World of Eternia: The Complete Collection

by Antony W. F. Chow

  “How do you respond to these allegations?” the mediator asks Richard.

  “Without affirming or denying the occurrence of this so-called damage glitch, we believe that even in its absence the wall in question would not have been broken. The Wall of Bones has certain characteristics that reduce damage from sharp edge weapons, like the swords that the Virtuan players used in trying to break down the wall. Realistically, in order to make the wall disappear the owner of the wall has to be killed. And Charles has not suggested that the owner of the wall was in fact defeated, while the wall remained standing. Moreover, there was no way for his players to reach the spell caster, because she was located on a mountain top high above ground,” Richard replies.

  “Furthermore, the mediator should take note of the fact that no allegation of a damage glitch has been brought forth against the players on the mountain top, and all damages were produced as normal. The Virtuan players were simply unable to reach the owner of the wall and knock her out of the game to force the wall to come down,” he adds. “Thus, the issue isn’t one of damage production, but rather the competency of Charles’ representatives in defeating my players on a level playing field.”

  “Sir, I ask that you refrain from issuing insulting remarks at the gentleman and his players,” the mediator scolds.

  “My apologies,” Richard quips condescendingly.

  “It is our position that the Hundred Man Tournament should be replayed and the results of the previous match be tossed out,” Charles demands. “That is how you make a proper apology.”

  “Sorry, we are not interested in replaying the event,” Richard rejects the demand out of hand. “First of all, it would be absurd and unfair to ask the participants to come back for a second match. Many players had to take the day off from work and other normal, family activities in order to participate in this event. It would be absolutely unconscionable to ask them to do a re-run. Second, it had cost quite a bit of money to rent gaming hubs and centers around the country to ensure the players could participate and stay online without interruption. In particular, some of your chosen representatives didn’t have reliable internet connection and actually flew in to use the hubs. Third, the prizes we gave out to players had cost a substantial amount of money, and EDE simply cannot afford to give out a similar set of prizes for a rematch. If we offer anything inferior for a proposed rematch, players might bark and even boycott the event altogether. Finally, VG has not put forth enough allegations of incidents arising during the match to change its outcome,” he explains his reasoning in great length.

  “How do you respond, Charles?” the mediator asks.

  “My understanding was that the two companies are splitting the costs of running the event, including prize awards and rentals of internet cafes. My accountants are working with yours, even as we speak, to tally up the proper split. So cost by itself isn’t a real deterrent to replaying the tournament,” Charles replies. “Second, even if the original participants cannot engage in a rematch, there is no shortage of WoE players willing to step up. It would be a bit of a challenge for my side to field fifty players for the tournament, but that isn’t your concern and would probably work to your advantage anyway.”

  “The answer is still no,” Richard answers flatly.

  “Okay, we are at an impasse,” Alfred interjects. “Let’s backtrack for a moment. Are you both still committed to merge your companies into a single entity?” he asks.

  “Of course,” Charles responds right away.

  “Not if I end up losing my ownership interest,” Richard replies. “But I could see possible synergies between our two companies,” he admits.

  The mediator nods. “I think you need to explore furthermore how the two companies could work together. You could either merge or stay separate but cooperate in some way. I think the Hundred Man Tournament offered a glimpse of the possibilities. And it’s really a separate issue from ownership interests in the companies, which could be a legal issue to be resolved in a court of law. I don’t know if I am comfortable in making one party lose his ownership interest in favor of another, and have the decision be litigated for years in court. I think the wiser course would be for the two of you to figure out how to work together, perhaps by creating a joint venture of some sort with ownership interests tilted in favor of one side over another,” the mediator suggests. “With that said, I will now let the two sides discuss these options without my presence. I’m going to leave the room and turn off the tape recorder. I will return in one hour.” The mediator proceeds as announced and exits the conference room, with tape recorder in hand.

  Chapter 78 – Ultimatum

  The Chairman of the Board of Directors for Virtuous Gaming Co. sighs aloud. “This is turning into a fiasco,” Lewis Richard Whitney remarks.

  “Agreed,” says his counterpart with Eternia Development & Entertainment, Inc. “The mediator is charging by the hour for his services,” William Jefferson Freye reminds the people in the room. “We should never have accepted the challenge,” he continues.

  “And it was foolishness to offer the challenge in the first place,” Mr. Whitney agrees and shares a knowing look with the other chairman.

  The two CEOs share a bewildered look. Why are the chairmen talking to each other so publicly? And what is this leading up to? The chairmen clearly have an agenda.

  “In the interests of minimizing costs of this mediation session, why don’t we cut to the chase,” Mr. Whitney proposes. “Mr. Dresner, the vice chair of the board of directors, had previously conveyed the Board’s opposition to this gauntlet that Charles foolishly offered to his old friend. Furthermore, Mr. Dresner made it clear that regardless of the result of the event our business relationship will come to an end. Thus, I am informing you, Charles, that the Board of Directors has decided to remove you as CEO of the company, and will not support your action to overturn the results of the Hundred Man Tournament via mediation. You lost fair and square, and the Board does not want the VG to be embarrassed further via a long, costly legal battle with EDE to negate the results of the match.”

