Digital Evolution (The Game is Life Book 5)

by Terry Schott

  Danielle looked uncertain. “If others find out, they will start to complain as well.”

  “The key, my dear wife, is to make certain no one learns about the special offers. Get them out of the area as quickly and quietly as possible.”

  “This type of thing isn’t what I prefer to do, Trew.”

  “I know, but we need to keep a lot of details secret which means you, me, and only a few other trusted people can be in charge.” He leaned over to kiss Danni on the top of the head. “Don’t worry. Once the game gets underway we will be able to give responsibility to more people.”

  “It looks like Sojourn is doing very well so far.”

  “It is,” Trew agreed. “Better than we had hoped it would.”

  “And the Game?”

  “Yes, the Game. I don’t know what to do about that. Should we add something new or keep it the way that it always was?”

  “I never understood the hundreds of years of primitive living and sparse society,” Danni said. “I was never interested in watching any of the channels during those time periods.”

  “As it turns out, neither were most Tygon fans. Sure, there were some history buffs and other groups who preferred the technologically stunted times. Viewership and Firsting rentals never did well during those first thousand years.”

  “Then why do them?”

  “That’s what I am debating at this very moment.”

  “I wish we could change the time difference also.”

  “We can’t. I’m very hesitant to change any of the mechanics of the Game. I fear that any small change in the time, life support, or immersion process could cause danger to the children.”

  “We don’t want that.” Danni’s first thought was for their baby girl. “I vote we leave it how it is.”

  “I am inclined to agree.”

  “There, that settles that. Here’s to decades of boring events on Earth. Hey, is it possible that Cooper somehow went into the Game?”

  Trew considered the idea. “That could be very possible. You’re brilliant.”

  “Plus I have great taste in men.”

  “You make another point that is impossible to argue with.”

  Danni stood. “I will leave while I’m on a roll.”

  “Wait.” Trew reached out to grab her hand. “I thought you had problems with Atonement?”

  Danni gave him a kiss. “You fixed that problem, husband. Now I have to get back to those who are selected to enter the game first. You also just told me that the sooner I get it all set up and running, the sooner I can get back to being the Prophet.”

  “I guess I did, didn’t I? I’ll see you for dinner tonight around seven?”

  Danni kissed him once more, a passionate, lingering kiss, and then danced out of the way before he could pull her back towards the couch. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, babe.” She winked at him as she left the office.

  38

  Ella Mitchell stood against the wall and tried her best to remain invisible. Hundreds of people milled around the large room, many standing together in small groups while others strolled individually.

  I don’t know anyone here. This was a bad idea. If I had a shred of intelligence left, I would leave.

  Despite her doubt, Ella had no intention of leaving. She had travelled thousands of kilometres, closing the door to her empty home and not looking back. Her husband was dead and no one in her family bothered with her anymore. There was nothing on Tygon to live for. Sojourn seemed like a better option than being lonely until she died. Besides, dark oblivion is likely all that waits for me in death. At least with Sojourn I have a second chance. I like the idea of that.

  “Hi there.”

  Ella looked up. An elderly woman smiled at her. She was approximately seventy years old. Ella never thought of herself as old despite the fact that this woman was likely younger than her. “Hi.”

  “Been waiting long?”

  “Twenty minutes or so. How about you?”

  The lady smiled. “I’ve been here since the door opened this morning.”

  Ella looked at the clock nearby. The poor dear has been waiting for over eleven hours. “They will likely take you in soon, then.”

  “I think so.” The woman leaned against the wall beside Ella. “My name is Aggie.”

  “Ella.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Ella.”

  “Likewise.”

  The two women stood quietly for a few moments. People continued to walk by.

  “I’m pretty nervous,” Aggie confided.

  “I think that’s normal.”

  “You are too?”

  “Oh yes,” she lied. Ella had not been nervous about much during her life. The daughter of rich technology inventors, Ella had grown up with every advantage a child could have. Her family had provided a loving environment, the best servants and nannies money could buy to raise their children, excellent nutrition, exercise, and education. Ella had qualified for a sports scholarship to attend one of the best schools in the country. Her parents could have easily covered the cost, but they were proud that she excelled at sports and allowed her to take the scholarship and play while learning. She graduated top of her class (and champion in her sport, a sport that was no longer played since the Game came along), then she had gone home to work in the family business. When her father died, she was the clear choice for successor. Ella took the multi-million dollar generating business and grew it into one of the biggest computing companies of its time. She had also managed to fall in love, get married, and raise a small family. It had been a good life, for the most part, but she had never been a shy or nervous girl when in her element. That had changed as her time in the spotlight faded.

  “So, what made you decide to leave this life behind and play Sojourn?”

  Ella opened her mouth to deliver her cover story, but a woman’s voice on the loudspeaker called her name. “Oops, looks like it’s my turn.”

  “You’ve been waiting for twenty minutes and you get called in before me?” Aggie was unable to hide her disappointment.

  “There are so many people here. I’m sure the sorting system is experiencing glitches.”

  “Likely.”

