Julia blinked. "They have movie theaters here, Mother?"
Christine chuckled throatily. "Do they ever, darling. It is an extravaganza! First, there's a show, whether operatic or circus depends on the location, but always the best dining, along with exquisite comedy or feats of prestidigitation, and then a cinematic experience that's almost lifelike in its depiction!" She sighed happily. "Of course our clan has a miniature cinema and an entire collection of favorite films, but we tend not to use that since it draws considerably from our computational resources presently directed to my research."
Julia smirked. "Mom, come on! If it's just a movie, I can play it on my phone."
Christine's gaze hardened. "Why don't you try to play it on your phone now, dear?"
Julia paled and swallowed, caught by her mother's gaze.
Val wordlessly wrapped Julia in his arms. She sobbed once and held him fiercely tight.
Christine grimaced, shaking her head. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "It's... it's been a long night. And I fear I'm slipping into old roles."
"You're hardly even my mom!" Julia sobbed from Val's arms. "You used to be so understanding. Now you're glaring at me and Yin like a mad queen who'll lop off our heads if we say the slightest thing you don't like! I don't belong in this world, my cousin thinks I'm some disgusting hybrid monster, I find out I really am some freakish hybrid monster, and you're acting like this is all somehow normal!"
Val gazed at his father and friends who remained carefully silent, and he had no doubt they were taking in everything they saw and heard, knowing they had no idea what their place or position was in this world, what actions would be greeted with smiles, or cause fatal offense.
"Christine?"
Julia's mother caught his gaze. "Yes, Val?"
"You do understand we need to get back to Earth, right?"
Her gaze turned sympathetic. "Do we, Val? Are you truly ready to take on Caesar yourself? My nephew could have struck you down in your one moment of weakness. And his potency is nothing compared to an Overlord's."
Val grimaced. "I know. I know I need to get stronger."
Christine nodded. "Much stronger. Fortunately, you have a lifetime to train and get as strong as you possibly can. There is no need to challenge Caesar now, Val. Not while he is consolidating his power, loyal sycophants in all governments already in place, ready and willing to serve their new master who will reward loyalty just as richly as he will crush all resistance to his rule. Your world leaders are merely puppets at this point, their underlying governments already ripe for change. If you were to attack now, there is no telling what he would do."
Val's gaze hardened. "What are you saying, Christine?"
"What do you think I'm saying, Val? Caesar will gain notoriety with the most bloodless coup in Dominion history! Terran minds are so weak, so vulnerable, they could be crushed effortlessly. Or, under a benevolent ruler, they could be enticed to appreciate the better outcome, the greater good, working for Dominion interests and profiting handsomely in return! As it stands, Caesar's corporate approach will allow most hardworking Terrans nearly as much autonomy as is enjoyed by southern Jordians!"
Val felt a shiver of insight as it all clicked into place. "We're useful to him. With our universe's physics in effect, he can take advantage of massive computer networks, processing information in ways that are impossible here. He would then have access to computing power available nowhere else in Dominion territory, along with all the players on Earth even now embracing the role of Dominion mech-warriors and mercenaries. Because for all our flaws, we gain power from our accomplishments and victories.”
"Because here, we can level up," Yin said. "At least, those of us who can actually get on and play Endless Online, though most players still don’t think it’s anything but a game. But when they find out it's actually real life, that their families will be treated well and maybe they’ll earn a decent buck doing what they love to do anyway, they'll happily fight and kill for the Dominion."
Christine gave a pleased nod. "You children understand perfectly! And when you consider how small a proportion of the world has even tried donning sensory helms, even if only one in a thousand can resonate properly, that's still millions of uniquely gifted mercenaries, well able to 'level up' as you say, that could be used to spearhead any military campaign Caesar wishes to launch, or serve as uniquely talented mercenaries he can hire out! And with their bodies still on Earth, they can both exit their synth bodies if in sudden peril, yet still be quite firmly under Caesar's control. Why, he could make billions of credits just hiring them out! When you think of it that way, he might be more than content to rule with the lightest of touches, so long as those chosen to administrate various territories set up as many integrated computer banks for his use as possible, and encourage absolutely everyone to try to jump into the game!"
