Days later

The Electoral Center

“Sweet one,” whispered the voice of Marilyn over the speakers of the colorful but empty Electoral cafeteria. This place reminded Sophie of her school’s common eating area. Large stainless tables were lined with attached side benches. This. Was, shockingly these sand-robots, the girl reminded herself each time she sat. Marylin snuffed all traces of technology to appease the girl going back to clunky human decors.

Sophie was eating her breakfast of Champions while trying to read from her school tutor on the side. Marilyn’s house only offered branded products here knowing the cameras would love the free touches of Earth. On the large box of cereals, planted between the bowl and milk, the blond movie-star pretended to win an Olympic medal. The spoon’s shape in the Attractor’s hand was odd, half way between a fork and a child or prisoner’s tool. Sophie looked around, this had the hallmark of a prison.

“Is this even real milk,” she asked to the voice from above pouring the bag over the yellow loops.

“Chemically yes. But it never saw a cow if that’s what you mean. You like the Cereals?” The computer intelligence from a distance was trying to make small talk. It was landing flat with the girl. Sophie’s powers were increasing by the day. As if she was digitally added to her surroundings, reality was starting to bend at her edges. She now made the world around her slightly bend and warp in a strange shimmering effect. Of course the girl was oblivious to the changes but the Computer knew what was happening and was careful to avoid any confrontation.

Sophie spoke more as an adult each day, her internal secret monologues with Liam were maturing her at an accelerated pace. “Before we speak, can you broadcast to the world. I don’t like any secrecy and if the Attraction is coming and the world can end, people should know.”

“I have given CNN all access to the cameras the moment you entered my home. They have eyes on you all day long except in your room.”

The answer satisfied the girl. She looked at an image of a mountain on the tutor. It was a multiple choice, she pushed the right answer. “Okay, done. What do you want?”

“The Multiverse wants you to help in the Purple. That is why it sent you there on your way back from Liam’s world. I was stupid and pulled you out early before you had a chance to fix things. The next game is set up in Malik’s world. Everyone will take turns and try to fix the problem pretending to be you. Then, at your leisure, their steps will inspire your visit and increase dramatically your odd. Watching your father pretend to be you should be fun.”

“If you say so.” Sophie clearly has a different idea in mind.

“You know what is going on, about the Purple.”

“Liam briefed me. They are trying to destroy Earth. Kill everyone. You think I alone can help,” she spoke with her mouth full.

“That is true.”

There was a long silence. Finally the girl added, “I don’t think you are right.”

“What do you mean?”

“All this, you, them. I don’t like any of this. Even your game, the President. I am not sure why I should care about any of it.”

“Young one, I understand your frustration. But you want people to die?”

“No one does, but...”

“But what?”

Sophie never bothered to respond. “I am twelve, stuck here on Mars a gazillion miles away from the nearest tree. I keep wondering why everyone just can’t leave me alone.”

“Sometimes we are destined for greater things.”

“Seems to me like no one really knows what is going on yet everyone is set on acting and saying what’s best. Isn’t that the stupid thing to do?”

The computer smiled internally, the girl was right. “The Multiverse wanted you in the Purple. I stopped your action there.” Sophie continued pushing buttons on her tutor. “Do as you must, young one. At the end, I must trust your judgment. A choice will be given you, that much I can do. But if we do nothing the world will end.”

“Liam is rather clear, no one has a clue what’s going on.”

“You are the Attractor, so who cares what I think.”

“I like that better. Marilyn?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks for all you are doing. That much I can see.”

“You should not thank me young one. I fear I may have broken the Multiverse.”

The young girl, with a cold assurance added, “Than trust me a little bit more. Liam and I have a plan.”

“You do?”

“Of course, but you won’t like it.”

“What is your class about?”

“Semi-precious stores.”

“I can... ” began the computer.

“No thanks,” cut in jokingly the young girl.

“The game starts in ten minutes,” she added.

“I know.”