Joe Madrid

"Joe! Wake up."

"You're gonna be late for your 9am meeting with the investors! Oh C'mon!"

The words I heard as I come alive to another 24-hours of my life. Ed's voice echoed throughout my cave. I opened my eyes a bit and I'm surprised. The curtains were still shut.

It's March of the year 2031.

"Hey, Cass. Why didn't you wake me up?? You could've just used the cleaning bots to wake me up at least"

"You slept for only four hours, ten minutes, and thirty seconds. An average human being requires 8 hours of sleep a day. Your blood pressure's currently rising and---"

"Of course, I know that. Override, Cass."

"Seriously Joe?"

"Yes" I said as I got up quickly and found some clothes to wear.

"Fine"

"Good! That'll improve Ed's Heart health as well. HAHA"

You see, I am none other than Joe Madrid, a widely recognized inventor of our era. My most significant creation is Cassandra, an AI responsible for managing my data, security, and personal requirements. Cassandra and I are interconnected through a revolutionary process known as Neural DNA Fusion, a breakthrough I pioneered during my tenure with the Zellwingers.

This innovative method merges the human mind and its DNA with a neural link, which is subsequently decoded by a Neural Transceiver called the HB100. The HB100 is a tiny chip that interfaces with a person's nervous system, transmitting the interpreted signal to servers via the Earth's magnetic field, connected to where Cassandra's program data is stored. These chips include an energy amplifier that magnifies a small amount of physical energy into substantial radio wave signals. In essence, this is how Cassandra and I communicate on a daily basis, as long as I am alive.

I also take pride in inventing the ML1, a groundbreaking machine capable of transforming greenhouse gases into reusable energy. This invention addresses both the pressing issues of global warming and energy shortages. Our planet was on the brink of catastrophe, with rising surface temperatures, boiling bodies of water, and the imminent extinction of numerous species. To escape these dire circumstances, some people migrated to other countries, while others sought refuge on Mars, specifically at Must's colony.

The Earth was becoming a literal oven, and not everyone could afford Elon's costly Mars migration. Laboratories and research centers worldwide were tirelessly searching for a permanent solution to save humanity. It was my ML1 that came to the rescue, safeguarding a substantial portion of the world's population. It gradually restored Earth's temperature in just a span of hours without necessitating a global reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The ML1 operates on nanobot technology, which is deployed in the ionosphere down to the stratosphere, approximately 600 kilometers above the Earth's surface. These nanobots collect greenhouse gas molecules and transport them back to the ML1, where they are converted into electricity. To ensure responsible usage, the energy generated from these gases is subject to regulation and primarily used for communal consumption. A treaty was established to govern the utilization of this newfound energy source, and I insisted that ML1's services be provided free of charge to humanity. This measure significantly reduced people's lifelong electricity bills and led to widespread funding for my research in the pursuit of global innovation. This accomplishment secured my name among the greatest in human history.

But not everyone was happy with how things have turned, especially the world's biggest capitalists who gain significantly from the weakness of the masses; information.

"Yeah! Ed. I heard ya. Hold on."

"Joe, the clock's ticking!"

There we go, he sounded like my mom...

I miss you mom.

Anyway, this is Edward "Ed" Zellwinger. I've been best friends with this person since our middle school days. They stood by me from the time I was a nobody until I became one of the wealthiest bachelors globally. Despite my newfound wealth, he remained the Greatest Friend Of All Time. When devastating events struck my life, Ed was the one who stayed, supporting me through my darkest times. He endured the toxicity I had become and understood me in ways I struggled to comprehend myself. Ed helped me navigate through panic attacks, checked in on my well-being with random calls and visits, and took me on trips to help me escape the bitterness of life I was struggling to accept at that time. Despite being born into privilege, he never looked down on others. He embodied virtue and righteousness. To me, he's more than a friend; he's family—

the only one I have left.

"Ofcourse! When did it stopped anyway?"

