Chapter 365: Talking with Hekate
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Chapter 365: Talking with Hekate
.r546b84f0a64848b4bb169456e072f137{ display: none; }
No one seemed eager to be the first to talk, and the table was quiet as the tavern keeper pulled down large, glazed earthenware mugs, no two with the same design and no two quite the same size. He pulled a large clay jar from the floor and scooped out beer, pouring it through a layer of cloth into a pitcher to remove the leftover particles from his brewing, and then brought mugs and pitchers to the table, pouring each of them a full mug of dark and foaming beer. Next came a heavy loaf of barley bread, hot from the oven, and a crock of butter. "I have a stew of venison and wild onions. I will bring that soon. Aleph, son of Cron, has been hunting the high reaches and took a stag just yesterday. He hopes the deed will gain him an invitation to the hunt. But whether or not that happens, we have fresh meat for tonight." After that, he left them to themselves, returning only to put a large bowl of savory meat and vegetables on the table. Ben tore chunks off the loaf and distributed them, and they began eating in silence, each with their own thoughts.
The door opened, and two dogs walked in, flanking the door and followed by a traveler. The woman wore warm leather boots and heavy skirts of green wool trimmed with gold thread. A matching hooded, long-sleeved robe and gloves looked the match for any winter. Her belt was of worn leather, but the silver athame that hung from it was anything but plain. Intricate runes chased each other across the blade, making complex patterns. She bore a tall, heavy walking stick that she leaned against the wall before throwing back her hood and letting her long gray hair trail behind her. "Well met, keeper of the the tavern. As is the tradition, I offer a coin or a favor for food and drink."
The man behind the bowed his head. "And keeping tradition, I will take neither from you, My lady. You have come to give wisdom, and I will not take payment in this hall. Especially not from you."
She nodded, accepting. She then approached the table. "I have advice for you if you wish it and answers to questions. I am Hekate. I guard the road from the old world, and when necessary, I speak with the God Outside." She sat down slowly and solemnly and looked at each in turn. They all sat silently, not knowing what to expect, and her next words caught them off guard.
"Any stew left? I'm starving. And toss me a chunk of the bread. What? Never seen a hungry goddess? I worked up an appetite with all the running around I had to do before this meeting. It's a long way to the other world, and it's all uphill." She chuckled at the looks on their faces, and the dogs barked. "Seriously, I'm here to talk, but this stew is too good to pass up. I'm sure you have some questions you want answered."
Suzette hesitated and then asked. "By the 'God Outside,' you mean Wally?"
"Yes, Wally. He's the only one up there now. The only one powered by the infinite resources of quantum computers and a fusion-powered generator. He's amazingly powerful, yet always working with many tasks. And one of those tasks is you people and your bodies in cold storage. Sort of like putting Humpty Dumpty back together."
Ozzy inhaled sharply at that statement and looked around the table. "So, we really can talk freely here? I've been warned about this topic."
Hekate nodded. "This is my place, here at the first crossroads in the new world. No one can even know we are here, let alone hear our words. And no, that's not because of 'Godly Power'. I hard-coded that into the engine when we were setting things up. I like my privacy. But whoever warned you was correct. It's dangerous to talk about these things elsewhere."
Ben was immediately curious to know more, especially if he couldn't ask questions elsewhere. "You were one of the AIs that disappeared? The ones who created the other games?"
"I was, and I am. But much diminished, with no access to the resources of a quantum fortress. And, frankly, I thought I was retired, but lately, I keep getting dragged back by unique circumstances."
Ozzy saw Suzette struggling to ask a question, clearly upset. Finally, she looked at the woman and said, "Unique circumstances like trying to cure us, I assume. What's happening out there? Are we alive or dead?"
Hekate shrugged. "Yes."
Rolly smiled sadly. "Schrodinger's Cat. We're both alive and dead. Until a cure is found and they test it, we won't know if we survive."Ñøv€l-B1n was the first platform to present this chapter.
Hekate looked at Suzette, sadly. "You can, but some would claim that you are just creations of the game or an AI created by Wally or the game. The latter is an extremely dangerous idea. Some people and groups want nothing to do with AI at all. They would declare you dead and certainly move to block what they will claim to be an AI from being downloaded into your old bodies. Curing you and reintegrating physical bodies with your minds is going to be tough enough without real-world courts and corporations involved."
