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whatif_au2024-07-20 01:52 am
but_can_i_be_trusted) wrote in whatif_au2024-07-20 01:52 am
Entry tags:
[Challenge #62: Punk AU] Original Fiction: 'Memory Delving'
Title: 'Memory Delving'
Author:but_can_i_be_trusted
Fandom: Original Fiction
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Notes: Crossposted togenprompt_bingo
Summary: "We each have our own interests to safeguard."
"Of course, you know that Memory Delving is against the law," Kerwin explained, though he'd already walked his prospective client through all of the necessary precautions. "Once an individual chooses to 'forget' something permanently, those memories aren't meant to be regained. They're supposed to be locked into the mainframe for six months, before being wiped entirely, if the individual in question happens to change their minds, and requests a retrieval. And it's been..." He checked the paperwork. "Nine months since your download into Ultra Memory. Not just anyone would be sitting here, talking to you, contemplating these actions. Whether you choose to proceed or not, our interactions must be strictly top-secret, for both our sakes."
"I understand completely," Harwood agreed. "I wouldn't have it any other way but top-secret. We're businessmen, you and I. Neither of us can afford to be linked to Memory Delving." The go-betweens who'd helped him to arrange this rendezvous had already willingly had their involvement downloaded, in order to protect everyone involved. Otherwise, there'd be hot water aplenty for everyone to land in. "We each have our own interests to safeguard."
Kerwin nodded. "Absolutely. I trust that you also realize that, as your request is coming to me three months past the expiration date, the memory that you're asking me to retrieve may be damaged. I've done enough post-expiration retrievals to see what time can do. You may find that certain details are blurry; others may be missing, entirely. As per our contractual agreement, I cannot be made to assume responsibility for incomplete memories."
"Naturally. I'm fully prepared to see flaws here and there. And I'm certain that I can work around those imperfections."
"Then it's settled." The two rose, sharing in a firm handshake that neither would admit was strong enough to hurt. "I'll be in touch regarding fitting you into my schedule. You'll have to be patient; I have several downloads scheduled for the next few weeks, along with a few more...legal memory retrievals. I'll be ready to plug you into the Memory Delving mainframe sometime within the month, if everything works out. We'll discuss my fee once the retrieval is complete."
Slipping into his overcoat, Harwood nodded on his way out. He glanced around, making sure that no one saw him. "I look forward to hearing from you soon, then. Thank you, and good night."
"The same to you."
Kerwin smirked, locking the door behind his visitor. Resuming his seat at his desk, he pulled up the holorecording that he'd been taking of the meeting. It wouldn't do to have the playback run anything but smoothly.
Harwood was up to no good. It hardly took an underground Memory Delving request to make Kerwin realize that much. One did not become one of the wealthiest businessmen in the sector by possessing scruples. Kerwin didn't know just what memory would be asked of him; but it was sure to be something well worth remembering, himself. A little harmless blackmail ought to be good, clean fun, by comparison.
What was the worst that could happen, anyway? Memory Delving brought with it severe penalties. Any memory that one chose to be uploaded to Ultra Memory, if chosen by a man in an important position, was assumed to be better left wiped beyond recovery. That left Harwood in no position to risk his reputation by dragging Kerwin to court.
To his satisfaction, the recording played perfectly. Excellent. Soon, Harwood would have more to pay than mere retrieval fees.
Ordinary Ultra Memory downloader during office hours...simultaneous Memory Delver and blackmailer behind the backs of the public. It was a delicate balancing act. And he loved it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harwood breathed a sigh of relief as he climbed into his hovercab. Thank God that was over.
It was a difficult balancing act, utilizing his public persona as a powerful and merciless businessman, while acting undercover to snag Memory Delvers. And he hated it. Hated painting himself more ruthless than he was, all for the sake of aiding the legal system. He was proud to do his part, but compromising his reputation sometimes made him ill.
But somebody had to find the core of the illicit retrievals. There were myriad reasons for the illegality of Memory Delving, the greatest of those being the potential for blackmail.
This Kerwin fellow...all of Harwood's information indicated that he was the worst of the lot. The wrong memory, placed in his way, could bring down families, corporations, even entire governments. Enough lives had been ruined by Memory Delvers like Kerwin.
