"어머니, 저는 단순히 컴퓨터 용 부품을 집어 들고 있습니다. 내가 전에 해 봤는데, 난 괜찮을거야." (Mother, I am simply picking up parts for my computer. I've done this before, I'll be fine.)

"아가씨,이 품목들을 온라인으로 주문하면됩니다. 왜 떠나는거야?" (Darling, you know that you could simply... order this items online. Why leave?)

Violet looked around, the store was small and somewhat out-of place considering it was surrounded by food joints and a Starbucks. However, it had quality parts and she really wanted to add some faster parts to her mac. After all, she had nothing better to do with her afternoon. So...

"나는 더 나가야 해. 게다가, 아버지는 그의 기분 중 하나에 다시있다. 오늘 밤 내 집에 머물러 있을지도 몰라." (I need to get out more. Besides, father is in one of his moods again. I might just stay at my place tonight.)

"나는 당신이 당신의 아파트를 위해 구한 것을 알고 있으며, 당신은 당신의 생일에 그 아파트에 이사 할 준비가되어 있습니다. 하지만, 우리는 단지 2 주 더 있습니다. 적어도 머무를 생각은 할 수 있습니다? 네 아버지가 사업하는 동안 어떻게되는지 알아, 그건 아주 ..." (I know that you saved up for your apartment and you're ready to move into it on your birthday. But, we only have 2 more weeks with you. Can you, at least, think about staying? You know how your father gets during business, it's very im...)

Violet did a very great job tuning her mother out as the same thing began pouring out of her mouth. 'Oh, darling, your father is just very stressed', 'This deal means a lot to him, you know that', and her own personal favorite 'You know that he loves you just as much as Mari, right?'

The fact that she had to mention her sister was an answer in and of itself.

Deciding to stop sitting on her bike, she cut the conversation short. "어머니, 아버지가 나를 사랑 하신다는 것을 압니다. 걱정마. 그냥 내 공간이 필요해, 알았지? 나는 너를 사랑하지만, 나는 가야 해. 안녕." (Mother, I know father loves me. Don't worry. I just need my space, okay? I love you but, I have to go. Bye.)

Quickly hitting the 'End' button, she stuffed the phone into the pocket of her pants. To be honest, she had no plans for leaving the mansion other then to go to her own apartment. But, as she was sitting around drawing she came up with an idea for upgrades to her computer, her baby, Roxy. So, with inspiration flowing through her, she got dressed in whatever and left for the store.

Speaking of which...

Violet got off of her motorcycle, putting down the kickstand before placing her helmet on the handlebars. Removing her chunky headphones from their place around her neck, she put them on her ears. The cable was already connected to her phone so she was instantly flooded with music. Right as a new song started as well.

-ow is the climax to the story that gives the demons and angels purpose.~

Her head lightly moved to the beat as she entered the store, waving to the familiar face of the cashier. Glancing at the other person working, she felt a balloon of annoyance flare up inside of her. Kennedy Waller. I've seen her around a few times and she's honestly one of the most passively aggressive people I've ever met. Honestly, I've never seen someone with a smile so big but with eyes so hateful...

Shaking off whatever feelings she had, she moved over to the back to look over at some spare processors. Humming quietly under her breath, she idly looked around seeing that the place was mostly empty... except for one other person. She recognized him but she didn't know his name. She'd seen him around school but never talked to him. She'd always found him to be... out of her league. Even though she came from money, a lot of them came from money. And she wasn't the most attractive or smartest person. So, it was doubtful he noticed her.

Shaking her head at her own childish notions, she went to pick up a processor only to see Kennedy walk over to the man with her large smile in place. Oh no... She thought to herself, reaching into her pocket to turn down her music.

"Hello, sir! I see that you appear to be having some trouble. May I interest you in perhaps a tablet of some sort?"

"Hello, sir! I see that you appear to be having some trouble. May I interest you in perhaps a tablet of some sort?"

Duncan looked at the sales rep like he was nuts. “Nnnooo? I don’t have a dog. No use for a frisbee. Besides as frisbees go, they are kinda expensive.”

The sales rep looked confused for a moment. “Uhm ..?

