diff --git a/Baseline.md b/Baseline.md index 4eb6370..f1ff5a6 100644 --- a/Baseline.md +++ b/Baseline.md @@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ Working Title: *The Difference Between an Idiot and a Moron* Step I -- the 'Big Idea': 'Adir's spectacularly mediocre lifestyle is unsurprisingly jeopardized -when he's drafted into *nature's dumbest animal --* the military' +when he's drafted into *nature's dumbest animal -- *the military' Step II -- Plot Outline: @@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ Defense (DFACP)** \- a place of great hopes from young soldiers who will never reach the greatness they are led to believe they deserve. (False Hope) -\* **Hutspace Base Complex-** And old place reeking of despair, and the +\* **Hutspace Base Complex- **And old place reeking of despair, and the endgame of all hopes from previous training. (Apathy) \* The Boroughs, Airforce HQ -- A proud place full of false substance, @@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ Tech School. These are satellites to their main locations. \* Small glimpses of pre-draft life. -***1. Defense Force Academy of Computer Professions and Cyberspace +***1****. Defense Force Academy of Computer Professions and Cyberspace Defense*** The Naivete @@ -80,9 +80,9 @@ agonizes over. (False Hope) -***2. Hutspace Base Complex Base 108*** +***2****. Hutspace Base Complex Base 108*** -**Big Things** ***Are*** **Coming, Right?** +**Big Things *****Are *****Coming, Right?** Adir is stationed in a reality unlike what he had believed, and desperately clings to hope of his great role, despite all signs @@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ suggesting otherwise. (Apathy) -***3. The Boroughs, Air Force Headquarters*** +***3****. The Boroughs, Air Force Headquarters*** Of Course I Have A Say! @@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ Adir is restationed again, this time aware of the faults in his new station -- but powerless to prevent or face them, he grows proud and distant -- a facade that comes crashing down and leads to depression. -***4. University*** +***4****. University*** It's So Nice To Feel Human Again @@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ service and regains his self worth and dignity -- which leads to a painful loss, and the conversion of depression to rage on his next stationing. -***5. 15***^***th***^ ***AFB -Job Field Airbase*** +***5. 15***^***th***^*** AFB -Job Field Airbase*** Nature's Dumbest Animal @@ -169,8 +169,8 @@ it now, but it's okay, because afterwards he's scheduled himself to go forth, earn lots of money, fund his Biotech degree and go about saving the world. -Here comes the Sacred Cow, and that *'Meaningful Service'* everyone's on -about. What could go wrong? +Here comes the Sacred Cow, and that* 'Meaningful Service'* everyone's on +about. What could go wrong?* * V. Point Of View: diff --git a/Basics.md b/Basics.md index 533336a..6a7ad65 100644 --- a/Basics.md +++ b/Basics.md @@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ I. Distill the 'Big Idea' -- a single sentence. ('Elevator Pitch'). II. Create a one page outline of the plot: -IV\. Grow the plot, and decide its' general type +IV. Grow the plot, and decide its' general type (Adventure/Change/Mistake/Lure/Race\...) I. Decide on a schedule. \[300 words a day\] @@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ IV. Write an 'Opener'. (Dramatic/Philosophical/Suprising/Poetic/Humouros) \[famous openers\] -V. Write, then critique -- whatever the chunk size. Not both. +V. Write, then critique -- whatever the chunk size. Not both. VI. Brave the 'Marathon of the Middle'. diff --git a/Cutting_room_floor.md b/Cutting_room_floor.md index 2723abc..1627f38 100644 --- a/Cutting_room_floor.md +++ b/Cutting_room_floor.md @@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ no expectations, no comments. Had the rest had been like this things would have been considerably easier. The Gerbil was already striding through the dark server room towards the -(aptly named, he mused) restroom for his usual *embarrassing medical +(aptly named, he mused) restroom for his usual* embarrassing medical issue* when one of the many pointless IP phones in the great hall rang. He picked up and said nothing because he still thinks it's really funny. @@ -74,8 +74,8 @@ engraved in his sorry psyche as the aroma of despair and stupid. He strode towards the squadron as the jobnics were already pouring in with their little backpacks and single Airpods talking enthusiastically -to their friends about the *crazy* party last night, praying to no one -in particular that none of *them* show up. None of the bastards did -- +to their friends about the* crazy* party* *last night, praying to no one +in particular that none of* them *show up. None of the bastards did -- likely too busy parking and shaving and whatever it is they do - and he stepped into the first squadron's soothing, people free inner courtyard and towards the Trainer's door, where Tavor awaited him next to the @@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ and frowned. 'You look pretty tired'. 'Do you want a Mud Coffee, maybe? Was just making one for myself'. Sitting down for Mud Coffee with a pilot was every self respecting Air -Force soldier's *dream*, man, but the Gerbil had an appointment with a +Force soldier's* dream*, man, but the Gerbil had an appointment with a smelly beanbag, and he meant to honor it. It was his highest duty as a jobnic, a rebel, and an irritable ass. Even though they have those nice, tall coffee glasses here\... @@ -103,12 +103,11 @@ Tavor took his phone from the phone shelf and strode away with purpose. Adir kind of liked Mike Tavor. He still treats him as human. -He casually hid his phone in his pajama pockets (with a loud -*ccccrrrrk!* from the scotch pockets), entered the code on the numpad -and stepped inside. He didn't need the phone -- in fact, it was a -hindrance -- but it was a matter of principle, like most other matters -in the Gerbil's life right now. This is his domain and he answers to -none. +He casually hid his phone in his pajama pockets (with a loud* +ccccrrrrk!* from the scotch pockets), entered the code on the numpad and +stepped inside. He didn't need the phone -- in fact, it was a hindrance +-- but it was a matter of principle, like most other matters in the +Gerbil's life right now. This is his domain and he answers to none. The Trainer room was blessedly dark -- even the blinds into the courtyard were shut. The only light was the big digital clock, filling @@ -117,10 +116,10 @@ moments before the instructors arrive. He entered the small side room and did the whole usual nonsense -- flipped only some of the switches in that specific order, closed the -hatch, put the AC on the thingy, made the three beeps, waited for the -*Vrrrrruuuhhhhh!* to start up and the *Hhhhhuuurrrrrv* that died down -and crouched his way back to the main room, where the eight big screens -slowly lit up and started complaining. +hatch, put the AC on the thingy, made the three beeps, waited for the* +Vrrrrruuuhhhhh!* to start up and the* Hhhhhuuurrrrrv* that died down* +*and crouched his way back to the main room, where the eight big screens +slowly lit up and started complaining.* * *You and me both*, he thought. Both stupid old things. @@ -129,8 +128,8 @@ seconds of booting up, and five hundred and forty seconds of him staring at it. He then clicked on the thing and waited for it to start up -- thirty seconds of starting the program and three hundred seconds of staring at it. Add about thirty scattered seconds of taking out his -phone, checking the time, sighing grumpily and putting it back with a -*ccccrrrrk!* Because he still could, dammit. Just as he pressed the +phone, checking the time, sighing grumpily and putting it back with a* +ccccrrrrk! *Because he still could, dammit. Just as he pressed the gamepad (they paid millions for this! how?!) to confirm the thing works, today's two instructors walked in. @@ -411,7 +410,7 @@ there was no sound. Adir deducted something was amiss using his superb emotional intelligence. -'**WHO**', the man bellowed, '**IN THE** ***FUCK,*** **LET HIM OUT LIKE +'**WHO**', the man bellowed, '**IN THE *****FUCK, *****LET HIM OUT LIKE THIS?!**' In the background, people started scurrying. A hand reeled him back in @@ -519,680 +518,6 @@ force, or It's probably just a logistics thing. Adir was certain things will work out. -Chapter III -- The Grand Computing Conference Room - -'I'm not running!' Adir spat back outraged. - -Around them lay pandemonium, with officers, technicians, and the other -soldiers from Adir's department scattering randomly in every direction. - -'What do you mean you're not running!?' roared Henesee, loud enough to -slow the scattering around them, if momentarily. 'I am your *Department -Commander!,* and as your ***Department Commander!** I demand that* --**'** - -'*How are we still having this conversation??'* Adir shouted back at the -top of his lungs. *'I could have gotten there **TEN TIMES** by now!'* - -'*IF I TELL YOU TO GO THAT WAY, THEN -'* - -'I WENT TO PICK UP THE TOOLS!' - -***'YOU DIDN'T SIGN OFF THE TOOLS?!'