Rain pattered down through the side street, soaking Evan to the bone. Shivering in the icy breeze, he glanced up and down the alleyway, searching for a sign of Shift. This was typically the general region he appeared.

More like shifted into, Evan thought dourly. Shift is the perfect name for him. He shuffled from one foot to another, trying not to reveal any signs of betrayal. Yet, his stomach churned inside of him, and his back still throbbed at the reminder of what the Board was capable of.

Memories of his parents wormed their way into his mind, and he mentally cussed the Firewall for unearthing the one thing he’d worked so hard to forget. To distract himself, he fingered the magnetic plasma inducer in his pocket, shifting it around and around in his hands. Feelings its smooth design and contours. Imagining the designer placing the inner components just right so as to get the proper design. He knew he could take it apart and rebuild it the same way, better if not.

“You’re late.” A deep voice rumbled softly behind him.

Evan whirled around, startled by the unexpected sound. “Must you do that every time?”

Shift shrugged, leaning against a dumpster, lurking in the shadows. His neon purple eyes gazed at Evan, and Evan shivered. Could he see the betrayal happening? How much does Shift suspect or no?

“You have the item?” Shift asked. “The final piece?”

Piece of what? Evan would gladly like to know. He removed his hand from his pocket. Shielding it from the rain with his other hand, he uncurled his fingers, revealing the small magnetic plasma inducer.

Shift smiled, a gleam in his eyes Evan did not like. “You really are the best Keystroke. The Board heard rumors of a Firewall ruse, but it looks like you got away clean.”

He placed his beefy hand over the inducer firmly. “It was a pleasure working with you, Evan.”

Evan’s heart fell. Dark Web rumor had it anytime Shift used a Keystroke’s real name, the Keystroke was never heard from again. Somehow, someway, the Board had discovered his betrayal.

In a flash, Evan snatched his hand away, drawing his line in the sand. He could never hand over the magnetic plasma inducer, no matter what the Firewall asked him. He wouldn’t live to fight another day.

Shift’s purple eyes narrowed and he stepped closer. “So it’s true. Our best Keystroke has betrayed us.”

Fighting back the fear rising in his chest, Evan staggered backwards, keeping an arm’s length between Shift and himself.

Shift chuckled darkly. “You think yourself so brave, Evan? That you can take freedom into your own hands? You will never be free of the Board.” He whipped out a large machete and advanced towards Evan. Lightning cracks reflected in his purple eyes. “Are you ready to be erased, Keystroke?”

Evan whirled around and fled, but he didn’t get far. A deafening explosion rocked the alleyway. Evan sailed forwards into the brick wall, and his world crumbled into inky darkness.