Discovery

by Douglas E Roff

  “I’m listening.”

  “Adam and I were married in a small ceremony in Vegas on Saturday. Sorry you weren’t invited. It was … unplanned.”

  “I doubt that very much and yet I am very, very happy for you both. Very happy. Come here you two and give me a hug.”

  They hugged it out, though Adam felt the whole conversation was less warm and way tenser than he had expected, as if something was wrong. It couldn’t be, but there it was. Edward seemed genuinely happy but with the tiniest of reservations he did not expect.

  They discussed the plan to keep things secret and asked Edward to play along with the deception while they planned the big event. Edward agreed immediately and promised to keep their secret a secret. It was the only thing he said that day that they both believed.

  As the couple walked back home slowly discussing the awkwardness of the conversation with Edward, Misti’s phone rang. It was Edward, and could she come back for a moment to discuss something he had on his mind. And no, Adam shouldn’t be there. She said she would return shortly but the new rule in the family was no more secrets. If Edward had something on his mind, she would share it with Adam. If he felt she could not, or should not, share with Adam, then he should just keep it to himself.

  Edward agreed that the new rule was fine with him, that it was a relief and that she would be good for everyone in Barrows, not just he and Adam. But this was important, and he needed to chat right away. Then, later, she could discuss the matter in private with her new husband. Misti told Adam what was up, then abruptly turned and walked back toward Edward’s office alone. Adam was not happy with the arrangement but Misti told him this was how things would change for the better – one step at a time.

  “No secrets. He agreed to that?”

  “He did. Now stop worrying and go home. I’ll be back home in a jiffy. These are the new ‘Barrows Bay Rules’ and they will be strictly enforced.”

  “I don’t like this. Not one bit.”

  “I’ll be sure to tell the old man, but I doubt it will matter much. And you should keep in mind that I’m the enforcer now and neither of you will be allowed to step out of line. Are we good?”

  “We are. See you at home.”

  ***

  “So what evil are you up to now Edward? I don’t like being called back here without Adam to talk about him. That is why I’m here, right?”

  “It is but this is no secret. And, I think you should have a talk with Adam about everything I tell you. You need to share this conversation with him and decide what it means. I would have preferred to have had this talk sooner and certainly before you got married but I doubt it would have changed anything.

  “I don’t understand. Is it that important? I’m sure that Adam would have said something if there was anything that could affect our relationship. So, what’s on your mind?”

  “How much do you know about brain physiology, memory and the like?”

  “Very little. Why? What’s this got to do with Adam?”

  “Everything and nothing.”

  “Obtuse, as usual. It can’t be both. Which is it?”

  “Have you ever heard of eidetic memory? Do you know what that means?”

  “I’ve heard of it, yes. It’s like photographic memory, which is just a myth. But I thought it only exists in children and only until a very early age. Doesn’t seem to exist in adults and isn’t very useful anyway. That’s what I know.”

  “You are correct, as usual. Eidetic memory and hyperthymia, or HSAM, are two real conditions that people commonly call a ‘photographic memory’ but in neither case is that true. Each is limited and not without consequence both mentally and developmentally.”

  “I see.”

  “Then, there are the mnemonists, who have incredible general knowledge retention but for whom the skill must be developed. This kind of basic memory approach can be used by just about anyone to improve knowledge or factual retention, but it isn’t that easy, and again, there may be mental or emotional consequences.”

  “Like?”

  “Like depression and difficulty with socialization. And there are other dangers.”

  “Again, like?”

  “Extreme depression, dementia and madness. It isn’t pretty.”

  “What are you saying Edward?”

  “I’m saying that Adam has a memory issue and you need to understand it. It’s essential.”

  “He has one of these bad conditions then?”

  “That’s the yes and no part. We don’t really know what Adam has or doesn’t have. We only know the result. And the fear and the concern that goes along with it.”

  “I’m lost.”

  “Adam does not have eidetic memory or HSAM, at least that’s what we think. We had Adam tested and the analysis was confounding. He has a truly immense memory, but we don’t understand exactly how it functions. We have asked Adam about it, about how he goes about retaining memory but as near as we can determine, his method is somewhat unique. He seems to use the Method of Loci …”

  “What’s that?”

  “You’ve read the Sherlock Homes stories or seen the movies and TV shows, right? He has an incredible aptitude for attention to detail, which he can store and recall data at will.”

  “The nonsensical ‘mind palace’ along with the so-called ‘deductive reasoning’. Yes, all very entertaining but it’s mostly Hollywood tripe.”

  “The ‘mind palace’ is real. That is the Method of Loci. It’s used every day and was first discussed in the literature back in Roman times. It’s a mnemonic device associating a piece of information with a location, or loci. Most often the symbolic loci is a building or a street. You locate the data at a specific location, then recall it when necessary by mentally strolling past that location. It’s an amazing ability, but again, not without its consequences.”

  “And what has this to do with Adam?”

