Terna sat in Aeramo’s command chair, disconnected and lost in thought. The blue-glowing beacon pulsed gently in synchronization with her heart. Was the timing a coincidence? Or a sign from the gods?
In better times she’d have consulted with the elders. And if they hadn’t known, she could have undergone a spirit quest to the Oracle.
“Aeramo,” Terna said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Is there any data we can extract from this beacon? Can you use it to find my people?”
“Processing. . .” Aeramo responded. “Beacon contains encrypted data. . .decoding now. Approximate location: Cragstone Canyon. However, the signal fade indicates that this is another beacon. Suspected: multiple beacons being left in a trail to catalog prisoner travel. Encrypted signatures are consistent with Hantech Encryption Affiliated Technologies. Accessing the marketplace for more information.”
Terna’s breath caught in her throat as the Aeramo initiated the marketplace connection. The world around her blurred, the walls and floor of the tank vanishing into a void. She shrieked, casting desperate eyes all over, but there was nothing.
Then came the rainbows. Swirling through the abyss, trailing a glowing star that spun as it moved, it fed color to the darkness and all at once she was somewhere different.
All this despite intrinsically knowing that her physical body remained seated in the command chair.
Terna gasped, blinked, and stared. She now stood in a vast, sleek hall of glass and chrome. Everything shimmered with a cosmic neon sheen, and the walls throbbed once before settling into a more natural position.
“It is too bright,” she moaned, squinting. Moments later, the place darkened enough to see her surroundings.
It was a marketplace, it seemed. Above her, a series of blocky yellow letters hung in place, oblivious to the laws of gravity.
WELCOME TO HANTECH ENCRYPTION AFFILIATED TECHNOLOGIES
For all your classified, secure, and top-tier encryption needs!
She shuddered. Never before had BuyMort pushed her out of her body and into another world. It was scary, intrusive. Nowhere had it asked her for permission, though perhaps Aeramo might have supplied it. That was something they were going to have to talk about later.
“Welcome, valued consumer!” a smooth, disembodied voice echoed around her, the words overly enthusiastic. Terna spun, looking for its source, but there was no one. Her face grew hot and her temper grew thin.
“Show yourself, demon. I will not be taunted by evil without seeing its face.”
The walls quivered and froze. She waited, tapping her foot, until a male hobb appeared in the distance.
He was unlike any hobb she had ever seen. He was tall for their kind, lean and polished, not at all exhibiting the rugged and chapped appearance she was used to. His skin was smooth and flawless, a face that had never been touched by wind or dust. And his features were different as well. His face was sharp, with high cheekbones underneath piercing eyes of lavender blue.
In many ways, he looked like one of the gods.
But what caught her attention most was his clothing. It hung off his body in a way that seemed unnatural and the fabric was stiff and unyielding. His torso was covered in a strange, rigid garment, the material too immaculate to be any kind of leather she knew. And there were no bindings she could see; unlike the furs she had worn all her life.
Below that, his pants were much the same, and his waist held a belt that contained no pouches nor tools.
Around his neck was a strange strip of cloth, knotted tightly under his chin and hanging in a straight line down the front of his chest. She couldn’t tell what it was there for, yet it was clearly important. She wondered at its powers.
Terna blinked, unsure of what to make of him. Perhaps he was a shaman? It would explain the neck cloth ornamentation. Above, his hair was slicked back like it was wet, and it shone lightly as he strode towards her.
She reached up to her own tangles and knots, embarrassed.
“Welcome,” the man said, his voice golden. He cracked a dimpled smile.
“Um, hi,” Terna answered. “I am Terna NoMort, formerly of Wizneber.”
“Greetings, Terna. I am happy to make your acquaintance. Our files show that you are a new member to the BuyMort family. Let me extend my congratulations and offer you a 10% discount on everything that you purchase today.”
Terna scowled. “Buy buy buy. You are a demon of The BuyMort, are you not?”
The man laughed. “I’m a Hantech Affiliated Representative, meeting you in person through the ad space. I understand that the affiliate AI was unpleasant to you. Allow me to guide you through your purchases today, in the most pleasant way possible. Our system data indicated that you’re a young hobb female, 16 years of age, and that I’d be the most suitable customer service representative to greet and guide you through our system. If you disagree with that assessment, feel free to request someone else, and be sure to fill out our customer satisfaction survey at the end of your sales experience!”
She looked away, suddenly feeling very small and stupid. BuyMort had sent one of her own, but he was changed. Corrupted.
Just like you are, supplied her conscience. The whole experience was overwhelming, and all of it felt like sin.
“Is everything alright?” the man asked, extending a hand towards her shoulder. She backed up, staring.
“No. Yes. I am okay. Thank you. I am just . . .” Tired? Confused? The last of my tribe? The thoughts nearly brought her to tears. “I need to get information on an item that you sold to another. Something that might help me find my family.”
He nodded, grinning more widely. “A mix of information and decryption services, it would seem. Follow me.”
