A Computer Repair Adventure

Ethan gets an unexpected surprise at work - Writer's Cramp Winner!

The neon sign outside flickered as Ethan stepped into "Tech Haven," the small computer repair shop where he worked. The scent of warm solder and plastic filled the air, a comforting aroma that made him feel at home. He tossed his backpack onto the counter and cracked his knuckles. Another day, another stack of malfunctioning computers waiting to be restored.

"Morning, boss!" Ethan called to Marcus, the shop’s owner, who was buried in a tower PC with its guts sprawled across the workbench.

"Morning, Ethan. Got an interesting one for you today," Marcus said, gesturing toward a sleek black laptop set apart from the rest.

Ethan raised an eyebrow and picked it up. "What’s the issue?"

"Customer didn’t say much. Just that it won’t turn on and that it’s… uh, special. Paid extra for discretion."

Ethan smirked. "Discretion, huh? Sounds like we’re getting rid of porn before someone gets into trouble."

Marcus laughed. "Just be careful."

Ethan set the laptop down and connected it to a power supply. No response. He popped open the case, noting how unusually advanced the components were. The motherboard had markings he didn't recognize, and a small, silver capsule was soldered to the circuitry; something he’d never seen in any commercial model. A tiny engraving read: Property of Obsidian Technologies. Unauthorized access prohibited.

"Well, that’s ominous," Ethan muttered. His curiosity flared. He booted up his diagnostic tools, but as soon as he probed the motherboard, the screen flashed to life with a single line of text: System breach detected. Countermeasures engaged.

Before Ethan could react, the shop’s lights flickered, and the laptop let out a high-pitched whine. The display scrambled, then filled with lines of rapidly scrolling code. A chill ran down Ethan’s spine as the code resolved into a message: Help me.

Marcus stepped over. "What the hell did you do?"

"I...I don’t know," Ethan stammered. "I think it just... talked to me."

As if in response, the laptop emitted a pulse, and every screen in the shop; phones, monitors, even the old TV in the corner, flashed with distorted static. A low hum filled the air, vibrating through the floor. Then, all at once, the shop’s front shutters slammed down, locking them inside. Somewhere outside, tires screeched to a halt, and heavy footsteps pounded against the pavement.

Marcus swore under his breath. "What the hell..."

Ethan swallowed hard. "Yeah…"

The laptop screen flashed again, a new line appearing: Say "Rexx engage".

Ethan hesitated, his pulse hammering. "Rexx engage," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The laptop’s cooling fan whirred loudly, and the screen filled with complex schematics. A mechanical voice spoke through the speakers. "Voice command recognized. Secondary activation required. Say: "Rexx, transform into fighting mode."

Ethan exchanged a glance with Marcus, who looked equal parts terrified and intrigued. There was pounding at the door that grew more frantic, there were figures outside determined to break through.

No time to question it. Ethan took a deep breath and shouted, "Rexx, transform into fighting mode!"

The laptop shuddered violently, then split apart. Mechanical arms extended outward, gears whirring as hidden panels unfolded. The small device expanded rapidly, parts clicking and locking into place. Within seconds, what was once a laptop now stood before them as a sleek, humanoid battle drone, its glowing blue visor scanning the room.

"Combat mode engaged," the robotic voice confirmed. "Hostile presence detected. Engaging defensive protocols."

The shop’s front door burst open just as Rexx took its first step forward. The invaders barely had time to react before the bot lunged, its metallic fists swinging toward them.

The first attacker raised a weapon, but before he could fire, Rexx moved faster than anything Ethan had ever seen, deflecting the barrel with a swift strike. Sparks flew, and the air crackled with tension.

Rexx launched itself into the fight with precision and efficiency, disabling the attackers one by one. A powerful strike sent one crashing into a display case, shattering glass and sending phone chargers flying. Another attacker lunged, but Rexx spun, using its mechanical arms to sweep his legs out from under him, slamming him into a stack of gaming laptops. The weight of the man sent the entire shelf collapsing in a metallic avalanche.

One of the remaining figures tried to retreat, but Rexx detected the movement instantly. "Leaving so soon?" the bot quipped before leaping forward, grabbing the man by the vest, and hurling him straight into the counter. The impact knocked the register over, scattering cash and receipts like confetti.

Within moments, the tactical team lay sprawled across the floor, groaning or unconscious.

Ethan stood frozen, eyes wide as he surveyed the wreckage. Broken monitors, shattered shelves, and a completely ruined counter painted a picture of absolute destruction.

Marcus, however, was far from speechless. His face turned red as he gestured wildly to the ruins of his beloved shop. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" he bellowed. "My shop! My life savings were in this place! Do you have any idea how much this is going to cost?!"

Rexx tilted its head, seemingly puzzled. "Your reaction is illogical. The objective was achieved. Hostiles neutralized."

Marcus threw his hands up. "Oh yeah? And who’s going to pay for all of this? Because unless you print money, we’re screwed!"

Ethan let out a nervous chuckle. "Uh, well... on the bright side, we’re alive?"

Rexx turned to Ethan, its glowing visor pulsing. "We need to leave. More will come. These operatives were likely a retrieval unit. If I was their target, they won’t stop."

Marcus let out an exhausted groan, rubbing his temples. "Great. Just great. And where exactly are we supposed to go?"

Rexx glanced at the unconscious men. "Before departure, I suggest securing hostiles. Restraining them will prevent immediate pursuit."

Ethan sighed. "So... we tie them up, leave my job behind, and go on the run with a talking battlebot? That about sum it up?"

Rexx nodded. "Correct. Now hurry. Time is not on our side."