The Indigo Light (6)

“There are people in the world with absolutely no remorse,” GM said a day later. “Scientists attribute it to a small amygdala. That could be. But aside from physiological differences in the remorseless, there is one common factor- severe trauma.”

I didn’t answer. Trauma and I are old buds.

“All sentient beings experience trauma, but how we walk through that trauma, or more to the point- how we do not- determines our emotional responses as we see others facing trauma. Many people can find growth past that trauma, becoming better than they were, and becoming more compassionate. You for example have had more trauma than would seem fair for a person of your age. You learned how to use that trauma for a steeping stone to the better person that you would become. It’s why the ring chose you.”

I still didn’t answer.

“But there are those-“ Grandmaster quit talking and placed two images on the vid screen. “This is Floyd Lawton and Jason Todd. Deadshot and Red Hood. Both marksmen, both deadly. Both criminals. But for very different reasons. Deadshot is a spoiled, rich son who could never measure up to his father’s expectations. When Floyd’s older brother went to kill their father, Floyd tried to stop him. The battle left Floyd’s brother dead, his father paralyzed and Floyd fractured. He now kills for pleasure.”

“Red Hood was one the partner of the Batman. When Batman’s arch-enemy held Jason in a death trap, the Caped Crusader arrived too late to save Jason. Jason died, but was resurrected as the Red Hood, a vigilante that desires to clean up the city of criminal element at any cost- including using lethal force. These two will be waiting for you in a 10 block by 10 block city neighborhood. If either of them wins, they will be handsomely rewarded.” Grandmaster waited.

“And?”

“And just to make things fair, they have both been equipped with anti-matter extrapolators, a pistol looks much like the standard handgun, however, it is far more deadly than any handgun. The weapon fires a tight beam of antimatter particles capable of penetrating your force field.”

Grandmaster held up his hand. “Best wishes.” (Fight results here).

I reappear in the infirmary. “You always know how to tip these things into the unfair category don’t you?” “Nonsense,” said the Grandmaster without looking at me. “If I had not given them their new guns, you would have had that contest over in 5 seconds. Both decisions were correct by the way.” “According to who?” I yelled. “You? Are you God that you can say who gets punished and who escapes?”

He turned to me. “God? No. I am just the Gamesman. You can stop anytime you feel that I am abusing you. But with great power comes great responsibility. You have the power. The games are to decide if you can be responsible with it.” He turned his back to me again. “are you ready for the next game?

I didn’t answer.

“I think for your next match”, Grandmaster said, “You shall fight a hero.” “Really?” I asked. “Well not really a hero. The host unit-“

“Host unit?” I interrupted. “Pay attention,” GM responded. “The host unit is a sweet, gentle man, soft-spoken and generous with what little he has in the way of material goods. He's always willing to listen sympathetically. He actively loves everybody who hasn't given him cause to feel otherwise and he's inclined to give everyone else the benefit of the doubt.”

“That’s a hero,” I said. “Agreed. But his 5 personas are just as different as can be. His name is Captain Trips. He has developed chemical treatments that have given him incredible powers, all based on different personas- JJ Flash - fire, Moonchild- martial arts, Cosmic Traveler- enhanced psyche, Starshine – light, and Aquarius - water.”

Captain Trips has never sought out to actively hurt anyone, and goes out of his way to be helpful- except his persona Starshine. Starshine is arrogant, intolerant and insufferable, and hates Drug and Alcohol Abuse. He has opinions on everything and is always more than willing to voice them. And will find ample reason to lecture anyone he encounters. Captain Trips will be warned ahead of time of your coming and will select whichever persona he feels will do the best against you. He will be playing for a prize of great value to him.”

“If he chooses Flash or Starshine, his energy powers will be formidable. If Moonchild or Traveler, his mental prowess will be quite a challenge. You will not be fighting him in water, so I don’t see Aquarius as an option, but he may choose him just to keep you off balance.”