Artemis Fowl: A Call for Help

Chapter 31

Fowl Manor
Artemis smiled. He had just read Jade's email. Well, she certainly doesn't lack confidence. Artemis right-clicked on Jade's email address. A program Artemis had written when he was thirteen started. He tapped a long sequence of keys, directing the computer's work.
To Artemis's almighty shock, Jade's email address was so firmly protected that his computer couldn't take control of her account. Well, that's a first. Good thing I'm always ready for a challenge. Artemis decided to use a devastating virus.
This took control of Jade's whole computer. Artemis could use his computer just like Jade's. See all the files stored on it, start recording on the webcam, or turn on the microphone. Jade's whole life was at his fingertips.
In a way, Artemis enjoyed putting his spyware on unsuspecting people's computers. The feeling of power it gave him was one of the things he lived for. Power. It was the rush of adrenaline as he accomplished yet another feat. However, in another way, it made him feel guilty. Artemis couldn't explain this feeling that was nearly alien to him, yet it occurred. Especially so with this girl, Jade. She hadn't done anything to warrant this. Oh well, what must be done must be done.
With a slight twinge of guilt, Artemis began fabricating his email. Before writing the actual contents, Artemis attached the virus to the email to be.
Jade,
Thank you for writing to me. I wasn't sure if you were going to use the email address I included in my note or not. It is very easy to shut people out. I assure you that writing to me was not a wasted effort. So, as I promised, here are my answers to your questions.
First off, I will address the issue of manners. Jade, you have to understand that as rude as it is to say it to you, it is the truth. I am obviously above you. I apologize for my lack of reassurance and courtesy. Anyways, hopefully you can see past that.
As for last week, this is all I can tell you. You are correct in saying that I was lying. Nothing I could say would be farther from the truth. That truth, however, I cannot disclose. Once again, this is not merely for myself.
I can assure you that I am not mad. In fact, I am a genius. As for fairies, time travel, and magic; I have found the answers. Why haven't I shared them, you ask. You see, the answer is quite simple. If I were to release my secrets, I would no longer be the only human being in possession of this technology. Then, others would share my unique abilities. That, Jade, would simply be unacceptable.
As for the issue of your involvement in this, it is a difficult thing to say. You see, my dear, I know who you really are. Your secrets, well, they aren't secrets anymore. At least not for one, but for two. I knew this would happen, so I came to prevent it. Which I accomplished quite easily.
Your family history was quite easy to trace. With a picture, name, and a database with extensive information, tracking you down was like differentiating between green and blue marbles. Child's play. If you tried to sweep everything under the carpet, Jade, then I am sorry to say that you failed.
Those are my answers. If you are not satisfied or you have more questions, feel free to email. I will find a way to make time for you, after all, this is important.
-Artemis
Perfect, Artemis thought as he pressed send. Artemis had made the email so it started explanations but never truly finished them. It was also slightly insulting, insuring that Jade would email back. All Jade needed to do was to take the bait.
Artemis knew why Opal had been after Jade. He just hadn't told her yet. That was part of the plan, in fact, maybe it was the most important part.
A day later, Fowl Manor
Artemis was delight to see that, when he logged into his email account, there was a new message from Jade. Wonderful, he thought. Artemis opened his downloads folder and saw the download Jade/computer-copy. It was clearly labeled for Artemis, yet another perk of his program.
Artemis clicked the file, opening its contents. He began sorting through gigabytes of data, starting with documents saved to the computer. Well, they didn't necessarily have to be saved. Anything that had ever been on the computer, even if it was only for a millisecond, Artemis could see.
He checked the file specifications, and saw that in total, there was roughly one-hundred gigabytes of data. All of which he had to sort through. It was going to be a long day.