/Liang
"I think we fucked up." - Wei Xian paced in the room, then leaned on the wall.
"Ehhh…" - All I could do in reply was to let out a deep sigh. The damn situation was spinning out of control so fast we were not sure what to do at all.
Sure, we got here, we had the orders to get close to the woman at the top. We were doing our best, but the darn things they were liking, the different kinds of culture and things were rather annoying. Then they threw us into the system - sure, many years there. The life of an office plankton, the work, the life. At some point it allowed me to learn all the damn things these people were on about. From references, to the definitions of the words, the meanings, the resemblance… At the same time - each day I had to remember the Iron City, the actual life I had there. I had a notebook with all that written inside - like a memoir, which held all the actual ways of my life, my past, my being… With each year in the system - sure, I assimilated - relationships, love-life, but it was odd.
The 'normalcy' here was abnormal to me. I never saw Wei Xian in the system, we were never connected. I did though see Ana. She was the head of the company, but I've always seen her in passing. That's when I came up with the idea to use that. I observed her, stalked her, and got as much information about her as possible. Though I did wonder if that was anywhere near the 'real' her. That I could never be certain, but just to have that information - I thought it would be useful anyway.
The wife I had - she was like a woman of a really free character. I was the 'trophy husband' who was forever married to work. She had to know it was work. That marriage did not last. I had some women, men, approach me and well… I used whatever was thrown at me. Learned, observed, took part in whatever was there, but damn was that a bit too much. Noticing that I did change - was rather annoying. The flood of information, senses being either in overload, or in the deep craving of the 'normalcy' from the Iron City - thwarted all possible relationships I had in there.
I missed the Iron City. I dreamed of it. Sensing how I was back with Feng, how I was once more hanging out with Sheng… But here… Here it was rather obvious that it was a whole another prolonged dream with no certain end to it. And then it did happen - one damn sunny day at work - computer screen, the damn work of the project regarding the construction plans and it just happened - the whole world was falling apart like a puzzle. I felt elevated that it finally finished. It's finished!
Once I opened my eyes, seeing the few in the room, seeing Ana… Oh, how this bitch was on my mind all the damn time… How I yearned to break her apart in ways she's never known, so I'd bring the glory and win to the master I serve - Feng. I did call out, it took me a bit to recall how to act, though it was not that tough. I lied to her. I did. I bit her, sure. I was in deep bloodthirsty, hellishly cold fury. I wanted to tear her apart limb from limb.
I tried to get to her, playing the role of a lover. That's the role I knew so well, I used so well… Though it was obvious she would not falter. She had a wall I could not bring down no matter the effort. Eventually it was obvious that she learned about what I was like in the system - her damn computer had it all. I tried multiple times to access that data - always met with either the damn Android or someone else guarding that thing. I even got it so far to fuck the damn thing into oblivion - her name was Niko. Thirsty thing for sexual release - is what I understood.
I tried to play with others, to gain the trust, the pull, any leverage to use… Fucking hell, it was like playing a game where you've reached dead end, yet still try to push the wall to find a sliver of something to get through it. Eventually - Isabel cornered me. She just said - "Your eagerness is making you look silly.". Was I that desperate and obvious? I sure thought I was not. I WAS NOT!
One time I was stuck in the computer area, where David showed his pod which he got out of. I met Michael there. This one was already wearing a collar. Not the one sent into the Iron City. This one reeked of insanity.
"You sure try really hard." - Michael coldly poked the key on the keyboard. The screen was off.
"What's it to you?" - I leaned on the pod.
"Well our goals might align." - He looked at me. - "How do you disable this shit?" - Michael pointed his finger at the collar. - "I'm really in the need to KNOW things. Really. So, if you're up for a little mischief… Hmmm… How about we take things in our hands a little?"
That… That was all it took me to actually succumb to the temptation. This man shared a lot about the bunkers, about the processes that took place in here, his achievements, the other facilities and so much in general - I thought I'd be the golden boy who brings the greatest victory to Feng with all of this. But then again… My own eager nature made me fall for trickster.
