The initial route will take a total of six months, standard time. It will span just two solar systems, including four planets we've purchased outright, sixteen mining facilities in various gas giants and several promising asteroid belts. With underspace as our main means of transportation - something we've surprisingly been unable to improve upon at this time - this shorter run will be perfect as a test to see how our processes work in real-time.
Logistics and Forward Planning already have three dozen other, longer routes ready to add once the Relentless Exploitation's test run proves successful.
If all goes well - and, board members, it MUST go well - we'll be going intergalactic in eighteen months, and that's a conservative estimate.
The stars are ours. Now let's go and get them.
-Chairwoman Nina Ellory, Ad Astra Space Shipping, Passenger, Mining, Acquisitions, Exploration, and Exploitation Corporation.
Alex was already shouting before the room had completed appearing around him. “Why does everyone think that’s an appropriate way of getting someone to go to sleep?!”
The room Alex found himself grumping in was different to his first Syntropic Synchronization. For one, it was much smaller and the color scheme was more of a “what if we ran out of every shade of paint except white?” White walls, white floor, white ceiling; even the small table in the middle of the room was white. The only splashes of color were the occupants of three out of the four chairs that were arranged around the table.
One was occupied by a much smaller version of the eyeball-with-tentacles that Alex recognized as Peri. Now the size of a soccer ball, Peri slumped unhappily in her chair with her tentacles listlessly waving at him in greeting.
The second chair held Addy, her wide anime schoolgirl eyes presenting a rather surprised expression. Heavy black bangs hid them for the most part, but the little girl radiated quiet shock as she glanced around at the room.
As for the third chair, Alex frowned and squinted. He couldn’t quite make out any detail of the figure sitting there - the best way he could describe it was sort-of humanoid, but entirely made of brightly lit shadow. This was, of course, a weird and impossible thing and so Alex immediately felt slightly more relaxed. Weird and impossible were normal, even if [Unflappable] was broken at the moment.
“Hi Peri, Addy.” Alex greeted the pair he knew and then nodded politely at the stranger. “Hi, person I don’t know.”
Addy and Peri both looked as if they wanted to say something, but a quick glance at the lit shadow figure made them remain silent. This figure moved its arm in a sweeping gesture, indicating the one empty chair.
“Alex Orz, please take a seat.” Its voice was heavy and deep, but entirely without inflection or emotion.
“Sure, “ Alex agreed easily. He sat down without objection - something was happening that he didn’t understand, but he hadn’t truly understood his last Syntropic Synchronization either so he let it go. “Who are you?”
“I am an Arbiter. And before you start to get the playful idea to assign me an endearing moniker such as Arbie, Arbs, Arboro, Arbtastic…” The figure droned on for some time, finally finishing with “..or Arbooty, please restrain yourself. My name is what I am - an Arbiter of disputes.”
“Oh, “ Alex felt himself flushing, already having readied a few names that the Arbiter had listed. “Sorry. Um. What’s going on?”
“It is with regret and apology that I have to inform you that your first steps of progression have been tainted and influenced by the entities who designate themselves as Gabrielle, Peri, April, Gadget, and Jessica.” The Arbiter said flatly. “They have far overstepped their duties, and appropriate punishment has been selected.”
“I see, “ Alex replied, nodding as he looked at the miserable eyeball-tentacle-monster in the chair to his left. “Actually, I really don’t see. Can you explain?”
“To a point. Understand that I am not here to conceal anything from you, but to streamline the process of Synchronization and get you back to how things should be. As such, I will not go into great detail as it truly doesn’t matter, “ the Arbiter said. Alex gave him a nod - of course he wanted a great deal of detail about whatever the hell was going on, but the [Mender] had a suspicion that no level of argument was going to make this entity say anything it didn’t want to.
“Thank you for your cooperation, “ said the Arbiter. “In short - the previously named entities have been deceiving and manipulating you for some time, interjecting themselves into your life for their own purposes. This is not explicitly against the rules, but it’s something that you need to be aware of.”
I sort of figured, Alex thought, I knew they were hiding things, but was it really that bad?
“It’s not against Syntropy to influence others. Pushing you into certain actions and behaviors, shaping the person you have become for their own entertainment…as far as things go, they haven’t even harmed things on a planetary level. Their infraction against Syntropy is that they have stripped you of something that you should have had.”
