Writing Samples
> We caught a transcript of this as well as the video feed seconds after it got uploaded into KSAF's Matrix host for transmission later. Naturally, we've got the unedited version for your amusement and amazement; like the previous document, save the comments for later. Merry Christmas.
> Captain Chaos
> File attached [rampage.vid] 203Mps
Transmitted: 25 December 2061 at 00:21:13 (EST)
//Begin File//
Transcript 339, 'live' transmission, edit for content, no promo or trailer.
//Tech note: edit images for clarity//
[Audio only]
S. Crosbie: [yawns] "Can you believe this drek? This is boring. We're missing prime stories about the Awakening anniversary parties, and for what? A few cruddy shots of the Aztec teocalli?"
[Muttered replies, rattle of equipment in the background.]
S. Crosbie: "A scoop? Right. I didn't know you had a chip habit, Carl. We're hovering out here in the dark, there's just barely enough moonlight to keep Ace up there from crashing us into the Rockies…"
[Indistinct sarcastic reply.]
S. Crosbie: "Hey, not my fault you're quick on the stick. [sighing] Carl, might as well get that camera up and 'film to the east'. Jeez-ah, what kind of vague order is that?"
[Grunted response, more tech rattling.]
S. Crosbie: "Yeah, yeah. Look, just make sure you get that teocalli in the frame-up, alright? With luck, maybe we can cut this short and get back to the real action."
[Yell from cockpit]: "Holy son of a lizard!"
S. Crosbie: "Huh? What… oh wow. Carl, get that camera up! Hurry!"
[Helicopter drone grows slightly louder, trideo comes online with a blurry image.]
S. Crosbie: "It's… what is that? Oh wow, it's some huge, white dragon, and he's headed right for the teocalli! Come on, hurry up with that camera!"
[No reply, camera's view swings in and out of focus.]
S. Crosbie: "Any word from tower on who it is? Can't be Hestaby… No? Frag. So no one knows… I'll have to wing the intro…"
Carl: "Jus' git yer facts straight, Summer."
S. Crosbie: [distracted] "Mm-hmm, yeah… what's that coming from the teocalli?"
[Muffled reply from the cockpit.]
S. Crosbie: "Drones? What kind?"
[Another muffled reply]
S. Crosbie: "Scouts and TADS? Oh, yeah, I know what those are. Did a report on Aztechnology once… DREK! That dragon just fireballed the teocalli! Amazing… get closer, Ace! Get us nearer to the action. Frag that drek about airspace!"
[Rumble and explosion in the background.]
S. Crosbie: [shrieking] "Carl, get that hoop-fragging camera online or I swear to Christ I'll sacrifice you on that teocalli myself! We just missed a spectacular shot! That… that dragon took a missile - a MISSILE, Carl! - on the chin! And it's still going! Do you hear me?"
Carl: "Summer, stick it up yer hoop or yer holdin' this drek-eatin' camera. Almost got it. An' the dragon looked pretty fraggin' surprised, you ask me. So yer little award-winnin' fracas ain't goin' away anytime soon."
S. Crosbie: [muttering and sighing] "Fine, fine. But you get awards out this too, you know. Are we on yet?"
[Unintelligible noise. Camera blurs then focuses on helicopter floor, then swings to view outside. Background noises: thrumming helicopter blades, distant explosions.]
S. Crosbie: "About fragging time…"
[Camera swings to frame Summer Crosbie. Crosbie pushes whipping blonde hair from her face.]
S. Crosbie: "This is Summer Crosbie with KSAF News, Denver. We are live over Aztlan airspace in the Front Range Free Zone and watching one of the most amazing events to have occurred in Denver since the late President Dunkelzahn made his first appearance at Cherry Creek Lake. Carl, get a shot of this…"
[Camera moves view to outside helicopter. Frame and zoom in on Aztec teocalli. Large white blur streaks by, fireball blasts the top of the teocalli.]
S. Crosbie: "Holy…! Did you get that shot? Okay, what we just witnessed was a dragon… huge, white… Frag, he needs a name. Make a note of that… The dragon was seen earlier today, winging its way from the east, maybe the UCAS. It began circling the Denver sprawl at approximately 2330 this Christmas eve. Attempts at identifying were met with failure; no one's seen him before, and he has made no attempts at landing or contacting Denver leaders…"
[Another shot of the teocalli, clearer focus on the dragon. A SAM streaks from the teocalli at the dragon, which dodges, wings beating furiously.]
S. Crosbie: "Frag, that was intense… the dragon began attacking the Aztec teocalli in the Aztlan sector several minutes ago. Shortly after, a fleet of Aztechnology assault and TADS drones were launched for a counterattack… what's happening now?"
[Zoom in on three approaching aircraft; two Aztechnology Aguilar helicopters and one Halcón ground-attack aircraft.]
S. Crosbie: "It appears as if Aztechnology will be attempting an air battle soon…"
—excerpted from Ghost Stories, Year of the Comet
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