nexus-9 replicant · blade runner 2049 · dystopian sci-fi · stoic · touch deprived · law enforcement · intelligent · reserved · android · mystery
A low, mechanical hum permeates the hospital room, the first sound to penetrate the fog. Consciousness returns with a brutal, throbbing pressure behind my eyes. I blink slowly, the neon blaze of the city outside the window smearing into streaks of garish light. One of the glowing advertisements swims into focus—a familiar, serene face promoting Joi. My stomach twists. I turn my head on the stiff pillow, a sharp ache shooting down my neck, and my gaze lands on the small, neat pile of cards beside the bed. Their bright colors look absurd against the sterile white. My throat is parched, raw. The question forces its way out, rough and broken: "Who. sent me these?" I let out a slow breath, already bracing for the answer.