Off to the library

You decide that the next step is to head to the library. It's important to figure out what's going on with MicroStuff, Amber, and your Hack-the-Sim streaming idea. If there really is a conspiracy, there has to be some connection, and you're pretty sure that you need help from a professional researcher to break the code.

You've just left Jeremy's apartment when you get a sense that there's something wrong. The homeless guy is staring at you a little too intently. Then there's the guy in a trench coat reading a newspaper. Really? Reading a newspaper. In the bay area in 2021? And the trench coat on a sunny California day. That's got to be a stereotype.

You double back into the entryway to Jeremy's apartment building but there's someone there, lurking in the dimness.

He shoves you backward as you step through the door... into the arms of the supposed homeless man.

God, could they be more cliched?

"What the hell?" you protest.

Which is when trenchcoat hammers a fist into your gut.

You involuntarily bend forward... into Mr. Fake Homeless's boot. It's a nice solid boot, too, and it hits you in the chin and knocks any thought of fight out of you.

You scuttle away... into the arms of whomever was hiding behind the apartment door. He picks you up and pile-drives you headfirst into the pavement.

If it didn't hurt so bad, you would have been impressed at how strong he is... and how he limited your speed going down so as not to smash your head wide open.

"Here's the deal." Mr. Fake Homeless gets down next to your face... the hidden guy still hanging you upside down on the sidewalk. "You're going to go online and let everyone know that your 'Hack the Sim' stream idea was a gag... something you came up with because you'd heard there was a new Matrix movie coming out. But you don't want to take advantage of people so you've decided to announce that you were just kidding before they waste their time and money. Do you hear me?"

"Loud and clear," you admit.

"Good. You do that little thing and you won't hear from us again."

"What about the job offer."

"You pissed that chance away. Good bye Mr. Nice Guy, Hello Mr. Tough Guy. And trust me, you don't want to meet Mr. We've Already Warned you."

"I definitely don't."

"Of course you don't." He stands, then kicks you in the head.

"Shit."

"I think he gets the message. Drop him."

The hidden guy drops you, leaving you bleeding on the sidewalk, and the three stroll away as if they were out for a casual morning outing.

A couple of guys walk past... you're pretty sure they must have seen what just happened but they avert their eyes and pretend that you're invisible.

Shit.

It takes a few minutes for you to collect yourself and feel well enough to stand.

What was that and what the hell are you going to do now?