Allelea
“That was a good meal,” Cyto, ever the foodie, remarked. It was indeed a good meal — a rather relaxing one. It was one of our first relaxing times together after Aden warned us about the police, if I’m being honest.
“Hey!” I heard a voice call out. I turned around, to see Selena coming my way, holding a small shoulder bag. My shoulder bag. Gallus was walking behind her,
“Oh, hi. What are you two doing here?” I asked.
“You forgot your bag, so I thought I should bring it to you,” she replied, handing me the little purse.
“Thank you,” I said, receiving the bag and throwing it around my shoulder.
“You’re welcome. Oh, and in case you didn’t get our names back at the restaurant, I’m Selena, and that’s my annoying arch-nemesis, Gallus.”
Gallus rolled his eyes, and grumbled, “You aren’t my mouthpiece, you know, Selena?”
Cyto smiled, and extended his hand for a handshake, which was promptly received by Gallus.“Nice to meet you both. I’m Cyto,”
“And I’m Allelea,” I added. “We just moved here, and are looking for a place to stay. Would you recommend anything?”
Selena’s eyes lit up with understanding. “Oh, you’re new to Paris? That’s exciting! There are plenty of options depending on what you’re looking for. If you need something temporary, there are some great hotels and serviced apartments that could give you a comfortable start.”
Gallus nodded in agreement. “Yeah, there’s a few good hotels around here. They’re a bit on the pricier side, but they offer a lot of amenities and a good level of comfort.”
Selena chimed in, “If you’re on a tighter budget, there are also hostels and guesthouses that offer a more affordable stay. And if you need something more long-term, there’s sites out there to do all the dirty work for you.”
Cyto looked thoughtful. “That’s really helpful, thanks. We’ll definitely check out those options. We’re also interested in getting to know the local culture and community. Any suggestions on that?”
“Well,” Selena began, “the best way to immerse yourself is to just walk around the neighborhoods. Each arrondissement has its own vibe. Cafes, markets, local events… that’s where you’ll really get a feel for Parisian life.”
Gallus added, “And don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with people. Parisians might seem a bit reserved at first, but many are willing to share their favorite spots and stories once you get to know them.”
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “Thank you both so much. This is all a bit overwhelming, but it’s good to know there are friendly faces around.”
As Selena and Gallus waved goodbye and continued on their way, Cyto turned to me, with a small smile. “See? Things are looking up. We’ve got leads on a place to stay and we’re making connections already.”
I nodded. My spirits were definitely lifted by that conversation. “Paris is full of surprises, isn’t it? Let’s go explore those options and start this new chapter of our lives.”
“I think, for now,” Cyto started, stretching his shoulders, relaxing himself from the load of his suitcase. “Let’s just find a hotel around.”
“Sounds all right to me.” I replied thoughtfully. “Although, I wonder, what are we gonna do about college? Back there, it was straightforward. Once you turn eighteen you’re automatically evicted from your parents’ to spend your life till you’re 22 at the Learning Nexus, learning a degree specified by the Algorithm, with classmates chosen by the Algorithm. Now we’re 20. You turned 20 a month ago, and me, 4 months ago. We’re supposed to be studying…”
Cyto nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Allelea. Let’s find a place to stay first. We can figure out the education part once we’re settled in. Or, maybe we’re just dropouts… we’re already fugitives.”
Cyto
With a plan in mind...ish, we set off towards the heart of Paris, where the lights began to twinkle against the evening sky. We passed by cozy bistros and chic boutiques, each step taking them further into our new life.
After some searching, we decided on a cozy little hotel, a place that, according to the reviews, promised comfort and a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. It was a charming boutique hotel with a reputation for friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere—perfect for our first few nights in the city.
As we checked in, the receptionist gave us a warm welcome. “Bienvenue à Paris,” she said with a smile. “If you need any assistance or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Our room was a blend of modern amenities and Parisian charm, with a view that looked out over the bustling streets below. It was more than just a room; it was a temporary sanctuary where we could plan our next steps.
