by Nancy Miller
“It’s time to introduce a new cyberhero to the world,” said Sasha dramatically.
This is what Master was waiting for. Cyberhero! Sasha watched Master’s face flicker through expressions as she thought about fame (wide eyes), power (straight posture), and being a cyberhero (a real smile).
Sasha went on. “This cyberhero will become known worldwide. Nothing can stop her from becoming rich and famous.”
The girls all started to chatter at once. All Master could talk about was being “a new cyberhero.” Her ego let her forget that Sasha was the real cyberhero. Without her, Master wouldn’t go far. But Sasha was happy to wait.
Step one was in place.
Chapter 16
Fame and Fortune
Sasha created TARP — Toronto Animal Rights Protection — a fake charity. TARP’s arrival on the scene would be at a protest in front of the Toronto movie studio that made the J.J. film. Sasha had hacked into the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies’ database and sent invitations to thousands of animal lovers all across Canada. The media had been alerted that a nationwide animal rights protest would introduce a new cyberhero. But no details were given.
When the day arrived, Sasha moved unnoticed through the growing crowd. She took pictures of the CREW and others. Everything was on track.
By noon, five thousand people had gathered in the studio parking lot. The crowd even spilled out onto the street. When the police tried to find someone to question about a permit, there was no one who would take responsibility for organizing the event. They called the city and got confirmation that a permit for a protest for animal rights had gone out. The scribbled signature on the application looked like “T. Master.” The city office did some digging and found out that the address on the form was a Tim Hortons on King Street.
Zorro, wearing a wig, sunglasses, and a big hat, stood before the crowd on a large garbage bin. She got the crowd chanting.
“Why are we here?” Zorro yelled.
“We love animals!” the crowd shouted back.
“What do we want?”
“Justice for J.J.!” As the police made their way through the crowd toward the front, Zorro jumped down from the bin and blended in with the crowd.
The crowd kept getting bigger and louder. The studio had closed for the day. But people could be seen looking through windows. A woman even came out and joined the protest. TV cameras pushed through the crowd.
At 2:00 p.m., at the peak of the protest, Zorro shouted to everyone near her to check Twitter. The first in a series of tweets, using the trending hashtag #JusticeforJJ, pleaded with the crowd to text money to TARP to help animals being used as tools for human greed. Pretty soon, everyone had seen it. The next tweet had a link to a video of animals being mistreated. It showed horses being choked to be controlled. Circus lions and tigers being whipped to perform. Dog heroes being pushed to go through wind, ice, and fire to make a good movie.
A third tweet linked an Instagram picture showing Master from the back. She wore her net body suit over a grey spandex bikini and stood with her whip ready to strike. The caption read: The Master strikes back.
Finally, Master appeared in a video. Her voice was disguised. But her message was clear:
“Send money to TARP now. Text the keyword ‘HelpJJ’ to MASTER. Your donation will help rid the world of the sick and cruel treatment of animals. More money means more help for these tortured animals. Tell your friends.”
And the money poured in.
They had all agreed to meet at Master’s place for debriefing that night. Munchy greeted everyone at the door with a yapping hello and a circle run. He seemed to be running off Master’s energy.
Master, Zorro, and BB had watched the whole thing on the all-news station. When their retweets reached 100,000, Master applauded herself. Sasha looked on with approval. She knew every “Master” move would dig their leader in deeper.
The night called for vodka, weed, and pizza. They watched reports from on-air personalities. Their stunt was being called the most mysterious protest they’d ever covered.
“How much, Fringe?” asked Master.
“So far, forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty dollars and still coming in. Awesome! We could go to one hundred thousand.”
Sasha interrupted. “I think we should close it down after a week. Between the fake permit and the media attention, somebody will track us down.”
Fringe frowned. “Why close it down as long as the cash is still coming in? Shit, this could be really big.”
“And it could be our lead to more than just money,” added Master. “With our new ‘cyberhero’ leading the cause, we will become famous.” The glint in Master’s eye was a reminder of her real motives. “I think we’ll keep this going a while. So, Sage, you just get working on the next instalment, okay?”
Sasha shook her head. “Well, it’s your choice,” she said. She already had the next phase well underway. “But I won’t keep doing it if I think it’s getting too risky. I’m the one taking the chance here. I will put the next event in place. And I’ll deliver a plan for future events. When that’s done, I’m done.”
“Oh, look,” said Fringe, ignoring Sasha. “Another thousand dollars deposited. Master, all the money has gone into the CREW’s account. You decide how much we get and when.”
When Master stood up, Munchy yapped in protest. Master approached Sasha, who worried for a second. But Master’s words were warm. “We might not have been the best of friends until now, Sage. But this proves that you truly understand how to be CREW. I’m very proud of you.”
Sasha didn’t need or want Master’s approval. But she had to look loyal to the CREW, and to Master. So she smiled and hung around to celebrate with the girls.