Michael managed to get some information, but even then, his collar was not entirely disabled. Until a few weeks later - Tae Yeon came about and fixed that issue, adding some new bits which I could not really fathom. A little later after that, no matter my efforts - it felt like the whole place was in some sour mood. Wei Xian was sticking to Mia. Somehow they got into some alliance, with all that I felt I was being pushed back by Wei Xian.
Even the last bit connecting me to Iron City was dwindling. Any information about the City was now under strict management and I had no idea what was going on. I only saw the people of this place go back and forth. Sometimes I'd be taken along to the Outpost, but that was limited for a few hours at most, under strict supervision. Even if I'd sneak out - the damn androids would police me like mad dogs.
Until the day came when the three who went to the Iron City were brought back. That too became a 'red tape' situation where neither me, nor Wei Xian were allowed to be anywhere near. A week or two later - they got Feng and Sheng. As prisoners. Put inside the system right off the bat.
And this is where we're at - Wei Xian and me - watching the two we so obediently followed - in the cryo pods, hooked to the system we're not allowed to know about.
"So what's the plan now?" - Wei Xian looked at the two in the pods, as we both stood there, assessing our situation.
"Coming clean to them. That's the only way we'll ever get them to our side." - I tiredly summarised the whole thing, as I felt like thus far nothing else worked. So it'd be easier to just get in somewhat 'good graces' with them.
"Fucked indeed…" - Wei Xian sighed. - "I'll go see Mia first. Then shall head to the top office to see Ana."
"No, we'll both go to Ana now. Otherwise this…" - I pointed at Sheng and Feng in 'containers'. - "...This ain't taking us anywhere else, but alongside them. If we keep this up."
The trip to the upstairs is pretty much the same. We make it at least three to four times a week. But come out with no clear answers, nor any possible other ways to know what is what.
This time… This time it should be different.
"Uhum, you again." - Ana looked at us for a moment, once we got in, then went back to her screen. - "Anything in particular or the same old?"
I walked over and sat on the couch, Wei Xian walked over to her table and leaned on it.
"We have something to discuss." - Wei Xian looked at her.
She stopped her work, pushed her chair and got up.
"Alright. Seems like you finally decided something. Alright. Let's hear it." - Ana slowly made way to the kitchenette and poured herself some coffee.
"Feng sent us to get in your graces." - I began.
"Mhm." - She let out, as she watched us.
"We had to get to know all about the bunkers, as well as get close to the one managing it." - I continued. She watched us, having the expression of a mother that knows what follows.
"And we did try to get the info." - Wei Xian cut in. - "Even tried to go round ways through Michael. Well, to no avail."
"Mmhm." - She kept watching us.
"The idea was to infiltrate and gather all we could about other bunkers as well. Though…" - I sighed. - "We failed."
"I mean, you went through cunning ways. I give you that. But then again, you underestimated us by thinking we're a bunch of relics that ain't got a faintest about the world. And look how that bit you in the ass." - She had her coffee and kept watching us, as she walked over to the coffee table in front of the couch and placed her cup on it. - "So what did you come up with?"
"Apology ain't really the way now. Feng and Sheng are in the system. What can we do?" - I looked her in the eyes.
"Finally you're talking." - Ana smirked. - "How about you tell me all there is about the plan Feng had?"
I told her about the plan of getting rid of all that was spoiling life in the Iron City. How Feng was in need of getting rid of all that stood for the old times, how change was needed and there were the rebels, the resistance and all that.
"Yeah, Adrian did share that with us." - She tilted her head at me. - "But what can YOU add to what we already know?"
"He wants to get into the other bunkers. He wanted to know about the other survivors, the projects each bunker had and the personnel." - I said, feeling like I'm betraying Feng, yet surviving the situation at hand.
"His idea was to take over the Iron City and instill the new laws of the game. For the sake of the power he did collaborate with a shady bunch of psychos, sure." - Wei Xian added.