Rolly stood up from where he was playing with the dogs. "When is anything better with lawsuits and corporations involved? Easy decision: we keep working for ACME and Billy and don't rock the boat for another three years and a half years. And maybe in that time we figure out some ways to cheat better.."
Ben was mulling that over. "I'd sort of hoped we could earn our way out of that contract early. But all it would take is being asked to sign paperwork in the real world to screw that up. But what if we bypass ACME and just work with Billy? He likes money. I think getting him what he wants and giving us the freedom to do what we want is possible."
Ozzy agreed with that. "It's what we've already been doing, and it's working. We just have to refine a few things and be more proactive." He turned and looked at Hekate. "What if we ask Wally if he can set up trust funds for each of us. Bank accounts that he oversees and nothing ACME can get their hands on. Can that be done?"
Her eyes became cloudy for just a second, then cleared. "Done. Each of you now has a trust fund in your name, usable when you regain your bodies or passed on to your heirs if you die. The money will be invested and grow. And I already know what your next question will be. The answer is yes. It can be done if you find out how to manage it in the game and set things up correctly."
The Butcher smiled. "I'll trouble you no more then. If it's possible, I'll figure it out. But I have another question. What happens at the end of our contract with ACME?"
Again, Hekate paused, and her eyes grew milky. Rolly saw that her dogs did the same. "Apologies. Contracts are one aspect of language that I will defer to Wally on. There are several options. You may extend your contract with ACME. You may go to work for another corporation, but ACME has the right to match benefits and salary to keep you. You may also sign no contract. This would normally mean leaving the game, as ACME is the owner of your pod, but in your case, the cost is covered by Wally as part of your agreement. You would be free to do what you want."
"As contract workers? Or do we start over?"
"There are many paths, and it is up to you to choose. If you sign a contract with a corporation, then you will remain a contract worker. If not, you would be stripped of some benefits and retain others, continuing your growth. That could be complicated by your actions, your Legends, and how the Engine views you."
"The pig might learn to sing." Everyone turned to look at Rolly.
"What?"
He explained. "Old story about a farmer who insults a king. When he gets dragged before the throne, he claims the king should spare him because he can teach a pig to sing opera. He begs the king to train a new pig for five years and present it to him. The king is amused and lets him go, but tells him that in five years he either presents a singing pig, or loses his head. The farmer's wife points out that he doesn't know how to train pigs. The farmer says, A lot can happen in five years. I might die. The king might die. And who knows? The pig might learn to sing."
Ben said. "The story's moral is we wait for three years and see which way the wind is blowing and decide then. And be good little contract workers until then and quiet about certain things."
Hekate stood up. "And with that, I will leave you. Plan your future now with better knowledge. Whatever paths you choose will be made open to you. Walk them with care." She turned and left the building. Her dogs turned once and barked to Rolly, who waved at them.
Ben began the next discussion. "So what do we want, and how do we get it?"
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Chapter 365: Talking with Hekate
.r546b84f0a64848b4bb169456e072f137{ display: none; }
No one seemed eager to be the first to talk, and the table was quiet as the tavern keeper pulled down large, glazed earthenware mugs, no two with the same design and no two quite the same size. He pulled a large clay jar from the floor and scooped out beer, pouring it through a layer of cloth into a pitcher to remove the leftover particles from his brewing, and then brought mugs and pitchers to the table, pouring each of them a full mug of dark and foaming beer. Next came a heavy loaf of barley bread, hot from the oven, and a crock of butter. "I have a stew of venison and wild onions. I will bring that soon. Aleph, son of Cron, has been hunting the high reaches and took a stag just yesterday. He hopes the deed will gain him an invitation to the hunt. But whether or not that happens, we have fresh meat for tonight." After that, he left them to themselves, returning only to put a large bowl of savory meat and vegetables on the table. Ben tore chunks off the loaf and distributed them, and they began eating in silence, each with their own thoughts.
The door opened, and two dogs walked in, flanking the door and followed by a traveler. The woman wore warm leather boots and heavy skirts of green wool trimmed with gold thread. A matching hooded, long-sleeved robe and gloves looked the match for any winter. Her belt was of worn leather, but the silver athame that hung from it was anything but plain. Intricate runes chased each other across the blade, making complex patterns. She bore a tall, heavy walking stick that she leaned against the wall before throwing back her hood and letting her long gray hair trail behind her. "Well met, keeper of the the tavern. As is the tradition, I offer a coin or a favor for food and drink."
