff like that. But, compared to other people you could get, I'm pretty much an amateur."28

"That's precisely it. Chang knows all of the professionals, as do I. If you make the snatch he'll have nothing that links to me."29

"OK. That makes sense. Go ahead, I'm open to offers."30


Chapter Three31

Two weeks later, Alex was wondering why he'd gone for the deal. Then again, how could he say no to Nero? Alfredo Nero for fucks sake!32

Alex was crouching in the shadows outside one of Chang's illegal labs. He had just glanded some Speedadren, so, for the next hour, his body would run on an artificially produced adrenaline high, automatically meeting any of the demands put upon it. A secondary effect was that Alex's perception of time would be heightened, making the opposition seem to move as if underwater. Tonguing on his retina display, Alex saw that the ice that he'd introduced into the lab's security systems had almost completed its work. One good thing about working for Nero, Alex had access to the best equipment. Alex activated his IR contact lenses and switched on the small IR lamp on his helmet. The ice's graphic shifted to complete and the security lights went out. Crouching low, Alex ran to the loading bay door, as planned it was rolling up into the night. Without stopping, Alex ducked under the door and into the lab. In the green glow of his contacts, he saw a security guard stumbling about in the dark. Pointing his Krysmec at the guard he squeezed off a silent burst and ran on. Turning left, he dashed passed two dorm rooms, the locks jammed just in case anyone was awake. At the end of the corridor the guard was standing, alert and ready. Gliding to a halt, Alex took careful aim and silently discontinued the guard. Jogging up to the door, he stepped over the lifeless body and into the lab itself.33

The lab was made up of two sections. The area Alex was in was full of monitors, desk computers, all of the paraphernalia of a traditional lab. On the monitors Alex could see a room, starkly decorated with basic furniture. Stepping over to the monitors, Alex pulled the plugs and the displays went dead. Quickly he went through to the bedroom and silently walked over to the bed. The young woman was asleep, Alex looked down at her. She looked to be about 17 or 18 years old but, from what Nero had told him, this was an illusion. She had been decanted from one of Chang's gene vats only three months before. She was the culmination of years of work, and the sole reason for Alex being there. He took a hypojet from an arm pocket and pressed it against the girl's smooth arm; she went from sleep to unconsciousness without stirring.34

Alex gathered the young woman up into his arms and hurried to the door, silently thanking the Speedadren for the ease with which he carried her. He thought that he had all of the bases covered, but that was no reason to hang around inviting trouble. Alex retraced his steps out to the street and around the corner to where he'd parked the 4x4 Electrobug. He strapped the girl into the passenger seat, crossed to the driver's seat and got in. Taking a deep breath, Alex deactivated his lenses. He engaged the battery of the Electrobug and switched on the lights.35

It was a wet night in London again. With the climatic changes since the 20's most nights were. Alex drove slowly, careful to remain within the 50 klick limit. The last thing he needed was to get stopped with a drugged Arty. Heading northwards, Alex manoeuvred through the crowded streets, heading for the crash he'd rented just off of Seven Sisters. Finally reaching the crumbling building, he drove down into the claustrophobic car park.36

Alex got out of the car moved around to the passenger door, he lifted the Arty out of her seat and held her close. He headed for the lift, hoping that it was still working, ready to pretend that he was helping a drunken friend home. He was in luck; the lift was both empty and working. The lift struggled up to the sixth floor and Alex got out, warily checking the grubby corridor. Holding the woman with one arm, he pressed his palm against the lock and the door clicked open. Alex stepped inside. The crash was redolent of fish and hot spices, a reminder of the previous occupant. At his command, the lights came on. The room was a uniform, boring, beige. Alex went across to the over-stuffed couch and put the young woman down. He breathed a sigh of relief. He'd made it.37

Alex sat down in an armchair and watched his captive. He still found it hard to believe that, chronologically, she was only three months old. When it came to that, it was hard to believe that she was an Arty. Artificial Humans had been in existence for about ten years, but it was still unusual to see them outside of the gene tech labs. Ever since their first creation, disputes had raged over their status. Did Arties have rights? Did they have souls? After mammoth sessions, spreading over months and years, the UN was still to pronounce. And Arties remained 'non-persons'.38

