CyberTech Worlds Clash
Chapter X
Wonderland
"Mr. and Mrs. Granger - please try not to worry your selves too much," said a young medical technician as he spoke with Hermione Granger and her parents as Harry, Amy, and Ginny led her brothers, father and Sirius around for a quick look around some of the building.
"This is a new form of bone cancer unlike any we've seen before. It's very odd indeed. It seems to start on your marrow working its way out like-like, umm… I suppose like I would imagine a trickle of liquid nitrogen into the bones-."
"W-what? But t-that's bad right?" Mr. Granger asked worriedly before his daughter managed to comment.
Mr. Granger was a pale man, like his daughter while they both contrasted greatly to Mrs. Grangers dark skin. His hair was light brown and wispy as it thinned and he had blue eyes while his wife's hair was dark brown, near black and frizzy, cut to her neck, and she had dark hazel eyes like her daughter.
It had come as a surprise to Mr. and Mrs. Granger that their daughter had requested that they hurry to CyberTech headquarters immediately, and even more surprising as they were led in straightaway and into their Medical facility B5.
However, discovering their daughter had been taken on as a patient by some of the best doctors in the world because of - of this was incredible, and now they were both concerned.
It could be something to do with magic and Mr. Granger found himself so worried he would most likely end up blabbing if he was not careful. His wife was always so much calmer when it came to – well everything. It had always frustrated him to have to explain to people why Hermione was white while her mother was black. Though, he was surprised the doctor hadn't brought it up, most did, doctors included, but maybe Hermione already clued them in or something; it would be just like her to head things off like that.
How hard was it for people to know that these things sometimes happened? It could happen completely the opposite way – well it was more common the other way. They were normally expecting half-and-half, but they both loved Hermione no matter what.
"Yes, I'm afraid so," the doctor agreed after a short paused where Mr. Granger started as his mind tended to run wild and off tangent when worried, especially when it came to their only child. His wife started him further as she took his hand and gave him a gentle smile before they returned their full attention to the doctor
"However," the doctor quickly continued, "we do have some experimental regeneration treatments and therapies we shall be using. Hopefully over the next few months the progression should have lessened.
"Anyway, we do not feel that she is in any immediate danger as its progress is slow at best, and we have caught it at a very early stage. Though, if it does have some kind of outside cause, any continued exposure will escalate its progression. Hopefully Miss. Granger you shall, if all things go to plan be fit and free of this within an estimated twelve-month treatment period."
Hermione nodded while looking both relieved and worried. "B-but these treatments will work, right?"
The doctor nodded. "I believe so Miss. Granger, as your illness is not very advanced and we've caught it in such early development," he spoke reassuring her again with a soft smile. "But nothing can be one hundred per cent; you should understand that."
Hermione nodded her head while her mother wrapped her arms around her from where they sat side by side and gave her a motherly kiss on the cheek.
"May I ask," the doctor said slowly before carrying on at the nods he received, "whether you have, in the last six months or so been anywhere unusual as it may allow us to discover a source of your cancerous cells?"
"I-I well…" she began but trailed off and shook her head even though she was sure she could mention magical things, and from his look was sure that what he was asking.
"Hermione," her mother interrupted in worried reprimand. "He's a doctor and trying to help, I'm sure if you even have the smallest of ideas you should tell him even if it's about you know what."
"I-I… I can't mum," she answered. "I could get into some serious trouble," she said while biting her lower lip as she thought it over. She doubted the magical world could do anything to her with CyberTech backing her up and the Ministry didn't seem to care that Amy joined the Muggles.
"She's a witch," her father just blurted out.
Hermione's parents had expected the doctor to look surprised and unbelieving, but he just nodded. "I see," he nodded again. "Mr. Avalon has been kind enough to get us a wealth of books on 'potions'. The cures and treatments within are incredible; even the possibility to regrown limbs.
"We have started analysing ingredients for potential synthesis and use of their component parts for more effect and the possibility of putting them into more convenient uses. Therefore, I believe it is safe to inform me as it may help us devise a potential protection, so others won't have to suffer the bother of long treatments."
