Call Crystal to Brainstorm (2)

You give Crystal a call.

"Are you crazy?" she demands when you identify yourself. "I'm at work."

"I'm using a VPN."

"Right. Do you really think they don't sell their user info if they can get the right price?"

"Why would they. It would cost them their entire business if word got out."

"God, you're naive." She hangs up.

Well, that didn't go well.

Five minutes later, it went even worse. She calls you back.

"Hey Crystal, what's up."

"Thanks, asshole. You got me fired."

"What?"

"Apparently I was right and you were wrong about MicroStuff and the VPNs. Bentham stopped by my office and told me my services were no longer required."

"Shit."

"Ohmigod, what am I going to do? Without a reference, I'll never get another job. I'll end up sleeping on the streets."

"You won't end up on the streets. Come on, I'll buy you a coffee and we can brainstorm your career options."

"Hey, I haven't forgotten that you're the reason I need career advice."

"I'll figure out a way to make it up to you."

"Fine. Meet me in fifteen at the Starbucks near work."

"Fine. Might be nearer twenty."

"I don't have anything better to do than wait."

You hang up the phone and grab your cap before heading out.

You can't believe they undermined the VPN. More likely was that they had some sort of filter for calls coming from any VPN and just assumed it was you. Still, you've managed to get Crystal fired which was definitely not your intent.

You had planned getting **** on MicroStuff somehow... now they've added one more to the score you're tallying against them.

And now you've got one more person you're responsible for. It's almost like you're hacking the universe to fuck up anyone who comes into contact with you.

Except... maybe you're not the only person trying to hack the sim. And maybe whomever is hacking now doesn't want to share the wealth.

You're lucky to catch a bus and actually make it to Starbucks in fifteen.