North Hack "Human Interest" Story [Archive] - Page 5

The Most Glorious Hack

12-06-2003, 13:45

"True."

They skate back over, and return the skates. Before walking out of the park, towards the cinema.

GMC Military Arms

12-06-2003, 13:48

It's started snowing as they head for the cinema...Not that hard, but it looks like it might be building up to that later. If Josef looks towards the middle of the city, he'll see that the gigantic Tower's anti-collision lights are already coming on.*

'Looks like there might be a storm coming...Good thing we're heading inside, I suppose. Want to grab some popcorn?'

[*Maiden's Tower is one mile high and jet-black. It's difficult to miss.]

The Imperial Navy

12-06-2003, 13:49

OOC: There's currently 1006 posts on this thread! :shock:

(this'll be 1007)

*has Heart atack*

The Most Glorious Hack

12-06-2003, 13:52

[Makes roughly +500 for each of us...]

Josef, despite having seen a couple satellite images of the Spire, is still impressed, trailing behind a couple steps as he looks.

He catches back up with Alice. "Popcorn? Sure. My treat."

GMC Military Arms

12-06-2003, 13:54

'Oh come on, I have to pay for something...Toffee, butter or salted?'

The Most Glorious Hack

12-06-2003, 13:56

"Well, if you want, go for it. And any topping is just fine with me. Take your pick."

GMC Military Arms

12-06-2003, 13:58

She goes for toffee, in the end, and a Coke for the two of them, then gets two tickets. 'It's fairly empty today. Screen two.' she points to a door, 'Thataway.'

[One more post.]

The Most Glorious Hack

12-06-2003, 14:00

He takes one of the Cokes from her, and follows her to the proper theater. "Thank you."

GMC Military Arms

12-06-2003, 14:02

Alice sits down, 'There's usually a half-hour of adverts before the film starts...Same in The Hack?'

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 07:50

He takes a seat next to her, "We had had advertisements, but the public outcry was so loud that they were scaled back. It's usually just one or two commercials, and a couple of trailers before the film. About 10 minutes or so."

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 10:38

She smiles, 'Well, it gives me some time for hugging you anyway.'

She does this.

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 10:42

He puts his arms around her, holding her. "Well, I'm certainly not gonna complain."

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 10:45

A few adverts come on, mostly for films or restaurants near the cinema.

'This is so much better than being on my own.'

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 10:51

"I have to agree." He nabs a few pieces of popcorn.

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 10:52

<Skip the film?>

'Hey, it's starting.'

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 10:55

[Might as well]

As the lights come up, Josef blinks a few times. "Well... it wasn't too bad..."

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 10:57

'I thought it was great...Did you not like it?'

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 11:00

He shrugs, "It was enjoyable enough. Not something I'd pick, but you asked so nicely..."

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 11:03

'So, where to now? Oh yes...' she smiles, 'I'm buying you dinner, remember?'

She looks out through the glass doors at the snowstorm outside, 'Somewhere close, I think.'

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 11:06

"Hm. I thought I was going to take you someplace where you could wear that fabulous dress," He follows her gaze outside, "Then again, perhaps that should wait..."

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 11:07

'Yeah...I'm kinda glad you got me to change, really. Shame with all this technology we still can't predict the weather...'

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 11:11

"Or change it."

He looks up and down the street. "So, where's the nearest?"

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 11:13

She points, 'That way, a few hundred yards. Italian, If I remember right...'

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 11:15

"That works, let's go."

They scurry down the street to the restaurant. Josef holds the door for her, then ducks inside himself.

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 11:18

'Phew...' she brushes some snow out of her hair, 'It's going to be fun getting back to the car.'

A waiter walks up, 'Table for two?'

'Yes please.'

'Right this way...'

He leads them to a table, handing each of them a menu. 'I'll be along to collect your order in a moment.'

<Couple more posts and I'm off. Stuff to do.>

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 11:20

[I gotta bail soon too]

"I was wondering how it handled in the snow..."

He looks over the menu, "Anything you'd recommend?"