  “I will tell them about your wait.”

  Aggie’s expression became friendly once more. “Would you? Oh, I truly appreciate that. Thank you so much, my dear.” Aggie took Ella’s hand in hers and shook it.

  “It will be my pleasure.” Ella patted her hand and disengaged. “Good luck on your Sojourn, Aggie. Perhaps we will meet in the game.”

  “I do hope so, Ella.”

  Ella made her way to the processing area. Signs with names on them flashed above enclosed kiosks, each with a seated game official and computer monitor. Ella went to the kiosk that had her name flashing above it and stepped up to speak with the pleasant-looking man waiting for her.

  “Hello. My name is Ella Strand.”

  The man’s face lit up and he smiled. “Hello, Mrs. Strand. It is a great pleasure to meet you.”

  “Um, thank you.” There’s no way this young man could know who I am, is there? I’ve been a nobody since before he was born. Maybe they greet everyone this way.

  “When your name came up on the lists, we couldn’t wait to call you up and get you processed.”

  So much for anonymity. Let’s see if I can use my limited celebrity status to help out poor Aggie. “I’ve only been waiting here for a short time, but there is a lovely woman who has been here since the doors opened this morning. Is there any way you could process her soon? The poor woman is exhausted from the stress and wait of the day.”

  “I’m certain we can help her out. What is her name?”

  “Aggie.” Ella frowned. “I did not get her last name.”

  “That’s not a problem.” The man typed on his keyboard and studied his monitor. “There are three women by the name of Aggie waiting to be processed. For you, Mrs. Strand, I will put all of them in the queue. They will be processed within the next fif
teen minutes.”

  “That is very kind, thank you.”

  “Not at all.” There was a buzzing sound and the light above a door to his right changed from red to green. “Let’s get you to final processing so that you can begin your Sojourn, shall we?”

  “Thank you.” Ella stepped forward and disappeared through the door.

  ***

  “No wonder the processing is going so slowly.” Ella recognized the man who stood to greet her. “If each player is being personally processed by Trew Strayne it will take some time to get through everyone.” She shook hands with him as he laughed. “You are doing very well, though. Processing thousands of people a day is a good pace.”

  “I only meet with the special players.”

  “Then I feel honoured.”

  “The honour is all mine.” Trew sat and filled two cups from a pot. “I was excited to see your name on the lists.”

  “I’m surprised anyone recognized it.”

  “You changed your name, but you couldn’t alter your finger prints or eye pattern.”

  “Not with the limited timeframe I had.”

  Trew laughed and took a sip of his tea. “It’s so good to see you again, Elizabeth.”

  “Please, call me Ella.”

  “Okay.”

  “It’s just easier. And I didn’t make the name up. My dad always called me Ella. He said Elizabeth was too formal and stuffy.”

  “Fair enough. It’s been years since I saw you last.”

  “Danielle’s retirement party.”

  “That’s right. How has life treated you these past ten years?”

  “Like an old person who no one pays attention to.”

  “I doubt it’s like that.”

  “I’m afraid it is.” She looked down at her hands. “It’s not that my kids don’t love me, but they have very busy lives; businesses to run and families to raise. They do the best that they can, but I’m an old retired person.”

  “I understand.”

  “I know you do. I Firsted a couple of your plays. You’ve been old more times than I would care to.”

  Trew chuckled. “Came with the job. The rewards outweighed the negatives.”

  “If you say so.”

  Trew changed the subject. “I’m pleased that you are going into Sojourn.”

  “It looks like a fun adventure.” She appeared younger as she smiled. “When I was young, Brandon took me into the construct of the Game.”

  Trew looked genuinely surprised by this. “He did?”

  “Yes, before it went live. I was on the board of VirtDyne and he took me in to show me around.”

  Trew nodded. He had known about the romance between Brandon and Elizabeth when both were younger. Nothing had come of the union, but Brandon had thought enough of the relationship to record it in his private journal. Trew had made his way through the entire journal a few years after taking over.

  “Ever since then, I wanted to play, but I was too old. I knew that Brandon hadn’t fully solved the problem. He couldn’t prevent adults from dying when they entered the virtual reality; only young people were safe.”

  “So you know this is a one-way trip?”

  “I do. I’m surprised that hasn’t been disclosed to the rest of the seniors going in.”

  “We tell them when they get to this stage of the process. It’s a secret we need to keep. Imagine what the world would think if they knew the aged players were actually dying to enter Sojourn.”

  “That explains your extensive psychology tests during initial application. No one makes it here unless you are certain they will accept the final condition.”

  “Exactly. We have an extensive psych profile completed by the time applicants get to this stage. If we know they will not accept the price, then they don’t make it into Sojourn.”

  “Then you know I am prepared to leave Tygon forever.”

  “I do.”

  “Let’s get to it, then.”

  Trew took a folder from the table and opened it. “I’m here to make you a special offer.”

  “That is kind of you.”

  “Maybe.”

  “What is it?”

  “You are familiar with the Timeless from the Game.”

