Chapter 42: Of rats and lawyers (3)
As soon as Jeeves appeared, Jack asked, "Is it possible for me to edit a simulation mid-run?"
"Edit? No. But there is an alternative that could be effectively the same depending on your requirements."
"Oh, what's that?"
"You can start a new simulation using the state of a paused simulation as the starting point. Then you can edit the new simulation's initial state before starting it."
As soon as he heard this, he understood how to do it. It was just like starting a normal simulation, except instead of selecting a snapshot as the start point, he could select another simulation as the start point. He focused on his Interface and pushed his intent into it. As soon as he did, a second simulation sphere appeared in his white room. He walked over to it and placed his hand on it.
Just like with a snapshot, he could zoom in and navigate through the simulation's initial state. He zoomed into the conference room and mentally selected each of the goons and deleted them. Then he did the same with Mr. Gefen.
As Jack prepared to start the new simulation, he hoped Henry didn't freak out. He entered the simulation, finding himself where he had been standing when he had paused the previous simulation. Henry was still looking at the spot where Mr. Gefen had been standing, a look of shock and horror on his face.
Jack started the simulation and waited. At first, Henry just stood there, then his look of shock and horror turned to one of befuddlement. It's not every day that people just disappear in front of you. After a moment, Henry turned to Jack and said, "What the fuck just happened?"
Jack pulled out a chair from the conference table and sat. "Have a seat and I'll try to explain."
Still struggling to process the sudden shift from impending doom to puzzling disappearances, Henry pulled out a chair and sat across from Jack. Then just stared at him, waiting.
"So, I'll just state it plainly. This is a simulation. I started this simulation after I parked, but before I entered the building. I was not expecting Mr. Gefen to turn out to be a capital 'V' villain."