by Gary Starta
Normand beamed. “I am so glad the cat is okay!”
Caron clasped a hand over her heart. I have to admit this man doesn’t think much before speaking, but what he does say is kind and humane.
“There is credence in what Normand and Cheryl are saying. It is the quantum duality of the situation that will be tricky. On one hand, the Copenhagen interpretation says something is not real until it’s measured. Yet we seem to agree that something ‘real’ occurred without measurement. Our Earth Cat Zero is living proof. On the other hand, if quantum systems have properties independent of observers and measurement – that maybe the universe itself is the conscious observer - well then…anything seems to go.”
Caron added. “Well, the definition of observation is still not so clear. I mean, Miranda and myself saw the physical version of Earth Cat, while Normand saw the quantum or subatomic one. If we both had not been in the right place at the right time, would a new or altered wave field have been able to change our reality?”
“If we are to recreate this event,” Lacroix argued. “We need to determine why the expected particle interaction did not take place. Usually, positive and negative charges negate each other. In this case, that did not happen. Maybe the spin of the quark remained in an up charge and was not negated by a negative charge although there is no precedent for this. It seems we had factors such as lightning and possibly a metallic substance intervening to cause such an occurrence, maybe the up charge allowed the wave function of the particle to remain, instead of dissipating. It would seem to be another and more accurate way of defining why we are calling the cat: Earth Cat Zero. By definition: this cat should not exist.” She traded scalding glances with Ramsey.
Schultz’s furious typing made everyone pause. “Sorry, please don’t stop on my account, I just want to get all these notes recorded. What Cheryl said is making good sense. Fields exist at zero-point energy and as we all seem to agree that the Higgs Boson or Big Bang gave rise to excitations of these fields. It’s plausible this up charge gave rise to a new field that no longer exists at zero-point energy. I’m sorry, I don’t have a conclusion, but we need to consider this data.”
Normand seemed to phrase his question rhetorically. “From an engineering standpoint, how do we recreate the lightning, the interaction of an unexpected element from the cat’s chip – all in such a way to recreate a field which already seems to be in place?”
“Maybe it’s not about recreation. Maybe it’s about finding that quantum dynamic to reverse what has happened. That is why I believe the charmed quark best explains the unexpected outcome.” Lacroix sat with perfect posture, possibly hoping to convey confidence.
Caron sighed with arms raised. “But if we were to reverse the charge? We still don’t know if that will bring the cats back and it might harm or even eradicate Earth Cat Zero.”
“Then the answer is simple.” Normand shrugged shoulders. “We simply run the collider again with all the same conditions we were in control of, less the outside factors. I say we deal with the lightning another time. We should see if our particles behave in the manner that we expect them to.”
Schultz sighed. “Normand may be right. We will need to find the right calculations for the charge of the electrostatic input plus what kind of element was involved from Caron’s cat, Joule. That’s going to take time. The public, the DOE, the DOD; they are not going to want us to sit on our hands that long without action.”
Ramsey turned to Lacroix. “Isn’t it odd that a quark changes color to conserve color charge?”
“Not odd. But it’s ironic. Although we can’t observe the quarks, or their color, a charged quark would appear red and then blue but should turn back to red on its anti-charge. But if the anti-charge did not happen, it would remain blue. The neutral color state of quarks is blue/green. Just so you know, Normand.”
“Just like the color of Earth Cat Zero.” Ramsey said with a suspicious tone.
“Devon, remember these colors cannot be observed. It’s just a coincidence. Nothing more.”
Caron’s previous elation began to deflate at that realization. Just what is coincidental? What is real? Does observation account for our entire reality, and if not, what is the haystack to Earth Cat’s needle?
“Something troubling you, Caron?” Schultz asked.