  The chairman turns over to his legal counsel. “Am I right to assume this is a binding contract?” he asks.

  Peter Gowin, Esq. quickly answers. “Well, the most fundamental elements of a contract are offer and acceptance. And the facts here seem to satisfy both requirements. Charles made an offer with his public challenge. Richard accepted by actually running the requested event. A judge looking at these facts can easily establish that there is a legally binding contract between the two men. Of course, whether the results should be overturned or not is a little bit murkier and less clear cut. But the court would be unlikely to entertain a decision on the matter prior to this mediation process being played out first.”

  During this monologue, Charles stares blankly at his Chairman with glassy eyes, still unable to comprehend that the man actually has the gall to embarrass Charles publicly, much less in front of the enemy!

  “Thank you for your explanation, Peter. Now with that being said, Charles, we will offer you a small severance package, as recognition for all the hard work you put into building Virtuous Gaming Co. from the ground up,” the Chairman continues. “Furthermore, the board is willing to work with your secretary and publicist to create a public release to put your departure from the company in the best possible light.”

  As Richard listens to the old man, his face starts to light up. This is like taking candy from a baby, the EDE executive thinks smugly as the thorn is finally removed.

  Mr. Freye interrupts Richard’s thoughts and speaks up next. “Since we’re on the topic of changing company executives, I would like to take this opportunity to inform Richard that the Board of Director has also decided a change in direction at the top is needed. Richard, we regret to inform you that the Board of Directors no longer has confidence in your leadership for the company and decided to remove you from the role of CEO,” he says.

  “What!” Richard seethes with anger at the an
nouncement, and balls his hands into fists.

  The chairman immediately holds up a hand. The old man leans his face to Richard’s ear and whispers the word, “Liverpool.”

  The former executive’s blood freezes at the word. Liverpool is the official name of a secret slush fund for Richard’s personal expenses on the company’s dime; such expenditures include suites to entertain guests at casinos and even an occasional call girl or two. How the heck did the Chairman find out about it?

  Richard quickly wrestles control over his emotions and keeps his anger in check with great effort. The chairman is blackmailing me, the fired executive realizes. “Who’s going to take over my position?” he asks, resigned to his fate.

  The chairman turns and signals for an assistant to open the door to the conference room.

  Richard’s eyes widen at the face of the man walking into the room: Mark Whitney!

  The chairman walks over to stand next to Mark, with an arm wrapped around the younger man’s shoulder. “This gentleman has worked closely with you for a number of years in the development of World of Eternia, the company’s flagship product. And he happens to be a nephew of the Chairman of VG’s Board of Directors. Since the two Boards are approving the merger of both companies, we believe Mark Whitney is the right man to lead ‘Eternia Gaming, Inc.,’ the name of the new company. We sincerely hope that you will assist Mark as he works to consolidate the two companies’ operations. Once the merger is completed, you will depart from EDE with a generous severance package accounting for your ownership interest in the company less expenditures,” the Chairman explains his plans for the future of the company.

  “And if I decide to litigate to keep my role in EDE?” Richard challenges.

  “Once certain details are made public, neither judge nor jury will be sympathetic to your challenge to stay onboard,” Mr. Freye replies.

  Richard looks across the table at Charles and then back at the chairman. “It is clear that I have lost the confidence of my venture capitalist backers. Although it pains me to do so, for the sake of the company I will agree to step down from my position as CEO of the company. However, I am doing so only under the condition that our non-compete clauses be waived, and that we’ll be allowed to remain in the gaming industry. Running and expanding WoE took so much of my life, and I would like to consider other endeavors, possibly with my old roommate here. It could be another online game, or it could be something else. But I want to explore possibilities without being chained to the restrictions of a non-compete clause,” he argues.

  “I’m not so sure that I would agree to waive your non-compete clause,” VG’s Chairman objects.

  “How about a strong non-disclosure clause to prevent Richard from rebuilding the proprietary game engine at another company and challenge Eternia Gaming directly?” EDE chair suggests.

  “How about we get a low cost license to use the proprietary virtual reality equipment and build software around it?” Charles counters.

  The two chairmen look at each other for a moment. This was one of the scenarios the two had considered in their prior secret meetings.

  “It is one of the possibilities that we have discussed, that is to create a program to offer licenses to outside companies to build software around our VR equipment,” EDE chair admits. “With your insider knowledge you could create a company solely devoted to creating software that utilizes the VR equipment. In turn, that would create a new revenue stream for EG.”

  “It is a win-win situation,” VG chair agrees. “I think we could get the VG’s board to agree to grant a license to Charles and Richard if they wish to utilize the VR equipment.”

  “Likewise,” EDE chairman replies. He holds out his hand to Richard.

  “We have a deal,” Richard shakes the chairman’s hand firmly.

  Chapter 79 – Changes

  When his wife finally sits at the table to eat breakfast, Wesley speaks up in a cautious voice. “Honey, do you remember my temporary consulting gig?”

