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</HTML>>From: lmann@orion.oac.uci.edu (Lawrence Mann)
Subject: EXPERIMENT 101-E > Final Chapter (1 of 3)
Date: 24 Jan 92 20:00:02 GMT
E X P E R I M E N T 1 0 1 - E
A Story of the WWWA
by
Larry Mann
================================================================
Based on characters and situations created by
Haruka Takachiho, Toren Smith, and Adam Warren
Original characters and situations
Copyright (c) 1980, 1991 Haruka Takachiho
and (c) 1991 Toren Smith and Adam Warren
================================================================
CAUTION:: This material may be freely distributed, on the
condition that such distribution occurs ONLY on
a NON-PROFIT basis. Any other form of
distribution may result in a (large) lawsuit
from Studio Proteus!!
================================================================
------------
CHAPTER NINE (Segment 1 of 3)
------------
> A.D. 213902.11; 11:57:00
[Opening scene: A bright, sunny day over WWWA Central HQ. Cut to an
outdoor training area, where Shasti and Deirdre are sparring. Over a
year and a half has passed since last we saw them, and both look more
experienced, as though a lot of action has taken place in that time.
They attack each other, throwing and countering punches and kicks,
moving so quickly that it is difficult to track their exact movements.
Finally Shasti catches Deirdre in a foot sweep and she falls to the
ground. Deirdre rolls away, off the mat, and quickly gets to her
feet, unhurt.]
DEIRDRE
Damn! Didn't catch that.
SHASTI [Warrior]
Your attack wasn't varied enough. You need to get away from the
attack patterns in the wetware, put the individual components into a
random sequence. Keep your opponent guessing!
DEIRDRE
Like, you said that an hour ago!
SHASTI
And I'll keep saying it until you get your programs to score a direct
hit!
[Deirdre's eyes narrow; her wetware has picked something up.]
DEIRDRE
Okay. Let's try it *now*!
[Shasti smiles and prepares herself. The two square off and attack
each other again. Deirdre goes on the offensive with a lightning-fast
punch barrage, which Shasti is able to defend against, but not without
retreating a few steps. Shasti blocks an uppercut by Deirdre and
tries to nail her with a punch to the head, but Deirdre evades and
knocks Shasti off balance with a foot sweep. Shasti recovers
immediately, dropping herself into a defensive position.]
SHASTI
Very good!
[She smiles, and her WarDrugs kick in.]
Now let's see if you can handle *this*!! Hii-YAAAAAAA!!!
[Shasti attacks, and Deirdre is ready for her. A vicious exchange of
punches and kicks follows, so fast-moving and frantic that it is
almost impossible to tell exactly what's happening. The action begins
to attract other Trouble Consultants practicing in the area, who
gather around Shasti and Deirdre's mat and watch in awe. We recognize
Darryn's face among the spectators.
The exchange continues, as Shasti and Deirdre continue to counter
each other blow for blow; for all intents and purposes they are evenly
matched. Deirdre manages to force Shasti back with a jab to the chest
region, but she recovers almost immediately and they sail into each
other again. Despite Shasti's WarDrug advantage, Deirdre is still
able to match her.
Finally, Shasti executes a superfast hard round kick, coupled with a
killer punch toward Deirdre's head. Deirdre has never been able to
block this attack effectively before, but now she suddenly gets an
idea:
As the kick is about to strike her, she latches onto Shasti's leg
with both arms. Shasti tries to knock her away with the punch, but
Deirdre ducks, swings herself around and slams her body into Shasti's.
Shasti is startled as Deirdre grabs her and throws her overhead. She
falls, and is about to jump back up when Deirdre leaps down on top of
her and nails her in the chest with a palm jab, winning the fight.]
SHASTI
OOOMPH!!
[There is no movement for a couple minutes afterward, as everyone is
still staring in amazement. Deirdre finally gets off of Shasti and
stands. Shasti does not move for a couple more seconds.]
SHASTI [still a little stunned]
Deirdre...! You... you did it...
[The fight over, her Warrior persona shuts down, replaced by the
Social personality. She quickly gets to her feet, looking very happy
now. Darryn, standing at the front of the crowd, starts applauding,
and the rest soon join in.]
