“The V.C., for all its power, is a morass, a deep bog in which the last remnants of humanity got stuck. They struggle and squirm within their self-imposed restrictions. They don’t realize it, but each day they sink deeper, their humanity slowly stripped away. The process is slow, but it’s happening, and only a few are smart enough to struggle for a random twig which might save them. I can save them from exterior threats, but I can’t save them from themselves.”

– Jill

***V.C.***

***Antioch***

The office is spacious but plain and tidy. The room misses the pomp and glamour I got used to on my trip through the V.C. It lacks the displaying of wealth I started to expect from a reality where whatever someone might want is just one wish away. There are no pictures or golden statues, no attempt at pleasure. Just a plain office which is intended to house a large number of visitors.

Equally shocking is the man who is sitting behind the large, wooden desk which is shaped like a crescent moon. Behind him is a large window-front which grants a great view at a blue sky with white, puffy clouds.

But that’s not what’s shocking me. It’s the man. He is... old. There are more wrinkles his face than I can count with ease and his white hair is sparse, giving way to a skinny head with weathered skin. He is studying us through intelligent eyes, grinning. His revealed teeth give me even more cause for shock, as some of them are missing.

“I see that my appearance startles you. I am sorry, but I like reminding the younger folk of what they are trying to forget by spending their eternal life with games and wine. Where there is life, there must also be death. Otherwise, how could we appreciate being alive?” He gestures, and four chairs appear for us, facing him.

At first, I want to protest that, together with Jill, we are five people, but then I realize that the Blue is always floating a foot above the ground. Probably she wouldn’t even take the chair when offered.

Shaking my head, I sit down. Silith, Lisandra, and Fiona follow my example and I notice that they are eyeing the old man with the same shocked expressions. In my entire time in the V.C. I’ve never seen someone of old age. On the same account, I’ve never seen children in the V.C. either.

I decide to end the silence. “You have achieved the intended goal. So, what’s it that you want from us and who are you? Forgive me if I sound rude, but Sam and Min threw us into this without any preparation.”

“They haven’t changed. Somehow I hoped that being ‘reborn’ would improve their characters. You can call me John. I am, as far as that’s possible, the leader of the various groups and factions who you know as the Lifers. Though, leader is the wrong word. Think of me as a manager. Do you want something to drink? You only have to wish for it, this space is set to accommodate your wishes.”

I shake my head, feeling more like talking. Fiona on the other hand smiles and a glass with a red liquid appears in her hands. Twitching her tail in pleasure, she takes a sip and shudders. “Oh, how I missed this. Here, Lis, you have to try!” She offers the glass to Lisandra.

Trying my best to ignore them, I keep my eyes focused on the old man.

Seeing my cold reaction, he finally decides to shed some light on this meeting. “I can see that you are a little stiff, and I probably can’t fault you for that. The reason for your presence here is simple opportunity. I heard of your circumstances, Antioch, and I decided that it would be good to have a meeting. Think of it as an opportunity to get to know each other.

“You already learned that there are several factions in the V.C. who would rather see you fail than succeed. As it is now, I represent the ones who would rather see you succeed. Sam and Min gave you a tour through the most important worlds and societies, at least the ones who aren’t openly hostile towards you. If I may ask, what are your impressions?”

“Decadence.” Lisandra words her opinion in one word and manages to make it sound like a final judgement.

“It seemed like we are very popular. Maybe a little too popular, in my opinion,” Silith says. “I noticed that the people aren’t just thinking of us as idols. In their minds, we are the ones who offer them a new opportunity. Is that why you sent us on this tour before you met with us?”

“Partly. I wanted you to know what’s at stake,” John answers.

I nod, trying to gain some time. It’s not that easy to express my feelings without ending up in hours of explanation. “This place seems to harbour a lot of light… and a lot of hidden darkness.” I can’t help but remember the fighting armies in Fantasyworld. They have the opportunity to do anything they want, yet they still decide to live in a world of strife and pain, where survival depends on hurting each other. Is it a basic human instinct? Why are they doing this?

John nods. “Indeed. All of your observations are correct. Living in a virtual reality while keeping our humanity is a blessing and a curse at the same time. We can’t deny our basic instincts, although many of us – like the Cybers – want to do just that. The people who are known as Lifers want to live as humans. Improve as humans, and to die as humans, should that outcome be unavoidable.”

John’s expression turns grave and he leans back in his chair. “Up until now, we had no uncontrolled access to the real universe. None of the races who were created in order to succeed old humanity are under our direct influence. Joining them would mean that we would always be victim to the doctrines they set – if they allow us to join them. We coped with their monopoly as best we could. You would be able to change that. That makes you the target of groups like the Cybers. The others also won’t be happy, but they are far more tolerant in regards to competition.”

Silith swings one shapely leg over the other and raises a questioning eyebrow. “So, how do you intend to protect us? I understand that you are manipulating our quests, and maybe even the rewards. What else are you going to do?”

John shrugs. “We are already doing everything we can. And given that your policies don’t become too inhuman, we will continue to do so. That includes screening everybody who joins your race in the form of being reborn. I can guarantee that only skilled and worthy individuals will join you. At least in the beginning, when having reliable people is the most crucial. However, we can’t protect you from people who join you via other means.” His gaze wanders to Fiona.

The former catgirl blinks and flutters her eyelashes. “I hope you don’t want to imply that-”

“I don’t. But the risk is there and I want to warn you because I think that you aren’t aware of it.” He returns his attention to me. “I want you to know that. That chalice, which you got. The one which can convert anyone into a demon. It wasn’t created by us. Someone managed to edit your reward a little and that concerns me. The chalice, used wisely, can be a great boon, but it could also spell your end. It just converts anyone to your race, it doesn’t change their ideas or their personality.

“We’ve screened the current members of your race, the former Survivalists, and none of them seem to have ties to people like the Cybers. Use the chalice wisely, if at all. It’s a double-edged sword and the one who gave it to you is clearly hoping that you will cut yourself. As for other threats like the G.S., those will be your problem. I can only protect you from threats which are coming from the V.C.”

I nod my chin towards Jill. “Why don’t you use the Blue? Jill just dropped an off-handed comment that she could wipe out the G.S. – if the price is right. Shouldn’t we have the power to easily ‘put a foot in the door’, so to speak.”

John looks to the side, eyeing the Blue who is looking out of the window, humming a happy tune and seemingly content with the world. She seems like she hasn’t the slightest interest in this conversation.

“The Blue are the Blue. Those who can be talked to in a sensible way operate on a strict set of rules. Jill is one of the easier ones, since she likes to make deals and only rarely screws the other party over. If you have something to offer her that’s worth her intervention on such a level, I invite you to pay it.” He clears his throat. “Be assured, we already paid a high price, just to get her assistance with you. She is a stickler for equal exchange, so for now, we are forced to operate within the restrictions of the system.”

We continue our discussion, learning a little more about how the Lifers operate and what they want. John explains their desires to build a free and humane culture. Though we already decided on a hierarchical caste-system, John isn’t all too worried. But he reminds us several times that we should do our best to not let the system get out of control and rule us.

At the end, I leave the discussion with a feeling of uneasiness, dreading the things to come.