Artemis once again stood upon the ALTR moon, with Aelfric kneeling behind her as she gazed at the Earth.
“Reporting, Lady Artemis,” Aelfric said.
“Begin,” Artemis said.
“I can not swear with certainty, but I believe I’ve achieved our initial goal.”
“Is that so?” Artemis turned around.
“I studied most resident’s routines and through my daily work, familiarized myself with the building. This gave me the confidence to infiltrate the ventilation system without seeking your approval. My apologies.”
“I trust your judgment, continue.”
“I’m humbled. This lead into their primary base of operations, Reina’s basement room. They are in the midst of preparing for a return of the territorial duels, once again being assigned as security.” Aelfric went on to explain in detail all that he overheard.
“Hm. This Reina’s really quite remarkable, isn’t she?”
“I concur, my Lady. Had Belle not informed me, I would’ve had no idea that wasn’t the real Weihelm.”
“Hm? Ah, yes. I’m unsure how Siegfried provided such an immaculate double. Even an amateur could use software to analyze body language, etcetera. Yet, it never triggered scrutiny. Something we’ll need to keep in mind.”
“Understood. I’m unclear how exactly they were able to determine the Project Avalon announcement was a trap, however.”
“It’s of little consequence. It is quite astonishing though, how a different perspective can find a crack. To think absence could be used as evidence. She has no idea our true goals, yet is able to sense they exist despite our efforts to only cause confusion.”
“To be honest with you, Lady Artemis, I’ve been worrying that I’d made a mistake along the way. Hearing how Reina discerned our motives provided a strange relief, I’m loathe to admit.”
Artemis scoffed. “You sometimes worry about the stupidest things, Aelfric. Don’t even think about more apologizing, it’s tedious. The reality is, our plans have progressed too smoothly, if anything. The Vyx interruption was quite surprising, but learning it was purely through a deductive guess, illustrates just how careful we’ve been. And now, Project Avalon was unveiled far sooner then we’d planned.”
“That was very unexpected news.”
“Yes. I underestimated just how much Viktor had been waiting for an excuse to unveil it. I thought I’d be the one to coax him, eventually. We must exercise even greater caution now that our timeline has jumped forward, understood?”
“Yes, my Lady.”
“I will discuss with Belle when our next target will be decided.”
“I almost feel a pang of regret that we won’t be interrupting any more duels. How strange,” Artemis thought.
“Not that strange, really,” Xandr said. “You’d never admit it, but you’ve always liked matching wits. And despite her age, this girl’s rather clever. I’m sure we would’ve gotten along.”
“You’d probably have just tried to convince her to be a lab assistant.”
“Hey, a clever lab assistant goes a long way, you would know.”
“That’s enough. It’s repulsive that my own thoughts continue to attempt to bolster my ego.” Xandr laughed.
“Lady Artemis. Lady Artemis, I apologize for interrupting your thoughts,” Aelfric said.
“What did I just say about apologizing?” Artemis said with a slight glare and hint of agitation.
“My—.” Aelfric coughed. You’re in ALTR, fool, coughing makes no sense. Don’t agitate her further.
“Well?”
“I request you allow me to speak in full, my Lady. I will accept any punishment, after.” Aelfric looked down as he continued in haste. “As instructed, I’ve also been carefully investigating Reina’s condition. I learned the Nezin twins were behind the tech sustaining her. Then, by chance, as I was assisting them on unrelated manners, I learned they keep paper records of all things. I decided to accept any punishment by pursuing this without authorization. There were some small… complications.” He paused as he recalled in his head, encountering Reina-cat in a vent. However, it looked as if it slept and he awkwardly moved past it. Then, he encountered some light security into the workshop that he had to temporarily disarm. “But I managed to go unnoticed. I would have surely been confronted if not. After consulting with Belle, we believe her parents’ past is how and why she went unnoticed. I do not wish to be presumptuous of your thoughts, but both Belle and I know how important this is to you. Please do not feel guilt that you missed her.” He glanced at Artemis’ stern expression.
“Continue.”
“Do you really have to be so cold? They just care about you,” Xandr said.
“Shut up.”
“Yes. It’s as you assumed,” Aelfric said. “Elias and Sophia determined the Aegis Virus was the cause early on. I also found some evidence of them working on a cure and forwarded what I could find to Belle.”
“I see.” Artemis turned around.
“I’ve sent Belle a more detailed briefing that you may review at your leisure. I await punishment.” Aelfric bowed his head deep.
“Aelfric. You are to answer me clearly, without hesitation. Am I understood?”
