Digital Heretic (20 page)

Chapter 43

 
I hope you are all enjoying this channel. Realizing how incredibly busy Trew is for the next few weeks while his beloved Danielle is still inside the Game, I think we are extremely lucky to get the regular exposure we get from him. Take this segment, for instance. Every morning we get to bring Trew a coffee and spend a few moments talking with him.

  Let’s
go on in, shall we?

  “
Knock, knock, good morning, Trew.”

  “
Good morning, Lisa,and hello to everyone watching at home. Ahh, you’ve trained me to crave this morning coffee to kickstart my day, Lisa. Thank you so much.”

  “It’s
our pleasure, Trew. So is there anything you can share with us today? Danielle is in grave danger now that her Clean Mark is gone; that’s what all the experts are saying.”

 
Trew laughs. “Lisa, if you’ve spent any amount of time watching Danielle play, I think you have to admit that she possesses incredible skills to protect herself. She isn’t your regular damsel in distress. I wouldn’t want to meet up with her in a dark alley, or a well lit room for that matter.”

  “
Of course you’re right, Trew. She is very formidable. But we don’t know what special powers her hunters might possess. We’ve had limited sightings of Timeless and other extraordinary creatures inside the Game.”

  “
I agree with you there, Lisa. I suppose any new meeting will be good for her ranking and the fans. I can assure you, I will always put my money on Danielle, and that isn’t a personal decision, it’s a shrewd and informed bet.”

  “
We were all amazed when she showed her ability to fly yesterday, Trew.”

  “
As was I.”

  “
What do you make of reports that there is a young player who claims to be able to levitate outside of the Game on Tygon?”

  “
Andrew? I’ve met him and seen it for myself, Lisa. Remember, the Game mirrors our world exactly. If something is possible inside the Game, it can be achieved out here as well.”

  “You’ve
seen him levitate? Incredible.”

  “
We continually underestimate ourselves, both inside the Game and out. Thoughts are truly the most powerful things we possess. This is an exciting time to be alive, both inside the Game and here.”

Morning interview with Trew, Lisa Rohansen reporting.

 
“
I told yo
u
to come to me, Carl. Why are we speaking on a telephone?”

  “I’m
close to getting a big group of Gamers, Boss. I can’t leave right now or I’ll lose them again, and it’s taken me months to find them

  There was a long pause on the line while both silently gauged the other.
“Okay, fine. You’re very close to your number. That means I’m very close to being pleased.”

 
Carl knew he was being mocked. It had taken entirely too long for him to eject the last 80,000 players, and they both knew it. He didn’t bother to respond to Daniel’s insincere praise.

  “
Kill them, then I have a new assignment for you,” the Devil said.

  “
But this won’t reach our number. We’re still very far from it.”

  “
You can get back to it after this next assignment. There might be a very narrow window on your next target, Carl.”

 
There was a tap on the coffee shop window. Carl looked up and saw a familiar figure standing outside. Gabriel raised his hand in greeting, appearing cheerful as he rubbed his hands together to warm them and walked towards the entrance. Carl frowned. “Listen Boss, I've gotta go. I’ll call you after I’m done with this group.”

  “
So disinterested in your next target that you don’t even try to get it out of me?” Daniel sounded suspicious, Carl always pushed things farther than he should, but he didn’t seem like his normal self on the phone today.

  “
You never tell me anyway,” Carl growled, “so why bother begging?” Gabriel had entered the front door and was walking towards him, nodding and smiling at people as he approached. The entire room had become more joyous and positive by Gabriel’s presence. It made Carl want to throw up.

  “
Someone has lost her Clean Mark, Carl,” Daniel said. “We will take full advantage of that. You are to eject Danielle Radfield from the Game.”

  “
What?” Carl couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Gabriel sat down across from him and watched politely.

  “
Kill the Gamers, then Danielle. And do it all quickly,” The Devil commanded.

  “All right,”
Carl said, looking downwards at the table.

  “
And, Carl?”

  “
What?”

  “
I want you in front of me immediately after that. It’s been too long since we’ve had a meal together. That’s an order.”

