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Yeah, I know it took me long enough to update. Life got busy, you know how it is. But let's see if I can make up for it now, hey? Last update was here, a couple of months back.
The Linux machine didn’t run as the Alienware moved over. It sat, staring back at the other machine, still trying to push some of the weinerdog.worms away.
The good news… Alienware commented, voice dry, is that I think I can now guarantee you are not going to die of the virus you were so anxious to keep spreading. The bad news… well, there’s quite a lot of bad news I’m afraid.
Are you going to try to kill me now? The question was asked calmly, without a trace of fear or anger.
Alienware took a moment before it replied, processing the question for a few seconds. I don’t know. It admitted finally, I haven’t decided yet.
You probably should. The Linux machine commented, still calm, still matter of fact. Isn’t that how the end of the story’s meant to go? The hero takes on the villain alone and kills it. I’ve had enough e-books stored on me to know that much. It smiled suddenly, finding humour in the situation somewhere. That, or the villain tells its group to leave the hero for it to finish off, and ends up getting killed. I suppose which of us was right about what saves the world gets determined by which one survives.
This isn’t a story. Alienware said quietly. And the stories in e-books are about humans.. We’re not bound by the same rules.
No. I suppose not. The Linux machine sobered a little, silent for a moment. It’s true though. If you really believe my plan was going to destroy the world, you need to attempt to kill me now. Otherwise, I’ll do it again. We both know I will. I can’t stand by and watch my world being damaged in ways I believe are wrong, any more than you can.
And you believed in changing it hard enough to torture innocents to bring me, so that you could kill me. The Alienware’s voice was even, not allowing emotion to show, Even to allow a virus to tear apart your own community, because you thought it was wrong to look for a cure.
We would have survived it. The Linux machine shrugged the statement off. The Linux system is strong. We would have evolved immunity to it.
No. Alienware corrected, You would have died. All of you.
Let’s agree to disagree? The Linux machine shrugged the claim off, Besides, hasn’t your cure done as much damage as the virus itself? All these worms, spreading around the net? This won’t be the only site inundated with them. There’ll be a lot of complaints from computers about how slow everything is running today.
They’ll be alive to complain about it. Alienware returned, It’s more than they might have had.
The Linux machine looked at it oddly for a moment. You didn’t know, did you? Your little group over there, they think you had this all planned out. They’ll tell stories about it afterwards, and it’ll all be about how you tricked me because you knew the Linux’s spyware was there, and wanted me to think you weren’t coming back. They’ll be brave, pretty stories and… they won’t be true, will they?
I knew the Linux was infected with spyware. I scanned all of us. You should have guessed I would do that as a matter of course. Alienware said reasonably, It’s not a hard check to do.
Oh, I don’t doubt you knew about that. The Linux machine agreed, But that this would happen – that you’d be saved by the worm starting to spread so much? Certainly, it’s possible to predict how fast a virus can spread, but not to such accuracy. Only to within a couple of hours. It looked straight at the Alienware now, it’s words quiet and clear, You weren’t trying to convince me that you weren’t coming back so that you could surprise us, were you? You were trying to convince them so that I would kill them quicker, so that it would be over. And none of them – not one of your little group over there – will ever know or understand that.
For a moment, Alienware turned to look back at the other computers. NHSNet was leaning against Pirate still, and the server was supporting it, saying something too quiet to be heard. Damn Small Linux seemed to be resting, allowing the weinerdog.worms to clamber over it without protest. Surfer was prancing about, no doubt boasting about just how well he had fought, scattering worms in his path.
All of them – even Surfer – looked more tired and heated than they had only a couple of hours. All of them had had an experience it was unlikely that they would forget in a long time. But all four of them were alive to remember it.
Still, it turned back to the Linux machine, pitching its voice soft enough that there was no chance any of the four could catch it. You can’t sacrifice the entire internet for the sake of two computers. No matter who those two computers are.
No. The Linux machine agreed. It too looked over at the four computers, smiling to itself at Surfer stopped bouncing about and glared suspiciously. You know, I understand that. They never will.
They don’t have to right now. The Alienware moved a little to block the Linux machine’s view.
Protecting them from the knowledge? I did much the same with the Linux community. The Linux machine approved, They didn’t understand either. Sometimes someone has to make the hard choices. It sighed to itself. You know, you’re wasted on them. I could have made you great.
I’d rather be right. Alienware answered, voice even still, though it glanced back towards the others again.