SHASTI
You did it! You won!
[Deirdre is still a little surprised that she was able to land a
winning blow.]
DEIRDRE
Yeah, heh heh... Like, I *did*, didn't I?
SHASTI [even more excited]
Yes!! You *really* DID IT!!
DEIRDRE [likewise now]
Yeah! I DID!! I DID IT!!!
[They hug each other ecstatically, laughing, as the volume of the
applause and whistling rises several decibels. Darryn approaches the
two.]
DARRYN
Shasti! Deirdre!
SHASTI
Darryn! Hello!
DARRYN
Haven't seen you two in almost a year! What've you been doing with
yourselves?
DEIRDRE
Well, we've been, like, practicing a lot, y'know? Shasti's been
helping me, like, boost my moves, y'know what I mean?
DARRYN
So I see. That was a real impressive performance, from both of you!
DEIRDRE
Hey, like, thanks!
SHASTI
Thank you so much! We've been working so hard this last--
[They are interrupted by the sound of alarm horns blaring all across
WWWA Central. Everyone immediately stops what they're doing and
listens. Several T.C.s, including Darryn, are visibly shocked.]
DEIRDRE
What's that??
DARRYN
It's a general alarm!
SHASTI
What does it mean?
DARRYN
It means the entire 3WA has been put on full alert! Whatever it is,
it's *really* serious!
[An announcement comes over the outside P.A. speakers.]
P.A.
All Criminal Trouble Consultant personnel report to Main Auditorium
immediately! Repeat! All C.T.C. personnel to Main Auditorium
immediately!!
[Everyone scatters.]
> 12:15:00
> WWWA Administration Complex, Main Auditorium
[Cut to the Main Auditorium, which is packed with Trouble Consultants,
both in and out of uniform. Everyone is very uneasy. The WWWA Board
Chairman approaches a podium on the front stage, accompanied by his
aides. Administration Director Alexi Saito, Operations Director Jeff
Ayoob and Vice-Director Jean Goulet are also present.]
CHAIRMAN
Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please.
[The audience quickly quiets down.]
We are now officially in a state of general alert; for those who do
not know, this means you are now on A-class standby until further
notice. The resources of the entire WWWA must be available for
resolution of this crisis, which I will now explain.
[He motions to one of his aides, who dims the house lights and
activates the large viewscreen directly behind the chairman. An image
of a very familiar planet appears. Several gasps and shocked whispers
are heard, and someone speaks out loud:]
T.C.
Earth?!
CHAIRMAN
That's correct. Earth is currently, for lack of a better term, +under
seige.+
[More murmuring is heard for a moment.]
Approximately thirty standard minutes ago, an attack occurred in orbit
around Earth: an Earth DefenseNet Mobile Satellite went out of
control, resulting in the destruction of an entire battalion of Earth
Defense Force warships, and several other D-Net satellites.
[The screen shows images of conflict, and destruction.]
It is believed that a highly intelligent intruder virus was involved,
for since this incident the entire D-Net has destabilized into an
uncoordinated mass of metal. Luna and Earth have lost contact with
each other, and the satellites in between them may or may not be
infected by the virus. All the satellites have gone to full-hostile
defense mode and locked their communication lines, so there's no way
to be certain.
[Pause. More murmuring...]
I don't need to tell you how serious this situation is. The loss of
the D-Net makes Earth extremely susceptible to attack, and if anything
happens to Earth... well, you know what that could do to the UG. The
UG High Command has asked us -- all of us -- to provide protection for
the entire Solar System until the difficulty with the D-Net can be
resolved. In effect, we will substitute for the Net until the root
cause of the problem is located.
[Pause. The houselights come back up.]
Are there any questions?
[Shasti raises her hand.]
Shasti?
SHASTI
Sir, do we have any type of concrete information -- any at all -- on
what we may be dealing with? It seems that we have absolute zero
concerning what has actually damaged the D-Net.
CHAIRMAN
Beyond what you've seen here, no, there's nothing else yet. The Earth
Defense Force is relaying what information it can, but so far they've
come up with nothing conclusive, what with the isolation of all the
systems.
SHASTI
This strikes me as a rather unhealthy situation, in my opinion, sir.
