Eric's rain, Part 1...
The rain pounded on Eric's head as he walked down that alley. Ever since the accident three years ago his life had been miserable. All of his former friends abandoned him, he lost his job, his girlfriend left him, and he began nearing a suicidal point in his life. He could not take the heartache anymore. No one wanted to hear his theories about robotics and Ai However, as he walked down that alley, a man approached him. The man, tall and slender, walked right up to him.
"Are you Eric Myron?" the stranger asked. Eric was astounded. Why would anyone want to talk to him? He saw something in this man however. Something different. "Yes, who wants to know?" He replied. "My master has heard of you. He admires your theories. I am Hawk." Eric took a step back. This mans master actually took him seriously.
Eric could hardly believe it. "Would you come with me Eric?" Hawk asked. Eric readily agreed. They left the alley and got in a black sedan. The driver started the car and began driving. On the way Eric talked with Hawk more about Hawk's master.
"His name is Sturm. We are a military faction and have been trying to develop robotic soldiers. Until now we have had no success, but with you're help, I believe we may yet be able to accomplish this." Hawk explained. Eric was very excited. Unfortunately Eric had never heard of Sturm, and had no knowledge of the black hole. Because of this, Eric was ready to work for anyone who would hire him, including Sturm.
As soon as they reached the base Eric had ideas for these robotic soldiers. When they entered the building, Eric asked to see Sturm. "I'm sorry Eric but Sturm is busy right now. He will however, be able to see you in about an hour. Right now our head researcher Lash will show you our labs."
Lash arrived promptly and walked up to Eric.
"Look buddy, I know we're supposed to work together, but the only reason I'm here is to figure out this bug in our Robo-Troops, so don't get any funny ideas!" Lash exclaimed.
"Alright, alright, whatever lady." Eric replied. Lash showed him to the lab where the robo-troops were being built. There were parts strewn about and a half finished robotic skeleton in the middle of the round room. Eric, already feeling more confident, decided to retaliate to Lash's earlier hostility.
"Hey, Lash, why don't you go hide in a corner somewhere and let me handle this." He said jokingly. You could see a look in Lash's eyes, an "I'll get you for that" look.
Lash and Eric soon became friends, having had a chance to get to know each other. They worked for hours with the programming and construction of the prototype Robo-Soldier. After almost 13 straight hours of working together, they felt that they had completed their prototype.
"It's about fugging time!!!" Eric said as he slumped against a desk. "I say we call him RS-01!"
"Not real original, but it fits." Lash said. "I have a question Eric, you're always wearing an overcoat, so I've never seen you're legs, and I was wondering why you never sit down, except when you have to?" Lash asked. Eric removed his overcoat to reveal the robotics stand he moved around on. It was a platform that connected to his torso, and had treads at the bottom, which oscillated to give the effect of walking. "Wow." Lash said.
"I was in a horrible car accident two years ago and my legs were crushed. They had to be amputated, and then replaced by this robotic device." Eric explained. "By the way, there is one more part we need before we can get this thing to work, and it is easily installed with no programming required, but it is very heavy." He said.
"No problem, I'll just get flak to carry it!" Lash said. "Flaaakkkkk!!! FLAKALAKALAKALAKALAAAKKKK!!!!" Lash yelled.
"Lash? You bellowed?" Flak said as he walked in the door minutes later.
"I need you to carry something for us." Lash told him.
An hour later, with everything installed and RS-01 working almost perfectly, a knock came at the door. Hawk entered and walked up to Eric.
"Eric, Sturm would like to speak with you." Hawk said. He then left the room with Eric behind. When they reached Sturm's office Eric entered and Hawk left. Eric walked in and sat down at a chair. Eric was startled by sturm's appearance.
"Eric, do you have any tactical experience?" Sturm asked.
"Well not really but I am good at strategic games." Eric replied, unsure of what his answer should be.
"I believe that you would make a fine addition to our commanding ranks. After watching you work with Lash on RS-01, I would very much like to see you in our forces. Will you join us?" Sturm asked.
"Well, ummm... YES! This is the chance of a lifetime and I am not going to let it slip through my fingers." Eric Exclaimed. Sturm smiled; at least as much as curving his smokestack/mouth/hole can be called a smile.
"Good Then." Sturm said as he handed Eric a small badge. "You are now an official Black Hole CO!"
THE END. For now anyways...