The Meat Tree Read Free Page A

frontal-lobe profiles, so that it responds to our particular fantasy life. But when the technology started, they still had one person author the programmes, so that being inside you’re more a witness than co-creator. You have to take one of the available roles, but the parameters are set by the Mastermind. So the progression of the plot can feel very uncomfortable, especially if you’re not used to it. And until we find out what kind of author we’re dealing with it’s hard to know what it will be like.

    Apprentice
    I’m sure I can manage.

    Inspector of Wrecks
    Atta girl! But if you don’t like what’s going on, remember the signal. We’ll have to make a quick decision about which role to play. Watch what I do and we should be all right. Are you ready? Helmets on!
    Right. What have we here? Looks like your basic medieval quest narrative.

    Apprentice
    Look at those colours! I love those greens and the intricate woodland plants.

    Inspector of Wrecks
    Hm. Earth vegetation. Sorrel, yarrow…

    Apprentice
    It smells aromatic.

    Inspector of Wrecks
    Forget the details for now. Let’s try to get the big picture. Do you see that group of people over there, outside the castle walls? Can you make your way towards them?

    Apprentice
    Oops! Sorry, didn’t mean to bump into you. The motility software’s really primitive.

    Inspector of Wrecks
    This takes me back to my boyhood! I used to play with my grandfather’s antique games: they were just like this. Use the console in your left glove. That’s better, much better. Right, I think you’re ready to approach the group. And remember, you’ll need to switch into one character’s point of view.

    Apprentice
    Like one of those early avatar games?

    Inspector of Wrecks
    Yes, a bit. Except remember that you’re not in control of your own character. The story’s been written by the Master­mind. I’m not being sexist here, but why don’t you see if you can take the role of the woman there who’s kneeling in front of the blond man who looks like the king?

    Apprentice
    Got it!
    My name is Goewin and I’m the footholder to King Math. I’m a virgin and very beautiful.

    Inspector of Wrecks
    I’m going for the character on the left, the one holding a staff. Give me a second.
    Right, I’m in. I’m Gwydion, a magician, and this is my brother Gilfaethwy.

    Apprentice
    Why has everything stalled?

    Inspector of Wrecks
    Don’t worry, I think the software’s just taking a moment to catch up with our choices. Use the time to learn what you can about your persona.

    Apprentice
    That’s weird! The king’s got his feet in my lap. They’re quite heavy. Math is the Lord of a kingdom called Gwynedd.

    Inspector of Wrecks
    From the names, I’d say that we’re in one of those old Celtic fantasies. In the early days of VR they were all the rage, I don’t know why. It was fashionable to imagine yourself as a Welsh wizard or a Celtic maiden. Actually, you look very fetching in your costume.

    Apprentice
    It’s velvet and my torque is gold.

    Inspector of Wrecks
    But why are you cradling the king’s feet? Are his toes cold?

    Apprentice
    Don’t be disrespectful. It’s a special condition of the character. Math will die unless he has his feet in the lap of a virgin. So I’m the one keeping the king alive. The only time that he’s allowed to touch the earth is when Gwynedd’s at war.

    Inspector of Wrecks
    What a strange arrangement. Now it’s quite important that we notice what’s being said by these characters. I don’t mean verbally but metaphorically. It’s all information. Especially the initial briefs we’re given, as they’re full of primary significance. What are you told about this strange job you have?

    Apprentice
    I think it’s to do with the king having to stay in touch with the magical fertility of his land.