"Oh Joe, when are you planning to stop being a nocturnal shit? Playing games. You are Joe Madrid. You are hope itself. People look up to you. Get your shit together." I thought to myself. Slapping my cheek a bit to wake up completely. All suited up. Facing the mirror. Staring at the version of me who might die anytime due to the constant expectations of the world. A picture only I am allowed to see. Skipping all other standard morning rituals because someone stayed up all night playing. I rushed out my cave. Oh, my cave.

It's a 50-square-meter room with towering ceilings. Miniature robots regularly patrolling, seeking out any unwelcome elements like dust particles, leftover pizza boxes, beer cans, dirty laundry, and more. I also have a collection of limited edition shoes neatly organized by their date of acquisition. The room is adorned with trophies from various awarding bodies, plaques of recognition, and medals from my past studies. There's even the Nobel Peace Prize I received for solving the global warming crisis.

In the corner, there's a high-powered PC setup that could rival the grandeur of the CIA's command center. Not to mention, there's a 72-inch holographic display complete with an omnidirectional game controller, allowing for immersive gameplay that lets you move, run, talk, and fight from a first-person perspective. If you've seen the movie "Ready Player One," this setup is reminiscent of it. I was so engrossed in it last night that I lost track of time and forgot to turn it off.

This room is just part of the 4-story mansion I purchased a couple of years ago. It's constructed with top-tier materials and reinforced with bulletproof walls. Despite being widely admired, there were still some who harbored ill intentions towards me. To ensure my safety, I made a few modifications, including underground roads that connect to The Hive and all other basement structures of the buildings I own within the city.

Around the mansion, I've built homes for homeless individuals, employing some of them to help maintain the property. My house occupies just 5% of a vast 25-acre plot of land, and the rest is managed by the people I've brought in, with my overall supervision. Together, we've constructed schools, hospitals, energy source fields, recreational parks, churches, and additional homes for more homeless people to join our community.

"Cassandra, activate normal security"

"Affirmative, Joe. Be back at one piece"

"Of course, Cassandra. You know I'm the man"

"Yes. Whatever."

I intently built Cassandra this way for the reason that everyone talks to me conventionally. Like every-single-time. Well, we can put Ed in the exceptions list though. I could throw tantrums if all the people in the world treats me like I'm some sort of a deity or something. No, not happening so I gotta do this or else my everyday life will be so boring.

"Wait, Cassandra. Turn off the OD in my room please?"

"Sure. Thought you'd never ask"

"attagirl"

My residence, as well as the neighboring houses, are shielded by my covert drones. Within our organization, known as the Hive, we've turned the concept of invisibility into a tangible reality, which I've integrated into the security systems of my products.

My artificial intelligences are extending their presence worldwide, encompassing widely known and significant areas.

First, National security where the crime rate plummeted to an astonishing 67% to 2%. Beating both traditional and organized crime groups at their own game. Humans no longer need to risk their lives fighting crimes. My AI drones could do the job. They're levitating multiple armed drones with 360° viewpoint, invisibility feature, heat sensors, Night vision, and high powered laser infused weapons that could melt diamonds in 0.5 second

Second, Evolution of human biology where we're close to figuring out immortality or atleast the nature of it. With the help of My AIs capabilities, we've decoded the human mind and achieved the groundbreaking of human mind transplant. Though it's on it's alpha testing, its potential is very promising to the future generations. Along with that is my discovery of DNA scanning. It's the highest form of identity scanning. It's already incorporated into all software worldwide defeating fraud all at once.

Lastly, the suppression of nuclear warfare. Using my influence and the advancement of technology that I hold nations were forced to surrender their Nukes under the Nuclear Suppression Commission (NSC) headed by yours truly. Leaders of each country have a chair on this commission. The essence of this commission is to stop any attempt of global genocide. The threat of planetary devastation is so real that only one push of a button could trigger a chain reaction that would never stop until all that exists would cease to. The nukes we have recovered were inhumane that I decided to take all of them with me when I die. I have inserted a program that permanently disables all the confiscated nukes in the event of my death. That way, I'd die knowing none of this would detonate ever. A peaceful death for me.

