By: Robert Centor

The Surrender

I was Rand - a Wasteland warrior.  This is my story.  It probably sounds
familiar.

The wasteland is scary ... every time.  I remember my first excursion.
It didn't last very long.  Back then I could hardly defend myself.  I
didn't know how to communicate with the creepy crawlies in the
Wasteland.

As time went on, I became more proficient in the ways of the Waste.  I
learn when to attack, and when to run.  I even learned when and how to
surrender.  Slowly, my skills improved.  Slowly I improved my stamina,
strength and dexterity.

After some time, I discover a hole.  I found some rope and decided to
explore the area down the hole.  Tentatively, I lowered myself into the
darkness.  But I found that the second level was tractable.  I could
master this level too.

Yesterday I found the third level.  With self-assurance, I lowered
myself down the hole.  The creepy crawlies were stronger, faster and had
greater skill.  I ran into many aliens.  Sometimes I ran; sometimes I
killed; sometimes I surrendered.  Then I ran into the SOLDIER.  I knew
something about the Hydrites, but not very much.  As I said, I was a
novice.  I thought that I could take the Hydrite Soldier, but my
Raxhaven jammed and I missed.  Then, his (?) attacks came fast and
furious.  I was close to death.  Always before I had surrendered.  It
just cost crystals.  But I could always get more crystals.  I waved my
white flag and offered a reasonable payoff.  The &*%$% Hydrite
handcuffed and blindfolded me and brought me to this prison.  I woke
this morning looking at these cells.

I was a warrior.  I lived for the hunt.  The endorphin release of battle
ruled my life.

I look at these walls - at these bars - a transmitter on the wall.  How
long will they keep me here?  Even 2 days seems an eternity.

Does life have meaning without the thrill of battle?  Can I tolerate the
loneliness and boredom?

No, I must end this existence.  I only hope for resurrection.  I hear
that it happens, but I don't really know.

I was Rand.  This was my story.

The AIS BBS / RICHMOND , VA (1:264/183)

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