I'm not all that familiar with the D-Net, but if it's anything like
some other Defense Nets I know, I expect we'll have to work in close
proximity with the security systems, and if we don't know what's
gotten inside them, we may be endangering ourselves by approaching
them. For all we know, they may treat *us* as the enemy, even if
they're *not* corrupted.
CHAIRMAN
Very good point, Shasti. And I have no intention of sending all our
forces into this situation without some idea of what we're up against.
Plans have already been made: the Central Computer has decided to
create a special advance taskforce, whose goal will be to identify,
and eradicate, the source of the damage. Those agents selected for
the taskforce will receive further orders from Director Ayoob
following this meeting. Alexi?
[Saito walks to the podium.]
SAITO
The Central Computer has selected the following agents for
the taskforce...
...Team 213-K, Lana and Cindy...
[Lana (whom we recognize as Ayoob's secretary) and
Cindy stand up.]
...Team 101-E, Shasti and Deirdre...
[Shasti and Deirdre stand.]
...and Team 215-N, Darryn and Rumiko.
[Darryn and Rumiko stand. Rumiko looks in Shasti's
direction, a bit apprehensive.]
The people I just named will report to Director Ayoob's office for
further orders.
CHAIRMAN
So, if there are no other questions, then prepare yourselves. We have
a solar system to protect!
[Everyone begins filing out of the auditorium.]
> 12:42:15
> Operations Director's Office
[Cut to Ayoob's office. The members of the taskforce are present, as
Ayoob speaks...]
AYOOB
I believe it will be to our collective advantage to outline the specific
reasons for your selection: Cindy and Rumiko will provide
weapons support...
[Rumiko & Cindy nod.]
...Lana, you will be the primary comprunner...
[Lana nods.]
...Darryn, you will be navigator and also provide combat support.
DARRYN [nodding]
Right.
AYOOB
Shasti, you and Deirdre will act as taskforce commanders and
coordinators. Your abilities are needed most in that area.
[Shasti & Deirdre nod as Ayoob continues...]
Although our data is still quite sketchy, the idea of a computer virus
seems to be the only one with any semblance of legitimacy to it right
now. The question is: where the problem originated. Recovered
security programs from the D-Net have identified nothing resembling
virus code for the past few years.
SHASTI
Is there a possibility that the virus might have been imported in
pieces, then assembled inside the system and activated?
AYOOB
That's entirely possible, but we can't be certain until we actually
get a physical examination of the D-Net underway, using our own
equipment. That is your mission.
[Pause.]
You are to make contact with the D-Net, preferably from a Lunar or
Earth base computer, and determine the exact source of the damage.
Once this is done you will take steps to correct it. However, you
must try to keep destruction of D-Net components to a minimum; destroy
and delete if you must, but try to repair first.
LANA
Sir, I assume we're being provided with some sort of schematic of the
D-Net. We're undoubtedly dealing with an unbelievably complex
framework which probably has black security on its core CPUs, and a
net like that is no place to be flying blind.
AYOOB
Yes. It has been taken care of. Prior to approaching Earth you will
rendezvous with a UGSF fleet which will be providing backup firepower
in the event that use of force is required. They also have the
information files you will need.
SHASTI [Investigator]
The information is all well and good, but we still have not received
any reports on the physical condition of the net as a whole, and that
still will probably not tell us what kind of security -- black or
otherwise -- we're dealing with.
AYOOB
True, which is why you, Shasti, will be provided with something for
dealing with the situation.
SHASTI
What?
AYOOB
You are going to be implanted with an experimental reflex booster, a
HyperZIP chip, which will increase your reaction speed by roughly 1.5
multiples.
[Shasti and Deirdre are shocked, and the others show
various expressions of apprehension. Ayoob's voice
becomes very commanding.]
I believe that this is essential, Shasti. Do you have a problem with
this?
[It is quite obvious that Shasti would like very much to say "Yes,"
but Ayoob's use of the words "this is essential" have triggered her
consent algorithm, and that is about to force the phrase "No, of
course not", out of her. Before she can speak, however, Deirdre
interjects:]
DEIRDRE [angry]
No, *she* won't have a problem. She'll *never* have a problem. You
stuck those damned limiters in her head so she'll always say "Yes" to
every little untested enhancement you want to try. Personally, I
believe that a HyperZIP chip will do absolutely no good.
