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LOCATION: ISLE OF LIGHT
CITY: SEYCHELLES
DATE: AUGUST 22, 2026 | TIME: 7:45 AM
Moira Blackwell awoke leisurely and stretched. Birds chirped outside the window, and she felt exquisite. It was Saturday morning, but when you're wealthy it doesn't often matter what day it is.
Still, she felt great. She stood and looked out the window.
Gideon could be an ass sometimes, but even she had to admit the man had an eye for real estate.
When he first showed her this island, Moira didn't see the vision he described to her at all. It was a mess of brush and unkempt palms. Even the beach was filled with jagged stones that hurt when you walked on it.
Yet, when all the construction was complete and she saw it for the first time, she couldn't stop the tears streaming down her face. It was the most beautiful architecture she'd ever seen.
And to be able to spend holidays in such a place was a blessing she'd never forget to appreciate.
The bright yellow bird darted away and Moira's eyes followed its flight. Then she glanced down and couldn't understand how she'd ended up in these clothes.
A full set of blue satin pajamas adorned her slim, fit body. Oversized wooden buttons were sewn into the top, preserving her modesty, and a loose drawstring kept the pants from falling.
She stepped over to the mirror. Moira had been on many a shopping spree where she'd bought thousands of dollars of clothes that she never wore. But these pajamas were definitely new.
Her eye caught a white placard on top of the wooden dresser. She picked it up and read. She recognized Gideon's penmanship immediately.
My love,
Some of us had to leave on an emergency trip. I'll be off the grid for a bit, but I'll check in when I can. Not sure how long I'll be, but enjoy the island! And if you can, take care of our guests.
I love you,
Gideon
"Well," Moira muttered, "I'm not going to say no to an extended vacation."
As she got dressed in a bikini with a throw over the top, she mused about how long it had been since Gideon had acted with even a semblance of romance.
The tone of the note was strange, but it was definitely his writing.
She shrugged and slipped on a pair of sandals before heading out. When she stepped out of the mansion, a sea breeze tickled her skin, and the light hint of salt and sand made her smile.
It was going to be a great day. She decided to head down the path to the gazebo by the infinity pool and spend time with the guests. She could have a breakfast spread set up for everyone, and they could spend the day lounging by the pool.
She smiled. What a great way to start the weekend.
As Moira walked down the wide sculpted concrete path, she heard conversation, kids splashing in the pool, and soft island music from the hidden speakers.
When the oversized gazebo came into view, she was surprised to see that everyone was awake and outside.
Rourke Maddox approached her.
"Good morning, Moira," he said. "Such a pleasant day! I hope you don't mind. I took the liberty of setting up a breakfast buffet for everyone."
"Razor? I would have thought you'd be on the trip with Gideon."
Rourke laughed. It was a lighthearted sound for such an imposing man.
"He said it was just routine business, and wanted me and the boys to stay here. Make sure you're all safe."
Moira smiled. It sounded plausible enough. She found her suspicion slipping away little by little.
"Well," she said, "I'm starving. Let's relax and enjoy our time with everyone, shall we?"
She filled a plate with sausage, bacon, and eggs, and sat down at a table. Moira was the 174th person to join the impromptu party on the patio, and just as she was about to put a forkful of eggs into her mouth, her vision was filled with some sort of message.
Looking around, she noticed everyone else had gotten it too.
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System Message
Moira Blackwell
Welcome to the System.
The System exists to guide, support, and elevate your growth.
Through effort and choice, you will unlock potential far beyond traditional human limitations.
Please prepare for Combat Class Selection.
…
Error…
…
Analyzing…
…
Combat Class Selection will be postponed until further notice. Please enjoy your stay on the Isle of Light.
Further information will be provided through this interface.
---
"Rourke?" she asked, "did you see this too? What's going on?"
Rourke was at a loss for words. He'd been warned by Samir that they would be inside a construct for a time. And Samir told him it would feel like a video game simulation.
He sure wasn't lying about that…
"I'm not sure, ma'am. I will go check the security systems, but I don't think we're in any danger."
"Would you and your men do a perimeter check anyway, please? Just to be sure."
"Of course, Moira. I was just about to do so. I'll report back as soon as we're done."
And with that, Rourke rounded up his men and headed northwest toward the security building.
Once they were inside, he closed the door and had his eleven-man team sit.
"Alright," Rourke said, "I've got a few things to tell you all. I had to keep it a secret until now for… well, you'll understand why soon enough."
Back on the Isle of Light in the real world, Samir and his 300-man Peacekeeper force checked on everyone. Twenty minutes later, the team reported back.
All 196 of the men, women and children were safely asleep in their beds. They'd be there inside their own simulations until the System released them. Most likely until a few days before New Year's Eve.
He almost felt bad for Gideon and the other 21 men in the Nightmare scenario. It was going to be an exhausting slog for them.
But Samir also knew that things would begin improving for all of them as soon as they changed their attitude and learned a bit of humility.
At the same time, he knew men like Gideon Blackwell wouldn't bend easily. In fact, Samir wondered if four months in that hellish place would be enough.
He shrugged and began making plans to leave a skeleton crew on the island, while the rest could be redeployed where they're needed the most: guarding the distribution of Rejuvenex.
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System Broadcast
Vitalyx Recipients: 8,142,006,521
Rejuvenex Recipients: 4,920,443,729
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@TheVatican: The Holy Mother Church has completed its investigation, and can recommend #Vitalyx and #Rejuvenex for all believers. Our Lord Christ will protect your eternal souls, while these earthbound miracles protect the vessel.
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