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 11:23

'It handles ok, actually. You have to do a course in driving in icy conditions before you can get your license anyway.'

She looks over the menu, 'I seem to remember they do great pizzas here...Perhaps we could share?'

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 11:24

"That sounds great. Whatever toppings you want is fine."

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 11:28

'I just go for pepporoni, most of the time. You want a beer to go with it?'

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 11:33

"I like pepperoni, and a beer would be great, thank you."

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 11:35

'Ok...' she calls the waiter over, and order, adding half a glass of wine for herself.

'It'll be a few minutes, ma'am.'

'Thank you.' she turns to Josef, 'Half glass because I'm driving.'

<One more post.>

The Most Glorious Hack

13-06-2003, 11:40

He nods. "Probably a good idea. We can always share some more once we get back."

GMC Military Arms

13-06-2003, 11:41

'We've still got the rest of that bottle from last night, haven't we?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 08:31

He thinks a moment. "I think we've got about half a bottle."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 08:41

'It'll do...' she smiles, 'Caught an episode of Robot Wars since you've been here, by the way?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 09:13

"Actually, I think I might have caught a snippet of it one night. Been kinda busy and all..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 09:17

'I keep meaning to enter the amateur league, actually...I just never seem to have the time to finish a robot.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 09:19

The gears turning in his head are almost audible. "Amateur league, hmm?"

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 09:22

'Well...There's no way I'd win the professional league. That's all sponsored teams...'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 09:25

"I might be able to finagle some funding, but I was more intreagued by the comcept of a killer robot. I could lend a hand... if you want."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 09:28

'Well, amateur has a ten kay upper limit anyway...It's not like pro. There there's no limit on cost, the weight limit's five tons and you can arm it with pretty much whatever you want.'

'Yeah...Sounds like fun.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 09:30

"You'll have to show me what you've got so far when we get home."

He grins, "Besides, it'll be something to do until the Trans-Am arrives."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 09:33

'Sure...'

'Actually, the funniest thing was when Annie pointed out where last year's winner came from on ASPD's budget sheet...They're quite the creative accountants.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 09:35

He chuckles, "Nothing like budgetary abuse."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 09:38

'Oh yes...Two railguns, forty anti-tank missiles, and a heavy machine gun with an army anti-missile system attached to it...It was kinda obvious, but not until she pointed it out...That's why I don't enter pro...'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 09:40

"They got all of that in under five tons?!"

He starts thinking again, "Hmm... then again..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 09:43

'Only just...And they were using a stack of high-grade materials in it. It was called Nightmare,' she smiles, 'You've probably seen the toy, or at least the T-shirt.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 09:46

"Yeah, I have... but... I might be able to work a way to beat it..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 09:47

She smiles, 'Go on...'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 09:53

"Well, I'm not sure on the rules, but what I'm thinking is a small, very fast little jobber. Has to be fast to live long enough to work. Basically, it jams the frequency between remote and the other robot, making it dead in the water."

"Or, alternatively, since I'm sure there's plenty of computers involved, it hacks in and drops a virus. Then, whatever weapon we give it, say, a drill bit, goes to town on the inert robot."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 09:57

'Hmm...Well, they're not that hot on that kind of thing in pro...It doesn't make for good television. Still, it's more sensible than NSPD's robot...' she shakes her head, 'A gravity wave cannon, indeed...'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 09:58

He smirks. "Cultural differences, I guess. But, if weapon-style is preferred, we could always look into EMP..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:02

'Well, pro's kinda like wrestling, it's all about the spectacle...Plus, it's nice to do something light-hearted with all this hardware we've got.'

The pizza arrives. It's very big and looks delicious.

'You want to take the first piece?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 10:06

"Hm... I guess I'll have to actually watch an entire episode to get the hang of it."

"Nah, ladies first." He serves up a slice for her, and then one for himself.

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:09

She takes a bite, 'Told you it was good here...Anyway, it's on every friday, but I've probably got a few episodes on tape...We could watch one this evening, if you like.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 10:12

He sprinkles some crushed red pepper on the top. Some, being 'quite a bit'. After taking a bite, his eyes look like they're seriously considering watering. "You're right, it is good."