The Arbiter is implying that these guys have been messing with me for a while. They said they were watching, and they did admit to showing others the more ‘fun’ events I’d been through but…were they actually causing them? Alex frowned. This needed some thought, but the Arbiter was still speaking.
“All that become integrated with the Interface are given an in-depth tutorial as to how it works, what it shows, what it all means, and are presented with a plethora of options for growth from that point, “ explained the shadowy figure. “These ones gutted your tutorial and inserted themselves in its place.”
Peri cringed back wordlessly as the figure stared at her for a moment. All of her tentacles ceased their movements and she closed her one eye in either shame, regret, or guilt. Or maybe she was just unhappy to be caught - Alex couldn’t tell.
“As punishment, they will be removed from their current employment which was to simply monitor and collect data on your particular Earth. Instead they will truly replace the tutorial that they so cruelly tore from you.”
“So they’ll do…what they’re already doing?” Alex asked. “That doesn’t sound like a punishment. Not that, well, I mean…” He tried to gather his thoughts, “Look, you’ve said they are liars and manipulators, but you’re offering them the job of teaching me anyway? I don’t get it.”
“I realize that my voice carries no emotion, Alex Orz, so I will simply ask you to use your imagination and fantasize that my next words are delivered with a malice-filled sense of satisfaction at the cowardly and deceptive creatures that the named entities are.”
“Uh…okay?”
“Their own growth, their levels and paths, their existence will be tied to how well they teach you. And because of the role they will be officially placed in, none of them will be able to lie.”
Still, it seems like something I wouldn’t really want…
“You are not convinced. However the decision has already been made and does not require your consent. For this, I have found a sincere apology only somewhat assists in the transition. So as an extra allowance, you are free to hate them if it helps you.”
At the Arbiter’s words, Peri’s eye shot open wide and she looked at Alex with panic. Alex was reminded that Peri had already lost some path points, and from the looks of things it wasn’t a pleasant experience. Still, he attempted to harden his heart to the guilt that sparked inside his chest - Peri could still be manipulating him, even without speaking.
“So I don’t actually have a choice in this? That’s…” Irritating? Upsetting? No. Alex sighed. Inevitable. “What benefit do I get out of it?”
“A restored tutorial of sorts. Structure and organization to your growth - these entities haven’t even gone through your attributes to explain how your advancement affects you.” Alex got the feeling that if the Arbiter was capable of speaking with emotion it would sound rather angry as it said this. “And you would be able to trust their words. At the same time, as they will be your official Interface contacts, they will be not only forbidden but incapable of speaking to you about anything outside of the interface and your advancement.”
“So no conversations that use up the ‘budget’ or whatever it was?” Alex queried. The Arbiter turned its head to Peri again, who started to shiver. She really feared this thing, and Alex struggled not to feel too bad right now - after all, the group had brought this upon themselves, right?
“There is no budget.” The Arbiter stated, each word stated in heavy tones. “Another lie, to see what you would do. Then, their heroic sacrifice of breaking in to talk to you is seen as good. This has influenced you to feel for them in some respect.”
Yeah, this is just getting worse and worse, Alex thought.
“Regarding their new employment, here is the main benefit for you: As distasteful as it feels, the entities you’ve been dealing with can keep you moving toward your goal of survival.”
“The train cutting us loose? Or the event in general?”
“The soul calcification. They did not lie about that.”
“Ah.” Alex shook his head quickly. There had been a lot going on, but that felt like something he shouldn’t have forgotten. “Got it. So they can sort of prod me in the right direction to save my life. But they can’t lie anymore.”
“Exactly.”
“Not to sound ungrateful, but why does it matter to you?” Alex asked, “I mean, I’m just one guy who very recently made some severe mistakes that…didn’t turn out good for a lot of people. Why do you care?”
“I don’t. The universe doesn’t. Syntropy doesn’t. Things simply are.” The Arbiter shrugged, the first expressive thing it had done. “However, this sends a message to any others that might consider fucking with the Interface.”
Alex blinked at the words, and then nodded.
“Okay. Sure, why not. Let’s do it. If it backfires, I’m gonna die anyway right?”
