Lost in Space
Page 24
I couldn’t hear what was going on in the squadron chat, but the general pilot chat was full of other players asking when the air forces would let others do their work. By the foul language used by pilots who were responding to these questions, I guessed that their situation was a shitty one. Losing about a dozen ships in an instant, the pilots, apparently badly scared, started to fly away to the carrier ships.
The whole fleet that was defending the station gave chase after the escaping fighters. What Researcher had warned me about had begun. Once they entered the fire range, the ground troop carriers started to fall under the attack, with no one to protect them as the cowardly fighters escaped to the teleporting shuttles. Browsing the ground troop chats, I learned a lot about the pilots and the Wargs.
A message popped up after two hours:
Level 6 mission failed: Dagobar System Station Capture
Return to the shuttle to exit the mission.
Chapter 37
Viktor, we’re up, my companion told me once the message appeared. I’ll be able to stall your shuttle for an hour after all the fighters get teleported. During that time, the whole fleet will be retreating from the system while teleporting the ground troops. And the Dagobar will open traffic again. Every idle minute costs the hub owners a fortune.
His words came true. Once our fleet, backing and losing more ships, withdrew from the system, the station was surrounded by more ships that came from the inside to examine the shell-holes in its sides. In an hour, once the last of our ships left the system and the pursuing mercenaries started to return, a civil ship suddenly flashed past me, followed by another one. Soon, there were a hundred of them; then a thousand. When the station lit up and used lasers to direct the traffic, I found myself in a peaceful system that looked like it hadn’t been invaded by a large fleet just an hour before.
Come on. Researcher took control at once. Turning off the, the ship headed for the station. Like always, I’ll do all the talking.
“Hey, may I at least see a bit of the station this time? I know that we have an hour, but I really want to see those aliens. You never let me do that”, I begged. I was utterly confused about why Researcher never allowed me to visit the planets or stations that we would affect with the viruses.
That’s too dangerous, Viktor. I’ve told you that before. A bio-robot in a military spacesuit would attract too much attention and that would alarm the local law enforcement officers. And we do have just an hour.
“Will I ever see anything that you’ve told me about? How can I think myself a space traveler if I’ve never seen any of the space dwellers, alien shops, or their foods at a distance smaller than a thousand miles?”
Hush.
“Control 7-7-8-2-1 to Researcher ship.”
“Researcher ship here.”
“What’s your purpose in the Dagobar system?”
“Trade. Please give me one-time access to your network.”
“Do you know our web tariffs?”
“Yes, Control 7-7-8-2-1. Opening access to my account.”
“Access and credit solvency confirmed. The ‘Corporation’ apologizes for the long waiting time.”
“No apologies needed. We saw that mercenary fleet. You were great at making those scoundrels retreat.”
“Thank you, Researcher ship. Over and out.”
“Over and out.”
Completing the usual tasks, the artifact inside my head turned the ship in the withdrawing fleet’s direction and, gaining speed, made a brief subspace jump that closed the whole distance between us and the rest of the fleet at once. I saw the waiting shuttle next to the ground troop carriers that were apparently still teleporting soldiers home after the failed mission.
Flying into the shuttle, I saw some robots tinkering with my teleportation equipment. Once we landed inside the rectangle, they froze and I left the mission in the usual manner.
Back in my room, I collapsed onto the bed. “We did nothing but waste time,” I muttered with displeasure. “Why introduce such complicated missions? We are not ready to clash with other mercenaries.”
Maybe the Earthlings completed many level 5 missions and they’ve decided that you’re ready to advance. Who knows, Researcher said.
“Fuck them. I’m not taking any more such missions until I have a better ship. What do you think about the tournament?”
Are there any problems with it?
“I want to find a team that could challenge Drones. What happened today will probably reduce the number of pilots in the game. Should I keep looking for them on missions or the game forum? I’m thinking about posting an ad on a special website.”
I have a simpler plan. Do well in qualification rounds. Those looking for a strong player to join their team will see your performance and approach you, he replied. I liked this suggestion.
“You’re probably right. I’ll do that.” Looks like it’s true what they say—two heads are better than one. And two minds sharing a head are just as good.
Getting no answer, I checked the available missions on the tablet. There was not a single yellow, level 6 one this time.
“If you have no virus planting plans for today, I’ll do some level five missions.” I selected the highest-paying task from the list.
I have none. I’ve completed all that I had planned for today. According to my calculations, we’ll need two or three more visits to other systems to close the last of the remaining gaps in your defense.
“Cool. Thank you.”
***
I waited for the qualifications to open as calmly as I could. This was not the first time that I was doing something like that, so I didn’t feel really excited or anxious. The only special thing I did was to come a little bit earlier since this event was important for me.
