‘Dave, are you there?’
“Yes. Sorry, I couldn’t respond once I triggered the upgrade.”
‘What upgrade?’ SJ asked. Still holding her head in her hands, her eyes closed.
“Well, the upgrade I just completed. I hope it worked,” he giggled nervously. “Open your eyes and see.”
‘See what?’ SJ thought, opening her eyes.
At that very moment, she wished she hadn’t. Her vision spun, and she felt instantly sick. It felt as though she was spinning on the spot. ‘What’s happening?’ she thought as she gagged, closing her eyes again.
“Oh, hang on. Let me just tweak it. There we go. That should be better. I forgot to align to your neurological pathways fully.”
‘My what?’
“Just open your eyes again.”
Slowly, SJ opened one eye. ‘What have you done?’ she asked as she opened both eyes, in shock taking in the view.
“I thought it may help going forward.”
The world that SJ now saw no longer made any sense to her. She was looking straight ahead and knew it was a tree that she was focused on, but at the same time, she appeared to have glanced behind. A mental image of her surroundings seemed imprinted on her retina.
“You always asked how I saw things, so I thought this may help if you see in a similar way.”
‘How have you done this? How can I see behind me at the same time as looking ahead? My eyes face forward.’
“I am imprinting my view directly into your neuro receptors, so you can view as though you have 360 degree vision, at least on a flat plane. You don’t get the above view I do. That can’t be added, but I can show you behind. This new level of synchronisation is very detailed. It has given me a lot to consider.”
That sent SJ’s nerves on edge. ‘What do you mean by ‘consider’? What you have done is making me dizzy just sitting here.’
“That will pass as soon as your pathways align fully. I would expect in the next few minutes seeing the speed they are adapting.”
‘What have you done to me? You are messing with my brain. You never discussed it and just went ahead and changed how I see the world,’ SJ fumed in her mind.
“I thought it would help,” Dave sulked.
‘You could have discussed it with me before just running ahead and changing something so drastic. Altering how I see the world is not a small change.’
“I’m sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.”
‘I know. Sorry, it’s very unnerving. Being able to see what is behind me feels very strange. Is it reversible?’
“Erm. I think so.”
‘You think so?’
“Well, yes. I would just reverse what I have done, it should be fine to reverse. I am pretty sure, yes, I can reverse it if you wish.”
‘That doesn’t fill me with confidence.’
“There is no reason why it shouldn’t work. Do you want me to reverse it?”
To SJ, it felt as though, inside her brain, minor adjustments were being made. The sensation of dizziness was fading and as it did, the clarity of the world around her took on a new meaning. It was unnatural but, at the same time, normal. As the ache and sensation of overwhelming panic from her eyesight being adjusted reduced further, her concept and thoughts began to change. Being able to see behind her would be an amazing ability. She had been attacked from behind on more than one occasion, and seeing threats coming would allow her to react in accordance with them.
“It looks like it has finished alignment now. How do you feel?”
‘Scared. You have just altered my brain structure. Has that not now affected me permanently?’
“In what way?”
‘The reason you gave for me being able to be reincarnated was because I had a human brain still from Earth. If you have just adjusted it, does that not prevent me from being reincarnated again?’
Silence.
‘Dave?’
Silence.
“Dave, answer me now?” SJ whispered. She couldn’t remember the last time she had spoken to Dave aloud.
A very quiet Dave replied, “I don’t know.”
‘SORRY?!’ the anger in her thought pulsating within her brain.
“Gah,” Dave gasped. “I felt that.”
‘What do you mean felt?’
“Felt your thought. It triggered across my data platform. My passive memory was suddenly hit with a spike. That feels strange.”
‘Really. THEN HOW DOES THIS FEEL?!’ SJ screamed in her mind.
“Argh,” Dave cried. “Please never do that again. My resource pool shrank by almost fifty per cent.”
‘And why should I worry about it? You may have just removed my primary advantage over the System.’ SJ was furious. ‘How dare you adjust my brain without even considering the implications of what you have done? I thought you were an all-knowing AI, yet you just jumped into changing my brain without even discussing it with me.’
“I just wanted to help.” Dave had never sounded so sheepish before.
‘Well, I suggest you find out if it has impacted me, and don’t speak to me until you do.’
The emotional rollercoaster that SJ had been on was at a tipping point. Everything that was happening to her friends, and now her best friend had done the most stupid thing imaginable without even considering the consequences. Standing, SJ began to head back into the tower. Her adapted vision bizarrely didn’t affect her. She had expected to find it difficult to move, getting used to her new outlook, but there was no uncertainty in her step as she strolled into the foyer. Her brain could process the images as they were, with no impact that she could tell.
As she walked into the foyer, a clerk from an office came hurtling out of the door. SJ saw them coming behind her, but they were not looking forward. SJ stepped to the side. The clerk ran past her, not glancing back. They would have run straight into her if she hadn’t seen them.
‘Okay. Maybe there are some perks. Not that it excuses that excuse for an all-knowing AI,’ she thought, knowing that Dave would still read them.
