by Gary Starta
“But not to create a quantum cat, I expect.” Ramsey couldn’t resist the barb.
“No, Devin. But possibly something bigger than the cosmos itself.” Caron found Lacroix’s tone condescending. Is this how Miranda hears me speaking to her?
Lacroix adjusted her glasses. “Starting with a supercooled gas, researchers were able to mimic an electrostatic discharge. I am working on formulas to duplicate the charge experienced during our last and most infamous acceleration. I think it’s possible the lightning created a Bose-Einstein condensate, meaning the creation of new and exotic states of matter – much like our Earth Cat Zero.”
Schultz scribbled notes. “Sorry, I like this on paper. Makes it all less hackable.”
“In this condensate,” Lacroix continued, “atoms get so cold they lose their energy. When this happens, it affects their spin. The addition of this magnetic field would most likely result in an upward spin of the atom, and it’s because of this effect that I think we experienced a change in the field which is responsible for how cats exist in our universe. When the magnetic field or contribution vanishes, so does the upward spin of the atom. The spins become all wound up. If this did happen, the upward spin was never countered with a downward spin because of the condensate. I think this is how the field never experienced the expected decoherence which would have dissipated what I believe to have been a charmed quark from returning the field to its usual state.”
Normand raised a hand. “What you’re saying, Cheryl, if I’m understanding the theory, is that the electrostatic contribution in the form of lightning shouldn’t have been expected to happen under any normal acceleration event. But it did. So, in effect, the new field created by your quark never dissipated and the quantum field is forever changed?”
Lacroix nodded to Caron’s satisfaction. Finally, a man I can talk science with…
Schultz mulled over his notes. “I think it would have been impossible to have a large being or even a smaller one such as a housecat survive this field fluctuation, never mind thrive in it. But we seem to have seen that happen proving quantum entanglement. Again, observation is reality. Measurement is reality. It’s the Copenhagen interpretation all over again with all possibilities playing into existence. Earth Cat Zero in physical form – a particle - and atomic form – as a wave if you’ll allow. He is Schrodinger’s cat by definition: being both alive and dead – or at least in two states at once.”
Ramsey chimed in, noting an exception. “But again, it’s because of unexpected, outside factors. I agree with Cheryl about the lightning’s contribution. I have been working on an elemental contribution. We seem to agree the metallic chip which was attached to the Ellis’s cat – Joule – may have become integrated into this odd equation. I am still studying that and also have been considering the material makeup of the Bean. If there is some nefarious faction at work - and I know I sound like I’m a character in a thriller – they may have tipped their hand alerting us about the importance of metal in this field reconstruction. Because if that is what has happened, the new field keeps Earth Cat Zero in place. The problem is deconstructing that field to return our cat population; is it ethical to send this unique life form back into some netherworld existence?”
Normand grinned. “I couldn’t have put it better myself; well, I couldn’t have because I’m just an engineer, not a particle physicist.”
Schultz fiddled with a pen, twirling it in his hand. “Yes, but what makes a cat just a cat? I mean, is it just Earth Cat’s bizarre coloring that makes him different than the genetic recipe of all other housecats? What I’m getting at is don’t discount your designation as simply ordinary, Normand. Everything may be bigger than we think, especially tiny particles.”
Caron pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and spoke. “Yes, the very housecat makeup seems to be dependent on one particular genetic trait. Although a study of this very question seems inconclusive, it seems the spots on an ordinary Tabby cat is what separates its makeup or ‘field’ from wildcats such as lions, tigers and bobcats, for example. The change we may experience visually may seem infinitesimal in our physical reality but a huge game changer in the quantum world.”
Lacroix was stirring in her seat. “I just have to conclude this is a risk we need to take. For all of the endearment we feel toward Earth Cat Zero, there is a huge, displaced cat population to think about it. We could return the many at the expense of one.”
