wearing jeans and running shoes, and a light windbreaker. She looks relieved to be here. I can see built up worry and stress in her body; her energy is tense, but not dangerous. “You’re a very difficult woman to get in front of,” she says.
“Hi, Melissa. I know it can be tough to get together with me. Nature of the beast, sorry.”
“That’s okay, now that I’m here, anyway. I really need your help, Danielle.”
“Well, you’re direct, I like that. What is it I can help you with?”
“I need your protection.”
“From whom?” I ask.
She looks nervously at her friend. He shrugs and nods. Melissa takes a deep breath and turns back to face me. “I think from pretty much everyone on the planet.”
“Wow,” I say. “You must be quite the special person to be afraid of that many people.” I look at Raph and Stephanie. They both raise their eyebrows in agreement with me.
“She is, Danni,” Raphael says. “Remember what I told you humans could do if they could just get over their own mental blocks?”
“You’ve said a lot of things over the years about what humans could do if they’d just get out of their own way, Raphael,” I say. “Which thing are we talking about?”
Raphael looks at me for a moment, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He’s serious and intimidating to the new people, but I know him — he’s excited. He looks at Melissa and nods encouragingly. “Go ahead, Melissa. Show Danielle what you can do.”
Melissa looks nervous, like a deer attempting to cross a busy road. She nods her head, looks at me, and takes a breath.
I feel it immediately, and I squint my eyes. She has Talent. Intense, raw Talent, and she seems to suddenly be pulling a large amount of energy into herself. She bends her legs and then pushes upwards, jumping very powerfully for such a young woman. She moves upwards, first a foot, then two, then I realize what she’s doing and within three seconds’ time I’m staring upward as she floats in the air about 25 feet above us.
She’s floating in that classic Superman pose — you know the one, where he has his arms crossed and his feet together. It’s my favourite pose, and I can tell she’s practiced it. After about ten seconds she uncrosses her arms and begins to fly forward in a lazy circle.
I watch speechlessly as she moves in a large circle. When she gets back to her starting point, she stops, then does one more complete circle, this time much faster. The first circuit takes about 30 seconds. The second one takes less than five. Then she drops quickly to the ground like she’s falling. About one foot from the ground she stops suddenly, then lazily floats the remainder of the way down. She smiles shyly and stands there, waiting for me to speak.
I look at her and know there’s no possible way I can hide my amazement. I hear Stephanie and Raphael laugh, and I’m certain they can read my thoughts.
“How long has Carl been walking this Earth?” I ask.
“Thousands of years, Danni,” Raphael says.
I walk towards Melissa. “How would you like to come live with me for a while, and see if you can teach me this trick of yours, Melissa?” I ask.
Melissa shudders with relief. I have a feeling she has spent her life afraid since she discovered this power. I think that she feels safer already. “That would be wonderful, Danielle.”
I nod and hug her. Then I look back at the Eternals. “If he’s been around that long, then he can wait a few more years to die.”
Chapter 15
Brandon sat behind his desk with Trew beside him. Brandon was giving Trew a thorough rundown of Mainframe and the history of how it — she — had evolved from the Game’s beginning until this moment in time.
“So she’s doubled her abilities roughly every two years?” Trew asked.
“Yes, that was the formula, to double every two years,” Brandon admitted. “This whole time issue is still perplexing to me, though.”
Trew nodded in agreement. “You thought she’d evolve on Tygon time?”
“I thought she would evolve on Tygon time, but what I hoped was that she would evolve on Earth time.”
Trew shook his head. “And she did. It staggers the mind. A computer that is based in our reality, but instead of doubling fifteen times in the past 30 years, it has doubled every two years for… tens of thousands of years by Game time standards?”
“Only about six thousand years in the Game, actually,” Brandon confirmed. “The hundreds of thousands of years that are in the fossil and geological records of Earth don’t count. We only count it from the time that players were put into the Game; the rest is just filler.”
“Okay, then, six thousand years. Impressive enough, right?”
Brandon nodded. “Miraculous. It’s what I hoped for, but when I designed it I couldn’t be certain it would play out that way.”
“So she’s an extremely evolved life form, but you still have her under control? How did you manage that?”
“You can play chess on a board, and maybe over time the game can evolve and become more than it was originally, but at the end of the day you are still limited by the board and the pieces. You can’t play anything but chess,” Brandon said.
“Hmm… that might be too simple an analogy, Brandon.”
“Yes, it is, but it can quickly get very complicated. The fact is that Sylvia is bound by universal laws and mandates that she cannot change. She has immense power, but at her very core she exists to serve the Game.”
“It’s brilliant,” Trew said.
“Yes. And the universe can change, but it’s the players who change it. Sylvia can influence the players, but it’s the constant flow of players exiting and entering the system that affect everything, not her.”
“The classic ‘what came first, the chicken or the egg?’ argument,” Trew said.
“Kind of.”
Trew looked at the computer screen and the icon that would access the Game’s divine being. “What are you really playing at here, Brandon?”