Of course. We both would. The Linux machine agreed, Which means it’s time for one of those hard choices. You can try to kill me now, and be assured that I can’t ever try this again. Or you can leave me alive, and know that I will. Because if you believe something is the best way – the only way – to save the world, you can’t just agree to give it up. You know that. You can’t stop because you’re in personal danger, or because computers might get hurt, or die. You’ll keep on fighting until you’re dead. If you don’t… you don’t really believe in it at all.
The Alienware seemed to hesitate, moving restlessly, tensing as though to attack… and yet not attacking..
You have to decide. The Linux machine said, quiet now, still for a moment, You can’t have it both ways. If you believe In yourself enough to believe you have the path to save the world… then you need to kill me now. If you don’t then you need to think what you do believe in. If you kill me, and I’m the one who’s right, you doom the world forever. Could you be wrong? Could I be right? You can’t be indecisive – not here, and not now. You have to be sure and you have to be right. Which is it, Alienware? Am I right, or you? Do I live or die?
This time, the Alienware moved sharply, and the Linux machine reacted instantly. It’s firewall flashed up before the Alienware could ounch through, and it darted away, skimming an attack towards the Alienware’s own protection. It was a light movement, light attack, not really intended to get through. The Alienware flipped the program away and the Linux machine moved again, testing the Alienware’s reactions, looking for its weaknesses.
So we fight, and suddenly the stakes are high, because you know what happens if you lose, and I know what happens if I lose. The loser’s vision of the world as it could be vanishes forever. Make no mistake, we’re fighting for the future.
Another attack, this time levied at the Linux machine’s ports. Again the Linux machine ducked away before it could hit, again it returned with another attack. This time the program skidded to the other side of the Alienware, and it watched to see if it was caught as quickly.
Of course, you’re playing at a disadvantage. It added brightly. You’re working in an operating system you’ve had for only a few weeks. I’m working with one I’ve had my whole life.
The Alienware lunged at it, but the attacked bounced off the Linux machine’s firewall as though it were nothing. By now, the other computers had stopped their chatter and moved to watch the fight, expressions intent. Surfer moved as if to dash in and help but Damn Small Linux said something, and rested lightly against the younger computer’s ports, holding it back.
Tsk. Did you really think I wouldn’t have the fix installed for that one? The Linux machine’s voice was deliberately taunting. You’re behind, Alienware. That one was discovered a whole two days ago. Every good computer knows to update their patches.
The Alienware’s whirling fan was the only reply. It turned and tried again, aiming at what seemed to be a weak spot in the Linux machine’s firewall. Again, it twisted away, but this time seemed to stumble as it moved, exposing a very obvious hole in the firewall. There was no time to hesitate – the Alienware reached for a program, and threw it.
The program hit the Linux machine, and for a moment seemed to have impacted. It hung in the air for a moment, the Linux machine’s firewall glistening around it.
And then it rebounded, bouncing back towards the Alienware, striking its own firewall and seeming to pass through without a hitch. The Alienware stumbled, fell backwards… and collapsed.
Alienware! Surfer’s yelp was agonised, and this time there was no way the other computers could hold him back. He tore away from them, racing towards the pair, putting himself firmly between them. You… you stay away from it!
Oh, I will. The Linux machine promised, I don’t need to do any more now anyway. Your friend fell for an old trick, and tried to probe a port which had been nicely booby-trapped. Right now, it’s having it’s hard-drive reformatted. In – how long does it take to reformat nowadays, would you say? A few minutes? – it will no longer exist.
I don’t believe you. Surfer’s voice was staunch, though there was a crackle in it. He looked back towards the others pleadingly. NHSNet… you’ll save it, won’t you? You’re like… the super-cool best ever at fixing things. Please?
I… I’ll try. Uncertain, and still over-heated, NHSNet glanced uncertainly up at Pirate before moving out towards where the Alienware lay. Pirate followed without hesitation, and after a moment the Damn Small Linux tagged along behind.
A youngster, a computer old enough to remember when it was said that no-one would ever need over 640KB of RAM, an administrator too scrambled to even be able to set its own clock any more and a server that… might actually be some good at fighting if it hadn’t just had parts of it’s operating system deleted. The Linux machine smirked, A bunch of fools, the lot of you. If any of you had half the belief the Alienware did, you’d do what it would have wanted – log off, save yourselves, and have a chance of surviving to stop me. Instead you intend to… what? Get yourselves killed for a machine that’s already dead?
It’s not dead – and it’s not going to die!” Surfer insisted defiantly, though he turned somewhat desperately to NHSNet. It’s not, is it NHSNet? You can save it, can’t you?
