Cyber Synapse

I'm particularly happy with this one. It came out a lot better than I had hoped.

The inspiration came as a bit of "The Shawshank Redemption" and the short film "Life"


Nathan Church smiled at himself in the mirror. Back stage at the most prestigious gallery opening in the world. It was everything he had ever dreamed. He was about to walk out into the adoring crowds and famous art critics as a virtual nobody, only to leave as a world renowned artist.

Years of back breaking labour all lead up to this. His parents would be so proud of him.

Just then came a knock on the door. Nathan grinned at himself bearing is pearly whites. No doubt some adoring fan looking to have some alone time with him. He might as well grant them a chance.

He sauntered to the door and opened it wide.

There on the other side stood a man in a black suit and tie draped on either side by two police officers.

"Nathan Church?"

"Yeah." he said a little confused.

"You're under arrest for the unauthorized reproduction of trademarked and copyrighted images."

Immediately the two officers detained Nathan and placed him in handcuffs.

"There must be some mistake!" he protested. "These are all original pieces of art! They sprung from my mind! From my heart! Who the hell has a copyright on my work!?"

"You're mistaken, Mr. Church. These images are the licensed property of Cyber Synapse."

"Cyber Synapse? The company that makes cyber brains?"

"That's correct."

"How can they have the copyright on my intellectual property!?" Nathan cried in outrage.

"Mr. Church 12 years ago you received a cyber brain from Cyber Synapse..."

"That was to cure my cerebral palsy!" Nathan interrupted.

The man raised his voice and continued. "One that, when installed, you signed a legal binding contract waving all legal rights and copyright to any and all images, sounds, constructs or any variation thereof to Cyber Synapse. By law those paintings you created are the legal property of Cyber Synapse and you are infringing on copyright law for the sake of financial benefit."

"This is insane!" Nathan lashed at the man but the two officers held him.

"Take him out of here." The man in the suit and tie ordered.

As Nathan was carted out the police pushed him through the crowd of once adoring fans. The crowd stared and murmured amongst themselves of fraud. The critics clicked their tongues and all made quiet talk about how "they knew all along." The press snapped photos and asked leading questions. The curator of the art house and the man in the suit and tie from Cyber Synapse quickly covered the paintings in black blankets and dispersed the crowd.

The next day the news had spread world wide. Nathan Church was a charlatan.