"I-it was three months ago when Prof… when my boss asked me to head to a magical prison called Azkaban," she began nervously. "There was this man imprisoned and he promised information if he was placed in minimum security, so I was sent. Well, the prison has these ghouls guarding it. Their very presence sends a frozen cold through your bones and sucks the happiness out of the air. They can also 'kiss' the soul out of people. But if it was from them then what about the people working there?"
The doctor had just stared at her for a moment before his face turned into a look of disgust. "Y-you torture your criminals?" he demanded outraged.
"Hey, I don't like it any more than you," she retorted heatedly. "I can't stop the corrupt jerks, and the fact without the criminals to feed on they'll run amok and start feeding on the emotions of innocent people."
"I see," he replied in thought. "My apologies' Miss. Granger I was out of line as I had not all of the facts and let my emotions go unchecked, but it seems these creatures could be responsible for your current condition. If I may could you tell me of their weaknesses, I'm sure like most creatures do."
She nodded. "The only thing capable is a charm that focuses positive emotions to create a barrier, but I'm unsure whether it can destroy them or not. I suppose if it were strong enough. Also, eating chocolate after exposure dulls the effects away and brings back the warmth."
"Thank you. We'll have to get some books on these things," he muttered to himself as he typed away at his computer. "These things sound dangerous," he finished up and turned back to Hermione and her parents. "Sorry about that. I was just sending up the information to the head of research and development for evaluation."
"T-that's quite alright thank you," Hermione said quietly. "So, umm… when is my first appointment."
"Oh, right yes, let's see," he mumbled before getting to work on his computer. "How is tomorrow afternoon and two thirty? Doctor McGuiness will be free to begin your treatment."
"That's fine; thank you doctor."
CyberTech CyberTech CyberTech
"Say what?" asked Sirius as Harry was showing them a large garage space under the building staring at two little plastic dog things (after a lot of other cool stuff) pouncing around yipping happily with bright eyes and occasionally different types and coloured fur which materialized on them making them look almost real. "T-they're dogs?"
"Cyber-pets," said Amy smugly and proudly as she glared at Sirius. "They're really cute. I can't wait till they're working properly so I can get one. I was thinking about a kitty, but that won't be for a few years."
"Yip yip!" one cried out jumping up his leg.
"Well I suppose they are kind of, ahh crap that hurt," Sirius said angrily as he kicked one as it bit him, and he kicked it away and it ran to hide behind Ginny's legs.
Ginny glared at him. "Don't kick it; these things are both worth five million pounds each unless you're going to pay to have it repaired?"
Sirius shook his hands in defence. "Sorry, but it freaking bit me."
"It doesn't even have any teeth," Amy muttered while rolling her eyes.
"Maybe not but it still pinched," he complained. "And now it's hiding from me. Harry, you said these things can't feel."
"It's just reacting to behavioural programming," he answered. "I have yet to interrogate any form of AI or EPU as I'm unsure whether I should."
"Why not?" asked one of the twins. "That would make them like Seraph right, which is totally cool."
"And if I built millions and they broke free of humans and decided to take over the world, who, is going to stop them? You?" he retorted smugly.
"T-they could do that?"
"No, but I'm not sure about the ethical ramifications," he replied. "They could potentially be classed as a sentient life form. Therefore, it stands to reason that some nutbar SJWs down the road will start calling it slavery. So, I guess close facsimiles is as close as one can get."
"But they are still brilliant," Arthur said still awed by them as he watched them play and change and not having a clue what an SJW was but knew from Harry's tone they were terribly frustrating people.
CyberTech CyberTech CyberTech
"Hermione - are you sure you'll be alright?" her father asked in worry as she led them back to the lobby.
"I'll be fine dad," she replied. "Harry, umm... Mr. Avalon has said I can say here the night with Amanda and Ginny, so they'll be with me. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"
They both sighed but her mother gave her a big hug and a smile. "I know you're old enough to look after yourself, but we still worry," her mother said while she gave her dad a quick hug. "The Magical World isn't safe and what you've just been telling us about Dumbledore I think you would be better off quitting your job. Perhaps you could get something here. You are very bright and know a lot about magic, and best friends with the boss's sister."