"You mean those who went all full blown force of abuse on the three we sent in? Oh yeah, I know." - Ana was cold as she said that, with a smile. Cold fury, is it?
"The people were the ones who also wanted to get out and use things. Some did go out. By now you must have found the other exits from the Iron City where they used routes to mess with things. Some used it for gathering information. Some used the paths to escape and create small settlements like the one you call 'Outpost'." - Wei Xian kept going.
"And there's also some who used the ways out to find other surviving people out there." - I added. - "Hence some were smuggled into the Iron City for pleasure purposes. Or eaten, experimented on. Some of such settlements were annihilated in the process. Some managed to escape. Once they relocated - we had no way of knowing how far and where. They're that good. Some shared information about the outside world, most of them killed anyone they saw from Iron City on sight. That's why some were 'reborn' a bunch of times. Like the sent-in information gatherers."
Ana sighed, as she rubbed her temples. She got up and walked over to the window.
"So there ARE others." - She let out tiredly. - "Ugh… Fun."
"Is there anything we're able to do now?" - I asked.
She paced around the room, mulling over.
"And here I thought I could retire…" - Ana let out tiredly, then turned to the side of the table, walked over to it, took something in her hand and pushed the button on it. - "Haley, get your ass over here stat." - She said, then turned to us. - "Alright kids, let's go talk to adults now."
We got up and followed her. Down to the facility, to the lower floors. Then to meet BongCha.
"Oh, what you," - BongCha seemed joyous for a moment, as she saw Ana walk in, then she saw us behind her. - "Oh…"
"So these stooges said some stuff about other people being out there along with survivors and all. We'll need both Aigeu and AIO to get on with this shit and work it out. Aigeu might know more, if what they say is true." - Ana said to BongCha, the latter let out a sigh and gave a nod.
"I'll send the inquiry out there. What are we doing with them?" - BongCha eyed us.
"Side questing on my behalf. Hope they survive it." - Ana let out, then turned around, gently patted me and Wei Xian on the shoulders and walked back. We followed.
Once more off somewhere and into the side of the bunker where the mechanics were not working. The special room where most others lived.
"Anyone here?" - Ana called out into the rooms, as we got into this common room looking thing.
After a few moments Ary walked out.
"What is this about?" - Ary asked, as he watched us.
"Other people living out in the wilderness. But that's more between Aigeu and AIO." - Ana pointed at us, without turning to see us. - "Take the two beach boys. Wei Xian to Isabel, Liang to you. Make sure that the trouble ain't haunting them."
"Babysitting now is it?" - Ary asked, as he stretched out. He seemed to have a bit less sleep than usual.
"You better listen to this demon, if you want your peace." - Ana turned to face me, looking me in the eyes. - "Play nice, if you want to survive. Whatever you remember of Iron City - it's not the same as it was. There's no longer what was. Only the memory of it, which will wither with time. So make sure to play nice. Or you'll deal with a bunch of psychos."
She left us with Ary and walked off.
"Her being mean is her being tired." - Ary said. - "She does not bite. Maybe stab, but won't bite. Also," - Ary turned to the side and raised his voice. - "You all better walk out, it's getting annoying."
The two people walked out - Michael, who was the CEO and Hikaru.
"So there ARE others." - Michaels eyes were twinkling with excitement.
"Hold your horses crazy boy, just coz I allow you to walk about does not mean I allow you to fuck about." - Ary looked at him, like a serious matter is still afoot. - "WeiXian, you're to go to Isabel. She'll sort you out, as you seem to already manage things with her. Make sure you get her up to speed with all that's been here. Liang, you'll be sticking with me."
WeiXian went out and off to Isabel, as much as I understood. It was like he breathed out some level of heaviness, as he turned on his heels and went off.
"Well well well, how about you tell me more about your shenanigans?" - Michael perked up, as he was inching closer to me.