  “Adam seems to have somehow developed his ability to recall the tiniest of details about things that matter to him in this way. But he does not remember ever working on developing this skill nor does he know how it works with him. He just doesn’t know. But he has this ability and it appears that his storage and recall of knowledge is automatic and extremely fast. Maybe a hundred times faster than anyone else ever studied. He is unique and a bit of a freak of nature.”

  “So, what’s the problem? Seems like Adam is lucky. A lot of researchers would die for that ability.”

  “Would they really want it if they couldn’t turn it off? If it made your mind race 24/7/365, without rest? If it meant you couldn’t sleep? I don’t think anyone would want that. I certainly don’t and either does Adam.”

  “So, he has this curse and blessing?”

  “He does. And the only surprising thing is that he hasn’t gone mad, insane or crazy. At age five or six, the researchers studying his case did not forecast a bright future. It explains some but not all his socialization issues and more than some of his baked in anger. Adam’s mind will not shut off the way it does in you or me. Ever.”

  “But he’s twenty-six and he isn’t insane? How come?”

  “We don’t know. We just don’t understand anything about this … condition. Just that he has this skill, and he has not had the terrible side effects we expected. It explains, or seems to explain, his genius for computer engineering and certainly helps explain his deep, deep genius for the DataLab Project. Adam’s mind seems to function like a modern computer in many ways. His organizational skills and his data retention and retrieval are exactly what he has done with the DL Main through software development. We do not understand how he makes the mind/technology connection or how he stores and retrieves the information. But his ability to think and conceive of solutions to technology problems seems to derive from the skills that seem not to be consciously enhanced. He seems to be able to store data, retrieve it and relate it to his analytical processes at will. Automatically. Then he quickly executes a solution
. This is unheard of and somewhat scary to those of us who know all the facts.”

  “What’s the problem then?”

  “It isn’t a problem, it’s a matter of simple awareness. When Adam works, and you must have seen this already, he will just drop out of consciousness of his physical surroundings while he works. He doesn’t need paper and pencil, like you and I and he recalls everything about the solution, including errors and mistakes. That’s why when he explains a solution, then hands off the code writing to others, he can provide incredible detail about how to map the solution and avoid problems or traps. He is amazing in his field; unique and special. But the reason I’m telling you this is that it affects Adam in ways we don’t yet understand. We don’t know if there is a time stamp on things to remain normal or if one day his entire mind will simply implode from forces we cannot comprehend.”

  “I have certainly seen Adam work and he has always asked me to leave him alone when he zones out, but I just thought it was an ‘Adam quirk’. He doesn’t like to be bothered and needs his quiet time. I find it restful because Adam is always ‘on’ otherwise. Is there something you think I should do?”

  “No, nothing at all. But I think that’s why he sometimes sleeps with the Kush at night and why he can get so intense. It’s not easy to be Adam and it’s not easy always being around Adam. I don’t mean to make excuses for my son, but Adam is a special case, a real special case. Trying to be ‘normal’ with him or expecting him to be any way other than the way he is, is not even possible. Adam is unique and brilliant and immensely complicated. He can be a toad and difficult, but he is also fragile. He is wonderful and loving. He cares deeply about this family. But he cannot get bogged down in meaningless minutia or waste time with lesser minds. I don’t mean to sound arrogant but the less contact he has with the real world is better for him. At least for now.”

  “Why are you telling me this? You must have a point?”

  “I do. And it is this. I may be too reserved for some, too distant and cold. I have had a terrible relationship with my son, who I love more than life. I had hoped to tell you this about him in case you ever did decide to marry because you have a right to know. You have a right to weigh this and decide whether this is right for you. I didn’t think Adam would say anything because this, to him, is just the way he is. Difficult and complex to the outside world, an enigma to those of us who love him. But I did not speak up fast enough and for that I apologize. To you. You have a right to full disclosure.”

  “I’m happy that you told me. And I’m glad I learned this today but you of all people should know just how complex and complicated I am, and what that means. I don’t know what the future holds but I do know that Adam is incapable of hurting me. What he wants is the same as it is for everyone. He wants to have a family of his own, to be left alone and he wants to be happy. I think he has a chance at all three now that we are together, but I will take your advice and this discussion to heart. I’ll try to keep the stress and nonsense away from him.”

  “He’ll never leave Barrows Bay. You know that, right? He cannot function out there for very long. He needs his work and he will always be working on something. He will never retire; at the end of his life he’ll just die. His switch was turned on at birth. It does not go off. Can you face a life like that?”

  Misti thought for a moment. “Do Rod and Cindy know?”

  “Of course.”

  “And what do they say?”

  “You should talk to them. But, they know they are never leaving either. They can’t. They love Adam too much and understand they have a responsibility to him, though they would never say so. And they would be mortified if they thought Adam knew.”

  “Then he won’t. He doesn’t need that burden on top of the other burdens he already bears. Don’t worry old man, this changes nothing. I’ll take good care of your son and make him happy. You like kids, right?”

  “Of course.”