Ramsey grimaced. “Ah, so would a rose by any other color still be a rose?” The physicist answered his own rhetorical question refencing Earth Cat Zero’s blue and green colored fur. “Maybe not in this scenario. It seems a cat’s color means all the difference in the world.” Lacroix nodded and responded but her gaze remained glued to her notepad as she did.
“Funny, Devon. But if we think about Information Theory – I believe this is something Caron has brought up prior – our missing cats still exist, but in a place that we can’t see them. If we should lose sight of Earth Cat Zero, it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t exist, somewhere else.”
Caron forced the conclusion from her lips. “So, who’s to say that the other place wouldn’t be better for Earth Cat Zero?” Caron’s heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t believe she might be condemning the cat to a netherworld, but if meant satisfying her blue-suited mystery man and making the world safe for Miranda, she would condone it.
This time Caron was prepared and tuned in for her daughter’s broadcast.
“I am so sorry about a prank gone wrong. I believe you’ve all seen the video where my colleague, Dr. Brands mimics a cat. I have to say that he is of sound mind and body. I apologize deeply for a stupid bet I made with him. I dared him to act like a cat in public. I thought it might entertain or even comfort Earth Cat Zero. I was wrong. I am sorry. I need to – and promise – I will behave more like the adult the world needs in this time of crisis. Again, I deeply apologize. On a better note, we are making strides each day to solve our cat disappearance. Earth Cat Zero is determined to help return his kind…”
Caron’s mind began to wander. I can’t believe I’m allowing Miranda to believe it’s all right to lie. But I’m responsible, I guess. The worried mother tried to count how many times she had initiated the game of poker face with her daughter.
Chapter Eighteen
Dr. Brands’s enthusiasm and compassion for his work had always put him in the thick of things; he was a hands-on scientist with the ability to engage in operational procedures as a medical doctor. The fact that two robotic arms had just rewired his neural network wasn’t too surprising given the doctor’s penchant for risk. It was always for the good of science. That’s what the doctor had always told himself - even up until the last 24 hours when Brands had put himself at risk for a cat of all things; but it could have very been Red, or any creature in need. His head still felt as if it was on fire, a heavy dose of synaptic activity had been required to convert his chip to a qubit state, transfer all data obtained from Uncle Claude to Earth Cat Zero as well as implement a communication relay system between him and the feline. If it wasn’t for the liquid sustenance - Miranda labeled as ‘purple goo’ - it probably wouldn’t have been possible for the doctor to be up and about. I’ve got to stop grumbling about feeling a little woozy. Given the choice, I would never opt for anything less than to experience the leading edge.
Brands leaned over the kitchen counter, observing Miranda behave as any ordinary teenager might; one hand on the electronic pulse of the world – the Internet – and the other stroking Earth Cat Zero behind his ears. The cat – as usual - had made a bed out of Miranda’s lap opting it over any one of the plush pet beds he could have chosen.
The doctor peered beyond Miranda’s workstation which was set up adjacent to the white couch. Depending on need, the room beyond the couch was a transitional gateway to what could either become a secretive laboratory or a comfy bedroom. Today, the sliding doors were open allowing sunlight to stream from the Chicago sky into the purpl
e sleeping quarters.
“Ahem.” The doctor faked a cough into a clasped hand. It took Miranda a moment to turn around, she was enraptured in one of the video chats where citizens from around the globe bought conversation in real time with Earth Cat Zero.
“I’ll talk to you after one more cat chat.” Miranda mouthed with raised index finger.
Brands nodded. He wasn’t surprised the teen was able to read him so easily as the pair had been through some notable events during the past days. She doesn’t seem to need a microchip to get me. The doctor smiled absently reflecting on what a life with children might have been like for him. In this present, a talking cardinal, a blue/green cat and a teen with dyed pink hair represented his children. I can’t let them down. Not like I was let down.