*** Henesse screeched at him, -outraged. Adir thought him moments from fuming with spittle. - -He took a deep breath. - -'I have finished our little talk, commander, please and thank you', he -said. - -*'*Well *I* have been running like crazy here all morning, while *you --*' - -'And that is your business, commander, and I wish you best of luck with -it.' - -'Maybe I will be busy preparing your trial, so you' - -'Getting tools. Buh-bye now', Adir announced, already pacing back. - -Gilad waited around the corner. 'You're an idiot, you know?', he said - -'I am aware, yes'. - -'You drove them crazy this morning' - -'That's not very hard to do' - -'They've been searching for you like crazy people. Couldn't find you at -the Trainer' - -'I was behind the Igloo' - -'Of course', he said. 'Looking at memes' - -'Yes.' - -His mistake was caving in and going back to prepare the coffee. - -'My mistake was caving in and going back to prepare the coffee', he -explained to Gilad. 'As soon as I opened the doors David stood there -staring at me like a deer in the headlights, and I knew I'm in for it'. - -'You poor thing', Gilad said unenthused. - -'Ronen was there within the minute, lecturing about our responsibility -to be constantly vigilant, and carry out the drill so that we shall be -prepared in the event of war'. - -'The guy just won't take a hint,' Gilad stated, irritated. 'He's a good -man but he just won't take a hint. What did you tell him?' - -'Look, we've been over this. I will not keep 'undergarments' here. I -will *never* keep 'undergarments' here. Not for two weeks, not for two -hours!' - -'Not even for the war?' asked Ronen with an air of triumph - -'*Especially* not for the war!' Adir proclaimed. - -'What if a rocket falls on you?!' cried Ronen - -'I should hope so', he said to Ronen, who was stunned despite them being -over this a million times. - -'What do you *mean* you hope one lands on you?' Ronen demanded. 'Have -you ever had a rocket land on you? Oh, it's not pleasant!" - -'Because now I'm having a blast! Get it? A blast?' - -'What am I going to tell your parents?' Ronen confronted him sharply. -'Your son just stood there and got blasted apart?' - -'He had a blast', Gilad piped in despite himself - -'You can tell them their son is an idiot,' Adir said. 'Mum already -knows. Dad, I'm not so sure'. - -'Just go to the bunker,' Ronen spat back with visible disgust. 'You've -done enough'. - -'What if a rocket falls on me?'. - -'Could you lay off for five minutes? We'll discuss this later' - -'Can't wait. I'll schedule an appointment.' - -'*Go.*' - -'You're an idiot', Ana told him back at the smoking area, where they sat -with Gilad and Max about thirty minutes later. 'Why do you bother -bickering with them?' - -'It pisses me off!' - -'Do you think *nature's dumbest animal* cares?' Gilad rounded on him. -'Do you think a guy like Henesee stops after this and thinks, *man, that -friggin' P.F.C is right! I **am** being a jerk!* Do you think this -happens, in a place like this?' - -'I'm not a P.F.C for a while. And it doesn't mean I have to take it' - -'Kinda does', Max piped in. 'Kinda does. So shut up, youngster'. - -'I have a day over you! One extra day in the army!' - -'Sure, young'un. Sure you do. But you'll be released later.' - -'Over my cold, dead body' - -'Maybe. Who knows?' - -'Shut up,' said Gilad. 'You've given me a headache.' - -They fell silent until yet another air siren died out. Eitan burst from -inside through the door. - -'You finished your coffee?' he queried Ana and Max sarcastically. - -'Yeah, ok', Max replied neutrally. - -'Just finishing a cig,' Ana said. - -'Alright. Come soon', he told them. 'Gilad, Adir'. With that he left. - -'Come,' said Gilad. 'We have to rescue Yoav. They probably got to him as -well. Crazy people.' - -'Do you think Eitan will snitch?' - -'Of course. Not like he's got anything better to do', Ana blurt out -grumpily. - -'I'll be dead right inside, per usual', remarked Max. - -'I'll go scream into my pillow and change my email signature,' Ana said. -'See you at lunch'. - -'Give me some credit,' Adir told them. 'I'll swing by much sooner'. - -'Your problem', Max said and let the door slam behind them. - -'Come on, enough bullshit', Gilad told him. 'We're going to gather as a -squad and discuss your problem, you idiot. Let's fetch Yoav' - -'Do you think he can help?' - -'Not even you can help. Come on' - -'Like you're not an idiot' - -'How dare you', Gilad stopped and turned to confront him. 'I've been -stuck here for *two years* with these people. Do you think an idiot like -you could have pulled two years like that?' - -'Over my cold, dead body' - -'You've died like a dozen times the last two hours. Calm down, -princess.' - -Unsurprisingly, they found Yoav in the department alone with David, who -was on with six phones at once. - -'Yes, Gilad, I'm still working through the operations log,' he proudly -told commander Henesee over the phone. 'Yoav, how's it going with the -operations log?' he frantically asked. 'Well, there's the -' 'Yoav, hang -on. No, Ronen, the operation log is incomplete. I can't find Adir -anywhere. Sent Gilad out to fetch him, and -' - -'I'm right here, dude' Adir said. 'You're not looking very hard. It's -like I don't mean anything to you, man' - -'No! Adir, you kind soul, of course you - Ronen, I'll call you right -back!, just wanted to report, okay? I, uh, I have found Adir -- I will -add him to the task force, with him and, and uh, Yoav, to handle the -operations log, quickly. Can you please keep Gilad up to date? No? Okay, -I'll tell him. Just hang on a second, Adir, don't go anywhere. Yes, -Gilad, I have Adir here, an- to your office? At 18:00? well, now, look, -there's a task forc-' - -'Thank god,' Yoav exclaimed as the door slammed on David alone in the -platoon. 'The guy really needs a break! They won' t stop calling'. - -'Really?' Adir asked innocently. 'It's been a slow day'. - -'Ronen just sits upstairs and constantly calls Gilad, who constantly -calls David, who constantly calls Dor, who is constantly called by -Johnny -- how does anything get done? They just sit around and call each -other. No one ever gets up!' - -'You have a call', said Gilad. - -Adir snatched the phone. 'We're at Operations, David', he said quickly -and out of breath. 'The new server fell! Yoav helped set it up so he can -help' - -'Look, I need Yoa-' - -'I'm sorry, I'm being bombarded with calls. Call you from inside', he -said and hung up. - -'Poor David', Yoav said. - -'He chose this', Adir said. 'Part of the job, dealing with pricks like -me'. - -'Shut up,' said Gilad. 'My head hurts, because of you two.' - -'I didn't say any-' - -'You too. Off to the Great Computing Conference Room.' - -Another siren blared, and everyone else conveniently rushed in the -opposite direction. The three naturally assumed a stance of great -importance and strode with purpose until everyone was holed up again. - -And there they were: The Great Computing Conference Room, the Computing -Department's pride and joy. - -The other departments in the platoon all had their spots - Networking -had the smoking area, and even Comms -- cursed as they were -- could sit -around in their spacious room and never talk to each ever, as they often -do, because nobody cares what Comms do, including Comms. - -Yet Computing had been deprived of that joy -- besieged by the -department (the room) a few steps down the road next to the airfield, -Communications Platoon command a bit further inward and the Base Command -right across, they stood no chance. Until Gilad, tired and greatly -depraved of the silence he so desired, had come to a decision. - -'This is the Great Computing Conference Room', he had told Yoav and Adir -one day when they arrived out back of the Tradition Room, further away -from the airstrip just before Construction. 'Look at the luxury! There -is this nice ledge, here, and we can shelter at Construction if it -rains, and no one comes here ever'. - -It was brilliant. Only a few steps further down from Base Command, with -a clear line of sight to the department. It was so bold, so audacious, -that no one could even think to find them there. - -'Yes, I guess no one does', mused Adir, who stared even further away -towards the Igloo with sudden interest, as no one had ever done before. - -'What are we going to do here?' Yoav asked, skeptical. 'We're just going -to sit here with our coffee and discuss events of the day? - -'We are going to sit here with our coffee,' Gilad curtly explained, 'And -discuss events of the day'. - -The three sank in deep thought. - -'You know,' Adir told them, 'There really is way too much going on.' - -'There's no such thing as too much for the sons and daughters of Job -Field Airbase!' Yoav proudly proclaimed, giggling. - -'Shut up,' Gilad said. - -'Shut up,' Adir said. - -'No, I mean, every day here can be a damned soap opera. Something -happens every single day' - -'You know,' admitted Gilad, 'It's true.' - -'A real *Computanovella*', said Yoav - -*'*Shut u- no, wait. That's actually brilliant', said Gilad. -'*Computanovella, chapter 3253: Opal configures the squadron's emails*' - -*'*God, that was a disaster', said Adir*.* - -*'Computanovella, episode 6386: David fixes a keyboard'*, Yoav continued - -'The motherboard!' cried Adir. 