"Mum, dad," she sighed. "Just go home and be careful okay, and phone me when you get in."
"Okay sweetie, bye."
And her parents left. Hermione sighed and slipped back into the lift, but it moved without her offering a command. She had startled as she took note of the older woman in the lift with her. That was strange. She must have slipped in while she was saying her farewell to her parents.
The woman had bright blonde hair down to her shoulders and dark blue eyes behind some stylish silver framed glasses with a long white coat with ID badge pinned on the left, open to show off her dark blue dress and huge cleavage, and shoes that Hermione knew would kill her to wear.
Hermione caught the grimace at staring, but she couldn't help it from the way her make up was perfect, shadowing her eyes with red painted lips, nails, feet, and fingers, and she had flawless skin.
"So, you're Hermione Granger; the young woman who has made us aware of the possible need to exterminate a horde of soul sucking daemons?" the woman suddenly asked with a smirk on her perfectly red lips. Hermione could only nod. "Well it's nice to meet you; I'm Cornelia Cline head of R and D…"
Hermione gulped as this woman could play the part of Aphrodite, and she held her hand out to shake. Hermione nervously took the older woman's hand and Cornelia shook tight but wouldn't let go as she licked her lips in a gently suggestive way like she could read minds or took great pleasure in making people around her squirm. She was obviously well aware of herself and liked to play games. She probably got on well with Ginny and Amy.
"I couldn't help but overhear," Cornelia began. "Mainly because I was eavesdropping, after all the walls have ears… that your parents want you to quit your job… and to get a safer job away from some… twisted old man…" she paused with a wicked grin as she moved closer.
"They seem to think you're a bit on the clever side… said you know a lot about magic. I could use a girl like you… for more than just my mana related… assistant. The position holds apprenticeships in many fields and even full schooling if you choose. I have plenty of staff that would love to have a witch as a part of their team in my department, myself included, and I'm the boss so I guess if you were to accept my offer your butt is mine, figuratively speaking of course."
She added the last few words with a wink and her tone sounded as if the last four words were the lie. Hermione could easily tell the woman liked to tease people even though she didn't give off some kind of vibe that says she was either gay or at the least bisexual. Though, that really didn't matter to Hermione, (heck she found out from the Orders attack that Ginny and Amy were bi or gay; she wasn't sure on that and it hadn't come up), but the woman was throwing her a huge opportunity. Not only was she offering her a job at CyberTech in R&D of all places but in her own personal team.
Hermione was brought out of her thoughts as the lift stopped and opened. She wasn't sure what floor it was as she missed the announcement but from what she could see from the security door and the huge security offices either side of the metal detectors that looked a lot different compared to the one's on the medical floors.
She figured it had to be R&D, but there were no signs and the floor, ceiling, and walls was a matte white. It reminded her of the medical floors but felt dangerous, like she had a million eyes on her. There were holograms all throughout the room with every single angle possible showing both Hermione and Cornelia as they stood in the lift.
Hermione blushed as one screen showed up Cornelia's dress to see her black knickers.
Cornelia laughed as she saw why Hermione was suddenly blushing. "That's just Seraph showing off," she said as she leant over to whisper in Hermione's ear. "She really wants to impress you," she said looking down as Hermione was thankful she was wearing trousers. "Only Seraph's security protocols see EVERY angle unless there's any reason to show other angles to anyone."
Hermione gulped as she realised that this floor was likely one of the 'so-called' maximum security departments. The black tech labs that every geek or nerd or genius on the planet dreams of just looking around.
"How about it?" Cornelia asked with a temptresses smile. "Just a little peek, to… pique your curiosity?" she said with a saucy come hither gestured as she began leaving the elevator backwards.
Hermione slowly followed after the woman and damming her own blasted weakness as the elevator doors closed behind them and she found the blondes hand snaking carefully into hers.