  “I am.” Both of them knew that Brandon had shared this info with her when they were together. She had kept the secret her entire life.

  “We will need something like that in Sojourn. I was wondering if you would be willing to have a second life filled with a little more power and excitement than you were anticipating?”

  Elizabeth sat up straighter and smiled. “I’m definitely interested, Trew.”

  “I’m glad.” He pushed the papers towards her. “Here are the basics.”

  39

  “I didn’t think you would come.”

  Melissa surveyed the dimly lit diner and slid into the empty seat. She looked at the occupant sitting across from her and shook her head. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”

  “I know what you mean.”

  “Do you? An hour ago, I was standing over your comatose body. It’s still on a table in the medical facility with electrodes and life support hooked up to it.”

  Cooper smiled and spread his hands. “Yet here I sit.”

  “Yeah, here you sit. I have no clue what to do about this.”

  “What’s the problem?”

  “I don’t know who you belong to. Who are you ultimately loyal to?”

  “No one ever knows the answer to that.”

  “Before the Sim there was no question when it came to you,” Melissa said. “You were leader of the General’s Alpha Hand. His best-trained and most loyal hound.”

  “I was never a hound.”

  “That’s true; hound is too tame a comparison.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I don’t think I meant it as a compliment.”

  Cooper stared at Melissa, his eyes narrowing. “You belonged to him as well. We are fingers of the same hand. Has that changed?”

  “No.”

  He grinned. “That was a very fast response, Melissa. Maybe too fast.”

  Her look became blank. “Loyalties are in question in this new world.”

  “They are always in question. What have I done to make you doubt mine?”

  “Here? Nothing. But in the Game—”

  “I never entered the Game.”

  “I meant on Tygon. You supported the trinity.”

  “The trinity.” He knew she was referring to Thorn, Brandon, and Trew. “That’s catchy.”

  “It’s dangerous.”

  “Yeah.”

  “How did you get back here?”

  “I found a way. There’s always a way.”

  Melissa leaned in with genuine curiosity. “Tell me what’s happening on Tygon. In the Game.”

  “Maybe some other time,” he said. “This first visit will be a short one.”

  “To this reality?”

  “No. With you.”

  “What are you here for?” Melissa was excellent at reading people but Cooper’s stare revealed nothing.

  “The purpose of my visit with you is to determine what side you are on.”

  “There is only one side to be on.”

  He opened his mouth to say something but paused and shook his head. “You were loyal to Danni in the Game.”

  “Prove it.”

  His eyes narrowed. “The General has no idea what occurs inside the Sim.”

  She raised an eyebrow and looked away, confirming his guess was correct.

  “I can’t take you back with me,” he said.

  “Why not?”

  Cooper’s body language became more closed, guarded. “I can’t get back either. This was a one-way trip.”

  “You need help, Cooper?”

  “I don’t need it.” He shrugged. “But I wouldn’t turn it down.”

  She reached over and picked up his glass, raising it to her lips and taking a drink. Alcohol in the morning, Cooper? Tell me w
hat you need then, old friend. I am not about to commit until I know what side you are on.

  Moments passed in silence. Cooper watched her every movement. Finally, he leaned back in the booth. “I’ve been here for a while.”

  “Doing what?”

  “Observing.”

  “And? What do you think of the brave new world being carved out by the General?”

  “Thorn is trying to carve out his own kingdom. Different from the General’s.”

  “Yeah.” Melissa stared at the drink in her hand. “How’s that going for Mr. Thorn?”

  Cooper shook his head. “Not well. It’s obvious the General will control the entire world if things continue as they are. It might take a while, but the outcome is inevitable.”

  “Then step forward and take your place at his side.”

  “I saw you on the vids the other day. Saw you put down those trying to organize a movement to return to the Game. You slaughtered hundreds of innocent people in cold blood.”

  Melissa’s eyes flashed. “What do you want me to tell you, Cooper?” She leaned forward and hissed the words. “We live in the Dream. I can’t fly off and join a movement aimed at world peace and unity. I am of the General’s Hand and I follow his orders. As do you. Or at least, you did.”

  “Thorn sent me to Tygon to help Trew.”

  “And by the General to get close to him and kill him. We all had the same orders in case it wasn’t you. Are you here because Trew is dead?”

  “No.”

  “Then what are you doing? I’ve sat here for twenty minutes and know less than when I walked through the front door.”

  “I’m here to fix things.”

  “How do you plan to do that?”

  “By ending it.”

  Melissa stood up. “Still you give me no answers.” She turned and began to head for the exit.

  “I have come home to end the Dream.” His voice was a whisper, but still loud enough to reach her ears. She turned and looked at him. Cooper’s stare was grim, determined. “The General doesn’t deserve to win.”

  “Have you joined the secret movement here? Do you have a way to send everyone back into the Game?”

  “No.” He stood and reached into his pocket, pulling out a bill and dropping it on the table before walking towards the exit. “I am here to send everyone to oblivion.” He stopped with his hand on the door. “I am going to kill everyone on this planet, and then shut down the simulations.”