Summer time is the best time. The time to sit down at the computer and write this fan fiction at full throttle. Well semi-throttle. I have to work now…..But that will not stop me.
Oh and reviews are always appreciated.
Part 24
Odd dreams once again. Dark images float chaotically through his brain, eventually solidifying into a clear picture. Through the gray light of a dreary cloudy morning, Odd sees a series of large beige-yellow buildings behind a busy Parisian street. A loud bell begins to chime with the change of time. A strange assortment of professors and students mill about. At the entrance to the campus, Odd notices the name of the institution: Collège de France. His mind wanders a little farther off, to a large stone building within walking distance to the college. The building contains apartments, most likely cheap ones. Odd passes through a door on the third floor into a musty apartment. The room is messy, but not the kind of messy Odd is used to. Papers and strange-looking contraptions are scattered around the tiny residence, accompanied by equations written on open books that lay on the floor. It is the messy room of a genius. A single lamp lights up the dwelling. Beneath that lamp is a desk, and working at that desk is a young dark-haired man in his late twenties. He is hunched over the cheap wooden table, furiously writing down things Odd doesn't have a hope to understand. As Odd draws closer, the man adjusts his glasses and his red turtleneck sweater. While he mutters something to himself, Odd begins to come to the conclusion that this man is almost oblivious to the outside world. But the outside world doesn't take no for an answer, because there is a knock on the door to the apartment. The man bolts upright, completely caught off guard by this strange interruption of reality. Then he calms down and tells the guest to enter. The door opens slowly to reveal a thin blonde man in his mid twenties. He seems dismayed by the mess in the apartment. A chill passes over Odd when he recognizes him.
Moriarty: Hello, is this…. Moriarty reads off a note card. Waldo Schaeffer's apartment?
Odd's eyes widen.
Odd: No…..it can't be.
The man appears annoyed.
Schaeffer: You're speaking to him.
Moriarty walks in with his hand outstretched.
Moriarty: Hello, I am the man who accepted your request for a roommate.
Schaeffer seems confused. He thinks for a moment, trying to remember.
Schaeffer: Oh yes! André…André…..something.
Moriarty smiles.
Moriarty: André-
As Moriarty speaks to Schaeffer, the flashback freezes. Odd feels stunned, as if a mental wall has blocked out this narrow piece of the conversation. It returns to normal after a few seconds.
Schaeffer: Well André, make yourself comfortable…if possible that is.
Moriarty struggles to get his suitcase through the mess. He looks around.
Moriarty: Um, if you don't mind me asking, where exactly do I sleep?
Schaeffer: Oh yes….He scratches his stubbly beard. There is a cot in that slightly small room to your left.
Moriarty looks inside. He scoffs.
Moriarty: Slightly small?
Schaeffer: I'm sorry, but conducting research at the most prestigious educational establishment in France doesn't exactly bring in a lot of money.
Moriarty forces his suitcase into the pitiful excuse for a room.
Moriarty: Right, that's why you wanted a roommate. Share the costs of the apartment.
Schaeffer rubs his hands together. He looks positively strange and eccentric.
Schaeffer: To be honest, I don't really work well with others…..but I don't have a choice at this point.
Moriarty: Well, hopefully you'll be able to stand me. He picks up one of the pieces of paper. He examines it thoroughly. You like computer science too?
Schaeffer turns away from his work. He can tell his roommate finds the subject fascinating. A deep relief is lifted from his shoulders. This stranger about to live in his apartment shares a common interest with him.
Schaeffer: Very much so. It's my passion really. That and robotics. Although that one's still a work in progress. He pokes a crappy-looking robot on the side of his desk. Nothing happens. Solar power…one day I swear I'll do it! He turns back around. And I suppose you came to the Collège de France for the same reason?
Moriarty shrugs.
Moriarty: That and engineering. I was working on getting an engineering degree, but computer science has really peaked my interest lately. My professors at my old college told me to come here, said I was too good for them.
Schaeffer is slightly impressed.
Schaeffer: Well, you've certainly come to the right place. But be prepared to live very modestly. This college really pinches the wallet.
Moriarty: Well, that won't be a problem anytime soon. I have a good amount of money saved up.
Schaeffer: Really? How much?
Moriarty shyly whispers it.
Moriarty: Uh….two thousand francs or so…
Schaeffer: TWO THOUSAND FRANCS!
Moriarty puts a finger over his mouth telling him to be quiet.
Moriarty: Would you keep it down? The walls in these apartments are paper thin.
Schaeffer: Ah but two thousand francs! I've been barely surviving and suddenly my new roommate comes up with that amount of money?
Moriarty: Well…..yes.
Schaeffer: I knew getting a roommate was the right decision. He rubs his hands together. Now let's eat out. I'm starving and old cereal and candy bars doesn't sound very appetizing right now. There's a Chinese restaurant five blocks from here that I've been dying to try…Oh and your treat. That goes without saying.
