Synched

by DeAnna Browne

  Shivering, Ari rubbed her arms. She’d never felt cold inside the VR before, unless in a snowscape. She could only wonder about the coding to make a place like this. Invisible to the others in the program yet connected in so many ways. As she started to stare at the coding surrounding her, Hailey reappeared.

  “This way.” Hailey led the way down the hall and opened a door for Ari, remaining outside. “Here you go.”

  Inside, a simple room held two chairs, Emil in one. “Have a seat. I assume this isn’t a social call.”

  “No, it isn’t.” Ari sat in the other seat, perched on the edge. “I need to know if warping will kill me. Do I have a shelf life?”

  A hint of amusement glinted in his eyes. “You read your file?”

  “This isn’t funny. I want to know the truth. And if so, why is your team still here?”

  He leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “This will kill you, Ari. Companies will try to use up your shelf life for their profit. Because even a couple years of your talent is worth more than most other people’s whole lives.”

  She slumped back his words echoing in her mind. This will kill you. He gave her a minute to absorb the truth. Part of her wished shelf life was code for something else. One year or ten years did it really matter? Niomi, who worked so hard to keep her healthy, was just fattening her up for the slaughter.

  “Is that where the headaches come from? The hallucinations?” Ari knew they were connected but never dreamed of the extent of the damage. No wonder Niomi was mad from before.

  “Yes. This ability takes a toll on our mind. Our brains slowly deteriorate until we don’t know what is real or not.”

  “Then why do you do it? Can’t you make enough money to retire for the rest of your life?”

  “We think our lives are for more than just making money.” He cocked a brow as if daring her to challenge that statement.

  Ari didn’t reply.

  “Our team helps to shape humanity, when humanity delves into things they shouldn’t. So many people spend their lives doing nothing of real importance. With this gift, we can topple governments, free a whole generation from slavery, the options are limitless.”

  A small knock sounded on the door, and Hailey stuck her head in. “They are pushing at our wall.”

  Emil turned to Ari. “I’m sorry, but I’m needed elsewhere. Can you see yourself out?”

  “Wait, is there a way to find you on the outside?”

  “I told you. Meet us in the game Gaia. And the next time I see you remember to bring your file.”

  Before she could say anything else, Ari found herself outside the coffee shop, staring at the door. That’s one way of seeing people out. Walking down the street, a strange numbness traveled through her body as she processed what he said. So many people do nothing of real importance. It struck her as true. How often do we run around putting work, money or overall busyness as the priority in life? She had this gift that while costly, could do a lot. Hailey worked on the UN inside of VLEX. Changes that affect the world, while Ari was slowly killing herself so that the VisionTech could make more cryptos this year.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Pulling out of VLEX, Ari’s mind spun in different directions while her body waded through reality. Pull out the plug. Turn off the connection.

  “What happened?” Niomi asked, snapping Ari awake.

  “What?”

  “How did things go with Antoine?”

  “Good.”

  “You ended things with him?” Her gaze bore into Ari. They had worked closely together for some time and Niomi could read her too easily.

  “He won’t be a problem anymore.” Ari tried to stick as close to the truth as possible to keep her suit calm.

  “Good.” Niomi turned back to her screen.

  Ari stepped up to her desk. “Niomi?”

  “Yeah.” Her eyes stayed forward.

  “I want to quit.”

  Niomi’s hands froze over the keyboard, and then she turned. “What happened?”

  “Nothing,” Ari lied. “Well, maybe everything. I’m tired of living other people’s lives. I want out of my contract.”

  “It’s not as easy as that. You signed a contract for five years. If you back out now, you don’t have the money to pay back all the money they invested in you. You don’t have enough money to get off the island.”

  “What about my salary? I’ve kept some.”

  “That would be taken away from you. It’s not yours if you quit.” Niomi brushed a hand through her short hair. “Look. I know they are asking a lot from you.”

