Solo - Connor Cummings (Qralloq)

NYC, Summer 2025

As the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, New York City stirred to life with the energy of a new week. In the heart of Manhattan, the cityscape bustled with activity as the morning rush began.

On bustling sidewalks, a sea of commuters streamed out of subway stations and flooded the streets, their determined strides reflecting the urgency of Monday morning. Briefcases in hand and coffee cups in tow, they navigated the maze of skyscrapers with practiced efficiency, each person with their own destination and purpose.

In the Financial District, suited professionals hurried towards gleaming office towers, their minds already buzzing with meetings and deadlines. Traders glanced at their smartphones, tracking market trends, while analysts crunched numbers in their heads, preparing for the day's trading.

In Midtown, creative minds converged in sleek studio spaces and design firms, their imaginations ignited by the promise of new projects. Fashionistas clad in chic attire dashed to runway shows and photo shoots, their designs poised to captivate the world.

Meanwhile, in the bustling kitchens of restaurants and cafes, chefs and baristas orchestrated a symphony of flavors, preparing gourmet delights and artisanal brews to fuel the city's workforce. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of sizzling bacon, enticing passersby to indulge in a morning treat.

Amidst the chaos, street performers entertained the crowds with music and dance, their lively performances adding a touch of magic to the urban landscape. Tourists marveled at iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Times Square, capturing memories with every click of their cameras.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the heartbeat of New York City grew stronger, pulsing with the rhythm of countless lives intertwined in the fabric of the metropolis. And amidst the chaos and cacophony, the city's spirit remained unyielding, a testament to the resilience and vitality of the Big Apple on a bustling Monday morning.

His morning comes without any of the usual signs. Bathed in light, even dawn barely changes the amount of lumens. Lying naked on a net hammock, he absorbs wavelengths from every direction.

At 10:47 the blackout curtains draw open on noisy electric tracks. He thumbs the remote on the cheap IKEA light stack, darkening the LEDs, and slides off the hammock. Grabbing his Google Pixel off the charging mat, he triggers his morning Spotify playlist. Soulful trance house plays from the cheap Bluetooth speaker.

His apartment is tiny, four hundred square feet. A counter with a hotplate in the main room along with a scavenged folding chair and a 32" TV on the yellowed linoleum floor; a small bedroom with nothing in it but the hammock and the light rack; and a bathroom that only has a stand-up shower. In the corner, about twenty thousand dollars worth of sounds gear sits in rugged travel cases.

He pulls on a pair of soccer shorts, and stares at the empty room. He had just moved in last week. Having quit his other job to focus on his music career, this bachelor pad is not what he envisioned. His dreams are full of light, flashing, pulsing neon clouds nestling him in a universe of energy. Signing a three month lease nearly broke his heart, but at least he was on the island.

After Anika tracked him down, he was certain this luck had ended. This apartment was as much to hide from her dark energy as it was to save money for his next move.

He boils water for tea, and sighs. Come on, Connor, you control your mood. He begins to dance, spinning the trance to a more high energy mix, and does his morning calisthenics routine. The music, as much energy as light for him, fills his mind with something very much like love.

With a sense of purpose infused into every movement, Connor embraces the rhythm of his morning routine. The trance music pulsating through the air invigorates him, lending a buoyant energy to his calisthenics. As he completes each exercise with fluid precision, a smile graces his lips, buoyed by the promise of a new day.

However, just as he reaches the crescendo of his morning dance, the tranquility of his sanctuary is interrupted by a series of insistent beeps emanating from his phone. Pausing mid-spin, Connor retrieves his Google Pixel from the nearby counter, his brow furrowing with curiosity as he checks the notifications flooding his screen.

A series of text messages, each one clamoring for attention, demand his immediate response. Despite the interruption, Connor's resolve remains unshaken. With a deep breath, he sets aside his dance for a moment, resolving to address the messages that stand out swiftly before resuming his morning ritual.

Mike: " Everything is set for tonight bro, your show at the Labyrinth is going to be a blast! I got some VIP to attend. "

Unknown : " Let us seek in shadows' embrace,

A clarity found in softer grace.

For in the dim, we may find our place,

And see the world with clearer face. "

Dan M'Demne : " Hey, do you want me to bring some hot new tennis girls at your show or you already have some chicks lined up for tonight? "

Mike is quick on the button and answer almost immediately.

Mike: " Miranda Sterling, she is a glamorous fashion designer known for her avant-garde designs and super cool style. There's also Jackson Knight, the drone entrepreneur and engineer. Not sure if you heard of them, but they are both loaded. "

Dan simply answer with a thumb up.

No answer from unknown for now.

As Connor makes his way through the busy streets, his gaze drifts to a nearby coffee shop. Through the window, he catches sight of Miriam, seated gracefully at a table inside a coffee shop called Mystic Brew Café, her presence commanding attention even from a distance. She wears a crisp white blouse, exuding an air of sophistication and style that's unmistakably Miriam Montagne, the batshit scientist that trained Connor and Anika at Nexus.

