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  The signal cut off, and they were left in silence.

  “It’s all going to hell, the whole world,” she said.

  * * *

  The White House

  Washington, D.C., United American Nations

  Piper was waiting in the Oval Office, watching the press conference live as the Vice President was sworn in as the President of the UAN. President Anthony Roberts, a man who could only be described as modest. Piper didn’t dislike him in any way, but she could never imagine him in a strong leadership role. He looked like an accountant at your local bank. The conference came to an end, and she knew he would be heading her way. It wasn’t long before she heard footsteps approaching. She dreaded it, as she could not visualise him making anything better. The doors finally opened.

  “Good morning, Mr President,” she said with as positive a smile as she could muster.

  He said nothing as he went around the desk and sat down in a very calm, but machine-like fashion. It was as if he had been there a hundred times before.

  “Piper Hughes. Let me be very clear. This is not a good morning. It is a terrible one. Apart from that, I never wanted this job, and you didn’t want me to have it either.”

  “Sir…if...”

  “No, you may not. Hear me out, please,” he interrupted.

  She looked pained, but she remained silent.

  “Neither of us wanted this, and I have no doubt that you do not believe I am up to the task. Believe me when I say that I share your fears, but I must do everything in my power to overcome them, and so must you. My understanding is that you fought President Simmons until the very end, to try and stop this madness from happening?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Then you are exactly the sort of person I need right now. I need people who can see through this stupidity. You don’t have to like me and my part here, but I need you, will you help me?”

  She looked surprised by his bluntness, but it was a welcome surprise.

  “Sir, I will do everything in my power to assist you.”

  “Good, because I clearly don’t have to tell you what a mountain we have to climb. Now, firstly, we must make our stance clear. This Terminal application is a menace to the very fabric of our society. I believe we should work towards an immediate ban. It is harmful to American health, and it is by its very nature, un-American. Do you agree?”

  “Yes, Sir, very much so. But I fear that the people might not be ready to see the end of it.”

  “What choice do we have? People are dying because of this, good people.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “We must draft a resolution calling for an immediate ban on Terminal, and any other virtual reality component that can lead to serious injury and death.”

  “I will get working on it immediately,” she replied with a new-found confidence.

  “Neither of us ever wanted for things to go this way Ms Hughes, but if we can work through this together, we might just get through it."

  "Yes, Sir."

  * * *

  27 th July, 2071, 6.28pm

  Liberty Hospital, New York, UAN

  Carter was sitting casually with his feet up on the bed beside his unconscious friend, watching the news on the screen beside him.

  "We must ban this Terminal before it goes any further. It has no place in this day and age!" yelled one of the interviewees.

  "It is precisely the age we live in. The people get what they want, and they get what they deserve. Violent men have led the world's nations for so long, how can we be surprised that violence is in demand?"

  "I'm not talking about the reasons why we have got to where we are today. That doesn't even matter anymore. All that matters is that we put an end to it."

  "Doesn't matter? Of course it does. This is about morality, and there is nothing in Terminal that is outside of the moral code laid down by the elected representatives of this Union."

  "Senator Renner, what do you think?" asked the news anchor.

  "Well, you know I have to say, a few weeks ago, I would have said this is all a little odd. But the things I have been through recently have opened my eyes to the way the world is, and I think we have to give this more consideration before we condemn what the electorate clearly seem in favour of."

  "When you say the things you have been through, you are referring to the kidnap and subsequent rescue of your niece from ILAN rebels?"

  "That is certainly a major factor, yes."

  "And how would you say that experience affects your judgement of Terminal. The fight between President Simmons and President Dun, and the future of blood sports?"

  "Well, well, that is an awful lot of things at once. You know, the President's decision to fight President Dun was a difficult one to make, but let us not forget it is the people of this great Alliance that wanted it..."

  "That is absurd. You cannot..."

  "Off!" Carter ordered.

  The room was finally silent, and he realised they were not alone. A woman stood in the doorway, but she was not one of the hospital staff. He got up to greet whoever had come. She was wearing the hood of her jacket pulled forward, and dark glasses to cover her face.

  "Hey, can I help you?"

  "I'm just...here to pay my respects."

  "Mason is in a coma. He's not dead. He will come back from this," snapped Carter.

  But he was already shaking his head, realising how angry his words were.

  "I'm sorry. Please, come in. I'm sure he'd love the company."

  She pulled off the glasses and then the hood. Carter's jaw almost hit the floor as he realised who it was.

  "Luna Lee?" he gasped.

  She nodded casually.

  "What are you doing here?"

  "I...I saw what happened to your friend, and I want to... I dunno."

  She looked lost and distant.

  "Do you know Mason?"

  "We've never spoken, but he was at my fight. You both were. I've seen a couple of your duels. You're pretty good," she smiled.

  She still seemed dazed and sad.

  "But what are you doing here? It's six hours on the loop from Portland."

  She shrugged.

  "None of it makes any sense right now, you know? I saw what happened to your friend, and I remembered seeing you there at...at my fight."