"Sounds like a plan. Might give me some ideas."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:14

'Maybe...Most likely you'll just think we're all gun fetishists again...'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 10:16

"I knew that was going to come back and bite me..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:17

She grins, 'I know you're just teasing.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 10:22

He winks, "I've also been known to be melodramatic at times, too."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:23

'Do you use...Sarcasm?'

<It's a Python quote>

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 10:25

[Not familiar with that particular one, but...]

"My two weapons are teasing and melodrama. And sarcasm..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:28

<It's the Piranha Brothers Sketch>

She laughs, 'You know, If we weren't sitting down I'd hug you.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 10:31

[Don't think I've seen that one... I'll guess I'll just have to buy it all on DVD]

He grins, "I'll just have to collect on that later..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:33

'Don't worry, I'll remember.' She takes a sip of wine, 'So...You know pretty much all of my hobbies..What're yours?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 10:38

"Hmm... let's see... well, computers, obviously. But, remember when I mentioned taking 'a couple' cooking classes...?"

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:40

'Yes?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 10:46

"That was, to say the least, an understatement. I'm actually a certified chef..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:48

'Really?' she smiles, 'Wow.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 10:50

He nods. "It started as a couple course, but I figured, 'what the hell?' and finished it off. `Course now someone can enjoy what I'm making besides just me."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:52

She grins, 'I can just see some kind of 'Iron Chef' thing going on between you and Annie...'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 10:55

He smiles. "With you and Elisa as judges? Hmm..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 10:59

'I'd volunteer, certainly,' she smiles, 'Although you might want a third judge...The two of us might be a little biased in our respective directions.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 11:01

"Well, there is that... accost some fool off the street?" He grins.

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 11:03

Alice grins, 'I was thinking of Rachel, actually. I think she'd be fair.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 11:06

"That sounds reasonable. You should set something like that up. It'd be fun."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 11:09

'Yeah...Oh, you want another beer?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 11:14

He looks at his glass, then at the remaining pizza. "Maybe one more..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 11:16

She calls the waiter over. A few minutes later he returns with a bottle of beer. 'There you are, sir.'

Alice blinks, 'Oh, are you up for dessert?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 11:20

Josef thanks the waiter and turns to Alice, "Sure, if you want."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 11:23

'Well, the menu for that'll be along in a minute...Hope you like chocolatey things.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 11:25

"Sure. Chocalate's fine."

When the dessert menu arrives he looks it over. "So, which did you have in mind?"

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 11:26

'Actually, I adore the toffee pavlova...'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 11:30

He ponders this for a minute. "So why the chocolate caveat?"

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 11:34

'Oh...I always think of toffee as chocolate,' she smiles, 'Sorry.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 11:37

"Ah, okay, fair enough." He takes a drink of his beer. "Sounds good."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 11:39

She orders, and it's there pretty soon.

'It's your turn to go first.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 11:41

"If you insist." He tries a bit of it. "Hm... pretty good."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 11:43

'I've always liked it.' She looks out the window, 'Oh dear.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 11:45

"Wha..." he follows her gaze looking outside.

[Snow?]

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 11:49

'It's got worse...' she frowns, 'It's going to be a hell of a walk.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 11:53

"Oh jeeze... Who ordered the blizzard?" He frowns thinking of how far away the car is, and glances up and down the street.

[Hm. Handy, nearby hotel?]

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 11:58

<I don't think she thinks that way. And isn't Josef's shoulder feeling a little itchy?>

'We'll make it...Just wait for a tank and follow it, that usually works.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 12:03

Josef absentminded scratches his right shoulder. "Wait for a tank?" He smirks.

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 12:05

'Oh...You didn't know they use Mk. 5s and Mk. 7s as snowploughs in weather like this? You just walk behind one, they're great wind shields...'

She blinks, 'Hey, what's that mark on your arm?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 12:07

"Makes sense I suppose..."