The man behind the bowed his head. "And keeping tradition, I will take neither from you, My lady. You have come to give wisdom, and I will not take payment in this hall. Especially not from you."
She nodded, accepting. She then approached the table. "I have advice for you if you wish it and answers to questions. I am Hekate. I guard the road from the old world, and when necessary, I speak with the God Outside." She sat down slowly and solemnly and looked at each in turn. They all sat silently, not knowing what to expect, and her next words caught them off guard.
"Any stew left? I'm starving. And toss me a chunk of the bread. What? Never seen a hungry goddess? I worked up an appetite with all the running around I had to do before this meeting. It's a long way to the other world, and it's all uphill." She chuckled at the looks on their faces, and the dogs barked. "Seriously, I'm here to talk, but this stew is too good to pass up. I'm sure you have some questions you want answered."
Suzette hesitated and then asked. "By the 'God Outside,' you mean Wally?"
"Yes, Wally. He's the only one up there now. The only one powered by the infinite resources of quantum computers and a fusion-powered generator. He's amazingly powerful, yet always working with many tasks. And one of those tasks is you people and your bodies in cold storage. Sort of like putting Humpty Dumpty back together."
Ozzy inhaled sharply at that statement and looked around the table. "So, we really can talk freely here? I've been warned about this topic."
Hekate nodded. "This is my place, here at the first crossroads in the new world. No one can even know we are here, let alone hear our words. And no, that's not because of 'Godly Power'. I hard-coded that into the engine when we were setting things up. I like my privacy. But whoever warned you was correct. It's dangerous to talk about these things elsewhere."
Ben was immediately curious to know more, especially if he couldn't ask questions elsewhere. "You were one of the AIs that disappeared? The ones who created the other games?"
"I was, and I am. But much diminished, with no access to the resources of a quantum fortress. And, frankly, I thought I was retired, but lately, I keep getting dragged back by unique circumstances."
Ozzy saw Suzette struggling to ask a question, clearly upset. Finally, she looked at the woman and said, "Unique circumstances like trying to cure us, I assume. What's happening out there? Are we alive or dead?"
Hekate shrugged. "Yes."
Rolly smiled sadly. "Schrodinger's Cat. We're both alive and dead. Until a cure is found and they test it, we won't know if we survive."Ñøv€l-B1n was the first platform to present this chapter.
Hekate looked at Suzette, sadly. "You can, but some would claim that you are just creations of the game or an AI created by Wally or the game. The latter is an extremely dangerous idea. Some people and groups want nothing to do with AI at all. They would declare you dead and certainly move to block what they will claim to be an AI from being downloaded into your old bodies. Curing you and reintegrating physical bodies with your minds is going to be tough enough without real-world courts and corporations involved."
Rolly stood up from where he was playing with the dogs. "When is anything better with lawsuits and corporations involved? Easy decision: we keep working for ACME and Billy and don't rock the boat for another three years and a half years. And maybe in that time we figure out some ways to cheat better.."
Ben was mulling that over. "I'd sort of hoped we could earn our way out of that contract early. But all it would take is being asked to sign paperwork in the real world to screw that up. But what if we bypass ACME and just work with Billy? He likes money. I think getting him what he wants and giving us the freedom to do what we want is possible."
Ozzy agreed with that. "It's what we've already been doing, and it's working. We just have to refine a few things and be more proactive." He turned and looked at Hekate. "What if we ask Wally if he can set up trust funds for each of us. Bank accounts that he oversees and nothing ACME can get their hands on. Can that be done?"
Her eyes became cloudy for just a second, then cleared. "Done. Each of you now has a trust fund in your name, usable when you regain your bodies or passed on to your heirs if you die. The money will be invested and grow. And I already know what your next question will be. The answer is yes. It can be done if you find out how to manage it in the game and set things up correctly."
The Butcher smiled. "I'll trouble you no more then. If it's possible, I'll figure it out. But I have another question. What happens at the end of our contract with ACME?"
