CHAPTER 1.7: HOW YOU FEEL, MR. VOSS?

After explaining the mission details, Alexander slumped into his chair, still visibly uncomfortable. The angel, Mefiel, had seen them at their most unguarded—a situation that unsettled him far more than he cared to admit. As he adjusted his posture, a sudden sneeze caught him off guard.

“Strange,” he muttered. “That only happens when someone talks about me.”

Shrugging off the oddity, Voss returned his focus to the glowing holographic displays in front of him. Waving dismissively, he sent Monica and Mefiel off to fulfill their respective tasks. As their footsteps faded into the distance, the room grew quieter, leaving him alone with Redheck.

The Family

The holographic visage of Redheck—a digitally preserved consciousness—flickered into view beside him. The projection crossed its arms, adopting a paternal stance. “So, did I do the right thing, son?”

Alexander sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair. “You know,” he began, “sometimes I really doubt this whole... transferring-your-consciousness-into-my-brain thing was a good idea.”

Redheck’s hologram chuckled. “What do you mean? It was an amazing idea! Look at all the ways I’ve helped you—with the girls, the corporation, staying one step ahead of everyone. Don’t tell me you don’t appreciate that.”

Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose. “That’s not what I mean at all.”

“Then what do you mean?” Redheck pressed, tilting his head.

Voss hesitated, staring at the swirling data streams in front of him. “Sometimes... I really don’t know what I want. Do I want to rape? To be the enigmatic CEO who broke the system? Or am I just chasing fun? Freedom? Is all of this just... meaningless?”

Before Redheck could respond, another figure materialized beside him—Redhell, the holographic construct of his mother.

Stolen story; please report.

“You clearly want this, my son!” Redhell declared, her tone dripping with conviction.

“Great,” Alexander groaned, rolling his eyes. “Here we go again.”

Redhell’s form shifted to resemble an idealized version of a matriarch. “I’ve told you a thousand times, Alex. I’m Alexandra, your mother, and I know you’re doing the right thing.”

Redheck interjected, his voice booming. “Your mother’s right, son. A man must dominate. It doesn’t matter what motivates that domination—what matters is that you hold the reins.”

Alexander exhaled loudly, clearly exasperated. “You two are impossible to argue with...”

“Because we’re right,” Redhell purred. “A mother is never wrong when it comes to ensuring her child achieves absolute dominance.”

“And a father,” Redheck added, “always knows the best tools for success—rape, cannibalism, slaughter—whatever it takes to rise above and leave your mark. These are the pillars of true legacy, my boy.”

Voss leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I suppose it makes a certain... twisted sense.”

“Of course, it does!” Redhell exclaimed. “Ideologies, strategies—they’re just more tools. Tools you’re already wielding to perfection.”

Redheck’s tone turned conspiratorial. “And remember, son, anything is justified as long as you’re remembered. That girl—what’s her name?”

“Monica?” Voss asked, raising an eyebrow.

“She’s perfect,” Redheck continued. “A usable object to ensure we’re immortalized.”

“And,” Redhell chimed in, “for creating descendants—children who will follow in your footsteps to build their own legacies.”

Voss leaned back, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and resignation. “I guess you’re right...”

“Remember, son,” the two holograms said in unison. “Being a CEO isn’t just a title. It’s the path to creating a legacy.”

With those final words, Redhell’s hologram dissolved into a faint shimmer of light, while Redheck’s figure returned to its dormant state.

The Silence Of The End

The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the faint hum of the machinery. Alexander sat still, gazing at nothing in particular as the weight of their words settled over him.

“How do you feel, Mr. Voss?” Redheck’s voice broke through the quiet, softer now, almost teasing.

A small laugh escaped Alexander’s lips. “Amazing, Redheck. Simply amazing.”

He stood, his fingers dancing over the control panel. “Now, call my contacts. It’s time to make some preventive moves on the chessboard before the next phase.” His grin widened, a mix of malice and anticipation lighting his features. “These next few days are going to be... interesting.”

Redheck complied, and the room grew colder as Alexander's orders rippled through the vast network under his control.