North Hack "Human Interest" Story - Page 6
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GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 10:51
''Kay. You want to go in the shower while I do that?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 10:55
"Sounds like a plan." He gives her a quick kiss and heads off for the bathroom.
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 10:59
Alice grabs the phone, dialling Annie's number.
'Annie?'
'Oh, hi there Alice. Miserable day, isn't it?'
'That's kinda why I'm calling...Do you and Elisa want to meet up for a few drinks?'
'With you and Josef? He's still there, right?'
'Yes...At the place down the road, you know where I mean?'
'Oh yeah...Sounds good. Be there in an hour or so.'
'Thanks. Bye.'
'Bye.'
Alice shouts up the stairs, 'Want some breakfast?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 11:04
["That bum hasn't left yet?"]
Josef calls back "Yeah, sure... I'll be down in a bit."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 11:07
She looks around the kitchen...'Hmm...Waffles, scrambled egg and baked beans seems easy enough...'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 11:11
He comes down stairs a few minutes later and watches her from the doorway to the kitchen. He smiles, "Heya."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 11:17
She smiles back, 'Hi. Want to take over here so I can shower?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 11:20
"Sure." He scans the breakfast being created. "Looks good." He also fires up the coffee machine.
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 11:23
'Right, see you in a minute sweetie.' she kisses him and heads upstairs.
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 11:30
He smiles, and gets to work on breakfast.
While things are churning away on their own, he gets out some plates and such, putting them on the kitchen table.
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 11:33
Alice comes down a few minutes later, wearing an extremely pretty dress. 'What do you think?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 11:39
He blinks a few times, "Wow... you look great!"
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 11:41
She smiles happily, 'This is my best dress, actually...I'm glad you like it.'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 11:43
He nods. "It's very nice, and you look beautiful in it."
Something beeps, "Oh... uh... it's ready..."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 11:48
'Great!' she looks him up and down, 'You look nice too, by the way.'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 11:53
"Oh, thank you," he looks at himself, "Eh, nothing special... you should see me in my tux."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 11:56
'You have a tux?' She thinks for a moment, 'Wow.' She takes a bite, 'Hey, you put something extra in this? It's nice.'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 12:01
He nods, "Yeah, there was a series of official black-tie affairs I had to attend, and got sick of renting."
He also briefly explains how he tweaked the meal.
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 12:04
She nods at his explaination, 'I'll have to try that sometime.'
She puts her knife and fork down, 'So...They should be here in about twenty minutes, all being well. Want to put the TV on and wait? I've got to feed the dogs.'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 12:08
"Sounds good." He deposits the dishes in the sink and heads out to the living room.
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 12:12
A little while later there's a knock at the door. 'Hey Josef, could you get that?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 12:15
"Sure." He hops up and goes to the front door, and opens it. "Hello."
[BTW, he's wearing black jeans and a hand knit sweater, forgot to mention before]
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 12:17
Annie and Elisa are standing there in heavy coats, 'Hi, can we come in?' Annie smiles.
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 12:19
"Oh, sorry, yes yes, come on in!" He holds the door open for them.
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 12:21
'Thanks.' Annie drops her coat over the banister; she's wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt. Elisa's wearing a pale dress.
'So, you getting on Ok here? Where's Alice?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 12:25
"Yeah, it's going well. Haven't seen this much snow in awhile, but it's nice."
"She's feeding the dogs. She should be here any second now."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 12:29
Annie heads off to find Alice.
Elisa smiles at Josef, 'Hi. I don't think we've met?'
<Elisa has a a very quiet voice, BTW>
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 12:32
Josef smiles, "Maybe in passing at the Shiva dedication. I'm Josef."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 12:36
She hold out her hand, 'Elisa Embersby...It's good to meet you.' she pauses, 'Oh...You're the scientist from The Hack, right? I didn't think I recognised your accent...'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 12:42
He shakes her hand, and nods, "Yeah, I've been here a few weeks working on a couple projects, mainly Shiva."
[For what it's worth, Josef (and most people from the Hack) tend to talk rather quickly. He's been trying to slow himself down, however]
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 12:45
'I guess you've seen a little of my work around here...Has Alice shown you that painting in her office?'
<She doesn't mean the one in Alice's study, she means the landscape picture in Alice's office at R & D HQ>
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 12:47
He nods, "Yes, I was meaning to compliment you on your work. It's fantastic."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 12:48
She smiles, 'You're too kind. So, how are you finding it here so far?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 12:50
"It's nice. The Hack has a similar climate, just less snow and wind. We went around the city a little yesterday, and saw a few sites. I rather like it here."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 12:53
'I'm glad. I'm a little biased myself...Never really been anywhere else. Been to the beach yet?'
