A deceptively simple screen flashed up for Bethany and by Pete’s face she was sure the same had just occurred for him. She quickly scanned the information before diving into the store and it’s options.

Credit Store Unlocked

More features of the store will be unlocked the more you develop. Methods of unlocking include: Spending Credits in the store, reaching a higher level, reaching a higher Credit count and more.

Basic Credit Store

Current Credits: 100

Change of name within system

2 Credits (doubles each time)

Sponsored Trial

Select to see more

On Planet Teleportation

10 Credits

Interplanet Teleportation (random)

15 Credits

Interplanet Teleportation (targeted*)

30 Credits

Clue to unlock more options in the store

5 Credits

Bethany was drawn to the limited options and focused on each term in turn to maximise the information she had on the options. Changing name was self-explanatory, it allowed people to change the name that appeared above their head within the system a useful feature for those trying to disappear as well as people who don’t identify with the name they were born with. On planet teleportation required her to picture a location and would allow her to teleport to it. Immediately Bethany attempted to visualise her mother’s cell, but she found the teleport wasn’t that precise and would only allow her to nominate a rough area. Probably for that exact reason.

It didn’t however seem to limit where she would be able to teleport from so clearly if she could afford it her mother would be able to teleport out. Bethany assumed there were ways to stop this happening, but earth was decades behind in terms of system knowledge so that wasn’t exactly going to be a thing any time soon; for better or worse.

Bethany was more excited by the concept of travelling planet to planet. The idea of a random planet didn’t appeal but she was thrilled to see she had a way to get back to Lexicoth if she so wished. It also seemed like if she wanted, she could bring others along. Obviously, the cost reflected the number of people, but it was good to know she might get to see Harri again and that if push came to shove, she could escape. Her other options were almost non-existent though. Nevu was an option but none of Bethany’s other trials had resulted in a planet to visit. Whether this was because she didn’t know the name of the planets she visited for these Trials or because of something else, Bethany wasn’t sure.

The concept of a clue to unlocking more info intrigued Bethany but it wasn’t for her. After all the option she was looking for was already available. Obviously, she was curious, but she was also confident that Pete would be exploring that feature and she could ride his coat tails as it were.

However, the most exciting option, the one she had been waiting for was to sponsor her own Trial. She eagerly selected the option and was taken to another screen.

Sponsored Trial Information

If selected, you pay 10 Credits for a Sponsored Trial Consultation. These Credits act as a deposit and will be used as part of payment for said Trial, however it is likely that further Credits will be required.

Warning if you change your mind or can’t afford to host the Trial these 10 Credits are non-refundable.

This was obviously what Bethany was looking for and when it came to her mother money was no object. As such after quickly letting a distracted Pete know what she was doing she selected the option and was whirled away from the inn.

Bethany found herself in a solid white room, without her bag. As her eyes adjusted, she managed to convince herself that perhaps she would be seeing Tem once more but alas that wasn’t the case and instead, she was in a waiting room. At least she assumed it was a waiting room, in structure it was very similar to the one at the prison but unlike that one this was had comfier seats and biscuits and hot drinks available. Bethany made herself a quick tea and grabbed a familiar looking biscuit before settling in to wait for her consultation. She wasn’t worried about being in an unfamiliar place without her weapon. After all if the system had removed it she had to assume there was a reason for such a thing and that she wasn’t in any danger. After all it would have been a shitty thing for her to be endangered when buying a service.

After only around 20 minutes a tall novukus peered into the waiting room. Well tall for a novukus anyway. Bethany quickly followed the woman and sat behind the desk in the seat she was gestured towards. The woman, whose name was Opal, pulled out an actual paper folder from slot in the wall and quickly read through it making various sounds as she processed the information.

“Okay, first of all I’m Opal it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Opal said offering her hand.

Bethany took it and shook it, “Hi Opal I’m Bethany.” Then after thinking for a moment “Shall I make us both some hukiboo before we start? TO get us into the zone as it were.”

Opal looked up from the file and took in the girl she had been in the process of underestimating. “I would love some thanks, though I have to warn you bribery will get you nowhere”. She gave a conspiratorial wink at that and Bethany quickly got up to get their drinks. The pair drank them and engaged in small talk until they both had finished.

“Right then Bethany, we are operating slightly behind schedule here but that’s no big deal. It just means we’ll have to go faster, and I might have to make a lower offer than normal to ensure this deal goes through.

First of all, why don’t you give me a rundown of what you are looking for and I can suggest the relevant packages for your situation. I do have to warn you though” Opal’s voice grew grave at the warning “the system will judge the Trial assigned and if you have tried to low ball it and end up causing somebody a much harder challenge than advertised there will be” she paused dramatically “well consequences”

Bethany nodded. She wasn’t here to play games she just wanted her mum back. As such she quickly outlined the situation, highlighting particularly the current technological level of Earth as well as how new they were to the system. All the while Opal scribbled away into her folder making notes and occasionally going back and highlighting different sections. When Bethany finished talking Opal kept writing and Bethany sat there nervously waiting for her to finish. Obviously, there was a chance she wouldn’t be able to afford it. She should have asked Pete to lend her his Credits. Fortunately, Bethany was was drawn out of her downward spiral by Opal clearing her throat.

“Right from the sound of it we are looking at the level 5-10 bracket. You might be able to get away with 0-5 and I would approve that, but I wouldn’t recommend it. After all this sounds like an important job. Speaking of, I’d recommend the experienced package. It guarantees whoever comes to do the Trial has done at least 3 prior Sponsored Trials. That way you know they are experienced with the system and have done a job like this before. I don’t think you need a larger overall level as the minimum of level 5 should be plenty.

“Final suggestion, and this is down to you we have both the not a priority and priority package. The not a priority package means it might take slightly longer to find an appropriate Trial Taker, however their skills are likely to be more appropriate to the mission. It’s also slightly cheaper. Alternatively, you can go for the express package. I wouldn’t recommend it, but I could understand if you felt that was necessary. In this case you pay slightly more but get a guaranteed Trial Taker within 48 hours. Their skill however is likely to be less suited to the job. Obviously, we do assume they will complete it regardless but either way.”

Bethany took all that in. It was a lot of information but Opal slide across a piece of paper with the details laid out in basic terms. They spent a while there discussing terms as Bethany tried to find the balance between ensuring quality and making sure her mother was properly rescued.

In the end she ended up spending a further 20 Credits. That way she would get an experienced Trial Taker with relevant skills of a good overall level. Saying goodbye to Opal, who assumed her if she had any further Sponsored Trials to book, they would probably meet again, she stepped back into the waiting room and found herself once more in the inn. Quickly finding Pete, she told him everything she learned and settled in to wait for her mother’s potential saviour.