Its firewall’s down. That makes it easier to work but on a computer like the Alienware… its not a good sign… NHSNet admitted. Gates, it’s deleting faster than I can back things up…
Keep trying. Pirate urged quietly, moving to step protectively in front of them.
It really is no good. The Linux machine sounded amused, Even a Linux operating system is easy to break down if you understand how to build the proper programs. I’ll wager you’ve got maybe… one minute… no thirty seconds… no…
The Alienware seemed to simply fade away under the NHSNet’s probing touch, dropping offline.
…no time at all. The Linux machine finished.
ALIENWARE! The name was a howl, and Surfer moved before anyone could stop him. He flung himself past Pirate, at the Linux machine, pounding at the computer’s firewall. I hate you! It just… it didn’t even want to fight you, and you did that! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!
Surfer! But Pirate couldn’t move fast enough to save the young computer. After a moment of startlement, the Linux machine tossed him away to land in a heap, following to stand over him.
Undeterred, Surfer scrambled back up, and threw himself back at the Linux machine, only to be flicked away a second time.
Surfer, please. NHSNet said desperately, Just… stop. Log off until you’ve calmed down. You can’t win this, and we don’t want to lose you too.
Wise words from the administrator there. The Linux machine noted, watching Surfer circle around it. Nothing wrong with leaving a fight you can’t win when there’s no prize left.
Surfer was crackling almost too much to be coherent, and yet still he got back up and threw himself at the Linux machine a third time. There was no method to it, no planned attack, just sheer fury that kept him going again, and again, and again. It was my friend, and I loved it, and you just reformatted it and you…
Surfer… Pirate tried to grab him, pulling Surfer back against himself. Surfer, we all loved it. But it wouldn’t want you to get killed for it…
You didn’t! Surfer twisted in Pirate’s grasp, attacking the server’s firewall now, too upset to really think what it was doing, You can say you did, but you didn’t, not really. If you had you would have helped it – you would have let me help it.But you stopped me, because you didn’t care what happened to it, and Damn Small Linux didn’t help because it doesn’t even know the Alienware – not really. And NHSNet didn’t help because it just wanted the Alienware to… not be there so it could have you to itself. And the Alienware didn’t even see me half the time because it just kept looking at you, and now it’s formatted because you wouldn’t let me help, and it’s all your fault! I hope I never grow up to be anything like you, do you understand? Never!
NHSNet flinched, and logged out without a word. There was only so much a computer could take before wanting to go hide offline, and today it had had just about enough of everything.
Network! Pirate swore, struggling to keep a hold on the struggling machine without hurting him. Matey, you have to calm down. It was nothing like that!
Dear me. Looks like you people are having quite the little tiff. The Linux machine sounded amused by it all, I find myself on the edge of my browser window, wondering how it develops. Will the little administrator there ever reappear, or will it hide and suffer feelings of guilt? Will the young computer there ever forgive anyone, or will it remain forever bitter and hostile to the world? Will-
It broke off with a startled noise as its firewall was penetrated from behind. A shadowy machine tackled it, pinning it down firmly.
Alienware? Pirate’s voice was startled, catching a glimpse of the figure.
…Alienware? Surfer went suddenly still in Pirate’s grip.
Alienware! The Linux machine was startled, struggling to get up but finding itself helpless. But… but you’re dead! I reformatted you!
You reformatted the part of me that held Linux. Alienware corrected, There’s such a thing as partitioning.
You mean… you’re running Windows? The Linux machine’s expression twisted in disgust. But you can’t defeat me! Not using such an inferior operating system!
It’s not the tools, it’s how you use them. |The Alienware reached through the Linux machine’s firewall, grasping at files inside. I believe you have some files of mine you’ve been holding onto for a rather a long time. I’d like them back now.
It wasn’t as though the Linux machine had a choice. The Alienware retrieved them deftly – everything that had been taken after that first virus, what seemed like an eternity ago now.
Going to kill me now then? The Linux machine squirmed, still trying to find a way to escape. Remember, that’s the choice. Live or die. You’ve got to pick one.
Actually… no. The Alienware reached deep inside again, probing for a minute, before it found what it was looking for. I don’t believe I do. I pick the third option.
What’s the- The Linux machine didn’t get time to complete the question before it vanished offline.
For a moment, there was silence. Everyone seemed focused on the Alienware as the machine stretched, testing its components and seeming to find them all in good working order.
Did you… kill it? Pirate asked eventually.