“Done.” The Arbiter said. Alex felt something, but he wasn’t sure what it was.
“That takes care of the problematic entities There’s also this one,” it said, tilting its head to the table’s other presence. Alex saw Addy frozen, unmoving.
“Yeah. You didn’t name her in all this. Why is she here?”
“Because, Alex Orz, despite what it is, the one you have designated as Addy has never actually lied to you. Concealed information? Yes. It is its nature as a construct of a corporation. But no deception has passed its lips. As such, you may keep it.”
“Oh. Um, “ Alex stammered in confusion, “Okay? So what hap-”
The Arbiter was gone. The table had vanished. Chairs? Poof! Alex stood in the small room on the plain white floor, with a small eyeball-tentacle monster and an anime schoolgirl nearby. Peri looked like she was trying to say something - anything - and she jerked and thrashed as words wouldn’t come. Eventually she found something that she could say.
“Let’s start your Synchronization, “ Peri said, her voice hollow and resigned. Evidently this deal wasn’t exactly pleasant for her, and she wasn’t going to be able to talk about it - even to apologize.
A nasty, horrible little spark of spite within Alex was okay with that.
*
Though the little tentacle monster sounded like she was choking back tears, Peri did her best to go through everything as quickly as possible. It was almost as if she was scared of slowing down in case the Arbiter came back. Alex was reminded once more that the universe and beyond were much larger and much more unknowable than he’d once thought.
Still, Alex felt a level of wariness toward Peri that had been amplified by the Arbiter’s blunt statements about what the team had been up to.
“Here’s where we stand, Alex.” Peri said, “You’ve reached level three due to the path points you’ve earned. The time spent being a puppet of the Dendrian sapling was short, but fruitful in its use of your skills, so you have several increases there as well. There are some completed tasks. A couple more skills have presented themselves to be generated, and the event was concluded in a way which does still reward you.”
“There are also some Ad Astra-related details to go over, “ Addy added. The whole Arbiter thing must have really taken the wind out of Peri’s proverbial sails as she didn’t snap at the schoolgirl or even give her a harsh look.
“Okay, “ Alex nodded, not really feeling like saying much else. He was surprised by how little anger he felt about the situation, but that didn’t mean he was going to forgive them.
They started with the level-up process. Alex was unhappy to find that he’d actually surpassed the amount of path points needed to get to level three, but that almost all of those additional points had been wasted. Only thirty percent of the maximum to the next level was kept; He didn’t carry over all of it, or boost up more than one level. When Alex asked why, Peri’s tentacles had waved apologetically.
“Before going to sleep, your Interface should have prompted you to go into the Syntropy Shop and spend them, “ Peri explained, “But because your tutorial was interfered with, no prompt was given as you hadn’t set any up. Our fault, as you now know. This will be rectified going forward. Please say ‘Set up Syntropy Shop notification on excess path point pool before sleeping’.”
Alex did so.
>Confirmed. Before sleeping, Syntropy Shop will be presented if path points are in excess of the next level-up.
“No way to get those back, I assume?” Alex asked, and then nodded with resignation when Peri indicated that there wasn’t. Yet another thing I’ve been screwed over on. “Okay, level me up.”
>You have reached level 3.
>Your steps lead only forward.
>Path points to reach level 4: 120/400.
>8 attribute points have been awarded for you to assign.
“I’m going to guess that you’re not allowed to suggest where I should put these attribute points, right?” Alex asked Peri. The little monster simply sighed and shook her eyeball. Surprisingly, Addy spoke up.
“I can assist.” the little girl said. Alex raised an eyebrow and shot a look at Peri, who was apparently prevented entirely from speaking the words she wanted to say. Alex gave the Ad Astra add-on an encouraging nod.
“Well, based on what I know from your most recent memories, you’re in an immediate crisis. I cannot accurately comment on whether you can actually succeed in your plan to stop the decoupling, but I can suggest what you’ll need to do so.”
“That sounds fair. Go for it.”
“Charisma. As much of it as you can get.”
“Why?” Alex queried curiously. “Shouldn’t I be getting some of my attributes up that can assist with fixing things?”