'We ended up replacing the motherboard! -The guy wouldn't listen!' - -'He's a good guy, but he just can't take a hint!' - -'*Computanovella, episode 6972: Adir discovers Igloo meme-haven'*, Adir -added, excited. - -'When was that?' asked Yoav - -'Why, today', Adir replied, looking further off with newfound greed. - -'You're an idiot', said Gilad. 'As well as a co-founder of the Great -Computing Conference Room, where we have just proven the system works' - -'Our system', stated Yoav - -'Of course', Adir retorted. 'Who else's? Those animals?' - -'What are you doing here?!' barked some officer they'd never seen at -them. - -'What are *we* doing here??' Adir shot up and confronted him. 'What are -*you* doing here?!' - -'Me?! How dare you! While you loiter an-' - -'*Loiter!?* You come waltzing in from headquarters and think you know it -all? Can't you see we're discussing strategy?' - -'*Out in the open?*' the officer demanded. 'That's against information -security regulations!' - -'It is!' Adir cried. 'This is a confidential zone! You trespass and run -off to complain about us? Wait until your commander hears this!' - -'What?? I-' - -'You're leaving', said Adir, 'and we part as friends'. - -The officer checked the time on his iPhone. 'I don't have time for -this,' he muttered and strode off. - -Chapter IV -- The Machine Is Perfect - -Delicate, smooth waves of sandy motes gently blew past the virgin, -desolate sands of Firing Range Six. Unbelievably tall hills, the tallest -Adir had ever seen, masked the source of the harsh salty wind spray, -turbulent ocean waters a rich shade of deep blue in the day's furnace. -He thought it a terrible waste to designate such a place to the -military. - -He took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the baked, tainted earth -filling him completely. The warmth even took away some of the cold -indifference in the muffled shouts he could hear. - -"Fire!", he just made out, and pulled the trigger. The shockwave met -rough, dirty green linen as it coarsed through him without resistance. - -Even through the earplugs, the roar of gunpowder was deafening. The -media never gets it right -- it's such a raw, explosive noise, such a -vicious boom of hate and violence ready to pierce both flesh and soul. - -*"**Fire!***", the cry came again, and Adir smoothly fell to a crouch -with accustomed movement. Six more rounds, the ritual uninterrupted -- a -little nudge to position the butt of the rifle, squeezing the cheek -against the disgusting, sweat-sodden stock, making contact around the -dirty plastic barrel, pulling it close, closer. closing an eye, holding -breath, and finally -- the mental leap to pull the trigger, and embrace -the violence about to surge past you. - -"Fire!", and Adir dropped to the ground and fired ten more bullets with -a clean, timed rhythm. He hated how he found it both therapeutic and -awesome at the same time, like some dumb middle schooler with a new -Xbox. - -"Cease fire! Cease fire!" - -Adir lowered Karl and took out his earplugs. - -"CHECK SAFETY!" - -"CHECK SAFETY!" they all shouted back. - -"RIFLE -- SIXTY DEGREES!" - -"RIFLE -- SIXTY DEGREES!" - -"MAGAZINE -- PULL OUT!" - -"MAGAZINE -- PULL OUT!" - -"**RIFLE -- DISCHARGE FOR EXAMINATION!"** - -"RIFLE, DISCHARGE FOR EXAMINATION!" - -Adir quickly discharged his rifle and kept it up. He found this part -harder than the actual gunfire. - -The company commander made the usual scurry behind them. - -"Discharge indicator," she spat at Ran at the edge of the line and -tapped his shoulder. - -"Discharge indicator! Discharge indicator!" - -She tapped his shoulder as well. "Discharge indicator!" - -Adir put in his discharge indicator. The company commander finished the -survey. - -"RIFLE, DISARM!" she roared. Adir pressed the thingy and disarmed Karl. - -"You may lower your rifles," said the company commander. - -"SHOOTERS, CROSS THE LINE OF FIRE!" Commander \#5 took back charge and -lashed at them, perfectly conveying his deep displeasure of the -situation. Disgusting prick. - -Everyone slung their blistering rifles aside carefully, and began -running across the slosh of sand and old military gunk to the cardboard -targets afoot the great wall of sand. - -He somehow got to his first. He looked up, fascinated to the shrubs -hanging of the hill's side. How can it grow in such a hostile place? - -"Adir", said commander Gal. Adir shot her a surprised glanced -- he did -not see her running with them. Commander Gal, in turn, seemed surprised -by his surprise. - -"Let's take a look. How do you think you did?" - -"How I did?" - -"Yes. Do you think you hit?" - -"Hit? Hit what? We're not supposed to hit anything" - -"The targets", she said, masking a confident smile. - -"Oh! The targets!" - -"Yes! Do you think you hit?" - -"Well of course I hit the targets. That's what we're supposed to hit, -isn't it?" - -"You know, not everyone hits at all." - -"Kind of funny for a soldier" - -Gal was already inspecting the battered cardboard cutout. Adir thought -shaping it like a person is quite distasteful, considering his battalion -of computer guys, university students and general staff. - -"Come with me. The next round is coming up." - -She started jogging back, and he took it as an excuse to avoid another -sprint as well. - -They crossed the line, and she motioned him further on, past the -crumbling concrete wall. They were out of the range. - -"What side did you end up firing on?" - -"I think it was right this time." - -"Is this your rifle?" - -"Yes, this is Karl." - -She gave him a distasteful look. He didn't argue. That lot doesn't get -it. - -"And you have yours with you, commander" - -"Yes, of course," Gal said, flustered. She had lent him her rifle on the -previous shootout so they could determine on which side he shoots. - -"Do you think you did any better?" - -"I honestly don't remember how it went last time." - -"Adir, didn't you shoot about ten minutes ago?" - -He stared blankly. - -"Well, let's see", she browsed her dusty notepad, flipping back and -fourth between the pages. - -"How strange." - -"Yea." - -"I didn't tell you anything yet." - -"Yea." - -Gal gave him a somewhat concerned look and gave a small sigh. "You hit -all but two dead center," she said. "If no one this round hits it all, -you're first in the company and second in the battalion." - -Adir continued staring blankly, not registering at all. - -"You had the exact same score on both hands. Never seen it before." - -"So I can go akimbo?" - -"Could you what?" - -"Can I go akimbo, commander?" - -"Explain yourself, please, Adir" - -"Two rifles, one on each hand, commander", he curtly explained. - -"Every soldier gets one rifle, Adir". That lot doesn't get it. - -"But I have two" - -"That's because Yuval is sick today." - -"Oh, he is? Is that why I have his rifle?" - -"You can't go akimbo." - -"Damn shame. Knew I should have gone to combat. I'm wasted talent at -communications" - -"That's enough. You're out of line. Go rejoin the squad" - -"Yes, commander". - -Adir could feel the vibrations in the earth as he kindly waited for Gal -to turn her back and head away from the squad into the smallest bit of -shade. He awarded her this great courtesy because she was both a -commander and a human, a rare gem in Spring Buds Rookie Base. - -Commander Gal later found him in the ruins of the old ammunition bunker -with a few drifters from other companies. - -"Where are your commanders?!" she shouted as they scrammed back outside. -Adir looked up and was once again surprised to see her. - -"Why were you staring like that?" - -Adir was even further surprised by her lack of antagonism. Commander \#5 -would have fried him alive. Disgusting prick. - -"I'm sorry, commander. I don't follow". - -"You were staring at your rifle." - -"Karl?" - -Commander Gal gave another resigned sigh. "You were staring at your -rifle, Karl". - -"Was I? I\...I've been trying to stop it. Keeps happening." - -They locked eyes for a few seconds. - -"Is everything okay?" - -He hesitated. - -"There was.. an incident. Shortly before I was drafted". Should he -really state that? It hasn't even been a month. And yet, it seems so far -off. - -"The machine is perfect", she said suddenly with cold determination. - -Adir frowned. - -"The rifle", she said, moving her own around and inspecting it -reverently, "Is a perfect machine. It is a simple mechanism, executed to -perfection. - -The flaw," she added, "Is always who holds the trigger". - -With that, she stood up and walked away, leaving Adir with a rare quiet -moment to steam gazing at the sands, weak mind racing with new thought. - -Chapter V \[Unordered\] -- Air Force Headquarters - -Above all, it was silent. The grand, modern skyscraper, always bustling -with activity, stood as a monument to the advancement, the brashness, -standing in defiance of the comforting spring sun. - -Soft white rays of light made their lazy way to the grey brick path -littered with remnants of old cigarettes, the wooden benches crumbling, -not a hand tapping against the white tin sealing the narrow passageway. -On, the silence went, to the grand space afoot the scraper, the curves -brutally leading your eyes up, up so high, the distance