 
Carl didn’t hesitate. “Sure thing, Boss." He hung up the phone, closed his eyes for a moment, and then spoke.

  “
Thanks for meeting me.”

  “
Happy to see you again. It’s not often that I’ve heard from you these past few centuries, Carl,” said Gabriel. “Your tone sounded serious. What’s up?”

 
Carl looked at Gabriel, who boomed out a surprised laugh. It was deep and rich, but Carl didn’t detect any malice in it.

  “
Stop it!” Carl snapped.

  “I’m
sorry,” Gabriel said. “This must be terribly confusing for you.”

  “
Damn it,” Carl said. “I was hoping I was wrong. Thought perhaps it was just my imagination.”

  “
It isn’t,” Gabriel confirmed.

 
The two men sat quietly, then Gabriel spoke up. “How can I help you?”

  “I’ve
been given orders; too many orders, and for the first time in I can’t remember how long, I have issues with some of them. What orders do I follow?”

  “
You know the rules, my boy. Follow the orders that match your eyes. It’s pretty simple.”

 
Carl nodded slowly. “Okay. Thanks for the confirmation. I guess I need to find Danielle, then.”

  “
That doesn’t sound good,” Gabriel said.

  “
No,” Carl shook his head, “I’m sure it won’t be.”

Chapter 44

  Millions of Gamers are now on Tygon, and I don’t mean players… I mean millions of people who are following the teachings of Trew, calling themselves Gamers and meeting to discuss his messages and philosophy.

 
Exact numbers are difficult to estimate; they seem to be following the advice of Danielle inside the Game and are remaining underground, avoiding large meetings and hiding their trails of communication with each other.

 
When asked for a comment, Trew smiled and said the following: “It’s not that difficult to believe, since our worlds are identical. I hope no one drives a spike into me here, though. I want to spend more than a few weeks on Tygon.”

 
Suddenly overnight, Tygon once again has a large religion.

 
Are we playing a realistic computer game? It sounds absurd the first few times you say it. It was true for Earthlings, though…

 
Very interesting developments.

             
Report, Channel 1 Game News

Shane

 
I haven’tbee
n
this nervous in years. This girl is very intriguing. Mother to a new religion; able to fly through the air; possessing healing powers that are usually kept very secret if they are

fostered and grown at all. Danielle is turning the way this universe works on
its head, from a player’s perspective, and she seems to be doing it all as if it were just… some
game
.

 
I simply have to meet her.

  It’s
cold out, but I’ve been standing here for the past fifteen minutes, across the street from a gourmet coffee shop. Since I removed her Clean Mark, she’s become much less predictable, which makes this much more fun.

 
No signs of protectors, specifically Eternals.

  Okay
, Shane — showtime! I cross the street and walk towards the shop.

  It’s
time to meet my ticket home.

***

Danielle

  I see him look my way as he approaches the counter. Just a glance, but there’s something about it that makes my senses tingle. I pretend to read my magazine; my cell phone camera is on and watching the counter the entire time. He doesn’t glance my way again; instead he studies the menu board, patiently waits his turn, then smiles and places his order. I guess I was wrong; I turn my phone off and go back to reading my magazine.

  “
Excuse me, I couldn’t help but notice you sitting here.” I look up and it’s him. How did he do that? He was walking towards the door a few moments ago and suddenly he’s beside me. I remain calm and smile up at him.

  “
Do I know you?” I ask. He looks harmless enough, and I feel safe sitting in the middle of a crowded coffee shop.

  “
No, we haven’t met before,” he says. “I recognize you, though. You’re Danielle Radfield, right?”

  “
I am.” I nod cautiously. I still get recognized from time to time, although not as often as the years pass.

  “
I knew it!” he says. “I was a very big follower of Trew, back in the day.”

  “
That isn’t true,” I say.

  “
Why do you say that?” he asks.

  “
Because if you were a big follower, you’d be dead.” Everyone knows Gamers who were ‘on the record’ are all dead. Unless… “or are you one of the lucky ones?” I ask. The lucky ones were those who were spared during the culling. A strange lot, most of them wanted to remain active in the movement. Without knowing for certain why they were spared, the new and secret group avoided them. A wise move, I think, which is why I came up with it.