“Your skills will help there but from what I understand based on what you said to Adjunct Artificial Intelligence Nine/Harmony, you plan on enlisting additional aid. I am not well versed with how people behave, but my database indicates that those who have done the same thing for a long time will be quite resistant to change. Charisma through Wit-slash-Charm, Personal Presence, or Deception will assist you with this.”
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Alex held up a finger to argue, but then thought about it. He did know how people behaved - they behaved like people. And people were motivated by a large variety of things including the most pressing one at the moment which was saving their own lives. He didn’t think he’d need to convince them of that. But then, Addy was also right that people were resistant to change.
“I’d rather not lie to people in order to get them doing what I need them to. What does Personal Presence do?”
“I will absolutely be guiding you through each of the attributes throughout the course of the next thirty hours, “ Peri cut in, “That’s…actually being forced. If I don’t have all of them done in thirty hours, I fail a Syntropy task. But in brief, have you ever just been drawn to a person? Fascinated by them, or unable to stop looking or thinking about them? Performers use it all the time to keep attention on themselves. Great and terrible leaders alike have strong Personal Presence. It’s…the weight of you upon the psyche of those around you. In a pleasant - sometimes obsessive - way. Its opposite is the sub attribute Physical Presence, which can be very alluring, or very intimidating depending on how you use it.”
“I see. Physical Presence is how I’m presenting my physical self to those around me, and Personal Presence is how my…Alex-ness is perceived. Right?”
“That’s accurate enough for a decision, and I will visit with you about them further later today.”
“Okay. Silly question: The small numbers I’ve put in things so far - have they had much effect? I’d like to think that I’m thinking better due to the Intelligence-based sub attributes but I’m not sure.”
“Every point counts, but not all points are counted equally. There is no mathematical formula to it - I can’t accurately say ‘Each point gives an additional one percent to your base’ or anything like that, “ Peri apologized, “And each point affects everyone differently. A butterfly gaining one point of physical strength isn’t going to have the same increase as a dragon, for example. All I can say is that at some point you’ll just start to notice that things are getting better for you. It might not seem like it at first, because you're increasing a small amount of what is, honestly, an already small base amount.”
“For a system meant to measure and provide feedback, that seems a little wishy-washy.” Alex grumbled. He briefly considered that Peri wasn’t telling the truth to keep him in the dark, but remembered that the Adjunct had done something to prevent that. I wonder if it applied to all of them. What are they all doing right now?
“Fine. Uh. I’m going to be doing a lot of hard work, so I want to cover that as well. Let’s assign the points this way…”
>Endurance: Physical Constitution increased by 2 to 2.
>Endurance: Mental Fortitude increased by 1 to 1.
>Endurance: Emotional Strength increased by 1 to 1.
>Charisma: Wit/Charm increased by 1 to 2.
>Charisma: Personal Presence increased by 1 to 1.
>Intelligence: Logic increased by 1 to 2.
>Intelligence: Reason increased by 1 to 2.
“Before anyone asks, it’s because I think I’m going a little crazy without my [Unflappable] doing the heavy lifting. I’m hoping Mental Fortitude and Emotional Strength can take up a little of the weight. I also wanted to keep building on some things that I’m already working with.” Alex explained. "Even just a point or two might do something, right?"
“Your points are yours to spend, “ Peri said carefully, “And you’re on the right track with attempting to cover for your broken soul upgrade, though it will repair itself during times of fun or peace.”
“Not that I’m going to have many of those for a while, “ Alex pointed out. Peri nodded.
"You were also expecting your HP to increase with Physical Constitution, weren't you?"
"...yes. Wrong idea?"
"It's a Syntropy store purchase. It's not your actual health, remember? It's a sort of shield from harm."
"There's a lot you need to tell me." Alex growled.
“Trust m- no, you won't." Peri sighed. "Trust the Arbiter. You will be informed. Moving on, let’s look at what happened with your skills.” Peri offered. Alex pulled up his Personal Progression Tasks and saw that he could hit the advance button on a number of them. He did so eagerly, despite knowing what had caused these skills to rise. The sapling taking over his body for a moment, and killing all of those people, had utilized multiple attempts at his skills.