Harwood looked forward to their next meeting. If only to get it over with.
Author:
but_can_i_be_trustedFandom: Original Fiction
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Notes: Crossposted to
genprompt_bingoSummary: "We each have our own interests to safeguard."
"Of course, you know that Memory Delving is against the law," Kerwin explained, though he'd already walked his prospective client through all of the necessary precautions. "Once an individual chooses to 'forget' something permanently, those memories aren't meant to be regained. They're supposed to be locked into the mainframe for six months, before being wiped entirely, if the individual in question happens to change their minds, and requests a retrieval. And it's been..." He checked the paperwork. "Nine months since your download into Ultra Memory. Not just anyone would be sitting here, talking to you, contemplating these actions. Whether you choose to proceed or not, our interactions must be strictly top-secret, for both our sakes."
"I understand completely," Harwood agreed. "I wouldn't have it any other way but top-secret. We're businessmen, you and I. Neither of us can afford to be linked to Memory Delving." The go-betweens who'd helped him to arrange this rendezvous had already willingly had their involvement downloaded, in order to protect everyone involved. Otherwise, there'd be hot water aplenty for everyone to land in. "We each have our own interests to safeguard."
Kerwin nodded. "Absolutely. I trust that you also realize that, as your request is coming to me three months past the expiration date, the memory that you're asking me to retrieve may be damaged. I've done enough post-expiration retrievals to see what time can do. You may find that certain details are blurry; others may be missing, entirely. As per our contractual agreement, I cannot be made to assume responsibility for incomplete memories."
"Naturally. I'm fully prepared to see flaws here and there. And I'm certain that I can work around those imperfections."
"Then it's settled." The two rose, sharing in a firm handshake that neither would admit was strong enough to hurt. "I'll be in touch regarding fitting you into my schedule. You'll have to be patient; I have several downloads scheduled for the next few weeks, along with a few more...legal memory retrievals. I'll be ready to plug you into the Memory Delving mainframe sometime within the month, if everything works out. We'll discuss my fee once the retrieval is complete."
Slipping into his overcoat, Harwood nodded on his way out. He glanced around, making sure that no one saw him. "I look forward to hearing from you soon, then. Thank you, and good night."
"The same to you."
Kerwin smirked, locking the door behind his visitor. Resuming his seat at his desk, he pulled up the holorecording that he'd been taking of the meeting. It wouldn't do to have the playback run anything but smoothly.
Harwood was up to no good. It hardly took an underground Memory Delving request to make Kerwin realize that much. One did not become one of the wealthiest businessmen in the sector by possessing scruples. Kerwin didn't know just what memory would be asked of him; but it was sure to be something well worth remembering, himself. A little harmless blackmail ought to be good, clean fun, by comparison.
What was the worst that could happen, anyway? Memory Delving brought with it severe penalties. Any memory that one chose to be uploaded to Ultra Memory, if chosen by a man in an important position, was assumed to be better left wiped beyond recovery. That left Harwood in no position to risk his reputation by dragging Kerwin to court.
To his satisfaction, the recording played perfectly. Excellent. Soon, Harwood would have more to pay than mere retrieval fees.
Ordinary Ultra Memory downloader during office hours...simultaneous Memory Delver and blackmailer behind the backs of the public. It was a delicate balancing act. And he loved it.
Harwood breathed a sigh of relief as he climbed into his hovercab. Thank God that was over.
It was a difficult balancing act, utilizing his public persona as a powerful and merciless businessman, while acting undercover to snag Memory Delvers. And he hated it. Hated painting himself more ruthless than he was, all for the sake of aiding the legal system. He was proud to do his part, but compromising his reputation sometimes made him ill.
But somebody had to find the core of the illicit retrievals. There were myriad reasons for the illegality of Memory Delving, the greatest of those being the potential for blackmail.
This Kerwin fellow...all of Harwood's information indicated that he was the worst of the lot. The wrong memory, placed in his way, could bring down families, corporations, even entire governments. Enough lives had been ruined by Memory Delvers like Kerwin.
Harwood looked forward to their next meeting. If only to get it over with.
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