Chapter 5: It's Just Business

Gomorrah

Gomorrah paced back and forth across his large villa-like abode. He was in the courtyard, surrounded by flowers and statues made in the likeness of beautiful women. Many of them were fountains with the water shooting out of the nipples and…other places. Gomorrah would often sit in his garden and have the young lasses mimic the poses of the statues. He would usually pick his favorite to spend the rest of the day with him. It was an honor to be chosen and a privilege to get to wine and dine with a man like himself. Unfortunately, today wasn't one of those occasions for Gomorrah. Today, he had a meeting with the oldest son of the Soma clan: Ryunosuke. Ryunosuke was his favorite to deal with; he didn't have the cold, unmoving demeanor of his father, nor the efficiency and unshakeable foundation of his younger brother, Escanor. What Ryunosuke did have going for him is that he knew his position. He knew he was the firstborn of a powerful family in a powerful clan. However, the head family itself was so powerful that they never heard any opposition from the rest of the clan. He also knew that the clan was usually very patriarchal, and as such, Ryunosuke was all but assured to be the next head of the clan. And that is how he carried himself. He didn't need to earn it. All he had to do was not throw it away. This made him a very interesting pawn on Gomorrah's board. On one hand, Ryunosuke would never do anything that went against his father's wishes. On the other hand, he didn't want to make any enemies. So, he never made any bold moves or ruffled any feathers. This made him easy for Gomorrah to manipulate, as he didn't want to endanger the relationship between the two clans. The tower in the head of the villa chimed. It was time for the meeting.

The Meeting

Ryunosuke focused his mind and connected to the Interwebs. Soon, he found himself seemingly in Gomorrah's villa. He didn't like this meeting place or this way of meeting; it seemed to put the ball in Gomorrah's court before the meeting even started.

As expected, Gomorrah spoke first.

"Your brother's wonder pill is bringing your clan fortunes. And it is pairing marvelously with the my- I mean, the Sodomites re-built version of Tokyo. With these pills, people hardly have to move from their house if they don't want to. They can concentrate on building their lives in the realities we provide them."

Ryunosuke smiled and nodded. Nothing Gomorrah said was new information, but he couldn't tell what he was playing at. He cleared his throat and replied.

"Yes, it seems to be most profitable to both our sides."

Gomorrah agreed, then folded his hands and leaned forward. I had to keep myself from clicking my tongue. If I had, my avatar would have done the same. This is why I hated meeting on his terms. I could never tell if he was really there, or if it was just his avatar. The Interwebs allowed for confusing encounters like this. He scooted closer to "me," leaning in further and almost whispered.

"I hear Escanor is making a new move into the virtual realities himself. Something to do with American themes?" I couldn't help but recoil away from the man at the mention of my prestigious younger brother.

"Yes, that is the rumor. It was actually overhead by some of the clan’s intelligence workers at a cafe Escanor frequents. At the time, he was talking to that wayward sister of mine, Eleanor, and her failure of a husband, Duran. My father loves Escanor's drive, but it seems he is also wary of him jeopardizing the clan."

Gomorrah looked appalled. "Oh, no, no! I am surprised your father thinks that. I don't mind his explorations at all. After all, we control most of the VR servers in Tokyo. Anything he comes up with can only strengthen our relationship." He paused and leaned in uncomfortably close again. "He does plan on using our servers, doesn't he?"

Ryunosuke shifted, which caused his avatar to glitch a little as he recoiled more than the avatar could have possibly mimicked . He readjusted for formality's sake and replied.

"That I don't know for certain, but I do know that Escanor would certainly run it past Father before intruding on anyone’s territory." Gomorrah eased up and relaxed his expression.

"Ahh, yes. Of course, the father must have a leash on his prodigy to prevent him from becoming a prodigal son." Ryunosuke rolled his eyes.

"Is that all you wanted to discuss? My brother? If so, next time you can interview him yourself.” Gomorrah laughed.

"Have I hit a touchy subject? I do apologize if I invoked negative emotions within you. It must be hard having such a successful and admired younger brother." Ryunosuke laughed this time - a good, long laugh.

"On the contrary, he is an asset to the clan and directly to my family as the clan’s head. When - heaven forbid - my father dies, or when he relieves his duties to me, I am sure I will be able to make him that much more useful."

Gomorrah smiled coyly, and said, "If you are chosen as clan leader, my boy." Gomorrah had had enough. He hoped the seeds of jealousy he had nourished in Ryunosuke would grow. He winked at Ryunosuke and cut the meeting short. Ryunosuke sunk back into his chair as he disconnected from the Interwebs. His eyes adjusted to the dimness of the building, a stark contrast from the full sun he had experienced at Gomorrah's villa. He knew Escanor was talented and ambitious, but the other families in the clan wouldn't let him choose anyone besides the firstborn to be a successor, right? If anything, it was more likely for one of the other families in the clan to take over as head of the faction for a time. Escanor was only a very gifted tool to the clan, so making him the head would be a waste. Right?