Alarm bells were sounding through Hunters mind. He suddenly felt a bit cold, and yet he could feel his palms sweating, and his mouth was dry.

“Oh?” he asked, trying to keep his breathing even.

“Indeed,” Jason said as he seemed to study Hunter intently, “Pippen and I were old friends. His family and mine have done business together for quite a while. In fact, you could say that Pippen was something of a subordinate of mine."

Hunter felt stunned. Was this a trap? Was he in danger?

"And I must admit that I feel somewhat responsible for what happened,” Jason said, frowning as he spoke, “I hadn’t realized the kind of man that Pippen was, and I think that there were some obvious signs which, in hindsight, I had either missed or ignored due to our history.”

Jason leaned forward in his chair.

“If I had known who I was really dealing with, I would have been able to divert him from taking such rash action against you. I’ve known for a while how deeply he feels that the Visgolds have been a victim of the Oberon’s for generations. Not that I'm laying the blame on you, understand,” Jason said, holding up both palms to forestall any objection that Hunter might have to his words.

Hunter shook his head.

“So you’re saying that Pippen works for you, but you didn’t know that he’d had any intention to attack me?” Hunter said, trying to hide the shaking he felt in his hands. His voice threatened to quiver.

Hunter was having trouble parsing out what he was feeling. Fear mixed with rage, and grief. He felt like taking all of his anger out on Jason, for not having stopped his friend from nearly killing him.

But it wasn’t Jason’s fault, if he was telling the truth.

“I’m saying that Pippen worked for me, but no longer does. After I discovered his involvement in your attack, I cut ties with him. Of course, your sister was quick to accuse him, and made a very public example out of him. But he was my friend, you understand? I know how that sounds, but if it was your friend, wouldn’t you give them the benefit of the doubt?”

Hunter considered his words. He’d honestly never been in that situation before.

“I don’t know,” Hunter said.

“Look, Hunter, I'm not exactly a saint. Ask anyone who knows me. I deal in the more morally grey areas of society— and I've done my fair share of shady things in my life. But after Pippen attacked you, Aera seemed to declare war on everyone that Pippen's ever known, including myself.”

“So that’s why you brought me here,” Hunter said, “this is about Aera.”

“It’s about both you and Aera. It’s about the Visgolds and the Oberon, it’s about Aera and me. Its about all of us. The thing is that despite the fact that Pippen acted on his own— and you don’t need to take my word for it. Ask the officers in charge of the investigation. In fact i’m sure they’ll be contacting you shortly with their findings. Pippen had you in his sights since the moment he saw you, because he felt that he needed to strike back at the Oberon family on behalf of his own,” Jason said, practically out of breath as he finished explaining.

Hunter frowned.

He hadn’t heard anything about that.

“Your sister is under the impression that I was somehow involved, and has started to take action against not only me, but my businesses. And I have to tell you that it’s not just my business, it’s my family’s business as well. Do you understand?” He paused and tilted his head.

“That didn’t come out right, I'm not threatening you. I just want you to know what being successful here at Barnum really means to me. My family is counting on my ability to run things smoothly here, and I feel like I'm being unjustly targeted by your sister for something that I had no part in,” Jason said, spreading his palms as he plead his case.

“So, you want me to talk to her, or something?” Hunter asked. He wasn’t sure if he could change Aera’s mind about anything.

Jason scoffed.

“Aera is a stubborn little creature. Once she’s set her sights on someone, she’s like a hound after a bone,” Jason said, practically spitting out the words, and Hunter heard venom in his voice. Jason sighed and deflated, his anger seeming to leave him as fast as it had appeared.

“Unfortunately, I'm sure I'll remain a target of hers for the near future. However, I’m not without defense and will act in turn. But!” He said, sticking up a finger, as if he expected Hunter to interject but wanted to get a word in before that.

“But, I just wanted to let you know that I have no interest in fanning the flames anymore than they already have been. I may be at war with your sister, but I'm not at war with you. I’ve done my homework on you, Hunter. You appear to be rather independent, and open minded,” Jason said, reaching into his jacket’s inner pocket and pulling out a business card. He handed it to Hunter.

“I wasn’t lying earlier, I feel like I owe you, and a mere apology isn’t enough for what happened to you. There are services I can render you, but I have a feeling that party enhancers and illicit merchandise aren’t really up your alley— am I correct?”

Hunter frowned.

“Yeah, not really my thing,” he said. Jason nodded.

“That’s what I expected, but you never know. What I had in mind was more in the form of protection.”

Hunter found himself intrigued.

“You mean like, weapons?”

Jason laughed.

“Of course not, that would be highly illegal, and much more risky than anything I'd be willing to play with during my time here. I have aspirations after all, no I was thinking more along the lines of some bodyguards,” Jason said, smiling at Hunter.