Studying the sleeping girl's face, there was no way to tell that her genes had been spliced together in a lab. Her skin was smooth and pale, just a hint of a blush to her cheeks. Her long hair was midnight black, almost too black to be real. As she lay on the couch, her chest rose and fell slightly.39

As Alex sat and watched the young woman he could feel himself coming down from the Speedadren high; his arms were heavy and his eyes were drooping. With a struggle, Alex got out of his chair and went over to the sink, searching for a clean cup. He ran the hot water tap until he couldn't put his hand under it, and then made himself a thick brew of instant coffee. Sipping the powerful beverage, he went back to his chair and continued watching the girl.40

After a while, the Arty began to stir. Her eyes were moving under her eyelids as she slipped back into normal sleep. Slowly, languorously, she stretched and opened her eyes. With a start, she sat up and stared at Alex. Her emerald eyes wide open in surprise and her cute bottom lip trembling.41

"Where am I? How did I get here? Who are you?" Her words came tumbling out.42

"Don't worry. You've had to leave the lab for a while. You'll be staying with me for a few days." Alex knew that he'd have to be holed up with her for at least a week and so made an effort to be pleasant. "My name's Alex. What's yours?"43

The young woman sat and looked puzzled for a moment. "I don't really have a name. Everyone just calls me AH-K80."44

'Jesus!' thought Alex. 'Don't scientists have any fucking imagination any more?'45

Alex looked thoughtful "I can't call you AH-K80..... How does Katie sound?"46

"It sounds good Alex. Katie ... Katie ..." She tried out her new name to make sure that it fit.47

"Well Katie, I'm hungry. What about you?"48

"A little bit."49

"How do eggs sound?"50

"Ummm......."51

Alex realised that the young woman had probably not had to make any decisions in her life. He'd have to guide her.52

"Come on ... You can help."53

The young woman; Alex just couldn't think of her as a three month old artificial life form, followed him to the kitchen alcove. Alex poured some Instegg into a bowl and added water from the tap. He passed the bowl over to Katie with a spoon.54

"Here you are, you stir the eggs and I'll make the toast."55

He took some thick sliced bread from the cupboard and dropped it into the toaster. While the toast was cooking, Alex took the eggs from Katie and put them in the micro to cook. Finally, he took a jug of orange juice powder and filled it up from the tap.56

Breakfast was soon ready. Artificial eggs, artificial juice, and toast; bBachelor cuisine of the late 2030's. Alex and Katie sat back down and started their breakfast, bent over a battered coffee table. As Katie leaned forward her knees poked out from beneath her nightgown emphasising her innocence in some way. She concentrated on every mouthful, a thoughtful look on her face.57

"Have you ever had eggs before?" Alex asked.58

Katie shook her head and, around a mouthful of toast, replied "No. Dr. Franklin said I should be on a scientifically balanced diet. I've only ever had supplements."59

'Jesus!' thought Alex. 'Even cargo hauliers in the belt strike when they are reduced to eating supplements.' His opinion of Chang's scientists dropped even lower.60

"Well ... what do you think of the eggs? Do you like them?"61

"They're ... interesting ... a pleasant texture and quite flavourful."62

"Where did you learn to talk like that?"63

"Ever since I was decanted I have been on a forced learning programme. Plato teaches me when I'm asleep."64

"Who's Plato?"65

"The lab computer. He's fun!" Katie grinned, her face lighting up.66

'This girl is in serious trouble' thought Alex. 'If her best friend is a computer.'67

As they ate and talked, Alex found out more about the young woman he'd kidnapped. According to Plato, she'd been bred for mathematical ability and spatial awareness. Katie proudly told Alex how Plato had been impressed by her innate control of the VR environment of the net. Alex, seeing that Katie was relaxing, decided that honesty was the best policy, up to a point.68

"Katie.... you're probably wondering what you are doing here."69

"Yes Alex."70

"Well, I can't tell you all the details, I don't know all the details, but I can explain some things. You were created in one of Chang's laboratories."71

"I know."72

"Well, I work for one of Chang's rivals. You have to stay here with me for about a week, while Chang and my boss deal with each other. You don't mind staying here with me, do you?"73

"Oh no! I like you. The lab was boring. The only part I liked was when I could talk to Plato."74

"OK, good. I like you too. We can be friends. But first, I need to sleep. I've been up all night. " Alex switched on the ancient flat screen television. "Will you be OK watching teevee?"75

