by Skyler Grant
Anat and Inanna slipped in from the crowd to take their places alongside him.
"This is beneath you, Mars," Inanna said.
"The Olympian whore needs to learn her place," Mars said, gesturing angrily with the sword.
I focused on the patch of feathers beneath me and flowers bloomed.
I threw myself on that blade and let it skewer my throat. I was tired of the broken jaw and I had nothing to lose.
In an instant I was back. "Brambles," I whispered, and my frame was wreathed in barbs digging cruelly into my flesh, but that would also wound any who touched me. I charged at Mars and with negligent ease he dispatched me with another blow of his sword.
I already knew how this went.
Ten times. Twenty. Thirty. Eighty.
I lost count after a hundred when finally Innana stepped between us, one hand upon Mars’ breastplate and the others being cut and bleeding by my brambles as it pressed against my own chest.
"Enough," Inanna said.
"I can kill the bitch a few dozen more times," Mars said.
His head came flying off a moment later, severed by a pair of daggers wielded by Anat, who stepped up from behind him. "Roma on Roma. We'll accept a trade of his death penalty for the one on Uncle Sam?"
I guess he was dead. Done in by that first sword thrust. Mars was good at his killing.
"Done," Columbia said.
"Our apologies for interrupting your party," Inanna said.
"You two are invited back. That asshole isn't," Columbia said.
Anat hugged her while Inanna stepped in and hugged me, whispering in my ear, "Good job with that."
Then they poofed out. The party continued well into the night, hardly interrupted by the scene of carnage that had broken out. Perhaps this was normal when Liberty had a bash.
It was kind of sick, but I think I was looking forward to the next one. It hadn't been dull.
106
When I finally left the Network I was barely able to focus upon the workshop for more than a few moments before being overcome with a wave of intense nausea. I'd pushed my body far too hard for far too long and it was finally just giving out. I let it, I was on a table.
I don't know how long I slept for, but when I woke I felt like myself again. The ache in my ribs had become a dull and distant thing. I sat up on the table. None of the others were downstairs, although I heard sounds of conversation from above.
Masque looked cleaned up and almost herself again, and was seated at a table with Diva and Hammer. Sparks was nowhere to be seen.
"And I thought I looked bad," Masque said wryly.
I took a seat and rubbed my head. "Too much, too often."
"Heard you got shot," Masque said.
"Didn't we all?" Diva said. I noticed she was in shorts with a medical pack strapped to one leg. That would take care of a gunshot quickly enough, if it wasn't somewhere critical.
"Is Sparks okay?" I asked.
"He's getting a bit of shiny metal added," Hammer said.
Not that okay then. Still, as long as they could replace the damage at least he'd still be ticking.
"What happened after I left?" I asked.
"We all got dressed and eventually stopped crying," Masque said. "Most of them had been in there longer than I had. None were doing very well."
"We killed the surviving guards, because fuck them," Diva said.
I wasn't thrilled by that. I understood.
"Giles called for you awhile back. Said that Lady of his wanted to speak with you," Diva said.
I couldn't imagine what we had to speak about, but if she did want to have some words it seemed like a good idea. Perhaps she had some idea who was actually behind all this.
"I'll go with you," Masque said, getting to her feet.
"You sure?" I asked.
"I want to make sure she’s okay. I didn't know her in there, but you know..." Masque said.
Yeah. I knew. Suffering brought strangers together.
Masque armed up a lot heavier than normally before we left. I couldn't blame her.
Last time we'd only gone to the border of the Camelot district, but this time we went inside.
Entry was through a heavy guarded portcullis. The dropping of Lady Penworth's name prompted them to call to her estate, before we were allowed access and given directions.
Glass mosaics filled the sky, the entire roof of this district blocked in. It made a difference. I hadn't realized what a toxic sludge the air outside must be until my lungs got a taste of something clean.
"I did good work. Those designs were from the last big war for our surface troops," Ismene said.
Here everybody was a member of the corporation and it showed, even the poorest of those I saw on the streets looked well-clothed and fed.
The Penworth estate contained a lot of beautiful stonework and even had the luxury of a small garden outside.
A butler was expecting our arrival and after a few moments we were let into a study. When I'd last seen Lady Penworth she'd been naked and sobbing. Now in an ornate dress and fancy jewelry she seemed an entirely different woman. Still, beneath the composure I could sense something still frail.
"Lady Penworth," Masque said with a small curtsy.
"Call me Darla, please. Persephone and Masque? I believe it was, thank you for coming," Darla said, and motioned that we should have a seat.
"Tea? Cakes?"
"No thank you. How is Giles?" I asked.
"Recovering. That fool man charged a tank with a sword. He'll get his knighthood for it, if I have anything to say about it," Darla said.
"You wanted to see us?" I asked
"Right to business then?" Darla said. "First of all, thank you. I know that you were not there for me and yet you saved me. Well, you know what you saved me from. I did not know such indignities existed as I had visited upon me."