Schaeffer walks toward the door.
Moriarty: Now hold on just a minute, you can't just….
Schaeffer puts on his coat.
Schaeffer: Coming?
Moriarty shakes his head and follows his new roommate out of the apartment. An hour later, the pair heads down an alleyway on the way home. Both are very full and content, chatting like old friends. The twilight steadily turns to night over Paris, and the alley gets dark. Schaeffer continues to prattle on.
Schaeffer: Oh don't get me wrong. The food was excellent. But fortune cookies…bleh. A pitiful excuse for a dessert. Now Swiss chocolate from my hometown of Zurich, that's a dessert.
Moriarty: You're Swiss?
Schaeffer: Yes. Did you not notice my German accent?
Moriarty: I was too busy focusing on your other…..peculiarities.
Schaeffer: Yes. And there are several.
Moriarty: You're being modest.
As they continue back home, Moriarty notices two questionable characters loitering near some trash cans. Moriarty grabs Schaeffer's arm.
Moriarty: Um, let's go the other way.
Schaeffer: But that's longer. This is a shortcut.
Moriarty: Waldo, trust me. We need to go around.
Schaeffer: Oh please. I think I know this city better than you do.
Moriarty: But you trap yourself in that tiny apartment all day.
Schaeffer: Details….
Schaeffer tries to walk past the two thugs, but they nonchalantly get up and block his way. He tries to move around them, but they move in front of him again. Schaeffer nervously swallows and Moriarty's body tenses.
Schaeffer: Hello gentlemen, we were just trying to pass through and….
One of them pulls out a knife.
Thug 1: Your money. Now.
Thug 2: And quickly. We don't have a lot of patience for guys like you.
The surrounding air grows cold and still.
Schaeffer: I'm….I'm afraid I don't have any money.
Thug 1: Like I haven't heard that one before.
Thug 2: It's either your wallet or your gut. One of them is being emptied. Your choice.
Schaeffer: Look, I'm telling you the truth, I-
Thug 1 forces Schaeffer against the wall. Moriarty steps forward.
Moriarty: HEY!
Thug 1 puts a blade to Schaeffer's neck, threatening to cut him if Moriarty comes any closer. Thug 2 aims his own knife at Moriarty, keeping him at bay.
Thug 2: Unless you want to see what your friend's insides look like, I wouldn't try to be the hero.
Schaeffer: André….
Moriarty turns to Schaeffer. Schaeffer is clearly terrified, shaking from the sheer terror of his death being so close to his neck.
Thug 2: So why don't we talk cash, and maybe your friend won't have to kiss an early grave.
Moriarty bites his lip, weighing his options. Seeing no other alternative, he reaches into his back pocket to get his wallet. Thug 2's eyes begin to shine when the black wallet is outstretched in his direction. But as Thug 2 reaches for his wallet, Moriarty notices a dark glance emanating from this criminal's cruel face. Moriarty instantly understands that these men are not going to stop at robbery. The moment Thug 2 takes the wallet from his palm, Moriarty grabs his wrist and twists it backwards. Thug 2 shrieks in pain and tries to stab him, but Moriarty kicks the street rat in the side and makes him fall down. Moriarty grabs the knife and throws it with perfect aim into Thug 1's arm, causing him to drop Schaeffer and wail in agony. Thug 2 gets up and punches Moriarty across the mouth, but he is able to counter with a right hook to his opponent's jaw. A horrified and angry Thug 1 pulls out the knife from his arm and slices Moriarty across the shoulder. Despite his injuries Moriarty holds his own, while a stunned Schaeffer watches from a distance. Thug 1 comes at him with the bloody knife again. At the same time Thug 2 gets on Moriarty's back and tries to choke him. Moriarty acts fast and turns around, causing Thug 1's knife to plow into Thug 2's back. Thug 2 becomes limp and collapses to the alley floor. Moriarty then takes advantage of Thug 1's temporary shock to give a roundhouse kick to his chin. That last blow wins the fight, but Moriarty's wounds begin to take a toll. He stumbles toward Schaeffer, who gradually overcomes his fear and helps him toward the apartment. They enter and Schaeffer puts Moriarty on his small and dirty couch.
Schaeffer: Hold on! I know I have a first aid kit somewhere!
Moriarty groans and holds his shoulder, trying to prevent further blood loss. In the other room, Schaeffer struggles to get through his physical and mental mess.
Schaeffer: I….I need to call the police!
Moriarty: Don't need to…..yet. At least one of them…dead.
Schaeffer: Bandages…bandages! Where did I put them?...Oh right, next to the kitchen knives. I knew that.
He reemerges with some bandages, alcohol, and other first aid supplies. His worry increases after seeing Moriarty in the light.
Schaeffer: Take off your shirt.
Moriarty: What?
Schaeffer: I said take off your shirt. I need to get a better look at the wound.
Moriarty suddenly seems on edge. He backs away.