<She isn't insane...Marshall City has a mile-long enclosed artificial beach. It's the only place in GMC you can surf. Josef will probably have seen something advertising it, by now.>
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 12:58
"Well, this is my first trip out of country, so everything's... neat. I've heard about the beach, but haven't been there yet. Actually, never been to a beach before. There's a couple hot springs back home*, but that's about it."
[*Like what they've got in Iceland, thermal vents heating small lakes. Natural jacuzzi!]
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 13:02
'It's great, you really should go sometime.'
Annie walks in, with a slightly embarassed-looking Alice behind her. Alice's hair has a couple of ribbons in it; it suits her.
'Found her...Shall we go?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 13:06
[unrelated tg]
Josef quirks an eyebrow, but decides not to comment. "Sounds good. I'll get our coats."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 13:11
Annie opens the door, 'Wow...You can barely see my engine from here.'
<Ask her!>
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 13:14
[Annie or Alice?]
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 13:16
[Annie said she could see her engine...Josef can't make out a damn thing]
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 13:19
He looks at Annie incredulously, "Um... what?"
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 13:22
Annie blinks, 'Oh...You can't see infrared, can you?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 13:23
He blinks, then remembers the 'genetic' part of GMC, "Um... can't say that I can."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 13:29
'Yeah, I just keep forgetting...S' okay, Alice can't either, it's just enhanced humans that can. I always forget, though.' she heads down to the car, 'You don't mind sitting in the back, do you?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 13:32
He smiles, "Yeah I'm cursed with just seeing ROYGBIV." He and Alice follow, Josef glancing at the ribbons again, and then says to Annie "Shouldn't be a problem."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 13:36
Annie smiles, 'Can't fool a psychic with acronyms...Anyway, for me you'd have to add IR and UV.'
Alice looks at Josef, 'This looks ok, right?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 13:43
"Hmm... ir'oy gee bivuv?"
To Alice, "You look fine."
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 13:48
'I was just worried from the way you kept looking at me and not saying anything...That's why I took so long, by the way.'
Annie starts the engine, 'There's a blanket back there somewhere, I'll need it when we stop.'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 13:56
He smiles at her, "You've got nothing to worry about. Just haven't seen you in ribbons before. It's nice."
Josef sets the blanket on his lap, "Hm? Yeah, got it right here."
is there a least glorious hack?
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 13:59
'Good, we need it to keep the engine warm. We're a little screwed if it freezes.'
A few minutes later, the car pulls up. 'Right, we're here.'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 14:02
"Hm. There's a couple mountain towns back home where stores and such have exterior outlets and people have AC heaters installed in their cars. The just plug em in."
After they get out he hands her the blanket.
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 14:04
Annie opens the bonnet, 'This is your girlfriend's handiwork, by the way...She's great with engines.' She puts the blanket over it, then tkes Elisa's hand and heads inside.
<Couple more posts>
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 14:06
"Yeah, saw her car too." He smiles at Alice, as they follow in.
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 14:12
Inside is a nice-looking wood-finished pub, with several window seats left, the rest being at dark-coloured wooden tables. There's a log fire burning in a large stone fireplace, and a long dark wood bar with a few stools by it. There's a lot of paintings hanging on the walls, and Elisa smiles as she walks past one. Josef will notice her signature on it.
Annie turns to Josef and Alice; 'So, what's everyone drinking? First round's mine, and I'll order food as well if you want it. They do a great steak here.'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 14:17
"Not horribly hungry right now, but I will take a stout." He looks to Alice to see what she orders.
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 14:21
Alice smiles, 'Steak and chips, and a glass of wine please.'
Annie grins, ''Kay, And that's a half-pounder with bacon and cheese for me and a pint; Elisa, vodka and diet coke and a veggieburger?'
Elisa nods.
'Sure you don't want anything, Josef?'
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 14:24
"Hrm... well, if you insist... how about a Reuben?"
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 14:27
[One more post]
'Hmm?'
[Don't think I'm familiar..]
The Most Glorious Hack
19-06-2003, 14:29
"Ah... nevermind. Patty melt?"
[Reuben's corned beef on pumpernickle with 1000 island dressing. The melt would be hamburger patty on rye w/onion]
GMC Military Arms
19-06-2003, 14:32
'I think they can manage that...'Kay, I'll go order, you guys grab a seat. A window seat if you can, this storm's nice to watch.'
[Will continue tomorrow]
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 08:02
[Oh, and cheese. Wouldn't be much of a "melt" without cheese, would it?]
"Can do." He scans the eating area quickly, and find a nice table for four near a window, with a rather nice view. He walks on over to it, "This should work."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 08:06
Annie nods, 'Looks nice, I'll be over in a minute.'