I didn't know how to answer that. I nodded.
"I understand there were only six of us held there," Darla said.
I glanced to Masque. I hadn't seen more than that, but then I'd had to run before the final cleanup.
"Just six," Masque confirmed.
"And yet I have reason to believe that over twenty-five girls from the neighboring district have been abducted to share that very same fate," Darla said.
I winced at that number. At that thought.
"We still don't know who is behind it," Masque said.
"I find my experiences have left me little patience for niceties. I believe I have an idea where those girls are being held. I wish to hire you to liberate them and kill every single person holding them there," Darla said.
There was nothing subtle there.
"We're not actually a mercenary company," I said.
"I'm aware of who and what you are. I can hire soldiers. I will hire soldiers, but to lead the investigation I want somebody that I can trust. I wish for people who will understand and who will do what is necessary. That is you. Yes?" Darla asked.
"We understand," Masque said, and the words were loaded with meaning.
I understood too. The knights of Camelot were far too honorable for her tastes. Darla didn't want these men captured, Darla wanted a bloodbath.
"We aren't the people for this," I said.
Masque gave me a steady look. "Don't back away from this now. You've come too far and seen too much."
"She isn't interested in justice. She is interested in murder," I said.
Darla folded her hands primly in her lap. "I think they are not so far apart as you might wish in this case."
"What is the purpose of a Corporation?" Masque asked.
"Are you getting into corporate philosophy with me now?" I asked.
"Diva would say it is to be dicks. But I know you better than that. I've seen it in you, you're a true believer," Masque said.
"To protect its people. To give them a culture and something to be proud of. To offer them a better life and meaning," I said.
"Should anyone be proud
of what is happening here? They should be ashamed, they are stealing the lives of people and forcing them into darkness," Masque said.
I closed my eyes for a moment. I wasn’t without sympathy for their plight, but we weren't the people to deal with this. The problem was bigger than us. Liberty really was the best option in this case, if I could help Columbia to find proof of what was happening here, then she could use that to force a confrontation.
"You know they shouldn't, but we don't have the resources to do what is needed," I said.
"You shouldn't fight the battle because you can't win the war?" Ismene asked.
"Are you taking her side?"
"Think on what we've seen. Pharosa is making high grade network components as fast as they can. Do you think that unconnected?"
"SantaFe was using us to sabotage that operation. It doesn't mean they're putting the technology to the same use. You heard Columbia, much of it is legitimate."
"How legitimate can slavery ever be? Even if people agree to it. That is what this is, they are trapped and can never leave."
I knew the situation might be more complex than that, but it might also be that simple. Sometimes we'd try to read complexity into meanings that were better seen in stark terms.
I couldn't control what Liberty did or didn't do, although I could try to see it did the right thing. I might have the ability to ensure that at least more people who were suffering got rescued.
"I won't promise you a bloodbath. I will not. I will investigate what you provide me and see justice done," I said.
"That isn't enough," Darla said.
"It will have to be," I said.
Darla stared at me for a long moment and she shook her head. "I've got nothing for a coward like you. I thought you were an ally. Get in my way and I'll kill you too, you have my word. I'll find those willing to do what is necessary and nothing is going to stop me."
"Then do inform them it will be safer if they stay out of my way," I said, rising to my feet. "I hope that you recovery from this."
"I'll tell Giles you asked after him," Darla said, before hugging Masque. I didn't get one.
On the way back to base I got a call. Columbia was good to go.
107
This was an official mission. This time when I logged into the Network a prompt appeared.
Based on your previous performance you have been rewarded two levels
As a sponsored hero rewards can vary: For level 2 you are awarded 1 skill
For level 3 you are awarded 1 resource
Nature's Kiss: Enhanced effects of various plants can be delivered through a kiss. This includes poison, intoxication, and sleep.
Far afield: Instead of spawning at the closest field of flowers you may select from several nearby options.
Sunspawned: In direct sunlight you will possess enhanced strength, stamina, and rapid healing.
Those were some interesting choices. Right now, by far the most useful of my abilities was my ability to resurrect. The choice of locations could potentially make that a lot more powerful and get me out of danger. I could already visualize how I'd try to deal with me, if I were an enemy. A cage over a field of flowers and kill me dead. I'd be trapped and helpless. This would let me get past that eventuality.
The others were useful in a completely different way. The only way I had to really heal from wounds was dying. It worked wonders, but it wouldn't always be a choice. Sunspawned seemed like it might be one of those things of minimal value, but a lot more useful as I got stronger. And Nature's Kiss was the most tempting of the bunch—I could only do my barbs, which were of minimal effect in a fight. I didn't much like the thought of being some sort of kissing, killing machine, but at least it would be something.
I had to assume eventually something with more combat applications would be coming along or I'd better mastery my abilities. Wrapping myself in thorns recently had been one such example. I could get by without the kissing, I figured, as useful as that might be. The Sunspawned really appealed to me, but it seemed very situational.
