From: zeek@vermnt.enet.dec.com (Geoff Peter Oakley)
Subject: S42 - Part One
Date: 23 APR 94 15:33:01



This is my first attempt at writing a story, PLEASE send any
comments/critisisms to :  zeek@vermnt.enet.dec.com

The simulated terror instantenously filled S42's neural net. A shock
attack racked its electrical systems. Flashes of cyberpowder momentarily
destorting its vision, and illogical patterns of numbers blanked out its
processing unit.

	Warning. Neural net overload. Engaging emergency
     procedures. Rerouting excess impulses to alternate
     gates.

S42 reloads its rail gun and targets on a lone building not more than a
few hundred yards away. There is a huge explosion as the slugs tear into
the structure sending fragments of cement and glass flying. The last bits
of debris finish falling, forming small to medium sized craters in the
barren sand.

An enemy drone chopper flies overhead dropping Sypder tactical bots, small,
rat-sized machines used for surveilance and reconnisence. In the horizon a
squadron of support vehicles can be seen, gradually moving towards S42.

Back at the operations center, a 3d holographic tactical display shows the
battlefield to the commanders. The losses are heavy and the officers look
none too pleased. One man in a black jumpsuit with bright purple insignia
walks over to a communications technician at his desk and orders a half
dozen Raven Mark II's to be sent to reconnoiter enemy territory to assess
the potentcy of the support groups and any other reinforcements en route.

	Purge complete. Nanovirus Type IV removed and destroyed.

A quick flurry of impulses on its neural pathworks serves as a sigh of
relief. S42 awaits further instructions from Command, scanning the terrain.

	Command: Secure and defend remains of building.
	    Urgency level 2.

Steadily it moves towards the target destination at Steadily moving towards
the target destination at a moderate speed, the hydraulics rythmically
pumping. Three Spyders are located, directly ahead of S42, who is rapidly
closing in on them.

S42's flamethrower turret swivels around, setting its sights on the Spyders.

	Intensity: 2.5
     Radius: 7 degrees

The borg fires and two of the bots explode into balls of flame, the third
charred with its electrical systems destroyed beyond repair.

S42 continues towards the building, firing a volley of anti-personnel toxin
as a precautionary measure as it nears. It takes a position at ground level
behind a window with both right and left rail guns aimed at the support
vehicles now rapidly closing in.

	Tactical: Right flank safe. Left flank exposed. Rear exposed.
	Analysis: Safe at present. Take offensive action against potential
		enemy threat from support vehicles.

The first of support vehicles comes into firing range.

(To be continued)

Copyright (C) 1994 by Geoff Peter Oakley
PLEASE send all comments/critism to : zeek@vermnt.enet.dec.com

Thanks!