"How about you shut the hell up, crazy-boy?" - Ary eyed Michael. - "You've been way too far out there being a sellout whore." - Ary took a seat on the couch. - "So, there's others. Have you any good idea where abouts? Oh wait… That's for them lot of women to sort. As she dropped you off in here. Oh well, life's life." - Ary shrugged.
"You still annoy the fuck out of me, you piece of gay mess." - Michael kept looking at Ary, like he would love to tear him apart.
"Oh yes, you indeed would call me that. Though, if I remember correctly, weren't it you who loved to be pounded from the back, my dear?" - Ary smiled at Michael. - "God did you moan out to the heavens each time, all the while wearing the meatsuit of the poor little Hikaru in here."
Hikaru rolled his eyes and sat on the other end of the couch. I took a seat too. It seems like I was thrown into some internal mess under the directive of even more messy beings. Either Ana really has a plan, or there's something I'm missing out on.
"Ok baby girl, don't frown at me like that. I know you've also been used like a condom and discarded in the same sense. Michael is a dick like that." - Ary said matter-of-factly about it, though the sarcasm seeped through.
"Will you remove the collar?" - Hikaru asked.
"Wouldn't you love that, huh? But not yet, my sweet summer child." - Ary leaned back, relaxing into the couch. - "You're under surveillance boy. Like the trickster who fucked about." - Ary turned to look at Michael.
"So I'm still the Trickster, huh?" - Michael sighed. - "How belittling."
"Rather fitting." - Ary shrugged. - "You fucked about and you found out what all that leads to. A collar and a leash. Be happy I ain't making you suck my dick, like you did back in the system."
"You mean how Hikaru did back in the system?" - Michael played sly fox.
"You mean YOU in MY body… Right." - Hikaru rolled eyes.
I shook my head. It's such a mess it's ridiculous.
After this gathering - Ary pulled me with him to walk, as he left the other two in the same place we met them. Off to the level with some robotics I have not seen before. Pretty grand for such a thing out here.
"This is one of the exits from here." - Ary said, breaking his streak of silence he began from the moment we left that common room.
"And why are we here?" - I asked.
He went back to silence. We walked to the end, the gate opened, there was the outside world. Ary walked out, watching the day unfold.
"I won't question you about your loyalty. You'll figure that out on your own." - Ary began. - "I am here to make sure you won't fuck up. Even if you do - I'll be the one to take you out."
"I know what I did. That was for my liege Feng. I still don't know what to do about this whole thing." - I replied.
"I'm sure you don't." - Ary said, looking out there. - "Would you like to stay inside the bunker and work the hellstorm inside, or are you more curious about the outside world?"
"I… I don't know… Really." - I replied.
It was indeed my dream to venture out and see what things are out there, but I was worried back then I'd be caught like others and used. So I didn't. Here - it is a mess I am not really on about. The bunker is its own mess with people, drama, politics and unjust shitstorm.
"I am not asking you to pick and choose. I'm asking something rather simple - what you do well is what I do well… Will you try to use these powers to help me stabilize the mess in the bunker, or will you use those powers to help stabilize the shit out there? It's like there's mess everywhere currently. I'm just wondering where you want your achievements first." - Ary spoke, but it seemed like he was thinking out loud.
"If Ana put me up with you, then there seems to be a meaning to that. After all I've seen, it seems her judgement is right about some things. Maybe I'm meant to help you out in whatever you're up to." - I said, as I watched Ary.
Ary turned around to face me, with certainly a devious kind of smile.
"What I say next shall be kept a secret between us. Can you keep secrets, hm?" - Ary asked me.
"I won't break your trust." - I replied.
Ary kept his eerie grin up, walked around me, then stopped to face me directly.
