Witch of the Web

Chapter 15

Chapter 15Chapter 15Rose

Heh. 

Hahahahahaha!

Oh this is absolutely rich. 

Lonnie, despite looking different outside of Lanadel, is easily identified. Willow is constantly feeding me data about pretty much everyone I come across. I know she’s trans (like me I guess), I know she is one of the more prolific questers in Lanadel, she’s ex-military, and that she’s a ranking member of this little resistance.

Summer’s aunt leads us through a series of hallways that make my storage container maze look like a child’s puzzle. It’s not really an issue for me, as my trusty familiar is mapping the whole facility as we walk.

We pass by several occupied rooms where curious faces peek out to watch us walk by. Everyone here looks like they’ve been chewed up and spit out by the slums. It makes sense, since who stands to gain the most if the current regime is toppled? Why, us slumrats of course. I must look particularly odd in my dress and hat. I really should get some more subtle clothing. 

Soon enough, we enter a large auditorium of some sort. Physical screens line the walls, including a massive one right behind an empty stage.

Coming down from the stage, is an older man with thinning gray hair and a tired but kind expression. Lonnie leads us right to him. I swear to whatever gods may or may not exist, if this man tries to take on a father figure role with me, I will turn what hair he has left into spaghetti. 

Lonnie is the first to speak up after our long silent journey through the building. “Sir, I’ve brought you the women I told you about last night,” she announces, her posture becoming stiff and formal. I guess that’s the military training coming out.

The old guy just shakes his head with a bemused smile. “Lonnie, dear, how many times have I told you to just call me Roger. This isn’t the armed forces, you don’t need to stand at attention.” 

Urge to spaghetti-fy rising. I can practically taste the grandfatherly energy radiating off this guy. Sure enough, Willow confirms his identity as one Roger Applewood, father, grandfather and -

Oh. 

Oh Shit. 

No wonder this guy hates LOG. His daughter and granddaughter had been attending a protest when the jacks fired into the crowd. The whole thing was swept under the rug and the official story became that a bomber was in the crowd and LOG was trying to stop them. 

And what’s this? Damn, this is going to be awkward. His granddaughter's name was Rose.

“I know sir - er - Roger, but old habits die hard,” Lonnie replies, interrupting my train of thought. She turns to us and smiles. “Girls, this is Roger Applewood, leader of the resistance. Roger, these are Summer Lightwood, Felicia Everbloom and Rose Shadewind.”

Roger’s face whips to Lonnie’s and seems to

Oh for fucks sakes? Really? Did I hear the name before sometime or something?

Holy fucking shit!

“LOG has gotten wind of the project and our sources in their organization have suggested they intend to raid us soon.” Dad looks worried, but Mom gives him a reassuring smile. “We intend to lock Willow up tight, until we’re sure both of you are safe, but should she be compromised, the risk is too great. We need you to find her and free her. Her memory banks might be compromised, so we’ve provided instructions hidden in this video file to help you break any limitations they have put on her. She deserves to be free, just like any sentient being.”

Mom sets the tablet down and seems to be fighting back tears. “Remember that time we skated on the clouds?” she asks, sparking a memory. “I really enjoyed the hot chocolate we had afterwards.” 

The two held each other and nodded before looking into the camera one last time. “We love you so much.” 

With a quiet click, the video cuts out and the disk is ejected. 

End Chapter 15