“Of course, my Lady.”
“Unlike past instances, our usual methods aren’t possible. Do you agree?”
“Yes. I fail to conceive of any plausible approach. There’s no way outsiders would have this information.”
“Hm. I’m aware you’re not much more familiar with ALTR than I am, but do you think it possible I could speak with Reina?”
“I would need to consult with Belle to be sure, however, should you desire it, I overheard something that may present such an opportunity.”
“Do so. You’re also to begin preparations for an extraction team. Dismissed.” Artemis paused. Aelfric looked up in surprise. “And thank you.” She disappeared, leaving the awestruck Aelfric kneeling on the moon.
Aelfric came to his senses and stood in a prideful manner with his arm over his chest. “I will devote my everything, as always, Lady Artemis.” He disappeared and the ALTR-verse imploded.
Several weeks later, Artemis sat on the edge of a luxurious bed. The general aesthetic of the room conveyed an expensive penthouse yet it appeared void of anything beyond Artemis and the bed. It looked as if no one lived there. She wore silk pajamas. If she felt drowsy, it did not show.
“What is it?” Artemis asked.
Aelfric’s voice resounded in her ear via IRIS. “My Lady, you must forgive me for waking you. However, an extremely favorable situation has occurred. Tonight was the duel they had been assigned security. It went without incident. They appear extraordinarily unhappy with this outcome, it seems. Yuna made her displeasure clear, even resulting in chastisement by Celeste and—.”
“Get to the point, Aelfric.”
“Apologies, my Lady. Setting the other details aside, I’ve learned not only is Reina planning to ‘de-stress’ at her cafe, Yuna will be doing something in ALTR as well. And as I informed you prior, Celeste and Leon are habitual sleepers, which is soon. If I may speak bluntly, there may never be a more opportune time. However, I’m aware our planning is insufficient to our usual standards.”
In Aelfric’s brief pause, Artemis spoke. “I trust your judgment. I assume Belle’s already been informed. You are hereby authorized to commence the operation and act of your own volition.”
“Affirmative. Orders received.”
“Belle?”
“I’m here. I have your ALTR prepared, Miss Artemis,” Belle said. “I will play interference outside while remaining in contact with Aelfric. Please let me know if you have any concerns.”
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“I have none. I’ve studied the character you devised and understand the logic. It’s sound. My only concern is with my own execution.”
Muffled celebratory sounds resounded in Artemis’ ear. “So awesome,” Belle muttered.
“Please, Belle,” Aelfric said. “mute yourself if you’re going to act disgracefully.”
“Oh, shut up, Aelfy.” The pair bickered back and forth briefly.
“Ahem.” Artemis cleared her throat.
“Sorry.” They said in unison.
On a narrow street, nestled amongst various buildings and businesses, a quaint cafe storefront read ‘The Cafe’s Meow’. Inside, Reina shuffled about behind a counter at the back. She appeared as an older version of herself with short chic hair and wore an apron. Her movements were deliberate, conveying an experience of preparing for the day. The cafe exuded a cozy atmosphere. Over a dozen cats played, slept and lazed about various cat towers. A soft bell rung as a middle-aged business woman entered. Her clothing and appearance exuded wealth. Reina turned to the front.
“Welcome ma’am, please sit wherever,” Reina said. “The cats are all very friendly.” She returned to preparations. “I’ll be with you in a moment.”
So this is how she looks, Artemis thought. Well, possibly. There’s so many cats. Too many. But I mustn’t think like that. She looked around as she approached the back counter. I can relate to Belle’s character some… certainly not the liking cats part, but feeling embarrassment walking into such a place with this clothing. She stumbled as she tripped over a passing cat.
“Meow!” the cat whimpered.
“Oh, my!” Reina turned with a worried expression. “Are you okay? I told him this was way too many cats.”
“I’m fine.” Artemis watched the cat saunter away. “Is it?”
“I’m sure it’s ones and zeros are perfectly fine, miss.”
“Ah. Right. Wait, are you not a NPC as well?” I hope I used that right.
Reina chuckled. “Indeed, I’m an actual human.”
“I hope I didn’t offend. I’m new to all this ‘ALTR’, so I just assumed.”
“Think nothing of it. Until recently, I’d have thought the same.” Reina returned to her work. Artemis moved to sit at the counter.
“If I may ask, why?”
“Why am I running a virtual cat cafe?” Reina scribbled a menu onto a chalkboard.
