Yes, and I have many questions on this subject.
The captain continued. “We also have many tools to aid us in studying a body. They may ask if they can obtain a sample of your body to study. The sampling is not painful. The medical staff will not harm you, and you will not be forced. You can decide if you want to comply. You don’t have to give your consent if you do not wish to. I have ways of observing to be sure you are being treated correctly. And they may be able to show you samples of our own bodies if you are curious enough.”
I am not too sure about what you are asking. I will decide after talking to the medical people.
“That’s all right.” Levi smiled, knowing that even if his facial expression meant nothing to Melon, the Te'Hat would pick up the friendly feeling behind it. “We appreciate your patience. I will be leaving you for a while once we get to the medical unit, but I will return after I tend to some business.”
I appreciate your patience, as well. You are the leader of your clan. I cannot take up all your time.
“Here we go!” They turned into the medical unit, a brief stroll from the park. “Dr. Hauser, would you be so kind as to introduce Melon to the medical staff and help translate for the parties involved?”
“Yes, sir. I will see to it.” She followed Melon's cart into the med unit and disappeared.
Levi thought that while he was here, he would check in with Major Patel for new information from interviews with Corporal Harris. While he walked down the corridors to Major Patel’s office at the dome, he mentally checked in with the bridge for a status report, approved seventy-two project proposals, and conferred with both Sonny and Alice.
“So, what are your thoughts of the current situation?”
“Can you be more specific?” Alice asked.
“Specific?” Levi replied. “Sometimes I think you two are not as intuitive as you imply.”
He could almost hear the sympathy in Sonny’s voice. “The word 'currently', as with all present tense words, is always in flux. Your human minds work slowly enough that 'currently' encompasses a larger span of time for we machines than for you. At this moment, one hundred forty-seven thousand items are in progress. This is not counting computing processes. We are intuitive; however, you could try to narrow it down a bit for us, if you please.”
“You were monitoring me and Dr. Hauser, correct?”
“Yes, Levi,” Sonny acknowledged.
“Then that is generally the focus that 'current' refers to. It is relevant to the person speaking, not necessarily to the listener,” Levi explained.
“I understand. That does narrow down your 'current' to twenty-eight events. Can you be more specific?” Sonny asked.
“I concur,” said Alice.
It was Levi’s turn to feel sympathy for the machine’s narrow definitions of everything. “I am referring to this business with the Te’Hat.”
“We did not record anything the Te’Hat said other than some hissing and clicking that must be their verbal language,” Alice said.
“This was my error. I got so caught up having my first telepathic conversation I forgot you two were not going to detect it. I should have verbally brought you along into the conversation. I will do you one better, though. I will allow both of you access to watch the whole conversation again.” Levi lowered his firewall enough to allow this bit of data to slip over to Sonny and Alice. “In future exchanges, I will confer with you two at the earliest convenience or try to arrange something in real time.”
“We appreciate that, Levi,” Sonny said.
“So, what is your assessment of the interaction with the Te’Hat so far?”
Alice replied, “It is noteworthy that the word 'intentions' was used by the Mat’Ma.”
“Yes, I am also concerned.” The captain frowned. “I knew we would have to deal with that word eventually, and now here it is. How do we communicate our intentions without sounding like an invasion force?”
“I have two recommendations,” Sonny began. “First, you should see that a chain of trusted individuals is well versed in communicating with the natives, so they can parley with them in your stead when Atlantis has gone. Second, we should make it as plain as possible to the Te’Hat that we are foremost a scientific colony. Our primary goal is to study the planet and its inhabitants. We will remain here for approximately ten years, then we can decide what is best.”
“That is very reasonable,” Levi replied. “The best part is that it is the truth. This cannot be a permanent home for us until we are sure we can coexist with the Te’Hat peacefully. We need to make sure sufficient authority is left behind so the other colonists won’t forget why we are here. We will proceed with this course. Thank you for your input.”
“You are welcome, anytime.” Alice smiled.
Nearly at Major Patel’s apartment, Levi thought about all the decisions he still had to make, and remembered what Chairman Rocha had said to him earlier: that living through history was not as romantic as studying it from afar.
SEVEN
The Carrot
Six months had seen many things play out. Most importantly, the atmosphere finally checked out as clean. Corporal Harris, no worse for the wear, had been released. He never did contract any detectable effects of the exposure. In fact, he was the principal reason the air received the green light, since Medical had had a guinea pig for most of this time. The ships that were staying had been repaired and had received extra shielding against the stronger magnetic field of Searth. The ships that were leaving (Atlantis and the Wanderer) didn’t get additional shielding but had been repaired and topped off with fuel for the return trip to Earth. The mining bases on both moons were self-sufficient and doing well, obtaining raw materials for their needs. Levi had groomed a group of military diplomats to assume authority over the colonists and work with the Te’Hat.