  He could see how bad her mental state was. He got some idea of it from the moment she had killed Locke. He saw the look on her face, but that look of despair had barely reduced from the moment he had first seen it.

  "He'd be honoured to have you here, you know that? He loves you. He watches your duels religiously."

  She stepped up to his bed and placed her hand on one of his.

  "There was a time that I'd be honoured to meet a fan. I basked in that kind of fandom. The worship I got. I loved it."

  "But not anymore."

  "Not when it's like this," she said, gesturing towards Mason, "This was a game, a game that was really helping to inspire great things. It was never meant to lead to death, and for people to lust for blood like they do now."

  Carter was already nodding along in agreement.

  "You get it, so why didn't he?"

  "He got caught up in it all. I tried to talk him down, but he wouldn't listen. I tried to stop him fighting that duel until the very last moment."

  "Against Luca, he could never win," she said morbidly.

  "But he came close, didn't he?" Carter smiled.

  “He sure did,” she replied softly.

  She was frozen, holding Mason’s hand as if he were a close friend. She looked like a different person to the one Carter had come to know through Duel Reality.

  “So, what now?”

  She looked puzzled and didn’t understand the question.

  “What’s next for you?”

  “I…I just don’t know. But it isn’t this. I fought duels for fame, not to hurt anyone. I thought I could go back to my job. I’m a teacher, you know.”

  Carter nodded along, of cou
rse he knew.

  “But I can’t go back there. The kids, they love the duels, and they loved Terminal, too. I made them this way. It’s all my fault.”

  “But you are their teacher. You can change it all.”

  She shook her head. “No, I can’t.” She began to weep, “It’s too late.”

  “It’s never too late,” he insisted.

  “Really?” She looked down at Mason, “Honestly tell me you think we can just step away from all this? Turn on any channel and see the crowds begging for more. They love Terminal. How can we change any of that?”

  “I hear the new President wants to shut it down, so there is hope.”

  “It cost the last one his life. This is bigger than a President and a government now. It’s got a life of its own.”

  Carter didn’t know what to say, as he felt the despair, too.

  “You know, it’s nice to finally find someone that sees through all this bullshit for what it is. Back home it’s like nobody gets it,” she said.

  “It’s easy to enjoy Terminal when it isn’t affecting your life.”

  She headed for the door but stopped short.

  “I’ll be in town for a few days at least, maybe more. If you ever want to talk.” She swiped her hand across her console and towards his to send her contact info.

  “You take care of yourself. You’re still a hero to Mason, and to me, too.”

  * * *

  28 th July, 2071, 11.14am

  The White House

  Washington, D.C., United American Nations

  “Mr President?” Piper asked as she stepped into his office.

  Roberts looked worn down, as if he’d been at the job for many months. He already looked beaten.

  “What is it, Sir?”

  “We can’t stop this.”

  “Stop what, Sir?”

  “Terminal. It’s got the backing of a dozen Senators already.”

  “What! How?”

  “Miles Renner, that’s how. For some reason he’s championing Zenner’s cause, and he’s winning a lot of people over along the way.”

  “That’s crazy. Why would he support Terminal?”

  “I’ve no idea, but it is out of our hands. The only hope we have now is the UN.”

  “Yes, they could bring a worldwide ban on Terminal and applications like it.”

  “I’ve already got the ball rolling.”

  He swiped his console and brought the news up. They both watched as the Terminal story continued to dominate headlines.

  “World leaders have called to an end to what some are calling Terminal stupidity, but marches in support of the gruesome app have already begun in many cities around the world. Terminal is the latest craze in VR gaming. While some believe this is nothing more than a short-lived fad, and despite its many opponents, Terminal has gripped the world, and seems sure to stay.”

  Roberts swiped his console to turn it off in disgust.

  “Do you see what we are dealing with? Mob rule.”

  “Yes, Sir, that is what I tried to tell President Simmons.”

  “Simmons was a brave man and a strong President, but he was not the smartest, I am sad to say.”

  “No, Sir.”

  “I don’t mean to deride my predecessor, but he was a leader for a different time. The world has moved on, and not in a good way, I would add. A generation ago he would have been what this nation needed. I say that with the utmost respect for him, and I do not presume that I am any better for the job.”

  “But you are what we have, Sir, and I know you will do your very best to lead us through these troubling times.”

  “I’m sure not going to take part in these ridiculous games, but we need to deal with Terminal before it gets out of hand."

  There was a violent knock on the door.

  “Come!”

  A panicked member of staff rushed through.

  “Sir, you need to put the news on.”

  Roberts sighed. It was the last thing he wanted to do, and he’d had enough bad news to last his entire term. The projection display flashed to life. It was an aerial shot of Manhattan. The streets were packed with hundreds of thousands of people in a massive display of force.

  “What is this?”

  “The rallies in support of Terminal, they’re getting bigger,” said Piper.

  “This has already got out of hand.”

  But he was silenced as a news anchor described the scene.