"Welcome… to Wonderland!"
CyberTech CyberTech CyberTech
"So, you're saying this… bored thing flies?" asked George eyeing the bored suspiciously. It had an appearance that was flat bottomed with angled edges wider at the front and thicker than a snowboard but shorter than a surfboard but made out of alloy with rough grip tread on top and carbon fibre around the edges.
Harry shrugged with a wide grin as he gestured around the monumental underground 'racetrack'. "Well the ceilings are quite high if you want to disprove me."
George smirked. "Awesome, this will be cool," he declared as he looked around. He had thought above ground was huge. It was lucky they hadn't found the Gringotts tunnels while building this.
However, his sister grabbed his arm and glared at him. "This is a two-billion-pound piece of equipment. Are you sure you can afford it if you break it?"
The young man's face paled at the thought as he looked to Harry and shook his head in defiance. "I think I'll take your word for it mate. Anyway, I think it's about time we head on home. I wish we didn't have to though, maybe we should stay at the shop tonight?"
His twin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, good idea, deal with mum in the morning."
"Boys!" their father reprimanded. "I'll be joining you!"
The twins laughed while Sirius rolled his eyes. "At least I have my own place to hide out," he laughed.
CyberTech CyberTech CyberTech
Hermione rode the elevator up to Harry's apartment with her mouth still open in awe. She had spent a few hours with Miss. Cline being shown some of their less secret projects, and she could barely believe the stuff that they had come up with. It was like seeing an idea in science fiction and making it a reality.
Miss. Cline had let her leave asking that she take a little time to think about the offer. Hermione could picture all of the things she could build, the possibility to cross over that taboo border (well taboo to the Magical World). To mix science and magic, to perhaps understand the universe better than they already did. And perhaps discover a secret that had plagued mage for centuries. How and why? What was magic and how and why have they got it, and what was the difference between a Muggle-born and their Muggle parents or Muggle siblings.
It was all so tempting, but she realised what they wanted was for her to not only break magical law but betray the Magical World. If she did, she could do so much good for Muggles and Magic. If she didn't; they could possibly find someone else and she would foolishly miss out on such a chance to expand her knowledge.
"Hey Hermione," she was interrupted and looked up to see the elevator doors wide open showing the inside of a huge apartment with Ginny curled up on the couch with a holographic screen hovering in front of her face, and a cup of coco in her hands; she had a yellow bracelet on her wrist, and she was wearing a really short tee that just barely hid her panties and still Hermione caught a flash of blue as the girl stared at her through the transparent screen.
"Are you just going to stay in there all day daydreaming or are you coming in. Amy left you some PJ's you can borrow in the bathroom down the hall; just follow the yellow ball floating in the air."
Hermione was startled as a yellow ball of light appeared out of nowhere and realised it was the holographic emitters stationed all over the building. She supposed it was a handy little trick for directing people to certain offices without other staff members needing to waste their time.
"Oh, okay, thanks Ginny," she replied nervously, hoping Amanda didn't give her some PJ's that show her off too much. "But what's with that bracelet. I've seen loads of people wearing them and-."
"They're portable hollo-frequenters."
"Huh?" Hermione asked feeling stupid for once asking Ginny of all things about Muggle stuff.
Ginny laughed. "That's what Amy and I said," she replied. "They're so the keyboard and screen can track my movements more efficiently while using the Seraph Network, or as some people call it, the SN or S-net. But don't call it the Skynet; she takes offence to that movie making out AI being idiots."
"Wait… is that from Terminator?"
Ginny shrugged. "Umm… yeah, I think so."
"Okay," Hermione said thoughtfully before shrugging. "A-anyway, where is Amanda… and Harry?" she asked in wonder.
"Amy's in our room taking a bath," she answered while shrugging, and Hermione didn't miss the 'our room'. "And Harry is off in his secret lab everybody knows exists somewhere but don't know where doing something or other. Everyone nicknamed it Eden because we all know that it contains nothing but forbidden fruit."