“The school wouldn’t allow it,” Hunter said, never mind the fact that bodyguards from his sisters rival didn’t seem like a great idea. At the very least it could jeopardize his relationship with Trey, if he ever found out.

“The school wouldn’t have to know. Your guards would be other students, and as far as the faculty are concerned, you’re all just good friends who like to walk together between classes,” Jason said.

Hunter considered the offer, but he still felt like it was too much of a risk.

“Thanks for the offer, Jason, but i’m not really interested. You said it yourself, you and Aera aren’t seeing eye to eye. I don’t think doing business with you would be very appropriate.”

Jason nodded, his smile didn’t even twitch.

“The offer remains open. Keep the card, and let me know if you ever need anything. It’s really the least I can do after what you’ve been through.”

Hunter stared at the card skeptically. Something about this still didn’t feel right.

“You don’t appear convinced of my authenticity,” Jason said, sighing.

Hunter considered denying it, but maybe Jason could convince him otherwise.

“I think that its strange that you would invite your rival’s sibling to a private meeting, no matter what your history is with Pippen. Not that I think your apology isn’t genuine, but the offer— bodyguards— it just seems a bit,” Hunter tried to think of a way to put it politely.

“Sketchy,” Jason said, saying what Hunter wouldn’t. When Hunter didn’t immediately correct him, Jason laughed.

“I can understand why you’d think that. But it’s not like I'm not getting anything out of the deal. The fact that you're an Oberon, and Clark’s recommendation, are both sufficient reasons for me to be interested in establishing a business relationship with you. You’ve got the potential to be a future leader, after all. In fact, as an Oberon, I'm sure that in your case it’s more than just potential. Am I wrong?”

Hunter shrugged. He still didn’t really understand what his role would be at Oberon Enterprises. He had ideas, a feeling of freedom, but nothing would really take shape until after his time at Barnum was over. Either he achieved Excellence and was headed to further his education in preparation to leave Sanctuary behind him, or he would take on a full-time research and development role, so to speak.

“Let’s say you’re not,” Hunter said.

“Then I would say that a social network is a type of currency, and that I am not suffering a loss by offering you my services for free,” Jason explained, “Of course, it would be on the condition that you remain out of this business between Aera and I. It’s an apology, a treatise of peace, and a good business deal, all in one.”

What Jason said made a lot of sense, and all of the nerves that Hunter had felt since the conversation started had mostly melted away. He found himself liking Jason Chan, he seemed honest, despite the kind of business he was involved in. The word that seemed to stand out to Hunter was honor. Jason seemed honorable, the same way Trey seemed to be. Smart, focused, and humble.

Still, accepting the offer outright might risk invoking Aera's ire. He'd been enjoying the budding warmth that seemed to be growing between them. Not a feeling of deep friendship, but the ice had been thawing. He liked the idea of the both of them becoming actual friends, rather than associates who merely tolerated each other.

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"I'll think about it," Hunter said.

“That’s all I ask,” Jason said, standing with Hunter and leading him out the door. But before they left, Jason seemed to be struck by a thought.

“There is one more thing, I have other business partners. People who aren’t as… restrained as I am. Aera’s actions have hit their businesses as much, if not more, than they’ve hit mine. I’ve talked to everyone, and told them that there would be consequences for involving you in any scheme to punish Aera, but I can’t control their every move.”

Hunter was starting to resent Aera’s stubborn determination. He’d known that she was willing to fight for her pride, but he couldn’t help but feel like she’d taken it too far. At least she was thinking ahead when she gave him the taser, and he hoped that she’d prepared some defense for herself as well. Maybe she’d agree to wear some of his new armor. He also had an idea about adding some interesting force-field attachments to the armor, inspired by his handiwork back at the museum.

He thanked Jason for the warning, who nodded as if it was merely a polite courtesy. They both emerged from behind the bar and rejoined the rest of the group. Hunter checked the time and realized he would need to leave in order to get ready for his tutoring session with Aera.

Clark told him that they usually meet up at different places around campus about once or twice a month, and he’d let him know when the next one was planned. Hunter left, feeling uncertain about his meeting with Jason. But his personal network just expanded to include some people who Hunter admired, and like Jason had said, their potential influence could prove to be invaluable in the future. Hunter considered the group, and whether he felt like he belonged there or not. He’d never envisioned himself to be a leader. A pioneer, sure. Or a pathfinder. Did that qualify him as a member of the Society of Future Leaders?

He wondered if he’d get some sort of ring if he ever decided to join. Or maybe a badge.

But those connections felt insignificant in light of what Jason had revealed to him about what simmering beneath the campus’s surface. The weak attempt to improve his own mood was like a wave crashing against the side of a high cliff. It seemed that Aera had upset a lot of people, people who could prove to be very dangerous.

