by Andur
What increases the problems with this process is the fine silver wiring which has to be embedded inside the diamond. The fine wires create the runes which enable the quantum entanglement of the photons.
Carbon, the raw material for this process is cheap, but the amount of work and time to create a quantum computer are breathtaking. I don't want to know how much time went into the computer which is spreading around us.
“We are inside one of the mainframe's quantum cores. Each planet or moon with a big enough colony has at least two of them.” Cyla explains. “When I was small my parents took me on a guided tour through one. They are the biggest computers in existence. Enough computational power to plan ahead for an entire colony.”
Zibil nods, guiding us towards the amphitheatre which is hanging freely inside the huge geode. A single walkway leads from the entrance point towards the amphitheatre. “It's also the most secure place on Mars, ten kilometres under the planet's surface. And the government's seat of power. Whenever there is a big decision to make, all elders gather here to discuss the situation and find the best solution.”
“And then you vote?” I ask amused.
Zibil shakes his head. “Not really. We look at the possible solutions to the problem and eliminate them one by one until only the best solution to a given problem remains. If it really happens that several solutions hold equal benefits we chose the simplest and morally most righteous one.”
“Morally?” I try my hardest to keep my voice from assuming a mocking tone.
Zibil nods knowingly. “I know what you think, but it isn't like that. We are no saints. An elder has to swear an oath to protect and guide our society and to keep the population as happy as possible. Of course that doesn't mean that everything has to be flowers and honey-pie. Outsiders and harmful elements like the aliens or the Revelation Wing are of no concern to us. And I certainly wont deny that there are groups with different opinions among the elders. It's something which can't be avoided. With some people you can work together and with others...” His voice trails off.
I nod and we pass into the amphitheatre which encloses a speaker's platform. Instead of rows of chairs for the audience there are several working desks with people of all ages.
~Don't get fooled by their looks.~ Cyla's mindvoice warns me.
Sure. Some may look like they are thirty, but who can say how old they really are? My grandmother is working hard to complete her third century and she looks like she is in her twenties. If I hadn't known her from childhood on I would have dirty thou-
~Careful.~ Cyla jabs in.
-of course I would never think of another ass than the one which belongs to my beloved wife. It's round and perfectly tight to the grip, yet it maintains a certain tenderness which lets you sink your fingers into the flesh. If I compare it to the only other ass which I got my hands on during my short life it's much better than Amia's. Hers is a little too bony for my tastes, though there are surely people who like the athletic type.
~I am more than my ass!~ Cyla grabs my hand tighter. ~And if you put it like that it sounds as if you are speaking about your latest meal!~
Sometimes the censorship of thoughts gets too much and I think we have reached one of those points.
I concentrate to make sure that she catches my thoughts. ~In a way you can put it like that. Do you know that the first real memory I have of you is your ass appearing out of nowhere in my field of vision? And the next thing that happened is that that lovely ass fell right into my lap. I was really lucky that I didn't have a boner at that time. Who knows what might have happened?~
Cyla turns as red as an apple which signals me that I got my point across.
Sharing of thoughts is all good and fine. But the partners should really learn to ignore each other from time to time. Especially when their minds trail off. I can't help myself but think about sex when I see a beautiful woman. It simply happens! I am a man. Not my fault. That doesn't mean that I'll suddenly become unfaithful.
My gaze wanders over the elders and their staff. It seems like every elder has at least one assistant. Most of the people here look indifferent to what's going on. Only a very few actually meet my eyes. They are mostly those who look at least a little younger. Maybe in their fifties? When I compare that to Melan it makes them five to six-hundred years old. Though I am aware that there are countless ways to look younger than you are. The only real way to judge age are mutations, though there are exceptions like Cyla and me.
Many of the people in here have very obvious mutations which can hardly be hidden like my eyes and Cyla's discolouration of her skin.
Then I find one pair of eyes which actually looks very cold. It's Sanguin. He has a seat in the front row and is accompanied by a sprite who seems to be a combination of a hovering printer and a flat-screen.
With relief I notice that there are several faceless present. They are acting as guards and security. Just like Ed described it.
I hurry to look for more people who could have something against me, but I find none. “Are you sure that Sanguin is influential? I assumed that there would be a whole party of hostile people to welcome me.”
Zibil shakes his head. “That's not how I meant it. Sanguin is influential, but he isn't above the law. His influence lies in his connections and his way with words. I am sure that if I and my friends hadn't laid the groundwork with the other elders he would have weaselled his way out of your complaint and it would have been ignored. You would have never gotten the chance to accuse him in public. This is an official meeting and there are faceless present.”
He makes a dismissive shooing gesture with his hand. “I know that the faceless are often said to be the arms and ears of the elders, but that isn't entirely true. An elder who breaks the law has to answer to the faceless as anybody else. Once you tell them the full story the faceless can't ignore it. Sanguin's days as an elder are numbered, even if you don't beat him in the examination.”
I smirk. “That's all this is about, isn't it? You are doing this just because the accusation alone together with Sadina's memories is enough to stop Sanguin from getting another term of office.”