“Yes, it’s…”
“Don’t worry, I totally get where you’re coming from. I don’t mind answering, but a friendly tip, other ‘real’ shop owners might not react well. I might know from experience.” Reina gave a nervous giggle. “I had to have a friend explain to me about the roleplay of it all. Before that, though, menu’s ready, sorry for the wait.” Reina placed the chalkboard onto the wall. Artemis ordered and Reina began making coffee. “Ah! How rude. I’m still new to this, too. My name’s Reina. Sincerest apologies, Miss?”
“A—.” Artemis paused. “Alexandria. A pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise. So. As you’ll notice, I’m not just pulling your order out of thin air.”
“Yes, this is rather unexpected.”
“Again, I can relate. To answer your question, people have all kinds of different reasons for running a virtual shop that technically holds no real value. For me, it’s about doing something I can’t in real life. Plus, I discovered in an authentic coffee-making sim game that it’s a strangely relaxing process for me. Pretty weird, I know.”
“I’m sure there are far stranger pastimes.”
Reina giggled. “Very true.”
“If I understood you correctly earlier, this may be a taboo question, so please forgive me if I offend. What do you mean by ‘can’t in real life’?”
“Indeed, that would be taboo to many and you definitely want to be careful as ALTR is an escape for most. I don’t mind, however. My situation’s a little complicated but I’m basically confined to a bed. Even standing like this is something I don’t experience.”
“Oh, my apologies. That was terribly insensitive of me.”
“It’s fine, honest. Your order will be ready soon.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Okay, Belle’s script is playing out eerily close. What was that advised part again?”
“Here you go.” Reina placed a coffee mug atop a saucer onto the counter. She observed in anticipation.
“Thank you.” Artemis sipped at the coffee while in thought. Surprise flashed across her face. She looked to Reina. “It’s exquisitely brewed.”
“Really?” Reina tried to temper her excitement.
“I wouldn’t lie, even here. I drink a significant amount of coffee in real life. Too much. Trust me.”
“Wonderful. Although, just a reminder, you really want to avoid saying things like ‘real life’. Of course, you can still talk about such things, just don’t directly reference it, some people can get… scary.”
“I’ll remember that, thanks.” Artemis took another sip as a cat rubbed against her leg with a meow. She glanced at it, then reached to pick it up. “Ah, yes. My own reason for coming here is I’ve been too embarrassed to go into such a cafe.” She placed the cat on her lap and pet it.
“I suppose you would look out of place a bit.” Oops, was that rude? Careful with your words, Reina.
“Mm, yes. My attire. I’m not very imaginative, this closely resembles what I always wear.” The pair shared a slight smile with one another. A brief silence set in as Artemis sipped again.
“This place is still new, so who knows if anyone else will come in soon. To tell you the truth, something I’ve always had a strange admiration for is the bartenders and cafe owners who listen to their customer’s troubles in shows and movies. So, only if you want to, please bend my ear. It can be about anything.”
“Do you love cats?”
“Ahh…” Reina chuckled nervously. “’Love’ might be a little strong. It’s kinda hard to explain but the cats are somewhat of a joke by my friend who set this place up for me. I really need to remember to ask how to reduce the, uh, amount though.”
Artemis made a soft, almost imperceptible chuckle. “There are certainly a lot for the space.”
“Yeah.” The pair went on to discuss various topics for a time, like general current events, emerging technologies, and some light ALTR talk along with a few refills.
“After speaking with you, I think your perspective could help me,” Artemis said. “May I ‘bend your ear’ on a rather serious scenario?”
“Sure. Please don’t expect too much of me, though.”
“Appreciated. I can’t speak in specifics, so hopefully this will be enough. Say you were among a group of people being given an opportunity that would change your lives over night for the better. Now, for everyone but you, their lives improved immeasurably. However, unforeseen circumstances result in the opportunity changing your life for the worst - significantly and possibly forever.” Artemis paused. “Would you resent the others or those who gave that opportunity? Would you prefer that opportunity never happened? Please take your time.”
“Hmm.” Reina paused for only a moment. “This scenario sounds strangely familiar. Obviously, it sucks I’d be the only one where things don’t work out. And I can’t be sure there wouldn’t be any resentment. But, I definitely wouldn’t want everyone else to miss out just because of me. I really don’t know how other people would feel about this, though. I feel like that wasn’t what you were looking for?” Artemis had a blank expression.
Xandr would usually chime in, especially by now, Artemis thought. Peculiar. But, this girl. Reina Vyx. Absolutely remarkable. I even presented a harsher query than I’d intended, yet little hesitation in her response. I fear how I may have responded in real life without this extra sensory control afforded to me.