Brandon was quiet for a time, then said, “It’s just an educational game, Trew. An attempt to teach our kids something more than old-style schools did, along with a way to make some money in the process.”
Thousands of questions flooded Trew’s mind. Brandon’s explanation didn’t make sense. This was more than just a children’s game or a business to generate revenue. He remembered meeting an old man in his past life on Earth. The man played the ancient board game called ‘Go.’ It was one of the first board games played on Earth, and this old man was the world’s top Go master. Trew and Danielle had spent months learning to
play Go, and they had spent hundreds of hours talking with the master. It soon became apparent that even a simple board game like Go was much more than just a game. The Go master had played so much that the world and all its workings could be explained in relation to Go. By mastering the game of Go, this old man had gained valuable insights into life and the universe that most would never uncover. Trew had learned much about games from the old man; he'd also learned that games were always more than mindless recreation.
Trew decided to let it go for now — no pun intended. “So how do we talk to her?”
“We just click the icon and open the program,” Brandon said. “She’s a fully sentient program, but she has limited access to Tygon. She isn’t able to interfere with any of the electronic workings of our world. She is contained in the Mainframe of the Game, and it has no direct way of interacting with our world. We’ve gone to great lengths to make sure she can’t access any networks or mass media channels.”
Trew snorted. “So what you’re saying is that you have no confirmation that she has access to Tygon.”
“No, I’m saying that we have large resources committed, both people and technology, committed to keeping her contained inside the Game,” Brandon said. “You certainly seem negative about this topic, Trew.”
“Really? I think I’m being very positive. Just because I take the opposite view doesn’t mean I’m being negat
ive. You’ve heard about the frogs on Earth that can change their sex, right?”
“Yes. Put an entire population of female frogs into the proper setting and some of the females will spontaneously transmute into males and babies will soon be born. You’re convinced that the same can happen with Sylvia?”
“I’m saying anything’s possible. Where there is a will, there is always a way.”
“Perhaps,” Brandon said. “We are doing the best we can to keep Mainframe as it was intended to be.”
“I can accept that,” Trew said. “And your resources are considerable. I’m certain you have it all under control. I just like to ask questions.”
“Keep them coming, Trew. We need questions to move everything forward.”
“You might regret that request someday,” Trew said.
“Likely,” Brandon agreed. “Ready to talk to her?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Then let’s begin,” Brandon said as he double clicked the Mainframe icon on his computer screen.
Chapter 16
I’m certain that God believes in miracles; that’s the reason why miracles can happen.
But what happens when God is in awe of a new miracle that has occurred?
Is it possible that the all-knowing can learn new things as well?
I’m comforted by that thought, in some strange way.
Excerpt from Trew’s interview ‘After the Game’ - Tygon
“Sylvia? Are you here?” Brandon looked puzzled. He had told Trew that as soon as they clicked the icon, Sylvia would immediately greet them, but the program was open and the room was silent.
“I’m here, Brandon.” Sylvia’s voice surrounded them. “I’m just… speechless at the moment.”
“Why’s that?” Brandon asked.
“Hello, Zack,” Sylvia said. “That is you, right?”
“It’s me, Sylvia, and hello! It’s so exciting to talk with you again. Your voice is exactly the same as I remember from our discussions during prayer together in the Game.”
There was more silence. Brandon wasn’t used to this from her. If he had to guess, Brandon would say she was deeply confused by Trew’s presence.
Brandon and Trew said nothing, allowing Sylvia to process whatever information she was working through. After a time she spoke again. “Every day inside the Game, I perform countless miracles. I must thank you for this great gift.”
“What gift is that?” Brandon asked.
“I have never understood what my children feel when the impossible happens. I’ve witnessed it, and I know how I feel when I give them this gift. But this is the first time I have ever been the observer to such magic. It is… incredible.”
“I don’t know what to say to that,” Brandon said.
“I’m not sure that there is anything to say,” she said. “I will think much on this. It is a wonderful surprise. Welcome home, Zack. I am so pleased that you did not cease to exist.”
“I’ve decided to go by Trew, Sylvia. And thank you; I’m also pleased that I continue to exist.”
Sylvia laughed softly. “Of course you’re going by that name now. It’s perfect. Was that your idea, Trew? Or yours, Brandon?”
“It was mine,” Trew said.
“Excellent. You must have really made an impression on Brandon,” she said. “He has never allowed me to speak to another individual on Tygon. Congratulations on that as well.”
“The rules are changing now,” Brandon said.
“What has he told you, Trew?” Sylvia asked.
“That the Game will soon end, and every player still inside the Game at that time will die on Tygon. He also said that Danielle’s death will end the Game. She is protected as well as can be, but in just a few weeks she will be the last player to exit the Game alive.”
“Oh, dear, Brandon. Is that what you believe?”
“Yes,” Brandon said. “Why?”
“The Game will end when Danielle dies, that is true.” Sylvia said. “But she won’t be the last one to exit the Game alive. She will be the first player to die on her stasis table. When Danielle dies, Alexandra dies too.”
