Windscript Volume 24, 2007-2008 - Saskatchewan Writers' Guild

The Magazine of Saskatchewan High School Writing
Sarah Neufeld
The Age of Computers
Intense blue eyes shine in the glare of the computer screen, the red rimmed irises darting across the monitor,
quickly glancing at flashing icons. Beads of sweat stand out on a pale forehead, which at the moment is furrowed
in concentration. Nimble fingers move across the keyboard with practiced ease. Rows of letters and
numbers flood the screen in random pattern, a foreign language known only by its author.
A window pops up, bolded text appears inside.
NEO_THEI says: Are you in yet?
thekid says: no
NEO _THEI says: I thought you’d be quicker than this, the recommendations I received made me think you’d
be amazing.
thekid says: at least I’m quicker than you :P
NEO_THEI says: Just tell me when you’re finished, all right.
the kid says: 0_0
With a quick click he closes the window, the rhythm of the keyboard resumes. He enters commands, fingers
dancing furiously over the alphabet. He’s been trying to crack this system for days and has only just recently
bypassed the outer firewalls; it’s a tough system. He knows he’ll need to be alert now, if he isn’t his hard drive
will be fried. He swallows nervously, wondering if it’s really worth it. After all, his computer is his most prized
possession.
He shakes off his fear; he can do it. At any rate, it’s too late to go back now. He charges in, destroying firewalls
and cracking passwords, imagining himself to be a warlord, with the keyboard as his mighty sword. He chuckles
silently to himself and continues typing. This will be one big payoff.
He’ll be able to get some more RAM, or maybe that new graphics card, or- his thoughts are interrupted as the
screen begins flashing a warning. Instantly he knows they’re onto him. His eyes widen, his breathing quickens,
his fingers tremble on the keyboard. He’s frozen. The flashing screen is like a beacon in his mind. He is exposed;
they see him. ‘No,’ he thinks, ‘I won’t let this happen, I’m better than them.’
Adrenaline pumps through his veins. An onslaught of genius attacks him; an epiphany. Concentrating, he forces
his joints to move. By the breadth of hair, he escapes their clutches. He freezes his enemies in their tracks,
overloading their CPU’s and destroying whatever security they have left. He feels a sense of triumph as he
sails past what’s left of the system. He opens up a window.
the kid says: i’m in XD
NEO_THEI says: Nice work... how was it?
the kid says: your system needs work, any decent hacker could get in
NEO_THEI says: Send your analysis and suggestions and we’ll send you the paycheck.
windScript
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volume 24