As virtual worlds became more widespread, some gamers began to attack newcomers, saying that they weren’t real gamers. Almost all virtual worlds were games back then after all. Interactive novels were the stuff of science fiction back then. Glasses were for correcting bad vision, not computer displays. It was a truly different world, where technology was becoming common. And many who had been apex technophiles did not appreciate losing what they thought made them special.
The fall of the Japanese Empire at the end of World War II setup conditions for the Korean War. The final peace treaty allowed Russia to occupy the northern parts of the country while United States forces occupied the south. Governments arose in both occupied zones that claimed to be the one true government. The socialist government in the north finally chose to march south and the southern forces were not powerful enough to hold. They were driven back nearly to the sea. The Korean War was nearly over in weeks.
Julie and Alex had learned to play by reading the notes but didn’t know the theory. I played by ear and always struggled to read the music. I’d always faked it good enough that most people didn’t notice. Even with them I covered it up for a while. They asked me join their music sessions after school and I successfully used the “ladies first” excuse to get them playing first so I could sync up with them. They still caught on though.
As some people decried corruption in the virtual world industry, others wished for a day before the industry went mainstream. When only highly-educated computer nerds could run the systems that ran the worlds, all worlds were designed for them. But as systems became cheaper and easier to run, the worlds would programmed for larger audiences. Some felt like as if the worlds were losing what made them great. It became a difficult time for the industry.
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country’s battles
In the air, on land, and sea.
Thus begins the United States Marine Corps Hymn. Happy Birthday Marines.
And let me give a special shout out to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112, the Cowboys. My ability to write stories about people who serve in a speculative futuristic version of the unit is only possible because Marines and others put on a uniform and devoted their lives to defending the freedom of others.
Thank you for serving.
Forge of War on Amazon
Angel Flight on Amazon
Angel Strike on Amazon
Angel War on Amazon
Wolfenheim Rising on Amazon
Wolfenheim Emergent on Amazon