The current video chat was between Earth Cat Zero and a young Japanese girl calling from Tokyo. A translator converted her speech to English via subtitles which ran across the bottom of the screen. Earth Cat Zero could have used the software to translate but opted to speak to the girl in her native tongue. Fortunately, the subtitling software translated the feline’s speech to English for Miranda’s benefit.
“If you could choose to be any type of housecat, what breed would you choose? The girl gave Earth Cat options. “Siamese, Persian or Siberian?”
The cat, now perched with paws on the keyboard, peered into the cam to answer. “Neither. But maybe a Tabby cat.”
The girl seemed agitated at the answer. “But there are 70 breeds. Why be so ordinary?”
“Tabby cats were named after the Baghdad neighborhood Attabiy where rich silks were made. I think they are more regal than they outwardly appear – to you.” Earth Cat appeared to be wearing what Brands would have labeled a smug look. Maybe a look as smug as silk.
Brands caught Miranda suppressing a grin. The girl knows what the cat means. People are more than the sum of their parts or atoms. There is something quantitative to the statement: it’s what on the inside that counts. Brands cupped a hand around his chin in contemplation. Should we be seeing the feline for more than its outward appearance?
The girl wore a dour expression as if she still felt cheated out of having a feline that she could personally pet or play with. There’s got to be something more tangible for people other than video chats. Brands braced as the distraught girl went for the jugular.
“Why don’t we clone you? We need an Earth Cat Zero in every country. It’s only fair.”
“I think it could be feasible. but I’m a cat, not a scientist. If you want my true opinion, I’m not sure this world’s quite big enough to handle multiple versions of yours truly.”
“Thanks for your donation.” Miranda closed the chat while Earth Cat Zero initiated a ‘goodbye’ wave to the sullen girl.
“I am at your attention, Doctor.” Miranda spun her chair to face Brands wearing a mischievous grin.
The doctor smiled back, nodding up and down.
“What?” Miranda asked, feigning confusion.
“You like how Earth Cat plays coy with people. I can see it written all over your face, Miranda.”
“I just appreciate intelligence.”
Earth Cat Zero chose to comment with a meow.
“How about we get of here for the day?” Brands asked Earth Cat Zero.
“Yes. Yes. And Yes.” The answer came from Red.
“Okay, I get it. This time you can come along too. You can be our eye in the sky.”
“Uh huh. It’s so nice to be needed, Doctor.” The bird responded.
“You are. We can’t trust a drone; it can be hacked. So, come on everyone; let’s get ready for a day of fun.”
A walk to the precinct didn’t exactly fit Miranda’s definition of fun. Brands didn’t fail to observe her scowl.
“Just one quick stop, first. I want to see how their investigation is going.”
“I see.” Miranda was carrying Earth Cat Zero, his paws rested on her shoulders. “I think Earth Cat Zero is a just a bit wary after all that’s happened, Doc. He seems to be keeping an eye on our blindside.”
“It’s good to have eyes behind your head.” Brands pushed a button on his watch, initiating two-way communication with the cardinal. “Hang tight in an orbiting pattern. We need to see the police.”
“I hope you’re feeling up to this outing.”
Brands responded with a gentle tone to Miranda’s inquiry. “I do. I also want you to know I was hard on you the other day. I am sorry. You’ve handled everything you’ve been asked to do with professionalism.”
Miranda turned to meet Brands’s gaze as they continued navigating West Belmont. She remained silent as a mouse while shadows made her appear as large as Goliath on the sidewalk.
“I hope you’ll accept my apology. It’s just that sometimes people take their frustration out on the wrong person.” Brands sighed. “The person I should be taking this out on is Uncle Claude.”
“But you seem to think he’s AWOL.”
“I do. That what makes it so frustrating. In a way, he used me as an information depository by downloading all his data into me.”
“But that knowledge has been indispensable.”
“It has. Still, he really couldn’t have foreseen our needs, Miranda. He never said he was granting me this information because I was gifted. In fact, I don’t know if he ever had a kind word for his children, either.”