Contact with the Te’Hat had been working out well. There had been additional interactions with the Mat’Ma and Melon. Only the Elders were telepathic, and could communicate with the humans, and it had been decided by the Te'Hat that small groups led by an Elder could voluntarily approach a human for interaction. Sonny had decoded the Te’Hat language, but Sonny and Alice were the only ones who could speak it. The Te’Hat had a feeling of loyalty and duty which the humans shared and could relate to, but other customs and parts of their culture were a complete mystery. They were a close-knit culture for which "clan" was very descriptive.
When a race lives underground, it is by necessity an interdependent group. Levi noted the Te’Hat had many hive-like properties. He saw how they cooperated and helped one another. They were not a technological species, but the way they worked together on a goal was impressive. And, although they still retained speech, it was not the principal mode of communication. Levi often thought about how it might be if every human became enhanced. One wouldn’t be telepathic in the strict sense, but the communication of one’s thoughts to another without speech was close enough, even though it would be mechanically aided. If humans had the equivalent communal oneness, no telling what could be accomplished.
In the last meeting with the Council, a timetable had been set for Atlantis to return to their home star. In less than a month Atlantis and the Wanderer would leave this system, while the colonists continued to study the planet and the Te’Hat. The scientists had studied Te’Hat biology enough that they felt confident their kind would be all right breathing Earth air in the domes. However, for now the Te'Hat continued to ride around in the containers. The colony's timetable had been conveyed to the Te’Hat through the representatives of the Sce’Rood clan. They understood about going back to the home planet to save clan members, and they wished the crews of the Atlantis and the Wanderer well.
Since the countdown commenced, everyone had gone into high gear to prepare for launch. Admiral Johnson and the Council would stay behind to help manage and provide support for the colonists. But mostly, to ensure no funny business occurred while the captain was away. Captain Metcalfe’s
mission was a simple rescue operation and to tie up any loose ends.
Levi and the other captains were having a meeting in his apartment aboard the Atlantis. This was the third session in as many weeks to ensure that objectives were shared and supported. He also took the opportunity to bring up an old question.
“My friends,” Levi began. “Seven months ago, I put a question to the three of you. You were unsure of an answer then, and I let it percolate for a time. I feel I must ask again while there is time before I leave.”
“You’re talking about this E-human business,” Captain Gunter Schmidt from the Valiant said flatly.
“Yes, I am, Gunter,” Levi replied. “I know I gave you several reasons you should become enhanced, but I will give you one more. The Te’Hat. They are telepathic, and by becoming enhanced you will have a better understanding of their culture.”
“The situation has not changed for my people,” Gunter responded.
Bill Collier from the Wanderer had a funny look on his face. “I have thought about it. And although it scares the bejesus out of me, I’m in.”
Levi regarded the other three captains. “I know this procedure has an adjustment curve which I’m sure is dependent on the person. Sonny assures me the procedure will work for nearly everyone."
“Nearly!” Bill’s face changed again.
“You would have to be qualified by Sonny first, of course.” Levi tried to restore calm.
Captain Williams had reservations. “If I do this, will we be able to stay in touch? I mean, I am up for the task. As you know, I was next in line for this procedure if you failed.”
“To answer your question, David,” Levi said, “no, we will be out of touch as any speed-of-light signal would be. Let me ask you a question. You’ve known me the longest of anyone here. Have I changed since I was enhanced?”
David regarded the question. “Yes, you have. You have matured a bit. I suspect it is because of the job you are doing and not because you are an E-human.”
“But not changed fundamentally?”
“No,” David said, reading the captain’s face.
“Being an E-human does not erase who you are,” Levi continued, “it enhances your functions. It's like being suspicious about the idea of the simple machines and the magical way they increase your strength to lift objects and help move heavy things. I am unsure where this step will lead us, but I believe it is a step we need to take. Remember how in human history simple machines fundamentally changed everything we did from that time forward? We may be a witness to a similar period in time!”
Gunter asked, “Would Captain Williams be able to communicate with me?”
“Yes, Gunter, it would be like the implant except it will be crazy faster. Very useful in an emergency. Getting information from your shipboard A.I. will be nearly instantaneous. Sonny will teach you security protocols, and before I go I can help you with other acclimating advice from my experiences.”
“Well,” said Gunter, “our resistance to this is ideological and not religious in nature. If you think enhancement will make a difference, I suppose it could come in handy.”
Levi regarded the others. “I believe that in our business, any advantage could make the difference between life and death. What about the rest of you fellas?”
The other two solemnly nodded their heads. “Good,” Levi said. “Arrange this with Sonny as soon as possible, so at least Sonny and I can help you over the worst of it before we leave--and before you change your minds.”
The hangdog captains appeared as though someone had pronounced them with a terminal disease. They all took a long pull from their drink of choice. Shortly afterwards, they excused themselves and left Captain Metcalfe’s apartment. Alone once more, Levi wished they would have come to this decision naturally and not had their arms twisted, but it was for the greater good.
