The next day, late afternoon, Artemis entered Viktor’s office. He sat in the corner chair with a near-empty glass of liquor in his hand. A muted news broadcast played opposite him. The banner at the bottom read ‘BREAKING: DISTRICT 37 POLICE CHIEF ALVIN RAWLINGS ASSASSINATED MERE HOURS AFTER MECHIS POLITICIAN ELAINE MARREN’. With a simple gesture, the screen turned off as Artemis sat in the adjacent chair. Viktor reached to a nearby table, refilling his glass from the extravagant decanter upon it. He took a sip.
“Are you aware of the conspiracy quickly gaining popularity?” Viktor asked in an emotionless tone. “Knowing you, I’m sure you are. Even with our hold on the news cycle, it’s managed to disseminate. I’d bet you’ve already taken measures, though, haven’t you?”
“Yes,” Artemis said.
“Hm.” Viktor gave a slight nod. “Despite starting the victim, to think we would become the most popular suspect. A politician who has spoken against us several times and one of the few police brass not under our thumb. Three killings in such short succession. This all but confirms they’re targeting us, don’t you think?” Targeting me.
“Yes.”
“Yet we’re somehow still so blind.” A brief silence passed.
“Uh-oh, he’s weirdly calm, don’t you think?” Xandr asked. “What if he’s figured something out?”
“He hasn’t. I’m sure. But I didn’t expect this demeanor.”
“Do you know my father’s name?” Viktor took a hearty swig. Artemis flinched ever so slightly.
“I do not believe so?”
“The hell’s he on about?” Xandr asked.
“You wouldn’t. In fact, no one remembers his name outside of myself.” Viktor’s tone had a subtle shift. “The man died a nobody, not even worthy of a funeral. Not that anyone would have shown up, even had there been one. Not even my mother. Truly a wretch of a woman. She ran away from her wealthy family with the handsome handyman, my father. A rather cliche story. Except she wasn’t willing to leave behind the life she’d grown accustomed to. She became a drunken, abusive existence to us both, all the while wracking up enormous debt. Then she split, leaving that asinine man to work every waking moment to pay those debts. The fool eventually died of exhaustion. Not being particularly memorable in any way, he was forgotten the next day by the world. That was when I swore to leave an unrivaled legacy. I’ve worked tirelessly ever since for that goal. That is how I built the single most powerful corporation on the planet.” Viktor turned to Artemis with a resolute expression. “I’ve become complacent, however. I’ll no longer take this threat to my legacy so lightly.” Viktor noted the slightest hint of confusion in Artemis’ expression. He glanced at the glass in his hand, then placed it on a nearby table.
“Forgive me, Artemis. Alcohol really loosens the lips the older you get.” Viktor pulled back his sleeve, revealing an exquisite watch on his wrist, then checked the time. “I didn’t mean to bore you with a sudden revelation of my past today. On reflection, I’ve realized I’d come to rely on you too heavily. You’ve proven capable in every single task I’ve ever given. However, it was wrong of me to pass our current predicament off to you. Let me be very clear, Artemis. My trust in you has not changed whatsoever. You simply followed an order given. I’m not so ignorant to know I’ve cultivated an environment where I’m not said no to. Recognizing talent and utilizing it to its fullest potential is how I built this empire. Therefore, I’ve wasted your time when your focus should be on our flagship projects, especially Project Citadel. In turn, I shall devote myself wholly to Project Avalon. I’ve contracted an expert for difficult situations like we find ourselves in. Regardless of our adversaries’ true goals, we’re already losing if we change course for them. Do you agree?”
“Yes.”
“Not even a hint of hesitation. I’m truly fortunate to have you at my side. The contractor should arrive shortly. I’ll introduce you as you will hand off the reins to him later, after I have a discussion with them.”
“I understand.”
“Well, doesn’t that suck eggs? Old Viktor appears alive and well. Going to be a lot more difficult staying ahead of him now, ay, Artemis?” Xandr asked.
“It’s sooner than expected, but still within my predictions,” Artemis thought.
“Aren’t you cool as a cucumber? Not worried about this ‘contractor’?”
“There’s no point in rushing. And this Viktor is the one we want.”
“I never could get you to flinch. Remember that time I snuck a devil pepper into your sandwich? I swear, you didn’t even blink. By the way, since I’m really just you, you’re probably hungry. Stop skipping meals.”
“Shut up.”
