The Game of Luck

by Catherine Cerveny

  Secretary Rhys Arkell strode toward us.

  In all the scenarios I imagined, this wasn’t one of them. Tanith touched my hand on the table and leaned into me. “He asked if he could speak with you and I promised to arrange it. I know this might seem inappropriate, but I thought it might benefit you. Please know I would never do anything to alienate you, but I thought we needed to discuss things away from the council meetings. I’m sorry, Felicia. I couldn’t think of another way to do this.”

  I cursed not having a gut feeling then. Damn the CN-net and my current lack of biology. Tanith had set me up and I hadn’t even seen it coming.

  “What does he want?”

  “He’s a career politician. He always wants something.”

  “You sprang this ambush. You should have a better answer than that.”

  She looked pained, her smile faltering. “It’s something we both want, actually. Something we thought you needed to consider. Again, I’m so sorry. I only pray this doesn’t ruin our relationship going forward.”

  It was the last thing she could say before Secretary Arkell was on us.

  Resplendent wasn’t a word I used often, but gods it applied now. The man was resplendent, like he’d been born to be lord of this realm. He may have even been dashing. He wore a dove gray morning suit complete with a top hat. And he carried a walking stick, which took some doing. I wasn’t sure how he could get away with it and not look idiotic, but it worked. He looked downright charismatic and I could tell he’d put time and effort into the outfit.

  People murmured to themselves as he approached, recognizing him. Of course, no one would accost him or start up an impromptu protest—not in this realm. Plus, he was flanked by One Gov hooahs, all dressed in period costumes. While they couldn’t hurt an avatar, they could hold back the curious. They also had glitch wands that would disrupt the connectivity between an online avatar and its user if they deemed the avatar’s behavior inappropriate. The user would have their CN-net privileges suspended and could expect a not-so-pleasant visit from a squad of One Gov riot busters in real life.

  “Good afternoon, ladies,” Arkell said in English as he stood over our table, beaming down at us. “What a pleasure to see you both here.”

  Gods, the jackass couldn’t even bother to speak French.

  “Rhys, it’s good to see you as well,” Tanith said, holding on to her smile despite my scowl. When he kissed her hand, she let him, laughing. “I wondered if you’d make an appearance.”

  Well, at least now I knew why she’d wanted another chocolat chaud. He’d been late to his own damn ambush.

  He gave a charming laugh, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “I meant to be here earlier, but timing is everything and I wanted you to have your moment together before I intruded. Both you ladies look lovely, by the way. Old World charm suits you.” He took the time to turn his attention to me. “Felicia, so wonderful to see you in a less formal setting. Not having a conference table between us or people shouting at each other is a wonderful change, I think. Don’t you agree?”

  I was saved from having to cobble together something pleasant to say by the man beside him—a man I hadn’t noticed until now, which just spoke as to how stunned I was.

  “Hello, Felicia, it’s a pleasure to see you outside of work,” said Rax Garwood. What the hell? Rax Garwood? The Mars pharmaceutical Adjunct grinned down at me, all tall, buff, and blond as if that would impress me and launch me into his arms. Alexei detested Rax. If he’d known Rax was there, he would have shaken the man’s hand while reaching out to the CN-net to systematically dismantle all the Garwood assets until the family was destitute. You didn’t touch what he considered his, and if you did, look the fuck out because he was coming for you. Alexei and I had discussed his messed-up ownership issues at length and worked out the following compromise: He wasn’t allowed to kill a perceived threat if there was another alternative to dealing with it. And while Rax was more of an annoyance than a threat, so far as Alexei was concerned, Rax lived on borrowed time.

  “Why are you here with Secretary Arkell?” I said by way of greeting. “Is someone planning to tell me what’s going on?”

  “Please, call me Rhys,” Arkell said. Like hell that’s happening, I thought before he continued with, “Don’t blame Tanith. None of this is her fault. I asked her if we could talk. That’s all. Nothing terrible. No great conspiracies. Just people who are worried about the fate of One Gov, and want to keep the tri-system safe. Do you mind if we join you? I feel like we’re just standing here, unwelcome and in the way.”

