THE MOMENT
"WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM!??" Terry screamed at the stranger as he fought back his tears. He should have been paying more attention to where he was going; but, so should have the tall man he ran into. Terry was on his way home from the store and walking through the park. He used the last of his funds until payday to buy some cans of soft dog food. It was all he could do to make his friend comfortable. But as he crossed the bridge over a stream, he was briefly blinded by a brilliant sunlight reflection off the water. That one second distraction was enough to run into a stranger which resulted in the cans of food going over the railing and into the water below.
"I apologize...," the man replied with a deep, soft voice. "I don't know what you dropped; but, I hope it was replaceable...?" he added. He reached into his purple blazer and pulled out a thin glass card that he offered to Terry. He looked at, then at the stranger for a more thorough appraisal. He was a lean, athletic man with a bushy golden-blonde beard and dense curly hair in the same shade. His eyes sat somewhat sunken into his skull and that, along with his broad nose almost gave the man a lion-like quality. He was dressed formally with a purple suit, golden vest beneath his blazer, and a green bow tie. One look at him made it clear he was wealthy. And, he certainly seemed sincere about his apology even if Terry didn't know what he was offering. He quickly decided he might be able to get some money out of this interaction. The stream wasn't particularly deep or strong and he hoped the cans might still be salvaged.
"What's this?" Terry asked as he took the card. He wanted to dismiss it as soon as possible to get to some real money. He knew wealthy people rarely knew the actual value of money. $10 was the same as $1000 as far as they were concerned. He'd been hoping and praying for some help for his sick friend and he saw this as an opportunity presented by the universe. As those thoughts ran through his mind, he wasn't prepared to see the glass light up like a smartphone display as soon as he touched it. He brought it closer to inspect it. It was the size and thickness of a playing card but perfectly transparent. Red numbers showed the time on the front and they seemed to be hovering in the air. He flipped it over to look at it from the back; but, the numbers also changed orientation.
"It is known as a 'node'," the gentleman said. "That will enable you to engage any of the free services provided through Sharp Development, and grant you access to the AlterNet."
Terry swiped up on the node and he was thrilled to see a solid white home screen with a red scissor logo as a background. There were a handful of icons including two labeled: 'Tutorial' and 'Sharp Social Services'. He realized he was swimming in opportunities now. He still wanted to push for cash; but, if the man didn't dish anything out he could sell this gadget. It was the most futuristic smartphone he'd seen and knew it would be worth something. It was time to tell the true sob story of his life.
"Look, this'll be handy and all; but, you made me drop my dog food. I don't have time to play with whatever this is...," he waggled the node, then made a clear point by putting it in his pocket. "My buddy's very sick and I can't even afford to get him to a vet right now; that dog food cost everything I had until payday. Now he AND I will be starving for a few days instead of just me. Some cash would really help me out," he said.
"Oh dear...," the gentleman said with an appropriately apologetic expression. "Forgive me; but, I do not carry cash; it's too inconsistent from Earth to Earth," he said. "However, Sharp Development does provide free veterinary services as well; and, they are quite efficient. It's certainly probable you'll find the necessary aid within the next 12 hours if you use the node," he said. Terry's mind ignored the phrase 'Earth to Earth' in order to focus on the second part.
"You're saying they'll cure my dog for free??" he asked. The gentleman shrugged.
"Without knowing the nature of your pet's ailment, I can only promise they will give you whatever care they can."
"GIVE, you said. Right? Free??"
"Indeed," he nodded. "You'll also have access to support services for food and housing should you need them. Sharp Development is quite the corporation." Terry was finding it easy to believe him. He already proved he had advanced technology that he could give away like candy. But, his friend was in trouble. Belief and hope weren't going to be enough.
"I know you gave me that node; but do you have any proof about the rest?" he asked. "I don't want to get home and find out it was all a lie. My friend might be dying..." It was a long shot at this point. He had no recourse if the man was lying; whether he discovered it at home or here in his presence. It was a simple accident with no one at fault. If anything, it would make him look like the crazy one if he tried to get the police involved.
"Forgive me...," the gentleman shook his head. "You've caught me in somewhat of a rush and I don't have any more time to lose here." Terry knew what was coming next and he began considering whom to approach first about selling the node. But, as even as the stranger gave his answer, he looked away from Terry and at something beyond him. "However, Victoria will see that your friend gets the care he needs," the man said. Terry turned and saw a young woman in a white leather duster approaching. She had pale violet hair pulled back in a ponytail.
"Good day and good luck," the stranger walked by Terry once Victoria was close enough. They nodded at each other in familiarity; but, neither exchanged a smile.
"So, where's the sick pupper?" Victoria asked once the man was gone. Her question instantly put Terry at ease.
"This way," he said as he turned and resumed his route home. "Your friend is a really stand up guy," Terry said. "You're gonna have to thank him for me; I didn't even find out who is."
"He's Regal," Victoria said. "We're not friends," she added with a chilly, flat tone.
"His name is Regal?" Terry asked. He wanted to be sure he interpreted what she said properly. She nodded and he continued with another comment. "Seems like a you're close enough for you to come when he asked...," he said. He didn't know how it happened; but, the only explanation was that Victoria arrived at Regal's request. Terry imagined there was some other futuristic technology at play somehow.
"I didn't show up because he asked," Victoria shook her head. They reached the park boundary and Terry turned toward his home. "I showed up because my boss said to do what he asks."
"Oh...," Terry replied. "Does that mean your boss is his friend?"
"No," Victoria giggled. "It doesn't."