After they sit down, Elisa turns to Josef, 'So, has Alice told you the happy news?'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 08:13
He thinks a moment, running through various projects that Alice mentioned getting the green-light, the super-car, and a couple others, but decides that Elisa wouldn't be talking about them. "No, I don't believe so."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 08:16
She smiles, and rests her hand on her belly, 'This is our daughter.'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 08:18
He smiles, "Well, congratulations! When are you expecting?"
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 08:22
'A few months yet.'
Alice smiles, 'Well, what with everything else it kinda slipped my mind.'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 08:26
He nods, "You two will make great parents."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 08:31
'Thanks. Oh, how do you think Jennifer Louise Embersby sounds? We're pretty much settled on that, now.'
Annie walks back over, and sits down next to Elisa. 'Hey, did I miss anything*?'
[*Yes, she knows everything Elisa just said. She's being polite.]
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 08:36
"That's a lovely name." He glances over at Annie, "Elisa just told me about a future addition to the family. Congrats."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 08:51
'Thanks...I'm really looking forward to being a mother, actually.' She turns to Elisa, 'And I made your drink a half.'
'Oh...Didn't I say?'
Annie shakes her head.
'Anyway, other than the godawful storm, have you two been having a good time?'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 08:54
"Well, as I mentioned, the storm reminds me of a trip to the mountains, but the past few days have been great."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 08:58
'Great to hear...I knew you two would be good together. Oh...Almost forgot...This is the one you asked for, Alice.'
She hands Alice a file out of Elisa's bag.
'This is Bahamut?'
'Uh-huh. It's all there...Photos as well.'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 09:02
"Uh... thank you..."
He raises his eyebrow, but manages to keep his curiosity in check, as he wracks his memory for any mention of Bahamut.
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 09:08
Alice glances at Josef, 'I don't think you've told him what it is...'
'Oh.' She turns to Josef, 'It's something the APSD's working on...A new tank based on the Mk. 7 chassis....Designed to carry cruise missiles, mainly.'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 09:14
"The name is certainly appropriate..." He fails to come up with more, once again being amazed at what GMC will put on a tank.
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 09:19
'A six by ten VLS array, actually.' She grins, 'And a pair of MLRS systems...' she winks, 'And still bought it in lighter than the original.'
Alice looks though the document briefly, smiling.
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 09:21
"Well, considering the oppresive weight of the original... but still, quite the achievement. Has it entered production yet?"
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 09:25
'It's an advanced prototype...We're only looking at building a couple. Of course, we were only looking to build a couple of Mark 7s as well. Now Werewolf, on the other hand, is being a little more troublesome.'
'Oh God, you're not actually building that, are you?'
'Of course. It makes sense...'
Alice grins at Josef, 'They're trying to fit an AEGIS system into a Mammoth tank...'
Their meals arrive.
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 09:30
"I remember when you rolled out the Mk 7. We were happy to get one to play with," slight mutter, "and then was shocked to see how many you actually sold."
He blinks. "Wait... AEGIS on a Mammoth?" He smirks.
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 09:37
Annie smiles, 'When you consider they're basically landships, sticking AEGIS on one kinda makes sense. And it's not like it's totally impossible...'
'...Just very difficult.' Alice finishes.
'Well, we had to do something with Regulus and Orion after they scrapped the space shuttle project...' she catches Josef's expression, 'They were a pair of flattop chassis they were going to use as transporters. So, ASPD took them and built Bahamut and Werewolf.'
OOC: Question: I'm intrigued by a topic over 60 pages long. What precisely is this?
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 09:42
He shakes his head, grinning, "Nothing like a challenge, hmm?"
"I'd say I was surprized at the constant military applications, but I've been here too long for that. And, considering the fact that we'll slap a computer on damn near anything, I guess I don't have much room to talk..."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 09:51
<Kelaran: Dating. No, really.>
Annie smiles, 'Well, GMC was genetics first and military second...Then a national government, obviously. I guess we just think of things in different ways. Which is great, of course. It's good to have another viewpoint.'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 10:00
[And, oddly enough, only about 3 days in character]
He nods. "Whereas we were largely telecommunications and computing first. That's how we ended up with such a daft name for the country." He smirks.
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 10:05
Alice nods, 'I did wonder about 'The Most Glorious Hack' myself once or twice...Though it might be rude to ask.'
There's a flashing light outside as a civilian snowblower heads past.
Annie glances at Elisa, 'Oh...You were talking about going to the beach earlier?'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 10:09
"Briefly, the Corporate Rebellion was officially started by a malicious bit of hacking that crashed the government's computer systems." He rolls his eyes, "I always was it was a dippy name."