He blinks, and realises what he's doing. "Oh... that... uh... barcode..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 12:10

'Uh-huh...Where'd you get it, if you don't mind me asking?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 12:14

He frowns. "Section 2* managed to get some legislation passed that made it possible. It's rather unnerving."

[*Section 2 is law enforcement. Police, FBI, DEA, etc in one]

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 12:16

'I can imagine...Err...I wouldn't have to have one if I visited, would I?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 12:18

"Of course not. Actually, they're giving serious thought to repealing it. Damn near every senator who voted for it got voted out last election..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 12:19

'You have elections?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 12:22

"Well, yeah. Granted, nobody much bothers with the presidency, Gibson's always a shoo-in, but the other ones can get pretty hotly contested. Why?"

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 12:25

'I just didn't realise...I thought The Hack was like here...'

<Check my Political Freedoms!>

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 12:29

[Good Civil Rights tho...]

He raises an eyebrow. "Considering all the differences, between the two..." He shrugs.

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 12:34

'No, just your government...Rachel always seems to be talking to Vic, I guess I just assumed that was because the government was for life.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 12:39

He smiles. "Understandable. To keep the explination from lasting all night, I'll give you the Cliff's Notes. President Gibson was a, no the major war hero of the Rebellion. He's also the one who gathered the survivors. Hence, he's somewhat deified to the people, and thus is constantly reelected by sizable margins."

"Of course, if you want similarities, nobody's seen him in years either."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 12:45

'So it's not that different, really.' She smiles.

There's a pause.

'Just making the most of smiling before the bill comes...'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 12:47

He laughs. "Hey, I offered to pay..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 12:48

'Oh come on, I can't have you pay for everything...'

She looks at the bill.

''S fine.' she says, slightly too quickly to be convincing.

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 12:54

He raises an eyebrow again, "I don't mind, really. If you want, I can pay half..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 13:00

''S ok, really. S' not that much.' She hands the waiter her card, and a few moments later signs the receipt. 'Hey, I bet that seemed hopelessly archaic to you...'

<Gotta go soon.>

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 13:02

[Okay]

He smiles. "Mildly. Credit cards are still in limited use. Actually, what took the most to get used to was using cash."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 13:06

'I'm afraid we're a little attached to physical currency.'

She stops; Josef can probably feel a slight vibration in the floor. 'Tank's about a block away...We'd better head for the door.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 13:08

He smiles, "We pretty much never had it."

He seems pretty shocked at the rumbling, "Er, okay." He gets up and grabs his coat.

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 13:09

'Oh yeah...You've never seen a Mk. 7 moving, have you?'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 13:12

"Not really, no. I wasn't around when they moved it into the hanger we used as a lab."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 13:19

'Well...Here you are.' they step outside just as the giant tank moves past them. It's painted in city camo and has various trappings of it's crew on the outside; bedrolls, thermos flasks and so on. The road wheels are about as big as Josef is.

They fall into step behind it; true to Alice's word, it blocks out most of the wind and driving snow. It's pretty difficult to hear over the sound of the tank's tracks, and Josef can feel the tank moving through the soles of his shoes.

'Don't turn off until I do...This one goes pretty close to the car park.'

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 13:23

He almost looks lost, and the concept certainly seems alien to him. He's saying something but only snippets can be heard "... odd... tank... loud..."

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 13:25

Alice grabs his hand as they pass their turn and pulls him into the doorway of the carpark.

'Sorry...I couldn't hear a word you were saying back there...'

[Tg]

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 13:30

[Got it]

"Oh, just me marvaling about the concept of walking behind a massive tank."

He smiles when they finally get out of the falling snow, brushing some off his shoulders and head. "Gonna drive behind it too?"

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 13:34

'It's easier that way, since they have to shut off roads in front of it...Something about the plough taking up two lanes, although I've seen them on Victory Road with six-lane ploughs. But I've driven in snowstorms worse than this one. Besides, you saw the road; nobody else is out this late in this weather.'