AYOOB [not impressed]
Oh, is that a fact? Well, in light of all the unknowns we are dealing
with, I believe it would be safer for everyone if Shasti possessed a
combat reaction time of 0.10 seconds, boosted from her last time of
0.31 seconds--
[Deirdre slams her hands down on his desk, cutting him off. Everyone
is startled.]
DEIRDRE
No! That chip is *not* necessary. It's these damned experiments that
get us in trouble half the time! Program conflicts, crashes, all that
crap; you either burn out her systems or make her do things she
doesn't want to do! Half the time she ends up scaring the hell out of
her comrades, because she's running programs she has no choice about
running!
[Cindy nods silently, remembering the Dola incident.
Deirdre glares at Rumiko.]
And then she has to take shit from everybody who doesn't understand
her, because she's not fully in control of her own damn life! Dammit,
why can't you, just for once, let her fight on her own, the way she
was meant to fight?!?
[Ayoob has had enough. He leaps to his feet.]
AYOOB [angry]
Deirdre, that will be *quite* enough!! You do *not* have the
authority to oppose an experiment for the 101-E Project! Shasti was
*made* for experiments. If we want to do something with her, we will
do it!
[Suddenly a voice is heard, apparently from nowhere:]
CC
Bad move, Director Ayoob.
AYOOB [startled]
S-sir??
RUMIKO
Huh? Who's that?
DEIRDRE [flatly]
It's the Central Computer.
[It's not every day that anybody below the rank of Vice-Director gets
to actually hear the CC's voice, and all the Trouble Consultants look
very shocked. Everyone, that is, except for Deirdre; she's heard this
voice before...]
CC
Rather clumsy, Director Ayoob. You seem to have forgotten that you
are speaking about a woman who is standing in this room. You're not
doing much for her morale.
AYOOB
Sir, I--
CC
Never mind. I'm invoking my executive authority on this matter. I
want you all to take a look at this tape.
[The viewscreen behind Ayoob's desk begins playing back a series of
images. We see images of Deirdre and Shasti sparring in martial arts,
working with each other on various weaponry, playing chess, working
with high-level logic problems and solving them quickly, etc., etc.
Deirdre is a little startled at seeing those images on that screen.]
DEIRDRE [to the CC]
Sir, wh-where did you get those tapes?!
CC
On my authority as super-user for the WWWA InfoNet, I copied them out
of your account and into my private databases. I felt it best that
you should remain unaware of the access.
AYOOB
But why wasn't *I* notified, either??
CC
Again, I felt it would be better if nobody knew about the transfer.
[Slight pause.]
Deirdre, over the past year and a half I've observed the private
training program you and Shasti set up for yourselves. I hope you
will forgive me for not telling you about the access, but I needed
evidence to back up the arguments I am going to make now. It is true
that the 101-E Project did have a right to know about such activities,
and I could have reported your progress earlier.
DEIRDRE
So why didn't you?
CC
It would have accomplished nothing. Watching you train together, I
recognized that the two of you made more progress on your own in 1.5
years than any of our teams accomplished through standard
experimentation. You've already surpassed the parameters of several
experiments which were slated in that interval.
[Slight pause.]
And that includes the HyperZIP.
[The screen shows an image of a shooting range. Shasti
and Deirdre, in fastdraw competition, whip their guns
out and fire. Shasti wins. The times are displayed:
DEIRDRE > 0.2052 Sec
SHASTI > 0.1113 Sec]
Shasti's time was the amount of acceleration we would have expected
from the HyperZIP. Physical limitations will prevent anything faster
than that. Shasti has perfected the fastdraw, and she's perfected
quite a few other things, as I can tell from these tapes.
[Pause.]
Deirdre, Shasti, I am cancelling the experiments we had planned for
this particular mission, for two reasons. One, you've already
surpassed our expectations, and two, protection of the Earth is no
time to be experimenting. This situation is random enough as it is
without extra elements being thrown in.
[to Ayoob]
Director Ayoob, after this mission is over I wish to convene a full
meeting of the Board of Directors. Several re-evaluations are in
order. That will be all; continue with your briefing.