"Oh yes! I've never watched it before."76

Alex settled himself down on the bed in the corner and was asleep within minutes.77


Chapter Four78

Over the next three days Alex and Katie became firm friends. Alex had not had many friends, just contacts and resources, but his enforced time with Katie brought out the repressed gentle side in him. As for Katie, she had had few contacts; friends were something completely new to her. Alex was constantly amazed by the girl; she was so intelligent she scared him sometimes. She picked things up instantly, tell her once and it was hard-wired. And yet; she was so naïve, she had never experienced the myriad of things a human would while growing up. She was also full of questions; only hers were different. That evening Alex and Katie had been sitting watching the teevee. A news item came on about the continued war between the Korean Republic and Japan.79

"Why are they fighting, Alex?"80

"It started as a dispute over who had the right to prospect the ruins of Vladivostok, but things escalated."81

"Why doesn’t the UN send in peacekeepers?"82

"They've been discredited ever since the Blue Berets destroyed most of Quebec with a pocket nuke."83

"But surely the Security Council could impose sanctions ..."84

After that Alex was out of his depth. Sometimes he ground to a halt, suddenly realising that he was having technical discussions with an Arty.85

The tape of Disney's latest blockbuster, "Young Attila", had just finished and Alex yawned. The torture scenes had been all right, but the standard of the songs was dropping with each film. Katie's body was pressed against him, her pretty head drooping. Carefully, Alex eased himself away from her and laid her down on the couch. He pulled a blanket from a shelf and spread it over her. Stretching, he went and switched down the sound of the teevee, leaving the snow to play across the screen, dimly illuminating the room. Stripping down to his boxers, Alex slid under the covers and fell asleep.86

It was about two hours later when Alex woke up. At first he wasn't sure what had disturbed him but, lying there, he heard a quiet sobbing coming from the couch.87

"Katie?" he called gently. "Katie ... are you all right?"88

"I'm sorry Alex, I didn't mean to wake you." came the muffled reply.89

"That's okay, what's the matter?"90

"It's Plato. I miss him. And I know he'll be missing me. He said that no one had really talked to him before me."91

"I'm sorry Katie, but you won't be able to talk to Plato for at least a few more days."92

Katie sniffed. "Alex ..."93

"Yes ..."94

"Can I come into bed with you? I feel so lonely tonight."95

Alex's heart went out to her; he had grown to be so protective towards the beautiful young woman, in a way he had never felt before. He lifted up the covers.96

"Come on in. I think you need a cuddle."97

Katie hurried across the room and jumped into the bed. She lay down with her back to Alex and he wrapped himself around her so that they were laying spoon fashion.98

He gently kissed Katie's raven hair and whispered "That's better my darling. Just go to sleep now."99

Katie purred and pressed back against him. Her firm bum pressed against Alex's crotch and, unbidden, his prick began to get stiff. He hugged her closer, revelling in the warmth of her body.100

Katie could feel Alex getting stiff; his hardening member pressing against her. She thought back to some of the things she had seen on teevee, and knew that he was getting excited. Slowly she ran a soft hand back over her panty clad bum and down between their two bodies. Lightly she brushed her slim fingers over Alex's burgeoning prick. He moaned and squeezed her tighter.101

Alex couldn't believe what was happening. This gorgeous young woman was actually touching his prick. He was averagely good looking but such a loner that most of his encounters had been with prostitutes, or at least amateurs on the make. Yet, with Katie, it seemed the natural thing to do. He gently ran his lips down the side of her neck and kissed her softly on the shoulder. As he kissed Katie, Alex ran his hands down over her breasts, feeling there firmness through her vest. He rubbed a thumb over a nipple and felt it spring into hardness. His hand continued down Katie's side, over her slender waist and rested on her hip. Spreading his fingers, Alex pulled her back slightly, pressing his hard prick between the cheeks of her panty clad bum.102

Katie moaned; she had never felt so loved in all of her short ‘life’. Wriggling, she managed to turn in Alex's arms until she was facing him. She flung her arms around his neck and hugged him. Katie pressed her honey sweet lips against Alex's, she wasn't sure exactly how to kiss, but, from what she had seen on teevee, it must be easy.103