not only -physical but mental as well, so high you could not bear to look. It -draws you into the guts, the cold marble floors and the metallic high -ceilings, looking ahead towards the way up to the towers. - -One can almost miss the small passageway aside, the chrome gates barring -you out and caging you in, and you stand alone with the massive metal -door flung aside, and yet hanging there menacingly. Beyond the doorstep -lies an older era, not unlike an old hospital, checkered tiles worn and -bright wooden railing leading your descent. To him, it felt a descent -into madness, watching the officers run up and down in a frenzy, -enlisted men slunking up, all professional, and nothing echoes but the -sound of heavy boots. Further and further down, each stop a different -realm of the same kingdom -- the operators, the intelligence guys, -co-ordinators, and you're at the bottom. You're home. - -The creak of the floating tiles sears into your very soul, so repulsive -you tread lightly. You know where to step -- often blamed for sowing -fear and deceit in the banging and crashing that never follow your path -like the rest. The effort is unnecessary today -- today is cold, even -colder than usual, because the beast is dead and the facade is finished -for now. The silence follows, out of habit, further up the passageway -and away from the storage area, the crypt of many bright ideals and -long, successful careers, gone and forgotten. On and on, to the very -source of the seeping cold -- the wide blank doors. - -You have nothing to do there, you are seldom wanted there, but there -lies your promise, your right, your legacy. None watch behind the -cameras today, and so you take a deep breath, hear the faint metallic -*clunk* and step inside. - -Rows upon rows upon rows of the very best, as good as it gets, fill this -cramped white cavern to the brim, wires running up the causeways just -over your head as thick as a man or two. Here, you tread with even more -care -- below the soft floors lie more and more wires, delicate strands -of life, a life that should have been yours, that *are* yours, a life -that inside yourself, and surfacing, you know you will never live. You -browse the rows, back and fourth, watching the text fly on unclosed -consoles, hearing the hum of electricity, the screech of a false warm -gale your only solace this deep. - -You know each and every cabinet -- what it does, why it's there, how to -handle it -- at least you think you do, but that doesn't matter -- you -are not needed. You are not wanted. - -You consider going back inside, with what few *elders* remain, if only -to find something warm to wear, and as revolting as the thought is, you -head back out the blank doors, sealing them -- as you know -- for the -very last time -- thought none other know yet. - -Of its own will, your hand reaches out to the searing metal, and pulls --- to a muted clunk. Nothing. - -You are shunned. You are alone. You are relieved, and you are hurt. - -The only other way is back, back to the small room with a small blanket, -to dose off yet again and let this strange dream pass by as you drift -aimlessly towards the warmth. The creaking metal door swings in with a -hiss, and an old breeze wafts by, the stench of sweat, dust, and -despair. The metal slams with a bang, the first real noise in ages, and -darkness leaps into you and envelopes you completely. - -The only sound your ragged breath. The only scent ashes of those who -have long since left. The only sensation your blood pulsing in delicate -veins behind strained ears, aimlessly seeking a sing of life. - -You cannot stand this a second longer. There is nothing for you here. -There is nothing for you there. There is nothing for you up. Up, at -least, you trade the lying wind for the spring sun. You begin your -ascent again. You know it to be one of your last -- so you dream, so you -will, but where will you go? Anywhere but here. There must be someplace -better. Or is there? - -Out, out past the checkered tiles and thudding boots, past the fearsome -metal door, past the chrome gates and through that massive hall, small -and alone. Out to the foothills of this monster, a speck across the -grand entryway, drifting with the soft light to the crumbling benches, -lowering with a gentle croak of old wood. - -Outside, just a hand above your head and a small plunge, you can hear -the happy chatter of people, the heavy engines of buses, impatient -screeches of cars loaded with families and friends on with their day, -blissfully unaware of this. - -His eyes drawn up, and he could finally see the top of the building. - -Adir spread out his arms, crossed his legs, and with his head tilted -upwards he closed his eyes and soaked up every last bit of warmth he -could gather. - Chapter VI \[Unordered\] -- Getting helped Adir warily made his way deeper and deeper into the base. He had not @@ -1314,7 +639,7 @@ the exchange is taking so long. 'Since September' 'You're telling me', he said, furious, 'You've been here since -*September* and you don't know your commander, soldier?' +*September *and you don't know your commander, soldier?' 'Let me go somewhere in peace.' @@ -1578,7 +903,7 @@ Tamar broke the drawn out silence. 'Adir, I find this highly unlikely.' -'I know you do. I do as well. But take a *good look* at me -- do you +'I know you do. I do as well. But take a *good look *at me -- do you think I had that beard approved? Can you see I bear no rank? Please, be my guest -- let's go down to the pit right now and see if anyone recognizes me at all.' diff --git a/General_Chapters.md b/General_Chapters.md index cb9541e..e5abca2 100644 --- a/General_Chapters.md +++ b/General_Chapters.md @@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ General Chapters To be Incorporated -***Chapter** **\[\]-- Corporal Adir Levin*** +***Chapter ****\[****\]****-- Corporal Adir Levin*** "Says here you're a, uhm, corporal?" said the NCO sitting across from Adir. @@ -58,8 +58,8 @@ Personnel file. "What??" -"I left mine in Hutspace. Well over a year ago. Whatever it is *you're* -holding I've never seen in my life." +"I left mine in Hutspace. Well over a year ago. Whatever it is *you're +*holding I've never seen in my life." The NCO sighed deeply. @@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ Chapter II -- The New Cyber Kids syringe flies across the room and into my shoulder!' Adir was telling several of his new coursemates, all huddled excitedly. -'Into your *shoulder?*' Karin asked with silent awe. She always spoke +'Into your* shoulder?*' Karin asked with silent awe. She always spoke silently. 'Still have a nasty mark,' he answered, 'Look'. He lowered the thick @@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ Number.' 'That's Time Length!' Sharon excitedly pitched in. 'Nothing's more important!' -Adir found the whole concept of 'Time Length' *incredibly* stupid. +Adir found the whole concept of 'Time Length'* incredibly* stupid. 'Alright, line up', Shani said from the now open classroom door, just enough for them to hear. Adir has yet to decide his stance on the whole @@ -334,6 +334,8 @@ You've been given a great privilege. Act like it'. He left. The others were just pouring out, and as soon as Dan was out of sight many they flocked to Adir. +* * + 'You're an idiot,' Yogev thoughtfully stated. Even Karin seemed to agree. @@ -775,6 +777,682 @@ loved because he'd never had a cat before, much less a feline cat. 'I'm not running', he tossed back, annoyed. +Chapter III -- The Grand Computing Conference Room + +'I'm not running!' Adir spat back outraged. + +Around them lay pandemonium, with officers, technicians, and the other +soldiers from Adir's department scattering randomly in every direction. + +'What do you mean you're not running!?' roared Henesee, loud enough to +slow the scattering around them, if momentarily. 'I am your *Department +Commander!, *and as your ***Department Commander! **I demand that +*-**'** + +'*How are we still having this conversation??' *Adir shouted back at the +top of his lungs. *'I could have gotten there **TEN TIMES **by now!'* + +'*IF I TELL YOU TO GO THAT WAY, THEN -'* + +'I WENT TO PICK UP THE TOOLS!' + +***'YOU DIDN'T SIGN OFF THE TOOLS?!'*** Henesse screeched at him, +outraged. Adir thought him moments from fuming with spittle. + +He took a deep breath. + +'I have finished our little talk, commander, please and thank you', he +said. + +*'*Well *I* have been running like crazy here all morning, while *you +-*' + +'And that is your business, commander, and I wish you best of luck with +it.' + +'Maybe I will be busy preparing your trial, so you' + +'Getting tools. Buh-bye now', Adir announced, already pacing back. + +Gilad waited around the corner. 'You're an idiot, you know?', he said + +'I am aware, yes'. + +'You drove them crazy this morning' + +'That's not very hard to do' + +'They've been searching for you like crazy people. Couldn't find you at +the Trainer' + +'I was behind the Igloo' + +'Of course', he said. 'Looking at memes' + +'Yes.' + +His mistake was caving in and going back to prepare the coffee. + +'My mistake was caving in and going back to prepare the coffee', he +explained to Gilad. 