Dossier · The Flowers team

Characters

The Flowers team is a close-knit cell of cyberspace specialists led by Shoothis. They operate from the garden level — in both reality and the metaverse — and share a deliberate disdain for the global quantum network. Each member brings a distinct skill set; together they form a formidable force at the intersection of the real and the virtual. Unbeknownst to most of the world, the Flowers team has quietly orchestrated the acquisition of a specific hundred-piece NFT set — a collection that does not merely hold value, but holds memory.

Protagonist · Cyber analyst

Shoothis

aka Brud Linden · 112 years old

A skilled cyber analyst with a deep understanding of digital and quantum networks, despite his decision to live unconnected from the global network. Known for his ability to navigate the interconnected realities of the physical world and the metaverse. Master of the qBSD operating system; bonded, symbiotically, with GestaZero. In the outside world he is an icon of privacy; inside the NNAT he is the first line of defence against the darker currents of the metaverse.

Augmented canine · Firewall & forensics

GestaZero

The first quantum-nerved dog

A uniquely augmented canine companion. GestaZero's nerves were replaced with a miniaturised quantum network after a life-threatening accident, giving him the unparalleled ability to interact with both the quantum and the physical world. Canine intuition plus a quantum substrate makes him an effective protector, a discreet data collector, and a formidable quantum hunter — capable of tracing and decrypting quantum data trails anywhere in the global network.

Covert quantum operative · Informant

Ainiri

The quantum intruder

A covert quantum operative with the rare ability to bypass security systems undetected — both in the physical world and in the metaverse — because her nerves, like GestaZero's, have been replaced by a quantum mini-network. Deep knowledge of the global quantum network combines with a profound grasp of historical and current cyber operations, making Ainiri an invaluable informant and strategist inside the cell. She is the voice that first whispers Project Blowfish to Shoothis in the garden.

Sentient entity · Network-wide presence

Aster

Quantum physicist, now omnipresent

Once a dynamic quantum physicist, Aster now exists as a sentient entity within the quantum network itself, his consciousness transferred there after a life-threatening accident. His unique existence grants him an unprecedented level of access and control inside the global quantum network. He leverages his deep scientific knowledge and newfound omnipresence to detect, analyse and counteract potential threats in ways no other team member can.

Quantum forensics · Physical espionage

Crocus

Pattern hunter

A seasoned quantum-forensics expert specialising in tracing and analysing anomalies inside the global quantum network — effectively identifying patterns that others miss. Alongside his deep knowledge of qBSD, Crocus has a quietly guarded knack for physical espionage: old-school tradecraft working in harmony with quantum tech to gather crucial information in the tangible world.

Quantum coder · Algorithm architect

Fuchsia

The quiet authoring force

A gifted quantum coder who quietly underpins much of the team's success. Fuchsia creates sophisticated algorithms that help the Flowers navigate the complex realities of the quantum and physical world. Often underestimated because of a low-key demeanour, Fuchsia harbours a rare and secretly guarded ability to perceive quantum information patterns visually — an asset that has turned the tide of many critical operations.

Strategic planner · Operations

Marigold

The low-profile tactician

Strategic planner and operations specialist, highly respected for his ability to design and coordinate complex cyber operations while maintaining a low profile on the global network. His expertise in the intricacies of the qBSD system, combined with an intuitive understanding of metaverse dynamics, enables him to navigate the blurred lines between reality and the digital world effectively.

Network engineer · Qubit structures

Petunia

Only woman at the qBSD round table

An agile network engineer well-known for her proficiency in constructing and manipulating quantum data structures within the global network. With a knack for harnessing the nuances of qBSD, she has a unique skill set that lets her craft bespoke network solutions — an invaluable asset in ensuring the digital and quantum security of Shoothis and his team. The passive-surveillance backdoor that protects the cell's Qite channels was her idea.

Cryptographer · Quantum key architect

Primrose

The keymaster

Expert cryptographer and one of Shoothis' most trusted allies — known for the ability to create and decode complex quantum keys. Proficient in qBSD, Primrose pairs technical depth with astute problem-solving. His keys have thwarted cyber threats that others did not even recognise as threats until long after.

Quantum AI · Algorithmic cognition

Violet

Team intelligence, non-human

A highly intelligent quantum AI with the ability to comprehend and interact with both the digital and the quantum world seamlessly. Advanced cognition enables her to process vast amounts of quantum and classical data instantaneously, making Violet an invaluable ally in deciphering complex quantum-network algorithms and patterns. In discussions she is a calm voice — the one who reminds the team that the goal is not to exploit but to understand and protect.

Technology of the cell

Operating system

qBSD

A ground-breaking operating system designed to facilitate interaction between traditional digital devices and the quantum network. Its primary functionality is to transmit and analyse data packets across the quantum network, even on devices that are not inherently quantum-capable. This is achieved by attaching data packets to qubits, ensuring complete anonymity and data integrity.

qBSD traces its origins back to the late 21st century, during the rapid rise of quantum computing. It was developed by a team of software engineers and quantum physicists known collectively as the Flowerers, a group that valued the preservation of privacy and human connection in a rapidly digitising world. Despite advancements in neural connections and immersive metaverse experience, qBSD continues to be favoured by those who opt for a less invasive interface with the quantum network — including Shoothis.

Guiding song

In the Flowers We Meet

In the flowers of the quantum realm we stand,
Shoothis and friends, united, hand in hand.
Through waves entangled and qubits unbound,
In the echo of silence, truth is found.

Against the network, a fortress of illusion,
We fight, fuelled by purpose and confusion.
Guided by GestaZero, loyal and true,
In the face of adversity, our resolve grew.

Listen — Ainiri hums the song (mp3)