Page 257 of Light Leech

“The deep side. Good and bad. It’s where people who know what they’re doing get things done. Shacs in the flesh might discuss deals over a game of poker, but Luminate League is where it’s at.”

She looked at me. “You ever played?”

I shook my head.

“I have,” Naoma said.

“Really?” Ralia’s jaw hung open.

Naoma nodded. “I was an elite, remember?”

“Still are.”

She shrugged. “It’s how deals are made.”

“You know ball, babe.”

“I have played.” Kuni said.

Ralia laughed. “Adults play a little differently, Kun.”

“Can you show me?”

“We’ll earn some more lumens to your name, then maybe you’ll have a shot.”

“Can I–”

She held a hand up to cut Boyband off. She started speaking to the ether again. “You got it? Oh, Parkie babe, I owe you. I’ll send you my collection but know I’m a hard trader. Chat later. Love yah babe.” She scoffed as the call ended. “Stuck up shac.”

“But I–”

She cut off Boyband again. It was hard to keep my laughter in.

“Let mommy cook.”

Boyband glared at me.

I smirked. “You know her well enough by now. Why do you act surprised when she tells you off?”

He rolled his eyes.

“Kalacia Vice,” Ralia said. “Still no recognition, BB?”

“Never heard of her.”

“Alright, let’s see what else we can find. She’s wiped herself from plenty of public records, but she didn’t pay a professional. I can still see her traces around. Used to work for Libricore as an intelligence coordinator. Lots of neuronet work but was let go after a series of odd behavior which she defends with a ‘voluntary resignation to pursue personal academic interests.’ No record of family contacts or acquaintances. Definitely fits the bill for a loner neurocrawler.”

“Can you access her search history and net activity?” Naoma asked.

Ralia shook her head. “She at least knew how to cover that up, though it’s pretty basic stuff. But that doesn’t mean it’s untraceable. She expressed a particular interest in one Devóne Eclaine.”

“Makes sense why she called you Boyband,” I said.

“No,” said Naoma. “That was Veren.”

I nodded. “You’re right. Males sense seeing… you know, what they became.”

“Can I talk?” Ralia said.