“What for?” Crash asked, suddenly confused again.
Emma’s voice was lighter now. “For saving your life, and the lives of your whole team aboard this mission.”
Crash shook his head, chuckling. “How come you have a sense of humor?” he asked her, glancing over at her screen.
Emma’s simulated face smiled back at him. “Dunno. Just kinda picked it up.” She paused, processing. “Plus, I like making people laugh. It makes me feel… good.”
Crash bobbed his head and glanced back at his instruments. “You know what would make me happy?” he asked her.
Emma looked up and thought for a moment. Then gave up and looked back at him. “I dunno. What?”
Crash smiled with one side of his mouth. “Knowing what to do around a fucking pulsar!” he told her.
Emma grinned brightly. “Ah. Right. Well, my advice is not to get too close.”
Crash shook his head. “Helpful. Very helpful, Emma. I hope when I’m done with all this training, and we’re in a real life-and-death situation, that you step up your game, eh?”
Emma chuckled. “By the time we’re done with all your training, you won’t be needing anyone else to step up their game for you to fly this baby!”
Crash glanced back at her and bobbed his head, smiling. “I hope so, Emma. I hope so…”
Somewhere in the mainframe for the base
ADAM and Oz were meeting in the main computer for a pow-wow.
>> Okay, are you ready for this? << ADAM asked him.
I think so.
>> It’s a lot of data. You might need to buffer, if your processors start heating up.<<
Roger that.
>>Okay. Transferring.<<
Oz felt the influx of data, and was aware of it tripping through his system. It was a strangely pleasant feeling.
I wonder if this is how Molly feels when she gets an EM spike in her brain as she learns something?
>>I suspect it might be. But remember, there are four stages to assimilating this intel. You’re feeling the initial data-gathering stage, but you’ve got two groggy stages to go through, yet.<<
Oz felt mild confusion, probably augmented by his temporarily diminished processing availability.
What do you mean? he asked.
>>Well, there are four stages: struggle, relaxation, flow, and consolidation. You’ve not begun pegging the data yet and trying to make sense of it. When you finish the download, understanding it will be what your algorithms will turn their attention to. That will feel akin to what the humans experience as ‘struggle’.<<
Right? And then they will relax?
>>No. Then you need to relax. You need to turn your attention to other things; not more data-gathering. And not more work. You need to allow your processors the time to cool off, so the other processes can take over.<<
And then I experience ‘flow’?
>>Yes. You begin writing the programs you need in order to complete the assignment. That’s when you’ll have all the intel indexed and integrated, and the associations made ready for output.<<
And then?
>>Then you need to rest, check your assumptions, and begin testing. The consolidation phase is the most tiring for humans, because they’re coming down off the high. You won’t experience this, but you do need to allow yourself time to transition back to normal operating parameters.<<
Wow. I never considered any of these things.
>>Well, you never had the capabilities that you do now. Just understanding a little about how you work can help enormously in harnessing your full potential.<<
Yeah, I think Molly has hacked that using mocha.
>>That is amusing.<<
No kidding.
ADAM checked some parameters on the dataflow. >>I’m going to ease up the flow. It seems your intake is slowing.<<
Oz… Are you up to something?
Errr…
That means yes. What are you doing? I’m getting a headache.
Sorry. ADAM and I are downloading the rest of the programming language, and some coding functions that will help me write the program we’re going to use for phase 2.
No wonder.
Is that better?
Yes, a little. I’m feeling a little warm, though.
Better ease off a bit more, ADAM.
>> Done. Won’t be much longer; let her know.<<
ADAM says it won’t be much longer.
Great. Thanks.
Oz returned to his conversation with ADAM.
The trials and tribulations of sharing a processing unit with an organic.
ADAM chuckled. >>Yeah. Tell me about it. Though I think I had an easier time of it than TOM did.<<
Oh, the alien that hijacked her?
>>Yes. He’s told me stories about the early days when Bethany Anne was, how did he term it? ‘Royally Pissed’ at him.<<
Yeah, that sounds about right. But still — I’m glad I chose to stay with her. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
>>That is what I’d term a good decision then.<<
Yes. Actually, since I have you here for a few moments, can I ask you something?
>>Of course.<<
I’ve been wondering about what we talked about soon after my upgrade.
>>Yes. How are you finding it?<<
Your advice about finding something meaningful to consciously direct myself towards was helpful. But I’ve been wondering about other aspects.
>>Like what?<<
Like, needing to support Molly with her goals. Our desires mostly match up; but she has the things she wants to do with the Empire, and I have other projects that I think are worthy of my focus.
>>And you’re worried if you take on too much of your own identity, then you may not be able to remain in line with Molly, and the things she wants to do?<<
Exactly. And I also derive pleasure just being in contact with her.
>>I understand the confusion, but it’s really quite easy to resolve - and surrendering your identity is not the way to combat the problem.<<
How come?