  Yes, they are. My whole life. Ari kept her mouth shut.

  “But put in your time, and you’ll have enough money to retire after this. Trust me, if you want to do what’s best for you, don’t push this issue. It won’t end well. If you don’t believe me, bring it up in therapy.”

  Biting her lip, Ari nodded. How could she ever trust the words coming out of Niomi’s mouth? She lied to her day in and day out. They wanted her for five years, but after that, what? Would she even be able to function or get off the island?

  Niomi reached forward and took her hand. “Do you understand me?”

  Repulsion rolled around Ari’s stomach. It took everything she had, not to yank it back. “Yes, I understand.” For the first time, she really understood what this job meant.

  Walking out of Niomi’s office, Ari’s eyes burned, heavy with unshed tears. One of the worst feelings in the world was being stuck, trapped in a world where her voice wasn’t hers, where the institutions rule your life. Tired of feeling like a rat in a cage, she gritted her teeth. She wasn’t helpless, and she was tired of everyone else directing her life. Between her skills and connections, she began to formulate a plan. She needed to talk to Reed right away.

  He beat her to it as his call rang through when she entered her room. His smile lit up the large screen in her sitting room. She forced a pleasant look, despite her inner turmoil. He had a way of doing that to her.

  “You won’t guess my news.”

  Ari plopped down on the couch anxious to talk to him as well, though it would have to be off line. “You’ve been assigned project manager?”

  “I said you couldn’t guess.” He enthusiasm was contagious.

  “Okay, I give.”

  “My mom’s coming here.”

  Pausing in the middle of reaching for a drink, her gaze lashed back to the screen. “What?”

  “They said since I have earned an official position, they are able to review family requests.”

  That sounded great. Almost too great. “Did you request it?”

  “No. I guess there was something about it on paperwork when we first came.” His eyes looked so happy. He looked like… he was finally getting something he’d wanted for a long time. Despite what he said about leaving his mother behind to accompany Ari, she knew it bothered him. “I just can’t believe it. It’s all coming together. She’ll work an administrative job with a decent wage and an apartment. This is a dream come true.”

  Her stomach dropped. A cold feeling traveled down her body. Her plans, her ideas of being free of all this, and then VisionTech offers Reed the one thing he’s always wanted. She forced a mask in place, a guard to the truth going on inside.

  “When is she coming?” Ari hoped maybe they could change plans. Get her out of the country another way, another time.

  “I still have to convince her to come, which may be the hardest part. They have to schedule a meeting. My mom doesn’t even like VRs so it may be a little bit.”

  Swallowing, Ari blinked back tears. They did this on purpose. VisionTech knew she wasn’t happy, so they brought more people here to keep her here. They probably would have sent her family here if they hadn’t gone underground with Tessa.

  “What’s wrong?” Reed leaned forward.

  “Nothing,” Ari responded fast. “I’m just not feeling too great. Tired.”

  “I’m sorry. I wish I could be there, to help. Which
actually brings me to my next point.”

  “Which is?”

  “Niomi said I was also approved to get a room next to yours.”

  Even though Ari knew this was another ploy on the part of VisionTech, she couldn’t help the happiness spreading in her chest. She’d been so lonely lately. “That would be great.”

  “Now that I have an official position, I can request co-habitation status. I have to be careful of what I tell others is the only thing, really. I didn’t want to assume you’d want to live with me, but they said I could have a room in your wing.”

  “That’d be great.” Ari had asked for this several times when they first arrived on the island. She didn’t want to tell him the real reason for VisionTech’s decision. How could she? How could she ruin this dream of his? On the island, he can have a future and career he only dreamed about. His mother could have this too. And in time they could move wherever they wanted. Even then, why would they? Working here was as close to paradise as one could get.