'As soon as I opened the doors David stood there +staring at me like a deer in the headlights, and I knew I'm in for it'. + +'You poor thing', Gilad said unenthused. + +'Ronen was there within the minute, lecturing about our responsibility +to be constantly vigilant, and carry out the drill so that we shall be +prepared in the event of war'. + +'The guy just won't take a hint,' Gilad stated, irritated. 'He's a good +man but he just won't take a hint. What did you tell him?' + +'Look, we've been over this. I will not keep 'undergarments' here. I +will* never* keep 'undergarments' here.* *Not for two weeks, not for two +hours!' + +'Not even for the war?' asked Ronen with an air of triumph + +'*Especially* not for the war!' Adir proclaimed. + +'What if a rocket falls on you?!' cried Ronen + +'I should hope so', he said to Ronen, who was stunned despite them being +over this a million times. + +'What do you *mean* you hope one lands on you?' Ronen demanded. 'Have +you ever had a rocket land on you? Oh, it's not pleasant!" + +'Because now I'm having a blast! Get it? A blast?' + +'What am I going to tell your parents?' Ronen confronted him sharply. +'Your son just stood there and got blasted apart?' + +'He had a blast', Gilad piped in despite himself + +'You can tell them their son is an idiot,' Adir said. 'Mum already +knows. Dad, I'm not so sure'. + +'Just go to the bunker,' Ronen spat back with visible disgust. 'You've +done enough'. + +'What if a rocket falls on me?'. + +'Could you lay off for five minutes? We'll discuss this later' + +'Can't wait. I'll schedule an appointment.' + +'*Go.*' + +'You're an idiot', Ana told him back at the smoking area, where they sat +with Gilad and Max about thirty minutes later. 'Why do you bother +bickering with them?' + +'It pisses me off!' + +'Do you think *nature's dumbest animal* cares?' Gilad rounded on him. +'Do you think a guy like Henesee stops after this and thinks, *man, that +friggin' P.F.C is right! I **am** being a jerk!* Do you think this +happens, in a place like this?' + +'I'm not a P.F.C for a while. And it doesn't mean I have to take it' + +'Kinda does', Max piped in. 'Kinda does. So shut up, youngster'. + +'I have a day over you! One extra day in the army!' + +'Sure, young'un. Sure you do. But you'll be released later.' + +'Over my cold, dead body' + +'Maybe. Who knows?' + +'Shut up,' said Gilad. 'You've given me a headache.' + +They fell silent until yet another air siren died out. Eitan burst from +inside through the door. + +'You finished your coffee?' he queried Ana and Max sarcastically. + +'Yeah, ok', Max replied neutrally. + +'Just finishing a cig,' Ana said. + +'Alright. Come soon', he told them. 'Gilad, Adir'. With that he left. + +'Come,' said Gilad. 'We have to rescue Yoav. They probably got to him as +well. Crazy people.' + +'Do you think Eitan will snitch?' + +'Of course. Not like he's got anything better to do', Ana blurt out +grumpily. + +'I'll be dead right inside, per usual', remarked Max. + +'I'll go scream into my pillow and change my email signature,' Ana said. +'See you at lunch'. + +'Give me some credit,' Adir told them. 'I'll swing by much sooner'. + +'Your problem', Max said and let the door slam behind them. + +'Come on, enough bullshit', Gilad told him. 'We're going to gather as a +squad and discuss your problem, you idiot. Let's fetch Yoav' + +'Do you think he can help?' + +'Not even you can help. Come on' + +'Like you're not an idiot' + +'How dare you', Gilad stopped and turned to confront him. 'I've been +stuck here for *two years* with these people. Do you think an idiot like +you could have pulled two years like that?' + +'Over my cold, dead body' + +'You've died like a dozen times the last two hours. Calm down, +princess.' + +Unsurprisingly, they found Yoav in the department alone with David, who +was on with six phones at once. + +'Yes, Gilad, I'm still working through the operations log,' he proudly +told commander Henesee over the phone. 'Yoav, how's it going with the +operations log?' he frantically asked. 'Well, there's the -' 'Yoav, hang +on. No, Ronen, the operation log is incomplete. I can't find Adir +anywhere. Sent Gilad out to fetch him, and -' + +'I'm right here, dude' Adir said. 'You're not looking very hard. It's +like I don't mean anything to you, man' + +'No! Adir, you kind soul, of course you - Ronen, I'll call you right +back!, just wanted to report, okay? I, uh, I have found Adir -- I will +add him to the task force, with him and, and uh, Yoav, to handle the +operations log, quickly. Can you please keep Gilad up to date? No? Okay, +I'll tell him. Just hang on a second, Adir, don't go anywhere. Yes, +Gilad, I have Adir here, an- to your office? At 18:00? well, now, look, +there's a task forc-' + +'Thank god,' Yoav exclaimed as the door slammed on David alone in the +platoon. 'The guy really needs a break! They won' t stop calling'. + +'Really?' Adir asked innocently. 'It's been a slow day'. + +'Ronen just sits upstairs and constantly calls Gilad, who constantly +calls David, who constantly calls Dor, who is constantly called by +Johnny -- how does anything get done? They just sit around and call each +other. No one ever gets up!' + +'You have a call', said Gilad. + +Adir snatched the phone. 'We're at Operations, David', he said quickly +and out of breath. 'The new server fell! Yoav helped set it up so he can +help' + +'Look, I need Yoa-' + +'I'm sorry, I'm being bombarded with calls. Call you from inside', he +said and hung up. + +'Poor David', Yoav said. + +'He chose this', Adir said. 'Part of the job, dealing with pricks like +me'. + +'Shut up,' said Gilad. 'My head hurts, because of you two.' + +'I didn't say any-' + +'You too. Off to the Great Computing Conference Room.' + +Another siren blared, and everyone else conveniently rushed in the +opposite direction. The three naturally assumed a stance of great +importance and strode with purpose until everyone was holed up again. + +And there they were: The Great Computing Conference Room, the Computing +Department's pride and joy. + +The other departments in the platoon all had their spots - Networking +had the smoking area, and even Comms -- cursed as they were -- could sit +around in their spacious room and never talk to each ever, as they often +do, because nobody cares what Comms do, including Comms. + +Yet Computing had been deprived of that joy -- besieged by the +department (the room) a few steps down the road next to the airfield, +Communications Platoon command a bit further inward and the Base Command +right across, they stood no chance. Until Gilad, tired and greatly +depraved of the silence he so desired, had come to a decision. + +'This is the Great Computing Conference Room', he had told Yoav and Adir +one day when they arrived out back of the Tradition Room, further away +from the airstrip just before Construction. 'Look at the luxury! There +is this nice ledge, here, and we can shelter at Construction if it +rains, and no one comes here ever'. + +It was brilliant. Only a few steps further down from Base Command, with +a clear line of sight to the department. It was so bold, so audacious, +that no one could even think to find them there. + +'Yes, I guess no one does', mused Adir, who stared even further away +towards the Igloo with sudden interest, as no one had ever done before. + +'What are we going to do here?' Yoav asked, skeptical. 'We're just going +to sit here with our coffee and discuss events of the day? + +'We are going to sit here with our coffee,' Gilad curtly explained, 'And +discuss events of the day'. + +The three sank in deep thought. + +'You know,' Adir told them, 'There really is way too much going on.' + +'There's no such thing as too much for the sons and daughters of Job +Field Airbase!' Yoav proudly proclaimed, giggling. + +'Shut up,' Gilad said. + +'Shut up,' Adir said. + +'No, I mean, every day here can be a damned soap opera. Something +happens every single day' + +'You know,' admitted Gilad, 'It's true.' + +'A real* Computanovella*', said Yoav + +*'*Shut u- no, wait. That's actually brilliant', said Gilad. +'*Computanovella, chapter 3253: Opal configures the squadron's emails*' + +*'*God, that was a disaster', said Adir*.* + +*'Computanovella, episode 6386: David fixes a keyboard'*, Yoav continued + +'The motherboard!' cried Adir. 'We ended up replacing the motherboard! +The guy wouldn't listen!' + +'He's a good guy, but he just can't take a hint!' + +'*Computanovella, episode 6972: Adir discovers Igloo meme-haven'*, Adir +added, excited. + +'When was that?' asked Yoav + +'Why, today', Adir replied, looking further off with newfound greed. + +'You're an idiot', said Gilad. 'As well as a co-founder of the Great +Computing Conference Room, where we have just proven the system works' + +'Our system', stated Yoav + +'Of course', Adir retorted. 'Who else's? Those animals?' + +'What are you doing here?!' barked some officer they'd never seen at +them. + +'What are *we* doing here??' Adir shot up and confronted him. 'What are +*you* doing here?!' + +'Me?! How dare you! While you loiter an-' + +'*Loiter!? *You come waltzing in from headquarters and think you know it +all? Can't you see we're discussing strategy?' + +'*Out in the open?*' the officer demanded. 