Статьи

Обложка Obsolete

2076 A.D. Everything that you
believe to be true is a contradiction.
Imagine a world that is suffering a slow
decay, and a culture on the edge of
extinction. A world in chaos brought to
obedient order by the machines that man
created. The linear programming that the
system machine created to bring order is
failing steadily to the one variable
the machines cannot compute...humanity.
In this time, man has become a
docile creature herded into submission
under the mechanical laws that apply,
programmed and desensitized for their
convenience. However, there are certain
persons drawn together for reasons that
are grounds for punishment, or even
death. These people long and yearn for a
change within the infrastructure, a
better way of life, and a logical
existence. These people create factions
that congregate in total secrecy in
places random and unknown. These
factions maintain chaos in society in
order to disrupt the system, locate the
weak spot, and trigger a collapsing
effect. Their anger is only superseded
by their will to exist, and nothing could
be stronger.


PREPARE FOR AUDITORY ILLUSIONS IN THE SPATIAL ENVIRONMENT


SCENE I


Fade from black into a dim,
tungsten-lit room. The walls are the
texture of rust, and the color of dried
blood. Below the light stands a man in
the center of the room, and he is
surrounded by various persons, sitting or
squatting on the floor. The dim light
scorcely highlights his harsh exterior.
He is rigid in form, and severe in his
expression. The people around him seem
intent to hear what he is saying, for
this is eve of their attrition.


SHOCK


Welcome to my world
Headfirst to the earth
With my sights on the goddamned kill switch
I've become a fuse
Charged with attitude
Fixed and dialated by my anger


I have become a direct
I have become a current
I have become a direct
I have become insurgent


I will be the power surge
Shock to the system
Electrified, amplified
Shock to the system


Alternate my wires
Heat my core desire
I will not stand for condemnation
I've become the volts
To lead the revolt
Fuck with me ensues certain danger


I have become a direct
I have become a current
I have become a direct
I have become insurgent


I will be the power surge
Shock to the system
Electrified, amplified
Shock to the system


I am the power surge
I am the insurgent
Electrified, amplified
Electrified, amplified


Shock!






Cut to an angle directly in front
of a viewing monitor. A large screen
flush-mounted to the wall. There are
no knobs, buttons, or ON/OFF switch.


The screen is flat black, and there is no sounds.
Suddenly there is a "pop" sound, and
then a low electrical hum. An image
is slowly coagulating on the screen,
and the hum turns into scrambled
jargon. After a few more seconds, the
image has solidified, and we see
something that resembles a news
report. The sounds have been decoded,
and we listen in to what the report is
about:


-Newscaster-
"This is programming channel 5 bringing you
the latest update on the Maxi-Security
Containment facility breach."


On the monitor, we see an image of a massive
structure. The sounds of sirens and red
alert alarms echo in the background. Smoke
drifts in and out of the camera, occasionally
obstructing the view. There are squads of
enforcers in front of the structure preparing
anti-terrorist tactics and maneuvers.


-Newscaster-
"We have live coverage and a correspondent at
the scene."


A well-groomed, well-dressed reporter steps
into camera view, his plasticity shrouded
behind his winning grin.


-Newscaster-
"It is mass hysteria down here at the MSC
facility. Only moments ago did this
well-ordered facility explode into a
structure of crumbling chaos. We have been
tipped by reliable informants from within the
facility that the breach was instigated by
the Faction; however, no claim has been
forwarded. The actual breach was caused by
EDGECRUSHER from inside protected walls.
He has been serving a sentence for Public
Disorder and Infrastructure Sabotage.
Could we roll the clip?..."


*EDGECRUSHER*


Conceived in a hell beyond your depth of perception
Chaotic case of conquering domination
Psychopath snaps fired chains of imprisonment
A bludgeoning force that's undermining the government


Inflict strain upon the structure
Collapsing below my pressure
Inflict strain upon the structure
Collapsing below my pressure


Break of the Edgecrusher...


The purist, non-conformist, jaded subhuman terrorist
From flesh to steel and blood to blade I fight to exist
A rival of justice, extreme rush of hatred
Survival in a twisted world where nothing is sacred


Inflict strain upon the structure
Collapsing below my pressure
Inflict strain upon the structure
Collapsing below my pressure


Break of the Edgecrusher...