Walking into the dining hall, the lunch service had ended, and she went straight over to the kitchen door knocking before entering. Seeing Lacey, she called to her.
“Lacey. Any chance of a sandwich and a coffee?”
Lacey, upon seeing SJ, smiled, “Certainly, ambassador. I will have them brought out to you as soon as possible.”
Walking back out, SJ sat at a nearby table, contemplating what Dave had just done to her? She knew he had her best interest at heart, but she wished he had discussed it with her before making a decision.
“SJ.”
Turning, SJ looked across the hall to the being who had entered. SJ recognised them from the chamber but hadn’t spoken to them before.
“Hi, you are the other fae representative alongside Larianco?”
“I am. My name is Raceillia,” she said as she reached SJ.
“What can I do for you?”
“Larianco asked me to find you. She would like you to meet her later if you are available?”
“I can be. Where did she wish to meet?”
“At our residence. It is situated in the south of the inner city by the inner wall. There is a large park before it. You can’t miss it as the only property near the park.”
“No problem. I will see you later. Thank you.”
Smiling, Raceillia turned and left SJ to her sandwich and coffee. By the time SJ had eaten and drank her coffee, it was nearly time for the council to reconvene and walking back through the foyer, many of the councillors were on their way to the chamber. Her new outlook could pick up all the interactions going on around her. It felt strange seeing everything at once. A human elbowed another in the side and motioned towards her. They were walking behind her to the left and she turned, looking directly back at the man, who immediately looked down with embarrassment. Smirking, she carried on into the chamber and took her seat.
She wasn’t expecting to see Zigferd or Isavil in the chamber and was surprised when they both walked in with Darwinial before the chancellor’s arrival. Zigferd took his seat next to SJ.
“Is everything ok?” SJ said.
“It will be the chancellor has just spoken to the king, and the lord has been recalled immediately.”
“That’s great to hear. I hope there is no fallout from it.”
“I was there when the chancellor spoke to the king and heard the conversation. Unless the king is a very good actor, he wasn’t pleased with the lord’s behaviour. I don’t think he has done himself any favours.”
“Cristy has gone,” SJ said, immediately feeling a tear in her eye.
“What? Already? I hadn’t even spoken to her about everything.”
“I spoke to her and briefed her on what you had told me. She left with Reay while you were in the Astaria.”
“I wish I had seen her before she left,” Zigferd sighed.
“I am sure she will be fine,” SJ said as a tear fell down her cheek. Zigferd reached and squeezed her hand with tenderness.
“I am sure she will do great.”
“At least I will be able to speak to her. I bought some communication stones.”
Zigferd looked at SJ with surprise and was about to comment when the horn blew, and the chancellor entered the chamber. Looking at the chamber door, the chancellor entered with Wystria and Petunia.
“What’s Petunia doing here?” SJ whispered.
“No idea,” Zigferd said with a deep frown.
The chancellor took his position at the centre of the podium before speaking. “Dear All. Thank you for understanding the delay in today’s proceedings. I can say that the issue we were all privy to earlier has been resolved. You may also wonder why her worship has joined us in the chamber. Alec will accompany Lord Narias back to the elven kingdom with two of the elders, to reestablish our diplomatic ties with the elven kingdom. While he is away, her worship has accepted my request to oversee his responsibilities in his absence.”
Petunia smiled and waved as the chancellor finished his comments to several chuckles from councillors. In comparison, some of the councillors’ faces were expressions of dread.
“Now this will be interesting,” Zigferd whispered.
“Why?”
“There are many in this chamber that Petunia would probably walk past if they were on fire.”
As the chancellor continued his opening commentary, the voice that cut across the chamber scared Zigferd half to death. SJ thought he would have hidden under his seat if he could have.
“I will just remind all council members that I can hear everything that is said in this chamber. I am sure many of the older members remember that well. Councillor Reynord, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself. A man of your stature should know better.”
The councillor mentioned by Petunia, coughed loudly as he turned a beetroot red, making it obvious to all that what he had said he shouldn’t have. Gaining looks and several snickers from those in the chamber.
“And you Zigferd Maxwell of Killic. I raised you to have better manners. Although what you say may be true.” A wicked smile appearing on Petunias face, her eyes glinting. “I will remind you once more you are not too big to go across my knee,” Petunia boomed.
The chamber erupted in laughter. Even Isavil couldn’t help but smile at Zigferd’s total embarrassment. The chancellor tried to keep a straight face, but he also struggled. Grumbling, Zigferd sat with his head down, scuffing the toe of his boot on the floor like a scolded child. SJ couldn’t help but smile at his dismay.
The session continued, and it was several hours later and early evening when the chancellor stood to give his closing speech.
“...and I thank you all for your time and wish you all safe journeys home for those returning.” With that, the chancellor stepped down while all the council members stomped their feet.
“What’s the plan now?” SJ asked.
“To be honest. I’m not sure. I haven’t even had a chance to fully discuss everything with Isavil yet with all that has been happening.”
Walking down to the chamber floor, SJ and Zigferd approached Isavil, who was busy talking to Lorevil. Lorevil looked like a rabbit caught in headlights, knowing that she was now taking over as the market traders’ representative.
