Of course one must be careful as to what you desired for subject material. It was all too clear that the main frame kept track of your subject material. For example, Ginny had heard a rumor that there was some labor unrest on planet Darious. It would be a red flag if she desired some economic information about Darious when her subject area was literature as regards nature. It was kind of frustrating that one did not know what to ask about or what not to ask about.
Her friend Dot was so wrapped up in what she was doing that it appeared she could care less what was going on around her. However, Ginny knew full well she was not the sole curious brain on this planet or any other planet for that matter. Oh how she wished Harry would hurry and join her.
Sometimes what you wish for does come true. It was just two rest periods and one work period that separated Ginny for her reunion with Harry. Instead of AZ or BZ bringing Harry to meet his wife, it was a council trainee wearing a purple robe. They found Ginny at the fountain enjoying some down time. She jumped up upon seeing Harry. He looked over thirty years younger. He had a full head of black hair and a smile that always melted her heart.
She said, "My dear husband. It's so wonderful you're here with us now. I know this is strange and very different, but we are happy and productive in our lives here on this planet."
"I've not mastered the use of my new body yet. It does seem to go where I want to though. As for the telepathy, I'm happy to not put forth the effort of speech. May I say my dear you look lovely. I think we need a second honeymoon!"
She rushed into his arms and both held the hug. They were silently whispering tender fragments of love words to each other. The both heard the council trainee say he was leaving and that Harry's AI would help him navigate. He also said a larger bed was installed in VWs room. That solved a question that did not need asking at that point.
Ginny said, "Let's go to our room Harry. I'll lead the way and while we're going let me introduce my AI. Her name is Jan. She's heard every word we have thought between us. Don't worry my love, she is my dear friend. You'll need to give your AI a name as well."
"Right now I want to sit down and talk to you about everything we've missed since you departed earth."
"Here we are. You just stick your index finger in the slot and the door slides open." The slide silently open and they stepped in. "It's not like our home on Greenlake, but I've found it quite comfortable. How would you like a cup of coffee my dear?"
"I'd love one but with a robot body, how's that possible."
She laughed and said, "My dear the technology here will astound you. These bodies we have are simply unbelievable. When you drink a cup of coffee or anything for that matter, it's recycled and distributed through tiny holes, like pores on humans, into the air. There's one thing we can't do and that is eat bulk foods. I haven't missed eating at all and rarely think about it anymore."
"Andy sends his love and I must tell you about what happened after I published the first of two installments about our contact on Mt. Rainier. First they called me a crackpot and then when I suggested they exhume your body to check for brain; well, things changed quickly after that. The readers and media hung on ever word I wrote or said. Finally I asked to have my head opened at my autopsy to see if I had a brain or not. Well, I can imagine the state of things back home about now."
Ginny sat thinking for a minute and then said, "Harry why now are the aliens revealing their presence? They’ve been there since man stood up and beat his chest. The only reason I can think of is our high rate of technology in the past two centuries."
"I've no idea myself, but when we get an opportunity, let's ask someone. By the way who runs the joint," he joked.
"There are governed by a council of five. They all wear maroon robes. Each of us has our colored robe of subject we are studying. Mine and yours are yellow for literature. We've a separate college of sorts that we do our work in. Also we only use of initials for names. I'm VW and you're HW. Jan is my AI and you'll have to give your AI a name. I gave Jan my good friend's name of many years ago."
"I'll ask my AI if he will accept the name of Andy. Andy was a dear friend to the last my dear. I saw tears flowing from his eyes at the end. Anyway, just a minute and I'll be right back."
-8-
"Are we any closer discovering how the Hedon's got wind of the labor movement," asked EZ.
EZ looked around at the other four members of the council seeing nothing on their stoic faces to show some new information on the subject. He shook his head.
AZ said, "We think it came from a mistake by an AI who resides in John Keynes the noted British economist. We also think it was a harmless mistake that was picked up by another high ranking member of our staff there. Our staff member wondered out loud what a labor union was. We're not at the end of our investigation, but we don't see any conspiracy at this point."
"Do we have another source of chemical similar to the ones we get from Hedon anywhere tributary to our manifesting facility?"
"I checked in on that end of things," said AB. We do have an alternate source, but we need trained labor to work the mines. I suggest we take about twenty of Hedons' workers' to train the new labor pool."
"See that it's done and shut down the mines on Hedon. Let the residents suffer for awhile, but remember, to make an economy function properly; we need a middle class of skilled workers who spend money. One other thing, it would appear that Keynes' AI is faulty. He needs a new updated model," said AZ.
AZ and BZ walked out together talking to each other. AZ said, "You know this is the first time we've had such an anomaly take place in over a million years. We can't have this happen again. The word will leak out of Hebron that the mines have shut down. That could impact our structure over time. I've thought about suggesting we have a forum to address questions from our acquired brain pool. What do you think?"