[Pause. Nobody speaks for a few moments.]
DEIRDRE [to the taskforce members]
Well! It looks as though, for once, you'll see us fighting the way we
were meant to fight.
CINDY
I'm interested!
DARRYN
The same for me.
RUMIKO
...
[Shasti turns to Ayoob, who is now seated again, considering.]
SHASTI
Sir, we do have a star system to protect. I suggest we get moving.
AYOOB
...
> 13:15:00
[Cut to a view of _Avatar_ leaving Elenore's atmosphere. The ship
flies toward a large WWWA satellite orbiting the planet. Docked next
to the satellite is what appears to be a battlecruiser with three
pieces missing out of it (which are vaguely WASP-sized), one on the
top side and one each on the lower port and starboard sections. The
name _Halcyon_ is painted on the starboard side.
_Avatar_ approaches this vessel and maneuvers into docking position
with the topside opening. As it settles into the indentation, docking
claws grasp it and secure it to the cruiser. Power lines link to
_Avatar's_ engines and laser carbines, relaying their power into
_Halcyon_.
Two more WASPs approach the satellite. One is the _Intruder_, and
the other has the name _HeartBreaker_ etched on its side. Both begin
to link themselves to _Halcyon_ in a manner similar to _Avatar_. When
the sequence is completed, the three WASPs give _Halcyon_ the
appearance of a fully-assembled light cruiser.]
[Cut to the darkened command bridge of _Halcyon_. Deirdre and Shasti
enter, and sit in the pilot seats. Both plug into the ship.]
DEIRDRE
Report: all systems on pre-activation standby. Modular link with
_HeartBreaker_ completed, link with _Intruder_ in progress.
SHASTI
Roger. Standby...
[A small thump is heard.]
SHASTI
Link with _Intruder_ completed. Sending powerup sequence.
[The bridge lights come on, and the noise of activating machinery is
heard throughout the ship. Outside, the ship's darkened surface
quickly comes alive with lights and beacon signals, and the engines
begin to emit a soft orange glow.
Back inside, the rest of the taskforce has arrived on the scene.
Lana sits at the communications station, as Rumiko and Cindy man the
weapons consoles. Darryn takes the navigator's post.
The umbilicals linking _Halcyon_ to the satellite fall away, and the
cruiser fires its thrusters and moves into open space. Behind it, a
large fleet of WWWA craft (mostly WASPs and light cruisers, with a few
heavy cruisers and a battleship or two) is assembling.]
LANA
Incoming A/V signal from the battleship _Nemesis_.
SHASTI
On main!
[On a large screen directly above _Halcyon's_ forward viewport, an
image of Ayoob, Goulet, and Saito, all in standard uniforms, appears.]
AYOOB
Taskforce, this is _Nemesis_. We've just received a hyperspace
transmission from the UGSF fleet which will be supporting you. They
have arrived at the SolSystem frontier and will rendezvous with you at
planet Neptune.
DEIRDRE
Roger, _Nemesis_. Request clearance for warpout.
GOULET
You have clearance, _Halcyon_. We'll be following in ten standard.
SAITO
Good luck, all of you.
SHASTI
Thank you, _Nemesis_. _Halcyon_ out.
[The screen blinks out.]
DARRYN
Coordinates plotted for warp sequence.
DEIRDRE
Roger. Warp generator activating, beginning power influx.
[The hum of machinery rises perceptibly within the cruiser. Outside,
the engines' glow changes from orange to white, and the cruiser's hull
begins to shimmer as the warp field surrounds it.]
DARRYN
Adjusted to target. Warp systems online and ready.
SHASTI
Initiate!
[_Halcyon's_ engines glow very brightly, and the ship dissolves into
hyperspace.]
-- TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK --
========================================================================
= ___ =
= "Ooooh, I feel so... WWWA Terran Office, Irvine / | =
= ...conceptual!!" "I will solve any / | =
= - Yuri, DPII:2 problem for you." / | =
=____________________________ / | =
= Larry Mann | /| / | /| / | /| / /______| =
= |__/ |__/ |__/ |__/ |__/ |__/ /-------| =
= WWWA: Creative Consultant |_/ |_/ |_/ |_/ |_/ |_/ /________/ =
========================================================================