Eternal Debates
CyberPunk Explained

David Buehrer (07:47:26/2-26-58)

"You're living in a fantasy world man!" Shamus exclaimed, his speech slightly slurred by the vast ammounts of alcohol he had consumed over the course of the evening.

Magus grunted as he put down his empty beer and raised his hand for another. Crazy Eddie, the barkeep and owner of Crazy Eddie's, acknowledged Magus with a ruefull shake of the head.

"When are you going to pull your head out of your totem and take a look at the world around you," Magus replied. "Take Sam for example." Sam, who was sitting across the room having a quiet conversation with Fred, glanced over when he heard his name. "He's a walking advertisement for the technological advances of the 21st century. How can you sit there and tell me this is a fantasy world with Sam sitting in the same room with you."

Shamus turned his head and glared at Sam. Sam glared back. Fred continued to extol the virtues of being a vegetarian, unaware of the debate in the center of the room. "All right. Explain Fred," Shamus countered with a drunken grin. "Hell, you're a mage, explain that!" he continued, emphasizing his point by pounding his fist on the table. Eddie took a few steps to the right, putting himself within reach of the shotgun he had strapped under the bar.

Magus sighed. "Magic has only existed since the turn of the century. True, it's effects are clearly felt, but it isn't the governing force behind the world.

"What is magic doing for mankind right now? Nothing. The megacorps aren't selling magic, they're selling technology. People living in the barrens don't want magic, they want food. The gangs and the mob and the yakuza don't use magic, they use guns. Proffesional sports, ditto. The government, ditto. The military, ditto. Name one instance where magic is having a significant effect on society."

"Dragons!"

"Dragons?! Big fat hairy deal! Are any dragons in politics? Do you see dragons in the barrens? Have you ever actually seen a dragon? Well?! They're insignificant!"

"Ha! All right mister smarty pants. What has technology done for shoshiety.. society? Huh? Look around. Technology is only for the rich. It isn't in the barrens. It isn't in the, the, oh frag it!

"Magic is the driving force behind all living things."

"Great, here we go again."

"Don't interrupt me. Magic surrounds us, flows through us, guides us."

"May the Force be with you."

"Huh?"

"Never mind."

Shamus scrunched his eyebrows together in concentration, gave up, and continued, "Look, when are *you* going to pull *your head* out of *your* PhD and see the universe as it really is?!" as he leaned across the table and jabbed Magus repeatedly in his chest.

Magus took a moment to look at Shamus's jabbing finger, then slowly raised his head. Lightning flickered behind his eyes as he slowly stood. Sam got up and headed for the door. Eddie reached under the bar for his shotgun. Shamus stood up, knocking his chair over. A hush fell over the other patrons in the bar. Fred continued talking about fiber and the need for cleansing one's bowels.

Shamus raised his arms, started dancing and chanting, tangled his feet together, and fell. His head cracked off a nearby table, sending him into the oblivian of unconsciousness.

"Nobody move," Magus said calmly. "As soon as he wakes up, I'll finish him."

"You're living in a fantasy world man," Eddie said with a grin as he pressed the barrel end of his shotgun to the back of Magus' head.

Magus' eyes filled with rage.

Sam calmly lit his cigarette in an ally across the street as he watched the windows of Crazzie Eddie's explode in a tornado of lightning and bullets. "Welcome to a world of magic and technology," he intoned. "Which is the driving force behind the universe? Which one should we bow down and worship? Or, is a high fiber diet and regular excercise the secret to living a healthy life?"

:)