The reports kept coming in. One reporter said, “We tried to dig up information on TARP. We found a website. But we couldn’t get anything on the directors or the executive. Or, of course, the Master.
“Some people are saying this was a huge scam,” the reporter went on. “But most are just happy for some good news for a change. A superhero — or, rather, a cyberhero — with good intentions. Back to you in the studio, Jackie.”
***
Jake met Sasha at their old spot at Sasha’s locker the next morning.
“Was that Anzuela on that stage at the animal protest?” he asked. “Did you have something to do with that? I have to say, as soon as I saw Anzuela, I suspected the CREW. And the CREW’s scams. Is it really for animal rights?”
Sasha laughed. “Oh, Jake, you have a wild imagination. I don’t know anything about it. I don’t think that was Anzuela. She’s been busy with the CREW’s normal activities.”
Sasha hated lying to Jake. But she had to finish what she had started. It was the only way to make sure that Master would not bother her — or Jake — again. Still, she had to let him know that she wasn’t over him.
“Look, Jake,” Sasha continued. “Some things are happening in my life right now. I have to lie low. Family, school, and everything else are going to keep me out of circulation. I know Martha has told you some things about me. They’re lies. You have to believe me. Anything she tells you about me is a lie. I really like you, Jake. And if you want, I’ll let you know when we can start spending time together again.
“But Jake,” Sasha warned. “Stay away from Martha — for your own sake.”
Chapter 17
Master Woman
Soon, the attention to the animal protest story died down. It was time for stage two of Sasha’s secret plan. Sasha asked to see Master alone. The next stages of her plan needed to appeal to Master’s greed and vanity. And Sasha didn’t want the rest of the CREW getting in the way.
The open park in the upscale area of Yorkville was Master’s choice. “This place isn’t my style,” she told Sasha. “But I guess high-class shopping is what you’re used to. I wanted you to feel
comfortable.”
Sasha didn’t bite. “I don’t really come here, either,” she said. “I mostly go to the Eaton Centre for my stuff.”
“It’s Value Village for me.” Master’s smug reference to the second-hand store made Sasha feel like a snob.
Sasha laid out her latest plan. She explained that it would be more difficult to set up, but it would give Master continent-wide exposure. And it would be riskier. Sasha hoped that Master’s hunger for success would lead her past the risk and into Sasha’s trap.
These days Master essentially saw herself as Wonder Woman. Sasha encouraged the image of a larger-than-life character, someone whose heroic actions brought her fame and attention.
“But,” Sasha told her, “to get others to see you that way, you’ll have to be even bolder than you’ve been. Your voice has to speak directly to people who care. We need to find the people who can make a lot of noise, not just for animals, but for humans.”
This time the cause was homeless girls.
A new movie was being released. It was about a teen girl who had superpowers and used them to help other young people. It was getting a lot of attention and critics loved it. It was due to open in two weeks and Sasha said she wanted to take advantage of the buzz.
The plan would bring attention to the horrors that homeless girls face. And it would strengthen Master’s new role as saviour. Placing Master front and centre in a cause connected to a blockbuster movie would set Master on her way to international fame.
“But this phase is not going to bring in money,” Sasha explained. This part was all about awareness. Money would come later, when they launched phase three.
“Both phases two and three are riskier,” Sasha said. “They could blow up in our faces. So you’ll have to trust me and follow my lead.”
Master said she didn’t really care about risks. Sasha knew that all Master could see was the fame, power, and love she’d always wanted when she told Sasha, “Just make it happen.”
***
It was a good thing that school work came easy for Sasha. Her schooling in Moscow gave her the discipline that got her through the next two weeks. Night and day, she put in the hours. When she felt like giving up, she thought of being free of Master. Sasha wanted to be back on a path that her father would approve of. And without Master, she would be free to be with Jake.
The movie’s premiere was a huge event. In the audience were seven hundred and fifty teens, the media, and the mayor, as well as producers, directors, and actors from the movie.
Sasha had explained to Master how the plan would work. The CREW was watching Master’s TV for reports. According to Sasha’s plan, the movie screen would suddenly go dark. A loud voice would boom out, “We interrupt this program to alert you to a crisis. One that is going on right now!”
Thinking it was a terrorist action or a fire alarm, everyone would listen. Master would appear on the screen in her net suit and mask. In her hand would be her whip, which she would crack for attention. Sasha had written Master’s message and shot the footage of her delivering it.
“Shame on all of you, sitting in your cozy seats, waiting to watch a fictional story of a superhero who saves teens.
“There’s a real story about teens who need your help. When was the last time you stepped over a young girl on the street who had no place to go? Why didn’t you sit down with that homeless girl? Ask about her personal story?
“These are girls on the edge. They have learning challenges. They have been abused physically, emotionally, and sexually. They have been lured to the streets by pimps. They are worse off than boys in these situations because they have been told they should give in to men.
“In this movie, someone reaches out to those in need. But real life isn’t a movie. I’m here to remind you that it’s up to you. You have to do it. And remember me, because I am the Master and I am calling on you to join me in this cause!”