“I am looking for two computers. Well … three. But the technology will change before I need the third. One - system, possibly mobile, designed for music. I’ll need the programs to go along with it. I have a list. Multi track, professional grade. I work mainly with guitar and keyboard. So I’ll need the computer to generate all the other instruments plus voice. Two - high end math and graphics system. You know the stuff you see in movies. I want that. I’ll need something that can record data in the femtosecond range. But I am probably going to have to custom build that myself or cannibalize a femtolaser.”

The associate got a glazed over look in his eyes.

“Ignore the part about the femto stuff. I’ll figure that out. Here’s my program lists. I need something that will run all of these, if not better. Cost isn’t an issue. So don’t worry about finding deals. I am looking for performance. If it happens to cost less, great. If not, no biggie.”

The sales associate finally got the picture. It was the wrong picture. But he got it. Duncan was one of those guys who wanted to sound smart. He’d buy a fancy computer that would be an antique before he could ever figure out how to use it. A fool and his money were soon parted…

“One moment sir. I’ll have to look up most of these. Most will have to be ordered. They won’t be in stock here.”

Duncan nodded. “That fine. I expected that. And I don’t even have to have an answer today.” He sighed as the associate ambled off.

Duncan looked over at Violet and gave a thin lipped smile of impatience. He held up one of the tablets. “Skeet anyone?” His nose wrinkled with disgust at the thing. “I know they have uses. And I do use them on rare occasions. But they are designed to limited. I could build a better tablet myself. It’s just noone make the parts yet. I mean, a tablet should have at least a terabyte drive, a mini USB port. Flash drives ought to have mini USB connections. Or heck, just use bluetooth. And bluetooth devices ought to use a Tesla powergrid. This thing is a dinosaur.

“I hate buying computers. Everyone always tries to sell me prepackaged stuff that does half of what I want. Or I find one that does most … only to discover it isn’t in stock.

“You go to the Academy too. You started about two months ago. The school doesn’t usually accept students without pre-enrollment the year before. That places you in one of two categories. Very, very rich family capable of offering a substantial endowment - or witness protection. I won’t ask which. Not my business - especially if it is the latter.

“And if me knowing that sounds a little stalker-ish, I’ll calm your nerves and tell you that I happen to work in the Admin building. I also happen to know you ride a motorcycle. My driver was checking it out. He has a M1030M1 - the USMC diesel motorcycle. He convinced our butler to go riding with him. Gave me some lessons too. But I have just never had a use for a motorcycle. And … Mom would freak. She’s a doctor and more than a little overprotective. And I can’t blame her. I can’t even mention going into the military. Forbidden subject at home. I had my driver speak with her and reassure her that he wouldn’t encourage such notions. I got hugged for that one for about 10 minutes. She was trying not to cry about it. And before you get the idea she is a crybaby, she works with terminal cancer patients. She pretty tough most of the time.”

Now, Violet wasn't one to get involved in other people's business. Sure, she might get curious and find herself wondering but she usually knew when to call it quits. But this time? For some reason or another, she found herself watching the confrontation between Kennedy and him. She even ended up giggling at a few points, the spaced out expression on Kennedy's face as he spoke to her quite humorous.

Violet moved her headphones down so that they rested around her neck, removing her hair from the strap as she listened to what he needed. Her mind began whirling as she glanced around her section. It was typically tucked away considering so few people actually wanted to take the time and effort in manually updating their computer. Mostly because they had no real idea with how computers worked and functioned.

To her, it sounded like he needed a laptop and then a grounded PC. The laptop would be for his music. He'd be able to carry it around with him and it can hold a lot of power with plenty of storage and good audio sensors. The second would be for high-end math and numbers. She was quite familiar with that desire and already had a few ideas.

She was brought from her thoughts by the guy turning his attention to her. Violet raised an eyebrow as he began speaking to her about how much he hated tablets... and hated buying computers. She had wandered a few rows over to be closer, leaning against the display while he talked. Despite the sheer flood of words coming out his mouth, it was all rather interesting and she found herself intrigued.

But then he started talking about her. That was what made her do a quite accurate impression of a fish as he started mentioning little details about her. And all I knew was that he was smart... and wasn't the biggest fan of people. Huh, I really need to pay attention more.

And then he brought up her motorcycle and his driver (Who has a beautiful motorcycle, just... wow. She'd love to have a conversation with him about the specs.) and then it went to the military for a little while before then ending on his... mother? And about her worrying for his... safety...