  Melissa lifts her head up from her bowl of warm oatmeal and raises her eyebrows. She noticed his tone of voice, and wonders what he is driving at.

  “Well, there have been changes at the company that I’ve been working with. It is being merged with a smaller company, and there will be a new person in charge. This new boss happens to be someone I worked with closely for my consultancy work, and now he wants me to come in as a full-time employee,” the husband announces.

  “Does this mean that you won’t be stuck wearing that ridiculous helmet for hours at a time anymore?” the wife muses aloud with a mischievous smile.

  “Well, yes and no,” Wesley begins. “They want me to become a Vice President of Player Relations. So I will be spending a significant amount of time talking to people both online and offline. This includes talking to players inside the gaming world, and thus I still need to wear that helmet to communicate with them. I will also be required to travel a lot on the trade show circuit, here in the United States and also abroad in Europe and Asia. So I won’t be around the house as much anymore,” he notes.

  “It sounds like your new boss is a smart guy, since he is obviously going to make you do most of the traveling in his place,” his wife speculates.

  The husband rubs his chin as he considers her remark. “Mark doesn’t strike me as a guy who likes to travel,” Wesley agrees.

  Melissa puts her hand on his. “Honey, you have always been a doer, not a watcher. And I just want you to be happy. If this new job will make you happy, then go for it. You are loyal, kind, and faithful. I’m not concerned that you will go cheat behind my back while you’re traveling the world. Heck, I doubt you’ll have the energy for an affair if you’re devoting all your focus on work,” she laughs. “When you finally tired of all that flying overseas, you’ll go back into retirement and hang out with me.”

  “You know me too well,” Wesley replies as he turns his hand so that their fingers interlock.

  “That’s why I stuck with you, for better or worse,” Melissa smiles and leans her face over the table to meet his for a tender kiss.

  * * *

  Wesley walks into the building and slowly makes his way to his seat. Inwardly, he savors each step along the way, as today is probably the last time that Wesley will walk into The Strangers’ headquarters as an owner of the building. The other four members of the player alliance are already seated.

  Lucious has a frown on his face, since he has no idea what the leader wants to discuss so urgently that it requires a face-to-face meeting inside the World of Eternia.

  Diana puts her hand on her boyfriend’s forearm. The new virtual reality equipment has arm sleeves that allow the player to feel a touch on his avatar’s forearm.

  Conrad reads the somber mood in the air and tries to break the ice by speaking up first. “What’s going on, Wesley? What do you need to tell us in person rather than through email?” he asks.

  Wesley turns his head from left to right around the table, making eye contact with every member of The Strangers. “As you know, along with the merger between Virtuous Gaming Co. and Eternia Development & Entertainment, Inc., both chief executives have also been pushed out by their respective boards,” he begins.

  “Yes, it was a big surprise and a lot of players were speculating on the reason behind their departures in the forums,” Diana notes.

  “They got canned,” Lucious smirks. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the boards were opposed to holding the Hundred Man Tournament in the first place, and decided to push Richard and Charles out regardless of the event’s outcome,” he speculates.

  “Well, technically it’s a leave of absence,” Conrad replies. “But yeah, it sounds like a polite way of saying the two men got fired.”

  “So what does this have to do with The Strangers?” Laura speaks up suddenly.

  Wesley smiles at the necromancer. I can see why you get along with Conrad so well, he thinks. You are not afraid to speak your mind regardless of the circumstances. Conrad is l
ucky to have you around to keep him grounded. “Mark Whitney got the promotion into the big chair. However, he has some issues in the self-confidence department,” the man admits.

  “So the ex-project manager wants you around as his warm, security blanket?” Lucious quickly summarizes the situation.

  Diana slaps his hand for the rude remark, while Conrad laughs.

  “Apparently,” Wesley replies succinctly.

  “Wha?” Conrad quickly stops laughing as he’s beginning to understand what the older man is planning to do. “What’s going on?” the big man turns serious now.

  “Mark wants me to join Eternia Gaming Inc. as Vice President of Player Relations,” Wesley announces. He turns to face Diana. “And Priscilla has agreed to stay onboard, and report to me.”

  “Your sister is sticking around? Did she say anything to you?” Lucious asks.

  Diana looks down on the table. “We have been avoiding each other in the house, ever since the Hundred Man Tournament,” she says. “So, I know nothing about this.”

  Wesley reaches out and touches Diana lightly on her hand. “You should talk to her. Apparently your sister broke up with Charles,” he says.

  Diana shrugs. She still hasn’t forgiven Priscilla.

  “Anyway, since I will be a full-time employee there is something that I have to do today,” the ex-Marine continues.

  “You’re leaving us,” Laura realizes.

  Conrad puts both hands on the table forcefully. “You can’t!”

  Wesley smiles gently. “It’s a conflict of interest if I stay in The Strangers. Other players will look at the group, and wonder what special benefits you’re getting from me, since I’ll be a big wig in the company,” he explains.

  Lucious nods. “You are correct,” he admits.