Zibil shrugs his shoulders. “Isn't it fine as long as my reasons get you the outcome you wish for? You are right that it doesn't matter to me how fast Sanguin loses his job. I can wait until his term ends and the faceless check his memories. Though seeing it end sooner is perfectly fine with me and I wasn't lying when I said that you can win. This won't be a duel, but a comparison of skill and knowledge.”
“And he has a big advantage in the knowledge department. He is older and has more experience. He knows what's needed of him.” I grumble.
Zibil clears his throat. “Obviously not. Otherwise he wouldn't have violated our trust like he did. I strongly assume that a lot of dirt will come to light once they interrogate him.”
I cackle and gesture for Zibil to lead the way.
85. ~Hello World!~
“
Who needs just Zero and One if all the possible states between them are also available?
”
-The days of quantum computing
Sol, Mars
Gideon
I follow Zibil to the speaker's platform where he gestures for me to wait. Then he climbs the five stairs to the centre and turns to the audience. “I hereby declare the meeting as opened. Today's agenda is to deal with a complaint about our techno-mage elder, Sanguin Folstrom. The governor Gideon Alvar filed a complaint about incompetence in office, failed responsibilities and violation laws. Gideon, if you would please explain your reasons for this complaint and why you want Sanguin removed from his office.”
So I climb the stairs and take Zibil's place as the speaker. In absence of a better idea I smile at audience to break the ice. All I get is Melan smacking her forehead, so I can guess what happened. My expression slipped again.
I clear my throat and start speaking, slowly retelling Ed's slightly edited version of the events. There is no need to hold back abo
ut me being manufactured inside a genetic laboratory. Sadina's memories are enough to reveal that little secret of mine. Though the rest of the story paints me in a saintly light and forgets to mention my less noble deeds.
During all the time Sanguin keeps holding this smug expression, which makes me feel a little uneasy. Does he have some form of leverage on me? Ed's people checked Sadina's memories again and again. They should have found something, but Sanguin was really paranoid about contact with Sadina. She never sent him any reports. All he did was broadcast coded messages over certain news channels to give commands. Something that's very easy to do when you have full access to the mainframe.
At first I wasn't all too keen about revealing my past, but Zibil won us over. He wants to bet on the common sense of the elders and use Sadina and Sanguin as scapegoats. I may be the product of mad genetic research and it is laid down in the law that such research and all its products have to be destroyed. But in a certain way all that research is already destroyed and Ed's superior already used Sadina's memories to find her hideouts and sent clean-up crews.
I for my part am a highly decorated member of society. To the public I have lived a formidable life and gave our people the IM-lines. I served in the SDF and protected Sol as the captain of a ship and the governor of Aether. I have a family, a wife and children. All that has to count for something at least.
My vest is as clean as it can be and if the elders would condemn my existence for that, then Zibil is sure that he would be able to topple the system. Ed at least is certain that the faceless wouldn't move even one finger against me.
Once I am done telling the slightly edited version of events I nod at Zibil and leave the platform. I notice several different expressions among the elders, but if they are more positive or negative towards me I can't tell.
When I reach my companions Melan hugs me. “The start was a little bumpy, but you made good on it in the end.”
Finally Zibil starts speaking. “Unfortunately, as my lawyers inform me we can't confirm the entirety of this story because of Sanguin's immunity. It's his mind where we can find concrete proof for all of the events. I am sure that all of you see this complaint of Gideon's as a valid step from his point of view. We would betray our oath to society if we ignore the situation. This has to be investigated and the easiest way would be for Sanguin to allow us to have a look at his memories.”
“I do not.” Sanguin calls out. “In my brain are secrets of state most other elders aren't even allowed to know. I am the one who is tasked with the administration of Sol's mainframe! From ancient times onwards this responsibility and its secrets was only transferred from one techno-mage elder to the next. Nobody can have a look at my memories. Nobody!”
Zibil continues with a bored voice. “Then I am afraid that we have no choice. Is there anybody against a direct comparison of skill?”
Zibil's question is answered with deadly silence. Not even Sanguin tries to intervene. Zibil already told us as much. First of all there would have to be a significant majority to stop the comparison of skill. Secondly it would look very bad for Sainguin if he alone refuses the comparison and not even his closest cronies would dare to risk their skins for a lost vote.
Sanguin seems to be unconcerned nonetheless and that makes me a little nervous. Something makes him sure that he can win a comparison of skill with me. Does he intend to win the comparison and flee afterwards? Or is he sure that he can't be replaced?
Zibil gestures for me and Sanguin to come to the speaker's platform. “Then let's get it over with.” Another flick of his hand and two sprites enter the amphitheatre. They are of the same model as Exo before I made the adjustments.
I raise an eyebrow while Sanguin is on his way towards us. “We take the test right here?”
“Yes, right here. In front of everyone inside your VRs. The sprites will measure your psychological qualifications, knowledge and then you will compare your abilities.”
“How will we compare our abilities?” I ask.