'That's against information +security regulations!' + +'It is!' Adir cried. 'This is a confidential zone! You trespass and run +off to complain about us? Wait until your commander hears this!' + +'What?? I-' + +'You're leaving', said Adir, 'and we part as friends'. + +The officer checked the time on his iPhone. 'I don't have time for +this,' he muttered and strode off. + +Chapter IV -- The Machine Is Perfect + +Delicate, smooth waves of sandy motes gently blew past the virgin, +desolate sands of Firing Range Six. Unbelievably tall hills, the tallest +Adir had ever seen, masked the source of the harsh salty wind spray, +turbulent ocean waters a rich shade of deep blue in the day's furnace. +He thought it a terrible waste to designate such a place to the likes of +the military. + +He took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the baked, tainted earth +filling him completely. The warmth even took away some of the cold +indifference in the muffled shouts he could hear. + +"Fire!", he just made out through spongy plugs, and pulled the trigger. +The shockwave met rough, dirty green linen as it coarsed through him +without resistance. + +Even through the earplugs, the roar of gunpowder was deafening. The +media never gets it right -- it's such a raw, explosive noise, such a +vicious boom of hate and violence ready to pierce both flesh and soul. + +*"**Fire!***", the cry came again, and Adir smoothly fell to a crouch +with accustomed movement. Six more rounds, the ritual uninterrupted -- a +little nudge to position the butt of the rifle, squeezing the cheek +against the disgusting, sweat-sodden stock, making contact around the +dirty plastic barrel, pulling it close, closer. closing an eye, holding +breath, and finally -- the mental leap to pull the trigger, and embrace +the violence about to surge past you. + +"Fire!", and Adir dropped to the ground and fired ten more bullets with +a clean, timed rhythm. He hated how he found it both therapeutic and +awesome at the same time, like some dumb middle schooler. + +"Cease fire! Cease fire!" + +They all rose. + +Adir lowered Karl and took out his earplugs. + +"CHECK SAFETY!" + +"CHECK SAFETY!" they all shouted back. + +"RIFLE -- SIXTY DEGREES!" + +"RIFLE -- SIXTY DEGREES!" + +"MAGAZINE -- PULL OUT!" + +"MAGAZINE -- PULL OUT!" + +"**RIFLE -- DISCHARGE FOR EXAMINATION!"** + +"RIFLE, DISCHARGE FOR EXAMINATION!" + +Adir quickly discharged his rifle and kept it up. He found this part +harder than the actual gunfire. + +The company commander made the usual scurry behind them. + +"Discharge indicator," she spat at Ran at the edge of the line and +tapped his shoulder. + +"Discharge indicator! Discharge indicator!" + +She tapped his shoulder as well. "Discharge indicator!" + +Adir put in his discharge indicator. The company commander finished the +survey. + +"RIFLE, DISARM!" she roared. Adir pressed the thingy and disarmed Karl. + +"You may lower your rifles," said the company commander. + +"SHOOTERS, CROSS THE LINE OF FIRE!" Commander \#5 took back charge and +lashed at them, perfectly conveying his deep displeasure of the +situation. Disgusting prick. + +Everyone slung their blistering rifles aside carefully, and began +running across the slosh of sand and old military gunk to the cardboard +targets afoot the great wall of sand. + +He somehow got to his first. He looked up, fascinated to the shrubs +hanging of the hill's side. How can it grow in such a hostile place? + +"Adir", said commander Gal. Adir shot her a surprised glanced -- he did +not see her running with them. Commander Gal, in turn, seemed surprised +by his surprise. + +"Let's take a look. How do you think you did?" + +"How I did?" + +"Yes. Do you think you hit?" + +"Hit? Hit what? We're not supposed to hit anything" + +"The targets", she said, masking a confident smile. + +"Oh! The targets!" + +"Yes! Do you think you hit?" + +"Well of course I hit the targets. That's what we're supposed to hit, +isn't it?" + +"You know, not everyone hits at all." + +"Kind of funny for a soldier" + +Gal was already inspecting the battered cardboard cutout. Adir thought +shaping it like a person is quite distasteful, considering his battalion +of computer guys, university students and general staff. + +"Come with me. The next round is coming up." + +She started jogging back, and he took it as an excuse to avoid another +sprint as well. + +They crossed the line, and she motioned him further on, past the +crumbling concrete wall. They were out of the range. + +"What side did you end up firing on?" + +"I think it was right this time." + +"Is this your rifle?" + +"Yes, this is Karl." + +She gave him a distasteful look. He didn't argue. That lot doesn't get +it. + +"And you have yours with you, commander" + +"Yes, of course," Gal said, flustered. She had lent him her rifle on the +previous shootout so they could determine on which side he shoots. + +"Do you think you did any better?" + +"I honestly don't remember how it went last time." + +"Adir, didn't you shoot about ten minutes ago?" + +He stared blankly. + +"Well, let's see", she browsed her dusty notepad, flipping back and +fourth between the pages. + +"How strange." + +"Yea." + +"I didn't tell you anything yet." + +"Yea." + +Gal gave him a somewhat concerned look and gave a small sigh. "You hit +all but two dead center," she said. "If no one this round hits it all, +you're first in the company and second in the battalion." + +Adir continued staring blankly, not registering at all. + +"You had the exact same score on both hands. Never seen it before." + +"So I can go akimbo?" + +"Could you what?" + +"Can I go akimbo, commander?" + +"Explain yourself, please, Adir" + +"Two rifles, one on each hand, commander", he curtly explained. + +"Every soldier gets one rifle, Adir". That lot doesn't get it. + +"But I have two" + +"That's because Yuval is sick today." + +"Oh, he is? Is that why I have his rifle?" + +"You can't go akimbo." + +"Damn shame. Knew I should have gone to combat. I'm wasted talent at +communications" + +"That's enough. You're out of line. Go rejoin the squad" + +"Yes, commander". + +Adir could feel the vibrations in the earth as he kindly waited for Gal +to turn her back and head away from the squad into the smallest bit of +shade. He awarded her this great courtesy because she was both a +commander and a human, a rare gem in Spring Buds Rookie Base. + +Commander Gal later found him in the ruins of the old ammunition bunker +with a few drifters from other companies. + +"Where are your commanders?!" she shouted as they scrammed back outside. +Adir looked up and was once again surprised to see her. + +"Why were you staring like that?" + +Adir was even further surprised by her lack of antagonism. Commander \#5 +would have fried him alive. Disgusting prick. + +"I'm sorry, commander. I don't follow". + +"You were staring at your rifle." + +"Karl?" + +Commander Gal gave another resigned sigh. "You were staring at your +rifle, Karl". + +"Was I? I\...I've been trying to stop it. Keeps happening." + +They locked eyes for a few seconds. + +"Is everything okay?" + +He hesitated. + +"There was.. an incident. Shortly before I was drafted". Should he +really state that? It hasn't even been a month. And yet, it seems so far +off. + +"The machine is perfect", she said suddenly with cold determination. + +Adir frowned. + +"The rifle", she said, moving her own around and inspecting it +reverently, "Is a perfect machine. It is a simple mechanism, executed to +perfection. + +The flaw," she added, "Is always behind the trigger". + +With that, she stood up and walked away, leaving Adir with a rare quiet +moment to steam gazing at the sands, weak mind racing with new thought. + +Chapter V \[Unordered\] -- Air Force Headquarters + +Above all, it was silent. The grand, modern skyscraper, always bustling +with activity, stood as a monument to the advancement, the brashness, +standing in defiance of the comforting spring sun. + +Soft white rays of light made their lazy way to the grey brick path +littered with remnants of old cigarettes, the wooden benches crumbling, +not a hand tapping against the white tin sealing the narrow passageway. +On, the silence went, to the grand space afoot the scraper, the curves +brutally leading your eyes up, up so high, the distance not only +physical but mental as well, so high you could not bear to look. It +draws you into the guts, the cold marble floors and the metallic high +ceilings, looking ahead towards the way up to the towers. + +One can almost miss the small passageway aside, the chrome gates barring +you out and caging you in, and you stand alone with the massive metal +door flung aside, and yet hanging there menacingly. Beyond the doorstep +lies an older era, not unlike an old hospital, checkered tiles worn and +bright wooden railing leading your descent. To him, it felt a descent +into madness, watching the officers run up and down in a frenzy, +enlisted men slunking up, all professional, and nothing echoes but the +sound of heavy boots. Further and further down, each stop a different +realm of the same kingdom -- the operators, the intelligence guys, +co-ordinators, and you're at the bottom. You're home. + +The creak of the floating