"I am meant to keep the bunker inhabitants at bay. Meaning not only what they do, but things which might… Well…" - Ary pressed lips, then gently had his head turn side to side, as if slowly shaking up the stiff neck. - "Dispose of those who do not serve the hive. Let's put it this way. There are others who are still in the cryo pods. Some are some nasty pieces of characters, some others very much the busy bees we're seeking for. But." - Ary looked me in the eyes, watching me like he saw into my soul. - "There's a lot of playing about with them, if we want them to do what we want. Like many humans. Love the flattery, the brownie points, the compliments, the occasional pat on the back or a full blown sexual endeavour filling the night. So that's what we're going to be into."
"Sounds like what I did when I worked for Feng." - I let out.
"Yes, I'm aware. I saw your file. But the difference is - there you feared him, revered him, loved him and obeyed him. Here - he's a test bunny in a tube. All that magnificence bottled. At the same time - there's the old relics like me, like Ana, like Niko, Verin and others… But there's a catch. You are the glimpse of that 'old' world, as much as you're the whole another book that's yet to unfold. What you'll have to do - is rather simple. It is what you did before. But I won't micromanage you. No. I just need results. It does not matter to me how you get them, reach them or fuck them into submission. Just the basic need - the prosperity and peace of the hive. But just so you know - if you do the work well - you'll be free to go wherever. You'll be free to roam as is, under me. Though I do tend to kill when needed. And also. Before you begin to work under me - I'll have to purify you. It won't be gentle, nor nice. But you'll come to be a bit more human in that moment."
Ary guided me into the bunker. Once more the premises with tech, though this time he got me into some contraption. Spoke the words, then I felt a stinging sensation. Pain and sickness came crushing, I puked my guts out right near it. Head dizzy for a moment, but all got better in a bit.
"This apparently is not the practice limited to bunkers, but was really far adapted into the Iron City. Nano-bots, m'dear. You'll be as human as they come now." - Ary gave me a pat on the shoulder.
"Say," - I wiped my mouth - "Why are you called Ary? The names here are kind of messed up." - I let out the thoughts that held in my head for a while.
"Oh, because we picked them. We lived with these names in the system. And we've gotten too used to them. So, even now, instead of using the birth names - we use the ones we did in the system." - Ary explained as-a-matter-of-factly.
"Is that not confusing though?" - I asked more, prying into this construct.
"Oh no. This way we know who's who. Not the given name of a person, nah, the soul that carries the chosen name, the whole lot of what they did and are capable of. That's why we use the names from the system. Because those show who they were when they could have it all." - Ary summarised. - "Now, let us go and hoard a room, so we can plan out the rest of the evening."
The common rooms, the shared rooms, the shared baths, the damn rooms… Not the ones in the side of where Ana were with her office, no, the other side where all of the others were typically.
From then on I got to see them all, the ones who 'originated' from the bunker - come and go. Hang out, fight, chat, banter… I had one purpose recently - to study them all, to really be acknowledged by them. And slowly they began to open up more, as they saw me with Ary, with Hikaru. David was there on and off. Seeming like he knew what I was put on for.
It took me months of observations… Until I saw it - how Ary gently would stage a very simple, very elaborate trap for some of them… Which always leads into situations where they'd be near death. And my job was to come to the rescue, if required. But then it dawned - he drove some to death. At first it was mental, then physically he drained them. And then… Actual three deaths… Bodies used in the compost bin on the agriculture floor.
"You see, it was really needed to get rid of them. It was rather funny, but that's what we summarised. They won't be needed any more. So, we have some others to take care of…" - Ary turned to me, after dumping the bodies into compost. - "We'll have to take care of the ones who awaken. AIO decided to wake them all up." - Ary mulled over, then added. - "Not all those who'll awaken are a gift. Even though she killed many off prior to, but the damn human nature… The old paradigms that resurface…" - Ary looked me in the eyes with a smile. - "Worry not, darlin', we'll have it all covered. You, me, and soon enough a few others who'll share the cause."
I was not sure if the latest developments were any better from what I have seen in the Iron City. Something felt off. I have not spoken to WeiXian for over a month, have not even seen him. Others who I encounter have dwindled. I wonder what more have they pulled off, whilst I was here, playing the henchman to this Undertaker.