Creator Page 3

  “Like Ryland said, I used to work for Laran Tech,” said Aims. “And I was very good at what I did. Still am. There’s nothing they can hide from me.”

  Silence filled the space that followed Aims’ words. Ryland’s dad was still rubbing his forehead, his brow furrowed as if he had a headache.

  “And I know about Marina. About what happened to her,” added Aims. “So does Ryland.”

  Ryland’s dad stopped rubbing his forehead and looked at Aims sharply. Then he looked at Ryland. “Oh god.” He said again, his voicing becoming more distressed.

  “I think you need to tell Ryland what happened,” said Aims.

  Ryland’s dad rubbed his hands over his face. The skin of his face seemed to grow older, more withered and haggard instantly. The look in Ryland’s dad’s eyes was one of defeat and dread. He didn’t even need to say anything. Ryland already knew, with just that look.

  “What did you do?” Ryland tried to ask, but his throat was dry and only parts of the words squeaked out. It didn’t matter anyway. Each of them knew what was being said.

  Ryland’s dad reached a hand toward Ryland. “You have to know, I didn’t know what they were going to do. I would never have hurt her. I loved her.”

  “Dad, what happened?” asked Ryland. Ryland could feel the desire to cry in the hollow of his throat, but he refused to let it rise any higher.

  Ryland’s dad didn’t say anything for a long time. He stared into space. The arm that he had reached out toward Ryland, lay on the island, still reaching. Ryland filled a glass with water and set it on the island near his dad.

  “Thank you,” Ryland’s dad took a sip of the water and cleared his throat.

  “Your mom worked as a network engineer for TuneUp, which was part of Laran Tech.” Ryland’s dad took a deep breath. He looked like he was in pain. “During some of her routine maintenance, she discovered data logs that lead her to discover the initial phases of the beta world. We were just starting to develop it. The data logs that she discovered showed a massive surge in network usage, which was a result of test runs for the simulation. She tried to ask about it, went to one of her superiors, but they shot her down, told her to ignore it.”

  Ryland’s dad paused and took another sip of water before continuing. “I told her to stop looking into it, but your mom was persistent. She decided to trace the usage origin. It led her to a group of researchers in the company. But her curiosity didn’t go unnoticed. The head of the project, my boss, noticed what she was up to and because she was such a highly skilled network engineer, he decided to let her in on the project. She was offered a position working to help create the beta world, while keeping it a secret.”

  Ryland’s dad took a deep breath. He seemed unable to say what happened next. Ryland already knew, but he waited.

  “She declined the offer and threatened to expose what Laran Tech was doing,” said Ryland’s dad. “And Laran Tech did not like that.”

  Ryland could feel the thick pain in his throat threatening to rise again, an urge to cry or scream.

  “They made everything look like an accident,” said Ryland’s dad. “Nobody questioned it. I didn’t even know the truth for months after it happened.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Ryland could feel the pressure in his throat turning to intense anger. “They killed her for a freaking VR game?!”

  Nobody said anything, each of them knowing what the answer was.

  “And you didn’t do anything?!” Ryland voice was rising. “You still work for them?!”

  Without waiting for a response, Ryland walked through the kitchen and out into the backyard, the door slamming behind him.

  Aims stared at Ryland’s dad for a moment.

  “You’re going to help us fix this,” she said. Then she followed Ryland out into the backyard. Ryland’s dad finished the glass of water and sat, staring at a photo hanging on the wall, a photo of himself, Ryland and Ryland’s mom.

  Ryland was pacing in the backyard, beside the pool.

  “You okay?” Aims asked.

  Ryland stopped pacing and pieced Aims with a glare. “Not even close.”

  Aims nodded. “I’ll leave you alone.”