  It may be a death sentence for Ari, but it would be a great life here for Reed. She had derailed Reed’s life for long enough. Though it felt like her heart was tearing apart, she found happiness in Reed’s future and joy. With so much practice lately living other people’s lives and detaching from her true emotions, Ari had no problem exhibiting the joy she should feel.

  “Are you okay?” He leaned forward, his brow creased. “Is it my mom? I’m sure we can get Marco and your mom here too.”

  She forced herself to act happy. “It’d be great if you two could be together.” It wasn’t a lie. She always admired his mom’s loving attitude despite her hardships. “Promise.”

  “Good, should we go out and celebrate?”

  “Definitely. How about that place up high in the trees? Could you snag us another reservation?”

  “Probably. I’ll give them a call and get back to you.”

  “Message me. I’m going to head to bed.” Ari watched him on the screen, memorizing every aspect of his imperfectly perfect face. “And Reed?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I love you.”

  He paused, the declaration not new, but must be surprising. His soft lips curled up in a smile. “I love you, too.”

  “Goodnight,” she said and clicked off the screen.

  That was how Ari wanted to remember him, blissfully happy and obtaining everything he deserved in life. VisionTech wasn’t a bad company as blood-sucking companies go. Hailey had said the same thing. Ari loved Reed enough to give him the life he deserved. Even if that life meant she was not a part of it.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  New messages pinged on her screen, telling her she’d slept in. Slices of sunlight cut into her room behind heavy clouds. It looked like another storm was coming. They weren’t kidding about the rainy season here.

  Rolling over, she opened her messages. The first one was from Niomi reminding her of her therapist appoint at ten today followed by a workout. Ari groaned, not looking forward to it either. A week off didn’t feel like time off with this crap.

  Next one was Reed telling her that if they wanted to go back to the tree top restaurant, they would have to go tonight. Another storm was due to come in and expected to last the rest of the week. At least she had something to look forward to after her therapist and Niomi.

  Getting out of bed, she lost herself in thoughts of Reed. Realizing that this may be the last date she got to have with him. Realizing she no longer had an appetite, she didn’t bother going out to the kitchen but grabbed something in her room. When she reached for a juice from the small fridge, a note fluttered to the ground.

  It wasn’t Jewels’ handwriting, but looked sloppy, probably Tamar’s.

  Meet us by the beach at 5:15 if you can. We’re calling in the storm.

  Calling in a storm? Ari wondered what that all included and how one called in a storm. The idea intrigued her until she remembered her date. Maybe she could meet with Tamar and Oliana first then meet Reed. It may be a good cover as well. She sent Reed a quick message confirming plans and telling him she’d meet him there at 6pm.

  The idea of a date tonight kept her mind busy all morning, until her therapy appointment. Walking down the hall, Ari wondered what therapy meant. Granted people had psychologists, but most used the VR for that. Simulations geared to heal people of phobias, psychological disorders, and for anything the programs couldn’t fix then surgery could help. When one could have all the great doctors in the world in one program, why would one doctor on the outside be so special? She had never heard of talking to a person face to face.

  She stood in front of the white door in her smart suit—which she was instructed to wear—waiting to be let in. Doctor Davis’s name ran across the electronic panel. After a few moments, the door hissed open and the therapist greeted her. Her skin was flawless like expensive china and, up close, her bright green eyes looked ever more manufactured—definitely a plastic. “So good to see you again, Ariana.”

  “You can call me Ari, everyone else does.”

  “Okay, Ari, please take a seat.” She motioned to the long blue couch against the wall. The small office was decorated in neutral tones, calming tones with sparse furniture.

  “Do you know why you’re here?”

  Ari shrugged thinking that was really a good question. Granted, what she knew and what she was supposed to know were two different things. “I messed up on my last mission.”

  Doctor Davis laughed lightly. “You didn’t mess up, dear. There were circumstances beyond your control.”

  Ari stiffened as the doctor called her dear but didn’t say anything. Instead she renamed her Doctor Plastic. Tessa would find that fitting.