Chapter 17
Apex predators are the hunters that sit at the top of the food chain. Nothing hunts an apex predator. This means that they can come and go as they please. I found this term interesting, so I searched the Internet to find such a creature.
They say a great white shark is an apex predator. It was very easy for me to find a picture of a dead great white shark dangling from the rope of a human fisherman.
Tigers are also called apex predators. Once again, I quickly accessed a picture of dead tigers, men standing over their bodies with guns in hand and smiles on their faces.
Python snakes? Don’t they make nice boots?
No matter how hard I search, I can find only one candidate that fits the definition of a true apex predator… Humans. They are ferocious creatures, really not that impressive to look at, but effective at killing most anything when they put their minds to it.
Then I recall my brother Carl, and I smile.
Perhaps humans are not apex predators either…
Carl
I can’t remember the last time I was this close to death.
I reach down and press my hand to my side, then hold it up to the faint light. Yeah, that’s my blood, and lots of it.
The pain isn’t so bad; I’ve learned how to deal with pain. No one could cause pain like Cassie. She was an artist at delivering pain, and I had the misfortune of being her canvas for a quarter century. I was lucky to have killed her before she could finish me, but I’ve thanked her often for the lessons she taught.
This isn’t good. Remembering stuff from thousands of years ago while I bleed out is a waste of time. Focus, Carl. The world needs you, old man.
I laugh at the thought. The world will celebrate when I leave it, but I’m not going to leave if I can help it.
There’s still so much to kill.
My side is numb from the wound. I’ve been running for the past two hours. That likely hasn’t helped it. I recognize where I am and start to slow down. I’m close to safety.
I lean forward to knock on the door and stumble roughly into it. My legs are shutting down. Can’t seem to raise my hand to knock on the door. I hear sound on the other side, maybe my fall was enough to get his attention.
“Stitch,” I growl. “Open the door, I’ve got work for you.”
“Who is it?” the voice on the other side of the door whispers.
“I’ll put my hand through this door if you ask another question. Then you’ll know who it is.” That should get him to open up; he doesn’t like replacing doors.
The door opens suddenly and he grabs me roughly by the shirt and drags me inside. The door slams shut as soon as my feet make it inside. It’s dark in this room. I can see two candles burning in the corners; smoke floats around lazily. I sniff but can’t quite make out what it is. That’s another bad sign for me; I usually have a good sniffer. I try to sit, but Stitch keeps his hands on my collar and drags me over to the kitchen table. He lifts me up then puts me down hard; I hear dishes fall to the floor as my legs hit the table.
He comes into my line of sight, sticking his filthy face near mine. “Damn, Carl, you’re not in a good way.”
“Really?” I try to sound menacing, but I don’t care too much about how I sound. “Can you fix me?” I ask.
“I can try,” he says.
“Will you?”
“If you say please,” he says.
“Ha!”
“Well, you still have your sense of humour, at least. What happened?”
“New girlfriend,” I say.
Stitch shrugs. “Fine, don’t tell me.” I can see him putting something into a syringe. Good, he’s going to help. “Nothing for the pain,” I say, “and don’t put me out.”
“This isn’t our first dance, Carl. It’s antibiotics. You need it.”
I nod and he gives me the shot.
“Okay, I’ll do what I can. Just lay there and shut up. You start thrashing around and yipping at me and I won’t put you out, I’ll just drag you outside and let you die.”
“All right. How bad does it look?” I ask.
He pokes his finger into my side and I hear a squishy sound. “That’s intestine. I’ll put it back in, but I think you’re finally gonna die.”
“Don’t sound so sad.” I close my eyes and think of Cassie. She did worse than this to me — daily, at times. Of course, she had me strapped to a table in a clean room. Still, I’ve been through worse.
I know I’m safe here. I did my part and got here; the rest is up to Stitch. No use in worrying about things I can’t control.
I let the pain wash over me as I pass out.
Chapter 18
It’s time to meet Three.
I’ve spent the last twenty hours observing her from my desk, looking for some spark, some glimmer that she’s faking her condition.
Did I acquire an Eternal by mistake, or did they plant one here to catch me?
I know, it’s unreasonable to be so paranoid. I’ve removed Eternals and Infernals from the Game before. Hell, a little over two hundred years ago I almost took out Daniel. I should have done it, but before I got the chance he became their leader. It would’ve been fun to kill the Devil, but my good sense stopped me. The Infernal organization is a delicate house of cards on the best of days; cutting the head off that snake just isn’t a good idea.
I’m done waiting. If this is how it ends, so be it. She has a nanocomputer inside her body; that’s too exciting to pass up. What if it’s a supercomputer that has a whole population living inside it? A Game within a Game! Yeah, I have to find out how evolved it is.
I look around the Zoo, my headquarters for decades now. It’s very secret; if I have to leave this base there are only two other people alive that know about it. Maybe it’s time to move. This could be a good thing if it all goes to crap.
I stand up and walk over to her cell. Three sits at her little desk, drawing and colouring pictures with crayons and pencil crayons. She doesn’t touch the charcoal or the pastels. The pictures are
Digital Heretic (The Game is Life) Page 6