  She wandered back into the house. Ryland walked back and forth, staring down at his feet, but not really seeing them. The accident that had killed his mom had been the worst thing that had ever happened to him. The months after her death had been such a dark place for Ryland. He struggled to comprehend that all that pain was the result of a VR game. And more than that, that his own dad had played some role in it, though he claimed he’d had no knowledge. Ryland walked to the edge of the pool, let his toes hang off the edge. He felt a tremendous weight pressed upon his shoulders. He had been trying to fight it, to press back, to not let it crush him. Now, he didn’t really see the point in fighting. He let the weight overwhelm him. His body wavered, tilted, and fell into the water. The impact was a shock, but once the water closed over him, it felt like everything was dimmed, muffled. He felt hidden, secure. He moved his arms and legs, pushed himself deeper into the pool until he touched the bottom. He wished he could stay there forever, encased in the water, separated from the rest of the world and all the problems in it.

  Chapter 4

  Aims wandered upstairs into Ryland’s room. She sat on his childhood bed and pulled out her computer. It was easier for Aims to focus on something that made sense to her, like computer code, then to think about the reality of what human beings were capable of, the lengths humans would go for power or money. Aims had ditched her phone back when she had known she was being followed by Laran Tech. There was no way for anyone in her own life to contact her. Thinking about this, it struck Aims that her own family could possibly be in danger. She had seen enough movies to know just how possible this was. She also knew the lengths Laran Tech would go to protect its secrets. Aims went down to the kitchen hoping to borrow a phone when she notice Ryland in a new outfit.

  “Did you change your clothes? And can I use your phone?” Aims asked Ryland.

  “Yeah it got wet and sure. Where’s your cell? You don’t have one?”

  Aims shook her head. “I ditched it when Laran Tech was following me.”

  “Right.” Ryland handed his phone over to Aims.

  Aims took the phone and stepped outside into Ryland’s backyard. She wandered over to some lawn furniture that was spread out by the pool. She settled on a lounge chair and held the phone, for a moment unable to make the call. Aims had never been very successful at keeping in touch with people who were important. It could have been because there were so few of them. Or because she simply preferred to be alone, was good at it. Finally, she dialed the number she had memorized as a child and still knew by heart. The phone rang several times and Aims thought no one would answer.

  But then, “Hello?”

  Aims’ throat was dry. “Pop?”

  There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then “Aimee?”

  “Yeah, it’s me,” Aims was suddenly fighting the urge to cry. “Um, how are you?”

  “Good, good.”

  “How’s Gram?” Aims asked.

  “She’s good. We’re both good. How are you?”

  “I’m alright,” Aims lied.

  “We haven’t heard from you in a while,” said Aims’ grandpa.

  “I know. I’m sorry.” Aims swallowed her emotions down and took a deep breath.

  “How is everything? You have enough money?”

  “Yeah, I’m good. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay and everything.”

  “We’re okay.”

  “No one has come to the house and tried to ask questions about me, have they?” Aims asked.

  “No, no, why?”

  “I can’t tell you now, but just know that I am okay. And I want you to call me if anyone does come by asking questions.”

  “Okay,” Aims’ Grandpa sounded unimpressed and Aims had to smile to herself. Nothing phased that man. “But you’re safe?�
�

  “Yes, I am safe,” said Aims.

  Ryland was in the kitchen, looking for something to eat. He had paused and was watching Aims through the sliding glass door that led to the backyard. He could see her sitting on a poolside lounge chair. She was nervously twisting a strand of her hair around one of fingers as she spoke on the phone. Ryland wondered who Aims was talking to. He realized he knew nothing about her personal life, her family, her relationships. He also realized there was no reason he should. They barely knew each other, if he was being honest.

  “I don’t know how involved in this I can be,” said Ryland’s dad.

  They were sitting around the kitchen island, take-out spread before them.

  “What do you mean?” asked Ryland.

  “I’ll lose my job.”

  “Well I hope so,” said Aims as she came in from the backyard.

  Ryland tried to be more understanding. “Dad, you can’t possibly want to continue working for Laran Tech.”

  Ryland’s dad was silent. He ran a hand through his hair. Ryland noticed that he looked tired, the skin under his eyes dark and hollow.