“Let’s take a few days to explore and get to know the city,” I suggested as we unpacked. “We’ll need to be familiar with Paris if we’re going to make it our home.”
Allelea looked at me, her proud smile reaching her eyes as she walked up to me from behind, enveloping me in a tight hug. “I’m glad we did this. Call us impulsive teenagers, I don’t care. I’m still proud of us.”
Allelea’s embrace was warm and reassuring, a much-needed comfort in the midst of all the uncertainty. “We’ve always been a bit impulsive, haven’t we?” I said, returning her hug. “But that’s what got us here, to Paris, to this new adventure. And I wouldn’t change a thing.”
I smiled as I pulled her closer, closing the remaining distance between us in a small kiss. The night ended on a good note, but we had to stay on our toes, and we knew it.
The next morning, we awoke to the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains and the hotel’s screechy alarm clock. Paris was waiting for us, ready to be explored. We started with a simple breakfast at a nearby café, savoring the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and buttery croissants.
With each step through the cobbled streets, we felt more at home by the minute. We discovered quaint bookshops tucked away in alleys, vibrant markets bursting with fresh produce, and parks where locals lounged on sunny afternoons.
“This is nice, isn’t it,” I asked her, as I looked to my left and noticed the Verdure Capillary of the marketplace. “The system is quite innovative. It reduces, and almost nullifies the need for cars, and other private transport.”
“Ecology, one of the many realms of Biology. It’s beautifully integrated into France’s culture… like genetics was, back home.” Allelea explained. “Only, here, your life isn’t completely controlled by an iron fist.”
I couldn’t help but feel something in me snap when she referred to it as ‘home’, after we had let go of it for good. “It would have felt more like home if our lives weren’t regulated by an AI.”
Cyto’s voice trailed off, a mix of nostalgia and bitterness in his tone. The memories of their past, dictated by the cold calculations of the Algorithm, still lingered like shadows in their minds. But here, in the heart of Paris, they were just two souls among many, free to carve their own path.
Allelea squeezed his hand, a silent acknowledgment of their shared history. “But we’re not there anymore, Cyto. We’re here, where we can be whoever we want to be. Let’s not dwell on the past.”
He nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing as he looked around at the bustling marketplace. The vibrant colors of the fruits and vegetables, the lively chatter of the vendors and customers, the laughter of children running between the stalls—it was all so vivid, so alive. It was a stark contrast to the sterile, predictable life they had left behind.
“Right,” Cyto agreed, a small smile returning to his face. “Here, we’re free. And I guess that’s worth all the uncertainty.”
They continued their exploration, each new street and corner bringing a sense of wonder. The city was a blend of history and modernity, tradition and innovation, and they were eager to absorb every bit of it.
“We need to head to City Hall, to sort the legalities out.” Allelea declared, a determined tone in her voice. “We’ll take the Capillary.”
Third Person
Allelea’s determination was unwavering, even amidst the bustling streets of Paris. As they walked, Cyto couldn’t help but admire her resolve. She was right—they were free here, unshackled from the Algorithm’s grip. But freedom came with its own set of challenges.
The Capillary system, a marvel of ecological design, crisscrossed the city like veins, connecting neighborhoods and providing efficient transportation. Cyto glanced at the nearest Capillary station, its sleek green stained glass tubes stretching toward the sky. It was a symbol of progress, a lifeline for the city.
“City Hall it is,” Cyto agreed, adjusting the strap of his backpack. “But Allelea, what about our visas? Our legal status?”
Allelea’s eyes narrowed. “We’ll figure it out. We’re not the only ones living off the grid here. There are networks, underground channels. People who help fugitives like us.”
Cyto nodded, but worry gnawed at him. They were fugitives, yes, but they were also strangers in a foreign land. The Algorithm’s reach extended beyond borders, and they couldn’t afford any missteps.
As they approached the Capillary, Cyto’s mind raced. Would they find sympathetic officials? Or would they face suspicion and rejection? He glanced at Allelea, her jaw set, and knew she wouldn’t back down.
Cyto sighed as he selected his and Allelea’s drop-off point on the intuitive user interface, which read out ‘La Mairie / City Hall’, a confirmation of his choice.
