"Why weren't you at work yesterday?" asked Mark as I sat down at my workstation.
"Well, I was actually in another world. There I was rescued from a zombie and received a batch of nanites. I actually thought that no time would pass while I was away, just like last time, but this time was different," I explained.
Mark scoffed wryly, "And have you unlocked any cheat skills that you could use here at work?"
"I'm not sure yet, maybe I could use the dictionary and add C++ as a programming language or something," I replied.
"Hmm, that probably won't work," Mark replied.
"Why don't you stick a finger in your USB port then," he suggested.
I carefully stuck my finger into the USB port, but to no avail.
"So, does it work?" teased Mark.
"No," I replied.
"How about you bleed on it? Maybe then the computer will become a part of you," he suggested.
"That's an interesting idea." I carefully pricked my finger with a pencil and dropped a drop of blood on the USB port.
"Now you're starting to scare me," Mark said.
As I put my blood on the USB port, something unexpected happened. The tiny nanites that were part of NORI and were in my blood seemed to respond to the port's electronic signal. I felt a tingling sensation in my arm, as if something was moving.
["New periphery detected,"]
it suddenly sounded in my head as NORI responded.
I could literally feel an invisible connection forming between my nanites and the computer. It was as if a bridge of data and energy was building between me and the digital realm. The nanites began to use their data processing and analysis skills to explore and understand the operating system.
With amazing speed, NORI began to explore the existing operating system and assimilate its components. Hundreds of console windows opened on the screen, displaying a wealth of data and code that flowed nimbly across the monitor. Meanwhile, the display flickered in a pulsing pattern as NORI took control.
Suddenly, a remarkable change occurred. The screen flickering calmed down and revealed a completely new operating system that was now in front of me: NORI. The interface looked futuristic yet familiar, with clean lines and bright icons that represented a new world of digital possibilities.
I could feel NORI connecting with my mind and seamlessly capturing my thoughts and intentions. It felt as if I and the operating system were one, our capabilities and resources merging.
Mark stared at me, stunned, his eyes wide. "I guess that actually worked," he said with a mixture of disbelief and recognition. "Congratulations, you're now a cyborg."
I nodded slightly, feeling a mixture of excitement and thrill. "Yes, it would seem so," I replied. "A cyborg with a whole new set of capabilities."
Mark's expression quickly changed to concern, however. "I think this computer still belongs to the company," he said with a slight tremor in his voice.
Mark looked at me skeptically. "You do realize we could lose our jobs over this?" he interjected.
I nodded resolutely. "Yes, I'm aware of the consequences. But I think this technology is too important to just leave it in the hands of the company. It could mean a major advance for all mankind."
Mark frowned and thought for a moment. "I understand your point, but we have to be careful. If we get caught, we could not only lose our jobs, but face legal consequences."
I took a deep breath. "I know it's risky, but I can't just stand by and watch this technology potentially be abused."
Mark sighed, then slowly shook his head. "Fine, if you're so convinced, I'll support you. But let's be smart about it and weigh all the options to minimize the risk."
I smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Mark. Together we can do this. We just have to make sure no one suspects anything and keep our actions discreet."
In the dark of night, wearing ski masks, we snuck through the main gate and pilfered the computer. We fervently hoped that no one would take notice of us.
After all, it was a simple work computer that probably no one would expect to be stolen. Our concern was more about the possibility of being identified as suspects. But who would steal a supposedly worthless office computer?