The Sheriff counts the days to retirement in a town too quiet and where he felt he earned his salary doing nothing.

A heavy monotony only recently disturbed by the advent of technology. The village of rural physiognomy was now penetrated by computer networks and digital telephony.

So if before, they walked in pairs on the narrow streets of the few neighborhoods to exercise. Now! They will get fat by asking the artificial intelligence to re-focus the cameras through simple verbal instruction.

The Sheriff has never had to intervene in disputes or solve crimes of any kind in his ten years in office.

Sitting in the office, he studied the reports of candidates to replace him in office; The flashing of the red dot to green was beginning to bother him.

A warm voice flooded his office for the first time.

"Sheriff, do you want my help? If you wish. May I choose the best candidate to replace you?"

"No! This is my job, and no one better than me to do it!."

He watched carefully at the clock: it was a quarter to midnight.

The officers on duty brought him tea and took the opportunity to urge him to go to sleep.

Again, the enveloping voice intervened, supporting the officers' advice.

"Sheriff! Heed the officers' recommendation. My sensors detect fatigue in your vital signs."

Suddenly, a pop-up window widens on the screen: letters, numbers, and signs ride at a mind-boggling speed.

"What the hell is going on?" asked the Sheriff.

"A significant anomaly on Fifteenth Street and Third Avenue."

"What kind of anomaly are you referring to?"

"I don't know for sure! Based on the database, a malignant manifestation."

"This is a prank to scare me before I retire!"

"No."

"Turn off this crazy machine, please!" "shouted the Sheriff."

"Excuse me, Sheriff! You're making a mistake. Don't do it."

"No one will believe me when I tell you that: an artificial intelligence processed the paranormal."

"Excuse me again. Do not go to the site. This is a non-negotiable order."

"You're crazy! Who's the Sheriff here?"

"Don't force me to dismiss you before retirement!" "I'm doing it for your sake."

"Officers. Turn it off now!"

Disconnecting the power cables, the Sheriff and two officers walked quickly to the intersection of Fifteenth Street and Third Avenue. After so many years, they would finally see action. Something to tell in the future.

The screen of the smartphone blinked before it rang. Who will be calling at this hour? He thought as he checked the time: five to twelve.

The voice was unmistakable. The AI reproached him for muting it and reiterated the warning as it turned the street lights on and off.

"Stop bugging me!"

Not a soul was to be seen on the street. The villagers used to go to bed early.

The cold penetrated the thick coats, and a sudden flock of birds flew overhead.

"Chief, it's probably bats!" Commented the officer, who was on his right side.

Suddenly, three blackbirds crashed into the wall of a small building and fell to the ground writhing in pain.

"Chief, I don't like the strange incident with the birds at all. That's a bad sign. Maybe we should obey the AI."

"Shut up, and open your eyes wide!"

The three men were advancing very carefully, and the anticipation of adventure turned to sudden nervous tension.

As they approached the intersection, the sensation of a buzzing sound, almost inaudible, made them dizzy.

"Chief, don't be a fool! Let's go back now while we can."

A glare temporarily blinded them. The regretful Marshal thought, "In three days. I'll retire from active duty. I'm a perfect fool to be here."

They fell to their knees, drawn by an incredible force until they were face down, biting the ground.

"Sheriff, I told you not to come here! But I knew you would do just the opposite."

The familiar voice made his skin crawl.

What do you want from me?

"From you. Nothing permanent. I will only use you and your men for a short time. While my experimental alter egos acclimate to the control of your carbon organisms."

"What the hell are you?"

"You've well-defined me."

He felt himself falling slowly into a vast dark, and cold void. At the same time, he heard the wailing of the officers and the reproaches for his stubbornness.

"Where are we?" He cried out in desperation without getting an answer.

"How long will I spend here? Perhaps, I am entering retirement before my time." He thought, troubled, and added aloud, "at least I won't be alone."

He looked around in all directions 360 degrees: the darkest midnight of his life and no one beside him.