What if one of Jason's business partners decided that they needed to use him to send Aera a message?

What if Aera had bitten off more than she could chew?

Hunter hurried home, watching every alley that he passed. He would need to talk to Aera about his conversation.

It was time that she came clean and told him about everything that was going on.

Hunter felt some relief as he walked through the lobby of the apartment building. It was a quiet evening. He took the elevator up to his floor, and finally felt himself calming down.

As he neared his apartment, his heart froze. The door to his apartment was wide open, having been kicked in. Hunter wished he’d remembered to bring his taser with him as he slowly walked towards the entryway, trying not to make a sound. He stopped just outside, and listening for any signs that someone was in there.

He couldn’t hear anything.

He stepped into the suite and felt the all the hair on his body rise. The small kitchen had been torn apart, drawers thrown to the ground, cutlery everywhere. His coffee press was broken, the microwave was smashed and in pieces. There appeared to be no reason for the destruction— just violence for the sake of it.

The ruin continued into his living room. His table had been broken in half, and the small television was on its side, the glass screen having shattered into pieces over the floor. The journal with his focus results had been torn, pieces of paper littering the floor. His heart skipped a beat, and he rushed into the closet of his room. His clothes had been thrown throughout the room, and some seemed to be missing entirely, no doubt taken by whoever had done this.

He felt a surge of relief as he spotted his fathers suitcase behind the small boxes he’d used to hide it.

Hunter saw a folded piece of paper on his bed. His hand shook as he reached for it, and opened it.

You’ve fucked with the wrong people, Oberon.

Hunter swore.

He was once again being punished for something he’d had no business in— again, baring the Oberon name felt like a curse.

Of course, his cell phone had been trashed with the rest of his belongings. Oddly enough, the bed appeared completely undisturbed. It had been left the same as it was when he’d left the apartment this morning.

Hunter was glad he hadn’t been here when this happened. He searched his apartment and couldn’t find the taser.

Frustration at the invasion of his sanctuary was to understate how he felt. He pushed back the tears as best he could. His chest burned, and he resisted the urge to punch the wall.

It wouldn’t help.

He stifled back the sob which threatened to erupt from his throat.

For the first time in weeks, Hunter felt utterly overwhelmed. He had no idea how to clean up this mess, he couldn’t call anyone, he didn’t know who to trust except for Aera— and he was completely unwilling to talk to her.

She should have been more careful. She shouldn’t have antagonized these people, whoever they were.

But how could he avoid talking to her? She’d find out about this even if he didn’t say anything— but what would she do if he told her about it now? Wouldn’t she just respond in kind, making another example out of someone, like Jason had said she’d done with Pippen?

She would just make things worse.

Hunter could not rely on Aera. He needed to take more steps to keep himself safe. This is exactly what Jason had talked about, and he hadn’t realized that the potential danger that he’d been warned about was so imminent.

Hunter left his apartment, and took the elevator to the lobby. There was a phone down there that he could use. He took the card out of his pocket, and dialed Jasons number. It rang for a while, and Hunter wasn’t sure if Jason would pick up, but eventually he did.

The line clicked open.

“You’ve got Chan.”

----------------------------------------

“I see,” Jason said into his phone, trying not to let the excitement overwhelm his voice. His chair swiveled around in a slow circle in the center of his office. Not fast enough to make him dizzy, but enough to keep his mind occupied from the tedium of having to pretend to be a good person.

The Society of Future Leaders had adjourned shortly after Hunter left. Jason had been strategic in having the meeting be held at one of his bars. He wanted the space and privacy to execute this little plan he’d been thinking about for a week.

Clark had been eager to inform the Society about his newest friend, and Jason hadn’t expected the opening. But with Jason’s blessing, Clark happily gave Hunter the invitation.

It was the perfect opportunity to finally sound Hunter out for himself. Was he a lion, or a kitten? How much had Aera told him about her arch rival?

Was Hunter Koar a prey animal for Jason to use as he wished, or would a finer touch be needed?

Their meeting had proven to be very enlightening, and surprisingly convenient. Everything seemed to be working in Jason’s favor; Hunters naivety, Tilda Burner’s desperation, Aera’s stubborn pride she no doubt inherited from her father.

The mewling Oberon had been a much easier target than he’d anticipated. Surely a mind so focused and prone to suspicion would have been harder to sway. But Jason had calculated correctly.

Hunter was conflicted as any other animal. He’d been looking for an excuse to mistrust people, and yet desperately desired to place his trust somewhere. Jason was all too happy to give him both. The Faultline was already there, and if Jason wanted to start to break the new Oberon unit apart, he just needed a sufficiently powerful wedge to open the crack a bit further.

“I hadn’t expected my associates to retaliate so quickly, either. This is concerning. I’ll make some discrete investigations, but I can only think of a couple of people who would be so brazen.”

