11 Interlude - 1

"Today on our talk show Elrado Vasue, spokesperson for Omnitrek. Dr. Victor Ray, one of the leading figures in analyzing how VR affects us socially and mentally. Finally our host, Ubella Hopar." The figures all stepped out on stage as millions of viewers moved their VR avatars into the various servers that hosted the exact same talk show.

"Thank you everyone for tuning in. So Elrado, FEAR has taken off along with the new capsule pushing Omnitreks global market share up past the ten percent range."

"Thank you, Ubella. Yes our new technology is being adopted globally. We expect a complete phase out of the older capsule within one to two years at the most. As for FEAR, we at Omnitrek are astounded by the its success and how people have leapt in with both feet."

"That brings us to our next question. Dr Ray, can you please highlight some of the concerns you have found in regards to the new system?"

"Indeed Ubella. The new capsule is placing the mind in a suspended animation while copying it over to the atrium system and the copying the experiences back into the brain at the conclusion of the session. This neural over writing is a grave cause for concern."

"Elrado, Omnitrek's response?"

"Yes, the system works exactly like the good doctor described. But there are five primary safe guards and twenty seven backups. We have tested the set-up extensively and I can say with utmost confidence that the universe would sooner end than any malfunction happening with our system. As a matter of fact, Omnitrek has set aside one hundred billion dollars for the sole purpose of responding to any failures in the system and we have multiple teams monitoring and standing by twenty four hours a day, seven days a week."

"The system is safe, but what about memory over writing? There is no way to check what is being copied into a person's brain. Where is the over sight with that portion of the system?"

"Thank you for asking doctor. You see the system can only copy what the user themselves experience. Traumatic events are lessened, and the memories are less visceral once outside the capsule. Kind of like a dream. This is actually a by-product of our time dilation system. Also extensive testing and oversight has been done by the United States Military, who regularly uses our system for training. Are you claiming you know more than the US Military?"

"What about all the violence that is happening in game? That has to have a detrimental effect on people."

"Again doctor, this is all covered by our disclaimers before starting. If you want the enjoyment from eating and being with another person, then hunger and pain also have to be included. Also the fear of pain and death is what drives our player base to succeed in ways we never imagined possible."

"You mean like the infamous Rain of Blood. He is murdering and raping his way across the nation of Breckley and Omnitrek is doing nothing to stop him."

"We have a hands off policy for all in game actions. We are not big brother like many people claim."

"Your own company gave him an official broad casting license."

"An unfortunate oversight and the employee responsible has been sacked. Regardless, if his actions are so terrible I encourage all players to stop such crimes. The moment we start making rules inside our VR system we become more than administrators, but rather a form of digital dictator. That is why we stay off that slippery slope and let our in game world shape itself."

"We are now going to a word from our sponsors. Please stay tuned as we take a look at the declining violence worldwide and how Omnitrek is claiming responsibility."

***

"You are weak Lady Breckley and your country is weak. Your city burns, your soldiers are dead or dying and this meeting is a farce." The representative from Galmore said.

"Let us not be so quick to condemn. I know your own country has had problems with these Travelers." The representative from Angal countered.

"What are we even discussing? We just conscript all Travelers into our military, those who don't listen we execute." The representative from Valentor said.

"A worth solution, but just wait until they start rampaging. Then they will be stronger and your nation will be in flames." The representative from Angal countered once again.

"I know Lord Breckley wanted to band together under the Church of Eight, but I have learned it will be impossible to counter these travelers. So what is the purpose of this meeting?" The Galmore representative said.

"I am here today to announce my official engagement to the Second Prince of Therdossa. Talrin Therdossa. A new alliance will be formed between Breckley and Therdossa and the Talrin will gladly take the Breckley name creating an alliance that will last generations." Lady Breckley said.

"This is an outrage! Galmore will not stand for this. Such an alliance will offset the balance of power between our nations. What of Angal, caught between both of you?"

"Angal does not have an issue. We wish to be left alone and already we have taken steps. As such we have already dispatched our agents and have a gift to present the new Lady Breckley." The representative snapped his fingers and a servant rushed forward with a simple yet elegantly carved wood box. "We went to much trouble, but we were able to recover the Crown of Breckley." The box opened revealing a crown with three sapphires.

"Unfortunately Kenji Shadowen managed to evade being cornered. Our agents will continue to pursue him, but he is incredibly hard to pin down as I am sure you all know." He passed the box with the crown off to one of Lady Breckley's servants.

"Angal has Breckley's thanks and appreciates your continued friendship." The representative gave a small bow of his head.

"Kenji is probably an agent of Angal or Therdossa-"

"ENOUGH!" Sir Willos boomed from behind Lady Breckley. "You will show respect or you will back up your words with steel. Do not mistake the burning of this city for weakness. Our people are strong, our soldiers are legion, and our knights are an unshakable vanguard."

"Thank you Sir Willos, that was well said. We know you are massing troops in Galmore and that they have been heading up the coast. If they enter the southern portion of the Gloommore Forest that will mean war, so I hope they are just out for a stroll."

The Galmore representative gave a long sneer. "You really think you can hold our army back?"

"Honestly, no. But with Therdossa's help we will prevail. If that is not enough I would be willing to make concessions to Angal and Valentor in exchange for your defeat. You are a bully and fool. The Travelers are the major problem and we need to focus our efforts on resolving that crisis first."

"We have already reached a permanent solution your highness. Our clerics scry the Fate of all who pass through our boarders. Anything that is too high, we send them to the mines. We could spare five hundred trained clerics for a period of two years for ten thousand gold pieces. This way your clerics would be able to hunt down those that despoil your land. This offer is open to all other nations as well and is being passed on to your respective leaders." The representative from Angal said.

"I will think on that and respond to you in the next couple of days." Lady Breckley said.

***

"Where is this?"

"You are in Yal-Thingar."

"AHHHH!" The lady picked up a nearby rock and began smashing her head in.

***

"Welcome everyone to the first meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. We are working to compile information and maps, please share what you have discovered so we can prosper together. Also you can coordinate with your area leader to form up. We are still listening to propositions on where to build our headquarters in game, so if you have a good location please pass that along to be considered. The most important thing at the moment is our relationship with NPCs."

"To this effect you are all being given a sheet with the ten most violent players to be hunted down in game in order to improve relations. These individuals are incredibly dangerous and we lost our First Breckley team to one of them."

"In addition, we encourage all our members to wear a piece of red and gold clothing somewhere visible on their body to identify themselves as members of the Order. This doesn't need to be flamboyant, but mainly in cities and other places where we are trying to project a positive image."

"So everyone go find your local team leaders so you can coordinate meeting up. If anyone wants to join, please be aware we do a thorough background check and expect positive behavior in game. For where there is darkness, there is light. Where there is chaos, there is order. Where there is death, the Order of the Phoenix shall rise again!"

A round of cheers came from all the individuals present after hearing the mantra of their guild.