***
That night, the CREW met as usual. But the gathering seemed more like a funeral than a celebration. Nothing about the intervention was being reported in the news. There was no mention of the Master or a new cyberhero. Master silently paced. When Munchy came close, Master didn’t stop. The brush of her foot sent Munchy crawling into a corner.
Fringe’s face showed frustration. “We went too far,” she said.
BB kept looking from Sasha to Master with hope. Zorro flitted around Master until Master snapped, “The vodka’s in the freezer.” Glad to be doing something, Zorro ran to the kitchen and brought out supplies. She poured shots, which the CREW swallowed quickly.
Fringe headed for the door, saying she had to get home. BB quickly followed, asking Fringe for a ride. Zorro, Master’s little helper, asked if it was okay to leave. Master’s tight nod sent her away.
Sasha knew Master wanted to ask what went wrong. But disappointment — or maybe it was fury — held her back. So Sasha began. “Everything went as planned. I checked my files and the message was received. We all saw it on closed circuit.”
“So what happened? Where’s the attention? Where’s the action?” Master’s voice went up with each question. Then softly she said, “You failed me, Sage. Go home. We’ll talk tomorrow.” She picked up Munchy and went to her bedroom. The slamming of the door left Sasha alone in the worn-out room.
Chapter 18
Secret Plan
Only Sasha knew that she had not failed Master. She had turned on her. Now she had to move fast.
The next day, Sasha invited Master over to her house. She had to be very careful. Anything could go wrong. The other CREW members could get Master to see reason. Someone would check to see if the movie was really interrupted. They would question if Sasha had screwed up.
Sasha had to make sure Master listened to her and not the CREW. Besides, she wanted to protect them from the final stab. After all, they weren’t all bad. They were victims of Master’s ego, just like Sasha.
So Sasha would feed that ego. She would give information only Master would believe. And this time Master would be so excited about her role as an international hero, she would be willing to take chances that would expose her.
“We need to go bigger,” Sasha said to Master. “You were seen by those people. I know that. They chose to ignore you. They can’t do that. We’ve gone to too much trouble. The Master needs to be seen as a voice for special causes.”
Master nodded at every point. So Sasha continued feeding Master lies that only someone obsessed would believe. “Those people in the movie saw it. But they kept it secret so they wouldn’t be embarrassed by the message. These people are putting you down, Master. We can’t let them get away with that.”
At that, Master started pacing. She repeated under her breath, “They can’t get away with it.” Then she turned to Sasha. “So what do we do?”
Master was in Sasha’s hands.
***
Sasha had made a secret plan of her own.
Step one: Take responsibility for past wrongs.
Showing a lot of shame, which she hoped Master would believe, Sasha said, “I was wrong before, I admit it. We need to stick to those who believe in our causes. That’s what worked at the protest. We need to get your fans back to you. My fault.”
Master was nodding.
Step two: Offer hope.
“So this time,” Sasha said, “we start at home. We build a base of those who will follow you anywhere. Using animal rights and homeless girls as our causes, we put you in front of an audience who cares.”
Sasha went on, “The Master needs to become a big-name cyberhero. Someone speaking out for the little guy. You’ve started that. Next, you add your fans’ strength to yours. That will convince the people who make the rules to change the rules. By then, the Master will be so powerful, they won’t be able to ignore you anymore.”
Master was almost hooked. She leaned close to Sasha to
hear every word.
Step three: Solve the problem.
“Now, here’s what we do,” Sasha said. She explained that an important part of the plan was to cut off the rest of the CREW, just for a while. “They can’t do anything, anyway. I’m afraid they’ll just get in the way. Together, you and I can show the world the real Master.”
By now, Master was all in. The making of the Master was the priority. “The CREW will understand,” she said.
“Everything is in place for two days from now. Be ready.”
The event was Superior Girls day. It was a global event that showed off the strengths of teen girls and the projects they’d made happen. A rock concert was scheduled for the biggest outdoor venue in the city. Twenty-five thousand tickets had been sold and the concert would be streamed to ten countries worldwide. A screening was set up in their school gym. All the schools in the area had been invited, and their school would showcase local talent too.
At 7:00 p.m. Toronto time, the concert started on the big stage with a mini fireworks display. There were explosions, laser lights, and a lot of noise. Famous girl performers lined the stage. Their appearance prompted screams from audiences around the globe. The buzz in the school gym matched those at the concert.
At exactly 7:12 p.m., the Master walked onto the school stage. Her image was complete with her net suit and whip. Everyone in the audience fell silent. They looked at one another. Staff and organizers checked their programs and schedules. They found nothing to explain the interruption. The tech person paused the playing of the screening.
On stage, in person, Master looked small. There was nothing heroic about her. She looked like a cartoon character, not someone who was about to rule the world.
Security hurried to the stage to pull off the intruder. They were met by loud opposition from the crowd.