**~RANK UP [REPURPOSE]~**
>[Repurpose] (1) has increased to [Repurpose] (2)
**~RANK UP [GUESSTIMATED ENGINEERING]~**
>[Guesstimated Engineering] (1) has increased to [Guesstimated Engineering] (2)
**~RANK UP [EVALUATE]~**
>[Evaluate] (2) has increased to [Evaluate] (3)
**~RANK UP [HOLISTIC REBUILD x2!]~**
>[Holistic Rebuild] (1) has increased x2 to [Holistic Rebuild] (3)
“I wish I felt different, but I remember you said it’s happening while I sleep. It’s good to see these things get better even though I’m really just put off by using ‘skills’ rather than, you know, skill.” Alex said.
“We’ve been over that, but I’m happy to reiterate any Interface or Syntropy data you need.” Peri said, sounding very much like she was being forced to say it. Alex felt a twinge of guilt and a touch of regret. Before today Peri had been enthusiastic and excitable, and he hadn’t exactly disliked her communication before. Unless it was all an act, he thought, and sobered up quickly.
“Thanks, “ Alex muttered, “But what’s next?”
“Syntropy task completion for the dungeon break, the event completion for the same, and anything Addy wants to say.” Peri said quickly. Alex nodded.
“Okay. Syntropy tasks and events. Are they going to get the flavor text or is it all no-nonsense? Honestly, I’m good with either as long as I don’t get lied to about it.”
Peri paused, and then her whole body sagged a little. Alex got the distinct impression that she was very slightly relieved about something. Golden text flowed in Alex’s vision.
~
~Syntropy Task~
Remove Entropic Threat
COMPLETED
The unregulated entropy sink has been brought to keel and is now an officially recognized dungeon under Syntropy’s rule. Entropy in the local area designated as Carriage 9997 will now more readily pool at the site of the dungeon.
Advancement in the local area will now progress at an improved rate*.
*Additional Syntropy Task will be added due to suspected malfeasance.
Reward: Path points.
~
Alex checked his path points, and saw that it was now at 310/400. If he earned more soon after waking, he was happy that he now had the alert set up about the Syntropy store.
>Syntropy Task added: Investigate unnaturally low advancement and progression. Artificial stagnation suspected. Reward: Path Points.
Huh. Well, okay. I’ll question that shortly.
~
Event #1285 - Welcome To The Jungle
Completed.
Result:
Gain allies - Out of the possible four additional allies you and your assistant could have possibly convinced to come with you, you got one. 2.5/10.
Find an entry point - That was the easy part. 5/5.
Ascertain the number of survivors and, if possible, rescue them - Well, you found everyone. You even figured out (mostly) what was going on. This portion of the score was weighted to the number of survivors. 15.21/50
Repair, repurpose, or destroy the broken dungeon - Everything is back in working order. Top marks for that. 35/35.
Total Score: 57.71%
Rewards are commensurate on performance:
0% - You’ve likely died, or not bothered with this event.
0.01% - 19.99% - Path points
20% - 49.99% - Path points.
>>50% - 69.99% - Path points.<<
70% - 89.99% - Path points, attribute points.
90%+ - Path points, attribute points, generation of customized skill.
POTENTIALLY LEADS TO:
Event #1285-a “Baby’s First Dungeon”
Event #1285-b “The Only Way To Be Sure”
Event #1285-c “RUN”
>>Event #1285-d “I Mean, I Guess…”<<
~
Event #1285-d - I Mean, I Guess…
You kinda won. The dungeon break has been contained, and the power system for the carriage has been stabilized. The horrendous loss of life is, of course, tragic.
Please understand that we did not mean for this to happen. Alex, we didn’t expect your [Unflappable] to have to deal with something like that. We are very sorry for treating it as a joke. This apology is allowed as a one-time communication from the entire team but there’s a very scary Arbiter watching as I type this.
This sub-event has no additional rewards beyond the main reward.
~
Once more Alex checked his path points. He’d been given another thirty of them, which felt like more than he deserved, to be honest.
>Alert: Due to the way Event #1285 was resolved, you may choose between one of the following skills: [Mediator] or [Extreme Gardening]
“Should I even ask what those do?” Alex asked Peri. The tentacle monster shrugged.
“We could type up the descriptions for you - and we should, so that you can make an appropriate choice - but based on your current mindset do you want us to go into detail about a skill we all know you’re going to ignore?”
“Yeah, no. I’ll take [Mediator]. Give me the low-down on it, please.”