Despite the passing years, there's an undeniable allure to her, her beauty ageless and her scary demeanor as formidable as ever. Now in her 40s, she carries herself with the same confidence and poise that Connor remembers from their previous encounters. He can't help but feel a pang of apprehension at the sight of her, knowing all too well the power she holds on him.

The Mystic Brew Café exudes a cozy charm, with warm light streaming in through the large windows, casting a golden glow over the eclectic furnishings.

Inside, the café exudes a rustic yet elegant charm, with exposed brick walls adorned with local artwork and shelves lined with vintage teapots and coffee mugs. Soft, ambient lighting casts a gentle glow across the space, creating an inviting ambiance that encourages relaxation and conversation.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wafts through the air, tantalizing the senses and beckoning visitors to indulge in a delightful culinary experience. Baristas behind the sleek wooden counter expertly craft a variety of espresso-based beverages, while the aroma of freshly baked goods emanates from the bustling kitchen.

Cozy seating arrangements invite guests to linger and unwind, with plush armchairs and cushioned banquettes scattered throughout the café. Intimate nooks and crannies offer secluded spots for quiet conversation or solitary contemplation, while communal tables encourage interaction and camaraderie among patrons.

Soft jazz music plays in the background, adding to the café's laid-back vibe and creating the perfect backdrop for leisurely gatherings or impromptu meetings.

- " Oh mon dieu... Connor Cummings en personne! "

Miriam's eyes widen in surprise as she catches sight of Connor. A flicker of recognition dances across her features, quickly followed by a mixture of astonishment and curiosity. Despite her initial shock, she maintains her composed demeanor, but there's a subtle tension in her posture, suggesting that seeing Connor has stirred up unexpected emotions within her. She watches him intently, her gaze lingering on his familiar figure as memories from their past encounters flood her mind.

"Sorry, I was so surprised that I lost my English. Well, young man, you are absolutely stunning. Please, have a seat. Let's enjoy a coffee together."

"Isn't it wonderful? I was actually reminiscing about... your old home and your brothers and sisters. Ah, those were the glorious old days!"

"Oh, you always did have a way with words even as a kid," Miriam chuckles softly. "Yes, it's been quite some time. Many of our old colleagues have retired since your departure, but we've also welcomed new faces into the fold. Such is the cycle of life in our line of work. Our field has seen significant advancements, although not without its fair share of setbacks," she adds, her tone cryptic.

"I'm sure life has presented its challenges without my guidance," Miriam continues, her expression softening with genuine concern. "Navigating the complexities of a city like this can't have been easy for you. I can't help but wonder about the journey you've undertaken to get where you are today," she says, her curiosity tinged with admiration and compassion.

"It's because we are meant to do great things together. I'm a woman of science, but I also believe in the unexplained forces of fate." Miriam's eyes gleamed with conviction as she spoke. Sensing Connor's reluctance to delve into her past, she gracefully shifted the conversation, maintaining her warm smile as if nothing had happened. "Honestly, I've heard about DJ Nimbus. Your manager has been generating quite a buzz on social media for tonight's event. Those light shows on YoutubeNET are truly impressive, though strangely familiar. You've certainly honed your talents."

"What brings me here? I recently relocated to the USA to continue my life mission. Things in Russia are not as they used to be," she added cryptically, leaving the statement open-ended. "If you'd like, I can show you my new place of work and we can work together again. You still have much to learn about your... powers," she concluded, the last word barely audible, carrying a hint of mystery.

Miriam's lips curve into a faint smile, her gaze steady on Connor. "I sense your hesitance, but sometimes a bit of discomfort is necessary to gain the power that can make you a king among men," she says, her tone carrying a mixture of encouragement and warning. "Remember, Connor, you have the potential for greatness within you. But it's up to you whether you choose to embrace it or let it slip away." she replies calmly, her voice holding a hint of steel. "Take your time to think it over. As for reaching out to others who might have escaped...there, I've been discreetly making inquiries. If I find anything, you'll be the first to know."

Miriam's expression softens as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small piece of paper. With deliberate movements, she scribbles down her phone number before extending it towards Connor. "Here," she says, her voice barely above a whisper, "in case you ever need guidance or simply someone to talk to." There's a fleeting warmth in her eyes, a silent reassurance that despite their tumultuous history, she's offering him a lifeline.

Come now, don't be shy. You're a man now," Miriam says, rising from her seat to plant a kiss on his cheek. She may not be as youthful as Raven and the other prime ladies of the city, but she exudes a timeless elegance, skillfully compensating for her age with fashion and sophistication.

"I'll be awaiting your news," she adds, gracefully waving him off with her fingers as he departs.

As Connor surveys his surroundings, it appears he isn't being followed. The bustling streets are as crowded as ever, offering ample cover for his movements.

Jennifer: " That's not good. Look, I'm on a stake-out and can't leave without creating some drama. Stay away from her, don't get in trouble. "

Connor saw the READ flag on his message to Emiko, but there's no answer.