The Galaxy publishers were going to broadcast all of the qualification rounds onto the web which is why Researcher’s plan made even more sense. If I prove myself capable, I could get noticed by strong players I don’t yet know. And then we could make a team. I’ll be able to see their combats just as they will be able to see mine.
Combat starts in: 01:00
Get ready.
I stopped reflecting once the countdown appeared.
Turn invisible straight away and fly far away, I told Researcher. We’ll assess the situation from there.
What if the enemy is weak and far away?
Then attack immediately.
3…
2…
1…
Loading…
I barely had time to see the outer space when a message popped up.
Battle over.
Winner: L0St
In a moment, I was back to my room. “What was that?” I was totally confused.
You’ve told me to shoot on sight if the rival is weak.
“Um. I didn’t really expect that. But let’s not waste time on pointless arguing. When is the next battle?”
In an hour.
“Then I’ll get some food delivered while we wait.”
***
3…
2…
1…
Loading…
Battle over.
Winner: L0St
***
3…
2…
1…
Loading…
Battle over.
Winner: L0St
***
3…
2…
1…
Loading…
Battle over.
Winner: L0St
***
3…
2…
1…
Loading…
Battle over.
Winner: L0St
“Don’t you think that this is a bit too easy?” I felt outright bored, winning for the fifth time without lifting a finger.
What’s the point of wasting time on unknown opponents?
“Maybe you’re right. No more battles for today.” I yawned, looking at the tournament icon that was countin
g down the time till the next battle. It was time to get back to the real world and get some rest.
***
Moscow.
Intercontinental Hotel: Practice Hall
A dumbfounded player from Forever Young leaned back in his capsule, staring blindly at the ceiling and recalling the game message informing him that he had been defeated. The other ship destroyed his cockpit with a single shot; his character died before he could do anything.
Coming to, the player propped himself up on one elbow to address a member of the tournament staff: “Can you help me, miss?”
“Yes?” a uniformed young woman approached him at once.
“I joined the qualifications when this player destroyed me with a single shot. May I see the video recording of the combat?”
“Sure. Please come with me.” The staff member smiled politely. “For security reasons, our game capsules are only connected to the intranet, there’s no web access. The only place where we have it is in the detached cubicles with screens.”
Taking him to a cubicle next door, she opened the very first door and, making sure there was no one inside, invited Chao Kho in. She assisted him in finding the video recording of the recent battle on the company website. The recording was very brief—it showed two ships at a long distance, one severing the other ship’s cockpit with a single plasma shot, and the winner announcement.
By Chao Kho’s request, she found all other battles in which the player nicknamed L0St had participated. Those were no different from the one they had just seen—two ships appearing, a single shot, and the death of the other pilot.
“How are we to fight this?” he asked the woman, shaking his head. “His ship is more advanced than those we’ve been provided with. Or he’s brilliant a pilot and I’m a total dumbass, which I find hard to believe.”
“I understand. I’ll present your problem to the management.” She bowed her head in farewell.
***
The ringing of the doorbell was drilling into my skull. I forgot to change it the last time; now it was driving me crazy. I wished to delete from Home’s memory for good so that it could never bother me again; but to make that happen, I would have to open my eyes and get up, which was the last thing I wanted to do after having I spent the night fighting in the qualification rounds. The only thing I had enough strength to do was pull the blanket over my head.
“Viktor, please forgive me, but your visitor is permitted to shut off the apartment owner’s doorbell restrictions when the owner is at home.”
At hearing that, my sleep was gone at once. “Who’s that?” I opened my eyes, squinting angrily at the speaker emitting the AI’s voice. “Replace that damn tune now. I fuckin’ hate it.”
“Replace with what? I have a broad choice of tunes, including the recent hits at 1.99 per month. Should I play some tracks for you to choose from?”
“Pick any free one. And show me that powerful visitor.” I stood up to glance into the living room. The video wall was showing a girl’s face; pretty, but apparently angry.
“Mariya?” I was surprised. Why would she come after the last time? “What does she want now? Well, whatever. Let her in.”
I had welcomed the other Mariya in attire no more professional than the one I was wearing now, so I saw no point in rushing to wash my face and change my clothes. She must be ready to see me like this if she’s coming this early. And after slapping me like that.
“Captain Ivleva?” The door opened; a Fury, which was barely containing her wrath, stood before me. I could see her nostrils flaring and her fingers clench. She was apparently not happy to come here again.
“Major,” she corrected, looking down to the brand-new, shiny star on her coat lapel.
“How come?”
“May we talk inside? Or will you keep a standing woman in the hall?” she asked venomously.
“I’d feel safer that way,” I mocked back. “You may want to hit me again.”
She started and, shooting a furious glare at me, jerked toward the exit but pulled herself together. “You’ll forgive me for that incident, Maximov. But your behavior was beyond appropriate.”
“You came to see me. I didn’t invite you to come this time either.”
