Gone Where the Goblins Go

Gone Where the Goblins Go Matt Betts Manta Press, Ltd. Contents Gone Where the Goblins Go Intro Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Big Weird Thank You List About the Author Gone Where the Goblins Go a novel Matt Betts Copyright © 2023 by Matt Betts All rights reserved. Print Edition ISBN: 978-1-958370-11-7 E-book edition ISBN: 978-1-958370-10-0 Manta Press, Ltd. www.mantapress.com Cover Design by Creative Paramita First Edition This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events portrayed within are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, institutions or locales is entirely coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Created with Vellum Dedicated to all the writers who give their time freely to other writers. Thanks for your willingness to answer questions, offer advice, mentor new writers, and field quick phone calls to talk newbies off the WIP ledge. You make the publishing world a little better every day. Intro Welcome to Hōfuna Asia Conservancy. We are happy to have you join us on our journey of preservation and love for all creatures throughout Asia. Established in 1997, Hōfuna, or HAC, is a non-profit, wildlife conservation organization. The mission of Hōfuna is to save endangered and on-the-brink creatures of all genus and species. A large part of our quest focuses on legal and physical efforts to end the destruction of habitat, intervention to stop slaughter of wildlife due to poaching and overhunting, and efforts to increase corporate responsibility throughout the region. A second effort by Hōfuna is to ensure the survival of endangered creatures by collecting a sampling of those animals to house in zoos and private sanctuaries for the express purpose of breeding and repopulation. When a physical specimen is not possible, Hōfuna collects tissue or blood samples, remains, or any other matter our researchers believe might potentially assist in cloning or repopulation efforts in the future. Hōfuna uses innovative methods to investigate and document illegal activities concerning the Asian animal populations, and provide local governments with legal aid, private security, and investigation services, whenever needed. By championing these amazing creatures, their ecosystems, and our own environment, Hōfuna believes future generations will reap the benefits of a diverse Asia. Your support makes it happen. Hōfuna. Giving Life A Fighting Chance. Chapter 1 Across the table, Mister Harrison clicked a button and a soft blue light projected onto Tilly’s face. She shielded her eyes until she grew used to it. “This is a simple version of the Montpelier/Foxfield Lie Detector and Situational Reaction Analyzer,” Harrison said. “There’s no right or wrong answer here. So, relax.” In Tilly’s experience, no test with the words ‘lie detector’ in it was just for funsies. “Of course.” “You’re aware you need to pass a drug test and background check pursuant to any hiring decision we make, yes?” one woman asked. Tilly nodded. Her employment record was spotless, and she knew people who could help her pass any sort of drug test they threw at her. “Are you now, or have you ever been, a robot?” Harrison flipped a page on his pad and then looked up at Tilly. “This includes droids, androids, automatons, windup constructs, ummm… murderbots, deathbots, war wagons, tin men.” “What?” This was a new one to Tilly. “Are there androids out there that look like people?” Harrison looked puzzled. “I don’t know. This is only a baseline question we ask. To see how you react.” Tilly laughed. “That’s weird.” “So?” “Oh, you want an answer anyway? Okay.” Tilly thought about the nonsensical question in earnest to make sure she wasn’t caught in some kind of lie. “I had surgery on my leg and had to have a pin put in a long time ago, but it’s not mechanical in any way. So, no. I’m not a robot of any kind.” “That’s your answer, then? No?” Tilly nodded. “Correct.” Harrison looked back at his pad. Tilly assumed he was looking for the next question, or assessing her response to the first. The smell of lilacs and fresh fruit filled the room, though neither of those things was anywhere in sight. Was the smell coming from a perfume one member of the interview panel was wearing? It was a little overpowering for her taste, but then she never wore any herself. “Miss Coleman?” “I’m so sorry. Could you repeat your question? I didn’t catch it.” “Not at all. Happy to repeat it. Out of curiosity, what brought you to Japan originally?” Harrison asked. “My father moved near a city called Shimabara some years ago,” Tilly said. “I never understood why. I guess he liked the view of Mount Unzen. He didn’t really explain.” “Moved from the United States?” “Yes.” “I see.” From his accent, Tilly guessed Harrison to be British. His mannerisms were reserved and proper, which also equated to British from her experience. The assumption made sense, as Hōfuna was partly owned by a company from the United Kingdom, Telford Biotech. According to Tilly’s job research, the Brits created Hōfuna with a Japanese conservation firm. One woman in the room broke the silence that followed. “I think he’s trying to be delicate in asking about your employment gap.” This woman was Japanese, but kind enough to speak English for Tilly. Harrison nodded. “Yes. Please, don’t get us wrong. Your qualifications are impeccable, but there is a matter of this unexplained period.”