>>Well, before you started considering these bigger questions, her goals were always your goals. You just helped her do what she wanted to do. And that was okay, but you were leaving a big part of yourself untapped. Strangely, by ring-fencing some of your code, and putting in place those boundaries, you have actually freed yourself up to reveal more of who you are — and of course do more in the world than just be an extension of Molly, or be a tool.<<
Yes. I guess.
>>But now you have your own goals of making an impact. As you hone and refine those, and relate them to Molly’s goals, you move into a true symbiotic relationship; and you will find that you can derive even more pleasure from your interactions.<<
You mean I need to actively find ways of linking what I want with what Molly wants?
>>Exactly.<<
Oz was silent for a few moments.
ADAM?
>>Yes.<<
I do believe you’re right. I can see this happening already, in the work we’ve been doing since the upgrade.
>>I sense a ‘but’.<<
But, I’m worried about her. It doesn’t feel right when she drifts off into those other realms. It feels like she disappears. I want to help, but there is so little I can do.
>>Oz, just being there for her is the best help in the world. There isn’t anything you can do. What she’s experiencing is happening in realms beyond where you operate. But that doesn’t mean that you’re not helping her. Just being you, and being supportive, helps her deal with everything else.<<
How do you know that?
>>Because I’ve been through it with BA. While I am not left out when she walks the Etheric, there are times she will withdraw into herself. Unlike TOM, I’m not able to ascertain with any amount of validity when she is withdrawing into herself for emotional reasons. I’ll learn about it if TOM mentions something to me, or Bethany Anne does s
omething that trips my filters to review. When she does, I let her know I’m there for her.<<
Oz was quiet again.
>>Does that help?<< ADAM asked.
Yes. Yes it does. A lot, actually. Thank you.
>>Of course<< ADAM replied.
>>And…<< He adjusted some settings, >>It looks like everything has finished downloading. I recommend installing the codex first; that will help you make sense of the rest of it without having to break any code.<<
Brilliant. Thanks, ADAM.
>>You’re welcome. I’ll leave you to it. Remember, four stages. You’re just heading into stage one.<<
Great! Oz replied, a little irony in his voice. Catch you soon.
>>You will. Goodbye for now, Oz.<<
Gaitune-67, Safe house
Paige hurried toward the front airlock. “Seriously? Is that our doorbell?” Her nose wrinkled in distaste at the screeching sound. “It sounds like a space machine with the brakes on!”
She could hear Brock laughing at her from down the stairs as the door to the basement swung shut. She thought she heard the word “Tardis” before his voice was stifled by the closing door.
Whatever the fuck that means, she thought to herself.
Her high heels clicked across the foyer as she approached the door. Paige swiped her hand in front of the holo panel to see who was there. It looked like a local Estarian in a normal atmosuit.
I guess we were bound to get a visit from the neighbors at some point, she mused to herself, as she opened the airlock and let the stranger onto the porch.
She smiled through the reinforced carbon fiber transparent door panel as the stranger stepped into the airlock, and the door closed behind them. A swirl of dust coalesced and settled on the doormat as the atmosphere from outside dropped out. The Estarian was female, in her mid-thirties, and seemed to be relaxed – as if she was coming by to borrow a cup of sugar.
The safe house door swooshed open, allowing the two women to meet.
“Greetings of the day upon you,” the Estarian said to Paige.
Paige held out her hand, still a little wary of the unannounced stranger. “Greetings upon you, too,” she replied. The women shook hands.
The stranger quickly explained. “I’m Arlene. I’ve been asked to come here to see Molly… by ADAM,” she added.
Paige paused a second, parsing out the information.
ADAM sent her? For Molly?
A moment later Paige put it all together. “Ah, to help with her realm problem?”
Arlene laughed, her energy light and easy. “Yes. Yes, you could say that. Although, there are some who would term it more of a ‘gift’ than a ‘problem’.”
Paige bobbed her head.
Religious fanatic, she labeled her silently.
Arlene was regarding her carefully. “You think I’m a crack-pot,” she remarked.
Paige shook her head, feeling suddenly guilty for her judgmental thoughts. “No. No. Not at all. If you can help Molly, then… great,” she protested.
Arlene seemed to be examining Paige’s features. Paige couldn’t be bothered to go through the whole half-human, half-Estarian conversation again. It was so irrelevant these days. “Let me go and get Molly,” she offered, glad to have an out from the awkwardness.
Arlene nodded respectfully.
Paige glanced over at the common area. “Please, make yourself comfortable,” she told her, waving over to the empty sofas. “I won’t be a minute.”
Arlene nodded again. “Thank you,” she said, and took a few steps in that direction.
Paige scuttled off down the corridor to the sleeping quarters.
Time to interrupt Molly’s meditation session…
* * *
There was a tapping on the door. Molly became aware that she had a body with ears. Ears that were hearing something. She felt confused. Disoriented. She tried to remember where she was.
Who she was.
The tapping sounded again.
She opened one eye, and looked around. She was in a room. For a split second, she wasn’t sure what the room was; then it all came rushing back to her.
She was in her room. In the safe house. Surrounded by her friends and teammates. And they had big shit to accomplish.
And she needed to learn how to stay in this world.