"Thanks, man," Hunter said, and the distress in his voice was still evident though he appeared to think he was able to hide it.

“Have you told your sister, yet?” Jason asked, optimistic about the answer.

“Not yet— i’m not sure she’d take it well.”

“Thank you,” Jason said, his pleasure evident as a breath of relief, “I think that’s wise. She’ll be more open to hearing about it if you present it to her along with the culprit, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yeah, yeah that sounds like it would help settle her nerves.”

“I’m glad to hear that you agree Hunter. Now, I wouldn’t be comfortable with letting you remain unprotected over the next little while. I’ll have a couple of guys sent over to watch your place. I’ll call Clark, he’ll probably be willing to let you crash at his dorm for a bit. His roommate is away for a little while from what I understand, so there’s a free bed,” Jason said.

“I owe you one," Hunter said, the relief in his voice was starting to become more evident. Jason smiled.

“Not at all, consider this an extension of my apology. I’ll figure out who was behind this, and I won’t rest until I do. You have my word,” Jason said, “Oh, and don’t worry about getting a new phone. I’ll have one brought to you soon.”

“You don’t have to do that—”

“—I know, but I want to. It would be tiresome to relay any news through Clark, right?”

Hunter sighed.

“Yeah, I guess I can see that. Thanks again. I’ve got a meeting with Aera soon, so I've got to go.”

“Alright, Hunter. Remember what we talked about. The less she knows right now, the better,” Jason warned.

Hunter agreed, and hung up, probably feeling much more safe and content to rely on his new, trustworthy friend, Jason Fuckin' Chan.

He laughed. It was a deep, genuine release from his gut. Hunter was a naive child— he had no idea the danger he was in. He was utterly unprepared for the viper's nest he'd haplessly wandered into.

Beside Jason was a briefcase containing a certain construct prototype and its network schematics. He patted it, wondering what he’d done to deserve such a wave of fortune. Tilda Burner had been all too willing to hand it over to help pay off her debt. She’d begged him to take it, saying it could be worth millions of credits. He’d called his mother to see if she’d be willing to accept the offer in exchange for Burner’s family to be let off the hook. His mother accepted, on the condition that they would only release Tilda’s family from bondage once the aftermath of the coming chaos had died down.

With a promise of future freedom in exchange for betraying her friend, Jason had successfully taken candy from a baby.

Please don't tell Hunter, she'd whispered, barely able to handle her inner conflict. Delicious.

At this point, he was just playing with them.

He had his suspicions that Aera was starting to suspect that he was much more ambitious, and dangerous, than he let on. His family had informed him that Oberon’s intelligence people had been making inquiries into the Visgolds and the Locke’s, and had discovered the Chan family’s ascent through the social strata. Yet, the Oberon’s appeared to have a glaring weakness. None of them seemed to communicate with each other when it counted. It was his own family’s greatest strength, and surely a Council Seat would have figured that out a while ago. The whole ship needs to work together-- everyone needed to row in the same direction.

There weren’t many Oberon’s, and each of them were just as stubborn as the last. Hunter was no exception, even though he lacked the connection to his new family by blood. If Aera had been more forthcoming with Hunter, then they’d have probably been able to avoid this whole situation in the first place. Really, its their own fault.

He dialed Clark’s number.

“Our friend Hunter is in trouble and needs a safe place to rest for a few days. If I recall correctly, your roommate is out of town for the near future?”

“Yeah, if Hunter needs a bed i’ve got no problem with him staying here for a bit.”

“That’s wonderful to hear. I admire that about you Clark, always willing to help a friend in need,” Jason said.

“Hey, the feeling is mutual!”

“Of course, oh, and I’ll be sending a few people with him. They’ll be hanging around your apartment for a few days but you won’t need to let them inside or anything. They’re just their to scare off anyone with ill intent. Is that alright?”

“I feel safer already!” Clark said, and Jason felt eternally grateful for the sheep’s innocent little mind.

“Good. Thanks again, Clark.”

“No problem, i’ll get the room ready,” Clark said, and Jason hung up.

It was at times like this that Jason wished he were a poet. He lit the extinguished joint he’d been smoking just prior to Hunters call.

Sometimes he wondered if there really was a god, or some divine force which drove the movements of the world. It was a times like these where everything seemed to go perfectly, more perfectly than he could anticipate. He had not only found a weak spot in the Oberon’s armor, but had managed to open it even wider. He’d need to call his mother, she’d be pleased with the work he’d done.

Perhaps this was the opening they’d been looking for. Maybe the timeline could be accelerated.

Jason almost shuddered in anticipation. He wouldn’t need to wait until the end of the year to see Aera begging in him on her knees to spare her and her family.

Victory was so close he could taste it.