The Private Servers of Life

Act 2: Creating Max Hammer

Scene 1:

The flight to Australia lasted 20 hours. Noah got there in the morning, and was too tired and jet lagged to do anything, so he just went straight to a hotel. He woke up a few minutes before the afternoon finished, and got into a taxi.

[Driver starts the car]

Driver: Hello sir. Where to?

Noah: Hello. How much will it be to get to Mount Druitt?

Driver: Woah. You sure you wanna go there, mate?

Noah: Yes, why? Is it that pricey?

Driver: No. It's just that... It's getting late. And I don't like to perpetrate stereotypes, but that's where the gangsters hang out at night. It's a very crime-ridden area.

Noah: It is? Of course there had to be a catch.

Driver: What?

Noah: Nohting, nothing. Just drop me off at Mount Druitt, please.

Driver: Are you really sure? That place is hardcore. I'm a Sydney local. I know what I'm talking about.

Noah: Look, Mr. Taxi Driver...

Driver: (interrupting Noah) That's not my name.

Noah: Well, you don't have a name tag... Anyways, I know what I'm doing. Okay, let's say Mount Druitt is as bad as you say it is. I still have to go there. I have some shopping to do.

Driver: Okay, you're on your own, sir. (starts to whisper) Someone is about to buy drugs.

Noah: Hey, I heard that! No, I'm not gonna buy drugs, I'm there to get a fake... You know what, that's none of your business.

Driver: Alright, mate. I'll just do my job.

[They remain silent for the next 15 minutes. Eventually, the driver stops]

Driver: Alright, 10.20 A$

Noah: There you go. Have a good evening, sir.

[Noah leaves the cab]

Scene 2:

It got dark. Noah searched for hours, looking for people to ask if they knew Aussie Joe, but none of them knew. There was now no one around, and he was going through some dark alleys. Eventually, a robber with a mask and a knife stops him.

[The robber points the knife at Noah]

Robber: Give me all your money, rich boy.

Noah: Okay,okay... I only have 700-ish (hands him the money)

Robber: (calmly) Eh, I was expecting you to have more, but not bad, mate.

Noah: Listen sir, please don't kill me for asking this, but do you know a guy named Aussie Joe?

Robber: Oh. So sorry, mate. Didn't recognize a fellow criminal dressed like that. You gotta respect the criminal code. Here, have your money back (offers him the money).

Noah: What the fu... I mean, thanks (gets the money).

Robber: So, Aussie Joe works over there, on that abandoned office (points to an office across the street). That's the forged documents section. I'm on the robbery department, so I work on this side. But yeah, Aussie Joe is there. Just knock on the door and enter.

Noah: Thank you so much sir. Goodbye.

Robber: Have a good one, mate, And by the way, if you ever get into the robbery business, feel free to come back. I have a few gangs you might be interested in.