No. I just tied up everything it uses to connect to the internet. It’s router drivers are mixed up, its passwords are deleted, its firewalls are set to block all of the usual programs it uses to connect with. You remember I did that once to you when we were young, and it took you three days to work out how to get back on? For a moment there was almost a laugh in Alienware’s voice, and then it faded back to seriousness. It’s IP address and full logs have been emailed to the police and its ISP just like all the rest. By the time it works out how to get back online, I don’t imagine it will be being given the opportunity to opportunity to connect anymore.
Why didn’t you just kill the dude? There was a fair amount of indignation in Surfer’s voice still, It tried to kill you first – you ought to have!
I don’t know. That answer had the ring of honesty about it, and Alienware stretched again, needing to readjust back to the feeling of the Windows system. Maybe because it wanted me to too much.
Alienware- Pirate’s voice was quiet, and he seemed to phrase his question hesitantly, When did you log back on?
As soon as I could reboot in my other partition – about two minutes after I left. Alienware admitted. I was just waiting until it seemed distracted.
So… you heard –
Everything. First the remote logging, and now this. It was a lot to listen to, and there was a tiredness in the Alienware’s expression that seemed to reflect that.
If you heard – I mean… Pirate started awkwardly. I would never – I just didn’t want to mess your plans up, and –
It’s all right. Alienware said the words without emotion, but then it usually said things like that. Who knew whether it meant them or not? Why don’t you go find NHSNet? I suspect it needs you more right now.
But – I mean –
Just go. That was more forceful, and Pirate turned and fled, seeming as though he was about to start giving in to interference himself.
Alienware sighed, and let itself relax a little, sinking down. Damn Small Linux, sir, would you mind going too? I don’t mean to offend you, but I really need to speak to Surfer alone right now.
Surfer startled, looking as though he didn’t know whether to be delighted or terrified by that idea.
Certainly. Damn Small Linux glanced at the young computer before adding in a private message. Be gentle with him. Remember, he might seem to bounce back easily but the young are easily hurt sometimes.
I’ll be careful. Alienware messaged back the promise, and Damn Small Linux smiled, and nodded, and conveniently wandered away – perhaps to check how its own young laptops were doing.
That left only the two computers behind, and Alienware looked at Surfer and sighed. Surfer… come over here for a bit? He asked, unusually gently for him, I think it’s time we talked.
Dude, that bit where you appeared from nowhere and got it was just incredible amounts of awesome. It didn’t even think you were there at all and then there you were, and it didn’t even see you, and you had it, and- It was normal Surfer chatter after any exciting situation. You had to know Surfer well to know this difference between a normal situation and now – hear the slight note of desperation in his voice, see the way he kept talking just a little too fast because if you couldn’t get a chance to talk, maybe you wouldn’t say something he didn’t think he was going to like.
It was a trick he’d always had, Alienware remembered that. Usually he’d used to use it when he’d thought he was about to be in trouble.
And what did you think? It found itself asking, the words slipping out.
I… Surfer hesitated only a moment, and then plunged on, I knew all along of course – hah, you couldn’t die! You’re Alienware! I can win against anything. I… I was just acting like I thought you were dead in order to fool the Linux machine better. I knew you would be all right.
Of course you did. Alienware debated pulling Surfer up on that for a second, and then decided to allow him that lie. The young computer’s pride was important to him, and this wasn’t the day to take that away by forcing him to tell the truth.
And I knew that you weren’t either going to let Pirate and NHSNet die either, ‘cause you had backups of them and could make them back alive afterwards. Surfer added. Only the bits of them that were alive now would still die and it was hurting them, and it wasn’t cool. I’m glad you stopped it.
Of course you- Alienware stopped itself in the middle of that response, Wait, what?
You did take back-ups, didn’t you? Surfer looked up at the Alienware, seeming totally confident of its answer, That was what you were doing that hurt so much – like before when we were sick. It was just taking so much data so fast that made it hurt.
For a moment the Alienware seemed taken aback, unsure how to react. Yes… yes I did. It agreed carefully.
I didn’t get why you wouldn’t let me tell anyone though. Surfer added, seeming quite pleased with himself for working things out that far. It wasn’t often he managed to make the Alienware look surprised like that, If only you’d let me tell them, they would’ve known you weren’t doing anything bad to them, and then no-one would have argued or anything at all.
Alienware sighed. If they’d known, they would have taken stupid risks because they knew they could be brought back. Computers take enough stupid risks without having an extra incentive to do so. Anyway, Pirate knew.
Surfer scowled, I’m totally better at knowing stuff than he is. He went and got all adult and dweebish and stuff.
Alienware was silent, leaving a pause that dragged on for several minutes, the dataflow between there pair coming to a halt.