The file footage ends abruptly, and the reporter is once again center
screen.






Reporter
"We now have word that EDGECRUSHER has eluded the enforcers, and has
fled the area.
Much damage has been sustained by the facility, and quite a few
civilian and state casualties
have been accounted for."


Images of bodies strewn across the grounds of the facility. We see
enforcers picking through
the debris. The camera manages to pick up every detail of suffering.
Reporter
"The state has allocated reinforcements for the tracking,
apprehension, and custody of
EDGECRUSHER. We have been informed that a SMASHER/DEVOURER module has
been issued for
reconnaissance."


On the monitor appears an image that looks solid and mechanical. A
bi-pedal design with an egg-
shaped, armoured mainframe. What appears to be arms are actually
weaponry for protection.
The camera follows this machine as it lumbers across the landscape of
the facility.
Reporter
"Now that SMASHER/DEVOURER is on the scene, we will hopefully see an
end to the violence, and
our city will sleep in safe comfort tonight."


The images from the facility remain on the monitor. The live coverage
of the event continues
to be transmitted for all to see. The sounds of the area are still
loud and clear. The chaos
is enhanced by the demonstrators inside the facility. Demonstrators
that support EDGECRUSHER's
route for change.
The camera continues to follow SMASHER/DEVOURER's search. Over the
noise of the chaos, we hear
the commands of the machine to the hostile congregation:


SMASHER/DEVOURER


Fear me not but fear my hell
Men made me so I could kill
Praise me in the name of war
I destroy both rich and poor


I am the way, prepare for salvation
I am the way, prepare for salvation


Strength in time of suffering
Man alone is a weakling
Ascension is what you ask
I will be the fall of man


I am the way, prepare for salvation
I am the way, prepare for salvation


Salvation...


Those of you who dare to stray
I will tear your mind away
Those of you who dare to stray
I will take your life away


Salvation...


I am the way, prepare for salvation
I am the way, prepare for salvation


Salvation...






The scene cuts to a dark alleyway, There is garbage scattered across
the ground, and the only
light available creeps around the corners of various structures.
Sounds of helicopters and sirens are
nearly inaudible. EDGECRUSHER traverses over the city with tenacity
and stealth, constantly aware of
the watchful monitors of the SECURITRON system. The visible red glow
of the camera
eye is purposely conspicuous, to maintain the order. To let you now
that you are clearly under
surveillance.
EDGECRUSHER is forced to take flight underground. He descends into
the shadows below street
level. The only refuge he can find is within the refuse. He knows that
he is safe from incident from
any enforcer among the trash. He proceeds onward despite his odds.


SECURITRON (POLICE STATE 2000)


Invade and encompass to judge and dissect
Witness and persecute to serve and protect
To serve, and protect to serve
To serve, and protect to serve


Watchful and aware, constrain every movement
Admit the consequences, freedom's an illusion


Where is security governed through scrutiny?
Your privacy denied, organized and confined!
No place to hide!
No place to hide!


There is no place to hide
Plugged in your mind
Conformed design


To concede your rights
Concede your mind
Surrender to authority


"All must abide and all must adhere"
Future oppression becoming more clear
This is a warning so you must take heed
This coming vision is reality


Where is security governed through scrutiny?
Your privacy denied, organized and confined!
No place to hide!
No place to hide...


The scene fades out with EDGECRUSHER running down a deserted
street, away from the camera and into the night.






SCENE II


Fade from black to the same monitor as before. Already flashing
across the screen are multiple images of violence, depravity and
despair.
There are auditory illusions that will relate to mechanisms normally
enhancing accuracy of perception.
EDGECRUSHER is alone. He has grown tired and appears worn out. He
has been running far so long from the grasp of SMASHER/DEVOURER, and
evading the scope of SECURITRON.
His situation is looking bleak, and the stress and angst wearing on
his face
heavily. He ponders his own outcome, calculating every living moment
of
his life with the variables of his own actions. He dwells upon his
life,
and what it actually amounts to. He asks himself if he is merely
becoming
a repetition in the overall machine. Has his quest for freedom become
a
meaningless descent into oblivion?
EDGECRUSHER stops in an abandoned building to rest himself. As he
falls to sleep on a cold, flat floor, he repeats the same words as he
does
every night:


DESCENT


Falling victim from neglect
Designed thoughts and intellect
Forgotten and displaced
The crux of my dismay


I feel nothing
I am nothing
I feel nothing
Nothing


How deep I descend?
Until I reach my end?
How deep I descend?


