The Holo Earth

Chapter 11

A soft ethereal voice filled the room. "I'm so glad I could help you at work, Liam," Zolok said, his form shimmering into existence. "Shame about that Algeria situation, though."

Liam contemplated the fact that he hadn't had blueberries in more than a week. Anna from the Veritas Society had said they made people more susceptible to influence, but here he was, communicating with Zolok just fine. Anna was full of it. Pushing aside thoughts of the Veritas Society, Liam refocused on the shimmering form before him.

Liam's fingers trembled as he reached out towards Zolok's shimmering form. He swallowed hard. "What... what are you exactly?"

Soft laughter rippled from Zolok. "I told you, I am a Xenumia. You might call us higher beings. You know, I'm not bound by time and space like you are. I can see opportunities others can't." His points-of-light eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intelligence. "I also noticed that you visited the Veritas Society."

Zolok's form flickered, his points-of-light eyes narrowing. He scoffed, the sound like static in Liam's ears. "They still gather in that musty basement. Did they whisper to you about shadow governments and blueberries?"

Liam shifted uncomfortably. "They seemed... concerned. Informed, even."

"Paranoia often masquerades as insight," Zolok countered. "They cling to their fears because the truth is too vast for their limited minds to comprehend."

Liam's pulse quickened. "They seemed convinced about hidden costs and manipulation." His gaze drifted to the pendant on his nightstand. He picked it up, running his thumb over the inscription. On one side, it read "Robert O'Connell," and on the other, simply "ZLK." The connection between Zolok and his grandfather suddenly felt more tangible, more real.

"I understand your fears, Liam," Zolok said, his voice filled with what seemed like genuine warmth. "You've been through so much, and it's only natural to be wary. But think about it, humans have a track record of letting each other down, don't they? Your parents, your grandfather, even your friends. They've all failed you in some way."

Liam frowned, the truth of Zolok's words stinging. "That doesn't mean I should trust you instead."

"You need to trust more, Liam," Zolok continued, unfazed. "You can't have friends without trust, can you? Look at Sarah. She cares about you, but you push her away because you're afraid. Afraid she won't understand, afraid she'll judge you. But what if she doesn't? What if she could be the one person who truly gets you? I can make you a success, give you reason for confidence in yourself."

Liam's gaze drifted back to the family photo. "You mentioned that you knew my family."

"I've been around for a long time, Liam," Zolok replied, his voice softening. "I knew your father, your grandparents, your aunt. I was there when they faced their greatest challenges. I offered to help them too, but they were... hesitant. Look where that got them."

Liam's shoulders tensed and he swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the lump in his throat. "My family..." he began. He cleared his throat and tried again. "What happened to them? Was it... was it because they didn't accept your help?"

Zolok's form shimmered and warped for a moment.. "The world can be cruel to those who don't seize the opportunities presented to them, Liam. But you're different. You have the potential to achieve greatness."

"And what is greatness? What is success?" Liam stood up, pacing the room.

"Success? It's the power to get whatever your heart desires. Instead of you being forced to bend to the will of the world, the world can bend to you. Imagine the power to change your life, to make a real difference in the world. All those dreams you've had? I can help make them a reality. And in return, all I ask is for your trust and cooperation. Together, we can reshape the future."