Hermione started. "Does he know everybody knows about it?" she asked as she wondered mildly what she would have to do to get invited into Eden.
Ginny laughed while rolling her eyes. "Of course, he does. There isn't anything within this building that he doesn't know if he wants to. We just all play ignorant. It's like a conspiracy theory. It's fun. I wouldn't be surprised if he was calling it Eden now too."
"O-kay," she replied nervously. "Well I'm going to use the bathroom. I'll see you later."
Ginny nodded as she returned her attention to the screen. "Okay; take your time."
Hermione began following the glow before she paused and stared back at Ginny. "W-what are you doing?" she asked, curiosity getting the best of her.
Ginny looked back, smiling she shrugged. "Nothing much, I was just looking for a birthday gift for Luna," she answered. "It's her birthday in a few weeks and Amy and I haven't found her anything yet, so I was just browsing the net. Hmm… did I say that all correct; like a normal muggle would understand?"
"Actually, I'm impressed," she replied, amused. "It actually seems weird coming from you though - well see you in a bit," she said as she continued following the ball of yellow light to the bathroom.
Hermione was pleased as she exited the bathroom (if you could call it that as the tub was huge with water jets and everything; it was no wonder Amy and Ginny never wanted to leave). The PJ's Amanda gave her were simple white and red cotton trousers and top that fit comfortably on her. It was easy finding the lounge and had to hold in a groan as Amy's PJ's were just as bad as Ginny's lack of proper PJ's.
Amy's consisted of a too small white sleeveless vest not only showing off her toned tummy, but her nipples could easily be seen through the top it was so tight. Then to top things off her shorts were so short they could almost be called panty briefs, showing off her long slender legs.
Amanda was lying across the same couch as Ginny curled up and lying across it with her bare feet being absently fondled by Ginny in her lap, as they both chatted about things Luna might like for her birthday, and smaller windows popped up and disappeared next to the larger ones, probably the computer giving her suggestions.
Hermione sighed quietly to herself while rolling her eyes. Amanda and Ginny had always been very close and comfortable touching and hugging whenever and however they wanted. She had always been a bit envious of the kind of caring friendship they had with each other.
"Oh, hey Hermione," Amanda said as she looked up with a smile. "I see they fit alright; I wasn't too sure."
"Uhh, yeah, thanks."
"Come over," she continued. "We're just looking for something to get Luna for her birthday," she said pointing to the comfy looking chair next to them. "You got any ideas?" she asked as Hermione took a seat and shook her head. "I know it's so hard when you have a whole planet full of shops in the living room. If only the magical world would get a clue. Anyway, what did the doctor say?"
"Oh, well they're going to be using a new treatment using some kind of machine," she replied with a smile. "They said I'll have to continue treatment for about a year, but it should hopefully regress completely. They say it could be a side effect of Dementor exposure."
"Damn, that could be true," said Ginny worried. "You went their once recently for Dumbledore, didn't you?"
Hermione nodded. "Yeah, I know it's crazy. They said some people might just be highly susceptible to the things cold."
"Well at least you're getting treatment," said Amanda. "But what was taking you so long?"
"Oh, well," she began blushing. "I-I was offered a job by the head of research and development, to work in a department everyone seems to call…"
"Wonderland," both girls chimed out laughing before Hermione could say more.
"You should take it," Amanda said giggly. "But watch yourself with Cornelia or she'll have you in her office. I heard about this poor fifth year girl that got separated from her class field trip a couple days ago, and Cornelia got hold of her in an empty office… well let's just say she probably had more fun as class trips have restricted access. I'm certain Cornelia's access was unrestricted."
Hermione blushed brightly. "D-don't be silly, I'm sure it's just a silly rumour someone thought it funny to start."
"I see all… hear all… and know all… are you calling me a liar?" Seraph's voice suddenly startled her as it came from all around.
"Uhh… n-no, b-but, she can't go around seducing err, fifteen year old girls on school trips."
"Blah!" Seraph mumbled. "I can prove it if Harry lets me. I still have it on file for… uh… black… mail, yeah blackmail material."