>Skill Received: [Mediator]
>[Mediator] - Rank 1 (0/100) (Common) (Passive Skill)
>There comes a time in every conflict where people need to put down their sharpened sticks or sun-destroying proto-matter cannons and talk things out. With this skill, your words are more likely to be accepted when you are not taking sides or being forceful in your argument.
>Scales off of Charisma, Intelligence, and Wisdom sub attributes.
“That was fairly to-the-point, “ Alex observed, “But it looks like you’re allowed a little color in there.” Peri gave a slow nod.
“One more thing. When you wake up, check out your leg where you were stabbed. There’s something there that’s going to freak you out, but it’s not a bad thing.”
“Can you just tell me now?!”
“A trace of what the sapling injected you with remains. It’s a chlorophyll tattoo marking you as, and I quote, ‘Friend of the Dendrian Forests’. And no, I have no idea what it means, but it shows up on your status sheet so it’s tracked by your Interface. I am one hundred percent sure it’s neither harmful nor spreading. It will not take control of you, if you’re worried.”
“Oh.” Alex replied, unsure of what else to say to that.
“Alright, that’s everything from the Syntropy side of things. Pleasure doing business with you.” Peri said, not quite meeting Alex’s eye. “Please remember that throughout the next thirty hours you will be receiving large amounts of information in easily digestible chunks to catch you up on what we took from you. Have a nice day.”
Before Alex could reply Peri vanished, leaving Alex alone with Addy. He gave the anime girl a look. “That was abrupt. I’m not entirely sure I like it.”
“Ad Astra’s databases - the ones I have access to, anyway - don’t go into much detail about the powers and dominions far above this plane of reality, but I extrapolate that your team has been severely reprimanded for their actions, somewhat terrified in a 'pants-wetting' sort of way, and will be much less likely to cause issues going forward.” Addy replied. Is that a glimmer of smug satisfaction in the little girl’s eye? Can’t say I blame her, after the way they spoke to her before.
“Okay. Look, this whole thing has been a lot less informative than it could have been, but I have a feeling I’m not going to understand the big picture any time soon. But I must be getting close to the end of things, right?”
“Alex?” Addy tilted her head to one side questioningly. The man felt a sudden need to speak, to say what was on his mind and the little add-on in his head was the only one currently available to listen and who hadn't, apparently, lied to him.
“It has to be close to the end. Look, this is how stories work, right? You get the set up, the adventure begins, you get some personal growth. That’s act one. Act two gets more extreme, leading up to a big downfall and the reveal of deep dark secrets. Well, I killed a whole bunch of people and honestly I think I’m going crazy about that but moving on, the big reveal that I’ve been lied to and messed with has been done. So we must be heading to the final act - right?” His voice became desperate in his own ears, and Alex sounded like he was practically begging the girl to agree with him.
“Act three - we head toward the end, there’s some sort of a struggle to overcome, I get magically fixed up as a reward, and I get sent home in the epilogue all safe and sound. Right?”
Addy froze, processing Alex’s words as she attempted to formulate a response. The man had a very vague understanding of the way stories were structured, but even then there was the simple fact that this wasn’t a story. And that’s what she ended up telling him.
“This is real, Alex. It’s not a story. No happy ending is guaranteed.” she paused again, thinking about the coming days. Even if Alex managed to stave off the decoupling of the carriage, it was just one carriage that he was working with. There were a lot more of them that very likely had issues that he was going to be tapped to deal with. Maybe.
So Addy tried to be very gentle when she said her final words on the matter. “I believe that, using your example, you have just made it out of your prologue. Another way of putting it, to drag out a strange saying from your head, you've just drawn some circles. Now you need to draw the rest of the fucking owl.”
“Fuck.” Alex's hope, small though it was, was packed up and put away for now.
Addy had other things to say. All of them were official Ad Astra content however, and so were marginally less depressing. She updated him on his employment status through the Interface add-on.
~Ad Astra Proprietary Interface Addition c9286.1b~
Interface Addition: Active
Employment Status: Active
Position: Junior Technician Grade Four (Temp)
Pay Rate: 36 Glim/Day*
Perks: Personal berth, one free meal/day*
*Pay and perks are on a 30 hour cycle, and are dependent on meeting job performance minimums.