BZ said, "I doubt that would be a good idea because once you open the box there's no end to the questions. Humans and other life forms are curious by nature, just like we are. Without being curious we don't learn as much. I think we need to diversify our brain pool. For example, take a few thousand humans and give them their own planet to run; of course with us as overseer. The universe is so huge that we can be the sole suppliers of transportation to and from planets. It's a thought and you think about it."
"Let's do some map searching and come up with a plan. I like the idea. I think we also need to do an investigation into our robot making. For example, if one of our human cyborgs goes rampant, we should have a shut down chip in the brain. Not to kill, but just to stop moving or thinking."
"Let's go visit our designers and see what is new on their drawing board. But first let's see how Harry and his wife are doing. Afterwards we can find a suitable planet for relocation. You know AZ; it's been a long time since we made any new advances and have become complacent. We've gotten so big that we need more diversified council members. A small example might be that with the planet Earth. They're about to colonize the planet Mars. That would require many robots to help in an atmosphere vacant of oxygen. I thought that was the reason we allowed Harry Watersfield to broadcast our existence."
"It was that reason we did bring Earthlings into our confidence. We need to keep them on the hook, to quote an English expression," said AZ as they went to a lower level where a schematic in 3D was visible of the known Universe."
~~~~~
Ginny and Harry, along with Dot were admiring the library. Ginny felt free to speak, but was still cautious in front of another human brain. Increasingly for her an uneasy feeling was always with her. This place was too good and usually if something is too wonderful or good, there's always a reason for being wary. She had always been called a pessimist, but most always she was right. Being an optimist is not bad and in a lot of circumstances it helps people make it through a tough day. In the case of living here under these conditions where there is nothing to fear, nothing to worry about, no danger that she knew of, and work was pleasurable to say t
he least, was a case of being too good to be true.
Harry asked her, "Ginny, are we safe with our thoughts in the library?"
"I think so Harry. Jan checked it out and we think we're safe in expressing our thoughts or concerns without the council becoming aware of our thoughts. However, we'd be remiss to not think that the council is unaware of our curiosity. With Thomas More being the most known of the utopian authors here on this very planet, it's been pretty much accepted that utopia doesn't exist. So would be evident that our hosts are portraying this civilization as utopian. Could it be that they're so evolved that an actual utopia culture can exist?"
"I don't think we've been here long enough Ginny to make an educational judgment upon this alien race. Although it's not a bad idea to keep an ear to the ground and eyes that are all seeing? How about we look for a recent book by Thomas More and see what he has to say in the 21st century."
Surprisingly they did find a new edition or a sequel to his famous novel: "Utopia" written back in 1516. His new book is titled: "Utopia Revisited." Both Harry and Ginny, along with Dot had read the original novel while in college.
Dot said, "I've never given it much thought about this being a utopian society, but now that you bring it to light, I'll be curious as to what he has to say after five hundred years."
"Well, let's take a walk through that beautiful Arboretum. Harry loves flowers and he'll love this place," said Ginny leaving the library with a book that was to become very instrumental of things to come.
"Ah here you are," said AZ as he held out his hand to shake the hand of Harry Watersfield. "We're sorry we didn't greet you properly upon arrival. Some matters of council business preoccupied us. Well now, how are you enjoying your reunion with your wife and enjoying our hospitality."
"Very well AZ and BZ. It's taken some getting used to but I'm quick to adjust. It's just wonderful I'm back with my wife. Also, you've created quite a stir back home on Earth. But I must say, for the most part, you've been accepted very well. I am wondering why you picked this time to reveal an alien life form to Earthlings."
"Earth is exploring outer space. Soon they will set up a colony on Mars. With the expansion, nations will have to work together instead of fighting each other. There're minerals on Mars and on the moon too. We can set up a trade with other planets to relieve the stress on Earth's environment. With the pressure of overpopulation climate change and other factors, Earth will heal itself and be a wonderful place to live."
"I like the sounds of that," said Harry. By the way you've a lovely arboretum with even more lovely plants. It will take some time to become familiar with the names of some of them. Is it possible to see some in the wild or in nature somewhere?"
"On special occasions we have field trips and the answer is yes. Like when we first visited you on the mountain, we've such things here and elsewhere."
"I thank you for that luxury. I've a lot to learn and it would appear a lot of time to do just that. Do you have anything special you'd like from me," asked Harry.
"Nothing special HW. Just keep adding to our information stockpile of knowledge. In your past life, money was power and second to money in power was knowledge. Here we place knowledge as power for all and not just a few. Now, you must excuse us as we've some business to take care of."
They watched the two council members leave and Harry said, "Well you must show me to my work station. I'm a little anxious to see what this high power civilization has to offer above and beyond our past level."
-9-
EZ was addressing the other two council members. He said, "I think both AZ and BZ are on the right track. We've become lazy and complacent. It might be time for us to have a junior council under us to take some of the workload off. What do you think about that idea?"