“It is just the very notion of the Many-Worlds Theory is daunting. I would like to believe, like Cheryl, that we can simply solve this equation based on known factors. I also seem to think that if quantum measurements vary, so do the outcomes; meaning, varied realities are plausible. The latter theory is going to make this puzzle even harder to solve. And I have to say, I cannot put Earth Cat Zero at risk; I will not risk the one for the many…”
“I don’t know, Caron. Honestly, maybe Earth Cat Zero was pulled from a subatomic reality into ours, and vice versa; our feline population now might exist exclusively in the subatomic. In either event, both exist but in different realities. We may not be endangering either if that’s the case. All I know, is despite my affection and promise to protect the cat, I am at the mercy of the DOE. Ultimately…” Schultz glanced at his phone which pinged.
“And as if their ears were burning…” Schultz chewed on his lower lip for a moment. “Please excuse the timing, but we are being pressed to make a status announcement. Surprisingly, both the DOE and DOD concur on something. They believe public updates will keep hysteria to a dull outcry. One can only hope.”
Fifteen minutes later, Caron readied for her appearance at an undisclosed network studio. “Only the driver knows the final location.” Schultz’s admission was not very comforting despite his honesty. He closed the door and the limousine carrying Caron as its sole passenger pulled out of Brookhaven for a NYC destination.
Caron felt naked without Miranda and Earth Cat Zero. She was alone and responsible for making a statement for Brookhaven, equipped with only a hastily written speech from Schultz. She decided it would be best to formulate the information into her own words, so she rehearsed while the limo dodged midday traffic, mouthing the speech in a whisper while the nosy driver locked eyes with her in the rearview mirror.
“The search for answers has never been a safe one. It is why I ask you for your courage and support for our next planned collider acceleration…”
Chapter Fourteen
For the billions of viewers, Earth Cat Zero appeared small. Just a tiny head with penetrating dark blue eyes and two arms splayed as if he wanted to defend himself against all the virtual attention. Miranda held the cat up to the cam, hands underneath the cat’s front arms. She made him dance a few times - air dance to be precise - prompting the feline to stick out his tongue. Miranda and the cat were making history via a live videocast to the world.
Lowering the cat so she was viewable, Miranda delivered the groundbreaking news with a smile. “Earth Cat Zero can now talk. That being said, I won’t hog the mic for long, but I do want our beloved viewers to know we’ve begun the walk on the journey to restoring our cat population. It may or may not be a long one, but you will walk it with us. With Earth Cat Zero. Earth Cat, say hello to everyone.”
“Meow. I mean: Hello. Privet, Hola, Ciao, Ni Hao, Hallo…” Earth Cat Zero continued on with greetings in 37 languages.
“As you can see, Earth Cat Zero believes we are all in this together. Even though we are coming to you from Chicago, (Miranda moved the cam so it panned the cityscape) you can be comforted that you will only need a push of the button to connect globally to the effort. To show your support, please see the links below where random entries will be considered for personal video chats with Earth Cat and myself. All proceeds will fund the cause to get our pets back.” Miranda gazed into the lens for a long moment before she grabbed Earth Cat Zero’s paw and waved goodbye.
“End broadcast.” Dr. Brands gave a verbal command to stop the recording. “You are a natural, Miranda. I wouldn’t care to see how I’d fare on such an endeavor.” He patted a hand on M
iranda’s shoulder who now sat somewhat slumped in the chair while Earth Cat Zero, seemingly unfazed by his first brush with fame, was already beginning to nod off to slumber.
Brands blinked a few times, catching Miranda’s reflection in the computer screen. “I hope I didn’t offend.”
“No. It’s the DOD. Their idea to ask for proceeds.” Miranda huffed. “This isn’t about money. Money really isn’t the issue when it comes to bringing the cats back. And it shouldn’t be about dollars or funding either.”
The doctor inhaled and exhaled before speaking. “Hmm. Well, it is a necessary evil sometimes. Look at APSCA.”
“Ah, oh no. I hope I didn’t go all Sarah McLachlin on everyone. Speaking of which, what about all those shelters?”