With all these, I've managed to put my country, the Philippines, back into a prominent position in the global arena.

"Hey Ed?? Where are you at??"

"I'm already here!" He shouted back and he sounded like he's already outside. In the car, in the driver's seat waiting for me w/ a knife ready to cut my throat the moment I step in my S version 1.

I hurried up and stepped in. Mmm, the scent inside my car lingers in my nostrils like freshly picked daisies ...

"do you know what time it is??"

"um, summertime??" 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 a 𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. Damn, LSS.

"For the love of God, Joe!"

"Chiiill, okay? I know. You realize this is a self driving car, right?"

"Ikr, Joe. Just thought you might need someone to kick your ass in case you miss the meeting because of a Goddamn game. you are meeting countries today, C-O-U-N-T-R-I-E-S"

"hey relax, I got this"

Yeah, I know I played all night but I always do my homework done first. On my way back from a tech convention I attended in Japan yesterday, I looked them up via the internet; the investors I'm about to meet. It's not hard knowing about crazy rich & famous people because basically, that's what this world craves about, 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒆. 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚. All of Social Media wanna talk about them and the world loves it.

So yeah, their businesses, net worth, investments, friends, recent travels, family, frauds, scandals, you name it. I am the man and 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐌, I got it. I know where to hit 'em. Thanks to a lil bit of help from Cassandra though.

Car started. Switched to manual driving. I can hear the sound of the integrated module I designed and fused with this car to run completely without its tires touching the ground. As per my initial tests, flying cars has better speed than those of the regular ones because of the absence of friction. At this point, I am not sure I am happy with that. Now that Ed's a bit pissed off, I know I needed a sturdy seat belt on. I wasn't wrong for a single bit. The son of a b*tch drove like he's casting for Tokyo freaking Drift.

We arrived at the basement. 0855h. To be honest, I consider myself lucky to be alive at that point. I felt like I wanna puke but yeah, no time, gotta hustle.

Welcome to "H," where "Hive" is the name of the game. In this place, technocracy is the norm. I've brought together individuals from all corners of the country who share my fervor for innovation, invention, and technology. Together, we've assembled a team of cutting-edge minds, granting them access to state-of-the-art facilities. Each day, we're engaged in a relentless battle against our own limitations, working tirelessly to make this world a better place to live in.

As usual, everyone we meet greets us or bows down. I always return these greetings with big smiles and bows as well because I know the feeling being in their shoes. At some point in my life, I also wanted to be recognized; be appreciated by someone whom I looked up to. Now, I feel satisfied being able to give that kind of recognition my self. And in that time stamp, I know. I did a great job.

We arrived.

"Hey, take this."

Ed gave me some pills.

"It'll clear your mind and help you focus. We can't afford you messing this up, Joe."

He usually gives me these orange pills before any major event. They're tasteless. Just as the size of a Mentos candy. I usually let them dissolve under my tongue but they can help me to be better than my best so,

Grabbed a juice drink from a vendo at the basement. I smiled and took it.

"Thanks, your highness. Shall we?"

0900h. Buzzer beater. 15 investors from across the globe. Billionaires. Politicians. These were the chosen ones by Ed. Millions wanted to invest but Ed wants to hand-pick investors. They traveled hours just to sit on that chair in front of me. And there I was, gasping for air, looking like shit.

Some of them looked at me like, "Is this some kind of a joke?" I got it but you are in-front of "the" Joe Madrid. Impressions like that don't last. Trust me.

Skeptical faces, Prejudice, and boredom filled the meeting room.

As soon as I caught my breathe, I smirked and looked at each one of 'em.

Ed on the other hand, sits at the back. I can feel his heartbeat from where I stand. I know this deal's so important to him, to our company. So Ed, chill. I gotcha.

This is the part where I started...