Christine's gaze was filled with such pity it was almost unbearable. "When you think of it that way, my friends, Earth might just be better off under Caesar's gentle guidance than torn apart by the madmen always just a heartbeat from declaring war. Wait until the first phase is over, Val. When things are settled, a new order is established, and ancient weapons that have no place in a Dominion regime—atomics and modified plagues—are safely destroyed. Then you can judge for yourself if Earth would be truly better off, free of Dominion influence.
"And in just a few short years, upwardly ambitious Highlords can give formal challenge to Earth's new Overlord if they dare, and, if found worthy in the duel of mind and blade, earn Caesar's respect and status and station of their own, or enslavement and death if they humiliate themselves too badly."
Christine quirked a bitter smile. "Who knows? A challenger might even win. And then it is they who will serve as the Overlord, perhaps for years, perhaps for centuries before they too are replaced by a stronger challenger, their mates and offspring left unharmed as is custom, and Earth itself spared fallout from the politics occurring far above, save by how tight or loose the reins of their new masters are. And as I have explained, Earth's reins will likely be very loose indeed, so long as they don't buck their riders too hard."
Dirk adamantly shook his head. "No. I refuse to believe that. There has to be something we can do!"
"I am sorry, Dirk. I know how fiercely you fought by my daughter's side throughout her time visiting Jordia only in psychic form, but the Dominion has never once failed to capture a planet, no matter how bitter the struggle, in the many centuries since our empire's founding. Not since the very first Psionicists found common ground in a campaign of conquest that continues to this day." Christine flashed the gentlest of smiles. "Very few planets have Jordia's semi-autonomy, where mages are potent enough to earn even a Highlord's respect. Yet now Earth, with her uniquely talented inhabitants and ability to bypass Killian's Seven Sacred Laws regarding system complexity and energy expenditures, is just as precious a prize to the Dominion as is Jordia herself."
She closed her eyes, giving a satisfied smile. "I believe that answers your questions, does it not? And do not fret. We can speak discreetly. My nephew knows it would be seen as a grievous breach, were my apartments to suffer the burden of sniffers or spies."
Chris frowned. "I know Jordia has no Overlord, and the south is in complete revolt. Since things are so chaotic here, why did an Overlord bother with Earth when Jordia itself is in such disarray, without any leader at all? If you don't mind me asking, Mrs. Petrovsky?"
Christine frowned thoughtfully for a moment before answering. "I suspect that the strike must have originated from Phoebe, our twin, not Jordia. No doubt Overlord Caligula has been aware of Tytus's plans for quite some time, building a jump gate of his own. Upon Tytus's death, it was the perfect time to act. No doubt he struck a deal with a young potency eager to spearhead the charge into fresh territory. Truly, after the destruction of Tytus's dreadnought and the jump gate as well, it's the only explanation that makes sense. I suspect Phoebe's wealth will now grow glorious and grand as Caesar sends an
nual tribute to Caligula for assistance rendered. In fact, I would not be at all surprised if his influence plays a deciding factor in who will eventually be crowned ruler of Jordia, particularly since Caligula’s dreadnought alone will be guarding this system. No doubt we will all be forced to pay extra annual taxes as an added source of tribute for Phoebe's coffers as well. Of course, that's all conjecture. I shall have to contact my spies and see what they have to say."
Christine turned to Val's friends. "Please, Christopher, feel free to call me Lady Highblood. You as well, friend Dirk, dear Yin. And be not alarmed by what other servitors call me. You were all there for my daughter in her time of need, and I will never insist you call me grace, eminence, or master." She turned, affectionately patting Val's cheek. "Since you are like family to me, you may call me Christine. Perhaps one day, mother... if you choose."