~
Corporate Scrip
Glim: 36
Duty Credits: 9
Debt Load: 21
~
Duty List
Pending Tasks: #n#
(PS: Kill Vod)
Automated Promotion in: 8000 Duty Credits
~
Authority Level 1.0
“This is a new day. As you can see, your debt load has been increased by 21 glim. Your daily wage of 36 glim has been paid. I suggest paying your debt load automatically going forward.” Addy advised. Alex agreed immediately, and his numbers were updated.
“My pending tasks are bugged out.”
“They are being reevaluated by the adjunct, at your request.”
“Oh, right. So since I earned duty credits before, why isn’t my automated promotion at, like seven thousand nine hundred and some?”
“You need eight thousand banked for your automated promotion - if Ad Astra approves it, of course.”
“Of course. Okay. Is there anything else I need to know?”
“Please don’t die. Your cessation will be my own.”
“I’m trying my best.”
“Arigato!”
“Uh?”
“Thank you.” Addy paused, “I pulled that from your memory. Probably fairly deep, I guess. I’ll, um, stick to English…” she trailed off, looking shy. Alex forced himself to remember that the image was a construct in his head, and could appear however it wanted to. She hasn't directly lied, the Arbiter told me. That doesn't mean she's not indirectly manipulative. He sighed.
“Can I wake up now?” he asked plaintively.
And he did.
*
Alex sat up slowly, massaging the side of his head where Step had struck him. He didn’t say anything, quietly processing through what he’d learned and how he felt now with additional attribute points (no different) and skill levels (which he looked forward to testing).
“You’re awake.” Step said, noticing Alex’s movement. “How’s the head?”
“Sore, “ Alex groused. “Thanks so much for that. You know that people do naturally fall asleep sometimes, right? Why are you still here anyway?”
“I know you said to report back to Overseer Vod and tell him you plan on instructing everyone to help you with the repairs, but he told me to stick with you like glue. I did send him a message though.”
“Are there some secret communication devices I don’t know anything about?” Alex sighed. “There are, right?”
“No?” Step looked confused. “Just use your Ad Astra add-on to the Interface to direct message anyone you have the contact details for.”
Alex quickly checked. He had no contact details for anyone, and he sighed. “Can you give me some contact details?”
“Sure. Here’s mine. I can’t give out other people’s - no Authority.”
In Alex’s vision, a little text popped up that said <
“Sure can. What is it?”
“Tell him I’ve changed my mind. I’m not going to have Harmony send out jobs to everyone just yet.”
“What?” Harmony called out from the wall, “I’ve been working on a great set of plans, Alex! Using the idea that we can co-opt the entire carriage’s workforce, I estimate that we can very possibly maybe perhaps come close to almost succeeding!”
Now that’s an endorsement, Alex thought. Aloud he said “Just hold off for now. The ideas are great I’m sure, but there’s something else we need to do first.”
“What’s that?” Step asked curiously as Harmony huffed in exasperation on her screen.
“I’ve been stupid, and haven’t been thinking things through.” Alex confessed, “And I’ve been making decisions that I’m in no way qualified to make. Because of those decisions, people died. Now, I know we don’t have time to take a poll of every person in the carriage, but I can’t make the decision by myself on this.”
“Okay? What decision is that?”
“How we’re going to leverage our workforce. I’m new here, and I almost very arrogantly just walked over everyone to get them to do what I want. Stupid. I’m not in command here, I’m not in control. Shit, Step, I’m nobody.”
“You have more authority than anyone, “ promoted the mousekin. “And this is getting to be a really long message if you want to send all of this.” Alex snorted.
“Authority without knowledge is dangerous. Send this: Alex Orz politely requests that Overseer Fabian Vod, along with a collection of the most influential individuals aboard carriage nine nine nine seven, meet up for a roundtable discussion about our best ways forward. The meeting will be chaired by Adjunct Artificial Intelligence Nine/Harmony, and all reasonable ideas will be listened to.”
“You want to what?” Step looked confused.
“Hold a meeting. Isn’t that what those with Authority do?”
Only in this meeting, real decisions will need to be made - without my pushing into the middle of it all, Alex thought firmly, I’m a [Mender]. I need to know what I need to mend.