Loud steps emanated from outside the office door. A muffled scream of surprise rang out from the receptionist. Viktor stood as the doors opened. Artemis followed suite. An enormous, hulking figure stepped through. The man appeared over seven feet tall. He wore black gloves, boots, a tailored suit and a long suit coat. Each step conveyed an immense weight. Artemis lifted her head as she scanned him. Black metal comprised where his neck would be. She twitched and resisted an urge to take a step backward at the sight. The man’s face looked like a typical human at a glance. However, upon even minor scrutiny, she recognized it as a molded screen with a digitally rendered image. The realistic, yet digital face, resulted in an unsettling juxtaposition. He had a large-brimmed fedora atop his head. He approached her and held out a hand as he bowed.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms. Artemis Vigard. My name is Siegfried,” Siegfried said. The cadence, articulation and tone of his voice startled both Artemis and Viktor. In stark contrast to his appearance, it had the air of a bygone gentleman. After a few moments passed, Artemis accepted his handshake. Despite his hand easily encompassing her own, he shook with a gentle firmness. He held her hand with a soft touch as he looked at her face. “If I may, you are even more beautiful in person. I have watched many of your press conferences.” He stood as he withdrew his hand. “Your unflinching reputation is well deserved. It was almost imperceptibly subtle, but I’ve discerned your dislike for flattery, as expected. I will endeavor to respect that. I humbly request your patience as we acclimate to one another; may we work well together.” The digital face had an unsettling smile. Artemis, in a slight stupor, stopped herself from almost nodding, followed by a deep blink.
“I will strive to meet your expectations, Siegfried. Thank you in advance for your assistance,” Artemis said.
“I fear it may prove difficult to avoid flattering you, Ms. Vigard.” Siegfried locked a gaze with Artemis for a few moments, then moved to Viktor. His steps were light even though his weight had been conveyed only a short time ago.
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Viktor chuckled as he held out a hand. “I’d heard you were an eccentric fellow, even beyond your appearance, Siegfried. To say I have questions would be an understatement. But one thing I’m sure of is you wanted to show off your ability to read people.” Siegfried shook Viktor’s hand.
“Greetings, Mr. Viktor Weihelm. You are correct, my good sir. Your own renowned ability to guess another’s intentions appears to have merit, as well. And, unlike Ms. Vigard, you quite enjoy flattery.”
“Ha. That’s barely a secret, though. I’ve never understood it myself, but you were able to discern Artemis’ dislike. Something that took me years to realize. That inscrutable woman has the grace to avoid being read, usually. Tell me, how?”
“It is through a combination of factors, sir. No simple feat, I assure you. For it’s only through a marriage between man and machine that I could catch the most subtlest of body language from Ms. Vigard. Albeit, not so much man still remains.”
“Yes, I can see that. It’s rather unsettling, to be frank.”
“My apologies, sir.”
“I’m sure I’ll get used to it. Moving on. Artemis.” Viktor turned to Artemis. “Siegfried here is a renowned ‘fixer’ of sorts. He comes highly recommended, having resolved several high-profile incidents. He was even behind Crishima.”
“I lament my failure to achieve adequate results,” Artemis said. “However, I may rest assured that someone so capable will be at the helm.”
“You know I dislike repeating myself, Artemis. Your dedication to accountability will harm my pride. One would not hire an electrician to fix their plumbing. This is my failure and I demand you leave it at that. Understood?”
“Yes, Viktor.”
“I have some things to discuss with Siegfried. Please prepare to give him unfettered access later today.”
“Understood. I will excuse myself. Viktor. Siegfried.” Artemis exchanged glances with them before strolling to the exit.
“A pleasure, Ms. Artemis Vigard.” Siegfried bowed as Artemis left.
Artemis returned to her office and sat at her desk in silence for a time. She pressed her thumb onto a sensor beneath her desk. She positioned her face in a deliberate manner. After several seconds, a hidden compartment opened atop the desk. She withdrew a pair of glasses from it and put them on. She connected a wire from her neck to the glasses. Her office lights dimmed. A directory of a few folders appeared in her IRIS. It reacted to her gestures. A folder opened to reveal a video file. A video played on the inner lenses of the glasses. It showed a boy in his mid-teens, wearing a haggard lab coat. The room appeared similar to the one Artemis had read to children in. The boy faced the camera. To his side, a mannequin torso had what looked like body armor on it. Audio played directly into her ears.
“Xandr, why do you need me for this again?” a girl’s voice asked.
“C’mon Artemis, you have nothing better to do.” Xandr brandished a large kitchen knife in one hand, inspecting the blade.
“I could study, like you should be,” Artemis said.
“Meh! You know how much I hate that archaic, garbage form of learning. What a waste of time. Anyway. The others are too short and can’t keep still. I almost threw up when I watched Simon’s recording of my last test.”
“Fine, fine. Just get this over with.”
“Alrighty then.” Xandr turned and pressed the tip of the knife into the body armor. “Wait. Did you turn on the slow-mo?”
“Oh. One second.” The video shifted about. Suddenly, a loud knocking of a door rang out. The camera stabilized, recording only a palm. All audio became muffled.
“Aleks!” a young boy yelled. “Marie’s having a night terror again!” The clang of the knife falling on a table resounded while hastened foot steps were recorded.