  “I’ve worked my whole life,” said Ryland’s dad. “Poured so much time and energy into this company, this project, years of my life and now I know too much.”

  “What they’re doing, what you’re doing, is illegal,” said Aims. “It’s wrong and it’s hurting people.”

  “I know,” said Ryland’s dad. “You’re right.”

  “Dad,” Ryland wanted to say so many things, but couldn’t find the words.

  Ryland’s dad breathed deeply. “Okay.”

  “Besides,” said Aims, “after we’re done, there will be no more Laran Tech.”

  All three of them were silent after that.

  “Okay,” Ryland’s dad said. “I’ll help. I’ll do whatever you need.”

  Aims nodded. “Good.”

  “So, what exactly is your big plan?” Ryland’s dad looked at Aims.

  “I’ve created a computer virus that needs to be uploaded to Laran Tech’s mainframe. This virus will then upload all the details of the beta world project to the emails and cloud spaces of police authorities and cyber vigilantes around the world. Then we’ll let them take care of the rest.”

  Ryland nodded.

  “How are we going to access their mainframe,” asked Ryland’s dad.

  “That’s the thing,” said Aims. “Not only do we have to access the mainframe at the company headquarters, we also need to upload the virus into the mainframe that exists in the beta world.”

  “Wait, what?” said Ryland. “we have to go back into the beta world?”

  Aims nodded. “A portion of the mainframe exists there. This needs to happen pretty much simultaneously.”

  Ryland’s dad nodded. “So, you and Ryland will go into the beta world. You’ve been there before and you’re familiar with it. I’ll stay in this reality and upload the virus into the mainframe on this side.”

  “Are you sure you want to do that on your own?” asked Aims. “I could go with you, and Ryland could go into the beta world.”

  “It will be easier if I do it alone,” said Ryland’s dad. “I work for Laran Tech, so I have more freedom to access the facilities if I’m alone. I can handle things on this end.”

  Aims narrowed her eyes at Ryland’s dad. “How do I know I can trust you? How do I know you’re going to do what you say you’re going to do?”

  “You either trust me, or you don’t,” said Ryland’s dad. “This will never work, if you think I’m going to double cross you. Plus, I would never betray my own son.”

  “Why,” challenged Aims. “You betrayed your own wife.”

  “Aims,” Ryland said, his voice a knife’s edge.

  Ryland’s dad stared at Aims, his eyes hard, jaw clenched. “Don’t talk about things you know nothing about.” Ryland’s dad let those words settle for a moment before saying. “Do you want my help or not?”

  Aims looked slightly abashed, as much as Aims ever looked sorry for the things she said. “You’re right. I won’t question your loyalty.”

  A tense silence settled over the three of them.

  “Okay, so how exactly are we going to pull this off?” Ryland asked, trying to pull the conversation back to something that wasn’t uncomfortable. This question seemed to snap Aims and Ryland’s dad out of their moods.

  “Well, finding the mainframe is going to be interesting,” said Ryland’s dad. “After what happened with—” Ryland’s dad stopped, unable to continue for a moment. “With,” He stopped and looked down.

  “With Marina,” finished Aims.

  Ryland’s dad nodded. “After that happened, Laran Tech wanted to create a more secure environment in which to develop the beta world. So, they offered all personnel that were working on the project the option to move to a hidden, remote town.”

  “Are you kidding me?”

  Ryland’s dad shook his head. “They completely constructed the town specifically to act as a home for everyone that worked on the beta world project.”

  “So, it’s like a real town?” Ryland asked.

  Aims nodded. “Yeah, basically. It has stores, places to eat, homes for the employees.”

  “That’s ridiculous,” said Ryland.

  Ryland’s dad nodded his agreement. “A majority of the people working on the beta world project moved there, but not everyone.”

  “You didn’t,” Ryland pointed out.

  Ryland’s dad nodded. “As the project manager, I was able to opt out of relocating to the town.”

  “Did you live there?” Ryland looked at Aims.