He blinks at Annie, then remembers the psychic bit.
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 10:11
'Well, are you interested? We could go in a few days, if you like.'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 10:18
"Yeah, that sounds like fun. Never really been to a beach before."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 10:21
'Better buy yourself some swimming trunks then, hmm? I wouldn't think you'd have bought any with you.'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 10:25
"Ah. Good point." He smirks, "Wasn't exactly expecting to hit the beach in the middle of winter..."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 10:29
'You could buy a pair there...Otherwise, there's a few places. We've got a good few swimming pools in the city, after all.'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 10:34
"I can probably manage that tomarrow. Was thinking of running a couple errands..."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 10:37
Alice smiles, 'And I'm at work, of course.'
Annie grins, 'You know Shiala's worked out Josef is your boyfriend?'
'Oh...That's going to be fun to explain...'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 10:42
He glances at Alice, "Well, I figured it'd be good to put in an appearance."
He blinks at Annie, "She did mention that stupid 'news' story..."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 10:45
Annie laughs, 'She watches too much television...And she's a smart girl. Neither of which help you out very much.'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 10:48
He gives a weak smile, "I suppose she was bound to figure it out eventually..."
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 10:50
'I'm just glad I've never gone with Elisa...That's a conversation I don't want to have with her just yet.'
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 10:55
He grins, "Well, if she's familiar with idioms in GMC it would be less of a problem than in other countries..."
[One more post then 2 hour vanish]
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 10:56
'Still...Would you want to explain things to her in front of Alice?'
[One more post.]
The Most Glorious Hack
20-06-2003, 10:58
"Well... er... not really, I guess."
[see you on the 'marrow, I guess]
GMC Military Arms
20-06-2003, 11:02
Annie smiles, 'Exactly.' she pauses for a moment, 'Actually, I thought talking to her would be a bit weird, since Alice didn't think I'd be able to sense her...I can though, she's there. Just a little different, s'all.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 08:29
"Hm. Interesting... She's biological, but I was under the impression that all of her... mind... was the computer." He thinks a moment, "I suppose it depends on how, exactly, psychic phenomina work..."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 08:32
Alice grins, 'You know, we have absolutely no idea at the moment...There's a fair bit of research been done, but nobody's ever come up with anything conclusive.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 08:36
"Kind of figured that was the case. I guess it could be viewed of further proof that Ali's a 'true' intelligence..."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 08:41
Annie nods, 'I think so, yes.' she pauses, 'Hey, if we're going to the beach, do you mind if I invite a couple of friends?'
'By that you mean Rachel, John* and Helen, right?'
Annie nods.
'Well, I'm ok with it...Josef?'
[*Rachel's fiance]
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 08:43
[Helen?]
"Doesn't bother me. The more the merrier."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 08:47
[The thing with Kara, remember?]
Annie grins, 'Great! So, when do you want to go? I'm ok for two days' time.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 08:50
[Ah, gotcha. Don't think you ever mentioned the name]
He thinks a moment or two, "Sure. Barring a complete disaster, I'll be free." He looks over, "Good for you, Alice?"
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 08:58
Alice nods, 'Main R&D's pretty quiet at the moment...Shouldn't have much problem getting the day off.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 09:01
"Sounds like we're all set then. Should be fun."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 09:02
Annie puts her empty pint glass down on the table, 'Right, who's buying the next round?'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 09:05
He shrugs, "I'll buy. Who wants another aside from Annie?"
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 09:11
Elisa smiles, 'Just a diet coke, please.'
'Another glass of wine, if that's ok.'
'And another beer here.*'
[*She doesn't make a habit of drinking ridiculous amounts]
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 09:16
He nods and gets up. "Okay, I be right back."
He wanders over to the bar, places the order, and a minute or two later comes back to the table. "Diet, wine, and beer. Enjoy." He sits down with his own drink.
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 09:22
Annie smiles at Josef, 'Thanks. What do you think of the beer here, by the way? We're quite well-known for it.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 09:30
"Some of the best stout I've had in ages, actually."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 09:35
'Better than you've got at home?'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 09:38
He smirks. "Most of our beer sucks. I have to go to a hole-in-the-wall bar about 20 miles from my house to get good stout. Normally, I buy imports."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 09:42
'Don't suppose you'd be interested in importing this, would you?' she smiles.