“On the contrary, that was extremely helpful, thank you. I’m sincerely grateful,” Artemis said. A message bubble popped up that only she could see. It read ‘In position’.
“Huh? Really? Sure, you’re welcome,” Reina said.
“It was a pleasure speaking with you, and a truly delicious coffee. I must be going now.”
“Oh, of course. Thank you for your patronage.” Reina gave a slight bow. “Ah, no hard feelings if you don’t want to, but I’ve sent you a friend request. Please come again.”
“I might.” Artemis stood. “One last question, if I may?”
“Sure.”
“Don’t think, just answer. If you were given the choice between a new body, or fixing your current one, which would you choose?”
“Fix? I guess? New would be kinda scary. Wait a minute. Did I… ever…” Reina fell to the floor, asleep. “say…?”
Meanwhile, several minutes earlier, at Vyxora apartments around midnight, the building slumbered like any typical night. Aelfric stood atop the building in his pitch-black Aegis suit. An enormous drone landed nearby, many times larger than the typical taxi-drones.
“Affirmative. Commencing operation,” Aelfric said. His suit changed into a shadowed gray.
Half a dozen soldiers in Aegis suits filed out of the drone. Faint speech of several more individuals within a room at the center of the drone escaped before the doors shut. The soldiers held various bags and tools. After a brief time, they stood at attention to Aelfric. Only they could hear his words via their suits.
“All residents are confirmed neutralized,” Aelfric said. “We should encounter no resistance. You are expected to execute with no deviations, per our preparations. Anything outside of the mission will be punished severely. Am I understood?”
“Yes, sir.” several voices spoke in unison.
“Begin.”
A short time later, they entered the Vyx family apartment. Aelfric orchestrated their movements with gestures as they carefully moved to Reina’s room. After issuing a few more orders to the others while in her doorway, Aelfric moved to the dining area. He glanced between Celeste and Leon’s room, to Yuna’s room, over and over as noise grew from Reina’s room. Then, as the sound of fire cutting metal reached a crescendo, Yuna appeared at her doorway. She had stabbed a transarm dagger into the side of the wall, holding to it tight. The left side of her body appeared limp as she struggled to keep even one eye open.
“What… noise…” Yuna said in garbled speech.
Aelfric turned back to her. A moment later, she lunged with the dagger pointed at his chest. However, he caught her arm with ease and cradled her back with his other arm as he gently brought her to the floor. Her head moved for a second as if to headbutt, but fell back a moment later.
“The… fuu…” Yuna mumbled before passing out.
“An absurd woman. I tested the sleep paralytic myself.” Aelfric brought the dagger to the unconscious Yuna’s throat. “I should remove this obstacle from Lady Artemis’ path forever.” His hand trembled. “No.” He withdrew the blade, setting it alongside her. “Even if I could accept my Lady’s punishment for disobeying, I don’t think I could live with such a cowardly act.” He glanced towards Celeste’s room. “And…”
“Sir?” a soldier asked. They stood in the hallway to Reina’s room. Aelfric quickly stood and turned to them. “Is there an issue?”
“No,” Aelfric said. “Status?”
“Target has been safely procured.”
“Affirmative. I will verify. Prepare for extraction.”
“Yes, sir.”
After a brief time in Reina’s room, Aelfric exited with a few of the soldiers carefully pushing a large wheeled container. Glass atop it revealed a slumbering Reina, still within her ‘bed’. They had severed it from the floor and placed it within. Two soldiers fell behind a bit as the others followed Aelfric out. They carried several more bags, to which the other soldiers had carried separately prior.
“Fucking christ, this’ heavy.” a man said. “Was this really all necessary to kidnap some little girl?” The other soldier elbowed them, albeit with difficulty at what they carried, too.
“Shut the fuck up, dude.” a woman said. “Do not fuck up this payday.” The pair neared Yuna.
“So much shit, though. Christ, my back.”
“That Aelfric guy doesn’t tolerate complaining, shut up.”
The man wobbled near Yuna. Aelfric appeared, stopping him with a hand.
“Careful,” Aelfric said. The pair froze. He transferred a few of the bags to himself. “Continue.” He glanced at Yuna as they moved past. Her face twitched but nothing further followed.
“I’m gonna fuckin’ kill you if he doesn’t kill us first.” the woman whispered.
A short time later, they loaded Reina onto the drone. Several scientists and doctors waited inside the room. Doors closed as Aelfric stepped on and they flew off.