Deeper into this abyss
Weighted down and sinking fast
Life did not offer me
More than false destiny


I feel nothing
I am nothing
I feel nothing
Nothing


How deep I descend?
Until I reach my end?
How deep I descend?


I am nothing
I feel nothing
I am nothing
I feel nothing
Nothing
Nothing...


How deep I descend?
Until I reach my end?
How deep I descend?


EDGECRUSHER lifts his head up and looks to
the night sky. He realizes that his life is
worth the effort, so he maintains, to arise...






SCENE III


This scene begins in a room that reeks of sterility.
It appears to be an office are neatly framed pictures in a
uniform design. All the photographs are of men in dark
suits extending plastic hands as if they were welcoming you
inside.
The camera closes in tight on one man in particular
photo, and focuses on his frigid smile and steely eyes.
From this angle, the camera pulls back from the photograph
through the office, and out through the window. Focusing
into shape is an official, heavily guarded building. As the
view continues to pan backward, the structure resembles an
abstract fortress. Enforcers patrol the compound, while in
the distance, we hear a commotion, like many voices chanting
in unison. We continue backward, beyond the compound's
boundaries, and we finally see what is causing all the
noise. It is a large group of angry protesters holding
signs of anti-war slogans. Factions of various dissensions.
The harsh man emerges forward from the seething crowd. He
turns to face the people as if they have turned into an
audience, and raises the megaphone in his hand to his
mouth. He begins to orate:


HI-TECH HATE


These weapons of mass destruction
Around our world, threat to us all!
Operated by fears, cold over years
Systematic death, terminal breath!


Leaders of our time just stand behind
An arsenal to end us all!
Fighting a war, we can't ignore
Destined to fall, cowards to all!...


We are losing, weapons controlling
This is the hour of your reckoning


These weapons of mass destruction
Around our world, threat to us all!
Fighting a war, we can't ignore
Destined to fall, cowards to all!...


We are losing, weapons controlling
This is the hour of your reckoning


No more arsenal threatens all
Heading for a downfall
Mass destruction, mass destruction
Mass destruction for all






As the man has finishing his statement, SECURITRON's
enforcers move in on the crowd. Brandishing guns and laden
with heavy armour, they surround the people, huddling them
together like a mass of rats preparing for annihilation.
Panic ensues, and it spreads like wildfire. Like a cornered
animal, freedom is the object.
The same harsh looking man that had spoken before to
the people about the State's unwarrantable plans of
genocide is suddenly thrust into the realm of deciding his
own fate: freedom or captivity. This man sees in his mind
that true freedom is impossible in this scrutinized
society, and the choice of capture is imminent, an outcome
that is a living death. He knew of this possibility
before he arrived at this place.
Without hesitation, he grabs a large metallic
container and unscrews the cap. As the
enforcers move in closer, the man raises the container
above his head as an act of defiance. Liquid
instantly drenches the man as the smell of gasoline
permeates the area. He has prepared himself for
this destiny. As he holds a single match in his fingers, we
listen to his final words:


FREEDOM OR FIRE


How can you accept social suppression
This weak state of mind in our time
I demand release from hypocrisy
I'd rather die than be held down, forced down


Freedom or fire
Freedom or fire


I'm on the threshold of revolution
I'd rather burn than be held down, forced down


Freedom or fire
Freedom or fire


Unrestrained determination
Set ablaze for liberation


Locked in chains of this sovereignty
Let me be 'cause I long to be
Free! Free!


Unrestrained determination
Set ablaze for liberation
Set ablaze
Set ablaze


Freedom or fire


His final words become screams of laughter as the horrified mass
looks on, only to visualize his actual release from this oppressive
society. A burning memory, emblazoned in the pages of history.






WE ARE SORRY.
YOU ARE NOW EXPERIENCING PITCH SEGREGATION BY
INTERAURAL PHASE DUE TO MOMENTARY AMPLITUDE DISPARITY


PLEASE STAND BY.