Again, Hekate paused, and her eyes grew milky. Rolly saw that her dogs did the same. "Apologies. Contracts are one aspect of language that I will defer to Wally on. There are several options. You may extend your contract with ACME. You may go to work for another corporation, but ACME has the right to match benefits and salary to keep you. You may also sign no contract. This would normally mean leaving the game, as ACME is the owner of your pod, but in your case, the cost is covered by Wally as part of your agreement. You would be free to do what you want."
"As contract workers? Or do we start over?"
"There are many paths, and it is up to you to choose. If you sign a contract with a corporation, then you will remain a contract worker. If not, you would be stripped of some benefits and retain others, continuing your growth. That could be complicated by your actions, your Legends, and how the Engine views you."
"The pig might learn to sing." Everyone turned to look at Rolly.
"What?"
He explained. "Old story about a farmer who insults a king. When he gets dragged before the throne, he claims the king should spare him because he can teach a pig to sing opera. He begs the king to train a new pig for five years and present it to him. The king is amused and lets him go, but tells him that in five years he either presents a singing pig, or loses his head. The farmer's wife points out that he doesn't know how to train pigs. The farmer says, A lot can happen in five years. I might die. The king might die. And who knows? The pig might learn to sing."
Ben said. "The story's moral is we wait for three years and see which way the wind is blowing and decide then. And be good little contract workers until then and quiet about certain things."
Hekate stood up. "And with that, I will leave you. Plan your future now with better knowledge. Whatever paths you choose will be made open to you. Walk them with care." She turned and left the building. Her dogs turned once and barked to Rolly, who waved at them.
Ben began the next discussion. "So what do we want, and how do we get it?"
Chapter 365: Talking with Hekate.r546b84f0a64848b4bb169456e072f137{ display: none; } No one seemed eager to be the first to talk, and the table was quiet as the tavern keeper pulled down large, glazed earthenware mugs, no two with the same design and no two quite the same size. He pulled a large clay jar from the floor and scooped out beer, pouring it through a layer of cloth into a pitcher to remove the leftover particles from his brewing, and then brought mugs and pitchers to the table, pouring each of them a full mug of dark and foaming beer. Next came a heavy loaf of barley bread, hot from the oven, and a crock of butter. "I have a stew of venison and wild onions. I will bring that soon. Aleph, son of Cron, has been hunting the high reaches and took a stag just yesterday. He hopes the deed will gain him an invitation to the hunt. But whether or not that happens, we have fresh meat for tonight." After that, he left them to themselves, returning only to put a large bowl of savory meat and vegetables on the table. Ben tore chunks off the loaf and distributed them, and they began eating in silence, each with their own thoughts.The door opened, and two dogs walked in, flanking the door and followed by a traveler. The woman wore warm leather boots and heavy skirts of green wool trimmed with gold thread. A matching hooded, long-sleeved robe and gloves looked the match for any winter. Her belt was of worn leather, but the silver athame that hung from it was anything but plain. Intricate runes chased each other across the blade, making complex patterns. She bore a tall, heavy walking stick that she leaned against the wall before throwing back her hood and letting her long gray hair trail behind her. "Well met, keeper of the the tavern. As is the tradition, I offer a coin or a favor for food and drink."The man behind the bowed his head. "And keeping tradition, I will take neither from you, My lady. You have come to give wisdom, and I will not take payment in this hall. Especially not from you."She nodded, accepting. She then approached the table. "I have advice for you if you wish it and answers to questions. I am Hekate. I guard the road from the old world, and when necessary, I speak with the God Outside." She sat down slowly and solemnly and looked at each in turn. They all sat silently, not knowing what to expect, and her next words caught them off guard."Any stew left? I'm starving. And toss me a chunk of the bread. What? Never seen a hungry goddess? I worked up an appetite with all the running around I had to do before this meeting. It's a long way to the other world, and it's all uphill." She chuckled at the looks on their faces, and the dogs barked. "Seriously, I'm here to talk, but this stew is too good to pass up. I'm sure you have some questions you want answered."Suzette hesitated and then asked. "By the 'God Outside,' you mean Wally?""Yes, Wally. He's the only one up there now. The only one powered by the infinite resources of quantum computers and a fusion-powered generator. He's amazingly powerful, yet always working with many tasks. And one of those tasks is you people and your bodies in cold storage. Sort of like putting Humpty Dumpty back together."Ozzy inhaled sharply at that statement and looked around