Moriarty: Um, I don't think that's necessary….
Schaeffer: Are you out of your mind? You're bleeding out your shoulder!
Moriarty: But wait-
Schaeffer literally takes off his shirt for him. He smiles with satisfaction and reaches forward to clean the wound…..until he sees what's on Moriarty's shoulder. Above Moriarty's gash is a disturbing tattoo of a skull with the letters O.N. painted red onto the forehead. The sockets are vacant and malicious. Schaeffer becomes silent and expressionless. Eventually he goes to work, cleaning the wound without caring for Moriarty's discomfort.
Moriarty: Schaeffer…..Waldo….I can explain.
Schaeffer: I have heard of that group….
Moriarty: It was a long time ago….
Schaeffer: You can't be older than twenty-six years old. It couldn't have been that long ago.
Moriarty closes his eyes.
Moriarty: It was a mistake.
Schaeffer: I would say so.
Moriarty: You don't understand….
Schaeffer: I don't want to. He pushes his glasses up his nose in a judgmental manner. Now that I think about it, I do wonder how you got such excellent fighting skills. I may not be an expert in martial arts, but even I know that wasn't blind luck in that alley.
Moriarty: …..No….no it wasn't.
Moriarty puts a bandage on. He gets up.
Schaeffer: There. I think you can handle the rest yourself. I'm calling the police.
While Schaeffer is on the phone, Moriarty rests his face in his hands, unsure what to tell his roommate. When Schaeffer comes back in, he drops Moriarty's suitcase at his feet.
Moriarty: What is this?
Schaeffer: Your bag. And there He points…..is the door.
Moriarty gets up.
Moriarty: Whoa, hold on! You can't just throw me out!
Schaeffer: Oh but I can. Thank you for dinner, but you need to find another roommate.
Moriarty: I just saved your life!
Schaeffer: And I thank you for that. But I'm not comfortable living with a violent racist.
Moriarty: I'm not racist. That was the old me.
Schaeffer: Racist or past racist….I don't care. I'm not comfortable with you.
Moriarty: Please….let me explain.
Schaeffer: I don't know where you came from. But I was raised in a place where racism had no excuse…..So get out.
Moriarty: If you'd just listen to me…!
Schaeffer: GET OUT!
Moriarty: MY FATHER WAS MURDERED!
The room suddenly gets quiet. While Schaeffer tries to find a response to this, Moriarty nonchalantly wipes blood from his mouth. He sits back down on the couch.
Moriarty: My father was a colonel in the French army during the Algerian War. We were Pieds-Noirs, French settlers who had made Algeria our home. He pauses, finding it difficult to continue his story. One night Algerian nationalists entered our house and killed my father right in front of me….I was nine years-old. He breathes in deeply through his nose. I idolized that man. I was a boy who wanted to be like his father, and when that was taken away from me…..the only thing left was rage. He shakes his head. After that Algerian nationalist took my father's life, I became convinced that all other races were the same. That anyone who was not French could not be trusted. The Ordre Nouveau fueled that anger, and I became a common thug on the bad side of Marseille. It got so bad my stepfather threw me out of the house when I was nineteen. I had no other way to support myself, so I joined the French army.
Moriarty is quiet for a moment. Schaeffer quickly becomes eager to learn more.
Schaeffer: And then what? When did you decide that your views were wrong?
Moriarty: After four years, my service was up, and I didn't want to continue. I still hated my stepfather, but I missed my two younger brothers and some of my old friends in Marseille. I….I didn't have the courage to face my brothers, but I learned something when I came back that gave me a real wakeup call.
Schaeffer: And what was that?
Moriarty lowers his eyebrows.
Moriarty: Some of my so called 'friends' beat up my younger brother Damien pretty badly.
Schaeffer: Why?
Moriarty: They caught him being friendly with a Polish girl in their territory, and they had a problem with that. He looks away and lets the story flow in spite of his obvious sensitivity to the topic. I realized that day who the real savages were. And I was one of them. I became ashamed and wanted a new start. So I worked and saved enough to study engineering in Paris. And then after a few years I decided to come here.
The two are quiet. Moriarty waits for Schaeffer's response.
Moriarty: Well?
Schaeffer: Well what?
Moriarty: What do you think of this?
Schaeffer purses his lips together and exhales slowly.
Schaeffer: …..It's hard…..for me to figure out what to say.
Moriarty: Look…..I'm ashamed of what I've done…but please, take a moment and step into my shoes…..What would you have done?
Schaeffer stares out the window. He loses himself in his thoughts. Rain starts to trickle onto the cheap windows.
Moriarty: Waldo?
Schaeffer: Impossible to say…..
Moriarty: Why do you say that?
Schaeffer: Because it hasn't happened to me. What would I have become if I had been in your shoes? I don't know. How would my life be different if I hadn't lived a life of comfort in Zurich? How would my life be different if my happy and plump father was not alive enjoying his retirement in the mountainous countryside? I don't know. I can hypothesize all I want, trusting in the strength of my character, but that is an experiment I can never run. And if I can't run it…
He is quiet. The rain makes a soothing melody on the roof and windows.