Far afield would let me prevent the first thing I'd think of to deal with someone like me. I'd neutralize a big weakness in an instant and get some minor tactical utility as well. That outweighed everything else. I selected that power.
Resource Options
Venomous barbs: The vines enshrouding your body are now barbed and contain a weakening toxin. This will never have or weaken you or those you wish to allow close, but attackers engaged at close range will have to contend with them.
Healing blooms: Each day three healing blooms will appear on your body. Consuming one will heal most moderate injuries and cure many ailments
Allies: Nymphs. Near most sources of fresh water nature spirits named nymphs can be found. While their aid can be inconsistent it can also be great and with this resource they will consider you to be a friend.
These were some interesting choices. Venomous barbs would give me something defensive, and at least meant I wouldn't have to worry about amorous police anymore. But then, so did a set of well-conjured brambles. They wouldn't do anything to make me more armored and would be of limited use.
The healing blooms were better. The Sunspawned ability had appealed to me before and with this I wouldn't just have a way to heal myself, but also to give some healing to others. It was tempting, but I feared also flawed. If only I understood herbalism or alchemy I'd be a powerful healer without need of such things. I could already grow any blossom I needed.
That left me with allies. I had to admit that dressed like this I looked a bit nymph-like myself and they did seem suitable friends for a Goddess of vegetation. Perhaps on this one I should take my cue from what I was.
I indicated my choice of allies.
Darkness shimmered for a moment and then I materialized.
I seemed to be sitting on a bouquet of flowers inside a stagecoach. Columbia was seated across from me and she'd dressed cowgirl for the day in a white hat, a red and blue checkered shirt, leather pants and cowboy boots.
"Why don't you have some stupid dress code to adhere to?" I asked.
"You think this is easy?" Columbia asked, gesturing at herself, "You know how long I spend picking out these looks? Count yourself lucky."
Yeah, lucky, that was the word for it.
"So where are we headed?" I asked.
"We're visiting the fine folks in SantaFe. Canyon City, you're going to love it," Columbia said.
We were live at this point with our every word going out to the audience. I knew she wouldn't want to discuss the bank job, although I wish she'd talked to me a little ahead of time so we could coordinate.
The stagecoach came to a stop and the driver got down to open our door.
"Well, that was conveniently well-timed," I said.
"Don't take so long picking out your powers next time," Columbia said and stepped out. I joined her.
The sun was bright overhead. This was nothing like the last time I'd been in a SantaFe town. That one had been the place of horrors holding Masque, this one was almost idyllic.
Horses were everywhere and the buildings were brightly colored. Everywhere there seemed to be a spirit of hope, of optimism, a new frontier waiting and beckoning.
"It’s nicer than I expected," I said.
"If you were expecting something unpleasant, I wonder why you came at all," said a man stepping up to us. He was a distinguished-looking man in a white hat. He had a mustache and a silver star pinned to his jacket.
"Pat Garrett. Long time," Columbia said, flashing him a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Pat here helped to teach me to shoot back in the day."
"Seems like a lifetime ago," Pat said, and he slipped one of his arms into Columbia's and the other into mine. "Why don't I show you the town while you tell me exactly what brings two of Liberty's finest into my jurisdiction?"
I let Columbia take the lead in the conversation.
"I'm glad you ask. We've been looking for things that Persephone can help
with. Seemed to me you've got a lot of crops that might just benefit from having her around," Columbia said.
"Crops," Garret said, as he led us down the street. Despite any claims of playing tour guide he didn't seem to be doing much of it. I spotted the bank on one corner. There were a lot of gunmen outside. "You aiming to be a farmer, Miss Persephone?"
I was thinking about this point that maybe I really should start taking Columbia at her word, if she was this bad of a liar. "I don't know what I'm looking to be, Sheriff. I'm still pretty new to all this. Do healthy crops actually matter to you?"
It set the Sheriff back a moment. "Because it's virtual space, you mean? They actually do. How much we can grow depends on how large our towns can be. How much mining and trade we can do. Because of the nature of who and what we are, that’s a bit limited."
I actually could make a difference for them, and probably others. My growth ability so far had seemed mostly useless, but here it did have applications beside the combat. It was interesting, something to think about. When I'd assigned points from my first two levels I built myself more like an agriculture goddess than a combat goddess. I'd done so with thoughts to the future, but maybe there was something there.
Being Persephone was more complex than it seemed at first. Perhaps not everything could be reduced to a fight.
We'd come to stop before a building prominently marked with "Jail"
"Pat, what are you doing?" Columbia said.
"I'm just getting to the bottom of things. Maybe you two don't mean any harm to this town, unlikely though it seems, but I know you both came in with mission timers. This isn't some scouting expedition," Pat said. He drew a pistol from each waist and leveled one at my head and one at Columbia.
"You know I'm the better shot," Columbia said.
"Don't see where I'm giving you the chance," Pat said.
