Lillian
After breakfast, the conversation between Lillian and Ms. Steele continued. Ms. Steele had simply answered Lillian's questions, and she in turn gave an account of her childhood. How she had always felt more comfortable around animals than other people. The way other kids had scorned her with no understanding of why. The car accident the left one side of her body slightly mangled at the age of ten. Finally the struggle with her stepdad's passing and the hardship of trying to find a way to repay her mom for everything she had done for Lillian growing up, only for every employer she had to make her life miserable the moment they found out about her hidden condition to pressure her into leaving. All the while, Ms. Steele hung on to every word.
Ms. Steele took a moment to process it all. Mark off to the side, was tapping on his wrist computer, either taking notes or working on another program. When the director spoke again her voice carried a hint of empathy. "So that's what lead you here and why the AI system created the forest."
Mark had told her that she had some sort of connection to the forest yesterday. She had even seen for herself how she could directly influence how the creatures in the forest responded to a certain degree. Yet her mind still had trouble grasping the concept." I don't understand. I thought the AI system in the game was for its self-maintenance. How could it have created a whole new section of the map just based on my mind connecting with the game?"
It was Mark's turn to speak. "As head developer and programmer, I programmed the AI to detect and repair any bugs that appeared in the game. I also gave it the ability to recognize and create each person's unique character based on the player's profile and personality. This was meant to allow each player to develop their own storyline, a tailor-made game experience." He braced himself on her desk to shift his feet. "Between your particular development and the AI's programming it created a phenomenon that shouldn't be possible. The game's digital brain created a space meant to help you."
Ms. Steele cleared her throat, and stood up. She became all business again. "This brings us to why I wanted to visit you personally. One of our team members foolishly announced your domain as a new location available to all players without running it by Mr. Braxen and I first. After viewing the footage from last night, we restricted access to Twisted Root Forest. However, the data coding for this location is unavailable to the development team."
Lillian shifted her weight trying to relieve the numbness in her legs that was creeping in from sitting so long. "How is that possible?"
Mark came over to sit on the bed with Ms. Steele and Lillian. He had been shifting from one foot to the other more often as the conversation dragged on. His feet were no doubt quite sore by this point. "Much like how each beta tester has a representative to track the players' progress and lend support through bug fixes or give advice if the player asks for it, each location in the game is assigned to a member of the development team. The game AI recognizes which team member created that location and only that member can make changes to it. It helps keep each assigned member accountable for their location."
Lillian head spun with all this new information. She screwed her eyes shut to focus on the most important details until a clear picture of the situation came to mind. "That means I would be the only person that could access the data you need to verify whether or not Twisted Root Forest has the same rules and regulations as the rest of the game."
Ms. Steele's face shifted from hard lines of neutral sternness to an impressed smile. Warmth bloomed in Lillian's chest. "That's correct. You will be granted restricted administrative access to assess the data within Twisted Wood with Mr. Braxen's assistance, and given administrative authority over this domain." Then her stern look returned. Lillian had to resisted the urge to shrink back. "However, both you and Mr. Braxen have confirmed that although the creation of this map was without intent, you Ms. Frost are responsible for its development. Until the data is proven to meet the company's standards, you will not be able to leave your domain."
A guilded cage. This was the best offer Lillian could have hoped for. Looking into Mark's pure green eyes, she could tell he had the same thought. She lowered her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Ms. Steele. I'll do my best."
Ms. Steele stood from the bed, tall and proud. She brushed the wrinkles from her business suit. "Good day, Ms. Frost. I'll be looking forward to your report." Her heels clicked as she walked to the door.
When she opened it, she was met with Chef Jack again holding three bags of food. One looked like it was filled to the brim. He had his hand raised to knock but immediately dropped it upon seeing the director stepping out. Ms. Steele received her lunch then left. Jack stepped into the room with the remaining two bags, closing the door behind him. "How did it go?"
Lillian was so confused. If something like this had happened at another company she would have been dismissed and told never to come back. The director could have very well done so too. Why give her admin access? "I'm not sure if I'm being punished or promoted."
Chef Jack laughed while handing her the over full bag, which only confused Lillian more. "Think of it as a trial period, lass. A chance to show what you're really made of."
Lillian just couldn't believe what had just happened. It was only by the grace of God the left side of her body even functioned. Now she was being blessed with a chance to continue working. This was more than she could ever hope for.