Moriarty: Then what?
Schaeffer takes off his glasses. He looks up at his roommate. Despite his uneasiness, his face becomes firm with resolve. He reaches out his hand.
Schaeffer: Then I shouldn't judge a man who wants a second chance.
The world is taken off Moriarty's shoulders. He smiles broadly, no longer feeling the scar of his tattoo bringing him down. Moriarty accepts the hand and shakes it.
Moriarty: So….roommates?
Schaeffer: No…..friends.
The dream is suddenly filled with light. When the light dies down, the scene has changed to the courtyard back at Collège de France. The marble statue of Guillaume Budé catches the early morning sunlight. Researchers and visitors alike rush to classes to hear from some of the most brilliant minds in all of France. The scene shifts inside to a computer class deep in the main academic building. Moriarty, Schaeffer, and other students sit behind large computers. They are extremely primitive by modern standards, but they are state of the art for the time. Two years have passed and Moriarty and Schaeffer are looking older, very close to their thirties. They seem closer, interacting like old friends do. The elderly professor continues his lecture.
Bordeaux: X.25s are the future of computer networking. This protocol is the key to packet-switched wide area network communication, or WAN for short. The possibilities for its use in business, finance, and the like are hard to fathom. Why, there is even talk to have a global packet-switched network, or a network encompassing all the networks of the world…..He laughs...but if you ask me, that is still very much in the realm of science fiction.
Schaeffer folds his arms.
Schaeffer: We'll see.
Moriarty rubs his forehead.
Moriarty: Oh, not this again.
Schaeffer: It is possible…..just…..difficult.
Moriarty: Waldo Schaeffer, the lord of understatements.
Schaeffer tries to come up with a comeback, but he is interrupted by the professor.
Bordeaux: Now if you take a look at the program on your screen….
Suddenly all the computers start to become fuzzy. The students complain and mess around with their primitive consoles.
Bordeaux: Umm….sorry. A bit of technical difficulties. He tries to fix it from his end. He mutters to himself. Hate this miserable college network connection.
While the other students are lost, Moriarty and Schaeffer grin.
Moriarty: You handle the console, I go for the hardware?
Schaeffer shakes his head.
Schaeffer: No, you got to fix the hardware last time. It's my turn.
Moriarty: Okay fine, reverse roles.
Moriarty stays at his console, trying to type in specific codes to fix the problem. Schaeffer gets under the table and starts working with the wires and other parts. Bordeaux looks up and shakes his head.
Bordeaux: Don't tell me you two are at it again….
Moriarty: Um maybe…..
Bordeaux: Where did Schaeffer disappear to?
Schaeffer: I'm down below the desks! Hold on!...A female student yelps in surprise as a result of Schaeffer's invasive repair mission. Sorry…
Bordeaux: Both of you please….I'm getting tired of you two taking matters into your own hands.
They ignore him.
Moriarty: It's clear on my end, you almost finished?
Schaeffer: Give me a moment….There is a loud hum from beneath the desks. The screens return to normal. Schaeffer stands up and trips, having tangled himself in computer wires. The class stares in amazement.
Bordeaux: You are just showing off again….
Schaeffer returns to his desk.
Schaeffer: Did we break our previous record?
Moriarty looks at his watch. He shakes his head in disappointment.
Moriarty: Not even close. You're getting slow.
Schaeffer: Nonsense! The problem was just slightly more complicated than usual.
Bordeaux: That is quite enough…..thank you. Now where was I?
The door opens. Two men in military uniform enter.
Soldier: Professor Bordeaux?
Bordeaux: Yes, you are speaking with him.
Soldier: May we have a word with you?
Bordeaux bites his lip, giving away his knowledge that he knows this must be a matter of grave importance. Schaeffer raises an eyebrow. He turns to his students.
Bordeaux: Class dismissed.
As the students get up to leave, Schaeffer casts a curious look on the soldiers. Moriarty instantly becomes worried.
Moriarty: Oh no….
Schaeffer: Oh no what?
Moriarty: You have that look again.
Schaeffer: What look?
Moriarty: That look of insatiable curiosity that must be satisfied no matter what the consequences.
Schaeffer taps his fingers together with glee.
Schaeffer: The custodial closet right behind the classroom. We can listen in.
Moriarty: Are you sure that's a good idea?
Schaeffer: No. But I'm going to find out anyway.
They walk out with the rest of the students. As the throng of people walk through the ornate hallway and turn into another, Moriarty and Schaeffer quietly backtrack into the hallway. But they quickly notice that one of the soldiers is standing guard over the door and is watching for any suspicious activity. They press themselves against the corner of the hallway and stay out of his sight.
Moriarty: Great….now what?