  Aims nodded. “Yeah, until I was fired.”

  “So, you know where it is?” asked Ryland.

  Aims nodded. “It takes a little bit of work to get there. It’s definitely off the beaten path, but I know where it’s located and how to get there.”

  “So,” Ryland frowned. “in the beta world, will the mainframe be in the same place?”

  Aims was quiet. “I don’t know for sure. It should be.”

  “It should be?”

  “You never know what the beta world will be like until you’re there,” said Aims.

  Ryland nodded. “This isn’t turning out to be much of a plan, Aims.”

  Aims was instantly defensive. “It’s better than any plan I’ve heard you come up with. It’s just a very complicated plan whose details I didn’t have time to totally flush out. I was kind of busy being chased by company agents.”

  “Right,” said Ryland.

  “There’s something else,” said Aims.

  Ryland groaned. “What?”

  “I created the virus a long time ago,” explained Aims. “And I hid it.”

  “Don’t tell me you forgot where you hid it,” said Ryland.

  Aims frowned. “Of course not. I know exactly where it is. That’s the problem.”

  “I don’t get it.”

  “I hid it in the beta world. To get it, I have to go in there and pull it out,” said Aims.

  “Are you kidding?”

  Aims shook her head. “It’s not a big deal, I just have to go in and get it.”

  “Are you crazy?” asked Ryland. “You can’t go in there. Laran Tech is going to know you’re there.”

  “It’s possible.”

  “Yeah, no, they definitely will,” said Ryland. “And then they’ll find you here.”

  “We don’t have a choice,” said Aims. “We have to get the virus. Without it, we have nothing.”

  Ryland thought for a moment before saying, “I’ll go in instead.”

  Aims shook her head. “No way. You would have no idea what you’re looking for.”

  “You can tell me,” said Ryland. “if I go in, it’ll be like I’m just playing the game and accidentally fell in again. I’m way less obvious.”

  “Yeah, but Laran Tech isn’t stupid. They know you and I are connected,” said Aims.

  “Still,” said Ryland. “I’m
going to make much smaller waves.”

  “Whatever that means,” said Aims, chewing the inside of her cheek. Ryland could tell she wanted to argue, but knew he had a point.

  “We can’t afford to tip them off,” said Ryland. “You know I’m right.”

  “Fine.”

  After finishing their take-out, Ryland and Aims went upstairs to Ryland’s bedroom where Aims had already set up her computer. Aims handed the VR headset to Ryland.

  “I’m going to rig a system that will allow me to communicate with you,” said Aims. “And also allow me to pull you out when you’re done.”

  Ryland nodded and sat down on the bed. “You can do that?”

  “Of course,” said Aims.

  Ryland held the VR headset and waited while Aims tapped away at her computer, getting things ready.

  “So, explain to me what I need to do once I’m there,” he said.

  Aims’ face was focused and serious. “Look, things are going to be a little different than the last time you were in the beta world.”

  “How so?”

  “You’re going to have to access some things that I have hidden and imbedded into the beta world, so it’ll be a little trickier.”

  “Trickier?”

  “Yeah, first of all, it’ll be different because you’re entering the beta world willingly,” said Aims. “And the things that have been hidden in the game are not going to be as realistic?” Aims sounded unsure of her explanation.

  “Okay.” Ryland sounded just as unsure.

  “It’ll make sense once you’re there and you see it.”

  “If you say so,” said Ryland.

  “Bottom line, you’re going to need to find a door with this symbol on it,” Aims turned her computer to show Ryland an image. The image showed a symbol that looked like four interlocked squares.

  “What is that?” asked Ryland.

  “It’s like my signature, kind of, it’s hard to explain,” said Aims. “Just memorize it.”

  Ryland knew better than to push the issue. “How am I going to find it?”

  “Look for it,” said Aims.

  “Oh sure, no problem,” said Ryland, sarcastically.

  Aims looked up sharply. “Hey, you insisted on being the one to go into the beta world.”