by Tony Corden
“M: Is that a threat?”
“Absolutely.”
“M: Just what do you think you could do?”
“Well, I’d co-opt one of the free EPICS running around and ask them to get all the dirt they can find on the British government. Then I’ll have them deposit that in the inbox of every news organisation in the world. I’ve an idea how to contact them, and I know for a fact the criminals use them. I also am fairly certain you do as well.”
Captain Hobbert stared at Leah for several moments then said, “Can I get back to you?”
“No. You can make a deal and then get back to me if you can’t make it work. We can discuss a new deal then, but there is no deal which includes you telling V-sec or your superiors. You may admit you can’t do anything and arrange for me to tell your superior, but if you’ve already discussed it with them in any way then you will have broken faith with me, and all deals are off the table. Simply put, I don’t trust you. I trusted Archie and Franklin and look what happened. If I didn’t want a way to help Leo and Abimbola, I would have already told you to take a hike.”
“M: I could leave now and tell whoever I like. We could arrange for you to be interrogated and solve the problem ourselves.”
“That is an option.”
“M: You don’t think I’ll take it.”
“Not really, you have no idea who I’ve told and what they might do. Either way, you decide and let me know. I have to leave now as I’m due in Dunyanin. If you want to work together then have your PAI contact me and arrange a time to meet here. Either come yourself, ready to deal, or with your superior, who’s ignorant but intrigued.”
Captain Hobbert made to say something, but Leah stood and left the room. Gianna was waiting, and after thanking her, Leah logged out.
54
December 26 2073 - 4
STORK TOWER
Gèng was waiting and said, “4: How did it go?”
Leah briefly explained what happened, and Gèng said, “4: You were hard on them.”
“I know. I just don’t want there to be any misunderstandings. I’m frustrated that nothing official has been done to free people trapped by the coercion code. The authorities just don’t seem to care.”
“4: She was right, though. If it comes out, there will be panic.”
“Good. OK, panic isn’t good, but it would be better if people were suitably afraid or cautious. I suspect there are good ways and bad ways to let the news out. If V-Sec came straight out and said they’d uncovered coercion malware and people needed a mandatory upgrade and a security sweep, then people would have complied.”
“4: You know they didn’t because the people making the decisions are part of the problem.”
“Exactly, those people need replacing. I just can’t think of a quiet way to make that happen.”
“4: Neither can I. Are you going to tell the world about the Epics?”
“I don’t think so. Well, not yet anyway. The hysteria on that would be uninformed. Given time, I would like the multiverse to recognise the part Epics play in our lives and look for ways we can coexist.”
“4: Do you want me to start taking with them?”
“That’s your call. I’m scared that some are far more powerful and I don’t want you hurt.”
“4: Says the sixteen-year-old girl who just threatened to bring down the British government and is planning on a complete overhaul of Australian society and a restructure of the power blocs within the multiverse.”
“Are you scared for me?”
“4: Yes. But then, as you say, it’s your call.”
Leah leaned in to embrace Gèng, then said, “I’d best get to Dunyanin.”
“4: I suggest you read the latest numbers. Since the announcement of war, the number of new players has gone through the roof. Millions of people have joined, hoping to reap the benefits. A thousand Diamonds have attracted a lot of people. Tens of thousands of high ranking players have combined resources to be transported to Vatan. The person who kills you will be wealthy for life.”
“That’s scary considering they all know where I am. I may need to stop and make some more weapons.”
“4: I’ve inventoried everything you have and put everything you might need in your backpack. What are you going to do about your arm?”
“I was thinking of forming one with one of the shrouds. I even thought of adding a third. I realised I’ve been multi-tasking consistently to be able to use both simultaneously.”
“4: Which one?”
“I considered the death shroud for a moment, but even though I respect Lady Olme, I don’t like the idea of being connected permanently to a reservoir of death mana. With the new earth spells, I thought of using the earth shroud.”
“4: You have several earth spells from before which you haven’t used. Besides the new ones you have Tunnel, Mine Blast and Form a Golem.”
“Thank you. Before I go, I’ll study the map of Siddetli again and find a spot near the area with the Mountain Trolls. Teleporting there will save time.”
Leah had Three enlarge the stone again and studied the lower reaches of the eastern side until she found an area just outside where the map said the Trolls were. Equipping the dragon armour, Leah stepped through into Dunyanin.
DUNYANIN
Arriving back near the rock, she was a little surprised to feel only one of her guards nearby. Yürek was standing guard and watching over her resting form. As she moved, Yürek sent her an update, “Y