  Our table had been meant for two, but the waitstaff appeared with extra chairs and crammed them in. Arkell sat beside Tanith and Rax squeezed in on my left. Our shoulders brushed despite my best efforts, and I knew Alexei would have lost his shit if he’d witnessed this.

  “Our families go way back. We would never have succeeded on Mars without the Arkells’ help,” Rax said, answering the question I’d forgotten I asked and hadn’t cared about in the first place.

  Tanith gave him a look so quelling, I resolved to learn it and add it to my repertoire, to be trotted out later. Then she turned back to Arkell and met his gaze. The look said, Just stick to the point because I don’t have time for any of your bullshit.

  “Felicia, Rhys and I have been talking, and we have concerns you need to hear. Know that I only want what’s best for you, our family, and for One Gov,” she said.

  It was the sort of opening that led to trouble. In fact, the whole situation screamed bad idea and get out now. Abort! Abort! I didn’t need a gut feeling to tell me that. Common sense was good enough. Unfortunately, I was trapped in a virtual world with no exit except through the nexus-node, and getting there by myself in an unknown realm wouldn’t be easy.

  “We wanted to talk to you about our concerns surrounding the CN-net reboot. We believe the Consortium may be involved in what happened. We’re worried about the fallout you’ll experience when the truth comes out,” Arkell said, his expression sympathetic and oh-so-troubled, as if the thought of my worries kept him up at night.

  I looked at everyone as if they’d lost their collective minds.

  “I’m sorry, but what the hell? You have no proof the Consortium caused the reboot.”

  “You’ve been away from the office this past week, dealing with your own heartbreak concerning your family. We thought it best not to involve you. It’s a very fluid situation and we all realize it’s only a matter of time before that proof turns up,” Arkell said. “The Consortium employs some excellent AI jockeys and we know replacing One Gov is their ultimate agenda. We think this is the first step. And though Tanith may not want to say it, there’s fear that you’re being used as the Consortium’s pawn.”

  Tanith took my hand, her expression concerned. “Think about how quickly Alexei Petriv appeared in your life. He had to know who you were and your connections to One Gov, even if you didn’t. He left everything behind on Earth to follow you here and insinuated himself into your world. He controlled everything you did, even making you close your shop. Of course I know it must seem romantic to have someone like him chasing you across the tri-system. Handsome, rich, powerful, dangerous—what woman would be immune to that? Then he asked you to marry him, but he rushed the ceremony. He gave you no time to plan. And less than a year later, you’re trapped, followed by his security at all hours. You must admit, it looks suspicious. I know you think he loves you, but look at what he’s done to your life. He’s made you a prisoner and turned you into his puppet.”

  “That’s not how it was,” I said, appalled by how Tanith had strung events together in the worst possible light. “Alexei isn’t like that. I’m not trapped, and that’s not how it is between us. He loves me.”

  “Are you sure or are you fooling yourself? Is a man like Alexei Petriv even capable of love?” she asked.

  “I can’t believe I’m hearing this. You have no idea what you’re talking about. You don’t even know Alexei. Felipe does, and th
e two of them get along. In fact, they even trust each other.”

  “He threatened me,” Rax said, as if that held any weight with me. “I thought you and I could be friends. I’d barely made overtures to you when he threatened me if I interfered in his plans. I was afraid for my life.”

  “He said that right to your face? That he’d kill you if you ruined his plans?” I asked, skeptical.

  “It was implied.”

  I ignored Rax the idiot and turned back to Tanith. “Do you have any idea how insulting this is? You barely know me. I shouldn’t have to defend my relationship to you. Does Felipe know you planned this?”

  “My husband is too kindhearted to say anything he believes might alienate you, certain we’ll make the same mistakes we made with Monique. Sometimes, I think it’s paralyzed his decisions. And now One Gov could fall because of his softness. I won’t allow our future to be jeopardized because of this,” Tanith said, her tone hardening. “Alexei Petriv is not to be trusted, let alone associated with. He is a criminal and not fit to be linked to our family. Cutting ties with him is the only way to preserve One Gov.”

