Battle Beyond Reality

by Nick S. Thomas

  “Sorry, Sir, but I have to agree. If we are to touch Zenner, it needs to be on our time, when he hasn’t got a million witnesses to cry police brutality. Try and take him down now, and he will look even more the people’s champion than he already does.”

  Roberts looked disappointed, but he was still, as if computing it all in his mind.

  "Fine, let this run its course, but I want him arrested at the first opportunity. At his home, his work, wherever you get the first chance to do it."

  "Yes, Sir."

  Roberts ended the call without another word, and he saw the judgemental look on Piper’s face.

  "You don't agree?"

  "I'm not saying I have all the answers Mr President, but I think you are walking a dangerous path."

  "Because Zenner is popular?"

  "Yes, and because he is powerful."

  "He is a computer game designer, and we have the full resources of the UAN at our disposal."

  "So did President Simmons, Sir."

  Roberts sighed and sat back in his chair.

  "It's a hell of a time to start this job."

  "Yes, Sir," she agreed.

  "We cannot let Zenner continue on like this. He is talking as if his company and his game are untouchable. That cannot be tolerated. He needs to know he is accountable to the law, the same as everyone else."

  * * *

  28th July, 2071, 5.11pm

  Arlington, Virginia, United American Nations

  Hud cracked open a beer and handed one each to Nui and Zippo. They gladly accepted them. Zippo looked restless for having been stuck in the apartment for so long, but the expression on Nui's face was very different. She was distant and looked lost. But she was also glued to the news projection.

  "So, Roberts, what do you think?" Hud asked.

  "Huh?" Nui was a million miles away and entirely engrossed in the news.

  "Roberts, what do you make of him?"

  "He's nothing great, but probably better at the job than Simmons."

  "I’m not sure many people will see it that way. He's got about as much charisma as my left shoe," replied Zippo.

  "Give him a chance. He might surprise you."

  "Fat chance," shrugged Zippo.

  "So what do we even do now?"

  "I’ve no idea, Hud. We failed. It's all pointless," said Nui.

  Before he was able to respond, they were all drawn in by an announcement on the news.

  "Breaking news, we are going live to Terminal's office in New York where the NYPD has been attempting to arrest Mic Zenner, the CEO of the company."

  Drone footage showed NYPD tussling with well-dressed security outside the building.

  "Oh, this should be good," said Zippo excitedly.

  "Stand aside, or you will be arrested for obstruction!" yelled a police officer.

  The sharp dressed security would not move. One officer tried to reach for one to arrest him, but the security guard nimbly cast his hand aside and pushed the officer back.

  "Assault of an officer, you are under arrest. Put your hands in the fucking air!" screamed another.

  Six officers went forward with their guns drawn, but before they could close the distance, the doors of the Terminal building slid open. Twenty fully armed private security contractors stormed out. They were wearing full body armour and carrying military hardware. The police officers froze, but the Sergeant in charge continued to yell at them.

  "You have no authority here. Stand down. This man assaulted a police officer!"

  They refused to lower their weapons, and the officers had no idea how to proceed. There was a tense but quiet standoff, until finally Zenner himself strode out of the building. The police Sergeant looked relieved, as if expecting the CEO to calm the situation.

  "Mic Zenner, I have a warrant for your arrest, and these employees of yours are obstructing my officers. Will you please come quietly before this situation escalates?"

  There was silence once more as everyone waited on Zenner's response. A dozen news drones focused in on the situation from all angles.

  "Sergeant, you will not be taking me anywhere. This is an illegal arrest warrant, and I no longer accept your authority."

  "That is not your choice to make!"

  "I have broken no laws, and I will not be taken in by this corruption. The government wants to shut down Terminal. Well, I am not going to let that happen. The people of the UAN want it. They voted for it. I have a mandate to continue in my work, unlike the President, who was not chosen by the citizens. There is real police work to be done in this city, I suggest you get back to it."

  "Wow!"

  Zippo was laughing, but Hud didn't look amused.

  "What? You aren't digging this?" Zippo sounded surprised.

  "I don't always play by the rules, but if this asshole can get away with this...there will be no order at all."

  Nui nodded. "You see, this is the path we have set upon, do you get it now?"

  Sirens rang out, and lights flashed as additional police cruisers came in to land.

  "Mic Zenner, you are under arrest!" yelled the Sergeant.

  But even as the police cruisers were setting down, four transport craft soared in a hover above them.

  "What the...?" Nui asked.

  Doors opened in the bellies of the hovering craft, and Liberator drones descended onto the street. Two dozen of them, the same humanoid war machines that were fighting on the frontline in the East. Gasps and screams rang out from members of the public as they took up positions beside Zenner's security detail.

  "This shit just got very real." Hud sat up and watched intently.

  All eyes were on Zenner, who was standing calmly in the open, with an army at his side.

  "Sergeant, you have no authority here. We will not be subjected to the corrupt workings of a morally bankrupt state. The people have spoken. The people want me to go on with my work. If they believe I should be behind bars, let them decide. Start a petition, and see how that goes. If the people want it, I will more than happily turn myself in."

