This story is by Steve du Mer and was part of our 2025 Fall Writing Contest. You can find all the writing contest stories here.
Jack Hudson stood by the checkout area,near the store’s exit, waiting for the alleged “lifter, per the store’s ‘smart dust’ swarm’s surveillance images which showed up on one of the ten security screens in his office area.
He saw the guy return the electronic gizmo he had been carrying to the cashier, and pay for a box of batteries.
As the customer moved away, Jack casually addressed him. “That’s a lovely item you returned. May I ask why? Just curious, sir.”
The guy, a regular customer Jack recognizes, replied, “I was totally into it. But it’s also expensive. So, as I walked to the checkout, I was figuring how I’d pay it off on my credit card.”
“I tend to do the same, especially with expensive impulse buys. But if you had figured it out, what made you change your mind?”
“I don’t know, man. I was all set to get it, but suddenly at the checkout, I felt I’d wait a few days and then decide.”
Jack gave a little smile, “I get it. Do you find yourself doing this often? “
“Actually this is the first time in my life I’ve returned an item at checkout. I don’t know what came over me. Almost as if I got a message, a supernatural one, y’know?”
They both shared a small laugh, and the guy left after Jack wished him a good evening with thanks for his patronage of the store.
Something’s fishy here. Supernatural ? Not from my cybersecurity courses at school.
. . .
Jack walked back to his office to begin his closing routine. But he couldn’t shake off the customer’s last sentence: I don’t know, like I got a message, supernatural one,
Jack placed his feet on his footstool , leaned back in the executive chair , and stared into space.
Hmm , what next ? .. I know .. call Evan to check what’s up !
. . .
He called his school pal Evan who also worked in Customer Support at the store’s security systems vendor.
“Hey Evan, it’s Jack. Have a quick question about our smart dust surveillance. Got a minute?”
“Sure, Jack. What is it?”
“Does it have two-way communications?”
“No. But it could be in the works. The R&D guys are constantly trying to add new capabilities. Why do you ask?”
“No real reason. A customer was just curious. Anyway, thanks man. Let’s meet soon and catch up. “
As he cradled the phone, he wondered, R&D? Hmm, they’re always running field tests when they get to an advanced stage of any product development.
That’s when Jack decided he must broach the topic with his boss, Cal Ward, who also owned the store.Yeah, if Cal has no idea , it’s worse.
. . .
After they chatted about the day’s operations, Cal asked, “Any specific matter to discuss, Jack?”
Jack dived in, “Yeah, this customer at checkout returns an expensive item, but completes his batteries transaction. . So I chatted casually with him, and asked why he changed his mind about that item. He said he didn’t know why. As if he got a supernatural command. What an odd thing to say, isn’t it? “
Cal was quiet, but had a thoughtful look. So,Jack continued, “I even called Evan, the CSR I know. He’s in school with me, so we’ve become friends. He said he doesn’t know of any comms the smart dust does, but R&D might be doing some work along those lines. Is that possible? Is the smart dust doing two-way comms? “
Cal replied,”Yes. I meant to tell you, but that trial just started this week.No preliminary feedback yet. So, I got busy with other things that needed attention. “
Jack bought that since Cal had always been fair – and straight- with him.
“I understand. But can you tell me a bit about what this trial is about, Sir?”
“Sure, Jack. The R&D guys said this is a way to enhance the smart dust’s security capability by preventing shoplifting through mental intervention. The way they described the mechanism, those smart dust nanoparticles swarm as a unit into the target’s hair, and establish communications via the scalp. Then their ‘superAI’ with Quantum Computing and also Neurocomputing components takes over, and resonates with that person’s neuronal microtubules in each neuron and also the microtubular networks to “seed” them appropriately. Heavy neuro-tech stuff, man. “
Jack was silent, staring at Cal’s face. Then, “Jeez! That’s mind-blowing. So, it is direct communication with the brain. But what about the threat of customer lawsuits or even boycotts of stores ?”
“Their legal team has already greenlighted this. But I like the way you’re thinking, Jack. The makings of a real GM… and future VP of this growing chain of electronic stores.”
They exchange smiles, and Cal Ward leaves.
So why did Cal readily agree ? I’m being paranoid. I am his “ward”, he’s told me . But am I ? Jeez, this is SO confusing .
. . .
Jack finishes his closing routine, and before leaving, his mind rummages through Cal’s explanations.
He felt pleased, proud , and “belonged” here-with Cal being a father-figure and he being Cal’s “ward”… haha.. Ward… like Batman and Robin, eh?
But this revives the day’s smart dust and mental intervention angle. Jack found himself give a shudder. Is that where it’s going with all these techs?
And even legal eagles had approved such intrusive actions. Guess it depends on which side their bread is buttered.
Then, another thought jumped into his consciousness: why just suspicious customers? Will they use these capabilities on regular customers -to BUY stuff? The ultimate in direct subliminal marketing.
Which led to another thought: then, why not monitor, influence, and control employees too?
And if so, aren’t Managers also employees?
OMG, even VPs are . Legally. That’s chilling !
Jack shuts the light, locks his door, and heads to the main entrance. He recalls the “Lifter” Wonder if the poor perplexed guy is wondering WHAT made him change his mind at the last second.
. . .
Jack got home, and craved a good shower.
In it, he began to feel relaxed. Felt like scrubbing his hair and scalp again. So he did that, as vigorously as he’d ever done- to deactivate all of those nanoparticles. Which brought back the day’s whole set of revelations. He quickly,rinsed his hair,and got out.
He dressed in casuals, his usual – sweatpants and a loose tee, entered the kitchen, got a cold drink from the fridge, and put his ribeye on the grill, a huge potato to bake, and mixed vegetables to boil.
Went into the living area, sipping his refreshing lime-lemonade home-made, and turned on the news. It was about some political showdown in Congress. Jack sighed but continued watching.
His mind veered back. What if that smart dust was fixed to work on Congressional opponents? Why NOT?
He mumbled, “And what if corporates start that with their competitors? Why NOT? “
Man, interpersonal relationships? Where does it end?
He felt he’d lost his appetite, so switched channels to an old movie. Enough of the real world for this wild day. So many buried truths at once.
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