  “Adam wants a pack. Get ready to be a granddaddy, ‘cause it’s in the works.”

  “How many?”

  “A bunch. A pack. A herd. I don’t have a number, just a guideline.”

  “You’re the daughter I never had but always wanted.”

  “No, I’m the daughter you did have. You planned this. I hope you’re happy now.”

  “I am. And let me know if you need my help.”

  “With?”

  “The wedding.”

  “You’re offering to pitch in?”

  “Hardly. The tias will do everything along with you. Well, maybe not you but certainly the tias. I’d just be in the way. I’m trying to be polite, though. Please mention it to Adam.”

  “Like offering a donut you know I won’t eat. Lots of credit at no cost.”

  “It’s a skill.”

  “Like any other.”

  ***

  “What did the old man want?” Adam asked suspiciously as Misti arrived home.

  “Just to let me know how much he loves you and how much he loves me. And he offered to help with and pay for the wedding.”

  “What else?”

  “A couple of things about you he thought I ought to know. About you. Good things; important things. He loves you, Adam. He insists I make you happy.”

  “And what did you say?”

  “That he should make his points quickly, so I can go home and fuck my husband.”

  “Really?”

  “No. But I do want to fuck my husband.”

  “Who’s on top this time?”

  “Let’s flip. Your call: heads or tails.”

  Chapter 63

  When playtime was over, and the couple had showered and slowly wandered back into the living room, Adam spoke up.

  “Wife?”

  “Yes, love? I’ll be right with you in a second. I think I need a new clasp for this damn … I mean lovely diamond necklace you gave me for our wedding night. I can’t get the freakin’ thing to go through the eyelet and close.”

  “Is it too small for you to close behind your back? Need my help?”

  “I do. Can you get this and zip me up at the same time?”

  “You know I did that on purpose don’t you?”

  “Did what, sweetie?”

  “Asked the jeweler to make the clasp as small as he could. Or smaller.”

  “No, you didn’t.

  “I did too.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “This is why I am a certified genius. I did it so that every time you wear that piece of jewelry, you will have to ask me to walk up behind you and thread the eyelet. Then, well then, all sorts of mischief might start. After I thread that eyelet, I could kiss you.”

  “Go on.”

  “Or I could hug you or kiss your neck. You know, those little kisses you enjoy so much.”

  “Go on.”

  “Or I could unzip your dress and …”

  “OK Casanova, I get the picture. And I’m not believin’ a single word of this nonsense. I know you’re a bona fide genius – in computers – but you don’t have the IQ for long term creative sex play. That’s my department. You should be happy and just leave it to the professional.”

  “I’m hurt but resilient.” Adam wandered over to where Misti was struggling with her clasp, threaded the eyelet and gave his wife a little hug. “I love you.”

  “I love you too but you’re up to something and I need to run over to see Cindy. So, zip me up and tell me what’s on your mind. Or wait ‘til I’m back.”

  “How late are you for meeting sis?”

  “Not late. Plenty of time. What’s up?”

  “We didn’t finish, or even start our conversation about your meeting with Dad. You were gone a while, and I know that you must have had a conversation about something and that something was probably me. No secrets, remember? And no making me guess at what was going on either. No twenty questions.”

  “Your Dad told me about your facility with mem
ory, memory retention and memory recall. He expressed some concerns about your long mental well-being, he voiced a lot of ‘maybe’s’ and a lot of ‘we don’t understands’. But he expressed his concerns not so much about you but about a future that is probably unknowable for you and he thought I should know. And he thought I might be able to help.”

  “The babysitter speech. I’ve heard it before. So, has everyone else.”

  “I hadn’t.”

  “I should have said everyone up here, plus your Papa.”

  “Papa? I wouldn’t think so.”

  “Do you have any idea just how close your Papa and my Dad are? Have you ever thought about it?”

  “Their friends. They’re close. They’ve been friends for ages. You think there’s more?”

  “I know there’s more. A lot more. Just not sure what they did that made them blood brothers. More family secrets we’ll need to investigate later. No hurry though.”

  “You have something to say? What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing. But when you’re back from Cindy’s let’s sit down and talk. I should have said something to you before about the memory stuff. Dad’s right about that. But it isn’t exactly what Dad thinks and I haven’t told him everything. Couldn’t and won’t. Ever. So, this is something I have kept to myself until now, but you have a right to know.”

  “Is it bad?”

  “No. Far from it. But it is something we need to consider, and you can be a help – he’s right about that.”

  “You want me to visit Cindy later and talk now?”

  “Nope. Go see Cindy and do whatever you need to do.”

  “The girls start jiu-jitsu training today. I’m going over to watch and support them. You can come if you want. Rod’ll be there too. Cindy’s running the show, though. She’s very excited for the kids.”

  “Not this time. Working on an issue so I thought I’d go unconscious for a while. I’d rather go under while you’re gone. Might be gone for a couple of hours.”

  “Alright, Commander Data. Just wake up before I go to sleep, OK?”

  “I’ll set my alarm.”