“Let me guess. They’re AWOL as well.”
“Probably for the better. Their father was a narcissist. I hope you don’t see me as one, Miranda.”
“I – I guess not.”
“Ah, some hesitation. Well deserved.”
Miranda put her hand on Brands’s sleeve. “No. You’ve proven you care about Earth Cat, me and everyone else missing their pet.” She shook her head. “No. I don’t think you are. Besides, if you’ve been self-absorbed, you’ve probably had good reason.”
“That means a lot. But I’ve got to prove myself no matter.” Brands realized Miranda didn’t quite know what he was implying as they walked into the precinct.
“Oh, it’s Cat Man.” The desk sergeant announced to the office.
“It is. I came to volunteer information about our incident at the Bean the other day.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Brands realized he didn’t need to hear another word from the officer’s mouth. It’s not surprising that someone ordered the Bean incident to be buried. I can’t be certain it’s the DOD, however. What if the CIA or NSA has become involved? Brands realized his silence had become painful to the sergeant whose complexion was reddening by the moment.
“Well, I just wanted to let you know I’m available in case things change. And…oh, Officer. I was wondering if I could order a small detail to help us today.”
The sergeant raised a finger. “Sure. Hold a moment.” Whatever the sergeant said was spoken softly into the phone. Brands, out of Miranda’s view, provided an address and time written out on a scrap of paper.
“We can spare two officers. I’m surprised you – and your DOD – haven’t requested more of our assistance.”
“Oh, well we have our own electronic forms of security as you might imagine.” Hmm. The sergeant was pretty certain to focus on the DOD when there could be so many other players at work.
The sergeant nodded knowingly with no sign of pleasure on his grim face.
When the sergeant left the area, Miranda tilted her head in confusion. “What’s up? We have the force field and Red to help us. What have you got up your sleeve?”
Brands only offered a smile.
Brands would not reveal their destination until they arrived, opting to request an Uber via app away from Miranda or Earth Cat Zero’s prying eyes. Both were currently occupied with a beggar. While Miranda had been showering, Brands made a call to the Windy Kitty Café that had agreed to open, even though there was no need for a cat shelter, especially on the Fourth of July.
I
hate this secrecy but I’m just not sure how Miranda will take this gesture of good will. Maybe a cat shelter will evoke too many sad memories. But I need a place to let the world know I am not an uncaring scientist or the lunatic recorded walking on all fours at the Bean.
“What if the other countries demand we clone Earth Cat Zero?” Miranda asked once all except Red were inside the Uber.
“I wouldn’t recommend it, despite the fragile nature of this situation. At least not until more collider accelerations can be run. We don’t know what impact the next collision will have, Miranda.”
“So, it’s as I thought. There’s possibly another version of Earth Cat Zero in the collider, surviving in some subatomic state. Possibly both are still connected, somehow.”
Earth Cat’s ears twitched. “I already know there is. I could smell him.”
Brands responded with an agitation he hoped he could have suppressed. He huffed. “Couldn’t you have told us that sooner?”
“But the walls have ears. They still do.” Earth Cat Zero offered.
“Okay, that is a pretty good excuse, granted.” Brands fished in his pocket for gum. “I think that’s why our DOE imposter and a whole lot of unnamed players are so hot for us to run another acceleration.”
“Just what are you implying?” Miranda asked in a whisper.
“I think quantum entanglement plays a part in their interest. That’s all I can say right now.” Brands chomped on his gum.
Miranda tugged on Brands’s sleeve. “Remember, you’ve got to remain calm, doctor. Your excitement seems to result in unwanted outcomes.”
“Oh, well, yes. The Solfeggio Frequency is now being monitored and adjusted by the qubits, Miranda. I don’t think I will be passing out on the sidewalk if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
Miranda whisper screamed. “Not to mention your mind switch.”