Perfect World Somewhere continues. Learning new skills, and about the privilege it bestows. The War intensifies. And Plumgrove absorbs more of the desperate victims of the Kaezers mounting attacks. ********************* They finished the processor upgrade for Test, within the week. Delia, true to her word, invited Lily to observe and learn during the programming sessions. Lily sat cross-legged on the floor beside Test. And Delia stood facing it, a display visor attached to one side of her face, covering one eye. “We first must establish our interface,” Delia said. “This gives you the definitions needed to access and interpret the many layers of code. There are as many different programming languages as there are human languages. It can be difficult to determine which one is right for which robot. But, with Test and Krept, I know every part. Because I installed their systems myself.” Lily was fascinated, and thrilled, when Delia let her wear the display visor, and taught her a few lines to say. It was empowering to watch the code flow and adhere across the visor screen, and the robot slowly respond to her voice. The other technicians still regarded Delia with reserve. But Daddy had come to show more interest in her, since the programming work with Lily began. Daddy only knew the most basic of code. Just what was needed to direct and maintain robots as he worked on them. He also seemed curious, as to what was involved with true programming, and would often stand near to watch. Weeks became months, and Lily turned nine. Delia seemed impressed with her growing ability and enthusiasm. “You have talent for this as well,” she said. “When you’re older, you might consider enrolling in programming languages, at one of the institutions Stonecipher endorses. Your aptitude would surely get you accepted.” The thought was inspiring, and Lily allowed herself to dream of a future that seemed far off, yet full of promise. Delia revealed yet another aspect of her work, on an afternoon when they were alone. She’d sat close to Lily, looked about to be sure no one was listening, and spoke in a quiet tone. “Many don’t realize how much power can be wielded, by someone who can access and manipulate code,” she said. “In the colonies, everything is run and maintained by immense systems, far more complex and vibrant than those found in common robots. The thing to remember is, a system is a system, no matter how complicated, or vast. And someone with the proper hardware, and skill, can manipulate any of them. It’s all a matter of perseverance, resourcefulness, and a little bit of luck. Some programmers have used this fact, to their advantage. I must admit, on occasion, I have indulged in a little programming mischief myself.” She winked at Lily, smiled. “So, you can access things you’re not supposed to, and change things how you want?” “Hm. I suppose that’s a good explanation,” Delia said. “Just remember, that when you have a rare and powerful talent, it can be used in many different ways. And don’t let anyone, or anything, limit how you choose to use it.” The advice lingered in Lily’s mind. And changed her perspective on many things. Life in Plumgrove remained relatively peaceful. But, nevertheless, the War still raged, as never before. The militia increased the number of drills and intensified the training given to all recruits. Daddy even taught Lily and the rest of the family how to shoot his rifle. Said it was a skill that everyone should have. The summer when Lily was nine, was the time that everything began to escalate. It began with new attacks, on several major cities of their homeland. The Kaezer seemed determined and relentless in his goal of conquering the continents. The Pruessian Empire already controlled a large part of Earth. Only five countries remained obstinate and independent, and Lily’s was one. The reports told of growing masses of robotic forces, unleashed in random and brutal attacks across the globe. More bombs, more destruction, rained from the turrets of countless mechanical invaders. The ranks of the Unfortunates swelled a hundred fold. And again, Plumgrove absorbed a large portion of the refugees. Their sleepy little town had become even more of a shelter for the masses displaced by the enemy. It became more and more difficult to provide for all of them. Mama and Nana volunteered to assist at local charities as often as they could. Even Lily helped when she could. But it never seemed to be enough. Lily felt most useful in her work with the milita. The robotics team had a solid template to build upon now, and Test had soon become Krept 2B. They had a small fleet now, of four guardian robots, with a fifth soon to enter immersive programming. Delia was overjoyed with Lily’s progressing skills. And soon assigned her to perform more of the basic maintenance needed on the robotic operating systems. Lily loved the new tasks, and was soon speaking code to all of the guardians. Laying the foundations for Delia, who followed to layer in the more advanced coding after. A true challenge lay, when Delia began modifying the captured walker, and taught Lily some of the bewildering Pruessian code used by the Kaezer. She insisted Lily learn some of it, as it was a skill that might be valuable to possess someday. The militias guardian robots were sleek, fast, and lethal. They dominated the enemy walker, and a few others that had been captured, and brought for testing and assimilation by the militia. If the Kaezer ever did decide to set his greedy eyes upon Plumgrove, he’d certainly find a surprise. And a tough fight waiting for him.
Posted on: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 08:24:29 +0000
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