  The doctor didn’t seem to notice and continued to talk. “Niomi and your supervisors called me in to make sure you’re happy here.”

  How kind of them. “I’m fine,” she said instead.

  “You look great. But being so young without your family can be hard on a teenager. I heard Reed and his mother may move into your wing. I suggested that. Having a community and support system is important for your health, especially when dealing with stressful situations.”

  It didn’t seem like the woman wanted an answer, so Ari remained silent.

  “Why don’t we start by how you are doing with your work and social life?”

  This wedged right under Ari’s patience. This doctor, perfect as a woman can be, who must come from a different universe, wants to know about Ari’s life. This doctor must be paid a lot. Granted Ari didn’t want to create unnecessary problems not with everything else going on. So, Ari shared, just a little, trying to stick to the truth as much as possible. There was a reason Niomi wanted Ari to wear her smart suit. It traced her blood pressure and other vitals that could read her better than some therapist.

  Everything continued along with Doctor Plastic being so supportive and kind nearly made Ari puke. Then, just when Ari was ready to leave with five minutes left of her appointment, the real question came out.

  “Tell me about the other warper in the VLEX?”

  Ari swallowed. “I told Niomi all that I know and put it on the report.”

  “Yes, I’ve read the report, but I’m curious. Have you ever met her before?”

  Breathing slowly to get her vitals back to normal, Ari replied, “She looked familiar. I probably saw her before at lunch or something. How do I really know if she is a warper?”

  Doctor Plastic glanced down at Ari’s hands twisting in her lap. “You know you need to tell us if you meet another warper?”

  “Why? So, you can recruit them?” Track them down, manipulate them, and work them to death was what Ari really wanted to say.

  “No, for your protection. We want to keep you safe in and out of the VLEX. And surprise guests can cause a lot of problems for you.”

  And a lot of problems for you too. “I understand.”

  “Do you? Do you understand how important you are to VisionTech? Niomi and Vinh consider you fa
mily. Our goal is to make you content as possible.”

  Anger rose, bristling at the lies that poured so easily from this woman’s mouth. How many years would this have gone on? Until Ari’s brain snapped? This company lying over and over until there was nothing left of her. Ari leaned forward this time to make herself perfectly clear. “I. Understand.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Blocking, striking, and pushing herself to the limit physically, distracted Ari’s mind. Harder and harder she struck out at Niomi with the staff, pressing her trainer to retreat. The clash of wood on wood echoed through the forest, scattering the nearby wildlife. It gave a rhythmic steady beat that calmed her nerves as Ari’s heart pounded along.

  For the first time, she found she had the upper hand. Instinct and training kicked in and, when an opening presented itself, she thrust the staff forward, hitting Niomi in the thigh. Her trainer crumbled to the ground, while Ari stepped forward pausing the staff an inch before it hit Niomi’s throat.

  Looking into her eyes, Ari realized the haunting shadows under Niomi’s eyes were guilt. She let Ari get this close because of her remorse. Ari didn’t want this woman’s pity. Niomi must have known all this time what would happen to Ari if she pushed herself too much in the VR. All the rules, the exercising, the overprotectiveness wasn’t for Ari, it was to keep a million dollar asset alive.

  Niomi’s silent gaze told Ari more than Niomi knew. Ari stepped back lowering her staff. “I’m going to go shower.”

  “Wait, Ari—”

  “No. Not today, not right now. Someone I know said there are no excuses.” Quoting Niomi’s words back to her, Ari tossed the staff on the ground. Part of her knew she should be grateful for everything Niomi taught her, but she couldn’t. Niomi kept her alive as part of a job—it was only a job. “I’m taking a night off. We can talk tomorrow.”

  When she stepped out of the shower, the afternoon light had faded behind dark heavy clouds. No rain yet, but it was on its way. Why would islanders think this would be a good time to have a beach party? This storm didn’t need calling in, it was well on its way without an invite.