Schaeffer taps his finger on his chin, shrewdly contemplating his next move. He then snaps his fingers and takes off running down the hall. A confused Moriarty follows. Schaeffer comes to another maintenance closet at the far end of the building and opens the door.
Schaeffer: Just as I expected.
Inside lie two janitorial uniforms. Moriarty's mouth drops.
Moriarty: You're not serious….
Schaeffer: Oh I'm very serious.
Moriarty: Can't you just let this one go?
Schaeffer: No! Now are you going to help me, or not?
Moriarty sighs. A few minutes later the soldier sees two young janitors whistling and pushing a cart and mop in his direction.
Soldier: I can't let you in here. This room is off limits for now.
Schaeffer works up an act, trying to sound like a total moron.
Schaeffer: Why that's fine, we don't need to clean that room there anyway. We just need some supplies from that closet there ya see.
The soldier scratches his head.
Soldier: Alright but be quick about it.
Schaeffer: Uh, it might take us a little more time, you see, we're looking for a special batch of….of….
Moriarty intervenes.
Moriarty: Spot-remover!
Schaeffer: Yes…spot-remover! There's a big old stain in the mens' bathroom, ya see. And we got to take care of it soon, because it is starting to get all moldy and crusty, and it smells like the hind end of a…
Soldier: Okay, that's enough.
Schaeffer: We're pretty sure it's in this closet, but it's kind of a mess in there, so it could take a while…..
Soldier: Just hurry up.
Schaeffer tips his hat.
Schaeffer: Do appreciate it…
They enter the closet together. They quickly drop the act. Schaeffer gets a stool and positions it under an air vent. He steps up to listen.
Moriarty: Anything?
Schaeffer: Shh!
Schaeffer leans his ear against the vent. He starts to hear voices being spoken in a quiet but serious tone.
Soldier Inside: …..a matter of international security.
Schaeffer's face lights up with joy.
Bordeaux: I understand the importance of this task.
Soldier Inside: We know you are an expert in this field, and we need your help.
Bordeaux: I'll do everything in my power to help you….but it may take time.
Soldier Inside: Well do your best. Brussels is getting restless. They want to know what the Soviets are up to and they want to know now.
Bordeaux: I understand, but if your experts couldn't crack it…..
Schaeffer steps down from the stool.
Moriarty: Well?
Schaeffer: I know what I need to know for now. But we've overstayed our welcome. He looks around. Grab some spot-remover so the soldier outside won't get suspicious.
Moriarty reveals a small can from his pocket.
Moriarty: Already ahead of you.
They exit the closet. The soldier watches them warily as they leave. Moriarty begins speaking once they are out of listening range.
Moriarty: So what is it?
Schaeffer: NATO must have intercepted some important information the Soviets didn't want them to see. But it's encrypted, so they are going to Bordeaux for help.
Moriarty: So has your curiosity been satisfied?
Schaeffer: Of course not! That only whetted my appetite!
Moriarty slaps his hand against his face.
Moriarty: Oh no…..you couldn't…
Schaeffer: Think about it André…all that juicy information within our reach. You can't say you aren't intrigued…
Moriarty hesitates.
Moriarty: I am…..
Schaeffer taunts him.
Schaeffer: You know you want to…..
Moriarty: Stop it.
Schaeffer rests his head on Moriarty's shoulder, whispering into his ear.
Schaeffer: Come on…..we'll never get an opportunity like this again.
Moriarty: But if we get caught….
Schaeffer: We won't get caught. The soldiers won't stay here forever. They will leave Bordeaux to work on the decryption in his office. All we need to do is sneak in when he's not around. And it's best we do that at night.
Moriarty works over the plan in his head, wondering about the dangers of this course of action. At last he concedes.
Moriarty: Okay, but if this goes wrong, it's on your head.
Later that night, Moriarty and Schaeffer wait outside Bordeaux's office in the basement of the college. They stay out of sight and wait for the right moment.
Moriarty: How long do we have to wait?
Schaeffer: It shouldn't be much longer.
Moriarty: Why do you say that?
Schaeffer: He's going to be working on this project all night….which means he'll need coffee to stay awake. And when you drink a lot of coffee….
Bordeaux comes out of the office and heads for the restroom.
Schaeffer: Bingo…
The two sneak in to Bordeaux's dimly lit office. Schaeffer immediately heads for the desk. Under the lamp lies a single sheet of paper, which contains a seemingly random series of numbers. Schaeffer notices Bordeaux's notes on a page underneath that contain his attmepts to decipher the document. Schaeffer has mentally died and gone to heaven. He grins widely.
Schaeffer: Fascinating…
He picks up a pen and thoroughly examines the document. Moriarty watches from behind.
Moriarty: You better hurry. Bordeaux is not going to be in the bathroom forever.
Schaeffer: I know. I know. Just give me a second….
Moriarty hears the door to the bathroom open.
Moriarty: We don't have a second.
Schaeffer curses. There is no way they can get out of the office without being noticed. In a surprising move, Moriarty shuts the door to the office and locks it. Schaeffer's eyes widen.
Schaeffer: André…..
Moriarty: We've gone too far to back out now.
The door is pulled from the outside.
Bordeaux: What the…..WHO IS IN THERE?
Schaeffer: We're dead.
Moriarty: You wanted to do this. Now let's see it through….
Bordeaux: This is not funny! OPEN THIS DOOR IMMEDIATELY!
The two furiously go to work.
Schaeffer: Some of these numbers are obviously algorithms, codes for something.
Moriarty: Can you tell what it means?
Schaeffer: Hard to say. There's no telling where the real message lies in this document.
Bordeaux: André…..Waldo…..is that you?
Moriarty: Well, you better try. Otherwise we are going to go to prison for nothing.
Schaeffer writes a few things down on the page. He taps his pencil on the desk.
Schaeffer: Boy, this is a tough one. No wonder Bordeaux is having trouble. The question is….are all these numbers algorithms, or is there something deeper to this?
Bordeaux: YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE GETTING YOURSELF INTO!
Moriarty: What if some of these numbers contained a binary message?
Schaeffer: There would have to be a certain pattern for that to work….a signature mark that the Soviets would under-
He freezes, suddenly noticing something he didn't see before. He looks up from the document, eyes full of wonder.
Schaeffer: Of course…..why didn't I see it before?
Moriarty: See what?
Schaeffer takes the pen and draws a blue line around a certain pattern of binary numbers that are oddly close together. The shape starts out wide and then becomes very thin. Schaeffer completes the shape and then lowers the pen. Moriarty's eyes widen.
Moriarty: My God…
The shape is clearly a hammer.
Schaeffer: The hammer of the Soviet Union.
Moriarty: The message must be in the hammer. Translate it!
Schaeffer: Okay, hold on….
Bordeaux: If you know what's good for you, you will open this door!
Schaeffer: Let's see, if we assume the beginning of the message starts at the top left hand side of the hammer….
Bordeaux: DON'T MAKE ME GET SECURITY!
Schaeffer: Almost there….
Moriarty hears Bordeaux storm away from the office.
Moriarty: We're running out of time.
Schaeffer: I've got it!...Oh…oh no.
Moriarty: What?
Schaeffer shows him the translation. It reads: TRY_AGAIN_CAPITALIST_SCUM.
Moriarty: Well that's not it….
Schaeffer curses and slams his fist on the desk.
Schaeffer: We were so close! Now what do we do?
Both Moriarty and Schaeffer are now desperate. Precious seconds are evaporating before their eyes. Schaeffer dissects the document again, looking for anything he might have missed. Moriarty taps his foot on the floor impatiently. Then he snaps his fingers.
Moriarty: The message…..is not in the hammer.
Schaeffer: We know that already! Stop reminding me!
Moriarty: Then it has to be somewhere else….
Schaeffer turns around. He gives Moriarty a puzzled look.
Schaeffer: I don't follow.
Moriarty: Think about it Waldo….if it's not in the hammer, then what other symbol of the Soviet Union could it possibly be in?
Schaeffer suddenly understands.
Schaeffer: THE SICKLE!
Schaeffer draws the outline of a sickle juxtaposing the hammer. Together the two symbols form the insignia of the Soviet Union. Moriarty hears frantic footsteps.
Moriarty: Hurry, they're coming!
Schaeffer: I just have to translate these algorithms in the sickle….
The voices get louder.
Bordeaux: Hurry! Down here!
Moriarty: Waldo…
Schaeffer: Just a moment!
They hear them coming down the hall.
Moriarty: IT'S NOW OR NEVER!
Schaeffer: I JUST NEED ONE SECOND!
The door is busted down. Security rushes in with Bordeaux behind them. The men grab Moriarty. Bordeaux pushes through to get to Schaeffer first. But it is already too late. Schaeffer backs away, pointing to the work in front of him. Bordeaux yanks it from the desk. The full message reads: THREE_TANK_DIVISIONS_TO_EAST_BERLIN. Bordeaux drops the paper in shock.
Bordeaux: How…how could you have possibly?...
He is speechless. Schaeffer appears unrepentant in light of his accomplishment. Moriarty purses his lips, bracing himself for whatever punishment awaits them. Schaeffer becomes bold.
Schaeffer: NATO will probably want that.
Bordeaux squints his eyes, unable to accept what has just happened. A combination of jealousy and outrage strike him as a result of this remarkable feat by two young researchers. But at the same time, Bordeaux cannot help but feel impressed.
Bordeaux: You do realize you could get in serious trouble for this.
Schaeffer: I know. The question is….are you going to turn us in, or are you going to take credit for this and let us go?
Bordeaux sees the awkward position Schaeffer has put him in. If he turns them in, he effectively admits that two rebellious college students beat him. If he takes credit for it, both sides win. Bordeaux lowers his eyebrows.
Bordeaux: Gentlemen, escort these two off the campus please…and let them go.
Security obeys. Moriarty and Schaeffer are taken out of the college and are left to walk home to their apartment.
Schaeffer: Well, that was fun.
Moriarty: If by fun you mean slightly shy of criminal insanity, then yes that was fun.
Schaeffer: If I recall correctly, it was you who locked the door…
Moriarty: If I recall correctly, it was your idea in the first place.
Schaeffer: I did Europe a great service!
Moriarty: Oh please….we both know you just wanted to prove you could do it.
Schaeffer: Well some good things come from wrong intentions…
Pause.
Moriarty: So what happens now?
Schaeffer: Nothing. Bordeaux keeps quiet, NATO is none the wiser, and we keep going to class. Very simple.
Moriarty: Well then, I guess this will just make a good story to tell when we're eighty.
Two weeks later, Moriarty and Schaeffer are working on a robot in their apartment. The machine is box-shape with four wheels and a large blade at the front. They seem to be applying the finishing touches.
Schaeffer: Okay the circuit board's about finished. Is the battery ready to go?
Moriarty holds up a strange-looking metallic battery.
Moriarty: Yes. Are the wires hooked up to the right places?
Schaeffer: I…..believe so.
Moriarty: You believe so?
Schaeffer checks again.
Schaeffer: Um…..check. Everything looks in order. I think this thing is ready to chop vegetables.
Moriarty: Shall we do a test run?
Schaeffer: Yes….turn it on.
Moriarty flips a switch. At first the machine behaves normally, moving the blade in a rhythmic up-and-down motion. But suddenly the machine picks up the pace and starts acting erratically. The robot jumps to the floor and starts chopping wildly.
Schaeffer: Too much power! TOO MUCH POWER!
Moriarty: NOT AGAIN!
The two try their best to dodge the rampaging robot as it starts to chop through random things in the house. Schaeffer starts throwing books at it.
Schaeffer: Shut it down!
Moriarty: I'M TRYING!
In the midst of this panic, there is a knocking on the door. Schaeffer and Moriarty are obviously too busy to answer. When the knocker hears the strange screams and the whirling of machinery inside, he opens the door. The first thing he sees is Schaeffer destroying a robot with a brick. He hits it repeatedly until it finally breaks. Schaeffer looks up, finally acknowledging his guest.
Schaeffer: Hello….may I help you?
The gentleman in the doorway appears to be in his mid fifties, but seems very fit for his age. Both sides of his hair are white, while the top is a solid shade of grey. He wears a plain brown business suit with a red tie. Although the guest clearly planned on using the upmost courtesy with them, he is caught off guard by the strange timing of his visit. He finally begins to speak.
Gaspard: Hello gentlemen. My name is Gaspard Depaul. Is this the residence of Waldo Schaeffer and André…
Schaeffer: Yes, you have the right place.
The robot turns on again. Schaeffer hits it with a brick one more time, then looks at Gaspard innocently.
Gaspard: May I have a moment of your time?
Schaeffer: Of course He tries to tidy up the room a little bit after the robot rampage. We weren't doing anything too important.
Moriarty: To what do we owe this visit?
Gaspard: …I would like to make you an offer.
A few minutes later Gaspard, Moriarty, and Schaeffer are sitting at a small table in their pathetic excuse for a kitchen. Gaspard pretends to enjoy the wretched coffee Schaeffer has given him. He coughs.
Gaspard: Ahem…well, I have to say, I am very impressed with you two.
Schaeffer: Really? People have always told me I'm horrible at making coffee.
Gaspard: I'm not talking about that….I'm talking about your decryption skills.
Moriarty and Schaeffer look at each other nervously.
Gaspard: Oh don't act dumb…..did you honestly think we wouldn't be monitoring Bourdeaux's progress?
Schaeffer: That….never crossed our minds.
Gaspard: Well, we were watching…and NATO was very surprised to have a document of international importance decrypted by two college students.
Moriarty and Schaeffer consider their responses carefully.
Moriarty: I hope they didn't mind us tampering….a little.
Gaspard laughs.
Gaspard: Oh it was quite the scene in Brussels. A few of the stiff types wanted you put in the deepest prison in all of Europe and have you never see the light of day.
Moriarty and Schaeffer smile nervously and force themselves to laugh with him.
Gaspard: But my colleagues and I convinced them otherwise. After all, no point in punishing success, even if you acted way out of line.
Schaeffer: We do appreciate you not locking us away for the rest of our lives…
Gaspard: Don't mention it. After all, Europe needs people like you.
Moriarty and Schaeffer look at each other.
Moriarty: Wait…..are you trying to recruit us for something?
Gaspard suddenly becomes serious. He lays the mug down and leans forward.
Gaspard: Gentlemen, the Soviet Union is still very much a threat. Their armies are on our very doorstep, and relations between the Communist East and Democratic West right now are tenuous at best. Our eastern European rival is vast, and we are outnumbered.
Schaeffer: …..So you need brilliant minds on your side.
Gaspard nods.
Gaspard: If we are going to keep the Soviets at bay, we need superior technology and expertise. A struggle like this isn't won by sheer firepower. We need to use brains over brawn.
Moriarty: So what exactly are you offering us?
Gaspard removes a folder from inside his coat pocket. He lays it down on the table. The front cover says: CLASSIFIED/PROJECT CARTHAGE. Schaeffer opens it and takes a look.
Gaspard: I am in charge of a little secure area outside of Bern, Switzerland that could use your support.
Schaeffer scratches his chin while reading.
Schaeffer: Well, I wouldn't mind going back home.
Gaspard: Our mission is very similar to your little stunt. We have collected some of the greatest minds in computer science in Europe for one clear purpose: to disrupt and intercept the communications of the Soviet Union.
Moriarty and Schaeffer are quiet, overwhelmed at the magnitude of this program.
Moriarty: This…this is a bit overwhelming Mr. Depaul…
Gaspard: True. But you boys are nearly thirty. Do you honestly want to continue to scrounge out a meager existence researching at this college?
Moriarty and Schaeffer see his point.
Gaspard: Why not put those minds to work? Why not show us what you can really do?
Schaeffer: We need some time to think about this.
Gaspard: I can show you things that will blow you away.
Schaeffer chuckles.
Schaeffer: It takes a lot to impress me.
Gaspard narrows his eyebrows.
Gaspard: How about the largest supercomputer in all of Europe to date?
Moriarty and Schaeffer stop everything and look at Gaspard, who smiles at their reaction.
Gaspard: So….what's it going to be?
A few days later, Moriarty and Schaeffer fly with Gaspard on a private jet out of France. After several hours, the jet begins to land in an isolated valley surrounded by the Alps. As they near the runway, they see a large marble white complex in the distance. Following their landing, Gaspard brings them through the front entrance, using his keycard to get by security. They walk down the white halls. Scientists in lab coats briefly acknowledge the new young additions to the team.
Gaspard: You'll be introduced to the team shortly….first you need to know this complex from top to bottom.
Schaeffer notices an elaborate laboratory to his right. He presses his face to the glass, a child caught up in curious wonder. Gaspard taps him on the shoulder.
Gaspard: Please try to stay focused…
They continue the tour. The three enter through a massive double-door entrance. Gaspard reaches out his hand, pointing to dozens of large metal cabinets all clustered together. Each one flashes with blinking lights and is constantly monitored by a team of technicians.
Gaspard: Behold our crown jewel…Carthage….our supercomputer. A computer cluster with over 100,000 processors working nonstop. A magnificent achievement far ahead of its time.
Moriarty: Why did you name it Carthage?
Gaspard begins to answer, but is interrupted by a short circuit in one of the cabinets. A technician moves forward.
Technician: Hold on….I'll fix it.
As the technician goes to work, Schaeffer walks up behind him.
Schaeffer: Well, no wonder you are having problems. Your processors aren't properly ventilated.
The technician looks up, obviously annoyed.
Technician: Excuse me?
Schaeffer: And these operating systems could be far more efficient.
Technician: You have a lot of nerve walking in here and telling me how to do my-
Gaspard approaches the two.
Gaspard: Actually, I would listen to him. I picked him for a reason.
The technician bristles with anger but maintains his composure. Schaeffer begins going into more detail on how to improve the supercomputer. Meanwhile Gaspard walks with Moriarty into another hallway.
Moriarty: This project is huge! Are you sure you need us?
Gaspard: Oh rest assured, you will be invaluable. You are not going to be just another extra hand here. I'm putting you and Schaeffer on the board with me.
Moriarty: Are you sure about that? After all, we just got here.
Gaspard: The sooner you have control here the better. I want the best, regardless of their age or experience. And you are the best.
Moriarty is about to thank Gaspard for his compliment when a woman bursts through a side door carrying some important documents. She runs headlong into Moriarty and they fall to the ground. The woman immediately begins to apologize to Moriarty and Gaspard for not paying attention. Moriarty rubs his head.
Moriarty: It's…..not a problem. Here….let me help you with those things
He reaches for the stack of disheveled papers at the same time the woman does. Their hands touch. Moriarty looks up. He is immediately taken in by the woman's beauty and her lovely hair…her lovely….pink…..hair. Moriarty smiles. Odd, who has fallen into a daze in his own dream, suddenly becomes alert. He loses his breath.
Odd: No….this….this can't be happening.
Moriarty helps the woman up.
Moriarty: I think we got off on the wrong foot. What is your name?
The woman smiles.
Antea: Antea Hopper….
Odd backs up, slowly sinking into an inky blackness. His dream erupts into a fire that he cannot put out. As the flames begin to consume him, he wakes up in the factory, breathing heavily and soaking with cold sweat.