The Past, Rewired

[thisDerius]

Derius exhaled slowly, his gaze drifting down to the amber liquid swirling in his glass. The dim lighting of the bar cast long shadows across the table, the faint hum of conversation and distant clinking of glasses creating an ambient backdrop. His fingers tapped idly against the smooth surface of the table, his cybernetic limbs making a barely audible metallic tick with each motion.

"I am familiar with the history of Ingenuus and the Zoners," he murmured, his voice carrying a thoughtful weight. "It is not perfect, but it is useful." His eyes lingered on the drink for a moment longer before he lifted it to his lips, tilting his head back and downing the Sidewinder in one smooth motion. The sharp, sour burn barely registered—it was a taste he had long since grown accustomed to.

The empty glass met the table with a dull clink as he set it down. With a subtle shift, he adjusted his posture, his hands pressing against the table as he prepared to stand.

"Lead the way," he said, his tone cool but direct. His eyes met his companion’s, unwavering. "I understand you have important work to get back to, and I would hate to occupy your research time any longer."

His expression remained neutral, but there was an unspoken urgency beneath his words. Time was always against him, and the faster they moved, the closer he would be to breaking the encryption.

Derius pushed the chair back slightly, rising to his feet with a smooth motion, his coat shifting slightly as he adjusted it over his cybernetic frame. His right hand flexed instinctively—an old habit, muscle memory still lingering despite the modifications.

One way or another, this was just the beginning.