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 09:46
"GMC hasn't made enough money from the Mk 7?" He grins, "But I might consider importing. Either shipments to me, or getting someone to work on a general trade agreement."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 09:48
Annie sits back, 'General trade agreement would be best, but that's something for Rachel and Vic to sort out, I guess.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 09:51
"Well, technically, I'd tell Vic, who'd tell President Gibson" he coughs, "who'd draft a treaty, or whatever. That would go to the congress, who'd vote. But, really, it's up to Vic."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 09:54
'And Rachel's External Affairs, not me, so she'd be responsible for sorting out everything with the treaty. I can't see any problems, though.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 09:57
He nods, "Yeah, I'll toss an e-mail to Vic about it. I'm sure Rachel will agree. These things are usually pretty quick to be approved."
[And since the Hack has no tarrifs, it'll be cheap, too]
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 10:04
[Whereas the treaty would allow Hack products to circumvent GMC's import duties.]
'Sounds good.'
She grins, 'You must have seen some of it by now...What do you think of our military?'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 10:10
[I doubt anyone would want the Hack's beer. Now cell phones...]
"Big! Really, really big." He smiles, "Actually, until we bought boats* and tanks from you, our army was largely guys with pointy sticks."
"Seriously, though, it's very impressive."
[*Yes, I know it should be "ships". Josef, on the other hand...]
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 10:22
'I'm glad you're impressed...Takes a lot of funding to keep things on track, though.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 10:27
He nods, "I can imagine. I wager my IT budget mirrors your military budget."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 10:31
'I think mine's slightly higher, actually...You don't have to look after anything like ISON, after all.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 10:36
He grins, "Perhaps, but you have a good point. I keep forgetting how... pervasive things are."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 10:39
'But then you've got a lot of infrastructure to take care of too, I guess.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 10:43
"Yes and no. A sizable chunk of the funding goes to R&D. So, when we roll out a new processor chip, we're largely done, aside from minimal tech support."
"Of course, keeping all the networks and satellites running is something of a money-suck."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 10:45
'Who owns your phone grid, then? State or private?'
[GMC's utilities and mass-transit are state-owned.]
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 10:49
"Land lines are becoming increasingly rare. They're all owned by a single independant corporation. The proliferation of sat-phones provide plenty of monopoly checks. Satellite and cell phones use Corp/Gov networks. Same deal for internet access."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 10:53
'Still mostly landlines, here...People seem to trust them more. Besides, ISON's MilNet is an entire second telephone grid, and I don't think we'll have the resources to replace that any time soon. That's how it can prevent all external access, by the way.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 10:57
"Someone once described the Hack as Ayn Rand meets the biggest technophile in the world. People go nuts for anything new and techier." He shrugs. "But we do spend a lot on keeping things secure. As you can imagine, we have quite a few people who think it'd be a blast to hack into... well, most anything handy."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 11:09
'Well, we tend to go for the easy way out...If there's no connection, you can't connect. Once they add sats to ISON, we'll be needing Shiala to watch over it.'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 11:15
[One more post, early "night". Got a 12 hour shift tonight.]
He nods. "We keep access limited, but the government's been pretty paranoid of hacks, considering our history and all." He shrugs, "Then again, much of that defence comes out of Section 3's budget, not mine."
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 11:20
'Actually, our defence policy's pretty paranoid full stop. I mean, I've got maintainance on six hundred naval-grade guns, plus another one hundred they'll be adding over the next few years. That's quite a bit just there...'
The Most Glorious Hack
21-06-2003, 11:26
He grins at Alice for a moment*. "And that's not counting the actual armed forces..."
[*"People say we're paranoid all the time"...]
GMC Military Arms
21-06-2003, 11:29
'Well...Actually, the army's not that big...That's mainly because of the numbers of home guard we have to train to man ISON.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 05:24
He ponders a moment. "And the navy?"
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 08:54
'Navy and air force are the two major services; I'm sure you can understand that, given that we're an island.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 09:01
"I was more referencing the size of the navy, but I understand you military breakdowns. That's pretty much how things are in the Hack. Hell, we're largely using your equipment too."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 09:05
'Well, we do have quite a large navy...Well over a hundred vessels now. We're pretty proud of it.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 09:10
Josef raises both eyebrows this time, clearly surprized. "That's... alot. I'm not sure how many we've got, but I know it's nowhere near that many."
[Quick math... Hack's navy should be about 275K or so]
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 09:21
<No, nowhere near.>
'Well, the biggest single group is the Grand Fleet, and that's the home section...So mainly they just sit in Hammer Bay or go on manouevres.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 09:26
[What can I say? 0.05% = Navy]
"I seem to remember a press release about the Grand Fleet awhile back. I think your island is pretty well defended."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 09:36
'Just a bit, yes...Although personally I don't know why Farbanti's still assigned to the Grand Fleet...It's not a defensive vessel. Guess it's just for show.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 09:40
"Do one thing and do it well, I guess."
"Not familiar with the Farbanti. I assume its an offensive ship?"