  I looked at her, my mouth opening and closing, words beyond me.

  “We have evidence indicating he may have been responsible for Konstantin Belikov’s disappearance,” Arkell continued when I said nothing. “You need to understand you’re dealing with someone skilled in influencing others. He is a master at manipulating those around him. Drawing you in and taking advantage of you would be an easy thing for him. Think about what we’re saying. You know how important One Gov is to the unity of the tri-system. Without it, everything falls apart. And I know you believe it too, or you wouldn’t be as dedicated to your position as you are. I’ve noted the strides you’ve made in rehabilitating Venus, and I know safeguarding our future is vital to you. All we ask is that you remember what One Gov represents and that we must protect those ideals whatever the cost. We can’t allow anything to erode them, or what will we have left?”

  I stood then, because I couldn’t hear anymore. I’d known these baseless accusations would come eventually, but never imagined Tanith—my so-called grandmother—would be leading the charge. I’d been prepared for a lot of things, but certainly not this.

  “I’m sorry, but you’re telling me my husband is responsible for the reboot and now you want me to what…hand him over to you? Gather evidence to help you build a case against him? Leave him? Do you…I can’t…I have to go.”

  “Felicia, please hear us out,” Tanith begged, trying to reach out even as I backed away.

  “Felipe is going to be disgusted when he hears this. And Alexei…I don’t even know what he’ll do when I tell him. If you’re lucky, he’ll think it’s amusing and leave it at that,” I said, swatting away her hands. “I tried to be family with you, but if this is the relationship I can expect, I can’t do this. I’m sorry, Tanith, but this lunch thing isn’t working. I don’t think we should speak to each other anymore. Maybe not ever.”

  And without a backward glance, I turned on my heel and left.

  16

  It should have been easier to storm out of a virtual world, but no. Logging out was more than just opening my eyes and waking up in my own body. I had to worry about the state of my avatar for future use—unless I didn’t mind wearing my 1890s gown at the next One Gov staff meeting. To avoid that, I had to endure a long, bullshit procedure of jumping between realms and putting myself back the way I’d found me.

  Once at home and in my own bed, I was fuming by the time I opened my eyes—so angry, I needed to calm down before I did anything rash. The simmering rage was back again. When I could, I went to my office, sat at my work table, and woke up the internal AI, Eleat, with a tap of my fingernail. Then I started tossing out cards, looking for answers. Hard to do when I was pissed off, but if I let my mind go blank and kept throwing them out, something useful might show up.

  I’d been at it for only a second when I received a ping from Felipe.

  “Tanith knows she made a mistake” was the first thing he said when I answered. “I’m not apologizing for her—I’m furious she went behind my back and made these accusations. I had no idea she and Rhys were conspiring like this. I only ask that you try to put yourself in her shoes and consider her point of view.”

  “I don’t think I can. Maybe you need to go back to Earth and rein her in before she can do more damage.”

  “I’ll talk to her. Her and Rhys both. They were in the wrong and they know it, but I understand their position. Citizens are demanding the Secretary’s resignation and for One Gov to hold immediate elections; the reality is making them desperate. But I also know you, and trust you. I also trust Alexei. He is unexpectedly honorable. I know he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize your position in One Gov. In fact, you may be the only thing preventing a Consortium power grab, whether anyone realizes that or not. I will deal with Tanith and I promise it will blow over.”

  “I’m done with these lunches until she gets her shit together. I’d like to say I’m done with all of One Gov too because of this, but I like what I’m doing, I like working with you, and I don’t want One Gov to fall apart. It isn’t all bad and there are elements I think are worth saving. But if this is the sort of scrutiny and intimidation I can expect because I’m with Alexei, forget it. I thought I could handle it, but not if people are forcing me to choose sides.”

