Erich von Stein: Interpolis Act 1 - "City of shadows"

Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany, 1948. In this alternate universe, where humanoid cats take the place of humans, Erich von Stein, a war veteran from the conflict with the USSR, leads an almost peaceful life in his hometown of Mainz. The trauma of war and the demons of the past have left their mark on him - his face never betrays a smile. Working as a train driver for Deutsche Bahn, he tries to find peace and meaning in the post-war reality. One day, however, he receives a call from his friend, who is currently working as a scientist at the Hanover University of Technology, which is conducting pioneering research on inter-dimensional technology. As it turns out, the University has lost contact with its inter-dimensional hub, Interpolis - a cyberpunk metropolis existing in another dimension, access to which is made possible by advanced technology. Erich agrees to help, due to his experience and knowledge of technology, and is sent on a mission to restore contact and find out what happened. Interpolis greets him with a dark atmosphere, where a powerful corporation, Void, casts a shadow over the city. Controlling every aspect of the residents' lives, Void holds the city in an iron grip, and social inequalities are commonplace. I, II, and III Class Implants divide society into the better and the worse, and access to technology is strictly controlled. In this dangerous world, Erich meets Greg, whom he saves from being beaten by Void's services, and Douglas McKeen, the head of Vectron, an organization fighting against Void. Together, they uncover the corporation's dark secrets, its ties to crime, and human experimentation. How will their further fate unfold? You will find out by reading this novel.