by Tony Corden
“I would like you to hold whatever Leah gives me in remuneration for my work. In fact, I would like you to negotiate a reasonable work contract with her on my behalf. I would like you to take into trust my ideas, for both patent and marketing. I would like you to manage financial accounts held in trust for me.”
Ernst said, “I believe we can get together and word the agreement to cover any number of situations which arise. Who will sign the contract with the Emerald Trustees?”
Leah said, “Gèng has no right under law to enter into a contract with you, not written, not electronic, not verbal. If you want something which will hold up in a court of law, then I will. If the contract is a promise, a covenant even, between the Emerald Trustees and Gèng, then I believe she should.”
Lis said, “Then I propose we do both. To have integrity in the eyes of the community and the law, one contract will be signed between Leah and the Emerald Trustees. To keep faith with Gèng and for our own honour, we will sign an agreement with Gèng. Will this be satisfactory?”
When no one said anything, both Ernst and Lis slowly nodded while Chiara looked puzzled. After an extended silence Chiara said, “I think I understand. Gèng can’t answer because she has no rights and Leah won’t answer because, in her eyes, her agreement is irrelevant. What a predicament to be in. Wait a minute, Gèng, is that true? Is it true you could not answer?”
“My answer, Chiara, may sound somewhat recursive. I could have answered because I knew I had Leah’s permission. Without her permission, I could not have answered. I believe I actually could have answered even without her permission. What troubles me is I wonder if that is because in her eyes I have never been her property and I have never needed the permission I was required to seek.”
Ernst said, “I shall take it then as agreed. I understand why you sought our assistance. I almost wish you hadn’t, but it was to champion such causes that I became an Emerald Trustee. I would like a day or two to talk with my colleagues and discuss both our options and yours. The issue is more complex than I’d imagined and we may need to be creative. If Lis and Chiara have no more questions, we will take our leave.”
When the other two shook their heads, Gèng said, “Leah and I want to thank you for coming and listening to us. We look forward to working with you if it is possible.”
As they stood up, Lis said, “I do have a question for you Leah, but it is nothing to do with this situation.”
Leah said, “Ask away. I’ve a couple of virtual hours before I have to be anywhere and I’ve enjoyed this discussion.”
“Thank you. Now, why do all four of you disagree with Chiara’s statement that slavery has been eradicated? Your disagreement was too intense to be because of Gèng’s situation. You are all rational beings and know why her situation exists. Yet all of you exhibited disagreement with Chiara’s statement. Gèng hid it the best and if nothing else it was that emotional response which commits me to her cause. Leah’s response was well hidden, but it was more rage than disagreement. Susan and Sarfaraz disagreed. Yet both should ‘know’ that Chiara is correct. As lawyers, their faces should be better schooled, yet they showed disagreement, fear, and disgust. I would like to know why.”
Leah said, “If you really want the answer then I’ll tell you. Please consider it seriously though. Sarfaraz explained how some in your company see yourselves somewhat as knights. You have a code, you’re quixotic without the impracticability. From what I know of knights, they are people who value personal integrity and personal freedom. They have a code and are driven to be involved. In other times you three might have lobbied alongside Wilberforce, marched with Gandhi, sat with Rosa Parks, or stood with Emmeline Pankhurst. If I tell you that Chiara is wrong and if I convince you beyond any doubt, what would you do? Could you leave it be? Or will you want to do something?”
None of the three said a word for a moment, then Ernst said, “I couldn’t let that go. I’d want to fight against it.”
“What if the fight means, such as in my examples, that you could lose your reputation, your friends, your family or even your life? Would you still want to know?
Lis asked, “Are those things really likely, Leah?”
Gèng answered, “You three are people who are well known and influential in business, finance, and politics. If you became too active, then I’d calculate the probability approaches unity.”
Ernst said, “Surely if I am the person you say I am then I must say ‘yes’?”
Leah answered, “No one is truly consistent, Ernst. We all have priorities. I don’t think it is right to steal, but I am probably the best burglar in my neighbourhood. I want peace more than anything but have no problems using my fists and knives to protect myself. Everybody has their price. All I’m asking is that you think about what yours is.”
Chiara said, “This knowledge. Would you want to know, if you’d been given a choice?”
Leah paused, then said, “I don’t know.”
Gèng responded immediately, “That’s not true Leah and you know it. That answer is your attempt to give these people a chance to back out with honour. Give them the freedom you want for me. Don’t fetter their choices. You don’t have that right.”
Chiara said, “I want to hear what you have to say but I have three young children. If doing something put them in danger then I’d probably stay silent. I still think I should know what’s happening, but like Gèng said, ‘Don’t fetter me!’ I can decide what my reaction will be.”
Both Ernst and Lis nodded, so Leah sat down and filled the three visitors in on the use of PAI to control millions of players and manipulate their lives.
When she’d finished speaking, Ernst said, “Thank you for telling me. I don’t know what I’ll do about it, but I will at least keep my eyes open. I imagine from what you shared that you haven’t been sitting still. How are you funding the new Pod centres?”
“From my game playing.”
“Would you accept assistance?”