Andrey gazed at his wife with the strangest look. She gently squeezed his hand, wrapping him up in a hug that included their daughter. "Fear not, my loves. We will get through this and blossom to heights grand and wondrous. You'll see. But as for returning to Earth, even for simple reconnaissance..." She turned to gaze in the direction of her laboratory, now several corridors away. "If Caesar is securing troops through Caligula's jump gates, ours just might be the last Jordian portal attuned to Earth. And with my Terran anchor obliterated by a kinetic strike, we might well be cut off from Earth permanently."
Dirk frowned. "So how the hell do we get back?"
Christine shook her head. "You'd have to infiltrate a military installation or Phoebe's jump gate if you were truly set on returning to Earth, and there is no more reckless a move you could make right now. With Jordian's own power base in disarray, Caligula is puppet-mastering no less than two regime changes. Anyone from Jordia attempting to enter Phoebian space who’s not a registered trader would be interrogated and their brains popped into a pain vat before you could blink."
Dirk's laughter was that of a man gazing at his own executioner. "Well, I guess we're all well and truly screwed.”
"Not to worry," Christine brightly assured. "We escaped the most tragic of endings with our lives, and you now have before you an entire world to embrace and explore! Think of it, dear Dirk. The realm you so dearly loved to adventure within when it seemed just a simple game is now your home in truth. All the glory and power you sought to accrue in fantasy can now be yours in reality!" She clapped her hands together before giving a satisfied nod. "And what an exciting adventure we've all just had. Now rest, my darlings. I'm sure everything will make sense after a good night's sleep."
Val's head was still spinning hours later with all that had occurred, now fed, rested, and lying in the most luxurious of beds. And the beautiful girl gazing at him with such sweet adoration was only part of the reason why he was in a daze. Their lovemaking had been tender, passionate, and he had cherished every moment of it, finding solace in sweetest rapture. His hands gently ran through her fiery red tresses, heart now filled with the need to keep her safe at all costs, even as he yearned to fight for his world, now an impossible distance away.
Julia's beautiful gold-flecked eyes smiled into his own. "Thank you, Val."
He smiled, squeezing her tight, filled with warmest tenderness.
"Ouch. Too strong, Val." A throaty chuckle as Val eased his grip. "I swear you were a beast tonight. Not that I didn't love every moment of it."
Val grimaced. "I'm sorry, Julia. Ever since we got here, the energies coursing through me have me feeling just a little bit off."
She gazed curiously into his eyes. "So that's what it means to achieve true Personal Resonance Mastery."
Val nodded, realizing he didn't have to say a word. Actually achieving Rank 10 skill mastery in any talent, rare as that was, seemed to have major benefits. For him, the arcane fields of this world seemed to be infusing each and every cell with added potency. In quantized terms, he had +5 to strength, +10 to vitality, and +2 to finesse and quickness as well. Just as remarkable, he could regenerate his health at a tenth of the rate his mana recovered, one point every couple of seconds. It might not save him from getting his brains cleaved open by a Psiblade or shredded to bloody mist by a Titan's Blast spell, but his PRM regeneration was a fantastic gift that would allow him to heal from any number of nonfatal wounds.
If there was a single downside, it was that he now couldn't leak arcane radiation even if he tried. Which, for all Val knew, had been the Dominion's goal all along. But considering the tremendous benefits Rank 10 PRM had given him, in addition to being able to repair Dominion gear and never having to worry about shorting out his friends’ equipment, he thought it a more than fair trade.
Julia's beautiful gaze was still locked upon his own. "You've done so much for me, Val. Given up so much… all I want to do is make you the happiest boyfriend that I possibly can.” She sighed wistfully. “I would so love to show you France, Val. I know the perfect little village by the sea. We could rent out one of the grand resort cottages Mother favored, and we could tour the country together. We’d savor good food, good wine, all the wonders of Europe, and perfect company. But now our world's the target of a massive corporate takeover and my mother's no longer my sweet, loving, super cool mother. Now she's a mercurial Highlord who could kill anyone she despises with a thought! I feel like she has to fight to remember that we're her family and friends, not her slaves and lackeys."