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 09:45
'She's our first Strike Platform...the one with five connected hulls. You've probably just forgotten the name. Anyway, she's not brilliant in defence; she's designed to support an assault force, really.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 09:47
"Oh, yes. I remember now. Seems some delegate got a little uptight about that one..."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 09:53
<Even though the US Navy is thinking of actually building one>
'Anyway, I think I've bored Elisa enough talking about work now...'
Elisa smiles innocently, 'Wasn't bored.'
Annie grins, 'Liar.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 09:56
Josef grins too, "I'm gonna take Annie's side on this one..."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 10:03
Annie grins, 'Am I boring you?'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 10:09
He smirks, "Not in the slightest. I figure it was... slightly boring for Elisa." He glances over at Alice to see if she's still awake.
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 10:12
<Can we hear a little about Josef's brother, BTW?>
Annie puts her arm around Elisa, 'Weapons don't interest her in the slightest, in fact.'
Alice smiles, realising what Josef was doing, 'I'm still here.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 10:18
[Hm. Sure. I try to work him in]
He smiles at Alice, "Just checking."
To Annie, "I'm not the biggest gun-bunny either. I guess I'm more interested in the logistics." He shrugs.
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 10:22
Annie smiles, 'To each their own...Elisa's got her viola for when I'm on the range anyway.'
'By the way, have you met Rachel yet? Just wondering.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 10:24
"Well, aparently she was at the Shiva dedication, but I don't remember seeing her... ah, Vic is usually the one who speaks to her, not me."
["I was kinda distracted by Alice..."]
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 10:31
<Annie mentally adds ten points to Josef's 'good boyfreind' score for being distracted from Rachel by Alice.>
'You'll like her, I think...She gets on well with pretty much everyone.'
<BTW: I vote for pretty much skipping Monday <unless Josef does his shopping that day...> and going to the beach>
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 10:34
[All I figured would happen on Monday was Josef shopping, and maybe making dinner for Alice, but we can easily skip to Tuesday.]
He nods, "Well, Vic never complained about dealing with her, like he's done for some other nations, so I figured she was pretty nice." He smirks a little, "Vic's big on protocol."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 10:36
'So's Rachel, at least when she's working.' Annie smiles, 'Not so much when she's drinking.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 10:39
"Hm. Sounds like my brother... except for the working part..."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 10:40
Alice looks curious 'You've mentioned him before, I think...Don't you like him?'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 10:43
"Well... you know those people who are famous, but haven't really done anything aside from hang out with famous people? That's Alex." He pauses, "I mean, he's my brother and all, but..."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 10:47
'But?'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 10:50
"But I tend to not spend time around him. He's kinda irritating, I guess..."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 10:51
Annie pauses, 'I guess it would be...Big or little brother?'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 10:56
"He's the younger, by several years."
[If she's 'checking', Annie'll figure out that he likes complaining about his brother more than he actually dislikes his brother. Sibling rivalry, if you will.]
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 10:59
[Doubt it...Annie prefers Elisa, strangely enough. She'd probably work it out, though...]
'Got two younger brothers myself, actually...' she grins, 'And more relatives than you'd believe...'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 11:02
He nods, "Saw the wedding pics. Can't say as though mine is that big."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 11:08
She point to the logo on Josef's glass, 'One of my uncles works in that brewery, actually...'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 11:10
He looks at his glass. "Huh. How about that. You're starting to remind me of a guy back home. He's seems to know someone everywhere."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 11:17
She smiles, 'Surname isn't Emberson, is it?'
[Or O'Grady, or Pike, or Stevens, or Hawkins, or Forelli...]
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 11:18
He smirks, "Kakaletris. He's from Greece. Of course, knowing him, he's probably an old friend with your third cousin, twice removed."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 11:20
'Could be...Still, makes for great family parties.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 11:22
He chuckles, "I'm sure you're a hit with the caterers."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 11:26
'Certainly are...And it's not like there's that few Lawrences in the world, either.'
Elisa smiles, 'My family, if you were wondering.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 11:28
He nods. "I can imagine... well, no, I can't really. Our family gatherings rarely topped 20..."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 11:32
Annie nods, 'And then you throw everyone's freinds as well, for the parties...It wouldn't be a party without Rachel and Helen...I've never had a get-together under twenty, to be honest. Trouble is, that does mean it takes a lot of planning.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 11:35
[one more post, then 2 hr vanish]
Josef's eyes widen a bit. "I wager I'd fail miserably at keeping everybody's names' straight..."
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 11:37
'So would I, but I have a certain unfair advantage.'
The Most Glorious Hack
22-06-2003, 11:43
He grins, "There is that..."
"What time do you think we should get together on Tuesday?"
