aOS v.2.13

The tech store was a sensory overload. Sleek gadgets lined the walls, and rows of devices showcased screens brighter and sharper than Alex remembered from this era. It was hard to reconcile the fact that some of these specs wouldn't be widespread for another seven years—at least, not in his original timeline. It felt like stepping into a time warp, one where the present was catching up with his future, inch by inch.

Alex walked past a display for the newest aPhone. Infographics besides it, highlighting its enhanced display and near-instant connectivity. "So much for 2017 tech," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

"Sure about that?" Kofi's voice chimed in through the AeroPods. Alex could almost picture him lounging, arms crossed, somewhere in the digital recesses of his screen. "Check those AeroPhones. Maybe they've finally caught up."

Alex walked past a display for the newest AeroPhones, each model promising even sharper sound and endless battery life. Kofi's voice buzzed in his ear, sounding more eager than usual. "C'mon, kid, don't just stare. Check those out—maybe they've finally made something that doesn't sound like static," he muttered, clearly hoping for a better upgrade.

Alex suppressed a smile, scrolling through the options. "Need an upgrade yourself, Kofi?"

"Let's just say I'm overdue," Kofi replied dryly.

Alex suppressed a smile and pretended to browse casually, not wanting to raise Jack's suspicion. He tapped the screen, scrolling through the AeroPhone models, each promising sharper sound and longer battery life.

As he compared models, Jack sidled up, holding a brand-new aPhone and AeroPhone set. "Alright, time to upgrade." He raised a skeptical brow as Alex hesitated. 

"Look, I know you're attached to your brick-phone for... whatever reason," he said, sounding almost apologetic, "but this won't fly with the people we're meeting. They don't respect a guy who's using something from the stone age."

Alex opened his mouth to protest. "It's discreet," he tried, clutching his old phone. "Perfect for, you know, hacking or, uh, staying under the radar."

Jack's expression didn't budge. "Hacking? Sure, that's what I thought, too—until I saw you struggling to text. Listen, you want in on the Vegas mission, you're going to need tech that doesn't make them question your credibility."

There was no arguing with Jack's tone. With a reluctant sigh, Alex accepted the sleek aPhone and AeroPhone, feeling the smooth weight of the devices in his hands. 

He glanced over at Jin, who was already picking out an upgraded aPad and the AeroPiece, a slick earpiece that linked directly with all his other devices.

Jin grinned, catching Alex's eye. "Welcome to the present, Han. Keep up with us, will you?"

Alex rolled his eyes, but deep down, he was intrigued. As they checked out, he ran his thumb along the edge of the aPhone, the smooth surface familiar yet upgraded. 

The moment he powered it on, it synced seamlessly with his digital screen, the data from his previous phone flowing like water into a new container.

He nearly dropped the phone when the screen synced fully, an unexpected flood of icons and notifications lighting up in his vision. His digital screen, previously limited to a few standard widgets, now displayed enhanced controls and features, most of which even he hadn't seen before.

Kofi's voice came through again, sounding as impressed as he could manage. "Well, look at that. They've got their hands on some real tech. Think you'll be able to keep up?"

Alex chuckled, though he sensed an edge to Kofi's tone. "I didn't think a 2017 device could handle all this."

"It can't," Kofi replied flatly. "Something's amiss. Don't expect everything to run smoothly, kid."

A small alert blinked in his vision, followed by a brief flicker. It was barely a second, but it reminded Alex that this new tech might come with challenges—especially with Kofi tagging along. He tapped the AeroPhone's settings, adjusting the connection to keep Kofi's interface steady without overloading the device.

Jin came over, admiring his new AeroPiece as they prepared to leave the store. "Alright, we're all set. Ready to hit the ground running?"

"Let's see how long these upgrades hold up," Alex muttered, adjusting to the AeroPhone in his ear. Jack and Jin gave him an amused look, interpreting his quiet complaint as hesitation rather than the genuine concern it was. He followed them out, and as they stepped into the streets, he got another flicker of a message on his digital screen.

He scanned it quickly, eyes narrowing. 

Remember, every upgrade has its price. Keep an eye out, or you might miss what's really changed.

The message vanished before he could read it a second time, leaving him with only the dim reflection of his face in the aPhone's glossy surface.

As they stepped out of the tech store and into the bustling New York streets, Alex adjusted the AeroPhone in his ear, feeling an odd, static hum through the connection. In that instant, he sensed Kofi settling into the new device, like a thread weaving itself directly into the AeroPhone's circuitry.

Just as he finished adjusting it, a subtle alert blinked on his screen. Alex squinted, focusing on the message that seemed to materialize out of nowhere:

Remember, every upgrade has its price. Watch closely, or you might miss what's really changed.

The words flickered and, before he could tap to bring the message back, it disappeared, leaving no trace in his notifications. Alex blinked, glancing around, wondering if Kofi had caught it too.

"Kofi," he whispered cautiously, hoping his digital companion would respond.

But Kofi seemed oblivious, his voice coming through, sharp and a little impatient. 

"What is it, kid? You've got that 'paranoid look' again. If it's about these new toys, just keep your eyes open and don't expect miracles. Just because they're advanced doesn't mean they're built to handle us."

Alex paused, realizing Kofi hadn't seen the message at all. Whatever it was, it was meant only for him. He felt a prickling unease, like someone—or something—was watching, testing him with this upgrade. His fingers brushed the sleek edge of the new aPhone, and he tucked it into his jacket pocket, choosing to keep the device close—but his guard closer. Whatever these upgrades held, he'd be ready.

He glanced at Jack and Jin, who were busy navigating through the crowded street, unaware of the message that had just shifted his world a little further off balance.

Jack suddenly turned to them, a grin spreading across his face. "Alright, guys, follow me. I'll guide you to our new apartment—a penthouse in Manhattan. It's going to be a hell of a view!"

"But I have an apartment here," Alex protested, a hint of confusion creeping into his voice.

"You think your landlord didn't rent that dog house after you went away to Macau for three years?" Jack shot back with a laugh.

Alex felt a mix of embarrassment and disbelief, realizing he hadn't thought about his old place in ages. A penthouse? In Manhattan? It seemed like a whole new world awaited them, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they were stepping into something far more complicated than just luxury living.