Alex opened his mouth slightly and drew in a breath of Katie's sweetness. He stuck out the tip of his tongue and dipped it into her mouth, she responded urgently and their tongues entwined. Sliding his hands down Katie's back he edged the tips of his fingers into the waistband of her panties, feeling the smooth cheeks of her bum. Slowly, he drew Katie's knickers down, revelling in the satin smooth feel of her skin. Taking Katie's hands in his, he broke her grip around his neck. Kissing her one last time, he laid her down on her back. Looking down at the gorgeous young woman, Alex's heart leapt. He had fallen totally in love with the amazing Arty. Alex took a hold of Katie's panties, half off of her hips already; and slowly pulled them down. Millimetre by millimetre her skin was exposed. Finally the top of her pussy came into view and Alex dropped his head to kiss it. Continuing to pull down her knickers, he stared at the beautiful slit as it was revealed in its bed of soft raven black hair.104

Katie arched her back. She was a bundle of conflicting feelings. Her arms and legs were outstretched stiff and tense; and yet her stomach felt as if it was melting. Cold shivers ran down her back; and yet, her pussy, it was so hot! Katie gasped as she felt Alex run his tongue along her damp labia. Lifting her hips, she pushed herself up against his mouth. Whimpering, she hung on to Alex's long brown hair with her slender hands.105

Alex was in heaven. He had never tasted a pussy so sweet and fresh. He felt that he could spend the rest of his life just lying there between Katie's gorgeous thighs. He slipped his hands under her bum and lifted her slightly from the mattress. Stiffening his tongue, he pressed it between the puffy lips of her pussy, tasting her. Katie squealed and jerked beneath Alex's questing tongue. He pressed deeper and rasped the tip of his tongue over the pristine barrier of her hymen.106

Katie's heart was pounding harder and harder. Her head was spinning. Her whole world centred on the indescribable sensations shooting through her pussy. Not knowing what was happening, she screamed and hit a climax.107

Alex held on, his tongue motionless within Katie's pulsating pussy as she came down from her first ever orgasm. Katie lay limply on the bed, slowly recovering and Alex moved up the bed to hold her close. 108

As the two lovers cuddled and nuzzled, Katie felt Alex's throbbing dick bouncing against her leg. She slid her hand down between their bodies and squeezed it tenderly. Alex leaned back slightly, giving her room to see what was going on. Fascinated by the hot hard meat, Katie got up on her knees and knelt by Alex's hip. Wrapping the fingers of both hands around the stiff tool, she gently stroked it, gratified by the groans coming from Alex.109

Alex looked down at the young woman holding his hard-on. Gently, he wrapped a hand around Katie's and showed her how to wank him. As in all things, she picked it up immediately; her fingers stroking and squeezing, drawing Alex inexorably along to a climax. With each stroke, his excitement grew, building to an earth shattering crescendo. Alex couldn't hold back any longer and, with a shout, he began to come.110

Katie hung on to the jerking prick as Alex's hot semen gushed forth. Jet after jet of the scalding liquid shot high into the air, splashing down onto her arms, her vest, in her hair. Her fingers were coated with come and slipped easily over Alex's dick as the last gobs of semen spurted out.111

Alex took a moment to regain control of his body and then took a hold of Katie and eased her up so that she lay on his chest. Kissing her tenderly, he looked deep into her emerald eyes.112

"Katie, I love you. That was the most wonderful thing that has every happened to me."113

"Oh Alex, I love you too!" cried Katie, tears of joy running from her eyes.114

The two satiated lovers held each other close and slowly drifted off to sleep.115

It was early in the morning. Alex woke up, his arms still enfolding Katie. Looking down at his new love he felt a lump in his throat. Now that he'd found her he didn't know what to do; at the end of the week he was supposed to hand her over to Nero. Carefully he slipped out of bed and covered Katie with a blanket. He headed for the kitchen area to make coffee. As he got the things together he noticed his signet ring had turned from black to green. Needing the coffee, but not wanting to wait for his mail, Alex tongued his uplink tooth and requested a retina display of his Inbox.116

Alex stiffened and dropped his coffee cup. Instead of the normal Inbox display, his whole field of vision was a mass of writhing psychedelic colour. Vibrating deep in the bones of his skull a voice rumbled, like God in a biblical epic.117

"Where is AH-K80? You have ten seconds to tell me or you will die!"118

To be continued ...119