“Ali? Can I come over? I need to talk to youâ€?
“Of course! What’s up? You sound awful.â€?
“It’s…well, remember that guy I was seeing?â€?
“Jay, was it?â€?
“Yeah, well, maybe not…I don’t know what to call him now. Remember back in school, the civics teacher used to tell us about people who weren’t chipped? Rebels, wanted to destroy our society, all that mad stuff?â€?
“Vaguely, why?â€?
“Seems Jay’s one of them. He’s not chipped, never was”
“But how’d he get into the city? What did he use for currency? God, how could you? He could have anything! If he’s caught, you’re both dead. You should turn him in, there are rewards, incentives…â€?
“I know, I know. Thing is, I like him. He’s…different.â€?
“Sure he’s different!”
“But there’s more, it’s complicated…”
“So where is he? Is he there with you? Hang on, I’ll be right over. Just need to make a call first.â€?
“Ali, don’t tell anyone, please!â€?
“Let’s be practical, he’s good as dead anyway and someone has to get the reward, might as well be me.â€?
“Ali, don’t call them! Ali! Ali?”