Previously: Nathan, one of Omni’s executives, had revealed he knew the director of Community 5, where Xiao and Mei were deported ten years ago. Faced with this unexpected chance to see his family again, Jin began reconsidering Theo’s offer…

 The ride back was fully automated, but Jin’s mind was anything but at rest. Thoughts clashed in his head like free electrons. Suddenly, he activated his neural implant and sent a message to Theo.
-  Still around?
-  Yes, what’s up?
-  Can we meet?
-  Of course. Send me the location.
They met at a downtown bar, one of those futuristic spots where humans, humanoids, and robots mingled in artificial harmony. The dim ambiance contrasted with the palpable tension surrounding Jin. Theo had already ordered their drinks, but Jin hadn’t touched his.
- I’m glad you reached out”, Theo began with an encouraging smile. “Have you changed your mind?”
- I just got attacked by Omni’s goons.”
Theo’s smile vanished instantly. “Yeah… I figured the Board would try something like that. I wish I could’ve warned you.”
- It wasn’t anything too serious. But I think I spoke to your boss.
- Oh…” Theo stiffened slightly. “Very calm voice?”
- Exactly.
- Yeah, that was him. What did he say?
- He claims the director of Community 5 is a close friend and suggests we find an arrangement.
Theo visibly paled. “I’m sorry, I don’t know how he got that information.
- What do you mean? From our conversation?” Jin stared at him, incredulous.
- I didn’t tell him anything!” Theo defended himself, then looked Jin straight in the eyes with a particular intensity, as if trying to convey something.
Jin caught the message. “Alright. Got it.”
He understood Theo was being monitored and couldn’t speak freely. He raised his glass when a mental message from Theo appeared in his implant.
- I think we should only speak via implant, Jin said.
- Agree, first of all, I’m really sorry about all this. It’s been three months since the Board, and Nathan especially, have become obsessed with immortality. I have no idea what’s driving them so hard, I swear.
Jin focused on every word flashing through his mind as Theo continued: “I get your mistrust of Omni, but from the inside, until recently, things were pretty stable. So as a friend, I have to warn you: if you change your mind and decide to work for Omni, know this isn’t your typical work environment.
- I appreciate your honesty. I haven’t decided yet, but if I do, I’d like you to come with me.
- That’s a real shame. I wish I hadn’t dragged you into this mess.
- What’s done is done. Let’s focus on what’s next.
- Alright. What do you plan to ask for? Don’t forget, you’ve got carte blanche.
- I’m not sure yet.
- When will you decide?
- Probably in two days. I’ll let you know.
- Alright. In some ways, you haven’t changed. You’re still in love with Xiao, you see an opportunity and you seize it. It’s beautiful, though I can’t imagine what’s going on in your head right now.
- Wouldn’t you do the same in my place?
- Probably… except I don’t even know what love is. I’ve never felt it. And the more time passes, the more I become humanoid than human…
- Never say never, my friend. We live longer now, you don’t know what the future holds.
- Maybe but I’m not chasing it anymore. I’m just enjoying life, come what may.
- Maybe you should leave the Plain.
- You think? Maybe, yeah. Once you're done with Omni, I’ll probably leave. After that, maybe I should try to start a family. I think I deserve it, I’ve fooled around enough.
- You’re more human than you think. You just need to get back to your roots.
As Jin tried to lift his friend’s spirits, while wrestling with the biggest decision of his life, his eyes locked with those of a man sitting at the back of the room. The man was staring intensely at Jin. Jin looked away and alerted Theo: “There’s a guy in the back watching us.
When Theo turned to look, there was no one there. “Huh? I don’t see anyone, Theo said.
When Jin looked back in the same direction, the man had indeed vanished, leaving Jin stunned.
- What did he look like? Theo asked.
- Nothing in particular.
- Weird”, Theo concluded.
The two men finished their drinks and parted ways, each carrying the weight of uncertainty.

Next:  Jin knows what he has to do. Tell Xiao the truth or protect her by lying? It's impossible to choose.
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