Chapter 41

MAGITECH AND MOZZARELLA

Pizzeria Mozza Restaurant, Los Angeles, California, United States

As Gen stepped into Pizzeria Mozza, her senses were immediately overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling Los Angeles eatery. The warm, inviting aroma of baking bread and melted cheese wafted through the air, mingling with the lively chatter of the other patrons. The interior was a cozy blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, with exposed brick walls, gleaming wood floors and soft, golden lighting that cast a warm glow over the dining room.

King Rudolf, Sherlock and Alicia were already seated at a table, engrossed in a lively discussion about the latest developments in the investigation at MystTech Creations. As Gen approached, Alicia looked up and waved her over, a friendly smile on her face. Gen slid into the empty seat, her eyes wide with curiosity as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings.

After Rudolf returned her successfully to her human form, Gen immediately went back to the Rogue Rider mansion for a shower. As a rodent, she had her hands and feet and belly touching everywhere she’d just been. Although as a woman born and raised in the medieval era, she wasn’t squeamish about such things, maybe modern plumbing and the convenience of amenities was making her softer.

The reconnaissance mission at the Los Angeles Police Department had been as successful as Gen could have hoped for. They’d found two pieces of hard evidence that linked Charlie Sloane to the LACMA and Federal Reserve Bank robberies. Also, they hadn’t gotten caught, which was a big win after the near miss in the Commissioner’s office. Now, Gen was hoping to learn what Alicia and Sherlock had discovered at MystTech Creations, but first she needed to refuel after her long and exhausting mission.

“So, this is pizza?” Gen asked, eyeing the large, round pies being carried to the tables around them. The sight of the golden, bubbling cheese and the vibrant colors of the toppings was both intriguing and intimidating.

Sherlock chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Not just any pizza, my dear. This is Pizzeria Mozza, home to some of the finest pies in all of Los Angeles.”

“It’s not Italian pizza, but it definitely wins applause from me,” Alicia stated. “Actually, where I’m from in Venice, we’re not known for our pizza.”

“Why is that?” Gen asked, curiously.

“Because we can’t have wood-burning ovens because it would be a fire hazard,” Alicia explained. “And many would state that is a critical component to getting the best crust. But there’s so many ways to make a good pizza.”

“And so many ways to enjoy it.” The king of the fae nodded in agreement, his gaze drifting to the open kitchen where the chefs worked their magic. “The mortals may have their flaws, but they certainly know how to create culinary wonders.”

Alicia leaned forward, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “I’ve heard they use a special blend of magitech in their ovens, infusing the crust with a subtle enchantment that makes it irresistible.”

Gen’s eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. She watched as a server approached their table, balancing a large tray laden with steaming pizzas. The scent of garlic, herbs and woodsmoke swirled around them, making Gen’s mouth water in anticipation.

As the server placed the pizzas on the table, Gen marveled at the artistry before her. Her friends explained what she was seeing on the table, which did seem like pure magic. One pie was adorned with delicate slices of prosciutto, tangy arugula, and shavings of Parmesan cheese. Another boasted a vibrant tomato sauce, dotted with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves. The third was a symphony of wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, and truffle oil, the earthy flavors mingling together in a tantalizing aroma.

Gen reached for a slice, the heat of the pizza warming her fingertips as she lifted it to her mouth. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to expect, before taking a tentative bite. The flavors exploded on her tongue, a perfect balance of tangy sauce, gooey cheese, and crisp, charred crust. King Rudolf, Alicia and Sherlock watched with amused expressions as Gen’s eyes fluttered closed, a soft moan of delight escaping her lips.

“This is…incredible,” Gen mumbled around a mouthful of pizza, the warmth of the cheese and the subtle hints of magic dancing on her tongue.

Alicia grinned, taking a bite of her own slice. “I told you, magitech makes everything better.”

“Is it better than nachos?” Rudolf asked in a low voice.

Gen shook her head. “I know where my loyalties lie and Liv would disown me. Also, she’s right. Nachos are the best.”

As they savored their meal, the conversation flowed freely, the four companions trading stories and insights about the strange and wondrous world they inhabited. The other patrons buzzed with energy, their laughter and chatter a lively soundtrack to the evening. Gen felt a sense of belonging wash over her, the camaraderie of her unusual companions a comforting presence in this unfamiliar world.

And as the night wore on, the pizzas disappearing slice by slice, Gen knew that this moment would be forever etched in her memory. A simple meal, shared with friends, in a city that thrummed with magic and possibility. It was a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there was still beauty and joy to be found, one bite at a time.

“So now that you’re fed and happy, are you ready to learn what we believe that Charlie Sloane is up to?” Alicia asked when the last of the plates had been cleared from the table.

Gen eyed Sherlock, trying to read his face, but it wasn’t giving anything away.

“It’s with MystTech Creations?” Gen asked.

“I believe so,” Alicia replied. “The City of Los Angeles has bought the billboard technology from the company.”

“Can they do that?” Gen asked, looking between Sherlock and Rudolf.

“They can,” the king of the fae answered. “What they do with it, well, that’s morally ambiguous.”

“That’s what we will learn next,” Alicia stated. “But there’s something else.”

“What?” Gen asked, holding her breath now.

“Recently, a very powerful virtual reality technology went missing from MystTech Creations,” Sherlock explained. “It happened at the same time as the long-awaited sale of the billboard technology. The authorities are reporting that it’s due to security breaches created by a recent attempt by someone to steal quantum-entangled silicon.”

“They are blaming this on me?” Gen asked. “The corruption runs deep.”

“The most worrisome part is this VR magitech and what it could do,” Alicia stated. “It’s all still very unclear what’s going on. Even if we know that Charlie Sloane has the billboards, we don’t know why or what for. And we don’t know what the VR will be used for or by whom.”

“What can we do?” Gen asked, leaning forward.

“The billboards are powered by five transmitters stationed somewhere around the city,” Sherlock stated. “They have to be located and knocked out.”

“I’m already on trial for theft,” Gen stated. “I don’t really want to have more charges for destruction of property thrown at me.”

“I fear this is about to get much bigger than you or any of us,” Alicia stated. “Whatever Charlie Sloane wants this for, it’s going to be major. By the time we discover it, all you’ll have time to do is knock out the transmitters and stop him.”

“He must have set you up with MystTech Creations,” Rudolf mused. “Then used it as an opportunity to sweep in, take advantage of the technology and it sounds like steal something even more powerful.”

“I’ve got to find the locations of the transmitters,” Alicia stated. “Then we need to stop him. I know that you’re risking a lot, but the only reason that someone like him would want this magitech would be to control the City of Los Angeles. And with the VR, he can do a lot more than that. With that, he cannot just change how people think and believe, but what they experience. He can shape everyone’s reality.”