[One more post]

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 13:39

He shrugs, "Sounds good. And at least its effective."

[Feel free to gloss over the ride home, and we can pick up there tomarrow]

GMC Military Arms

14-06-2003, 13:42

[Fine]

'Well, Mark 7 started life as a giant snowplough. ASPD appropriated the design to see if they could make a tank out of it.' she smiles, 'Turns out they could.'

'Kay, get in.'

The ride back doesn't take long, even though Alice is driving pretty carefully.

The Most Glorious Hack

14-06-2003, 13:49

He smiles, but doesn't say anything.

When they finally get back inside he puts their coats away. Looking out the window, "Still coming down..."

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 12:59

Alice smiles, 'So, what did you think of that three-point turn outside?'

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 13:02

"It was nice. The ice made it... extra fun..."

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 13:03

'Anyway, you wanted to see my robot, right?'

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 13:05

He nods, "But first, I believe you still owe me a hug..."

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 13:08

'So I do.'

She hugs him, then leads him over to a workbench covered in circuitry, lumps of metal and strange spikey things.

'I haven't finished assembling it...Been busy painting a model Grand Forty.'

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 13:10

"Hm." He pokes at the assorted parts, picking some up for a closer look. He points at the spikey things, "What are those?"

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 13:12

'Well, I wanted to give it a hydraulic piercing arm. I'd need to use some of R&D's equipment to make the main blade, those are just additions.'

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 13:17

"Not a bad idea. Unless it gets stuck..." He thinks for a moment, then chuckles a little, "How about a oxygen cutting torch?"

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 13:21

'There's limits on weapons in amateur...Might just get away with it if the cylinder's well secured. Amateur's performed in front of a live audience, you see.'

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 13:24

"Oh. Well, that might be a touch on the hot side then... Hm... add some rotation to the spike?"

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 13:28

'Might be good...It'd probably do more damage that way.' she grins.*

[*Because she just quoted Ghostbusters]

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 13:31

"Just don't cross the data stream. That's bad."

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 13:33

'Actually, my favourite is that 'This reminds me of that time you tried to drill a hole in your head' line...'

['That would've worked if you hadn't stopped me.']

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 13:37

[Oddly enough, that's one dialogue exchange I don't remember from that movie...]

"Ah yes That would have worked if you hadn't stopped me... I dunno, I like Venkman's rant about Cats and dogs sleeping together!"

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 13:39

She smiles, 'Great film.'

'Well...I offered to show you a few episodes of Robot Wars...and the wine's not going to drink itself, either...'

[Few more posts.]

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 13:46

"Sounds good. I'll get the beverage, you cue up the tape."

[Between the beer and wine, I think she's trying to get him drunk...]

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 13:49

[Well... <TG>]

''Kay.'

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 13:54

He meanders out into the kitchen to grab the bottle and another pair of glasses. He pours some wine into both, and heads back for the living room, setting the bottle on an end table. He hands one glass to her when she sits down. "Here ya go."

[ditto]

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 13:57

'Thanks.' she hits play. 'There's a pro match on the end of this one.'

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 14:00

He puts an arm around her, watching the show, making occational comments about the robots.

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 14:08

Generally, the amateur shows are exciting shows of lunatic inventiveness, with various crushing arms, spiked flywheels and insanely powerful CO2 powerfed flippers. Then it flicks on to the pro match, which is held in a steel box with an open top. There's a little bit of WWE-style 'story' first, mostly concerned with overacting by people with engineering degrees who really ought to know better.

'It's silly, but it's fun.'

The robots themselves are both built like tanks, one even has a rotating turret. Both are covered in sponsor's logos. The next few minutes are full of explosions and gunfire, after which one robot is a smoking hulk. It's actually pretty exciting.

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 14:12

Josef sits eyes wide, mouth open for a few minutes, stunned. "Holy..." He blinks a couple times and tries again. "Whoa... that's insane... and really damn cool!"

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 14:14

'It's kinda our national sport...You like it, huh? Want me to put on another one?'

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 14:16

He nods.