  “It will be fine. I promise you. I’ll see you on Jovisol. For now, just don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

  “Okay, but I can’t promise not to tell Alexei. He deserves to know there are segments of One Gov actively trying to build a case against him. Despite what I told Tanith, I know his reaction won’t be pretty.” I glanced at the table and went still when I saw which cards lay faceup on Eleat. Everything else fell out of my head. “Can I get back to you? Something’s come up that I need to take care of.”

  “Of course. We’ll talk later.” The connection was broken.

  I had laid a Celtic Cross, a basic spread I could do in my sleep. First card: the Empress. Second card crossing it: the Page of Cups, a message or a new birth was coming. Third card, representing the immediate future: the Four of Wands, a pregnancy. In the fourth position, which showed events in the past that caused the current situation: the Ace of Wands. This was the beginning of a new idea, new start, and a male creative force. When paired with the right cards, it also tied into fertility and birth. I hurried through the reading, skimming over my state of mind and outside-influence cards, until I got to the final card with all the answers: the Sun, success, contentment, positivity, and more importantly in this case, the birth of a child.

  I stopped there. My breath caught, and I couldn’t think. Couldn’t focus beyond those cards. What had I been thinking about when I’d laid them? Nothing in particular. The spread had been random, without a query directing it. There was no reason this layout should refer to any particular person. It could have been a spread for anyone. It could mean there would be a new project coming at work, like all the Venus initiatives I’d be starting on soon. Or it could mean exactly what it meant, with no hidden messages: a baby. It could mean someone I knew was going to have a baby. Maybe one of my cousins. Or a friend. Or a coworker. Or maybe it could mean…me.

  I let out the breath I held, afraid to believe it might be true.

  “Eleat, did you make a copy of this reading?” I asked my work table.

  “Of course, Felicia. I make copies of all your readings when we work together. Would you like me to save it for you?” the table replied in a pleasant, feminine voice.

  “Yes, please. Save it in a new file. Call it—”

  “I’ve already saved it as ‘New Baby.’ Is that adequate, or should I save it as something more specific? Is this your baby, Felicia? If so, please let me offer you congratulations.”

  “I…I don’t know whose baby it is. ‘New Baby’ is fine. That’s it for now. I need to think about this more before I try another spread.”

&nb
sp; “All right. I’m here if you need me. Have a good rest of your sol,” Eleat said, then went into sleep-suspend mode.

  My thoughts whirled. All my anger and frustration vanished, and I couldn’t remember why I’d been mad in the first place. Nothing mattered now. Nothing but this.

  Have you pulled the Empress yet? Has she appeared in any of your readings? Suzette had asked mere sols ago. Now I had a different answer for her. Yes, the Empress is here. I’ve pulled her, and she’s here. And not only had I pulled the Empress, I’d pulled every pregnancy card in the deck along with her.

  My hands shook and I hugged myself, pinning them still under my arms. I needed to think, but it was hard. I had to make plans, and it felt impossible. I couldn’t focus on the Empress now. I had to worry about other things, like telling Felipe about my and Alexei’s involvement in the reboot. He needed to know about the trap set by whoever was after the luck gene. Someone had stolen my family’s DNA records, and…oh gods, the Empress. A baby.

  I would talk to Felipe, and tell him everything. He needed to be aware someone else knew about Monique’s research. Maybe they were even picking up where she’d left off. If so, he might be able to provide answers. He may even have his own list of suspects and know where to look for answers. Yes, the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. I would tell him Jovisol, when I saw him in the office. I should consult with Alexei first before I did anything. That was the smart thing to do. And I should tell him about the Empress. But what if it wasn’t referring to me? It was better to not think about it, and let things happen in their own way. Best not to hope and have it all fall apart. I didn’t want to see the look on Alexei’s face if it wasn’t true.

  I decided with a nod of my head as I gathered up the cards. I would keep it to myself. And I’d talk to Felipe. He’d handle Tanith. Then we’d look into who was after the luck gene. With Felipe, Alexei, and myself looking, we were bound to come up with answers much quicker. Perfect. It would all work out. The cards agreed. Even my gut agreed. The Empress. It would be fine. For the first time in ages, I felt like I had a solid plan. Now all I had to do was wait.