GMC Military Arms
22-06-2003, 11:44
'I'm thinking about eleven?'
[I'll probably be in bed when you get back, BTW]
The Most Glorious Hack
23-06-2003, 12:57
"Eleven? Should be able to manage that."
GMC Military Arms
23-06-2003, 13:00
'Great! I'll call Rachel and Helen as soon as I get back.'
'Oh...Just one thing. Try not to stare at Helen's scar too much.'
<Bed soon, thunderstorm while trying to sleep yesterday. Damn weather.>
The Most Glorious Hack
23-06-2003, 13:03
[S'okay. It'll give me time to figure this moderating gig out...]
"Well, having a titanium arm, I know not to stare at people... but, still... scar?"
GMC Military Arms
23-06-2003, 13:08
'Accident in training. She was doing a house clearing exercise and her squad blew a wall before checking the roof was secure. And is wasn't; one of the beams fell on her.' Annie indicts across her belly, staring just below her ribcage on the right and finishing just below her waist on the left. 'Not fun.'
The Most Glorious Hack
23-06-2003, 13:12
"Ouch... I can relate... but, don't worry, I'll be polite."
GMC Military Arms
23-06-2003, 13:15
'Wel, she's fairly ok about it...Just don't be too obvious, s'all.' Annie smiles, 'Anyway...Another drink? Alice, it's your round.'
The Most Glorious Hack
23-06-2003, 13:19
He looks at his half-empty glass, and ponders a bit. "I think I'm okay for now..."
GMC Military Arms
23-06-2003, 13:22
''Kay, I can wait.'
Annie thinks for a moment, 'Out of idle curiousity, do you have psychics back home?'
<One more post then out>
The Most Glorious Hack
23-06-2003, 13:26
"Officially? No. I've got pet theories about Vic, but I have no way of knowing." He frowns slightly, "Or really any reason to think so. It's sort of a gut feeling. But he does always seem to know the perfect thing to say..."
GMC Military Arms
23-06-2003, 13:31
'It can be difficult to be sure with minor abilities...' she lets go of her glass and moves her hand away. It doesn't fall, 'Although major ones are pretty obvious.' She closes her hand around it again.
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 09:01
He blinks, "Uh... well... yeah, I suppose. Unless he's doing a grand job of keeping it secret..."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 09:10
She smiles, 'I guess you've never seen anything like that, huh?'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 09:12
"Well... not without strings, magnetics, or the like... I didn't know your abilities included psychokenesis..."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 09:14
'Oh, absolutely...But it is fairly rare. It's a pretty useful thing to have.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 09:17
"I can imagine it would have all sorts of uses. Any abilities I should watch out for? Like pyrokenesis?" He grins.
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 09:20
'Well...Kurt's never bought a cigarette lighter in his life, but I've never seen him do much more than that.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 09:23
[looks in his Psionic's Guide for other powers...]
"Wow... that's... hrm." He tries again, "Well... that's pretty neat..."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 09:26
Annie opens her hand, and a little flame starts flickering in the air above it, 'It's very difficult making it burn with no fuel...Takes a lot of effort.' She blows it out.
Elisa smiles, 'You shouldn't do that indoors...'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 09:29
[Hm... psychoportation?]
Silence. "Um..."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 09:42
Annie smiles, 'I guess this seems pretty strange to you, huh?'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 09:46
"Uh... yeah." He shakes his head a little to clear it. "It's... new..."
[I imagine that Alice is at least internally smirking]
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 09:51
'Well...I bet you've got some stuff back home that I'd be surprised at.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 09:57
"Probably. Of course, looking at a terahertz computer chip isn't as visually impressive as summoning fire..."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 09:59
Annie grins, 'I bet it is if you're into your computers.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 10:00
He smirks, "Well... the fire is pretty impressive..."
"Of course, as I'm used to the Hack, that whole 'forest for the trees' deal may kick in..."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 10:05
Elisa smiles, 'When she lifted the car was impressive...'
Annie grins, 'I'd left my jack at home and we had a puncture...'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 10:09
He blinks, "Yeah, I imagine... and here I thought you were just telepathic... nobody mentioned the other tricks."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 10:11
'To be fair, you didn't ask...I guess I thought you knew.' she smiles, 'Didn't check.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 10:15
"Uh... well... erm... yeah. There is that. Man... you'd give the Randi* fits..."
[*The real life skeptic who offers $1M to anyone who can prove paranormal ability that he can't duplicate. Uri Geller's worst nightmare.]
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 10:20
'Hmm...I don't think you'd ever get him to come here.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 10:27
He nods. "Yeah, he'd probably avoid GMC. And Menelmacar, and... well... a whole lot of other countries too..."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 10:35
'Either that, or he's very, very poor...'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 10:40
He grins. "Eh, maybe he's in hiding now." He puts down his empty glass.