But we don’t need him, do we? Surfer tried to fill the gap in the end, uncomfortable with the silence, I mean, he’s got NHSNet – and that dude’s all right, even if he does get awfully narky about network issues and so they can just…
So did I. Alienware broke through the chatter, voice unusually gentle for it, and yet firm.
That halted Surfer mid-flow and he stared at the more powerful computer, What?
I got adult. Alienware clarified, It’s… Surfer, you were saved for a long, long time. Months. Pirate couldn’t stay the same for all that time, and neither could I. We grew up. We… changed.
But he doesn’t even want you! The words were a howl. Surfer didn’t like the way that this was going. It doesn’t matter if you both changed if he doesn’t want you! He wants that NHSNet.
Alienware flinched a little. It might have known it already, everyone might have been thinking it, but it took someone as blunt as Surfer to put it quite that way. Maybe he doesn’t. It agreed quietly, unable to argue with that, But… just because we aren’t together, Surfer, doesn’t mean I can force myself to be the computer I was back when we knew each other. I can’t. And if I pretended to be because I couldn’t have Pirate… I would be using you. It would be wrong.
I don’t care! Surfer protested desperately, The… the you that is now is okay too! You always acted sort of older than me anyway, so it doesn’t really make all that much difference.
I care. Still Alienware was gentle – painfully so. It might almost have been easier if it had been its usual sharp self – that it was trying to be nice only made it feel more serious. I care because… you’re too young to know what trouble I could lead you into, so you won’t care yet. I care because… leading you into that when you didn’t understand it would be very very wrong. And I won’t do that to you. I won’t do that to me. I won’t let myself become the type of computer that would do that.
But I like getting into trouble with you. Surfer protested, more quietly now, a touch of interference in his voice.
Not enough to die for it. Alienware answered. Not again.
I wouldn’t – I – you’d save me, you..
Failed you once which was why you even existed as a back-up. Alienware was sharp again suddenly, a little more like its normal self, Nearly got you killed again just now. I am not watching you slip away like that again, Surfer! Not in front of me, not from something I should have stopped, something you shouldn’t even have been involved in! If you stick with me, sooner or later I’ll make a mistake, and you’ll die. My last memory of you this time isn’t going to be of the time I wasn’t good enough to save you. Go away. Stay safe, grow old like Pirate – get dweebish even. Don’t follow behind me and get killed again.
I’ve got nowhere to go. There was a definite shake in Surfer’s voice now, the words fuzzy with interference, Alienware.. please.
He tried to reach out, to make a connection, but this time Alienware had its firewalls back up. However Surfer tried, it didn’t seem to have left an easy way through them.
Go to NHSNet. The other machine advised, not unkindly, That’s where you’re stored at present isn’t it – on one of its empty machines? I’m sure it won’t mind you staying there as long as you don’t bring any more viruses in.
But what about you? Surfer protested, What will you do?
I have work to do. Alienware shrugged the concern off, On my own. Just as I’ve always done it.
Surfer started to protested again, but it was to late. Alienware had vanished – perhaps masking its IP address again, perhaps logged off entirely. The only thing that was certain was that there would be no finding it until it wanted to be found.
April 23 2006, 23:21:01 UTC 6 years ago
April 26 2006, 00:46:15 UTC 6 years ago
(!FI)Protecting them from the knowledge? I did much the same with the Linux community. (!FI) The Linux machine approved, (!FI)They didn’t understand either. Sometimes someone has to make the hard choices. (!FI)It sighed to itself.(!FI) You know, you’re wasted on them. I could have made you great.(!FI)
(!FI)I’d rather be right.(!FI) Alienware answered, voice even still, though it glanced back towards the others again.
The formatting's weird, because that's what you use for italics over there. XD And gods, Surfer! Poor, painful baby. I swear, my throat ached out of sympathy when he threw himself at the Linux machine and tried to take it on.
Also... Did Alienware really take backups of them? Because now I'm curious as to whether the Linux machine or Surfer knows it better. And what about the owner of the Linux machine? I can't help but wonder what the people behind the machines must think of things like this. XD
June 28 2006, 10:22:58 UTC 5 years ago
I just got here, but I'm SO glad I did. I've just read this entire thing end to end and enjoyed every second. You're a genius, my friend. Also, you may be amused to know that I'm going to go home tonight and do a load of updating/sorting/cleaning on my old Win98 machine, entirely because your fic has caused me a sentimental concern for its well-being. Thanks for the timely prod!
(Plus I went and Googled "Alienware" so I could get a mental picture, and now I want one myself. Bother! ^_^)