After the flames subside, members of the crowd
disperse in order to escape detainment of
the enforcers. Others are rounded up into custody,
only to await further proceedings of injustice.
One enforcer marches up to the charred remains as if
he was inspecting for life signs.


Enforcer
"Negative..."


He spots the megaphone laying near the body, and with gloved hands,
picks it up. The
instrument that once was the voice of reason has suddenly transformed
into a melted, mutated
vision of disorder. Speaking out against the people it had previously
tried to sanctify. The
words are hateful and arrogant. Imperious and mechanically calculated:


(OBSOLETE)


Nothing is the way it seems
Discerning man from machines now


Dominate as to erase
Wiping man off Earth's face now


Defaced by all inept justice
Shamed by the mental abuses
Branded "inferior weakness"
Ordered to cease and to desist!


Man is obsolete!
Our world, obsolete!
Man is obsolete!
Erased, extinct!
Obsolete!


Fueling engines through deceit
To eradicate humanity


Defaced by all inept justice
Shamed by the mental abuses
Branded "inferior weakness"
Ordered to cease and desist!


Man is obsolete!
Our world, obsolete!
Man is obsolete!
Erased, extinct!
Obsolete!






Among the shadows, EDGECRUSHER witnesses the entire event. The
unnecessary
maximization of injudicious power. He thinks to himself:
"How weak... where did our humanity disappear to? Where does the soul
of man
reside now? Locked away inside the fear, the machine that perpetuates
ignorance?
In order to save humanity, we must first give a damn! We must respect
ourselves as
a free-thinking culture and procreate compassion for one to another.
Without compassion,
man will certainly become obsolete. A vague reflection of a long dead
existence..."


As he eludes the enforcers, he unknowingly enters
an abandoned building. It is dark, cold and deserted.
There is a ray of light piercing the darkness from a
window high above. The light exposes rows of old, wooden
seats. One row on either side. In the shadows, behind the
ray of light, he sees a statue of a man, hanging vertically
with his arms spread out from side to side. He has seen
this image before, but a very long time ago. Almost like
faded memory. He contemplates whether it was a myth or
a legend. As he walks up to the figure, he views the
colored glass on the walls, and the paintings of men with
glowing orbs around their heads. Now standing adjacent
to the statue, he extends his arm with the curious hand to
touch the tired-looking face of the forgotten man.


RESURRECTION


Consumed with memories that preceded today
Given a chance to bereave life that's slipping away


Suffered through tragedy of my slow decay
Deceptive tendencies dragged my soul away


All that I know there was no God for me
Force that shatters all, absence of morality


Revive all my fears
Revive wasted tears
Revive void within
Revive once again...


Forsaken by destiny, forsaken by my own mind
I must remove my skin to see belief in your eyes


All that I know there was no god for me
Force that shatters all, absence of humanity


Revive all my fears
Revive wasted tears
Revive void within
Revive once again...


Reach for the sky
Touch the sky
Revive a hope
For mankind






As he walks away from
the hanging figure, he
glances back for a moment.
The dampness in the air
appears to be affecting the
statue, for the beam of
light is now hitting his
face, and it seems as
though he has been weeping.
"Lest we forget the
lost..."
Our world is on the
verge of a temporal
displacement, and it will
be humanity that falls
victim to the
repercussions. The few
humans desperately search for
answers to their
infinitesimal existence.
Searching for others that
long for the touch of
something real and
definitive, not blind and
contrived. Searching for
something that will break
the vast loneliness of
humanity.
The camera cuts to
the SECURITRON monitor. The
screen is black and deep.
All you see is your own
reflection, mirrored in
space. Alone in a solitary
void.
You are floating
outside your own existence,
looking at yourself through
eyes other that your own.
Voices from the nether part,
of your subconscious echo
into the chasm of your
conscious mind. You reach
for the screen and...


TIMELESSNESS


I've felt darkness
closing in on me
Chilling shadows
surrounding me
I've had the poison
leak into my skin
And it corroded
my heart away
Bled away
Cut away
Dark night of my soul...


The camera fades to black
as the monitor fades out
with low electrical hum
and a small white dot in
the centre of the screen.


END PROGRAM