For The Win (Gamer Girls, #6) - Auryn Hadley Page 0,192

say?" Rhaven asked.

"This is Deviant Games," Chance said. "We hired you because we trust you. We're keeping you because you trust us back. Let's go change the conversation."

The moment they stepped through the doors, the cameras began going off. Dozens of people were spread before them, with even more cameramen set up at the back. From here, Rhaven could see the crowds of protestors on the other side of the fence, along with the police who'd come in to hold them back. It looked like something that would be listed as breaking news, but this time she was the main attraction.

It felt surreal. It felt amazing. Most of all, it felt like the balance of power was just about to shift in her favor.

Chance took the podium first. "Good afternoon," he told the crowd. "My name is Chance Hunter, and I'm the CEO of Deviant Games. As many of you know by now, we're a triple A gaming company that specializes in online PC games. Recently, there has been some controversy over an employee we hired. I would like to point out that Deviant Games is a privately owned company. Myself and Destiny Pierce are the sole owners. We are not publicly traded, and we are under no obligation to conform to any religious criteria for our hiring practices."

He paused, making sure that every camera caught that part. "There have been complaints that someone else was passed up for this position because we are trying to maintain the title of most diverse employer in the tech industry. Well, since there was no opening, that means no one was passed over. You see, in an industry like ours, every so often a talent comes along that is a perfect fit. The wise business owner makes a job for that person, and at my partner's insistence, I did. I think you'll all find that our games will be better for it. As for who has caused this much controversy, I'd like to introduce you all to the new lead interface developer at Deviant Games, Rhaven Moore."

He stepped back, giving Rhaven the podium. For a brief moment, she felt a rush of anxiety as the cameras began to flash again, but it didn't last long. Being stared at was something she was used to. Lifting her chin just a bit, Rhaven looked out at the back of the crowd.

"I would like to start out by saying that I exist. I do not need anyone to believe in me to know that. I eat, I breathe, I sleep, and do all the other normal things that humans do. Since I am standing here before you all today, I think this proves that I am very real. It doesn't matter if you believe in me or not, I will still be right here. Nothing about me is terrifying or profane. At least, not until I mention that I'm a trans woman."

She waited while the cameras went off in another barrage of shutter clicks and flashes.

"That is the entire controversy, you see. Because I was assigned male at birth and now call myself a woman, all of you are here to hear about it. Have any of you stopped to wonder why?" She grabbed the paper with Soul_Reaper's post. "It's because Deviant Games - and myself - have been the target of a very calculated terrorist organization. They call themselves the Kings of Gaming. Their goal is to systematically remove all women from the game industry. Sexism, misogyny, and serial attacks against anyone who doesn't agree with them are their favorite methods. The problem is that no one has taken them seriously.

"Some people want to stand out there and complain because I dare to call myself a woman, but where's the outrage over this? Our youth is being bullied until they are willing to kill themselves. Women are being stalked and harassed for working as journalists in the gaming industry. One of the owners of Deviant Games was kidnapped, tortured for over two weeks, and raped repeatedly to convince her to stop working in this industry! Now, the leader of the Kings of Gaming has admitted it. This? It was supposed to be a threat, but Soul Reaper, it's not working.

"You see, every single time you come at me, my life gets a little better. You are the reason I got this job. Thank you for making sure that Destiny Pierce was aware of the mods I've created. You tried to scare me away from the