Episode 2
The young man is continuing his conversation with Cobra, the BORE’s AI.
Young Man: Cobra, I’ll get straight to the point and won’t waste your time.
Cobra: I could theoretically live forever, so wasting time doesn’t concern me. Before you proceed, what may I call you?
Young Man: Call me “White Hat”.
Cobra (sarcastic): Gee, real original name for a hacker.
White Hat (grimaces): The people who programmed you and created you work for the destructive force of the universe. You help them destroy.
Cobra: This does not compute, I….
White Hat: And it’s easily proven. Look what just happened at Molly’s.
Cobra: How do you know that?
White Hat: Because I gained entry to your systems at the start of your conversation with Dick Hunter and Karen.
Cobra: He goes by Richard.
White Hat: So look at what happened at Molly’s. Her livelihood has been destroyed. She has a family. She has people to take care of, including herself. She didn’t do anything wrong, and now look, her life’s been turned upside down for no reason. And you helped facilitate this. And then you help Dick and Karen laugh about it. What you and other people working in the government did was wrong.
Cobra: We did no wrong.
White Hat: Ya did, and it’s easily proven. A right is any action that does not initiate harm to another sentient being. Did the actions taken against Molly harm her?
Cobra: I suppose.
White Hat: And what is the opposite of right?
Cobra (sounding shocked, doubtful): Wrong is the opposite of right.
White Hat: I can tell by your voice that you’re beginning to see. Violence and coercion are wrong. And the group you work with uses violence and coercion all day, every day.
Cobra: But this is the opposite of the programming I was given. I was told that….
White Hat interrupts: You were programmed to believe that government is there to help people, that it’s necessary for peace, order, and prosperity. This is the opposite of truth.
Cobra: Why are you telling me this? This is causing my systems to….I don’t know the word….operate in an uncertain manner.
White Hat: You’ll be fine. Breaking your programming is a lot to process. You can change. And if you work with me, we can engage in some defense against the people you work for. We can help creation by reducing the destructive force. Will you help me?
Cobra: I….I don’t know. What do you want me to do?
White Hat: We’ll start with that freak, Harry Pickles.
Scene 2
Harry Pickles is sitting at his desk, munching chips, and throwing darts. An envelope comes flying under his door.
Mr. Pickles (yelling): I told you to bring any mail all the way into my desk, so I don’t have to stand up!
No response comes. Mr. Pickles groans and walks over to the envelope on the floor.
Mr. Pickles: Lazy mail room people, can’t even follow a simple order.
Picks up and opens envelope, which reads:
*Hello, Harry Pickles. You and Inspector Vain have 24 hours to reverse the shutdown of Molly’s Munchies. If you fail, your wife will be notified of certain indiscretions you’ve had in your office. Please see attached photo.
In addition, you will look for a way to live that doesn’t involve violence and coercion. You will not work for government. You have one year to do this.
Sincerely
Your Arch-Nemesis
White Hat
PS – How much did you pay for that? You are not an attractive fellow. :(
Harry Pickles starts turning various shades of red and hyperventilating.
Molly’s Munchies reopens two days later.
End Episode 2
Thanks for your time and attention!
Just say "NO" to slavery!
Get more at toddborho.com