"I've seen combat training with less firepower..."

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 14:19

She smiles, 'I know what you mean...Do you have something like this back home?' She pauses, 'Like the amateur league, I mean.'

<One more post>

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 14:21

"Sorta, but they're a little more sneaky... like the signal scramblers I mentioned. As for the pro... well... there's that footage from the Elaran civil war we helped out on..."

GMC Military Arms

15-06-2003, 14:24

She smiles, 'It's all good fun...Anyway, it's just we were thinking of setting up an international league sometime. Think we could count on many entries from The Hack?'

The Most Glorious Hack

15-06-2003, 14:35

"Well, as long as its for the amateur league, I'm sure you could count on a few entries. There might even be a couple people willing to try for the pro..."

GMC Military Arms

16-06-2003, 09:38

'That'd be great...I'm sure you'd have a few companies want to sponsor teams as well, huh?'

She looks at the tape, 'Hey...I'm on this one; 'Special Guest Judge!''

<Out today>

The Most Glorious Hack

16-06-2003, 12:55

[feh, early night for me too]

"That or a few people with more money then sense. I can think of a few people who might sponsor their own team..."

"Really? Hey neat. Pop that one in!" He tops off their wine glasses.

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 09:02

She puts it's in, 'This one the one with Javelin in...After this, we found out it belongs to the AFSPD. They're rebuilding it with an AG drive, from what I've been told...'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 09:06

"So, what does a Special Guest Judge do?"

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 09:10

'Well, we have to comment on the robots, and make a decision if it's a tie. It's just they don't have a set panel...There's usually one special guest.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 09:13

He nods, "Sounds like it would have been real fun."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 09:23

She grins, 'It is.'

She hits play. It's generally more of the same (which isn't really a bad thing), followed by a battle between a sinister-looking white-and-black painted tank and a smaller vehicle carrying a pair of enormous missiles.

'I still don't know where Goliath got hold of those.'

The fight ends with the smaller vehicle, Goliath, hitting the larger, Javelin, with one of it's missiles, damn-near destroying both of them.

'This is what you need judges for...Thing like that.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 09:26

He laughs. "Wuf. That's brutal. I can see why you need sponsorship. They get blown to hell most every match."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 09:28

'In pro they do, certainly. Amateur league is mostly about immobilising...Since most of the guys in amateur can't afford to rebuild from scratch if they lose.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 09:30

He smiles, "Yeah, I noticed a general lack of rocket launchers in amatuer..."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 09:32

'That's mainly for safety...Partly for the audience, partly for whoever's building and testing it.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 09:34

"I wager that price ceiling factors in somewhere too."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 09:38

'Well, weapons aren't that expensive really...I'm sure a lot of our guys couple afford a couple of LAWs* if they wanted them...And had a class six firearms license, of course. They're a little hard to come by.'

[*RL= A couple of hundred dollars apiece]

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 09:39

"Hm. They're considerably more expensive and, well, illegal in the Hack..."

[Military only, in other words]

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 09:43

[Class 6 = High explosives (weapons using them), anti-tank guns, rocket launchers, flamethrowers etc. You need to provide a decent reason to have them, evidence that you can store them safely and securely, and a completely clean record for crime and mental health. So they're practically military only.]

'I can imagine...Another tape, or you want to see that Starblade test data?'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 09:45

"Hm... the videos are great, but lets take a look at that data..."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 09:47

''Kay, it's in the study. I'm afraid my computer in there's not so interesting...'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 09:49

He takes a drink of wine and grins. "I'm sure I'll survive."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 09:53

She leads hims into her study. It's not a big room, with a sofa, a couple of desks and a couple of chairs, along with a few bookshelves. One wall has an absolutely beautiful painting of Annie and Elisa on it, the rest a few photos and certificates.

Alice turns on her computer. It's actually completely ordinary looking; Josef might notice it has no internet connection at all.

