Perryn
STARSIEGE: 2021
"Incoming, cover me!"
"On it."
"Need backup, waypoint foxtrot."
"Hurry up!"
"They've taken the flag!"
"WHAT IN THE DARK WASTES IS GOING ON IN HERE!" Tarkus yelled as he entered the rec room, out of breath from running full speed to the commotion. Before him was a dark room, dimly lit in the cold glow of computer screens. Before him was the rest of the squad, each with faces mere inches from screens.
"I've got the runner, taking him down."
"I repeat, what is going on here?"
Perryn looked up, noticing him for the first time. "We're having a LAN party. We're playing Starsiege. You know, mankind fighting sentient machines using giant mechanoid anthropomorphic war machines? It's great, were playing CTF."
Tarkus stared at him in open disbelief. "Theres.....THERE'S REAL SENTIENT MACHINES OUT THERE!" he yelled, gesturing in a vague 'outside' direction. "THERE'S HERCS IN THERE!" he pointed at the hercbay. "WHY ARE YOU......wow," he muttered, staring at Riggers screen. "Hey, those are some pretty sweet graphics. Is there a spare terminal?"
"Pull up a chair, boss, blue team could use some assist."
Hours later, in the middle of an overrun session.
"Cybrids are on the perimiter! Repeat, Cybrids are on the perimiter!"
"I know, we're on it. Waypoint Echo."
Alarm claxons and lights started up all around the base, as the squad played on. Artillery rained down from above, shaking the base.
"I'm loving this force feedback!"
"I know! And the subwoofers are incredible. It's like the real thing!"
There was a sudden, tense moment of silence as explosions rocked the base.
"Hey, do you think..."
The base explodes, leaving only scorch marks where it was.
If you're loookin' for me,
Better look within the siege,
'Cause that is where you'll fiiind me,
Livin' through a
STAAAAAR SIEEEEGE
Way up there on tiiitaaan.
STAAAAAR SIEEEEGE
Way up there where you, can't, breathe.