Advanced Technology

Jay

"Do you actually believe him?" I ask Anon while Rin uses the gas station restroom. 

"HA! NO! I mean, I believe he believes it. When he was telling us about it, his entire demeanor changed. I get a weird vibe from him most of the time, but I don't feel it anymore. I think it's because he is telling his version of the truth. He doesn't seem to be a dangerous person, but I don't trust him." Anon says as he returns the gas nozzle to its place. 

"Yeah, I agree. He seems to believe it. You could tell he felt guilty, too. It actually feels like he replaced Rin. I think it's best to go along with it for now." I say. 

Rin walks out from the store holding a book. Where did he get that? Rin glances around before getting into the car. 

"Whatcha got there?" I ask Rin, tapping on the cover of the book. 

"It's a guidebook of Dalmane. I didn't know anything about this country, and it was free, so I grabbed it. I figured I could start with this while we drive." Rin says with a big grin. 

I haven't seen him smile like that before. It made my heart flutter. 

"Wait? This is your world map? Zalall?" Rin asks, seemingly shocked. 

"Uh yeah, why?" I say, glancing over at the map he was asking about. 

"My world's map is similar. Not the names or borders, but the land mass itself. It's identical." Rin looks up at me and glances back at the book. 

"Look, this is where I grew up. Kervini is what you call it, but we call it Eten. I lived in the capital, Teradi City." 

Rin really does have a whole other world inside his head. He even has the names of countries. It's almost convincing. 

The whole ride, Rin had his face stuck in the guidebook. I would try to talk to him now and then, but he would only respond with a "hmm." I thought he wasn't paying attention to our surroundings, but anytime a car would come close, he would look up. He has impressive spatial awareness. As we pull up to the jail, we are stopped at the gate by half a dozen security guards. 

"Good morning, your Highness; we have been expecting you. As part of the protocol, we will have to do a D.ID scan of anyone entering the building. Please hold out your index fingers." One of the security guards says as he pulls out the D.ID scanner. 

"What is D.ID?" Rin asks as he holds his index finger out the window. 

"DNA Identification. Everyone has a DNA sample added to our country's database when they are born or immigrate to Dalmane. If you are a legal citizen, you have a D.ID. We also have physical IDs for less formal situations." I explain as the security guard pricks my finger with the scanner. 

"Oh, so kinda like a fingerprint scanner," Rin says with a smile. 

"What? A fingerprint scanner was banned three decades ago. It was too easy to fake and was inaccurate." Anon says in an annoyed tone. 

Most people our age don't even know what a fingerprint scanner is. 

"Oh. I guess that makes sense." Rin says, examining the spot on his finger where he was pricked. 

"I am sorry, your Highness, but there seems to be something wrong with your bodyguard's scan. He isn't in our database." The security guard says while scratching his head. 

"What? He was just at the hospital two days ago. They drew all kinds of blood." I say dumbfounded. 

"The hospital doesn't check D.ID. They have to treat everyone who enters the hospital seeking help. Regardless of citizen status. Billing also doesn't use D.ID." Anon explains. 

Rin looks over at me, confused. 

"I am sorry, Your Highness, but he may not enter. In fact, we are instructed to detain anyone without a D.ID." The security guard says, reaching for the door handle. He opens the door and pulls Rin out of the car. Rin actually looks scared. 

"Hey! There is no need to do this. He can wait outside. I am the Prince; there is no need to detain him." I say with a stern tone. 

I am trying to hide my panic. This is the last thing we need. Why doesn't he have a D.ID? Anon did all kinds of background checks, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. 

"You are right. You are the second highest-ranking official in our country. I should know my place." The security guard lets go of Rin's arm. 

Rin rubs his arm where he was grabbed. 

"Here, take my card and go to the café across the street and wait. You wrote up a list of questions you have for Greg Lowe, right? Hand it to me, and I will make sure to get answers." I say, holding out a black, silver card. 

Rin passes me his list. 

Rin bows his head and says, "I am sorry for the inconvenience, your highness." 

I nod my head and wave goodbye as Anon pulls the car in and passes the gate.