  "You don't just get to decide when you abide by the law!"

  "And neither do you. You have no authority here. Your law means nothing to me. I am a man of the people, and the people will decide my fate. Now leave. You are not welcome here!"

  Several members of the public began to clap, and soon turned their fury on the police officers.

  "This is out of control. It's insane," said Nui.

  "Great, isn't it?"

  "No, Zippo. No it really isn't."

  One police officer was hit by a cup of coffee and booed by the public. The Sergeant was panicking as he asked for assistance over his comms, but he could barely hear anything over the angry taunts of the crowd. Zenner seemed entertained by it all.

  "This isn't your neighbourhood to bully anymore, Sergeant. Get out, now!"

  Several of the drones closed a few paces with the officers.

  "Enough, we're leaving!" He signalled for his officers to get back in their cars. The crowd began to cheer as two press reporters rushed forward to address Zenner.

  "Mr Zenner, the rumour is that you intend to ignore any resolutions or laws passed to try and ban Terminal, is that correct?" asked one.

  The whole street fell silent, waiting for his response. He looked calm and collected as he looked around to the faces of all those watching him. The police cruisers were lifting off as he took a deep breath and gave his answer.

  "This is a great place, the UAN, with great people. We are a democracy, and I want to give people a chance to get true democracy like they have never had before. The petition to get President Simmons and President Dun to fight, that was democracy in action. We as a society wanted something, and we got it. The UAN wants Terminal, and I am going to make sure we all get to enjoy it for years to come, if that is what the citizens of this great Alliance wants!"

  The crowd erupted with whistles and claps. There was hysteria in the air. The two reporters levelled more questions at Zenner, bu
t he was already retreating to the walls of his heavily guarding tower.

  "What the hell happens now?"

  "Now we get to find out just how tough the new President is, Hud, and how much power the President of the UAN really has," replied Nui.

  Chapter 16

  29th July, 2071, 8.54am

  The White House

  Washington, D.C., United American Nations

  "Sir, the UN are drafting a resolution against Terminal, but it's already out." Piper stepped into his office and put the news on.

  Roberts slammed his hand down on the desk. It was the most emotion she had ever seen him display.

  "Damn it, is nothing confidential anymore?"

  "Whoever Zenner has backing him, they are some big players, and they have a hand in a lot of things."

  "He's making a fool of us. I am the President of the UAN, and I am powerless to act, is that what you are telling me?"

  "Sir, the NYPD has refused to go anywhere near Zenner, not with the hardware he has backing him up. And, frankly, from what I have heard..."

  "What? What have you heard?"

  "Well, the NYPD is pretty pissed about being humiliated the way they were, but it seems like plenty among them believe in Terminal and what Zenner is doing."

  "They...they what? They support this lunatic who is flying in the face of the law and leading to the deaths of ordinary citizens?"

  "That's not the way they see it."

  "Tell me, then, how do they see it?"

  "Terminal is optional. Nobody is forced into it."

  "But they are pressured into taking part, aren't they?"

  "Not openly."

  Roberts groaned. "This Zenner is making us all look like fools. What can we do about him?"

  "Local authorities won't touch him. The head of the CIA told me just this morning that he won't send his officers in against military hardware."

  "So what?"

  "The only thing you have left is military intervention."

  "Send the National Guard or the Army into New York to battle it out? Not a chance."

  Piper breathed a sigh of relief.

  "You think I'd do such a thing?"

  "I hoped not. President Simmons would have, I am sure of it."

  "Then tell me, what can I do?" he asked wearily.

  "Honestly, I never thought we would find ourselves in a spot like this. I knew things were getting bad with the petition, but this is far worse. They held President Simmons to ransom, but now the whole country is at stake."

  "He is trying to take power, isn't he?"

  "I'd say so, or lead the way for whoever is working with him."

  "This is madness."

  "The UN resolution, it is our only hope. A worldwide ban on Terminal that would strip power from Zenner."

  "Even if they could do it, how could it be enforced?"

  "A UN resolution would give you the power and authority to remove Zenner and his influence by any means necessary, and it might get you the support you need to do it. Zenner is a monster, and if the world could come together to condemn him, you might just convince the people of the UAN that he is bad news."

  "Then it can't come soon enough."

  * * *

  31st July, 2071, 12.35pm

  New York, United American Nations

  Carter stepped out into the street. He’d left work at lunch as he always had done, but not crossed the street. He looked at his favourite gaming spot from afar, with the Terminal logo now hanging overhead. He looked for Rex and prayed to not see him. There was no sign of the teenager. He felt lost and unsure where to go. He didn't want to play Duel Reality. It felt dirty to him now, and it wouldn't be the same without Mason. He'd go and see his friend, but he could never make it to the hospital and back in the small window he had. Just when he couldn't decide what to do, it was decided for him. He was drawn to the sound of excited cries as people gathered in front of the largest projection in sight. Carter had no idea what was going on, but he was curious. He followed the crowds, but at a slow pace. He didn't know whether to be excited or suspicious, but he froze when he saw Zenner appear before them. He couldn't help but watch and listen as Zenner addressed them.