“Coming!” Xandr said. The video shook again, still only recording a palm and capturing muffled audio. A door swung open.
“Oh, hey Artemis,” the boy said. “Didn’t know you were in there, could you—?”
“Not now, Tim,” Artemis said.
“Duh, sorry.”
The recording shook as it captured a rush of footsteps through a home. Then the video showed bedding for a moment until going nigh black. Sheets violently rustled nearby.
“Marie! Marie! Wake up! It’s okay,” Xandr said.
“No! No! Mommy! Mommy, are you okay? Daddy?” Marie cried out.
“I’ll get her legs, stop her flailing before she hurts herself,” Artemis said.
“Oooh, a smartphone, cooool,” Tim said.
The video showed the young boy’s face for a moment as he inspected the smart phone. He appeared around six years old. He directed the camera, albeit unsteadily, toward a young Artemis, who stood to the side at the foot of a bed.
“It’s okay, it’s okay. Marie, you’re safe,” Xandr said. The video zoomed out as taps Tim’s fingers were heard. Xandr sat on the edge of the bed, with a small girl now clung to him. He patted her back tenderly. She spoke, but her bawling made it indecipherable. “I know. It doesn’t make sense.” He embraced her tightly. “I know.” The video zoomed in on Xandr’s face. He had glassy eyes, but at the same time they conveyed a fiery resolve. The video zoomed out again. Artemis watched on with a muted expression. Then various video filters applied, adding animal ears, demon horns and a tail to Artemis and Xandr. The video paused and rewound to Xandr’s face before pausing again.
“You still have this?” Xandr asked. “You know you could clip this to be more poignant, don’t you think?”
“Context is important,” Artemis thought.
“At least the filters part, then. They kinda ruin the moment. Although I’m a rather handsome devil, I’ll admit. Is this when you fell for me?”
Artemis sighed. “You were being quiet. It’s preferable.”
“You were consuming all the processing power.”
“We’ve already established you’re just a figment of my imagination. Why do I continue to engage with you?”
“Because you have no one else.”
“Hm.”
“So, the hell was that ‘Siegfried’?”
“He must be from them.”
“Ahh.”
“I’d hoped to be further along.”
“Are you worried?”
“No. I shouldn’t underestimate him, as he must be exceedingly capable to have resolved Crishima. Still, I’ve accounted for this.”
“Have you now?”
“We’ll let things cool off much longer this time. Aelfric will begin his infiltration. I will ascertain Siegfried’s methods and capabilities while pushing forward Citadel, the new Aegis.”
“Aren’t you more worried about the Viktor of old’s resurgence? Reminded me of how he was when I met him.”
“It makes things more difficult, of course. But he’s obsessed with his city plans. It’s better this way. He’ll devote more time than ever. It will mean more. ”
“Do you wonder how the real me would view your crusade?”
“I don’t care.”
“I believe that. But when Viktor’s off the table, what if you become empty? Will you really be able to continue? You should find something else to fill your life. You know that’s what I’d truly want. Now would be the perfect time, still time to turn back.”
“If that’s the pathetic extent the manifestation of my doubts can muster, I’m not worried.”
“That’s hurtful. I tried.”
“The real you would’ve been more sentimental.”
“True. Aren’t you more worried about Aelfric? He’s not great with, you know, people.”
“It’s a risk. But he dedicates himself to every task I’ve ever given. He wouldn’t admit it, but he wants to understand if their interruption was merely a fluke, or something more, especially if it’s his fault. It would weigh on him. We must know, either way.”
“I suppose. Well, I’ve bothered you enough for now. Issue away.”
“Wait. Do you—? No. Nevermind. You wouldn’t know… you’re me.”
Several days later, Celeste darted about a small, empty apartment room at Vyxora. She tested light switches, water and appliances until returning to the front door. She opened it. There stood a disheveled Aelfric. In drastic contrast to his usual appearance, he looked as if he hadn’t showered in many days. His clothes were tattered and he had a general stupor to his demeanor. He had a backpack, with nothing else.
“Was it Alphonse, hun?” Celeste asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Aelfric said.
“Just Celeste, hun. It’s a bit dusty, but everything seems to be working. My apologies for not getting things more ship-shape.”
“Understood. Do not fret on my account, Ma—. Celeste. I am the one imposing.”
Celeste had a curious expression. “Well then, we can hammer out the details later, you look like you could use a shower.” She stepped out while nudging Aelfric into the room.
“Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.” Aelfric brought an arm perpendicular to his chest and gave a deep bow. Celeste had a puzzled expression.
“Uh-huh. You’re welcome, hun. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you, I will.” Aelfric remained bowed as Celeste shut the door. He stood and glanced around. I think that went well? Although. Would a recovering drug addict speak so politely? I may have erred. This will be difficult.