How did we get here?

But, she felt she needed to just say what she needed to say. Just go out there and give her opinion... something she is rather good at doing.

Clearing her throat, she loosely crossed her arms as she mentally tan over what she was going to say. Here we go...

"I get what you mean about tablets. Uh, personally? I've never been the biggest fan of them. The limitations are the biggest factor leading to my... dislike of them. Although, dislike may not be the correct term. And yes, a lot of different tech should definitely be upgraded, that is true. But, I guess that's why people like me exist. To, uh, upgrade and modify what the mainstream slash original creators were unable to. And speaking of people like me... I couldn't help but overhear what you were discussing with the worker. And... from hearing that you desire to purchase two computers currently and are even looking for programs to download. Now, while I remain a bit... oblivious towards what programs you're looking for... I think I can help you when it comes to actually buying two computers."

She licked her lips, steeling herself while trying to remain as neutral as possible.

"For your music? Well, normally I would suggest a desktop. They usually run faster, and have more storage space and more leniency. But, considering you mentioned portability, that should also be taken into account. Um, may I personally suggest a Mac Pro desktop? It's high-grade and has literally everything you could need with customization options should you need them. However, it is quite expensive... the good ones at least. But considering you mentioned your leniency with money... and considering you're connected to my school... you can obviously afford it so that's not really an issue. However, if you're looking for something portable... the best option would probably be a Macbook Pro. They're fast, lots of inputs, and have a large display. Unless you plan on building a PC yourself, I would stay away from the PC and stick with Mac. It just works a lot better for what you need. However, I strongly suggest a Mac Pro instead of a Macbook Pro. The problem with laptops and music is the mechanical noise, especially in a closed environment like a bedroom or even a studio. Then, there's the screen size and the smaller ports, it adds up to issues later on. Then again, that's my opinion so you may choose either of the two for your better options."

If there was one thing Violet could be confident in, it's tech. Well, tech, art, and literature... and food. But still, she liked to think she knew what she was talking about.

"And as for your second computer? That's both simple and easy. No matter which computer you get, I would suggest a desktop by the way, there is still a good chance that modification would be necessary. You referenced the computers slash supercomputers in movies. Well, you can't buy those computers at a store... at least not these days. To get to that level, would require serious modification. So, if you don't build your own computer... buying one and then upgrading is the best. I would suggest a PC maybe for this one? To make the building slash upgrading process easier. There are parts you can order online."

Tech rant over, she slowed down some and began speaking at her usual bubbly and happy way.

"And all that stuff you know about me? I'm going to just go with it and not question it... it's better for both of us. And your mom? She seems like a really awesome person, by the way."

Duncan nodded, showing just a hint of irritation. But it was clearly the whole computer mess. His eyes kept on the lookout for the associate’s return.

“Well, I monitor new arrivals. I’m an official tutor for the Upper school. And I am a TA and Sub teacher for the Lower School.” He frowned. “It’s not common knowledge. I don’t exactly advertise the fact. Mostly the school knows me for guitar work, acting and football.” Then he grinned. “Chicks dig scars?”

He shook his head. “I only joined the football team because last year was supposed to be their last. They were cancelling the program. Last place team. I never liked quitting, so I decided to see what I could do. Took them all the way to the championship, became team Captain this year and gave the program new life. To be honest, I don’t even like football, not really. But I wanted to try being in a team sport - and I couldn’t handle MY sport - soccer. Lung damage. I couldn’t even handle a regular football practice. So I became a Kicker. Special teams don’t have to practice as hard. And … it was the only thing the doctor would clear me for. It was that … or bench.

“Guitar I started back when I was 12 or 13. I forget exactly. I took it because I thought it would be an easy A junk course and something I couldn’t just read a book on and be an instant expert. I discovered it was a language. And … I liked the challenge. I drive my teachers nuts by playing classical on an electric guitar. Or I’ll turn a classic rock song into country or vice versa just to annoy people. That’s mostly what I play - rock or country. I especially like ballads. But I suck at creativity. I play other people’s music.

“Anyways, if you don’t stop me, I’ll talk your ears off. What are you in for - the store - not school. Though school - aka prison for kids - would be good to know too. I might be able to suggest schedule - no wait. You’re a senior. Changing schools this late must suck. Really messes with plans on higher education.”