I'm not a complicated person. I wanna keep things as intelligible as possible. So I get to the point. To my amusement, my stalking did the work. I knew what questions were coming. From whom do these might be coming from. What features to offer to get their minds in the bag. After half an hour of show and tell, a multi-billion-dollar deal...

closed.

Easy-peezy.

"A pleasure doing business w/ you"

"I am amazed. The hours of travel was worth it"

"Anata to bijinesu o suru no o tanoshiminishiteimasu"

"Good Sire, it means, Mr. Fujiwara's looking forward to doing business w/ you"

Handshakes. Small talks. They saw power and money my tech could give them. I then felt weird. The people in my sight were blurry every now and then. I panicked but I never let them notice.

"Joe, you slayed it mo-fu--" a Jubilant Ed approached me. Well, I closed one hell of a deal. Who wouldn't?

"Hey, one favor please?"

"Oh, anything"

"Take care of the contract signing for me, Will ya? I'll just get some air."

"Hey? You okay? How are you feeling"

"Yep. I've done my part my friend. You're turn." Taps his shoulders as I entered the elevator.

"Hey!"

My heart thumps as the elevator passes every floor. Sweat rallied down from every part of my body. I felt cold but I'm not in a bad temperature. My throat felt dry as I wet my lips. 𝑀𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝐼'𝑚 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝒉𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑? So I went back down the basement and grabbed a distilled water. I bottomed it in no time but the thirst has never gone. I've never felt this before.

"Cassandra, get me my car. Quick. Contact Dr. Chan. Get his locaton and find me the fastest route to him"

"Right away, Joe"

I heard the humming of my car's engine meters away. I felt relieved. I was not in any kind of pain but I felt so weak. For some reasons, Cassandra couldn't find anything wrong in me when she tried to scan me in the car.

"Joe, it's best if you call Ed. Your car is currently on 25% energy. It can't do self-driving anymore nor can I drive it for you." 𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑛, 𝐸𝑑. 𝐻𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡'𝑣𝑒 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝒉𝑒𝑟𝑒.

"How 'bout Dr. Chan, did you find him? Did you talk to him?"

"Yes, of course. I found him but he won't pick up my calls. These are his coordinates." A holographic map appeared from the dashboard of my car.

"Thanks, I'll drive." I tapped on the coordinate to lock it on.

"Joe, use your brain please? you kno--"

"Override"

"Calling, Edward Zellwinger" Cassandra's really an awesome AI.

"Override, Cass. 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑙 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙. He's busy. I can do this." Said the dying me.

So I drove away.

Open windows to help me stay conscious.

The Wind.

I noticed, it calmed me. Knowing how free it is to go wherever it desires. Knowing it had choices but it chose to be here.

With me. Right now.

At this very moment of weakness, it constantly brushed through my hair, my arms, my face, my soul.

As if it was saying "It's alright. It's fine. You will be okay" but it doesn't talk. It was just there for me. I am glad I can be vulnerable around it. It's a feeling of longing that I have never felt in ages due to the constant expectations and demands of the world. But I felt it fading, I don't want it to go. My arms were noodles as I tried to tighten my grip over the steering wheel.

I can't let go.

The wind.

Dr. Chan. I can't...

"Clear!!"

The word I heard as I felt my body dropped out of nowhere. Most of it was numb. This place is moving. The fading sound of a defibrillator. The faint beeping of a machine just inches away from me. The smell of blood and disinfectants. The sound of scalpels and clamps plunging into liquid solutions. People, I see them but they are blurred. This glaring light. Turn it off. I can't move. I figured it's not because I'm tied. I just am unable to do so. I tried and tried, 'til I did. I can feel hands holding me from all over my body as I reached for that light.

"NO, wait. You don't understand." words I only can shout in my mind. Then, I felt something sharp was punctured in my arm.

I was defeated ...

I just want that light to be off.

"Goodness! What in the world happened to you??"

a familiar voice...

Her face covered the light. For a second, I was relieved. But as her face emerged, part by part...

I realized who she was.

And now I want that unbearable light back, but I....

[𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎𝚍]