Scratching the Surface: Part One

(Athila is a real sweet laptop I had that spazzed out one day but it was not because of the Nowheremen Site. My friends let me use them, though names are changed.) My friend Jake and I always joked the government would steal him for his brain. He is a computer tech genius and a teacher of quantum physics all at the age of 25. I always said he was boredline mad genius, he says its the only way to live, at least he wasn't crazy yet. But after recent events, the things I've learned over time, its no longer a joke. He's halfway across the country and if something did happen to him, what could I do? The real paranoia began a few months ago, surfing the internet for interesting tidbits I discover a group searching for this guy name Derek. Learning more about it, I had to admit I was intrigued. I've always had a knack with computers; Athila, my pride and joy network I thought would be perfect to crack in and see what was going on. But, what do you know, I barely scratch the surface and the whole hardrive's corrupted, Athila's currently a piece of scrap and I'm stuck on what I 'lovingly' call the Relic. I've felt useless to say the least, The Relic isn't much for computer hacking, I've watched evidence cropping up and been only able to give suggestions and no hard fact. Earlier this May I was in the little park by my house, not much of a park but it does have swings and a nice view of sunset, better than nothing. It'd been awhile since I heard from Jake, I had to admit, my paranoia was getting the better of me. No way to contact the boy, trapped in a tiny concrete jungle just out of reach from anywhere big and fancy. My little cellphone rang and broke the silence and I glanced down to see 'Nova' on the ID. I had to admit, was a bit surprised, I picked it up and cooed, "Well how are you doing, hmm?" "Hey Seren, haven't heard from you in a bit, what's up?" I chuckled and cleared my throat, "Getting some fresh air. You know I can't stand being in doors too long." "Ah, right, a torn computer junkie.... good for you to get away from the electrodes anyways, they were starting to get to you." I made a faint sound and my eyes narrowed as I glanced up to the darkening sky. I knew this conversation wasn't going to end nicely, so I decided to cut to the chase, "Nova, have you fixed Athila yet?" There was a long pause, an idle chuckle, it seemed nervous though as he replied, "I just started getting the parts to fix it. You really pissed someone off dear, comptely fried. It'll take awhile still, I can't just steal the parts you know, I am a business man." What a lie. He's more of a computer hacker then I am and he'd steal whatever he could as long as he didn't feel like he'd get caught. "Stop BSing me Nova, I know very well it could have been fixed weeks ago. What are you up to?" Another long pause before he replied, "Just saying dear, should keep your nose out of where it doesn't belong, someone might cut your pretty little neck you reach your head too far." ...Was that a threat? I was shocked to say the least, my mouth agape but nothing coming out. I decided to change the subject quickly, I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks. He was damn lucky he lived on the otherside of the city or I would've decked him then, but at least it comes later in this little story. "Heh.. right right.... thanks for that." I took a deep breath and did my best to chill out, "Ah.... have you heard from Jake lately?" The question was casual despite the paranoia, I listened quietly as Nova seemed to leave a long pause in before replying, "No, but you know him. Busy with the teaching stuff and everything. Schools out soon though, you'll hear from him soon enough, no worries." I smiled weakly to myself and chuckled,"Heh, you're right. Well, I'll talk to you later." "You too Seren, keep safe and be careful." Safe? Well that was pretty damn boring, wasn't it.