  “
No,” he says, “I wasn’t one of the lucky ones. I just never went to an event or did anything that would associate me with the movement. I’ve always been very cautious about things like that.”

  “
Well, good for you,” I say. “It looks like your instincts were correct. I wish millions of others had been as cautious; they would still be alive today. It’s likely not very wise for you to be talking to me now.”

  “
Well, yes. I guess I should go.” He doesn’t move to leave. “This is just a lucky coincidence, however, so it wouldn’t hurt for me to meet you and maybe chat a bit. Unless I’m being too presumptuous? If so, I do apologize and I’ll move on.”

  “
You should likely go,” I say. “No offense, but we all need to stay safe these days.”

 
He nods. “I agree absolutely.” He begins to walk away. “There is just one question I’ve always had, though… it would be silly for me to walk away and never ask it.”

 
I sigh; really, I’m too kind sometimes. Against my better judgment, I look up and smile. “What question is that, uh…” I realize I don’t know his name.

  “
Jason.” He extends his hand and I shake it.

  “It’s
nice to meet you, Jason,” I say.

  “And you
as well,” he says. “I was just wondering… how could they leave him alone that night?”

  “
Who?” I ask, but I know who. It’s the same question that nagged at me for so long.

  “
Your protectors? The Eternals. How could they allow Trew to be alone even for a minute like that? It just doesn’t make sense to me. I’ve done a lot of research over the years and from what I’ve been able to piece together, Timeless can… sense each other, somehow. I don’t know if it’s telepathy or what, but regardless of how they do it, they can.”

  “
Yeah, I’ve heard that too.” Only recently, but he doesn’t need to know that.

  “
Well, then, what excuse did they give you? He was killed by another Timeless; they would have known for certain that he was there, on the same floor at least. And if they did, which they must have, then how could they allow themselves to be separated from either of you?”

  I’ve
not thought about it that way before. I feel dizzy; what he’s asking makes perfect sense. Did they know Carl was there? If they did, and allowed themselves to be separated from Trew, that would mean…

Your supernatural protectors
set Trew up to be killed…". My ears feel like they’re filled with cotton, I can feel a sweat break out on my brow. I reach up to wipe my forehead. “Are you all right?” Jason looks concerned and reaches for my arm.

  “I’m
fine.” I take a drink of water and breathe deeply, allowing my pulse to slow down. After a few moments, I feel much better.

  “
I can see how you might feel that way, Jason,” I say reassuringly, “but I’ve thought long and hard about what you’re suggesting. There’s no way they allowed Trew to be killed.”

  “
I can understand how you want that to be true, Danielle,” he says. Then he leans forward and whispers, “I can prove that I’m right, and I think you’re in grave danger. From them.”

 
I want to call him a liar, but something in his manner tells me he believes what he’s saying. Strangely, I’m afraid that
I
might believe him. This is years in the past, but I have to know if my friends are truly on my side. I can’t imagine what to do if they aren’t, but I need to know.

  “
I want to see your proof,” I say.

  “
I don’t know, Danielle…” Jason looks suddenly worried.

  “
You don’t have any proof, do you?” I say.

  “
Yes,” he hesitates, “it’s just that I’m nervous. I’ve survived this long by flying under the radar. If I were to bring you to my place to show you the proof, I would be putting myself in serious danger.”

  “
Please,” I say. “It must be a sign that we stumbled upon each other today. We will be very careful, but I must see your evidence.”

 
He looks at me; I can tell he’s reluctant. I wait patiently and hope that the war inside him ends in my favour. Finally he nods his head affirmatively. “Fine. Against my better judgment, I’ll show you.”

  “
Great, let’s go.” I stand up and reach for my jacket.

  “
No, not right now,” he says. “I’ll contact you and arrange to take you to my place. Then I’ll share my knowledge with you.”

  “
When?” I ask.

  “
Soon.” He places his hand on my arm and squeezes it gently. “Until then, tell no one about this. If they find out, it will put us in even greater danger.”

  “Don’t
worry, Jason. Your secret is safe with me.”