He took a deep breath as he scanned his credit card on the payment booth to pay for the tickets, then stepped inside the tube, which promptly opened for them to enter.. Once they had entered, their tubes automatically closed, then launched them up into the sky. Some would say it’s a nauseating experience to be launched into the air, while for others, it was thrilling.
But, even that was handled by the system. The minute one stepped into the tube, they would feel a small sting when they least anticipate it, and depending on the volume and frequency of the sound of the reaction that followed, the intensity of the push would be determined. And even locals never saw the sting coming.
The system also adapts easily based on real-time feedback. For example, for younger children, who may easily end up throwing a fit thanks to the sting, a robotic arm would automatically appear and hand the child a snack, which was determined based on the frequency, and the words the child spoke. If the snack didn’t settle the child down, it would proceed to talk to them in a friendly manner, to get them to relax. The inbuilt screen contained a tablet with some entertainment as well.
The Capillary tube hummed around Cyto, its sleek walls enclosing him. The sensation of being launched upward was both exhilarating and disorienting. He gripped the handrail, his stomach doing somersaults. In the tube beside his, Allelea’s eyes widened as the cityscape blurred past.
The small sting—the unexpected prick—caught him off guard. It was like a pinprick on his skin, a fleeting discomfort. Cyto glanced at the screen in front of him, where the system displayed real-time data. His tolerance level was moderate, and the volume of his reaction had been minimal. The push intensified slightly, propelling them higher.
“Voudriez-vous une chaise?” The system’s voice echoed through the tube. “Would you like a chair?”
Cyto considered it. His legs were steady, but he appreciated the system’s attention to comfort. “No, thanks,” he replied, his slight English accent blending with the French. The view outside was breathtaking—the Seine winding through the heart of Paris, the Eiffel Tower peeking above the rooftops.
“Okay. You will arrive in five minutes,” the system informed him, detecting that he spoke English. “Feel free to play some music during your journey, using the screen on the wall.”
He could see that Allelea’s excitement bubbled over. She tapped the screen, scrolling through the music library. Cyto watched as she selected a song, her smile infectious. The melody filled the tube, harmonizing with the rush of air.
As they soared above the city, Cyto marveled at the blend of technology and beauty. The Algorithm might have scripted their lives until now, but here, in this suspended moment, they were free.
The tube slowed, gently descending. The doors opened, revealing the grandeur of City Hall. Cyto stepped out, Allelea beside him. They were fugitives, yes, but for now, they were also adventurers in a city that held secrets and possibilities.
Allelea
Inside City Hall, we stood in line, surrounded by a diverse crowd—people seeking permits, registering births, and filing paperwork. Cyto’s heart pounded. When our turn came, I stepped forward, my French somewhat rusty, but decent.
“We’re new residents,” I explained to the clerk. “We need to sort out our legal status.”
The clerk raised an eyebrow. “Visas?”
I hesitated for a moment, then leaned in. “We’re not exactly here legally. But we want to contribute, be part of this city.”
The clerk studied us, weighing our words. “You’re not the first,” she said finally. “Follow me.”
We were led to a discreet office, where a middle-aged woman sat behind a desk. Her nameplate read “Madame Renée DuPont.” She looked us over, her gaze shrewd.
“You’re fugitives,” she said in a matter-of-fact voice. “Algorithm escapees.”
Cyto’s heart raced. “How did you—”
Madame DuPont held up a hand. “I have my sources. After all, we’re from neighboring countries. France has a refugee number off the charts at this point… But I also have a proposition. You help us, we help you.”
“What kind of help?” I asked cautiously.
“Information,” Madame DuPont replied. “The Algorithm’s next move, its weaknesses. In exchange, we’ll provide you with identities here, safe houses, and a chance to live freely.”
Cyto and I exchanged a glance. It was a risky bargain, but we had little choice. I nodded in agreement. “After all, I too, want to take the algorithm down.”
Madame DuPont stood up, and smiled at us. “Oui. Welcome to Paris, fugitives. Now, let’s get to work. Follow me.”
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