Daemon

encapsulating a variable number of dimensional elements.’
    Sebeck looked at him blankly.
    Price patted him on the back. ‘You’re right. It’s a private dimension.’ He made a scooting motion. ‘Better sit down. He’ll know if you don’t do it.’ Sebeck stepped forward and sat in one of the stuffed leather chairs. He wiped a thin layer of dust from the armrests and shifted to keep the computer belt from pressing into his back.
    Sebeck could actually see Sobol more clearly now, since he was closer. Sobol’s phantasm was gaunt, and the gaping eye socket looked horrific. He really did resemble a restless spirit wandering the Earth.
    Sobol looked toward Price. ‘Leave us.’
    ‘Damn.’ Price looked to Sebeck. ‘You’re on your own, my man. I gotta leave.’
    Sebeck gestured to the apparition of Sobol. ‘What the hell do I say to this thing?’
    ‘I was hoping
you’d
know.’ Price rushed out, closing the double doors behind him.
    Sobol’s spectre gazed at the doors. A loud click sounded as they locked.
    After a few moments, Sobol turned again to Sebeck. He smiled slightly. ‘I’m glad it was you, Sergeant. You were my favorite. So damaged by your choices. You never understood games. Maybe that’s why the world was such a mystery to you.’
    Sebeck stared. ‘Why don’t you just die already?’
    Sobol paused. ‘Mammals of every species indulge in play. Games are Nature’s way of preparing us to face difficult realities. Are you finally ready to face reality, Sergeant?’
    ‘Kiss my ass.’
    Sobol’s spectre pointed at his own forehead. ‘It’s so clear here. Even if you can’t see it.’ He lowered his arm. ‘Civilization is about to fail.’
    Sebeck felt a wave of anxiety wash over him.
Kee-hrist
.
    ‘The modern world is a highly efficient, precision machine. But that’s its flaw – one wrench in the works and it all grinds to a halt. So what does our generation get? A culture of lies to hide weakness. Decreasing freedom. All to conceal one simple fact: the assumptions upon which our civilization is based are no longer valid. If you doubt me, ask yourself: why was I able to accomplish this?’
    Sebeck shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
    ‘But what if we corrected civilization’s weakness – as painful as that correction might be?’
    Sobol changed expression, looking more relaxed. ‘But you’re probably confused. Why did I frame you? It’s simple: you were bait – bait that they took. The weak hide their weakness. By now, the plutocrats have put their money in safer havens, and I have closely watched this transfer. Now they are more vulnerable than ever.’ Sobol grinned humorlessly. ‘You were my Trojan horse, Sergeant.’
    Sebeck’s fingernails nearly tore through the chair leather. ‘Fuck you! You destroyed my life!’
    Sobol’s spectre flickered almost imperceptibly. ‘An analysis of your voice patterns is revealing. Prosody tells me that you are agitated. Save your anger, Detective. It will make no difference to the outcome.’
    Sebeck ground his teeth.
    ‘Who will mourn for you, Sergeant? No one. You and I share that. We have sacrificed for the greater good. Ingratitude I cared for your family in your absence – when no one else would. Your family has no idea that I am their benefactor.’
    Sebeck leaned forward, another rage building. ‘What have you done?’
    Sobol continued. ‘They will continue to have good fortune – but only as long as I can count on you, Detective.’
    ‘You son of a bitch!’ Sebeck swept a curio case off of Sobol’s desk, sending it crashing into the wall behind him. Glass shards flew everywhere. ‘Don’t involve my family!’
    Sobol’s spectre flickered again. ‘There is that pattern again. You’re upset. I defer to your judgment in this matter. Answer “yes” or “no”: should the Daemon withdraw support from your family?’
    Sebeck stopped short. He took a breath and realized he had no idea how to respond. If –
    ‘Respond “yes” or “no” – or I will make a random choice for you.’
    ‘Damn you!’
    ‘Answer NOW. Do you want the Daemon to withdraw financial support from your family?’
    Sebeck shook his head and closed his eyes. ‘No.’
    ‘Thank you. The Daemon will continue to provide for them. Now, please sit down.’
    ‘I hope you’re burning in hell.’ Sebeck sat.
    ‘We both know you don’t believe in hell.’
    Sebeck sat stunned at the spectre’s response.
    ‘Yes, I’ve done quite a bit of