“Yes, but like anything, it depends a little on what strings are attached. If you see the need and want to help, I expect there will be over fifty million people in Europe affected. I’m just playing catch up. You could get ahead of the game.”
Lis asked, “I have my own answer, but I’d like to hear your reason why you’re not advocating that the government do its job?”
“Oh, they should. I think they should do their job. I just don’t think their job is to do my job for me, nor is it to tell me how I should do it. I’m responsible for feeding my family. I’m responsible for getting educated. I should pay my bills. I’m responsible for helping my neighbour when I can. I’m responsible to feed someone who is hungry if I can. I’m glad there are government programs, and they should be stopping this. However, neither their activity nor their inactivity absolves me of my own responsibilities.”
Lis said, “We have taken up a lot of time, and we must go. Gèng, I’d appreciate it if you would do me the honour of visiting me tomorrow. Not for business, but socially. I’d like to hear your story.”
Gèng said, “I’d be honoured.”
Everyone said goodbye and the five disappeared. As Leah and Gèng walked up to the Tower Gèng said, “Did I offend you when I told everyone you were being dishonest?”
“Just for a second Gèng, just for a second. After that, I was too proud of you to have any other emotion. Besides, you were right, so it isn’t your fault if I felt offended. The fault for feeling offended would be mine.”
Leah needed to take a break and have something to eat so she logged out in preparation for what she hoped was the last session of fighting snakes.
Diary - 15 December, 2073 - Morning
I haven’t written a morning entry in my diary for years. The last time was the day I’d uncovered Jimmy Loo’s dark side. Or, if I’m going to be honest, it was the day I uncovered mine. I’d always known he wasn’t good, I mean, if he was good he would have stopped me being bullied out of the kindness of his heart, instead of ask
ing me to break into places for him. Even so, I’d never seen his temper until then. It was the day Lillian Peterson was found all beaten up in her bedroom. She’d been assaulted by two guys who’d broken into her house, they’d tied up her parents, and then raped her.
I hadn’t actively worked for Jimmy for several years and was surprised when John approach me at school. Jimmy needed all hands on deck and was calling in one of the favours I owed him. He wanted the people who hurt Lillian found, and apparently, I was his best hunter. I can still see the look in Lillian’s eye when Jimmy practically dragged me into her room to look for clues. She looked… lost, like the look kids get when they can’t find someone they know. There I was, a skinny thirteen year old girl, and Jimmy pushed me into Lillian’s room and said, “Find them, Leah!” Before closing the door and leaving me alone with Lillian.
I kept notes of what we talked about, but I don’t need them, I remember every word, every sight, every heart-wrenching sob. Three hours later I watched as John and Johan dragged the two Jameson boys in front of Jimmy. I didn’t have to stay and watch the beating and maiming, but I did. I’d followed the clues and identified them, I’d found where they’d run to and some part of me felt that I needed to make sure they didn’t escape their punishment. I watched and part of me felt that what happened to them, was right. Again, to be honest, most of me felt that, and my concern is, I still do.
I think the police questions yesterday about the boy I hurt last year opened this door but hearing N’den this morning brought everything back. What troubles me is the ease with which the programmers could mirror that lost look, that look of shame and guilt, the look of fear, that look of self-loathing that reminded me so much of Lillian. How can a family? How can a community? How can anyone let a person live with that look for six years, and do nothing? How can that look become so commonplace in society that we all recognise it?
But my thoughts are darker than that. When I lost control of my body at Jackson’s party I know I only felt a tiny amount of the fear and shame that Lillian and Aarav’s sister have experienced, but the memory is still there. I saw a similar look in the eyes of the people on the Tempest and in Catherine’s eyes, and I’m so afraid I’ll see it in Thad’s eyes. Putting it all together and what I want to get down before it becomes overwhelming is that I’m angry. Dark deeds angry. Retribution angry. Maiming angry. And, it scares me…
16
December 15, 2073 - Part 8
DUNYANIN
After her break Leah headed back into Dunyanin. She arrived at the end of the Snakes and Ladders game and in front of her was the portal to the next level, the Court of Courtiers. She stepped through and arrived at the bottom of a set of stairs which led up to an open doorway through which she could hear the sound of many voices. As her foot landed on the first step, a message appeared.
The Court of Courtiers.
Atherleah (Level 318) Before you see the king you must navigate through the Court of Courtiers. Courtiers are well-to-do servants, wealthy citizens, minor nobles, aspiring mages, ladies-in-waiting, and military officers who spend their lives basking in the glory of the King, Somur T’kan. They attend to his needs and whims, they act as his aides, and they carry out his orders. They want to entertain him and if possible influence him to their own ends. Each of them, in one way or another, wants to get closer to the King. Some are honourable and want to get close for his benefit, but most seek their own.
A truth to remember is that the natural enemy of a Courtier is another Courtier. As you enter the room you will be announced. Everyone will then compare themselves to you. Be wary, for every courtier who feels threatened by you will want to kill you. They value their position before the King and will not want to give it up to you. You must exit the room at the far end to move to the third level.