“We will connect to the mainframe and prove that we can use it for the greater good. That we have control over it. The mainframe isn't some kind of sprite or a computer you can program. It is the entirety of the entire quantum network. Even if you have administrator rights it takes an unbelievable amount of skill to get something done. That's why the techno-mage elders don't change very often. Almost all fail the ultimate test of qualification simply because they can't deal with the mainframe.” Sanguin throws a dirty grin at me and in that moment I know why he is so sure of himself.
Connecting to the mainframe must be like using a completely different operating system. It takes time and effort to get familiar with the network. And probably it also takes a teacher who shows the ropes. There is no way that I can perform on an equal level of skill as Sanguin who used the mainframe for who knows how long.
But I get no chance to think about it as the sprites take their positions in front of us. Sanguin reaches out to touch his sprite and I do the same. One moment later I appear inside my VR with the sprite in front of me. “Hello. My name is Exa-98. I'll ask you a few questions.”
I pull a grimace and look the sprite over. “You guys aren't very creative when it comes to names, aren't you? Let me guess, Exa is the assembling line in which your quantum brain was manufactured and 98 is the batch number of the tank in which it was grown?”
When the sprite doesn't answer immediately I know that I hit the mark.
Sol, Mars
Cyla
I watch Gideon closing his eyes to take the theoretical test. Since this may take a little time I decide to find out a few things about the family. “How is Sadina doing?”
Melan's eyes wander to the ground. “I am not sure. She woke up and thought she was rescued almost immediately. I didn't expect that it would be that hard for me. For years I harboured those feelings and thoughts that I would give her a proper beating if she ever again shows her face to me. And there she is and doesn't even know what she did. Or didn't do. It's hard to see her as the one who left the house before the explosion.”
I bite my lip. “You didn't tell her?”
“I cried and she didn't understand why. To send Rhiannon would have been the better choice.” Melan sighs. “Of course I told her what happened. Just to prepare her for when the memories return. She shouldn't face that out of nothing. She was silent for a long time afterwards.”
“I guess it's hard to wake up and learn that you lost thirty years and the people whom you knew... maybe they aren't dead, but have changed to the point of not recognizing you any more.” I ponder. “Will she start seeing other people?”
“Hedeon and Rhiannon will start visiting her in turn and she asked how Ed is doing.” Melan looks up. “I am not sure if I should allow Ed to visit her.”
Ow! It must hurt to be talked about as if you weren't present. My eyes wander to Ed, but he acts as if there is no problem. Though it's hard to tell for sure with that mask he is always wearing.
“And you told her about Gideon and...” My voice trails off.
“Not in that much detail. She knows that Rhiannon and her husband had two kids and that her other self had a son. She took it a little better than I expected though I guess she was already too shocked from everything before that.” Melan shrugs.
“I guess it will take some time.” I answer and Melan nods. “Probably a lot of time and tears too.”
That's the moment when Sanguin and Gideon take their hands off of the sprites. Sanguin's sprite floats a little higher and announces. “Suitable mentality and a perfect score.”
Gideon's sprite copies the actions of the first one. “Suitable mentality and a perfect score.”
Sanguin's grin widens and he gestures like a king on his throne for the sprites to leave. “Then I guess that means we have to get to the final test to end this. Mainframe! Administrator Sanguin requests full access.”
He closes his eyes and the light dims. “Display the mainframe.” Then a huge projectio
n of the solar system appears above us with countless tiny dots. They concentrate in areas with high population density and I realize that it displays the whole of Sol. There are even lines which indicate connections to outside of Sol.
Sanguin nods to himself, doing something inside his VR. “Entertainment and news programs. Restart!” Then whole sections of the network disconnect and go dark. A moment later they reconnect again. I gasp and some of the elders start murmuring. Did he just switch off a huge part of the network just to make a statement?
Sanguin grins and picks his ears without a care in the world. “Mainframe! New administration account for governor Gideon Alvar. He has full root rights and access.” Then he turns to Gideon. “Let's see how you manage to deal with the network.”
Gideon squints his eyes at Sanguin, but then he closes his eyes to connect to the mainframe. We wait for a while but nothing happens. A deadly silence stretches through the hall. And then I see a pearl of sweat forming on Gideon's forehead.
Sol, Mars
Gideon
This sucks! One moment it feels like I am falling and then I am in a million different places at once! The mainframe doesn't have a centralized command structure. Everything is equal... and not. I see probabilities and chaos. Is that what it looks like when you connect unfiltered to a quantum core? Normally the VR protects you from being affected by the illogical results of quantum computation.
In a normal system you reach the result of an equation step by step, going mechanically through each part of the process even if it you already know the result of a small auxiliary equation.
Not so in quantum computing. There each result is just a probability of many possible results and you reach the solution sometimes by leaping over entire steps based on probability.
It's not logical and it hurts my understanding of a computer system! If I could barf inside my VR I would to it. That's why Sanguin was so certain of himself. How is he dealing with it?
Once more I try to concentrate on one point in a sea of possibilities, but the solutions flash past me before I can even consciously register them.