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 10:40
Annie smiles, 'Ok, now do you want another drink?'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 10:47
He thinks about it, then shrugs. "Eh, might as well."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 10:48
''Kay...Alice, this round's yours.'
Alice heads over to the bar.
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 10:52
[shit... gotta vanish ahead of schedual... back in a couple...]
"Thanks," he watches her go, then turns back to Annie, hoping it isn't 20 Questions time.
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 10:53
'Well...If there's something you want to say, that's fine. I'm not going to start interrogating you...'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 13:10
Psychicness, or am I just transparent...
"Uh, not off hand, no..."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 13:12
Annie smiles, 'A little of both, but it doesn't matter. I'm sorry...You don't find this unnerving, do you?'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 13:17
"Well... unnerving in the I've-never-been-exposed-to-anything-like-this-before sort of way, I suppose..."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 13:21
''S ok, most people who aren't psychic find it a bit difficult to get used to.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 13:34
"Don't get me wrong, it's taking some getting used to," weak grin, "But I was aware the phenomenon existed here before I came over, so that helps." HE shrugs, "I wager that if I was a biologist, I'd be freaking out about now."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 13:37
'Quite likely...I bet you were freaking out when you saw Shiala, huh?'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 13:40
"Actually, I was more stunned. The... 'clean' report I was allowed to look at didn't do the project justice." He smiles, "Electronics integrated with biology is something I accept pretty easily..." He wiggles his fingers, causing his arm to whirr a bit.
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 13:43
'I'd have guessed so, yes...Still, she's impressed most of the independent contractors...I just wish we didn't have to keep her shut in. It'd be nice to go for a walk with her sometime.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 13:48
"Hm... yes, it would be nice to go on a picnic or the like with her. Of course, the armed guards would put a damper on things, to say the least."
He smiles, "And I didn't say I wasn't impressed..."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 13:52
<Drink up soon?>
'Well, I'm sure we could keep any weapons concealed...It's not like we'd announce it to the world. Say...Maybe one of those VR setups you guys use?'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 13:58
[Sure... have her walk up as Josef's speaking, she'd want to hear this, I wager]
"That's actually a fantastic idea." He almosts starts working things out on a napkin, but contains himself.
However, he starts to speed his speaking back up to normal Hack speeds. "If we set up a somewhat isolated, and of course secure, VR enviro, we could actually connect Ali directly into it, and join her via full-immersion gear. Since she'd be receiving sensory input directly, it would be 100% real for her." He takes a quick breath, "Or secure her uplink, and take her physically (or physically take a unit to her) and then she could strap in like a normal person..."
[Feel free to have him cut off at any point...]
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 14:03
Alice taps Josef's shoulder, 'Hey sweetie.' She hands him his drink.
'Sounds like a plan,' Annie looks at her watch. 'Maybe you'd better talk about it a little with R&D's computing branch? They'd know more about the specifics of the project than me. Anyway, we'd better drink up soon...It's getting a bit late.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 14:09
He takes the drink, "Thanks hon."
He realises that he might have gotten a bit carried away, and slows things back down. "Hm. Good point. I can look into some things, and I'll let you know what I come up with."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 14:12
Annie nods, 'Sounds good. I think it's more a departmental thing though; Shiala's nothing to do with ASPD, so you're best off talking to R&D computing.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 14:14
He smiles, "I was more going to get back to you because, if it worked, I figured you'd want to come along."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 14:18
'Oh sure...I am kinda her big sis, after all.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 14:19
He nods, "So, like I said... I'll let you know when I get it worked out."
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 14:22
Annie nods, then downs her drink. 'Well, I'm done...Elisa?'
Elisa points to her empty glass, 'Yep.'
'I've still got a little left.' Alice smiles.
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 14:28
"Just about done m'self." A few more drinks later he puts his (mostly) empty glass on the table.
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 14:33
'Right...I'll drop you guys off back home.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 14:35
"Sounds good." He looks out the window to see how bad it is.
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 14:39
<Couple more posts.>
It's still pretty bad. There's a nice layer of snow on Annie's car, which she brushes off, then opens up the bonnet to take the blanket off the engine.
''Kay, get in.'
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 14:42
[ditto... get to play with the DMV again]
He lets Alice slide in first, then scoots in after her. "And we're going to a beach in two days..." He smirks to himself, amused at the concept.
GMC Military Arms
24-06-2003, 14:44
'I wonder what Vic would say if you came back with a tan?' Alice smiles.
The Most Glorious Hack
24-06-2003, 14:45
Josef laughs. "It'd be the nicest 'about time' I've ever heard."