True to their word, the next morning all three of them had the procedure done. Levi decided not to contact them until the next day, to give them a chance to settle down and take instructions from Sonny. Sonny had practiced on Levi. These three transitions should be somewhat smoother. He hadn't become aware of any catastrophe so far. It was a good sign. That reminded him of something.
“Sonny, what is the status of our new inductees?”
“The three procedures were executed flawlessly. The 'bots are in good health and are performing their function as designed.”
“That’s fine,” Levi said impatiently. “But how are the patients responding?”
“The results vary. Captain Collier is having more trouble with the virtual experience. Captain Williams is fairing the best but is having procedural problems with Security and Housekeeping. Captain Schmidt is having the most problems psychologically. He is finding it harder integrating the flow of information and memory improvement. They are all asking for you.”
Levi stroked his chin. “I expected this. I wanted to get a sense of their problems before I visited. By the way, I never had a neighbor before. Calling out to you, I have constant connection. How do I reach out to another enhanced person?”
“Well,” said Sonny, “It goes a little like this…”
Meanwhile, Captain David Williams had been delivered back to his apartment. He was both tired and excited. He could feel the 'bots coursing through him. The instructions from Sonny still blew his mind. He struggled to assimilate it. It was more information than he had ever received in one sitting; he could clearly remember all of it like a recording he could play back anytime. A knock at the door in his mind distracted him from his thoughts. It didn’t sound like Sonny. “Who is it?” He spoke out loud.
“It’s your grandma, silly!”
“My grandma!” He walked up to the virtual door. “Who is this really? Is it you, Levi?”
“How would you know! I was your grandma a second ago.”
Data strings flashed across his mind, telling him unequivocally that Levi waited on the other side.
“Come in, friend Levi!” David said enthusiastically.
“Sonny wasn’t kidding about your security. What is your failure rate?”
“About thirty-four point two percent of the time Sonny tricks me.”
“A third, eh? Don’t get too discouraged. Sonny will keep testing you. There are only the four of us. I feel sorrier for enhanced people down the road when millions of minds will be zipping around out there in virtual space. If someone had nefarious motives, they could invade your mind. I can’t even imagine what that’s like. At this point in time, though, your risk of being taken advantage of is minuscule.”
“Yes, I know. Sonny explained it to me.” David looked a little defeated. “It is not like I forget, because I can’t. But my issue is more about getting comfortable with my new surroundings. I am just not used to this!”
“I know. I was disoriented like this for two days. Remember, time is different for you now. A couple of days is like years for our mortal brothers.”
“And that’s another thing. You never said we would be immortal! I’m still wrapping my head around that!”
Levi gave him a sympathetic smile. “You need time for things to settle. It is like learning how to ride a horse. You fall off a couple of times, but you get up and get back on. Afterward, when you’re riding like a pro, you can’t imagine traveling any other way. You’ll get it. And I will be glad for the company.”
Knock. Knock.
David looked at Levi.
“Don’t look at me, David. I’m just a visitor!”
Captain Williams went to the virtual door again. “Who is it?”
“It’s Grandpa Joe, David!”
“That’s not funny, Sonny.” He opened the door only to find it wasn’t Sonny, but Alice. She walked right up to David and slapped him across the face. He stood there, stunned. Levi was shocked as well. “What? Why did you do that?”
“I hope the shock will sink into you, what will happen to you if you do not take precautions. If I invaded your mind, a slap would be nothing compare
d to what someone could do while ransacking it! Hello, Levi.”
He had not been dressed down like this since his cadet days. Feeling discouraged, David threw his arms out in frustration. “One of my problems is that this is so real! I am comfortable in my apartment on Earth, so my guard is down when there is a knock on my door. Am I supposed to be paranoid about opening my own 'door' now, like back on Earth?”
Alice smiled at David. “The short answer is, no. However, look at it this way. It is like living inside the nicest vault you ever saw. A vault protects what is inside it. All vaults have a passcode to enter. You wouldn’t leave the door to your vault standing wide open, would you? Even if you trust everybody, you wouldn’t want anyone to just peep in either. But in this case, you are the security system! Sonny and I will teach you how to set up cryptographically safe systems and how to keep a watch on your perimeter. We have already taught you the basics, and we will test you from time to time to teach you other lessons like this one.”
Levi nodded. “An intruder will first check out your perimeter for weaknesses, like burglars breaking into a house. They may also try to trick their way in. In the beginning, Sonny and Alice continuously checked my perimeter in a game of hide and seek. They would skulk around my perimeter and I would try to detect them. In this way, they strengthened my security measures. As time goes on, you will get stronger and smarter too.”
“I hope so,” David said.
Alice smiled. “You will. Levi failed four thousand, eight hundred, and thirty-six times in the first two months.”
“That many, eh?” David smiled back, a wicked grin.
Levi blinked. “I’ve never heard that statistic,”
The Journey of Atlantis: The Children of Earth Page 8