Terna followed the slicked-back hobb through the gleaming information marketplace. The floor beneath her feet shimmered, changing colors with each step, and at her flanks strange symbols danced in the air like fireflies. She tried to turn her head to examine them, but when she did, they flashed away as if they’d never been there at all.
She growled, clenching her fists. It was all so disorienting, and more and more she felt like she’d been sucked into the nether realms, forced into the great hell as the price for using morties.
“Here we are.” The representative stopped in front of a large, glowing screen that floated midair. The screen flickered, a host of options appearing, each one outlined with bright, neon borders.
“Welcome to Hantech Encryption Services!” the screen chirped. “Here you can find the best encryption, data decryption, and classified information retrieval tools in the entire multiverse! Today's special offer: Advanced Quantum Decryptor for just 99,999 morties! With this, no secret is out of reach!”
Terna winced. “Is all of this necessary? Why does The BuyMort torture me so? Can I not have the list of items and choices? I am losing time.”
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
The rep cocked his head, his lips pursed. “Wow! You really are new to all this, aren’t you? In BuyMort AdSpace, time is condensed, moving at the speed of light. We could spend a lifetime here. Literally. All this, it’s to make the experience more personal and comfortable. I’m here to help guide you through it, and to help you make the best choice possible.” He beamed, showing rows of gleaming white teeth. “Do I look like the sort who’d lie to you?”
Terna chuckled despite herself. He seemed like a very nice person, like one of the Wizneber associates. Despite the strange garb he wore, he was handsome and fit, and his words made her happy. She sighed, releasing her fear.
“You are right. I am sorry. This is so different. The BuyMort takes and takes. It is sometimes hard to remember that some people in it wish to help and give.”
For a very brief moment, his eyes flashed triumphantly, and Terna blinked in surprise, but a moment later they were warm and compassionate, helpful and full of concern.
“It’s alright. It’s always hard for new customers to come to grips with the multiverse. And that’s why I’m here. I was going to show you a variety of showhouse models and devices, then tell you about our various services and their fees, but I can see that it might be better that we do a consultation. Would you like that?”
The hobb representative stepped closer, his face softening. He extended his hand, and though Terna was hesitant, she clasped it in return.
“My name’s Veltrin,” he said, his voice warm and soothing. “I’m here to help you through this process, Terna. No need to feel overwhelmed.”
Terna cocked her head. His pristine skin, perfect posture, and too-kind smile—he made her heart flutter faster than the wings of a Telfrin Buzz Pheasant.
“I thank you,” Terna murmured, brushing a strand of her tangled hair behind her ear.
“I can see how unsettling this experience must be for you. But let me assure you,” Veltrin continued, his voice honeyed, “we’ll make it easy. All we need to do is start with a full consultation so I can better understand your needs. The price for our premium consultation package is 2,500,000 morties, but trust me, it’s worth every bit. Once we start, I’ll ensure we find the best services tailored to your unique situation.”
Terna blinked. “2,500,000 morties? Just for a consultation?”
Veltrin smiled again, dimples deepening. “It might seem high, but this is the most comprehensive service Hantech offers. We’ll delve deep into the encryption on the beacon and figure out the best course of action to help you. It’s about giving you exactly what you need. No more, no less.”
Terna hesitated. The price represented roughly a third of what she had, but she was desperate. And surely his help would save her morties overall since Veltrin would lead her to exactly the BuyMort artifacts and services that she required. She glanced at Veltrin’s calm, trustworthy face.
“Well, I suppose it is necessary,” she muttered, reluctantly.
Veltrin beamed. “Excellent choice, Terna. You won’t regret it.”
Before she said another word, a glowing prompt appeared before her, listing the consultation service details with a “Confirm Purchase” button gleaming in bright blue.
Hantech Consultation Service:
* Premium level consultation: 2,500,000 morties
* Monthly support
* Follow-up advice
* Free to cancel for a full refund within 7 days(terms and conditions apply)
Terna pressed the button, her finger trembling. As soon as the transaction completed, the shiny, chromatic hall around her began to morph. The glass walls shimmered like liquid, warping and bending until the entire marketplace dissolved into a tranquil, forested park.
Terna gaped in awe. Tall trees surrounded them and the syrupy smell of sap filled the air. Birds chirped softly overhead as sunlight dappled through the canopy, casting a spotty shine everywhere. Leaves rustled, and a small stream bubbled nearby, its burbling reminiscent of summer in the tundra.
Terna gasped, closing her eyes and letting the sounds and smells roll over her.
“Terna,” Veltrin said and she opened her eyes. He had walked ahead of her, in the direction of a small clearing. A picnic table was situated in the center, laden with fresh fruit, glasses of water, and a dish filled with baked sweet bread. Veltrin motioned for her to sit.
“Isn’t this better?” he asked, taking a seat across from her with a smile. “In our company, the customer is always number one. And I find that making our customers comfortable helps clear their minds. Now, let’s get started.”