  “Millions are now marching in unsanctioned rallies across many cities, but none quite like this. Various celebrities have been addressing the crowds, but as we heard a few moments ago, the head of Terminal, Mic Zenner, is en route to address this rowdy crowd, and here he is on approach.”

  The drone camera moved in to follow a small luxury craft as it descended in amongst the skyscrapers.

  “Zenner? What is he up to?”

  “With any luck, trying to calm the crowds,” said Piper.

  The crowds were going wild as he came in to land. The vehicle touched down on a landing pad where others had been addressing the crowd. He stepped out to massive applause, but as he lifted his hand to call for quiet, he soon got it.

  “He’s like a rock star to them,” said Roberts in disbelief.

  “Terminal is the hottest craze, and Zenner knows how to get people excited for it.”

  “Thank you, thank you all for such a warm welcome!”

  His voice carried with large speakers, and projections relayed his appearance and voice for blocks all around.

  “You have all gathered here because you are as passionate as I am for Terminal!”

  The crowd erupted in cheers, and a smile stretched across Zenner’s face, but he soon drew them to silence once more.

  “You are here because the powers of this Alliance are trying to bring an end to this app that you know and love!”

  The crowd booed as though it were a pantomime.

  “Well, I am here to tell you that we are here to stay!”

  Cheers once more.

  “What is he doing? He has no authority here,” said the President.

  “The very people that you voted for are trying to stop you from doing what you want. They are supposed to represent the people. Well, it doesn’t seem like they are representing many of us. The polls and the petitions, they all make it clear. The citizens of the UAN, the citizens of the world love Terminal!”

  Cheer rang out again.

  “He is trying to force our hand. Trying to make us stand down.”

  “And doing a pretty good job of it, Sir,” added Piper.

  They could do nothing as they watched Zenner.

  “I am here to tell you that we will not be stopped. We are here to serve you, the people, and so long as you want Terminal, we will continue to provide it. If this government is so out of touch with the will of the people, well, they are no government of mine. I serve you, the people!”

  “He can’t do this!”

  “Yeah? Well, he just did, Mr President. He made us redundant.”

  “We can’t let him go on, Piper. Get me the Police Commissioner, NYPD.”

  She quickly put through the call, and the news volume reduced seconds later as the Commissioner appeared before them.

  “Mr President, what can I do for you?”

  “You’ve seen the news. I want Mic Zenner shut down, right now!”

  But the Commissioner smiled and shook his head.

  “Sir, I advise that you do not pursue that course of action.”

  “Why on earth not? Enlighten me.”

  “Sir, Mic Zenner has not committed any crimes, and he is an immensely popular figure. Do you really want your first act as President to be this?”

  “I want my first act to be for the good of the UAN. Arrest Zenner, now!”

  “If we try this in front of that crowd, this could get real ugly, Sir.”

  He looked to Piper for advice.

  “Sorry, Sir, but I have to agree. If we are to touch Zenner, it needs
to be on our time, when he hasn’t got a million witnesses to cry police brutality. Try and take him down now, and he will look even more the people’s champion than he already does.”

  Roberts looked disappointed, but he was still, as if computing it all in his mind.

  "Fine, let this run its course, but I want him arrested at the first opportunity. At his home, his work, wherever you get the first chance to do it."

  "Yes, Sir."

  Roberts ended the call without another word, and he saw the judgemental look on Piper’s face.

  "You don't agree?"

  "I'm not saying I have all the answers Mr President, but I think you are walking a dangerous path."

  "Because Zenner is popular?"

  "Yes, and because he is powerful."

  "He is a computer game designer, and we have the full resources of the UAN at our disposal."

  "So did President Simmons, Sir."

  Roberts sighed and sat back in his chair.

  "It's a hell of a time to start this job."

  "Yes, Sir," she agreed.

  "We cannot let Zenner continue on like this. He is talking as if his company and his game are untouchable. That cannot be tolerated. He needs to know he is accountable to the law, the same as everyone else."

  * * *

  28 th July, 2071, 5.11pm

  Arlington, Virginia, United American Nations

  Hud cracked open a beer and handed one each to Nui and Zippo. They gladly accepted them. Zippo looked restless for having been stuck in the apartment for so long, but the expression on Nui's face was very different. She was distant and looked lost. But she was also glued to the news projection.

  "So, Roberts, what do you think?" Hud asked.

  "Huh?" Nui was a million miles away and entirely engrossed in the news.

  "Roberts, what do you make of him?"

  "He's nothing great, but probably better at the job than Simmons."

  "I’m not sure many people will see it that way. He's got about as much charisma as my left shoe," replied Zippo.

  "Give him a chance. He might surprise you."

  "Fat chance," shrugged Zippo.

  "So what do we even do now?"

  "I’ve no idea, Hud. We failed. It's all pointless," said Nui.

  Before he was able to respond, they were all drawn in by an announcement on the news.

  "Breaking news, we are going live to Terminal's office in New York where the NYPD has been attempting to arrest Mic Zenner, the CEO of the company."