  "Welcome to the citizens of the UAN, and the citizens of the world!"

  The crowd cheered as if being addressed by their most beloved celebrity.

  "Two days ago, local police tried to arrest me without cause. The President of the UAN wants to shut down Terminal. Not only that, but the UN is now moving to enact sanctions against Terminal. I am here to tell you that we must fight back, and we will!"

  The crowd cheered once more. Carter had no idea where this was going, but he knew he wasn't going to like it.

  "I am a believer in individual freedom, and I also believe that those we vote to represent us, should do exactly that. I am here, talking to you all, because you have backed Terminal. I thank you for that. Let me make this clear. If you, the voting public wanted to see an end to Terminal and my work, I would do so. I would not continue for another day, as I truly believe in giving the people what they want. And because of that, and because you have made it clear what it is you want, I will fight with everything I have to keep this dream alive!"

  Cheers rang out once again, but the punch line was yet to come.

  "The UN will argue amongst themselves for months, and who knows what they will come out with in the end. Well, that's not good enough. So let me make our position clear. I will make a simple and fair offer. The UN sends a champion. One great fighter, that they can select, and they face a champion of ours. Voted for by you, the citizens of the UAN!"

  The crowd around Carter erupted in a frenzy, loving every minute of it.

  "That is my offer to the UAN. They want to create laws without any of us having a say. But I say we settle this in a fair fight. One of theirs, against one of ours!"

  The cries of excitement were deafening as the entire block erupted in euphoria, everyone but Carter. He had seen enough of Terminal and understood the consequences of it more than any of them. Or at least, he cared for the consequences, when no one else did.

  "If the UN champion wins, we will accept any and all sanctions that the UN decides to place on Terminal, without a fight. But if our champion wins, that is the end of worldwide aggression towards our great app. That is my open offer, a one-on-one duel, using Terminal. Can't get fairer than that. I look forward to your response, and in the meantime, we will continue to operate and provide the great entertainment that you all know and love!"

  * * *

  2nd August, 2071

  UN facility, the South-East Frontier

  Axel was sweating heavily, doing push ups on his cell floor. He'd do anything to pass the time. He was sick of being behind bars. The treatment at the UN facility was better than any prison on the planet, and yet still mind numbing. He pushed up and down, trying to burn off some energy and pass the time as well. He kept going and going until he was utterly exhausted. His muscles were not able to go any further, and finally he gave up. He was panting and sore, but it was the best feeling he could hope for, the feeling of being alive. He crawled over to the wall next to his bed and sat back against it. He could hear footsteps approaching. He'd welcome anything to occupy his mind right now, but he could barely move. His cell door opened, and Dia stepped in. He wouldn't have expected anyone else.

  "You've been keeping yourself busy, I see."

  "Anything to fill the time."

  That was the painful truth.

  "What do you want, Dia?"

  She smiled, knowing he wouldn't be fooled.

  "You get the news in here. I know you watch it."

  "Sure."

  "The Terminal app that is gripping the UAN right now. Its creator has made a challenge to the UAN. But you know that, too, don't you?"

  "No," he replied sternly.

  "No to what?"

  "No, I won't do it."

  "You haven't heard me out yet."

  He finally got his stren
gth back to get up and pace across the room, wiping the sweat from his brow.

  "We both know why you are here. That Zenner asshole wants a fight. A stupid fight that you think will make any difference, and I am the perfect chump for you to send. I win. You win. I die, you've lost nothing."

  "That's not the way it is," she protested.

  "Really? So what did you come here for?"

  "Look, sure, I came here to ask you to do this fight. But it's not because you are expendable."

  "No, then why?"

  She sighed, clearly uncomfortable with what she had to do.

  "Just spit it out. I haven't got the time or energy for the bullshit."

  "The things you and your team did. You broke so many international laws. You are all looking at a decade or more behind bars, if you are lucky, and that's once legal proceedings have completed. You might not get out for fifteen to twenty years, maybe more."

  "And if I do this fight that you want me to do?"

  "I have been authorised to guarantee your freedom. A clean slate."

  "For all of us? My whole team?"

  Once again she looked uncomfortable. It was clear she had been sent to broker a deal she didn't like at all.

  "A clean slate for my whole team?"

  "That is not the deal."

  "Fuck the deal. You are bribing me to fight someone to the death so that you can get what you want. Well, guess what? I want something of at least the same value in return. And I want a hundred thousand credits for each of us. A severance pay if you like, because we won't be working in this market any longer."

  "That's going to be tough to arrange."

  "You know what's tough? Being locked up because you did the right thing. Your little club, your cult, it is no better than the rest of us. You do bad shit the same as Zenner, the same as Newton, the same as everyone in power I ever knew. But you hide behind this cloak. You pretend to be so damn perfect and pure. Well, I've had enough. You want to bribe me to do this, then you are gonna pay the price for it. Because you are as dirty as the rest of us, and I'm not risking my life so your bosses can win some stupid game."