"You told us you kept it because it's too hot to delete," Amanda pointed out smugly.
"Hey, hey, don't grass on me," she whinged. "The girl was actually sixteen anyway, so perfectly legal… and I have scrubbed the file. Buuut. Just think of the secrets I have of yours."
Both girls paled before Amanda looked smug. "You can't tell her as some are Harry's too."
"Indeed, but not all of them, only a few," she retorted giggling.
"Okay, okay, no grassing you out to Hermione, happy?" Ginny complained.
"Very," she agreed, smug.
CyberTech CyberTech CyberTech
The British Prime Minister was minding his own business in his office hoping no one barged in and caught him slacking off as he had an exhausting day and found himself glad his appointment at CyberTech was cancelled.
It had come to his attention by some old man (old wizard) that CyberTech was aware of the magical-world and supposedly took their saviour, Harry Avalon's own sister from their grasp and now his technology was proving to be too much for them to handle.
In addition, the old man Dumbledore was continually asking who The Cyber Knight was… well after the old man gave him the low down on The Cyber Knight, he replied that he didn't know, and after laughing Dumbledore out of his office for thinking he would have any say over a company as powerful as CyberTech he thought on it.
His first and foremost thoughts were Tony Stark (aka. Iron Man). However, the description was wrong, and he would have been made aware of Iron Man being in the country as he may have shown up to some code blues they've had recently as he liked to stick his nose into what was not his business. The Prime Minster was kind of glad for Captain Britain dealing with them.
However, this left the Prime Minister looking at CyberTech as his main suspect and sighed. What was it with these rich geniuses and creating battle armour? Though, that boy-racer side of him could barely wait to see what the armour looked like. Maybe he should have asked the old fool whether he had a picture.
However, before he began to dwell on the stupid war too much that was hidden from them but affected them nonetheless, he heard a soft buzzing sound and quickly opened his right draw, pulling out a remote control with a red button, he pushed it. He was startled to see a twin sword pointing down and crossing in the middle, and across a shield. He felt he should recognise that coat. It was on the screen that came out of the wall instead of one of his many advisor's or perhaps the President of the United States.
Knock! Knock!
Knock! Knock!
He heard the door as he stared at the screen when he heard a mechanicalized voice. "Open the door and accept the package!"
It said no more as the door once more knocked and the Prime Minister quickly opened the door to see his PA holding a small box wrapped in brown paper and took it with a thanks before returning to his desk and staring at the screen.
"Open it," he spoke commandingly, and the Minister found himself doing just that to find a weird - well it looked like some kind of mini futuristic engine from a steam-punk genre. However, he did take comfort in the CyberTech logo on the device.
"Switch it on!" he was commanded once more.
He looked and soon found the on-off switch and flicked it. It happened instantly as he heard a startled yelp he turned to see the painting he knew was connected to the magical-world show an expression of shock as he squirmed and the whole thing sizzled before falling off the wall with a clank to the floor, and breaking.
"It appears Minister we are free to talk. I'm afraid that I have no trust for the magical community as a governing faction."
"Me either," he agreed with a sigh of relief as Harry Avalon appeared on his screen sitting back in a comfy looking leather chair. "What exactly is this thing?" he asked gesturing to the engine.
"It's a portable Distortion Field generator. It will keep any magical form of transport from entering number ten for a while. This one has also been attuned to interfere with some enchantments such as the one on the painting. In most cases it destroys the magic. However, the generator will only last a few more hours before the battery dies so I shall be installing them to cover Downing Street, and I shall have several of my security forces best protecting non-mage government officials from magical personnel, even if they claim to be a government. As far as I know the British people have never recognised their governing body."
"You're correct… very well," the Prime Minister agreed. "But I presume this is not all of what you wish to discuss."
"You presume correctly Prime Minister," he agreed. "You might want to get comfortable."
The Prime Minister nodded as he quickly moved to his personal coffee machine and Harry waited for him to finish and seat himself behind his desk before the meeting began.