My smile made her furious again. “I’d be glad not to come ever again,” she hissed. “But, as your supervisor, I was told to do that.”
“Former supervisor,” I reminded her, feeling amused. I owed her nothing, and she badly wanted something from me. That “something” was apparently related to her job. Why else would she be here?
She winced, showing me the folder in her right hand. “Maybe we can discuss this inside?”
I agreed. I was even polite enough to offer her help with her coat, but she did not appreciate my effort and managed it herself, casting another evil glare at me.
“So, Major Ivleva, what can I do for you and for the state?” I asked once we sat down in the living room I wanted to get this over with as fast as possible.
“You’ve probably heard of the upcoming tournament,” she said, quickly glancing around.
“Sure I have.”
“We refused to take part at first as we’re basically hosting it. But some Galaxy players have done so impressively well in the qualifying rounds that our management had decided to form three teams; one for each game class: infantry, ground machinery, and pilots. These teams will fight under the Galaxy Company banner.”
I looked at her with interest. “And?”
“We’re inviting you, Maximov, to join our pilot team as Russia’s best performer at the qualification stage. During the tournament, we will pay you the same salary you had before.”
“Ha, ha, ha.” Realizing she was serious, I couldn’t help but laugh at such a generous offer. “No, thanks.”
“What?” She looked stunned. The astonishment even overcame her anger.
“I needed your salary when I was just getting started. Now I earn more in the game.”
“But the championship? The prize money? The fame? Are you ready to give that up?”
“I can win all three pilot championships myself. I don’t need your help.”
“But…but…how?”
“This conversation is over, Major Ivleva.” I stood up. “Goodbye.”
She kept trying to say something. Bewildered, she followed me to the door and did not prevent me from closing it.
Getting rid of the other Masha, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. That was really funny. How many more Mashas will I have to drive out of this apartment?
Chapter 38
The signal that arrived two hours later made me shudder. I had just lain down into my capsule when the new tune disturbed me. “Who is it this time?” I asked the AI with displeasure.
“Major Ivleva,” it briefly replied.
“Let her in.” I was curious to hear why she had returned. I thought that I was pretty clear about our conversation being over.
Opening the door, I saw the strict and confident young woman looking at me calmly and trying to say something. She opened her mouth twice but shut it immediately, her confidence melting away before my eyes. A moment later, she burst into tears, smearing her make-up all over her face.
“I…I…told…them…but…they…say…go…”
I could barely make out what she was saying. I also couldn’t stay silent and watch her have a breakdown. I embraced her and muttered a couple of soothing words. I then helped her get out of her military-style coat and took her to the living room, where I made her sit on the sofa and got her some tissues. Then I went to the kitchen to make her a cup of strong tea.
While I was away, Ivleva had wiped her ruined make-up off. She was now sitting on the edge of the sofa, creasing the stained tissue in her hands. She obediently accepted the tea mug from me. Avoiding eye contact, she took two wary sips.
“Do you feel calmer?” I asked her when the heavy silence started to feel oppressive.
She nodded.
“Do you have different
offer for me?” I decided not to make any comments about her emotional outburst.
“The management is offering you a full-time job as a beta-tester of all Galaxy updates, an annual salary, and full allowance according to your Senior Lieutenant rank.”
Is this a trap? Looking at her, I thought it over. Last time she came to check if I had the alien artifact. What if this is another check? Working for the military, I won’t be a master of my own life and time. Why would I do that? Right now, I can make enough money for myself without being employed.
I recommend that you accept it, Researcher suddenly said when I was about to refuse.
Why? I was surprised. I think she’s just trying to figure out if I have you.
I’ve examined all the notes and footage of meetings held by the world’s military leaders available on the web. You’re a person of interest, yes. However, the military is currently too busy with the project that’s making them billions of dollars. You, and two dozen other people from different countries, have done so outstandingly well in the qualifying rounds that you made the organizers change the rules. Those who now reach the final round will fight not in their own gear, but in what they buy from the shop using an equal amount of money given to each player. The amount will be a hundred thousand credits for infantry, half a million for armored vehicle drivers, and a million for pilots. Besides, all pilots get an empty fighter hull to fill with whatever they see fit.
Oh yeah. That gives an edge to long-playing, well-coordinated teams. Such a team will be able to equip each member appropriately to their role. Solo players like me will select their usual, unique build. That’s pretty smart.
Yes. Introducing these new rules, they’ve actually came up with the idea of enrolling their own team in the contest on general terms, introducing you as the company’s employees who see gaming as a hobby and who managed to overpower the top teams. Using the tournament as a global broadcasting platform, such an advertising campaign would attract even more people toward the game. Actually, so far, you’re the only one listed as the best pilot in the qualifying rounds. You being under special watch makes them even more willing to keep an eye on you.