“Don’t worry, they will still help other animals like dogs. But, Miranda, there are quite a few famous cat cafes. I think we should visit them, bring Earth Cat Zero there. This is all about relief. And remember, the goodwill and donations harbor good thoughts. This is beneficial if you consider how this will affect energy. You can’t put a price on positivity.”
Miranda swiveled her chair around to face Brands. She took his hand into his. “I am very grateful you have a heart, Doctor. I – I didn’t know what I’d be facing here in Chicago…”
“Ah, you mean you didn’t know how you’d handle rooming with a mad scientist.” Brands grinned with raised eyebrows. “Surprise. I have a human heart as well.”
“I know the public needs relief, Doctor. But I am concerned about safety.”
“I spent the overnight reworking the force field. Earth Cat Zero should be snug as a bug no matter where we take him.”
“Take him?” Miranda scowled. “How soon is this going to begin?”
“Right away. I was just waiting for you to make your public address. We need to get Earth Cat Zero’s senses stimulated. Bring him out into the fresh air. Walk him around…”
“Okay…” Miranda dragged out the words. “I suppose.”
“We have an appointment to meet the DOE scientist, remember, our friendly partnership agreement.” Brands glanced at his watch. “You have about an hour or so to get ready.”
Miranda nodded and swiveled the chair back in front of the computer screen. Her computer was set up in the corner of the adjustable bedroom slash lab. Right now, it existed as a purple sheened room with sunlight streaming in from the faux windowpanes. I can see out. They can’t see in. What will we be revealing to the public when we no longer have this vantage point? For Miranda, this had become the ultimate poker game. Should she put on her real face for the crowd? Would her vulnerabilities put Earth Cat Zero in danger? She considered options on how to wear a friendly yet confident, no nonsense type expression. She practiced it in a handheld mirror she had dug out from her pink clutch bag. While rummaging through it, her fingers had brushed up against a can of mace. Her heart had begun to race at the very thought of the spray weapon and worry lines on her face revealed her concern in the mirror. If she was alone, she might use the spray and dash off to safety. But now she was responsible for a small animal. The odds of handling any incident without collateral damage were small. Dr. Brands had been adamant that the trio walk the city without guards or security. It was all about image and giving the public a sense of relief from their stress. I made a vow to keep Earth Cat Zero safe. Am I kidding myself? How realistic was that promise?
Miranda phoned her mother. It was the second time this morning it had gone to voicemail. The teen longed for comfort from Caron; to hear even a few brave words of encouragement would go a long way. She decided to give those words of comfort to Earth Cat Zero as she stroked him behind an ear.
In the background, Red began to chirp as he ate his brunch.
“Hmm. Well, let’s use time management to our advantage. An occupied mind has less room for worry.” The cat only purred even though he had an arsenal of words at his ready.
Miranda clicked through a few screens. As part of the broadcasting campaign, a bio for Earth Cat Zero appeared on the site You’ve-Watched-It-Too. It was devoid of anything but an inset picture of the cat and his name. If this is about getting the public to know and accept you, we need to make you as ‘person’-able as possible even though you are feline. The teen searched her emails and the DOD had provided a username and password for the account. Looks like we’re in business.
Miranda opened a profile setting to begin adding information but felt a bit frustrated at the selections. “Age, race, gender… Okay, we can get around those.” Miranda decided to list the cat’s appearance date as its birthdate. “June 23rd. Well, Earth Cat Zero, that makes you a Gemini.”
“Hobbies…?” Miranda cuddled the cat closer to her chest. “Being adored, petted, loved, cooed over…” The ridiculous nature of the task made her giggle.
“Favorite hobbies…? Ugh. These profiles are so about humans!”
“Yeah,” Red chirped. “Take flying, for example. It means a whole lot more if you’re a bird. We don’t just kickback in first class. The animal kingdom is too busy surviving to have hobbies.”
Miranda typed ignoring the cardinal. “Listening to classical music.” Miranda had just now realized that Brands was playing Brahms all morning at a very low and subliminal level. She recalled the cat’s whiskers and how they seemed to vibrate to the Solfeggio Frequency which had been programmed on Joule’s music chip.