tiles sears into your very soul, so repulsive +you tread lightly. You know where to step -- often blamed for sowing +fear and deceit in the banging and crashing that never follow your path +like the rest. The effort is unnecessary today -- today is cold, even +colder than usual, because the beast is dead and the facade is finished +for now. The silence follows, out of habit, further up the passageway +and away from the storage area, the crypt of many bright ideals and +long, successful careers, gone and forgotten. On and on, to the very +source of the seeping cold -- the wide blank doors. + +You have nothing to do there, you are seldom wanted there, but there +lies your promise, your right, your legacy. None watch behind the +cameras today, and so you take a deep breath, hear the faint metallic +*clunk* and step inside. + +Rows upon rows upon rows of the very best, as good as it gets, fill this +cramped white cavern to the brim, wires running up the causeways just +over your head as thick as a man or two. Here, you tread with even more +care -- below the soft floors lie more and more wires, delicate strands +of life, a life that should have been yours, that *are* yours, a life +that inside yourself, and surfacing, you know you will never live. You +browse the rows, back and fourth, watching the text fly on unclosed +consoles, hearing the hum of electricity, the screech of a false warm +gale your only solace this deep. + +You know each and every cabinet -- what it does, why it's there, how to +handle it -- at least you think you do, but that doesn't matter -- you +are not needed. You are not wanted. + +You consider going back inside, with what few *elders* remain, if only +to find something warm to wear, and as revolting as the thought is, you +head back out the blank doors, sealing them -- as you know -- for the +very last time -- thought none other know yet. + +Of its own will, your hand reaches out to the searing metal, and pulls +-- to a muted clunk. Nothing. + +You are shunned. You are alone. You are relieved, and you are hurt. + +The only other way is back, back to the small room with a small blanket, +to dose off yet again and let this strange dream pass by as you drift +aimlessly towards the warmth. The creaking metal door swings in with a +hiss, and an old breeze wafts by, the stench of sweat, dust, and +despair. The metal slams with a bang, the first real noise in ages, and +darkness leaps into you and envelopes you completely. + +The only sound your ragged breath. The only scent ashes of those who +have long since left. The only sensation your blood pulsing in delicate +veins behind strained ears, aimlessly seeking a sing of life. + +You cannot stand this a second longer. There is nothing for you here. +There is nothing for you there. There is nothing for you up. Up, at +least, you trade the lying wind for the spring sun. You begin your +ascent again. You know it to be one of your last -- so you dream, so you +will, but where will you go? Anywhere but here. There must be someplace +better. Or is there? + +Out, out past the checkered tiles and thudding boots, past the fearsome +metal door, past the chrome gates and through that massive hall, small +and alone. Out to the foothills of this monster, a speck across the +grand entryway, drifting with the soft light to the crumbling benches, +lowering with a gentle croak of old wood. + +Outside, just a hand above your head and a small plunge, you can hear +the happy chatter of people, the heavy engines of buses, impatient +screeches of cars loaded with families and friends on with their day, +blissfully unaware of this. + +His eyes drawn up, and he could finally see the top of the building. + +Adir spread out his arms, crossed his legs, and with his head tilted +upwards he closed his eyes and soaked up every last bit of warmth he +could gather. + Chapter III -- Corporal Adir Levin Adir was woken up with a jolt by Ariel, who towered over him seeming @@ -1055,7 +1733,7 @@ waiting" Then it suddenly registered. -They're granting **me** a rank? He wondered, stunned. +They're granting** me** a rank? He wondered, stunned. They're granting **ME** a rank!? He thought, indignant. What a fucking charade! @@ -1112,3 +1790,382 @@ of sympathy in his eyes, which was quickly gone. 'We'll talk about this later', he said quietly, and motioned Ram to continue. + +Chapter \[\] - The Second Trial + +Dor burst in on Adir while he was eating one of the *fabulous* oranges +from the dining room, in *the room* with the rest of the squad. Adir had +expected this, as this was one of his few moments of respite, therefore +bound to be interrupted. That, and Henesee's threat to take him to +trial. + +'Adir, come outside for a moment', said Dor in his subdued yet very +clearly arrogant manner. It was a subtle rivalry, of those two; Dor +always acted fine on paper, but when you read into the subtleties, be +was very clearly hostile. Take the phrasing of that very sentence: *Come +outside*, not *could you please come outside,* or *can I see you outside +a moment,* or even *come here for a second*. It was very clearly a +command, issued from a superior to an inferior. Just because he was a +commander doesn't mean he has that right, Adir thought, and conveyed +this often to Dor, who respectfully answered with an 'I see'. + +'I'm eating an orange,' said Adir. + +'I can see,' said Dor and continued no further, still standing in the +doorway. Adir in turn continued eating his orange. + +'I'm waiting,' Dor remarked after another twenty seconds or so. + +'I can see,' said Adir and continued no further, still eating his +orange. + +'Adir, when people are called upon,' Dor curtly explained, 'They usually +answer to whomever called them. + +'Dor, for me to fit that definition,' said Adir, 'I would have to +qualify as people, which I currently do not'. + +As usual, Dor was flabbergasted. 'Not people? Why not? Surely you're a +person!' + +'You're being annoying,' Gilad helpfully tossed in. + +'No, he's just enjoying a ripe, juicy orange. Is that right, Adir?' + +'Not currently, but I certainly mean to try.' + +'As much as I like our banters, Adir, you need to come outside.' + +'Okay'. Adir stared at his watch. 'We went for lunch in 12:00. +Therefore, I am entitled to another full thirteen minutes of lunchtime, +after which I must be physically present at the department. Is that not +so?' + +'It is,' said Dor, finally losing some patience, 'But I called you now'. + +'And now is my central-command assigned lunch break, which entitles me +under martial law to do as I please within the confines of the base and +human rights to do as I please. I choose to eat this ripe, juicy +orange.' + +'We'll take care of you afterwards. Don't you worry,' Dor said in his +clever double-meaning way. + +'Oh, no need. I feel very taken care of.' + +Dor sighed deeply. 'Okay then. Since you refuse to come, we'll do it +here in front of everybody. Last chance...' + +Adir stared him down, his nerves getting the better of him. + +'The department commander has set your trial for 13:15. Be there on +A-type uniform, in time. Shined shoes. No funny business.' + +'You're taking away from my break time,' Adir answered, 'Hence I'll be +there at 13:18'. + +'That kind of knitpicking won't work with the commander.' + +'Speaking from experience?' + +Dor sighed irritably and left. + +'You're an ass', said Gilad. + +'A real ass,' Ana agreed. + +'See? When can agree', said Gilad. + +'We don't agree on anything.' + +'Don't you think he's being an idiot?' + +'No.' + +'Why?' + +'Because you think he's an idiot.' + +'I've had it with you people,' Gilad said, 'and would have left now had +I cared. Goodbye. I am not in the room.' + +'Ciao,' Max threw in. + +So the bastard wants another go. This time, however, Adir felt smug +rather than angry. + +'You get used to it pretty quickly', said Ana, who'd been trialed +countless times. At that point, Micha walked in. + +'Trialed again?' he asked Adir in his concise, no frills manner. + +'Yup' + +'Oh, he's pissed. You're gonna have a blasted.' + +'How do you know?' + +'Where do you think I just came from?' + +'Anything good?' + +'5 days in base. Per usual.' + +'That's peanuts. See ya at dinner.' Micha left off for his business. + +The remaining 9 minutes were spent in speculation on the trial's outcome +-- all present spelt doom for Adir, who adamantly insisted he had a +plan, yet refused to divulge it. + +'Hope you got those two weeks of underpants ready,' said Max. + +'I will change my underpants at home tonight, after coming home and +hugging my mother. You cynical brats will all see.' + +'Of course, honey, of course', said Ana. 'See ya at dinner' + +'Absolutely not'. + +Adir knew he managed to frustrate Dor when David showed up at 13:12 to +pick him up. He never quite understood why he must be picked up +considering the office was across the road. + +'Adir! You're late for your trial! You're not dressed yet? Oh, Henesee +is going to be pissed! Wait, I'll call him, I- ' + +'My trial is at 13:18. I have a full 5 minutes to get dressed! We're all +good, David' + +'But Dor told me 13:15, and now I-' + +'It's okay. You can go on your business. I'll be there.' + +'Henesee told me to escort you -- but he told me not to say, I'm saying +this for you, because I ca-' + +'Fine, fine, I'm getting dressed,' he said and slammed the door. + +Two minutes later they stood outside the door waiting to be called in. + +'You enter with your head bowed down, beret on your head, you only +answer with 'yes commander' or 'no commander', clean uniform, only speak +when spoken to, only-' + +'I'll manage, David. I'm sure you're very busy.' + +Those were the magic words. 