by Nathan Jones
They'd occupied their own planet for thousands of years, a stubborn foothold against the increasingly popular dispersion model of the AI caretakers that focused on separating humans onto their own fully outfitted estates to live with companions.
The restorationist movement had been among the last humans to adopt it.
Tycho was more interested in hearing about how the Galveri had lived together than about their art, but he didn't have the heart to interrupt Callista's enthusiastic speech to ask. He resolved to look it up on the allnet later.
The woman moved on from the amphora before long, nearly running from one exhibit to another and rushing to describe the various pieces in her collection. They left the Galveri artwork behind and entered a section filled with unreal geometric shapes displayed by old holographic technology, much of which was probably worthy of display in its own right.
And from there they wove between long displays of dazzlingly colored ion flows encased in energy fields. And on, and on. The esoteric movement encompassed a dizzying array of artwork, the only criteria for that classification seeming to be how limited their interest or comprehension among the general public would be.
One of the few pieces Tycho thought he might actually understand was a perfect representation of the known universe etched on the inside of a sphere of clear quartz the size of his fist. Tycho spent a minute or so peering closely at the tiny galaxy clusters, which were so small he would've assumed they were simple bubbles in the stone if the small descriptive plaque wasn't there.
“Do you have a magnifying device so I can look at the finer details?” he asked.
Callista just laughed. “That's the entire point, my dear.”
Whatever that meant. She refused to provide a device, too. And her explanation of her own interpretation of the piece, that being that from within the universe it was so vast and incomprehensible that it was impossible to view it clearly, let alone objectively, didn't make too much sense either.
He supposed that's why the artistic style was called esoteric. He'd never been a fan of it before now, and he honestly had to say that his tour of her collection didn't do much for his appreciation.
He did appreciate Callista herself, though. Her mannerisms were so different from Eva that she was fun to observe and talk to. At times she seemed mysterious and worldly, delighting in flustering him, and then she would show an almost childlike enthusiasm at other times, especially while showing off the art she loved most or that she'd had the most difficulty acquiring.
As it turned out the silvery-haired woman hadn't personally gathered her entire collection, though, or even most of it. She explained that her family had been collecting art for hundreds of generations, with parents passing down their collections to their children as a means of encouraging them to begin their own collecting.
Callista was fortunate, if you could call it that, to be an only child on a rather dead branch of her family tree; as older childless aunts, cousins, and other relatives had passed on they'd funneled everything to her. Her own father had been ancient when he sired her, similar to Tycho's situation with his dad, and had passed on recently and nearly doubled her collection.
“He had absolutely hideous taste,” she said, fondly running her finger along a glass display case that protected nothing as far as Tycho could see, but according to a small descriptive plate was a complete set of almost microscopic jewelry made from the material of a neutron star held in containment fields to give them shape. Altogether the set was heavy enough that it produced an imperceptible gravitational pull and required insanely reinforced supports beneath the floor to hold.
The silvery-haired woman moved to another display, this one also apparently empty, that touted a particle-antiparticle pair that had been captured in the moment of their creation while on the verge of joining and annihilating each other once again, and were now held within a strong energy field that kept them forever in the moment of collision.
“His pieces are all about flouting natural laws and toying with the material that makes up the universe,” she continued. “The triumph of mankind over our limitations, as he interpreted them. Not my particular taste, but he was very enthusiastic about them in his time. He'd often call me in the middle of the night to show me a new piece he'd heard about or managed to acquire.”
Her fingers trailing across the display case paused for a moment, and she stared at nothing with a nostalgic smile teasing her thin lips. “That's why I love this art so, because it's so genuinely him. I can appreciate it even though I don't appreciate it, if that makes any sense.”
“He seems a lot different from my dad,” Tycho observed. “I would've liked to meet him.”
Callista's smile turned sad. “Probably not. He was a renowned recluse . . . barely even interacted with people on the allnet, and loathed face-to-faces.”
“More like my mother, then.” A slightly uncomfortable silence settled between them as they continued through the exhibits. His host seemed lost in her own memories, few of them happy, and Tycho eventually cleared his throat and waved to the nearest art pieces. “I couldn't help but notice that your father's taste ran towards, well, art that can't be seen, with no way to be sure it's even there.”
He was afraid she'd take offense, but the silvery-haired woman just laughed lightly. “Like I said earlier, that's the entire point. This art is all about trying to picture how things that can't be observed might represent themselves to our senses. A challenge to excite our imaginations. If I actually kept instruments available to observe the phenomena it would be anticlimactic, even mundane.”
“Then why go to the trouble of even creating genuine pieces, rather than just describing what we can't see anyway?”
Callista finally showed a bit of annoyance. “Because it's art. The reality is there, same as it is out in the universe. We can't see it but we can imagine it, and what's most important is not what's actually out there but how it influences us. How we think and feel about it.”
Tycho shook his head apologetically. “I'm afraid esoteric art is all a bit over my head.”
She quickly regained her good humor, even going so far as to laugh again. “That's also sort of the point.” She looped her arm through his, guiding him towards the nearest exit. “I'll just have to educate you in the finer points of art appreciation. But until then why don't we eat our steaks before they turn to leather, then continue our tour of the house?”