'It'll be a minute starting up.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 09:56

He nods, glancing around the room. He looks at the painting, "Wow..."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 10:01

It's of Annie with her arms around Elisa, and a pair of swan-like wings spread around her. It's signed, in Elisa's elegant handwriting;
'To my beloved Annie - on our most special day. Please remember my heart is yours forever.
All my love
Elisa.'

Alice catches where he's looking, 'Elisa painted that for their first wedding aniversary...That one's just a copy, obviously.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 10:03

"Ah. I was wondering why you had Annie's anniversary gift for awhile there." He looks at it a bit more, "She's really good," before turning back to the computer.

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 10:07

She smiles, 'Well, here we are.' On screen is a huge list of files, most in formats Josef hasn't heard of. 'Most of it's test data...I guess you'd be more interested in the recordings of the tests themselves and the schematics and 3D models, right?'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 10:09

He makes a mental note to learn GMC OS's, both common and obscure.

"Either's fine. I wouldn't mind seeing a model or two so I've got an image to go with the results..."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 10:17

The test films are either of ridiculously sleek aerodynamic test aircraft flying or of giant Grand Dragons with their inboard engines replaced with plasma drives. Josef will probably notice there's options to play the files in other modes; thermal, UV etc. There's also a few of plasma cannon tests at Wavell gunnery range; quite a few times the film shows the gun exploding while firing.

The 3-D models are generally the same ridiculously sleek aircraft, mainly flying-wing type designs. They're always painted black. There's a few schematics to go with some of them.

'This is what we've got so far. What do you think?'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 10:21

He clicks through a couple different viewing filters as the footage plays. "That's pretty impressive."

He pulls up some results on the weapons tests ending with explosions. "Hm..."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 10:27

'Don't worry, they're unmanned...Our plasma cannon is a little unreliable at the moment, and far too large. We're planning to mount them on Starblade as gun armament. Besides, we always test the guns to destruction; there were three fifty-two point sixes at one point.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 10:32

"Ah. I wasn't sure if you were trying to blow them up, or if it was a design flaw."

"Still, this thing is really impressive. You do good work."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 10:34

She smiles, 'Thank you.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 10:39

He skims a couple more results, then stands back up. He gives her a hug, "Thanks for showing me that. I can't wait until they're real."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 10:41

[That'll be quite a while]

'Neither can I...' she smiles, 'I keep forgetting this whole thing was my idea...'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 10:44

[Heh, figured]

"Really? How come?"

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 10:49

'I don't know...It's just hard to connect all this with that proposal I made...It's gone better than I'd ever have dreamed it could.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 10:53

He smiles, "Well, between this, Ali, Shiva and all the others, you'd be used to it by now."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 10:54

'You certainly know how to make me smile...'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 10:57

He gives her a kiss, "What can I say? I like seeing you smile. And besides, it's the truth."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 11:00

She hugs him, 'Thank you.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 11:01

He smiles back at her. "You're welcome."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 11:04

'I think we could do with a little something to eat before bed....' she smiles, '...Mr. Chef?'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 11:05

He bows deeply, "Absolutely, my love. What do you desire?"

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 11:06

'Well...What's your specialty?'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 11:09

He smirks, "Desserts, actually. Pastries, mainly..."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 11:14

'Well, whatever you feel like.' She smiles adorably, 'Surprise me.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 11:18

"Fair enough..."

He goes into the kitchen and rummages around for awhile. About twenty minutes later he comes back out with a bowl with a dark, fluffy mass in it.

"It doesn't really have a name, but its mostly egg and maple syrup."

[Unless she hates eggs or maple syrup, she find it quite good. Fluffy, but at the same time somewhat heavy.]

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 11:21

She tries a bit, 'Mmm...It's good.' she smiles, 'You're pretty talented.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 11:23

[one more post, then 2 hour vanish]

He shrugs. "I guess. Glad you like it though."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 11:24

'I love it.' she kisses him, 'And you.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 11:28

He blushes slightly. "Well, thank you. I love you too."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 12:37

'So...Another video now?'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 13:24

He glances at his watch. "Sure."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 13:34

She looks at the video, and smiles, 'The Pro league biped match...That's got a twenty ton weight limit..It's a hell of a fight. Sound good?'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 13:38

"Bi-ped? Oh my... that should be interesting."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 13:39

'Oh yes...They're only only half the size of MAC Frames...'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 13:42

He nods, "But still... I bet its pretty terminal if one falls over..."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 13:48

'It's pretty bad...'