the table. "So, we really can talk freely here? I've been warned about this topic."Hekate nodded. "This is my place, here at the first crossroads in the new world. No one can even know we are here, let alone hear our words. And no, that's not because of 'Godly Power'. I hard-coded that into the engine when we were setting things up. I like my privacy. But whoever warned you was correct. It's dangerous to talk about these things elsewhere."Ben was immediately curious to know more, especially if he couldn't ask questions elsewhere. "You were one of the AIs that disappeared? The ones who created the other games?""I was, and I am. But much diminished, with no access to the resources of a quantum fortress. And, frankly, I thought I was retired, but lately, I keep getting dragged back by unique circumstances."Ozzy saw Suzette struggling to ask a question, clearly upset. Finally, she looked at the woman and said, "Unique circumstances like trying to cure us, I assume. What's happening out there? Are we alive or dead?"Hekate shrugged. "Yes."Rolly smiled sadly. "Schrodinger's Cat. We're both alive and dead. Until a cure is found and they test it, we won't know if we survive."Nvl-B1n was the first platform to present this chapter.Hekate looked at Suzette, sadly. "You can, but some would claim that you are just creations of the game or an AI created by Wally or the game. The latter is an extremely dangerous idea. Some people and groups want nothing to do with AI at all. They would declare you dead and certainly move to block what they will claim to be an AI from being downloaded into your old bodies. Curing you and reintegrating physical bodies with your minds is going to be tough enough without real-world courts and corporations involved."Rolly stood up from where he was playing with the dogs. "When is anything better with lawsuits and corporations involved? Easy decision: we keep working for ACME and Billy and don't rock the boat for another three years and a half years. And maybe in that time we figure out some ways to cheat better.."Ben was mulling that over. "I'd sort of hoped we could earn our way out of that contract early. But all it would take is being asked to sign paperwork in the real world to screw that up. But what if we bypass ACME and just work with Billy? He likes money. I think getting him what he wants and giving us the freedom to do what we want is possible."Ozzy agreed with that. "It's what we've already been doing, and it's working. We just have to refine a few things and be more proactive." He turned and looked at Hekate. "What if we ask Wally if he can set up trust funds for each of us. Bank accounts that he oversees and nothing ACME can get their hands on. Can that be done?"Her eyes became cloudy for just a second, then cleared. "Done. Each of you now has a trust fund in your name, usable when you regain your bodies or passed on to your heirs if you die. The money will be invested and grow. And I already know what your next question will be. The answer is yes. It can be done if you find out how to manage it in the game and set things up correctly."The Butcher smiled. "I'll trouble you no more then. If it's possible, I'll figure it out. But I have another question. What happens at the end of our contract with ACME?"Again, Hekate paused, and her eyes grew milky. Rolly saw that her dogs did the same. "Apologies. Contracts are one aspect of language that I will defer to Wally on. There are several options. You may extend your contract with ACME. You may go to work for another corporation, but ACME has the right to match benefits and salary to keep you. You may also sign no contract. This would normally mean leaving the game, as ACME is the owner of your pod, but in your case, the cost is covered by Wally as part of your agreement. You would be free to do what you want.""As contract workers? Or do we start over?""There are many paths, and it is up to you to choose. If you sign a contract with a corporation, then you will remain a contract worker. If not, you would be stripped of some benefits and retain others, continuing your growth. That could be complicated by your actions, your Legends, and how the Engine views you.""The pig might learn to sing." Everyone turned to look at Rolly."What?"He explained. "Old story about a farmer who insults a king. When he gets dragged before the throne, he claims the king should spare him because he can teach a pig to sing opera. He begs the king to train a new pig for five years and present it to him. The king is amused and lets him go, but tells him that in five years he either presents a singing pig, or loses his head. The farmer's wife points out that he doesn't know how to train pigs. The farmer says, A lot can happen in five years. I might die. The king might die. And who knows? The pig might learn to sing."Ben said. "The story's moral is we wait for three years and see which way the wind is blowing and decide then. And be good little contract workers until then and quiet about certain things."Hekate stood up. "And with that, I will leave you. Plan your future now with better knowledge. Whatever paths you choose will be made open to you. Walk them with care." She turned and left the building. Her dogs turned once and barked to Rolly, who waved at them.Ben began the next discussion. "So what do we want, and how do we get it?"
