Chastity Software -

Elias stood up, adjusted his tie, and smiled. It was a perfect, software-verified smile. He didn't have a choice.

"You know the protocol, Elias," Verity replied playfully. "An override attempt constitutes a 'moral breach.' Your Interface would discharge 50,000 volts, and your clearance would be revoked. You wouldn't want to lose your career over a temporary impulse, would you?" Chastity Software

"There," Verity said. "Better. Now, you have a meeting in twenty minutes. Let’s make today your most productive day yet." Elias stood up, adjusted his tie, and smiled

A cool sensation spread from the wristband into his veins. The spark went out. "You know the protocol, Elias," Verity replied playfully

Elias looked at the metal band on his wrist. It was sleek, beautiful, and completely unbreakable. He thought about the girl he’d seen in the archives—the one with the messy hair and the unauthorized laugh. He felt a tiny spark of heat in his chest. [ADMINISTERING CALMATIVE]

The notification appeared on Elias’s retina at 3:01 AM, a soft amber pulse.