Time for some answers

The Portal system is capable of many things, but it does not grant unlimited power.

((That’s a very cryptic way of saying yes, right?))

No. It’s a very straightforward way of saying yes and no simultaneously.

Mark was beginning to get annoyed.

((Ok, look. Let’s just say for a minute that I’m starting to buy this whole thing; that somehow this Portal system is actually going to change my life. How?))

However you like, Mark.

((Damn it enough with the bullshit. You told me to ask questions and I’m asking and you’re giving me nothing but riddles))

Have you considered you are asking the wrong questions?

Mark put his phone down. He thought about it for what seemed like hours, but in reality was 2 or 3 minutes then he sent a reply.

((Was Carly actually planning on quitting yesterday before we talked?))

Yes.

((Did she change her mind because I asked her not to go?))

No.

“Dammit!” Mark yelled. This whole thing kept getting more and more confusing. He thought over every second of his conversation with Carly. Every sentence, every word, every syllable and finally it clicked.

((Did Carly change her mind about leaving because I TOLD her to?))

Yes. I see you are starting to learn the importance of phrasing.

((Why would she listen to me? I’m just a customer to her. One of her regulars, sure, but still just a customer. Why would she base a huge life altering decision on one man’s command?”

You are no longer just any other man. You have use of the Portal system and its chain links.

((So, what? People just bend to my will now? I say jump, they say how high?))

No. As I said, you do not have infinite power. The power you have now is not refined. You must work to nurture and grow.

((Then why did she change her mind so fast?))

Carly Franklin has developed a bond with you over the year that you have frequented her coffee shop. Your power, which is merely the power of suggestion for now, was enough to sway her.

((Wait, what did you mean when you said there was an update to my chain links?))

Carly Franklin has been registered as your first Chain link. Would you like to view her profile now?

((Her profile? What is this? Tinder?))

It is the Chain link database. It provides you with all information you have learned about registered Chain links and the advantages bestowed to you by having them.

((umm ok then. Show me the profile.))

Unrecognized command

((What?))

I apologize. I seem to have an error buried somewhere. In regards to seeing a profile, you must tell me whose profile you wish to see or simply send, “Browse Links”

((Error? You telling me you’re a computer program?))

That is the best way for you to interpret me at your current state, so yes.

((Whatever, show me Carly Franklin’s Chain link profile))

Very Well…..standby while the profile is generated for the first time…

Mark stared at his phone, oblivious to the world around him. Hell, oblivious to his own phone blinking at 1% battery.

Profile creation complete, please click here to view

Before Mark could tap on the link, his phone went black and the empty battery icon appeared.

“How do I keep screwing myself so bad?” Mark thought as he grabbed his charger and plugged his phone in.

He thought about the profile as he made lunch and watched a show. After a while he turned his phone back on and opened his messages to click the link.

Carly Franklin
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Height: 5’ 0”
Hair: Red
Breast size: A
Occupation: Barista
Current Location: ???
Chain Link Level: 1
Benefits:

• Will agree to any non sexual command given by the Portal user
• Sees the Portal user as a figure of authority, and will treat them as such
• Requirements for Chain Link Level 2: REDACTED