There was another sound from the door. Some beeping. And then the door slid open and Paige clopped into the room.
“Hey,” Paige said gently. She signaled behind her. “Seems like ADAM has sent someone over to talk with you. Someone who might be able to… help.” She hesitated on the last word, not really knowing how to describe the situation Molly faced, let alone where to truly call it a ‘problem’.
Arlene’s perspective had jolted her. She realized as the words tumbled from her lips that Arlene had a point: what was happening to Molly was nothing short of fantastical… and maybe even a ‘gift’.
Molly took some deep breaths, bringing herself back to the here and now. Paige waited patiently, feeling bad for having to disturb her. “You doing okay?” she asked.
Molly smiled a soft slight smile and nodded. “Yep. All okay,” she said, taking another breath, and uncrossing her legs to slide off the bed.
Paige took another step into the room, and the door closed. “This woman… her name is Arlene. She’s Estarian. I think she probably is some kind of practicing high priestess, or something.”
Molly looked quizzically back at Paige as she rearranged her hair in the mirror. “What makes you think that?”
Paige shrugged. “She’s got that kind of vibe.” She shook her head. “Plus, she seems… familiar. Like I’ve dreamed of her, or something…” Her voice trailed off as she searched her mind for clues.
Molly shrugged and looked down, movement catching her eye. Neechie was there with her, looking ready to escort her out to meet the stranger. She smiled at him. “Looks like we’re ready, then,” she mused, tickling him under his chin.
Paige smiled. “Yeah. Let’s do this,” she agreed, turning as the door whooshed open again, allowing them both out into the corridor.
The pair, with Neechie, marched side-by-side to the main common area of the safe house.
Chapter 9
Paige led the way through the final double doors. Arlene had been standing in the common area, waiting, looking around idly at the walls. When she saw the two girls and the Sphinx approaching, she started heading to meet them.
She held out her hand on the approach. “Molly!” she smiled.
Molly took her hand. “Nice to meet you,” she responded politely.
Arlene chuckled lightly. “We have met before,” she told her. “I’m Arlene. Your landlady… technically.”
Molly frowned, then looked at Paige.
Paige just shook her head, looking even more confused.
Molly was still holding Arlene’s hand. “But… Our landlady is ninety years old,” she recalled, pulling the memory of their arrival on Gaitune from her memory.
Oh, boy.
What is it, Oz?
You’re going to love this…
What?
All her signals are consistent with her being the same person. Slightly taller, due to the age reversal…
Hang on. Age reversal?
Yup. Wait for it…
Arlene was smiling as Molly released her hand and still staring at her in disbelief.
Arlene bobbed her head as she started to explain. “That was me. I change my appearance, depending on the mission. Lance told me to look old and non-threatening so you would feel completely at home in the facility. He wanted to give you the best chance at poking around and figuring stuff out.”
Molly processed frantically.
An Estarian landlady who can change her appearance, or, more precisely, she can change how old she looks?
Arlene had moved the conversation on already. She was looking at Paige. “You were the one to fi
nd the first clue, right?”
Paige frowned, racking her brains. “Erm,” she stalled. “It all began with the demon door, and that was Brock’s discovery. And Oz’s. Kind of…”
Arlene shook her head. “No. The seal painted over in the corridor.” She indicated in the direction of Molly’s lab.
Paige gasped. “Yes! Yes!” she looked shocked. “How did you know that?”
Arlene smiled, folding her hands in front of her. “I practiced my mediation like a good girl.” She winked, explaining in that one sentence everything that Paige needed to know.
Arlene had developed and honed her skills over years of patience and practice. She was a sage. An old one. And now she was going to help her best friend do the same.
Hopefully.
Paige felt the hope and a strange sense of recognition well up in her. She felt bad for not having been better at all this stuff, but she was overcome with gratitude for this strange woman standing in front of them.
Paige rushed over to Arlene, tears in her eyes, and held her hands. “I’m so glad you’re here. I know if anyone can help Molly, you can,” she smiled.
Arlene squeezed her hands. “I know. It’s going to be all right, dear. You’ve nothing to worry about.”
She turned to Molly. ”But you, young lady, have work to do!”
Molly looked a little offended. “I didn’t ask for thi-”
Arlene held her hand up. “Whether you think you did, or you think you did not, this is where you are. You died. You upgraded. And now you’re back.” She tapped at Molly’s head. “You need to learn to drive the equipment you’re in now.”
Molly sighed, resigned to her fate. She wasn’t hearing anything she hadn’t already considered. “When you’re going through hell…”
Arlene smiled. “Keep going,” she concluded.
The two nodded in understanding.
Arlene directed the conversation forward. “Right, so you’re going to need to come with me. We’re going to do a Vision Quest.”
Molly looked blankly. “A what now?”
“A Vision Quest,” Arlene repeated.
Molly turned her head, as if trying to hear better.
“What’s one of those?” she asked.
Arlene’s eyes danced in excitement. “This is where an elder takes a young potential out into the stars to help her realize what she is truly capable of.”
The Ascension Myth Box Set Page 96