Chrome Magnolias

Chapter 1: Web City -Russell

"Russell, your two o'clock is here." My receptionist speaks directly into my thoughts as I sit in the tallest skyscraper in Web City. admiring the world William and I created.

"Send him in," I respond with a thought.  Our minds, like all Web's minds, are connected through the Sonia system.

A Weirdo walks into my office; his persona, a Winter Storm-approved avatar. I know the man hooked to the deep dive looks nothing like this. He's probably never looked so clean.    

If I had to see his filthy street wear, it would make me ill. I think as the out-of-place pawn William has sent me approaches my desk.

"Clover, William informed me you would be stopping by today. Please sit down so I can go over what Winter Storm expects." I point to a leather office chair in front of my large oak desk.

"This place is fucking incredible," Clover says of Web City, the virtual world we crafted to keep our minds away from the hellhole of New Hope. His crass tone rekindles old memories of living on those cursed streets.

"It really is..." I pause a moment, trying to remember seeing Web City for the first time, "and I'm sure you can see why we work so hard to protect her."  I say, leaning back in my oversized chair, my hands clasped together as I size up our newest pawn. "I' m also sure you can understand why we need to take care of your current leader..." I look through some notes only visible to me via augmented reality. "Grovel. Clover, we called you in today because word is you're looking to make a name for yourself.  Is that right?" I speak to Clover as the Vice President of Winter Storm, and with pride, I pulled myself from that pitiful life.

I continue to size up the ganger sitting across from me, as I wait for him to answer. He looks young, but that has never dissuaded William before. In fact, he prefers the ignorance of youth. They lack the wisdom to understand they hold more power in numbers, as Grovel has, but now they will learn the cost of understanding.

"That's right, I'm ready to be the fucking boss," Clover speaks with the accent of the street. A bastardization of our language, full of cursing and attitude.

"Have you managed to gather any support like William asked?"  I speak to Clover, but my vision is obscured by memos, reports, messages, and William's instructions for the ganger.

"You fucking kidding? Of course I did. I'm the fucken best, and the other Nox know this. Grovel is a washed-up no one. Nobody believes that motherfucker can do what he says." Clover's words leave his lips like nails on a chalkboard. I feel a guttural disdain for his very existence.

"Our intelligence from the Grid Runner's Cabal says otherwise, Clover. I think your immaturity around this proves you are going to need help.  I will arrange a meeting with you and Tidus; the Grid Runners will need to be involved." I speak to Clover like the pawn he is.

Leave a street rat to his own devices, and he will just get trapped in the maze. I think, trying to disguise the look of disgust I have for Clover on my face.

"Fuck that!" Clover stands in obvious frustration, "I ain't working with no Grid Runner." He places both hands on my desk in an attempt to negotiate with threats.

"Sit down," I command, and with a thought, I force his Avatar back into the chair. I can see his fear. "You will work with Tidus because, to be honest, we are getting tired of Weirdos thinking life can happen without Winter Storm. You think order comes from chaos?" I can smell the artificial pheromones emanating from him. "No! Order is forged through discipline, something you obviously lack. William must see something in you that I cannot, because you don't seem to understand how to follow orders. Let me spell it out for you."  I finally stand and walk over to Clover, whom I still have held paralyzed. "You are logged into the Web City, using one of OUR deep dive stations. I have complete control over you," I speak softer as I lean closer to his face, his breath a winter storm-approved mint.  "You will do everything we have asked you to do, including working with the Cabal. You will curb your attitude, or I will fry your brain and watch it leak from your nose. Don't forget you are on our turf now, and here I hold the power." I glare into his eyes a second longer before walking back to my desk.