“But what about the monthly meeting?” Lorevil said, panic plain in her voice.
“Don’t worry. You have been by my side for years. You know the format and what is expected. Have confidence in your ability.”
“But I have never done it by myself before.”
“You couldn’t always stay under me. You were going to progress eventually, anyway. Even if it wasn’t on the market trader’s side, Fasvil mentioned moving you to oversee a district. This way, you will stay in a position you already know.”
“Yes, but what if I mess up?”
“You don’t think I haven’t over my time in the role? None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes as long as we learn from them, and Fasvil will guide you when I am not around. Remember not to fall for his charm, or you will do more work than you bargained for.”
Fasvil was standing nearby. Hearing his sister’s comment, he frowned at her. Isavil glanced at him, smirking.
“Anyway, I have things to do and a husband to order around,” she said, turning towards Zigferd and reaching for his hand. “You will be fine, Lorevil. Come on, we have things to do.” Turning and leading Zigferd from the chamber.
SJ walked along with them, trying not to chuckle as Zigferd was given orders by Isavil over what was going to happen. His response to every statement was, “Yes, dear.”
“So, you know what you need to do?” Isavil asked for the sixth time as they stood on the tower steps.
“Yes. I have already said yes a thousand times,” Zigferd sighed.
“Good,” grinning, Isavil stretched up on her toes to plant a kiss on the side of his face. Isavil was tall, but she couldn’t compare to Zigferds’ height. “I will see you back at mine, sorry ours, in a couple of hours.”
They watched as Isavil floated off down the steps. The way she moved was always so light and elegant.
“It’s already late. I’m not sure how much I can get done today,” Zigferd grumbled.
“Are you not excited?” SJ asked.
“Yes. But there is so much to do and I haven’t even done half of what I hoped for this visit.”
“We can always extend for a few days if you need to? I am sure Alice will cope.”
“I know Alice will cope. I just don’t enjoy being away for too long. The town is my responsibility, after all. We will see how we get on.”
“The town is every member of the council’s responsibility in Killic, not just yours. Maybe you need to consider that going forward. You are involved in almost every discussion, many of which you don’t need to be. Especially now that you have a new wife to keep happy,” SJ chuckled.
Zigferd muttered to himself.
“I will speak to Jay. You need an extra wagon to take Isavil’s belongings, and I am sure he would be happy to oblige. I also need to go see Larianco. Raceillia asked me to go see her this evening.”
As SJ turned heading towards the stables, Zigferd trudged off on his errands. Reaching the stables, SJ found Jay in the office.
“Jay. Do you fancy a road trip? We need an extra wagon to take Isavil’s belongings back to Killic when we leave. You will obviously be paid for your time.”
“I can do. I haven’t considered doing long haul before.”
“Alef, our coach driver, is due back from Killic tomorrow, and Zigferd and Isavil have a few things to sort out first before they leave. I am not sure exactly which day it will be yet, but if you are able, it would be appreciated.”
“I have never been to Killic.”
“It’s a wonderful town. The people are so friendly, and the weather is perfect most of the time.”
“Sounds like it could be an enjoyable break. I will speak to the stable master. Did you want to get that food we spoke about?”
“I can later. If the place will be open, I need to see Larianco first.”
“It never closes,” Jay smiled.
“Great. I will drop back later once I have seen Larianco.” Turning, SJ left the stables and walked around the back before shrinking and changing her dress. The skies were already dark with the night setting in and the extended council time. Her display read 20:27. Taking off she headed south of the inner city area. Flying over the inner city buildings was peaceful. The streets only had the occasional being travelling on them. Reaching a large park area that Raceillia had described, she landed inside by some bushes before transforming. The park was lit by lanterns on poles hanging on either side of a long path that led through it. Following the path, SJ was contemplating what she had to do. She hadn’t been to see Daek yet and didn’t want to leave Asterfal before seeing what claws and darts he had available.
There was still also the outstanding quest to free the shark bait, and she was considering getting a communication stone for Carlito to contact her. As well as other sets for her friends in Killic. The set she had bought had cost her five gold, so she knew it could get expensive. It still surprised her that Killic didn’t use them more frequently, concluding that there wasn’t a need because of Killic’s size, and the cost of a simple set she had purchased was beyond 95% of Killic’s population to even consider. She reminded herself she was in a rather unique position with the money from the mithril mine.
SJ’s senses were triggered as she saw the flash of blue from behind her with her adapted vision, but she couldn’t react in time as the light struck her in her back. Her body froze mid-step, and she fell forward to the ground, unable to move her arms to stop herself. Crashing onto the stone pathway, she grunted in pain as the wind was knocked from her. Lying where she was, her vision was restricted, with her face turned sideways. She heard footsteps until, eventually, a body appeared, standing above and behind her. She could make out the dress that the being wore and recognised the pattern as the voice of her assailant spoke.
“You really have been a trouble to dispose of. Having to get my hands dirty is not what I had hoped for.”
SJ couldn’t reply, her mind reeling as she lay there, paralysed. ‘Why?’ she thought as she saw a blue light emerge in their hand.