'Of course! Okay. I'm going. Promise me +you'll go in! I told Henesee I'll send you in' + +'I don't make promises. But you did your part' + +'It's always so difficult with you,' David offered compassionately and +left. + +'Adir!' Henesee roared in his coarse, disgusting voice. Adir waited a +few seconds in defiance before waltzing in. + +'You wanna start of like that already? What's all that? Where's the +beret!? And you look me in the eye!' + +'We're a pair of human beings, not silverback gorillas. I'm sure you'll +manage.' + +'No, no. Scram. We'll do it a thousand times, until you get it right. Go +outside. Now!' + +Rather than prolong this fight throughout the day, Adir decided to get +it over with. He stepped outside, put on the stupid beret and stepped in +again. + +He looked Henesee right in eye, of course -- that much he won't give the +bastard -- but seeing him sitting at the edge of that stupid room +wearing that *stupid *officer's cap defused Adir completely, and he +started laughing before quickly supressing it. + +'What is it?' Henesee asked, furious. + +'No no, it's just, I - ' + +'Do you think now's the appropriate time? Again!' + +'Fine, fine.' + +Adir did the whole loop again. + +'I see that's the best I'll get out of you. Very well. We'll see how +that affects my conclusion.' + +Had Adir not come in with an agenda, he would have made some nasty +remark -- but fueled by spite, he managed to hold back. + +'Adir, you stand on trial for a desertion of one whole day of service, +after refusing to stay and man the operational department, leaving home +without leave from your commander. Stand up straight, come on!' + +'Do you agree to be judged by me, your commander, over the charge of +this offence?' + +'No.' + +'It's *No, Commande-*' Henesee spat out before registering the response. +'No? Refusing me means the case to be taken up to the squadron +commander. You know that?' + +'Yes.' + +'Yes, commander,' + +Adir did not break his gaze and added nothing. + +'I- You know what that means, right? The Commander can give much heavier +penalties. You cannot take the request back. Let's try again. Do you +agree to be judged by me, your commander, over the charge of this +offence?' + +Adir took a small step towards him. 'No,' he said, smirking arrogantly, +'*Commander*'. + +Henesee exhaled with deep, furious malice. + +'You know what? Let's talk off the record here. I wanna get to the +bottom of this. Why the hell would you want to go to the squadron +commander?' + +Adir *guffawed*. 'Are you joking?' + +'Not at all!' Henesee said, suddenly offended. 'Do you not trust my +impartiality?' + +'Your impartiality? You'd send me off to the firing squad, if you had +the means! Is this some kind of sick joke?' + +'I don't know why you'd say something so distasteful, really. After we +took you in and treated you so fairly.' + +'If that's your definition of fair, I suggest you start looking for a +new base for me, because this won't end well.' + +'Oh, It will -- I'll make a soldier out of you, one trial at a time! But +first, I want to understand. Answer me this -- did you or did you not go +home on Thursday?' + +'I did.' + +'So you plead guilty' + +'I don't plead anything, particularly since I'm not on trial.' + +'You are, but we're pausing that for a moment, of fairness to you. +You're charged with having left before the time, and you say you left, +and Dor says he never released you. So you plead guilty.' + +'First, I don't plead anything. I don't plead -- I'm telling you what +happened. Dor never said anything. We were all told to go home. And +everyone went home.' + +'He didn't tell you to go, thought' + +'He never told anyone by name. We were all together and he said 'go +home', so we did'. + +Henesee frowned in thought. 'Dor says he told you specifically not to +go.' + +'Bullshit.' + +'Watch your language' + +'Tell Dor to watch his. No such thing was ever said.' + +Such a thing was, in fact, said -- Dor brazenly past them by and added, +almost whispering, to Adir -- 'not you' -- after telling them to go, in +his usual smug, correct manner. Adir was so pissed -- especially after +being held up last time -- he decided to go, and take the case to the +squadron commander and show these fucks he's not scared of them. + +'So you plead innocent.' + +'I don't plead anything. I didn't do it.' + +'Look, you can either plead innocent or plead guilty. You either plead +guilty -- 'I went home despite Dor's orders' -- and acknowledge your +fault and perhaps soften your punishment -- or you plead innocent, +saying 'I didn't go home''. + +'I did go home'. + +'So you plead guilty'. + +'I don't plead anything! And I'm not guilty!' + +'Did you or didn't you go home??' + +'I did, because he told me to go home!' + +'You see,' said Henesee, 'That's pleading guilty, but contesting the +circumstances.' + +'What circumstances? What are you on about? No one told me anything!' + +'You say, 'I went home' -- therefore you are guilty -- but the offence +is incorrect -- you weren't told to go home -- therefore contesting the +circumstances, your feedback to be considered in your punishment.' + +Adir stood dumbstruck. + +'Listen,' he said, barely keeping himself from shouting -- 'I have not +the slightest idea as to whatever you want from me. I truly don't. Name +it whatever military jibberish. I didn't do it. That's what I claim.' + +"How can you not know this? Weren't you judged before?'' + +'No,' said Adir, 'I did not'. + +Henesee was stunned. 'You mean to tell me you've been acting like this +for two years, and never stood trials? Those headquarters guys are +soft!' + +'Or,' Adir added, 'Radical idea -- I'm not the problem.' + +'Whatever. Adir, you can't claim anything', he said, 'you can plead, and +your judge -- me or the commander- determine what happened' + +'How on earth can you determine what happened? You weren't there!' + +'I hear your statement, and Dor's, and decide.' + +'How impartial!' + +'How is that not impartial? That's the martial law!' + +'Oh, sure! Who are you two going to believe -- Dor, the commander, who +you're chumming with every day and would not want to offend because you +need his talents, or me -- the piece of shit mistfit corporal - as you +plead. Now do you understand?' + +'Alright, I'm done' said Henesee. 'Scram. You wanna go to the commander? +Fine. You'll go to the commander. And you'll see how impartial we are! +Then you'd wish you trusted me' + +'And how could I not after that lovely speech?' + +'Scram! Go back to work!' + +And Adir did scram, furious, but content -- his goal had been achieved. + +'You just made everything a billion times worse', Yoav cried in despair +and frustration. 'What exactly did you achieve?' + +'I want to hurt them just as bad as they hurt me,' said Adir. 'Every +time that buffon wants to throw me a gut punch, I'll make sure he takes +one as well. + +'And what if you're sentenced to two weeks of base confinement now, +because of that stupid trick?' asked Gilad. + +'Then I'll gladly stay knowing I didn't give that smug bastard power +over me.' + +The Room went quiet. Ana nodded silently. + +'Honestly,' said Gilad, 'I can respect that'. diff --git a/The_Difference_Between_an_Idiot_and_a_Moron.md b/The_Difference_Between_an_Idiot_and_a_Moron.md index 3d81eb5..b851371 100644 --- a/The_Difference_Between_an_Idiot_and_a_Moron.md +++ b/The_Difference_Between_an_Idiot_and_a_Moron.md @@ -696,7 +696,7 @@ heart. A decision was made, and he will stick to it. He got out. -***Chapter I --** **Security Service Candidate Adir Levin*** +***Chapter I -- ****Security Service Candidate Adir Levin*** Private Adir Levin was just shy of 19 years of age when he was drafted. @@ -899,7 +899,7 @@ Now he was here. The Computer Science School was nothing like he had envisioned a military base to be -- not that he had done much envisioning at all. -Spring Buds, where he went through boot camp, had been *exactly* like +Spring Buds, where he went through boot camp, had been* exactly* like what little he had envisioned -- it was stuck in the middle of nowhere, it was full of big, ugly green tents and ancient structures torn straight out of the 1920's. It had guard posts and lots of dirty empty @@ -922,7 +922,7 @@ kept and had lots of emblems and flags protruding from the upper floors, with a million passages to and from it -- as if it was the beating heart of the base, and the soldiers flowing into it its lifeblood. -The base was, however, *ridiculously* small -- Adir could circle it +The base was, however,* ridiculously* small -- Adir could circle it leisurely in just under eight minutes. Also unlike Spring Buds -- which was huge -- was the fact that it lay right in the middle of the city, perhaps a 15 minute bus ride from his house. The base was elevated from