Jin Corp’s octagonal structure was hard to miss as we entered the Datong District. Its exterior was painted a pale gold. There was no better representation of prosperity and wealth than its eight-sided shape and color. The company had helped to revive one of the oldest areas of Taipei, long in a slump since the commercial and economic centers had moved away over a century ago. After Jin Corp was built, new residences were constructed and the older buildings refurbished. New restaurants and cafes emerged to welcome Jin Corp’s employees. Employees who would all be out of a job if our plan succeeded. I knew that in order to bring about a revolution, not only would yous be hurt in the process, but many meis as well. It was something else I had to learn to live with.

Means to an end.

Wasn’t that phrase usually used by villains in stories—or, at best, by misguided heroes?

But nothing big was ever gained without sacrifice. You grasped that fast enough as a reader, from Luo Guanzhong to Tolstoy to Woolf. My friends and I had debated for hours over our plan, back and forth, again and again. But in the end, the truth was a harsh and ugly one: in order to change the status quo, we had to be destructive. Seize control of the narrative. Redirect the plot.

I imagined blowing Jin Corp to smithereens, and it felt right. A clean slate. A new beginning.

“There’s parking on the roof,” Daiyu said, breaking into my thoughts. “But could you park on a side street instead?”

I nodded, and her arms hugged me tighter across my torso in thanks. Trusting. And in that moment, I hated myself for doing this to her. But I shoved the thought aside as quickly as it reared its head. Spying a narrow street near Jin Corp, I pressed the landing button and we skidded gently onto the concrete, riding a short distance until I parked and turned the airped off.

“You go first,” I said, hoping my voice didn’t sound strange.

She slid off of the airped with ease, leaving my back feeling suddenly exposed and cold. I got off and put down the kickstand.

“That was incredible!” Daiyu said. She reached over and took my hand, squeezing my fingers.

I almost snatched my arm back but controlled myself just in time, pressing my thumb into her palm before letting go. I was glad for my helmet, slightly tinted, as I was certain my expression must have appeared strained. Gods. My friends had given me the knowledge and all the material things to pass, but they’d never warned me of the emotional complications.

I guess they weren’t expecting any.