She puts the tape in. Again, a lot of small-robot fighting followed by a twelve-minute battle in an artificial city block between a pair of heavily-armed walkers, ending with the one with arms ripping the other to pieces.

'They only do this once a year, usually.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 13:52

"Yeesh... I can see why. Impressive... but... whoa..."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 13:53

'Well, that city block's used for live-fire exercises anyway...I've trained on it, actually.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 13:56

"I imagine it gets rebuilt a lot..."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 14:01

'Not so much, it's supposed to look like it's been shelled. They do have to do quite a few safety checks on it after exercises to make sure nothing's unstable.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 14:03

"Ah... I just figured it'd be reduced to total rubble somewhat frequently." He grins, "But it does have that 'really lived in' look..."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 14:05

She laughs, 'I've slept the night there...It was a 36 hour exercise.'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 14:08

"Sounds like it was a real... blast."

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 14:11

She elbows him, 'That's awful...'

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 14:13

He tries to squirm out of the way, but still gets hit. "That's what makes it funny," he says grinning.

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 14:15

She smiles, 'Love you anyway...'

<Bed / morning again?>

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 14:17

He smiles, "Me too. But we should probably head upstairs."

[Sure... you get wake-up duty this time]

GMC Military Arms

17-06-2003, 14:19

<Start that tomorrow...Need bed myself.>

'Yeah...It is getting a little late.

The Most Glorious Hack

17-06-2003, 14:22

[Hm... good plan...]

He puts an arm around her as the leave the living room "Not enough hours in the day..."

GMC Military Arms

18-06-2003, 11:18

<Morning>

Alice wakes up a little woozy, looking around for an alarm clock that isn't beeping, and on closer inspection isn't all there, either.

'Oh...Should'a bought a new'un yesterday...' She says to herself. Then rubs her eyes. Looking out the window, the snowstorm's still on.

'Jeez...'S like Max Payne...'

The Most Glorious Hack

18-06-2003, 11:22

Alice's moving about rouses Josef, sort of. Mumblty-mumble-mumble

GMC Military Arms

18-06-2003, 11:23

She glances down at Josef, and smiles. 'Still asleep...' she says softly.

The Most Glorious Hack

18-06-2003, 11:29

His eyes slowly open half way, trying to focus. He smiles when he sees her.

GMC Military Arms

18-06-2003, 11:30

'I didn't wake you up, did I?'

The Most Glorious Hack

18-06-2003, 11:33

"Hmm? No... no... I'm awake... more or less..."

GMC Military Arms

18-06-2003, 11:37

<tg>

She grins, 'You're cute when you're asleep...'

The Most Glorious Hack

18-06-2003, 11:42

[got it]

He rubs his eyes and smiles a little, "Hmm... thank you... it's just when I wake up that I look like hell, hmm?"

GMC Military Arms

18-06-2003, 11:43

'Oh, I don't think so at all.' She points to the window, 'I think somewhere indoors, today...'

The Most Glorious Hack

18-06-2003, 11:48

He blinks, then rubs his eyes again to make sure they're working right. "Whoa. If this keeps up we'll be able to sled off of your roof..."

GMC Military Arms

18-06-2003, 11:50

'Kinda like Max Payne...Only less depressing. So, what do you want to do today?'

The Most Glorious Hack

18-06-2003, 11:53

[responded]

He thinks about this for a moment. "Good question..." He sits up. "I'm not sure, but I think you were right about indoors..."

GMC Military Arms

18-06-2003, 11:56

'Well...Annie's usually free today...Maybe we could have a few drinks together, the four of us? There's a really nice pub just up the road.'

NationStates Jolt Archive

North Hack "Human Interest" Story - Page 5