Leah took the second step and hoped there was some limit on how many could attack at one time. If they announced all her titles, then she’d have to fight the lot. She prepared herself to be ready for constant battle. In her head, she rehearsed the different spells and went over the various creatures from the day before. The continuous fighting had been useful in many ways. One she particularly valued was her increased skill in summoning. She could now summon three minions or spiders at the same time.
As she moved onto the top step, she could see into the room. It was probably fifty metres wide and two hundred deep. The concentration of Courtiers was similar to the Snakes and Ladders game, so she estimated a hundred or so Courtiers. It was going to be a long fight.
As she stepped into the room a loud voice said, “I present the Empress Atherleah, Queen of the Dragonblood Dryads, Overlady of the Elfauns, a Noble of the Road of the Kings, Markiz, named K’lbimizin, Lady of the Forest, the Lady of Heykel, the Lady of the Deep Forest, Dragon Slayer, Kraken Killer, God Slayer, Slayer of Büyük, the Friend of Utzal, Counsellor of the Gods, the Champion of Hope, the Champion of the Outcast, Protector of the Chosen One of Serseri, Saviour of the Dragonblood Dryads, Ant Friend, Mage, Dark Mage, Beast Mage, Mana Manipulator, Ki Manipulator, Grand Master Miner, and Master Crafter.”
By the time the voice had finished speaking, every eye in the room was focused on Leah, every hand was on a weapon, every hood on every snake was extended, and she could hear the rattles vibrating on many different snakes. She had fought most of them before, but that was one at a time.
As Leah stepped into the room, the two closest reared up and moved toward her. She summoned two minions and sent them toward one while she fired several arrows at the other. She cast Tangle to help her minions and cast Lightning followed by some Dragonfire to finish the snake off. Then she stepped forward to kill the second snake. Leah must have crossed a limit since the closest snake began to attack, spitting acid and rushing toward her, sword at the ready. She cast Disc of Death and then Circle of Sloth. Two minutes later and the third snake was dead. Nothing else attacked.
She looked around the room, and all the creatures were still watching her, all of them with their weapons ready. They were also all creeping slowly toward her. If that continued, then eventually the number she faced each time would increase. The longer she took the harder it would become. There had been five in the front row, and Leah had killed three, with one left in either corner. She moved to her right and finished off a Level 330 Deathrattler. Leah had met these on the previous level. They were a large blue snake with a female torso and neck and either four or ten arms, each of them wielding a long sword. Their tails had a rattle which looked like a series of skulls that knocked against each other as they prepared to strike.
Leah decided to move to the second row of courtiers but when she’d finished off the first of those she turned to see that the remaining snake from the first row was almost within range. She concluded that the room was set up so that she had to finish them a row at a time. By Leah’s calculations, by the time she reached the final few rows, she’d be being mobbed by four or five snakes at any one time, and that was if she was lucky and hurried through the room. She decided not to use Chain Lightning just in case the attack brought ten snakes down on her. She also wanted to keep her dual wield spells until she really needed them. With her strategy decided, Leah began moving down the row.
By the time she’d finished the fourth row, she was almost out of Mana and Ki while her health was nearly half full. She moved away from the courtiers hoping to have a breather, but the whole room began to shuffle a little faster. She drank a series of restore potions and kept moving. At the end of the sixteenth row, she’d replenished her reserves three more times and still had another twenty snakes to defeat. The courtiers were now bunching up, and Leah wasn’t getting any breaks. At least three, and sometimes four, were attacking at any one time. As soon as she killed one another had inched close enough to attack. Her health was above eighty per cent, as was her Ki, but her Mana was getting low.
The longer she fought the more natural the moves became, and it seemed like she had more time between strokes to think through he
r options. She wondered if she was growing too dependent on her magic and decided to concentrate more on attacking physically. She decided to minimise her use of summonings and castings and pushed herself to move faster and to integrate more of her vampire abilities, this required her to unequip and equip her weapons rapidly. Having made the decision, Leah pushed herself into a higher gear and attacked.
She began to find small ways to improve her speed, like being more mindful of her opponents' health statistics. There was no need to pierce a heart or decapitate an enemy if their health was already in the red; it was quicker and more efficient to make a deep cut on the way to the next enemy or simply to shred their side with her claws extended as she passed by. Leah also learned that some enemies could be left alive as long as she slowed them down with a quick slash of her sword to sever their spine, or the rake of a claw to blind them. She could always come back to them when she had more time. She was so focused that it was almost a surprise when she found herself alone in the room. Every courtier was dead.
Leah walked slowly through the room harvesting each of the dead while she recovered. When all her different statistics were at one hundred per cent, she walked out of the Court’s far door. In front of her was another portal. She walked through it and into the third level, the Way of Warriors.
Leah was standing in a room with no windows and two doors. There was a desk to one side, and a six-meter Tigersnake was coiled behind it. There was a sign on the desk with the word ‘ADJUTANT’ spelt out in large letters. The snake was Level 300, and its colouring included five identical green bands circling its waist. It stared at Leah. Its tongue flicked in and out and then said, “Are you here for the Way of Warriors?”