CHAPTER 19 – Friend or Fiend

Hearing elevator music on the way to your doom really messes with your mind.

With a loud hiss, the elevator doors slid open at the rear of the car. Ziro and the others turned quickly around and cautiously ventured into a darkened control room, lit by a scattering of dimly glowing buttons and dials. After a few steps, a line of soft floor lamps self- activated to illuminate a path to the center of the room. Thick coils of wires crisscrossed the floor ending in a tower of components and computer screens. (more…)

Based on your comments a couple people have asked for a more advanced tutorial on how to “Create your own Virtual World”. I would recommend reading the  ElectroServer Manual. This online manual includes everything you need to know to create a multiplayer game or a virtual world with Flash.

I would also recommend reading ActionScript for Multiplayer Games and Virtual Worlds. This book includes the blueprint for creating your own virtual world.

• ElectroServer
• Amazon

CHAPTER 18 – Last One Out

If there was one thing Ziro had learned in the field, it was that having your cover blown could mean the difference between a hero’s welcome and a spear in your neck…or in this case, a sudden kick to the head.

Unfortunately, the Liwan towering over them was tragically convinced that the Mech Mice were here to harm the slaves, not save them. And he had a menacing pair of heavy, mechanical legs that he wasn’t afraid to use. In one mighty leap, he launched himself down at his declared ‘intruders’.

Before the Liwan could land a knock-out blow, Demo lunged forward and managed to catch one of the bionic feet, throwing him off balance, crashing to the ground.

“We don’t want to hurt you,” Ziro shouted as the Liwan pulled himself up off the floor. “We’re here to help!” Completely ignoring Ziro, the Liwan launched himself straight at Demos chest. Using his defensive training, Demo expertly absorbed the hit, rolling backwards and using his legs to thrust his attacker off. For all the skill of the move, it was poorly aimed as the Liwan’s body flew directly into the stacked bombs. The pile toppled. Everyone cringed as the bricks clattered loudly against the metal floor, completely exposing the squad to the entire factory. The element of surprise was officially gone. (more…)

CHAPTER 17 – A Sticky Situation

Happening again? Ziro found it hard to believe anyone had ever seen what he was seeing before.

The Liwan men were not merely captives, or even slaves. They were walking experiments.

Tight metal collars had been fitted around their necks. Out of the collars a metal plate extended up and over between their ears, ending in a wide diamond shape at the browline. Black lenses hung from either side, hiding their eyes. A row of red lights ran the length of the skull plate, rising and falling as some kind of level readout.

Most shocking of all were the “alterations” many of them had received. Some had mechanical arms or legs, others were fitted with larger, more unusual components extending from units attached to their backs. All worked steadily at their assigned tasks on the factory floor. Their unkempt fur was drenched in sweat and matted with globs of sticky red sap. (more…)