1 The constraints of reality (2/2)

”How much?” She shook her head. ”How much for the violin? I want to hear that song again!” She inquired.

”200 Credits.”

She was shocked. ”Such a wonderful music making device and it is so cheap?”

Jericho shook his head. ”The instrument is only able to play music in the hands of someone who knows how to play it. It cannot make music on its own.”

The woman looked mildly disappointed. ”I see. I will buy it anyways. At a minimum I can remember the song when I look at it.”

Jericho helped her with the transaction and packaging.

The woman looked down at the flier on the counter. ”Freedom Online has been out for a few days now. Do you play it?”

Jericho shook his head. ”No, I couldn't afford it and I can't let my little sister go hungry.” He replied casually.

”Oh.”

The woman left with the violin.

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”I hope you take care of her.” He sighed; unaware he obtained a new fan.

The boss came down. ”Jerry, I am sorry to tell you, I am going to have to close up shop. I can no longer afford this place. I will send you your last paycheck later. I hope you can find a new job soon.”

Jericho was startled. Losing a job was not a surprise he was hoping for. He went home dejected.

The woman tapped her watch. A translucent screen hovered above it. ”Search for the song Moonlit Lullaby.” She spoke into the watch.

After browsing through a few songs she found a recording by an artist named Jericho Maestro. She hit the play button and listened to the song again. ”Such beautiful music hidden away like an oyster's pearl.” She poetically replied.

The next day, Moira danced to the jaunty tunes played by her brother. Today was her 12th birthday and due to their financial hardships; Jericho gave her the only thing he could. A night filled with whatever musical pieces she wanted. He even played the ones he didn't like.

A knock at the door ended the festivities.

The freckled girl sulked. She stomped to the door before opening it.

Two men dressed like movers stood on the porch. ”Excuse me, miss. Is Jericho Maestro home?”

Jericho walked up to the door. ”What can I do you for, gentlemen?” Being called his artist name was uncommon but not unheard of.

”We came to deliver a couple of packages and a letter.”

The man frowned. ”We aren't expecting anything.” He replied.

”We understand. The sender may not have informed you they were sending you these items. The game cabins and the installation fees have already been paid for. Will you please allow us to finish our job and install them for you?”

”Sure.” Jericho opened the door wider. ”Let's let the men do their work Moira. What song would you like me to play next?”

The delivery men brought in two large gaming cabins and hooked them up as per their instructions. They passed the letter over to the man at the piano and left.

Jericho opened the letter.

Sir Maestro,

We have delivered to you two gaming cabins; one for you and one for your sister. Both pods contain the game Freedom Online. We have paid for the subscription and operating fees. We sincerely hope you both can enjoy the game free of charge.

It has come to our attention that you possess great skill with the ancient art of instrument playing. As you may have heard, Freedom online has a high degree of character freedom. There are no set ways to play. We believe that if you were to place your musical talents into the gaming world, your songs will become better known and you can enjoy a play style that is all your own.

All of us here at Free Corp have made an initial investment into your future. Thank you for selling copies of your music for us to listen to. We hope your music career succeeds.

We have already set up the game cabins to be in-game friends automatically with each other.

Our game has an anti-harassment program installed. As people's minds are within the game world, like all VR games, desires and intention are easily picked up. You do not have to worry about your sister's safety in our game.

…

Sincerely, Jeannette Long Vice CEO of Free Corp

P.S. I will take good care of that violin.

The letter explained the operation of the game pods, basic tips and tricks for the game, and more.

He checked his bank account. Hundreds of his albums had sold last night. His stress over losing his job lessened. At least they would have funds for a time.

Jericho laughed aloud. ”Happy Birthday Moira! We both got free versions of that new game your friends were telling you about.”

Moira frowned. ”But what about your music?”

Jericho released a light smile. ”According to the gaming company, my music will be just as magical in that world as it is in this world.”

Moira smiled. ”Then, you become the music master and I will protect you!”

The brother's laughter continued. ”I want you to have fun too. Play how you want to play.”

”Right!” The 12 year old beamed. ”Then I will be the dancing princess!”