He tried not to show too much eagerness at that suggestion. Not only because the trip here had given him a healthy appetite but because he was relieved to leave the long meandering art hall with its obtuse exhibits behind.
After escaping the purgatory of Callista's art exhibits they followed as Bruce led the way up a lift to the top floor of an adjacent tower, to Callista's preferred dining room. It was a tastefully arranged alcove that was obviously meant for just one, with windows on all sides showing dramatic views of her estate.
His host apologized for the cramped conditions as she squeezed in beside him at the small table, seeming less embarrassed than she should've been. Which was reasonable enough since Tycho felt plenty of embarrassment for the both of them at the beautiful woman's proximity. This close he caught a faint hint of her perfume, a subtle but intoxicating scent that he found incredibly appealing.
The steaks were excellent, well aged and seasoned and cooked to perfection, and the whipped potatoes were light and buttery and seasoned to complement the meat. No less than Tycho would've expected from a companion's cooking.
In his opinion the wine was sub par, although he didn't have the heart to tell Callista that since she'd made it on her own estate and was so proud of it.
After breakfast, or maybe lunch, Callista led them back out to her estate to spend more time with Lady, who seemed relieved to be reunited with Tycho. Together they followed the silvery-haired woman as she led them on a tour of her grounds, weaving through hedge mazes and pausing at secluded topiary that seemed romantically inclined.
The hours passed pleasantly in Callista's company, until finally Tycho admitted that the different hours on his own planet were catching up to him and it was well past his usual bedtime. Callista seemed disappointed to see him go, wanting more time together even though they'd spent half a day already in companionable interaction.
She gave Tycho a last hug to see him off, pressing her body to his as if to remind him of what he'd insisted on turning his nose up at for this visit.
“Thank you for inviting me,” he said as he reluctantly stepped onto the ramp of his ship.
“Sure you don't want to stay the night?” Callista invited. “Or the day here, I suppose.”
Tycho did his best to smile at the offer, trying not to show how it tempted him. “On my next visit, maybe.”
“I hope it's soon.” She stooped to give Lady a last hug and affectionate kiss on the snout. “And you, my darling,” she cooed. “I think you've just about convinced me I really should get my own living pet.” She patted the mastiff's muscled shoulder. “Maybe something a bit smaller.”
Lady whined a sorrowful goodbye as Tycho led her up the ramp to the ship, Callista and her companions waving in farewell behind them. He waved back as he raised the ramp in preparation for departure.
He turned to find Eva waiting with a microscopic analyzer. “Did you enjoy your visit with Miss Ensom?” she asked as she began scanning him.
Tycho grinned at her, buoyed by the fact that he very much had. “Isn't it a bit gauche to be asking me that while checking for any diseases she spread to me?” he joked.
His companion raised one pale eyebrow. “Would you rather contract one of those diseases?” He just smiled wider in response as she continued. “Anyway you know it's not just her. Contact with anything on another planet requires a scan for possible native pathogens. This entire ship will need to be decontaminated along with you.” She paused. “Although Miss Ensom would be your primary source for any infectious agents. Especially if you shared any . . . physical contact.”
“We didn't, at least not the way you mean.” He grimaced as she sprayed a microbial neutralizing spray into his mouth, then led him through the ship's cleansing field. “I plan to see her again, maybe often. Will I ever get to the point where I can skip the decontamination process?”
Eva shrugged. “If you decide to live on Rykos 5, or she decides to move to Helios 4, sure.” She patted his shoulder. “If this bothers you so much then you probably won't want to consider the fact that Miss Ensom is likely at this very moment also being thoroughly scanned and decontaminated from her contact with you.”
Tycho grimaced. “I didn't, so glad you brought it up. Finished?”
“All done.” She took his hand and led him into his stateroom. “Let's go home.”
One of the first things Tycho did once Pilot had the ship en route back to Helios 4 was initiate a partial immersion into the allnet. “Begin an ongoing search query,” he told the net's AI. “Anyone willing to meet in person for purposes of socializing that does not involve sex or procreation.”
The order given, he made his way from the couch to where Eva lounged on the bed. With a contented sigh he sprawled across the foot of it and rested his head on her lap, staring up at her. “Do you think there might be others like her?” he asked.
His companion ran her fingers through his hair, gently massaging his scalp. “Do you want there to be?” she asked. “You seem happy with finding Miss Ensom.”
“Yes. And I do hope to see her again.” Tycho closed his eyes and enjoyed the massage. “She was different than I expected, especially once I got to know her. It was an exhilarating, terrifying experience, knowing I might mess it up at any time and she might not just ignore an offense the way a companion would.”
“The thrill of the hunt?” Eva suggested.
Tycho snorted. “More like the realization that it's not really satisfying to succeed when you can't fail.” He opened his eyes and looked up at her. “No offense.”
“I couldn't possibly take offense,” she replied wryly. Her hands made their way down to his shoulders, kneading the tension from his muscles. “It's good to see you happy.”
“I am,” Tycho agreed with a satisfied sigh, leaning back and letting her work. “Although it's a good thing you're here for me. I'm not sure I could've kept to my resolution about no intimacy otherwise.”
