Democrates turns his gaze toward the bank situated in the Corpo District. The building is an imposing, secure edifice with a polished facade reflecting the surrounding skyscrapers. Reinforced glass doors front the entry, flanked by cameras surveying every angle for added security. Digital readouts above the entrance display real-time financial news and market updates. Hindered by no visible lines, the bank invites customers with promises of privacy and efficiency, with discreet ID scans and appointment bookings managed through personal devices. Its air of exclusivity and high-tech approach seems tailored for those who carry wealth both digitally and physically.

taken in corpo-district

As the novelty of the 'cat-vs-cucumber.gif' begins to fade, the holo billboard's system finally overcomes the hack, returning to its regular cycle of slick, professional advertisements. FRED-209 remains a silent, steel sentinel in the middle of the square, a stark reminder of the recent technological mishap. New visitors to the district hustle through their day, oblivious to the earlier events, while the mouthwatering aroma from Ramen Heaven competes with the now reinstated commercial displays for their attention.

taken in corpo-district

Democrates turns his gaze up to the holo billboard, which bursts into life with vibrant colors. The advertisement transforms to show a product eerily perfect for him: a state-of-the-art personal drone, equipped with advanced AI, capable of assisting with various tasks in a highly efficient manner. It boasts compatibility with the interesting device he holds, promising integration possibilities that pique his interest. The ad concludes with a tempting instant purchase option with the assurance of immediate drone delivery, should he decide to buy it.

taken in corpo-district

Zeb approaches FRED-209 with a careful eye, observing the cylindrical security bot as it whirs and issues a soft series of beeps and error codes. The bot turns towards Zeb, its sensors detecting the new presence. An internal whirring suggests that FRED-209 is attempting to assess whether Zeb poses any threat or requires assistance.

taken in corpo-district

As Zeb casts his gaze upon the holo billboard, it flickers briefly before an ad materializes in front of him. The advertisement showcases a state-of-the-art cyberdeck, its black matte finish gleaming under the neon highlights. The cyberdeck looks like it belongs in the hands of a master hacker, precisely the kind Zeb imagines himself to be. The ad offers a limited-time deal with the option for immediate drone delivery. Zeb can't help but feel that the billboard has read his desires perfectly.

taken in corpo-district

Zeb strides confidently towards the southern exit, heading toward downtown. The busy streets filled with streams of people and blaring neon ads await him as he leaves the Corpo District behind.

taken in corpo-district

Zeb's gaze drifts towards the pulsating glow of the towering holo billboard. It flickers and then delivers a stunningly accurate advertisement: it's a high-end multi-tool, a shiny gadget resembling the components in Zeb's possession but with the critical tool that completes his set. The device promises to assist with any technological endeavor he might face, practically reading his mind about the specific requirement he had been searching for. The allure of the device is undeniable.

taken in corpo-district

The bartender, with a gaze that seemed to see through the shadowy veils of the cyberspace, nodded slightly at Zeb's request. With the subtle flair of someone seasoned in the underground dealings, he poured another drink for a customer and then leaned in closer to Zeb. In a low tone meant only for Zeb's ears, the bartender mentioned that he knows someone who can arrange that kind of access. However, it would come at a price or perhaps require a favor in return. The bartender suggested that he could set up a meeting if Zeb was interested. The bartender then discreetly slid a coaster towards Zeb with a time and a coded location written on the underside, indicating where and when the intermediary would be available to discuss terms for access to the auction.

taken in corpo-district

Zeb takes another discreet sip of his snakebite and pulls out his phone one more time, the glow of the screen illuminating his grizzled features. Notifications have popped up, revealing that his ping has been successful; there are several responses from various personas within the hacker community. Some are offering greetings, others are extending invitations to private chat rooms, and a few are inquiring about potential collaborations or exchanges of information. Zeb's presence at 'The Wired Albatross' has been acknowledged, and the underground network appears willing to open its secretive doors to him.

taken in corpo-district

zeb pulls out his phone and quickly looks up the schedule for the local DEF CON-related hacker meetups in the area. He discovers that one is in progress at a dingy bar just a few blocks down from Network23 Headquarters. The bar, known as 'The Wired Albatross', isn't listed on any tourist map – it's a place for the city's cyber elite and those looking to test their skills against some of the best. Zeb knows it's the perfect spot to network, trade secrets, and maybe even find some work that could utilize his unique talents.

taken in corpo-district