“You do like this music, don’t you?”
Earth Cat Zero rolled over on Miranda’s lap exposing his belly. “I don’t think I ever paid conscious attention to it before. I mean if there was a before for me.”
“Hmm. You are a full-grown cat. For humans, their musical tastes change as they get older.”
“I’d prefer to keep my paw on the pulse.”
“I could introduce you to millennial whoop then.”
“Some other time. I heard Dr. Brands. I go public today. I mean really public.”
“Are you afraid?”
“Are they afraid?” Earth Cat licked his paw. “Cats never react until our enemy does.”
“Hopefully, there will be no enemies.”
“I would think there would be some resentment.” Earth Cat paused the licking. “I can’t possibly replace millions of cats. It stands to reason.”
Miranda hugged the cat tighter. “You are so perceptive. I mean the Internet seems abuzz with grief. All those cat videos…and now no one can stand to watch them anymore because they’re too painful to watch.”
“Well, it was probably painful for my kind as well. I hope wherever I came from people weren’t dressing me up in cowboy outfits or making me wear Santa hats.”
Brands tapped on the doorjamb and splayed ten fingers. “Ten minutes to go time.”
Miranda attempted to retract a sigh while Earth Cat Zero placed a paw over her lips.
Earth Cat Zero’s paws seemed to bounce on the sidewalk. The cat showed no fear toward the passing pedestrians who bent down to greet the cat, some stroked his back while others made thumbs up gestures to the trio.
Miranda traded sideway glances of concern with Brands who finally whispered in her ear.
“He’s fine. The force field is fine. Anyone who does anything more than pet the cat will be in for a disabling shock.” Brands resumed his prideful stride chomping on gum and wearing what Miranda interpreted as a satisfied smile. I just hope he’s not too overconfident. He’s finally getting accolades for his work – he’s made the first talking cat.
“But how does this field work? It doesn’t seem to affect us.”
“Quite right. Our individual energy signatures, including Earth Cat’s, are recognized by the beam which is controlled back at the lab where its head is, so to speak. Anyone without this recognition would be in for quite a taser-like shock.”
“So, you measured our signatures?”
Brands nodded as he chomped gum.
Great, when did that happen…wait…I don’t want to know.
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br /> Miranda continued to soothe her frayed nerves by repeating positive mantras in her head. Earth Cat Zero and I deserve love. We are worthy of love. Love surrounds us. The words came from an audio file her mother had forced upon her when she was fretting over finals. She didn’t believe it would instill self-confidence then, but now that the stakes were higher, she was willing to believe almost anything that would soften the jagged rhythms of her pounding heart. She wished a simple stick of chewing gum would center her the way it appeared to help Brands. I’ve got to redirect my thoughts.
The teen attuned her attention to her own booted footfalls on the pavement, each one making a sound as if every single stride stood for her determination. She felt her pink bangs sway to a soft summertime breeze coming off Lake Michigan and for the moment, things were all right. No one had been rude or overstepped boundaries. She pretended the doctor, cat and herself were celebrities. It seemed there was an unspoken boundary of sorts that people respected when it came to actors, musicians or sports stars. Miranda told herself the people adored them despite the cat’s assessment that he might be resented for taking the place of millions. Miranda was desperate to retain this feeling of empowerment despite random bursts of shouting she heard as they walked. Some people mobbed together along opposite sidewalks, pointing fingers and making oohing noises. Miranda tried to equate the outbursts with excitement rather than aggressiveness. She peered down at Earth Cat Zero who had remained true to his word, keeping his facial expression neutral.
“Where are we headed, Doctor?” The trio had just turned off Michigan Avenue onto East Ohio Street according to Miranda’s Google Map.
“Shake Shack. It’s a popular haunt of mine.”
“I thought we were meeting the DOE scientist.”
“We are. I chose the place. You might think of it as homefield advantage.” Brands waved to young woman smiling at them from the window of a passing car.