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  “They didn’t care?”

  “Not exactly,” said Aims. “Those creatures in the underworld would kill any Laran Tech agents that ventured into it.”

  “So, they’re scared of it?”

  Aims nodded. “You see, if any of their agents made it into the underworld and attempted to alter it in any way, it would activate a specific self-destruct code. It would destroy the entire beta world, everything Laran Tech has created.”

  “Geez,” said Ryland. “No wonder they left it alone.”

  Aims nodded. “Then they fired me and well, now it's just there and they ignore it. They have more important things to worry about.”

  “What happened to Prometheus?” asked Ryland.

  Aims’ looked vacant as she said, “I don’t know.”

  Ryland decided to drop the subject.

  “Now that we have the virus, what’s next?” he asked instead.

  Aims seemed to come back to life, happy to talk about taking down Laran Tech. “We’re ready to strike,” she said. “There are a few more things we need to get. I have a couple favors to call in, and then we move.”

  Aims turned back to her computer to check on the virus encryption process. Ryland went downstairs and outside to his backyard. He sat on the edge of the pool and let his feet dangle in the water. The sun was bright and intense. It beat down on him and he lifted his face to feel the warmth. It was such a nice sensation after being in the darkness of the underworld. It didn’t matter that it hadn’t been real, it had still left an impact on Ryland. There were so many things about the beta world that still worried and confused Ryland. And Aims’ secrecy was starting to make him nervous. Any inclination to back out of Aims’ plan was silenced by the thoughts of Ryland’s mom. Ryland had to see this through, if for no other reason, then as justice for his mom. She deserved that much.

  Aims sat on Ryland’s bed in the sunlight that came in through the windows. She was working hard to push the emotions in her gut back down where she had kept them hidden for so long. This was her chance to end things with Laran Tech once and for all. She was going to take it.

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  Also by Thomas MacRae

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  About the Author

  Thomas MacRae is an avid reader and a financial market watcher. When he's not writing, Thomas can be found in the frozen section isle of his local supermarket, cross-examining the produce. They are usually fresh on Tuesday mornings.