Terna sat down cautiously. The bench beneath her felt as solid as any wood she had known, but her mind grumbled against the reality of it. Was this really just an ad-space, or had BuyMort sucked her into some twisted pocket dimension?
“So,” Veltrin began, clasping his hands. “Tell me your story, Terna. Everything. The more I know, the more I can help.”
Terna glanced around the clearing, half expecting to catch a glimpse of her people frolicking through the forest around them, but nothing happened. The space remained serene and inviting.
She took a deep breath. “My tribe—we were taken by The BuyMort. My family, friends, everyone. They are gone. But I found this beacon, and it is—it is the only lead I have. I am hoping it can help me find where they are.”
Veltrin nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. “BuyMort took them? I doubt that. BuyMort allows many things, but it doesn’t deal in slavery.”
Terna glared, and he put his hands up.
“Sorry. Sounds like you’ve been through quite an ordeal,” he said, his voice filled with empathy. “And this beacon is key to uncovering the answers you seek, for sure. With our advanced decryption services, an assortment of discovery services, life-tracking devices, and my professional expertise, we can absolutely help you find them.”
Terna’s face brightened. “You can find them now?”
“That depends on the level of service you’re willing to purchase,” Veltrin said smoothly. “I see from the data logs here that we created the beacon, so it’ll take longer than it would with our competitors. Hantech is hard tech to crack. Low-level decryption services would take months, or possibly even years.”
Terna frowned. “This is your beacon. Do you not have the key?”
Veltrin’s face turned sad, and he reached out his hands to grasp her own. “I’m sorry, darling, but as part of our services, we don’t keep those. We seal them on contract, and we break them on contract. But unlike other affiliates, we don’t cheat smart shoppers. If you’re in a bigger hurry, our standard decryption will take roughly one week. But I look at you, see your grief, and can’t bear it. You’re running on a 10% first time customer discount. What you need is our priority service. It’s faster. Just hours really, with the best code crackers in the multiverse working it. But it will cost you an additional 5,000,000 morties.”
Terna’s mouth dropped open. “5,000,000?!”
Veltrin held up his hands, as if to calm her. “I know, I know. But you’re dealing with highly sensitive data. Priority service means pushing your request ahead of others. You’ll have answers within hours, guaranteed.”
She shook her head. “I do not understand. Do you not want to help me? That is so much!”
“Ah, but think about it, Terna,” Veltrin coaxed, leaning in closer, his voice gentle yet insistent. “Your family, your people . . . they might be within reach. A week’s delay might be too late. Whatever affiliate has them, they might be gone far away by the time you get your results. You don’t want to risk losing them.”
Terna bit her lip, heart racing. He had a point, and the thought of waiting a whole week gnawed at her. She had been searching for so long, and now, with the possibility of finding her tribe so close, could she really afford to wait?
“I will take the priority service,” she said quietly, her voice barely audible.
Veltrin’s smile widened. “Good decision, Terna. I’ll process that right away.”
A prompt appeared in front of her once more:
Priority Decryption Service:
* Estimated time:48 hours
* Immediate data analysis and retrieval Price:5,000,000 morties
With a reluctant sigh, Terna accepted. The trees around them swayed as if in approval, and Veltrin’s face glowed with satisfaction.
“Now,” he said, “while the decryption runs in the background, I suggest we consider some additional tools that may help you in your search. Hantech offers several advanced tracking devices, information retrieval services, and even personal defense systems—all top-rated. Would you like to browse through some of our top suggestions?”
Terna’s stomach tightened. More services? More spending?
“I do not know. What do you recommend?” she asked hesitantly.
Veltrin grinned. With a snap of his fingers, the forested clearing shimmered, and a series of floating displays materialized before Terna, each one showcasing various devices and services.
“Let’s start with this,” Veltrin said, pointing to a sleek, glowing orb on one of the displays.
Hantech Precision Locator Price: 30,000,000 morties “This device,” he explained, “can track specific species of any sort across any planet it is activated on. If your family is still alive, it can pinpoint their location. Very useful in your situation.”
Terna swallowed hard. She made it as far as “I” before the tears overtook her. Veltrin gave her a kind and sympathetic look. “Oh, don’t cry. There are more options. What’s the matter, honey?”
She shook her head, looking down at the table.
“There are loans,” he continued smoothly. “BuyMort offers a lot of credit to those who need it.”
Terna’s head jerked up, her eyes an angry red and her face covered in wetness. “I’ve already gone too far. I will not owe The BuyMort!”
Veltrin frowned. “Oh, girl, you need to understand something right now. Most are always in debt. It’s just the way of the multiverse. Best use it on something worthwhile. Like finding your family.” He squeezed her hands, his face and eyes suddenly understanding. “BuyMort can do many things, but it can’t bring back the dead.”
She turned away, openly weeping. “I just want to find my family!” she cried.
“If that is what you want, you know what you have to do,” he purred, letting go of her hands and leaning back. “It is time for you to decide. What is the cost of love?”