TOMCAT

The one and only. - Independent RP blog for TOMCAT from 2064: Read Only Memories -

[meshnet-southern-belle]

firstsentiantrom‌:

At first, the little ROM was in confused disbelief. The more the hacker explained themselves, though, the more Turing understood. No wonder they were so secretive. The entire world was against them just for taking up the mantle of TOMCAT, and they were alone in that struggle.

Or, at least, they used to be.

“It’s strange.” Turing sighed “I understand the impact of losing family all too well, and yet I still don’t know how to respond. How does one respond to that kind of pain?” Turing sat down on the bed, placing their hand on the hacker’s before giving them a comforting smile “If you don’t mind, however, I think I’m going to stick to calling you “TOMCAT”. In my opinion, you’ve more than earned such a moniker…..Catherine would be proud of you…”

“Heh...you know what, I think those are some great things to say, Turing.” TOMCAT replied as a small smile broke through their distanced expression. “Her bein’ proud is all I hope. I sure feel like we knocked Parallax on their behinds enough to do that.“ Hell, not just Parallax, the whole world. Maybe TOMCAT hadn’t been the mind behind the original Parallax hack, but they had certainly accomplished something. Not alone, of course. But they felt like they had some ground to stand on now.

They cleared their throat. “Whew, well then. I sure am feelin’ lighter.” TOMCAT said, not one for showing their vulnerable side for too long. “Sorry for bringin’ all this depressin’ talk into your paintin’ time.”

[meshnet-southern-belle]

firstsentiantrom‌:

“Indeed. Sometimes, for the wrong reasons.” Replied the ROM, rubbing their head in remembrance of the can of Hassy that was thrown at them two days ago. Thankfully, Chad was there to guard Turing. That said, they could have done without his retaliation. 

Turing put their brush down and walked over to the hacker with a smile on their screen. “Think nothing of it, TOMCAT. While I may be lacking in ears, I will lend an audio receiver gladly. It is the least I could do after all your help.”  

“Yeah...after everything that went down, I feel like I owe ya a little bit of transparency about myself. First of all...I’m not from North Carolina.”

TOMCAT explained the same things to Turing that they had explained to their friend before. They were from California, and they weren’t the infamous TOMCAT after all, not really. They were more of a successor, after a few years sacrificed in the clink and the tragedy that had befallen the true TOMCAT.

“So, uh...yeah. That’s it all out there. Just feels right for you to know.” It wasn’t a story that they were about to tell everyone, but some people were close enough to see behind the curtain.

[meshnet-southern-belle]

firstsentiantrom‌:

“Our columnist confidant is currently out doing what they do best.” Turing smiled, wetting their brush before tapping it against the easel “We may have only recently made history, but time marches onward and the news never rests.”

Dipping their brush in white paint, the ROM began adding some happy little clouds to their painting. “For now, I am being left to “guard the fort”, so to speak. I suppose it would be unreasonable for me to tag along all the time. Besides, our brief separation allows time to sharpen the blade that is my artistic talent.”

“That sure is good to hear. Glad they’re gettin’ work.” TOMCAT decided to sit down on the edge of the bed. Maybe they could get them a couple of extra chairs now. “Prolly for the best. Heard you’re still preeeeeetty popular out there whenever you go out.” No doubt the calm of painting was a welcome relief from Turing’s newfound fame.

TOMCAT watched the painting for a moment. Then their eyes dropped down to their hands as they fiddled absentmindedly with their bracelet. It seemed to be what you would classify as an ‘awkward silence’ before TOMCAT spoke again. “Hey, uh...you mind if I chat a little about somethin’ with you?” Seemed like as good a time as any.

[meshnet-southern-belle]

@firstsentiantrom‌:

“I suppose, but monetary income was never my artistic motivation.” Turing replied, dipping their brush in green paint before gently applying it to the canvas “Rather, it is the act of creation itself that fulfills me. That said, I’m sure our mutual friend would appreciate a few more zeros in their account. Not that my comment was any form of invitation.”

“I mean, in theory, hoppin’ online and stickin’ numbers on a credit account ain’t nothing.” TOMCAT said with a smirk of confidence. “But no worries, I ain’t in the habit of doing that.” They were on the straight-and-narrow now, for sure. A sharp decline in crimes for the future. Unless it was desperately needed. Mostly.

“So I’m guessin’ they’re not around?” TOMCAT commented as they looked around the apartment. Their friend really needed to get around to replacing that door of theirs. It was embarrassingly easy to just walk right in at this point.

[meshnet-southern-belle]

"Greetings, TOMCAT. You caught me in the middle of painting. I recently saw a beautiful Bombycilla Cedrorum and, suffice it to say, I was inspired." [firstsentiantrom]

“Oh, hey, look at that!” TOMCAT leaned over to get a better look at the canvas that Turing was currently working their artistic magic on. “You’re gettin’ pretty good at this, hon. Bet you could start sellin’ these, get you some credits.” Digital screens were getting popular for displaying art, but the traditional ways hadn’t gone out of fashion.

[rikivi]

[meshnet-southern-belle]