DZ spoke up saying, "I agree and what if we had junior council member from another civilization?"
"Now that would take some deep thinking on our part; not to mention discussion. We've a melting pot of civilizations with us and it keeps growing. I think we need to consider all the assets and limitations it will have on our structure," said CZ.
"Meanwhile, let's continue our last proposals and inform AZ and BZ that yes, indeed, let them evaluate our robotics. Also the idea of a human cyborgs planet is a good idea. Let's also have them continue with some deep research to that end, said EZ.
"We need someone on the planet Earth to help make their transposition to Mars and on to other planets in their solar system. I'm suggesting we take our two recent arrivals, the Harry Watersfields on a whirlwind tour of our solar system to give them an idea what we have. If we showed them all of our holdings, it would overwhelm them. Let's keep it simple and also inform them of our idea of a human cyborgs planet," said DZ.
"Also, when they go, we should send about ten robots to build a mockup of what we will have on planet Mars. However, we should be careful of too much technology at one time. My thinking is after a mockup is constructed, we take some of their scientists and engineers to Mars. We can have a large work force of robots at work on Mars building a colony complete with food growing abilities," said CZ.
"Let's leave it there for now. We've each a lot of thinking to do. Let's meet back here at the same time next day. By then AZ and BZ will be back from their little jaunt to the robot factory. Also we need a report on how the labor problem is being solved on Hedon," said EZ.
On a small transport ship, AZ and BZ were approaching a neighboring planet where robots and heads for future use were made. This sterile facility housed some of the best minds of Virtue. One of the hardest to master was nerve endings to simulate sensitive actions, such as feel, and all other facets of emotions connected by nerve endings. That portion of construction was separate of a factory making robots as workers. Each was programmed for a certain job. Virtuians were always prepared for just such a time as many might be needed at a moment's notice. Therefore, thousands were stored in warehouses just waiting to be activated.
They were greeted upon arrival by the chief of scientists. His thoughts were heard wondering why two council members were visiting his facilities. AZ said, "Not to worry why we're here. We only come to hear what is being developed for the future. At our last tour you mentioned that the new models of cyborgs would have almost identical senses as humans and other civilizations. We'd like to hear how that is progressing."
"Yes indeed we are testing prototypes as we speak. So far our testing has been very successful. We chose six humans randomly and six other civilizations that are similar. All report almost identical sensations as their previous lives; and that includes the act of reproduction. As a matter of fact, we took the liberty of installing two chips in your recent arrival of husband and wife. A Harry and Virginia Watersfield. All you have to do is activate the chip and they're in business. I sent a currier with that information a short time ago."
"We've been busy and now can we talk to some of the subjects you mentioned?"
"Of course, follow me to the lab. We'll have your subjects in short order. While we are getting ready let me tell you about what we're working on now. But first let's see the subjects and then we'll discuss a super secret idea we've invented."
At the testing lab, AZ said to the human subject, "Tell me about your senses of feeling and what your emotions were like when you discovered a new sense of touch?
"It was just like when we had our old bodies back. This feels great and thank you for all the things you've done for us."
They left the subjects to their own devices. They followed the lead scientist to an elevator. It went down and stopped where it was set to let the three riders off. From there they went around a circular hall way to a set of doors guarded by two robots. From the back of their necks each pulled out a chip. The chips were placed in the door where a row of five slots either let the door open or not. In this case the door slid open and all three entered.
Apparently they were expected as an underling stood waiting. He gave the three a bow and they followed him to a
special arena. The seating was above the arena about ten meters. They sat down while the lead scientist said, "We need to pretend here council members. Let's think of this round room as a planet. What we're going to do is put a cloaked energy field over the top of the planet. The planet's magnetic field will keep it in place. From above the energy field we'll insert a stimulus energy source into the field below. That will trigger a billion or rays of energy onto the surface. That energy source has the potential to render any and all life unconscious for as long as the source is turned on. After it is turned off, they life forms will slowly return to normal. By that time our forces will have taken over the planet. Oh, by the way this also works on robots and cyborgs. Now let me demonstrate."
They watched as subjects ringed the arena and were spaced evenly from outside to inside. He said, now we are going to lower a shield between us and them. First you'll see a yellowish glow and then it will turn violently orange. In our test we'll only leave it on for a few minutes. Are you ready council members?"
They eagerly watched the demonstration and it worked just like he said it would. A short time later they were congratulating him and saying they would take the video back to the council chambers.
AZ said, "I think if we used it we'd occupy the leaders structure and hold them hostage. You're sure LS that this energy source will penetrate underground?"
We're not aware of any structure in the universe that is absolutely sealed one-hundred percent. Even if there is a tiny access the source will find it and enter. Besides if we hold the high ground, anything below will be in trouble eventually."
"You must keep this top secret. If the Breccia learns about this weapon they might attack before we can deploy it."
Campers Dream Part Two Page 3
