The Transformation of Fargus
A writing commission for a user of DA.
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This outpost was supposed to be hidden. Its security was essential, as every military operation within a 150 mile radius was launched from this location. It was equipped with machine gun turrets, electrified fences, security cameras, and more. But all security can be and eventually will be broken. Today, Offensive Outpost X37 would be compromised twice.
The first intrusion didn't come from the forest surrounding the clearing where the outpost was situated. It didn't even come from the physical world at all. Instead, it was downloaded through a wireless internet connection used for secure communications. It was a brilliant plan the outpost's systems assumed all data arriving on this connection had been cleared by a high-ranking officer at mission control. But mission control was thousands of miles away, and the signal was bounced between servers all over the world. And those servers were pathetically vulnerable.
Thorn had dealt with better security on personal computers, usually in the homes of professional hackers. The tall, green digital being had walked into one of the server stations in physical form. It was guarded by two robots with small plasma pistols, which were easily hacked and disabled. Once the guards had been dealt with, Thorn only had to break through one firewall to inject himself into a data packet headed for the outpost. It took him less than a minute.
Once he arrived inside of the outpost's systems, he made short work of destroying the installed antivirus program. It was outdated and weak, and because he had come in on a "secure" connection, had not even bothered scanning him. From there he hijacked the system's administrator account, giving him the ability to do whatever he wanted with no restraint. He deleted classified files, activated the outpost's fire sprinklers, locked all the doors, turned the heat up to 120 degrees, disabled the gun turrets, and generally caused chaos. He monitored the feeds from the outpost's security cameras so he could watch his handiwork. Then, in the video feed from one of the external cameras, he saw a hedgehog.
Fargus the hedgehog, a local Freedom Fighter, was crouching behind a tree on the edge of the forest, aiming a specialized plasma gun at the outpost. At first, Thorn was confused by this sight. Did this little creature really think his tiny gun could damage the huge military facility? He took over the camera's controls, zooming in. Now he could see that the hedgehog was aiming at a very specific target. But what? Thorn pivoted the camera as far as it could turn. It swept past a turret, the fence, and dumpster before Thorn finally realized what this fuzzy sniper's target was. It was the outpost's main computer the one he was in right now.
The virus manifested himself into the physical control room just as a white-hot plasma shot shattered the window and slammed into the computer, causing it to explode in a golden shower of sparks. Had Thorn been inside, he would have been deleted instantly. Sure, one of his backup copies would have activated, but any memories since the backup's last update would have been lost. And he had learned some very valuable things inside this system. He would've learned more if it weren't for this gun-toting hedgehog's interference.
Seeking vengeance, Thorn leapt out of the broken window and ran towards the shooter. He tore through the fence, its electric energy barely phasing him. Fargus shot several rounds at the virus, each one a perfect hit despite the target's rapid movement a testament to his skills. These only slowed Thorn, however, as his self-repair subroutine was able to correct the damage quickly. Before he could stand up to run away, Fargus was gripped roughly by one of Thorn's clawed hands and raised into the air. He dropped his gun in shock as he was lifted off the ground. Thorn stared deeply into the hedgehog's eyes and spoke.
"I don't like it when people interrupt my work, boy. Especially not when they nearly delete me in the process." Thorn pulled his organic captive closer to him, almost as if he were planning to take a bite out of his victim. "You're a Freedom Fighter, aren't you? That would explain why you destroyed their computer system."
Frightened but clear-minded, Fargus replied. "Yes... my name is Fargus. That outpost's computer is where the soldiers get orders to attack my friends and I. Now that it's gone, they won't be able to launch an assault for a long time."
Thorn was unmoved. "Listen, Fargus. Do you know what I am? My name is Thorn. A living, sentient computer virus. And that system was mine to destroy, not yours. The digital world is malware territory." Thorn wasn't sure what to do with his victim at first. He knew he couldn't simply let him go, and he didn't really want to kill him. He could infect him... but somehow, it didn't seem to be sufficient.
When he finally decided what to do, Thorn's jagged mouth stretched into a delighted, evil grin. "Fargus... since you like ruining computers so much, I think I'll give you a little gift. Though I must warn you... it will probably hurt." Without giving Fargus a chance to respond, Thorn stabbed one of his yellow blades straight into his flesh. He pumped his infectious code in at a ridiculous speed, and it quickly filled the mammal's small body.
Fargus felt his flesh tingle unbearably, as if his entire body were falling asleep like a foot left still for too long. As he screamed out in protest, his meaty organic body ceased to be flesh at all. Every inch of his body was replaced with manifested physical code, the same type that made up Thorn himself. Even his clothing was transformed into a digital projection. His new body changed in appearance. His clothes turned green and red like his assailant's skin, his eyes likewise turned yellow. Thorn's symbol materialized on his clothing and body, a red mark of ownership.
Once this malevolent makeover was complete, Thorn dropped Fargus to the ground. The newly-digitized hedgehog stood up slowly, becoming used to his new form. "How do you like it, Fargus? Now you can ruin all the computer systems you want... I've made you a virus like me." He paused and tilted his head, admiring his handiwork. "Not as powerful, of course. You don't have a self-repair process, and your hacking capabilities are quite inferior. You should be fine as long as you stay away from particularly skilled coders, though. Oh, and you can't take over living beings like me. You can infect their bodies and make them ill or kill them, but you can't hack their minds like I do."
Fargus was speechless. He looked at himself in disbelief. How could he have changed so completely, and so quickly? Still, there was a sense of excitement that came with his newfound abilities. This would open up so many opportunities to help his friends fight their enemies...
"This gift isn't free, of course." Thorn's voice snapped the converted creature back to attention. "You won't be going back to your Freedom Fighter friends. You're mine now, Fargus. Consider yourself... a sidekick. I'll teach you the ropes, and you assist me in my endeavors. If you follow my orders and prove a good little ally, I'll let you keep your powers. Impress me enough and I may even upgrade you. But if you try to betray me, or refuse my generous offer... it will take no effort at all for me to make you my mind-controlled slave. And I'm sure neither of us want that... such a waste of potential. So tell me, Fargus..." Thorn extended a hand forward slowly, leaning down to his smaller companion's level. "...Do we have a deal?"
Fargus hesitated. He wasn't sure he wanted to join this man... he was obviously evil, or at least mischievous. But at least under the terms of the deal, he would keep his free will. Perhaps if things became too intense he could find some way to escape. If he refused, there was no telling what Thorn would make him do he shuddered to think he could be forced to harm or kill his friends. Reluctantly, he took a hold of the virus' hand and shook it. "We have a deal, virus."
Thorn frowned, pulling away his hand. "Good... but don't call me 'virus'. You're a virus now too, Fargus. Call me Thorn. Or better yet... Master Thorn. Or just Master, if that's too much of a mouthful." Thorn crossed his arms, waiting for a response from his new underling.
"...Yes, Master Thorn. I understand." As a sort of apology, he bowed lightly to the green virus in front of him. It was clearly not a good idea to show his new commander anything but respect. Thorn seemed pleased for the moment. He nodded and smiled approvingly.
"Good boy, Fargus. You can stand up now." His minion complied. "Now, before we do anything else, one tip... stay away from powerful magnets. Nothing will corrupt a digital being faster than a magnetic field."
The two walked on into the woods, discussing Fargus' newfound abilities and their plans for the future. Surely, no system would ever be safe...