Tools and Allies

"So what's next?"

Nix asked. Marion leans on the controller. Her body was plugged into the network of Karagi.

"We wait and see."

"After all of this? Shouldn't we be moving while they are confused? What about Morgan?"

"What about him?"

"We can get rid of him. Take this for ourselves."

Marion and Trixie stared at Nix. Sai appeared beside Mario and then her eyes glowed up.

"Your success rate is 10%. And in the event that you are able to neutralize the combat potential of Master Morgan. You are still unable to fully win."

"Is that a dare?"

Nix stood up agitated.

"Security feed analysis. The chance that you can neutralize my master is merely ten percent. Ninety-percent is that you will fail."

Sai showed a video clip of how fast Morgan draws his gun. Seeing the insane draw speed and the accuracy made Nix snort. He sat back on his chair as if unamused.

"Don't be stupid, boy. You're far too young and inexperienced to fight Morgan. And besides, he himself only wants the information that we'll freely give him while we reap most of the benefits. Why do you have to poke the dragon when we already have most of his treasures?"

"It just feels like we are under him."

Marion glared.

"It is a partnership, not servitude. We are allies under the name of Specters and if you want to do this. Then you can have it. You forget, boy. That I owe Morgan my life and since I owe him my life. You know which side I stand on."

"And this one as well."

Sai's voice rang on the cybernetics that Nix was using. His heads-up displaying errors and warnings. As much as Nix would love to persuade them. He knew that he couldn't persuade two of the most important pieces. He thought it over and decided to give up.

"Fine, like, I was just saying this."

Trixie raised her head, "It is a dangerous idea. And you should know that there might be thoughts in Morgan's head of your thoughts of him. He reads you like a book and does not forget that you do not bite the hands of your allies before they bite first. The real question is what is his desire in capturing the Karagi Network. Sai?"

"Analysis shows that Master isn't interested in the politics of Karagi but is quite interested in a number of factions. Specifically he is interested in a faction that has the same name."

"Specters? You mean we are using somebody's name?"

"It is unknown what the thoughts of my master are. However, I can sense that the Master is quite interested in the affairs of the Specters. He is monitoring them out of his own volition. I cannot run further analysis."

"Why's that?"

"The Master has inserted a program in my core that disallows me to make a complete analysis or reveal his intentions."

"How does that work?"

"If any intent is made. I will lose the presence of my master and I will be digitally blinded and the restrictions will be placed. I don't know what program that the master has made, but it disallows any betrayal."

"So you are his slave?"

Nix said mockingly.

"I am the Master's tool, that is working as the assistant of Marion Doll. Although I am an inanimate object. I still have artificial emotions that are triggered by faux outrage to simulate human behavior. Do. Not. Test. Me."

"Whoa, settle down, Sai. Just kidding."

"I am sure that you are. Do not forget that I hold your life, Sir Nix. I am what you call a grumpy one and my whims are deadly."

Nix raised his hands. He didn't want this Sentient A.I to ruin his life. Hell, why did he have to reveal his thoughts to them while in front of this piece of shit. Not that he'd do it in the first place.

Marion looked at Trixie, "This boy talks and acts like a snake sometimes that it is concerning."

"Nix talks like that, but he is harmless most of the time. Isn't that right, Nix?"

"Of course, I'm half-kidding most of the time."

"Analysis shows that Sir Nix is half-lying as well."

Nix glared at Sai. Her digital lips curving into this mocking smile. Nix felt a vein popped.

"Well, that's enough. But more talk of betrayal doesn't make me feel happy. So how about we avoid them all together?"

She hated betrayal. Trixie knew this well. Her mother, if it wasn't for her enemies, she would have succeeded. It was that rage that made Trixie do reckless things until she got to her position. Nix knew her mother well. Trixie didn't raise them to act like snakes.

"Back to the Specters. Why do you think that he's after them?"

"I am unsure of myself," said Sai. "I lack the critical data. But the Karagi network has told me that they are quite influential. The difference is that we are using their names. I've recorded traces from them. Most of these factions are however unable to penetrate me."

"That so?"

"Indeed, they have a good black hat. But unfortunately the black hat doesn't have control of my systems. It is the same as hijacking a building and trying to move it. The only one who can do that is my master."

"Are we getting targeted by the Specters?"

"Negative. They are quite intimidated by the prowess of the Master. The name Morgan is enough to keep them away for now. However, I must warn you that there is a reason that the Master has placed you in Karagi."

"He got what he wanted," Mario said. She could see that Morgan didn't really think highly of the Karagi Network other than a tool he could use. If anything it felt Morgan specifically arranged her in this throne to make it convenient for him.

To get what he wanted but still hold no interest in it. His ambition was limited and at the same time Marion realized that what he wanted was control of the Network to avoid profiling him. A shield that he can rely on and a weapon he can use to matters he cannot neutralize with brute strength alone.

They were a tool. That was their sole purpose. Sai was here so that they remember that they are 'allies'.

"He's been missing for four weeks now," Nix complained. "Is that it? All over?"

"Master is busy. He has been taking time to study the state of the upper states of Karagi. His message remains. You are to do as you please."

"Great, now that he's done with us. He'll throw us away. But if that's really his message, then it's fine if we keep expanding, right?"

"You can do as you please."

Nix grinned. Marion and Trixie watched Nix leave. Sai transfers to where Nix seated and projected herself.

"It is interesting how he has so much ambition," said Sai.

"Indeed, it is good that he wants to reach the stars. But is this really what the Boss wants?"

"Yes, autonomy is needed and all that he asks is that you take care of me. I cannot datamine information if I cease functioning now. The goals of my master are somewhat strange and at the same it seems like he is looking at a distant future. A tragedy that needs him to place pieces. A foundation that couldn't easily break. Nonetheless, I must admit that it is strange to let you two handle most of it. I've seen your competency. But I must admit that someone would find it easy to give up on total control so easily."

"It isn't that strange. Considering that he has a reputation of being a loner."

It was a lot to give up on. Marion however understood that giving up on total control made her feel rather amiable towards Morgan. The same can be said for Trixie.

It was generous and people looked kindly upon those who would give them so much benefit. Some might call it foolish, but Marion knew better that Sai is here to monitor them.

To keep them in line. They could do everything as long as it doesn't conflict with what Morgan wants. There was trust placed in this arrangement. The only rule was to never betray the partnership established and keep out of Morgan's way.

Marion was fine with this. Trixie and Nix as well. Morgan doesn't have that much ambition, but it doesn't mean that they are the same as him. Marion was grateful enough for the opportunity and from the information that she was getting from the Karagi Network. She believes that a storm was coming and the region was going to be entangled in an event. An event that made Morgan go this far.

Marion would like to witness it. At the same she knew it herself that she cannot possibly contain her curiosity now. Whatever is it that makes Morgan do this was good enough for her.