“I'm happy I'm here for you then, since you decided Miss Ensom wasn't a suitable partner,” Eva murmured.
“Not unsuitable,” Tycho corrected firmly. “I would say she's very, very suitable. Just . . . not the right timing for it. If that makes any sense.”
“I'm sure it does to you,” she said gently. “Maybe next time?”
“Absolutely. At least if it's the right time for her.”
“I'm sure it'll go well. I might even suggest that waiting on your intimacy with Miss Ensom has served to further arouse her interest.”
“I hope so.” Tycho shifted around on the bed so he could hold his companion close, torn between contentment and a melancholy sort of heartache. “I love you, Eva,” he whispered, surprising himself. He genuinely meant it, of course, even though he knew it was irrational since she wasn't real and couldn't love him back.
But that didn't change the way his mind worked, or his heart for that matter.
“I know,” Eva murmured back, holding him gently. “I just wish you were satisfied with what I have to offer. Things would be so much simpler for you then.”
He kissed her neck. “Maybe I am.”
“No.” She gave him with a sad smile. “You're searching for more, and perhaps Miss Ensom holds the answer to what you lack. I wouldn't dream of standing in the way of that. After all, I'm simply a replacement for human companionship.”
Chapter Six
Adrenaline
Waiting call: Leanni Boralene, Helios 4.
Tycho blinked blearily at his display. Well no wonder Eva had considered this important enough to wake him, even though it had only been a few hours since he'd crashed into bed following his return from visiting Callista.
His mother, initiating an unplanned call? Had that happened since, well, ever? Their arranged face-to-face wasn't until tomorrow, and although Leanni regularly rescheduled those it was always to push the date back, not forward.
“I've alerted Maurice you need a few minutes to compose yourself,” Eva said, handing him a glass of water.
Tycho made a dissenting noise as he drank deeply, then set the glass aside and reached for his shirt. “She might change her mind if I keep her waiting,” he said as he pulled it on. “Put her through now.”
Moments later Leanni's main patio appeared on his display, his mother reclined in a sunning chair wearing a robe, a sunhat, and sunglasses, with the remains of her breakfast sitting on a table beside her.
His mother still looked youthful at 82, tall and slender with brown hair and blue eyes. As usual she had a slightly nervous, fidgety air about her, especially when she took in Tycho's disheveled appearance. “Still abed at this time of morning?” she asked. “I didn't interrupt you and Eva at anything, did I?”
He shook his head, still trying to clear his muddled thoughts. “Late night,” he mumbled.
“Right, right. Maurice mentioned your visit to Rykos 5 lasted a long time.” Her lips thinned. “You must've enjoyed yourself, since immediately afterwards you announced on the allnet you were looking for more people to visit.”
Tycho did his best not to react to her tone. “Something wrong with that?”
“I don't know. Were you so disappointed that I postponed letting you visit me in person that you went shopping around for other opportunities? Some sort of tantrum?”
He grit his teeth. “Not at all. I just wanted to see what other humans are like. Trying to make real friendships. Why would you have a problem with that?”
“It's just a bit unexpected is all, honey,” his mother said, tapping her foot. It was a nervous gesture she fell back on when she felt deepl
y uncomfortable, which given her temperament and feelings about face-to-faces meant he saw it a lot.
“I mean you go on your excursion, fine,” she continued. “And it's perfectly understandable you'd be shaken after what happened on it. But in the few days before we were scheduled to talk I find you suddenly throwing out invitations to meet complete strangers in person for socializing. Then you're going off chasing intimate encounters with fetishists you've never even spoken to before, and-”
“Callista and I didn't have an intimate encounter,” Tycho interrupted, annoyed. “We just had a nice visit and talked. She took me on a tour of her estate.”
“Well that's good,” Leanni said doubtfully, as if she wasn't sure she believed him. “I'll admit I was a bit worried about what exactly you were getting into. Especially when Eva told me you were bringing that dog of yours along for a fling with a fetishist.”
“Mother!” he chided uncomfortably at the outrageous implication. “Callista wanted to meet a living animal. She's considering getting her own pet.”
“Oh stars above, I hope you're not singlehandedly reviving the Neo Remembrance,” Leanni exclaimed.
He continued stubbornly. “And how is it a fetish to want to have normal intimacy with real humans, anyway?”
“Because of what it suggests about your mental state. You're young still for some sort of midlife crisis, but you might be trying to deal with the trauma of what happened on your excursion by exercising in some . . . injudicious behavior. You should have a long counseling session with Eva or Loran about the experience to help you get past it.”
“It's not about that at all.” Tycho sighed. “This is one of the reasons I asked to speak with you, Mother, face-to-face if you weren't up to in person.”
Leanni leaned back on her chair, looking at him thoughtfully. “All right, son. I'm listening.”
After a hesitation to gather his thoughts he did his best to explain how the sensation of feeling alive after the wolves attacked, and his grief over losing Laird, led to his realization of how empty his life was, and his reasoning of what was missing in it. He also described his visit with Callista and what it had meant to him to be with another human being. That it might be the answer to what was lacking in his life.
