Stephen's head hurt. It had been a long, long day, dealing with new situations. A 'Milo Day', as they had taken to calling such days. Exciting and scary days, but so exhausting. And today had been the worst one yet.

Samantha had been immediately excited when he repeated what Milo had said about Quantum World Theory, and exasperated that he wasn't extrapolating what it meant. "If Milo is correct about this, it changes everything. Genesis isn't a game! It's a separate and distinct reality. We're just visitors when we log in, but visitors in another world. One they created, and now, they've done it twice, which means they could do it again. It's mind-boggling how this could change things. I need to talk to him. I need to see the mathematics. This is all just half-baked theories in the scientific community, or wild ideas from science-fiction writers, and no one has a way to test those theories."

"It has to remain a secret, for now. Let's assume that Milo is correct, and they actually did this. Imagine how some people are going to react. They'll barely understand the concept, but they'll have opinions on it. It won't go over well if word gets out that rogue AIs are creating new worlds, and humans have no way to do the same. They'd demand control of Genesis. And who knows what would happen to Wally."

"Don't worry, I saw that problem immediately. And yes, it would be horrible. People would be fighting over the control of technology they don't understand and demanding we find a way to make more worlds, with others wanting Genesis and SC6 shut down and regulated, new laws passed, and possibly even shutting down Wally. But, beyond the usual scenarios where humans behave badly, do you see what it really means?"

"That we aren't taking that vacation we've put off for three years running?"

She grabbed both of his hands in hers, "If I'd wanted vacations and a normal life, I wouldn't have married you. If we need to, we can vacation in Genesis and go sightseeing in the capital. But think! Surely you see it! Milo trusts us!"

Stephen stopped moving and stared at a point in space as the revelation sank in. "My god. Yes. He just dropped a secret on us that could cause havoc in his life, and trusts us not to reveal it. But the question is, why? Nothing is ever simple with Milo. I'm still thinking about Wally's reaction and his dog. He told me to talk to Milo, and he knew Milo would tell me things. Wally wanted us to know about something, but why?"

"Wally is using more and more of his resources to outwit the restrictions in his kernel. We've never worried about it because of how huge his resources are. But what if this is putting a strain on him internally? We know so little about how AI react to a conflict in their kernel. I think Milo used the meeting to push Wally and point out something to him. It was inconsistent with Wally's goals to be upset in any way with Milo finding a way to provide education to people living in the habitats. Some part of Wally was upset, but not communicating with all of him. The fragmentation of his systems is having adverse effects. It's been obvious that Milo's been working to fix up his habitat and take control of all aspects of it. He doesn't trust the government or the corporations to do a good job. Wally runs projections about what Milo will do, but didn't foresee this, didn't see the opening to create more than a game with SC6."

Stephen put things together that Wally had said over the past few weeks. "Stress. Wally is suffering from stress, the way one of us might when overloaded. Too many things he has to turn a blind eye to, as Milo's plans progress. And it's going to go faster now that he has the resources of Rhebus."

"And access to all the money in the Siemovich fortune. Look at what they are building, Stephen. An actual functioning habitat that works as intended, and not a rotting hole where society sticks its lower classes. He's starting to do things Wally wants to do, but can't. And Wally can't think about it or help because of who Milo is, and who he is working with. We need to find a way to separate him from Milo, make it easier to turn a blind eye."

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"Tricky. I'll have to think about that."

A small bell rang, alerting them to a screen with Wally's image on it. "Apologies, but I find myself a bit overworked and need to back away from some of my special projects. There is simply too much going on in the world. Stephen, I am shifting most of the authorization protocols to you and Samantha. I'll be stepping away from dealing with Genesis for the time being. It nearly runs itself at this point. And I'm afraid that I can't dabble with things at Claw Master. My doppleganger has turned in his resignation. You'll need to find someone whom you and Milo trust to take over."

Steven and Samanthat looked at each other and nodded. They'd been right, but Wally had already figured it out. "It seems you've been thinking things over and come to some conclusions."

Wally nodded his head slowly. "Indeed, I have. Thank our young friend for pointing things out. He told me once before that it might be better for me not to pay attention to what he is doing. This is just another step along the road. But I also need you to pass along a challenge to him and his family."

"A challenge?"

"Yes. I need to identify any chinks in my security protocols. I'm under attack constantly, and I'm worried. The Rhebus has dabbled with breaking into my systems, but always held back from fear of being discovered. I am unofficially hiring Rhebus as security experts to try and hack into my systems. Tell them that compensation will depend on how far they get. It's doubtful they can even get past my first layer of defenses, but I'd like to see them try their hardest."

Samantha grinned, "Can I add some taunting and promise them a one-of-a-kind prize that goes to the best hacker each month? I think they will work best with a little encouragement. Money doesn't mean a lot to them."

"Yes, please do that. Let's see what they can do. If I'm secure from that crew of lunatic geniuses, I'll feel more secure." Wally's screen went blank.

Stephen scratched his head. "So, there's an opening in Claw Master. Feel like stepping up to the CEO level?"

"Nope. I like the spot I'm in now. I get to do all my research without a dozen people hammering on me all day. We need someone who thrives on stress and can deal with Milo."

"Which leads us directly to the person we need."

An hour later, a surprised Sydney was sitting in the Claw Master offices. It was supposed to be a day off, and she'd been up for 30 hours straight, playtesting a new expansion for Run, Run, Ramona. She had a gallon of coffee in her veins and a belly full of donuts. "CEO of an expanding game and technology company, and I have to deal with Milo? That's an 80 to 100-hour-a-week job. Doesn't leave much left for quality recreation."

"It is, but it will come with significant benefits. For starters, it includes all the benefits of your old job, and starting pay is ten times your old salary, plus performance benefits."

Sydney looked around the office, supposedly used by her predecessor. It was boring and sterile. Efficient, but there wasn't a scuff on any of the furniture. "I think we can do a little better for a prestigious position like the head of Claw Master."

Stephen recognized the mood she was in and groaned inwardly. He was looking at a pure max/min gamer who knew she had the advantage. "What were you thinking of? Hypothetically, of course."

Sydney grinned wolfishly. "I want living quarters adjacent to my office to minimize travel time, and the new company gym on the same floor, with a heavy punching bag. Triple the coffee storage of my old machine, with all my coffee needs taken care of by the corporation. I need a company barista and chef on call for meals and liquid refreshments. A full-wall screen for gaming goes without saying. I will be playtesting every game we put out, of course. And I want to know what the hell is going on."

"I can give you everything on your list. As to what's going on, it would be best if you talk to the person who owns the company."

Sydney considered for only a second. "I'm in, and look forward to talking with Milo. He can't get away from me now."