She shook her head, holding him close. "I'm afraid, Val. What if she gets worse? What if she starts acting like those half-mad tyrants on all the cable dramas? I love her with all my heart, but even I can tell she's not exactly, well, 100% um... there. She's just a teeny tiny bit off her rocker. It never mattered when she'd get on eccentric tangents at home, gazing at me so animatedly as she talked about her made-up empire that she loved writing stories about, and Father and I thought she should just publish. But now I find out that all the stories are true and she's not even entirely human and we nearly died twice tonight. God, Val, I thought I was strong. I thought after what I had endured, I could face anything. But after everything we’ve been through? It’s all I can do just to hold it together and be strong for our friends.”
Val smiled, stealing a kiss. “It’s going to be okay, Julia. We’re going to get through this. The important thing is that we’re safe, at least for the moment. And yeah, your mom might be a tad bit eccentric, but even I can feel that the love she has for you. It’s as strong as steel. Now we have a whole wonderful world to explore, and unlike before? We’re here for real. All the powers and abilities we worked so hard to master in the game, we now can use to our heart’s content. It’s more than just a boost to our stats. Now we really are just as powerful as the characters we forged! As an added bonus, all the bastards trying to kill us on Earth are now a universe away. So we play it smart, and savor every moment we get to live in the game we loved so well.”
Julia spent long moments gazing thoughtfully into his eyes before she finally nodded, her face lighting up with a brilliant smile. “I like your way of thinking, and you’re right. All the awe and wonder I felt exploring Jordia with my friends, the sheer joy of finding out it was all real, that I really could blossom into someone new and powerful… it was the rush of my life. And now, actually being here, where magic really works?” She chuckled throatily. “I should think of it as just the next stage of our incredible adventure. Only now, I get to cast spells for real. And I can think of an adventure I’d like to savor right now, hero of my heart. Here, let me show you.”
She laughed at his expression. “It seems you’re not the only one feeling an added kick of something while we’re here, Val, and you did save our lives tonight. The least I can do is make sure you have a really good night’s sleep.” And a determined Julia did just that, captivating Val with the adoration in her gaze before the spark of their bodies joining once more burned all other thoughts away.
3
"Are you ready, darling?" Christine, hair done up in ringlets and dressed with exquisite care,
seemed to sparkle with natural charm and grace. Her beautiful ivory dress caressed her frame, accentuating her curves without hindering her movement in the least. The Psiblade and forceshield now at her hip somehow suited her perfectly, for all that Yin had paled and looked away the second her eyes had caught sight of that deadly weapon.
Julia, obviously nervous about the crowd of elegantly dressed onlookers, just nodded. Val winced at how hard she was squeezing his hand.
"Wonderful!" Christine turned around and addressed the audience, all of them sitting or standing politely in a vast field just outside the manor proper. The rich scents of roses, popinjays, tulips and marigolds perfumed the air, the manor home to grand flower beds even more varied than the ones Christine had so loved back on Earth, a sea of blossoms waving gently in the breeze. "Thank you for accepting our invitation, friends and trading partners of the Highblood Clan."
It was a lie, of course. Christine had been in a panic, quickly waking all of them after finding out that invitations had been sent to all the neighboring clans, probably sent less than an hour after they had arrived. Val sensed that someone was making a move against them already. Christine was putting the best spin on it that she could.
"As you all know, I have been sadly remiss in my social duties for far too long, attending to my obligations as a loyal daughter of the Dominion. But now, my research at last complete, I feel that this is the perfect time to celebrate rejuvenation breakthroughs that will revolutionize the entire industry!"
A sea of exquisitely beautiful faces widened their brilliant eyes in surprise, soft whispers and hurried applause overtaking the crowd of well-dressed nobles. There appeared almost a desperate intensity in the attention they now paid to Val and his friends. All the guests looked as beautiful as any model on Earth, skin the flawless perfection only perfect youth could assure, none of them looking a day over thirty, most looking around twenty-five.
Oblivion's Peril Page 4
