"I think you have ascertained by now, my prototypes are rather special. Let me tell you why." He paused for effect, as obvious enjoyment spilled over his face. "The chips not only hold a person's consciousness in entirety, they allow the consciousness to be transferred to a biological body." Logan sat contemplating us, waiting for a reaction.
My mind raced as the implications of what Logan had just said sank in. If Kiera was on the other chip, she could be uploaded back into her own body but only if I were to vacate it. For me, it would mean I would lose my biological form and become an android. For Kiera's sake I was prepared to make that choice.
"Tell me how this process works," Nguma said, "I am a doctor, I do not have much understanding of these technical things." He regarded Logan expectantly.
"It's quite simple, the consciousness must be uploaded directly onto my prototype chip. Because the chip is unique, and enables the storage of the full consciousness, it can, via a self-contained program, be uploaded into a biological entity." Logan was in his element now, pride literally oozing from all his pores.
"I would like to see a demonstration of this process," Nguma said, glancing at me. "We have two of your chips to choose from, and I believe we already know your consciousness is on one of them."
Clever, very clever. I could see where this was heading.
"That is what you found, was it not, Luke?" His smile was triumphant.
"Yes, that's right," I grinned. "Let's see, first we empty your chip onto the computer. We upload your consciousness, from your brain to the empty chip, giving us two copies. Following that, if we transfer it from your chip back into your brain, it will allow us to see if the process works." Logan remained silent and we both stared at him intently, watching for the slightest reaction.
He gathered himself up. "I told you interrogating the chip could damage it. The fact you have already done so has probably made it unstable."
We'd got to him. He glared back at both of us.
"I'm quite prepared to go ahead with the process," I paused, waiting for what I'd said to sink in. "The only thing that will stop me is if you tell me what's on the second chip."
Logan squirmed on the bench, looking at each of us in turn.
"Luke is not making a joke of this. I think it is time for you to tell us or he will go ahead with this procedure. And I will help him." Nguma's expression was seriously convincing.
"All right, all right, you win," Logan shouted. The second chip does hold Kiera's consciousness. Satisfied?" He slumped, and I had the satisfaction of finally seeing him look defeated.
"Thank you, Logan," Nguma said in a quiet voice.
"I'll go and talk to Jack, Nguma. I'll leave you to finish up here." We stood up. "And thanks, Nguma."
I left them both. My intended words had now been tucked firmly back into a corner of my mind, perhaps never to be revisited.
Chapter 48
Over our evening meal we discussed Logan's revelations. It reminded me of family conferences held around our kitchen table at home. During previous lifetimes, Jack had become a permanent fixture. Currently, I knew I wasn't alone in regarding Nguma as a new addition to our family. His warmth, sincerity, sensitivity and intelligence had quickly won us over. He had become a different person to the sad shell Jack and I had seen when we'd first awakened him.
"How do we know he's not lying?" Jack said in between mouthfuls.
"Because he was looking so pleased with himself." I put my fork down on my plate. "With Nguma's encouragement, once Logan began showing off, he got carried away and became careless."
"I was quite deliberate with my questions, and it was plain that his ego got the better of him. After all, that was my plan." Nguma flashed us a roguish grin.
"Nguma's had considerable experience in this area. He's an expert at reading psychopaths. There's no doubt in my mind that Logan was telling us the truth."
"It's what he didn't tell you that I'm worried about," Jack said, frowning.
"What do you mean, Uncle Jack?" Tiani said, looking worried.
"He's quite capable of setting up some sort of trap. Perhaps he anticipated possible discovery and took appropriate precautions." He surveyed us all, his face set in a worried expression.
"I'm prepared to take the risk," I said, "so let's discuss the process, shall we?"
Julian leant over and gently put his hand on my shoulder, "Hey, Dad, are you sure about this?"
I patted his face, "I'm sure, Julian." He let his hand drop and sat back.
"I'm not happy, Luke," Jack replied, frowning as he pushed his plate away. "I think we should vote on it. All those in favour raise hands." Four hands went up simultaneously, while Jack's palms remained firmly planted on the table. "All right, but don't say you weren't warned."
After further discussions as to the logistics of the operation, Jack decided, because of the complexity of the procedure, it would be best if we all went up to the lab so extra help would be available if needed. He also decided it was time to put Gregory back into suspension. His wound had already healed, and there was no point in having him around any longer. It would be a relief not to have to worry about him.
Gregory appeared relieved when Nguma told him we were going to put him back into hiber-sleep. He stayed calm and cooperative, happy even, when Jack began hooking him up in the capsule. When Jack had finished, Nguma stepped over to his side.
"I will be there for you, Gregory, when you next wake up." He took Gregory's hand in his. "It will take time, but I am confident that working together we will be able to lay Logan to rest. After that is done, you will be able to move on. I'm certain that you have a new and happy life to look forward to when we reach our destination."
"Thank you, Nguma. You've already helped me great deal, and I'm sure you're right. Goodbye for now."
"Goodbye, Gregory." Nguma let go of his hand and stepped away.
Gregory turned his head towards me. "I'm sorry, Luke…"
To my surprise, a sudden wave of compassion swept over me and compelled me to say what I'd previously left unsaid. I leant over him, put my hand on his shoulder, and said quietly, "I forgive you."
He looked at me with an expression of utter disbelief, "Why? Why would you do that?"
Jack stepped back from the computer screen. "He's ready."
As I moved away, and with Gregory's eyes still locked on mine, I said, "Because, you are not Logan. He was a victim of his genes and his tragic childhood environment. You're free from those influences, Gregory. With Nguma's help you can tread a different path, that's why I can forgive you." His expression of bewilderment transformed into relief, and he mouthed “thank you” as the canopy slid closed. I watched as the sleep-gas hissed into the capsule, and Gregory's eyes closed.
When the capsule began to retract, a huge sense of relief poured through me. I experienced the release of a subtle pressure that, up until that moment, I'd been unaware of. In an instant, my whole being flooded with lightness, a sense of freedom, and something I hadn't experienced for a long time––joy.
"What the hell was that about?" Jack's face took on a puzzled expression.
"I'm not sure," I shook my head. "But…I feel…good. In fact, I feel great."
#
Once Gregory was back in suspension, Jack decided to wait until morning to carry out our mission to rescue Kiera. After we'd seen Gregory off, the intense emotions soon evaporated into exhaustion. I think I was still feeling the effects of my trip down the dark wormhole into Williamson's brain. Feeling emotionally drained, I was happy to delay the process.
We went to bed early. Although I had no trouble getting to sleep, I woke up numerous times during the night—my brain inundated with disturbing, intense memories (or were they just dreams?) of Logan's past.
One, in particular, left unsettling and vivid details emblazoned in mind long after I woke up. It began with Gregory frantically waving at me. I ran to him, and he motioned me forward. I could see his lips moving, but I couldn't hear him. N
ext, we were in Logan's office, and the man himself was sitting in front of a computer. Gregory pointed at the screen with such an expression of terror that I stepped forward to see what he was looking at. Logan twisted around and began to laugh. It thundered through my brain like the launch of a starship. I woke up soaked in sweat, unable to shake the images or the feeling of terror.
Consequently, the next morning a desperate tiredness pervaded every cell in my body. A revitalising hot shower and some breakfast helped a little. Thank the Universe my role in the day's proceedings only involved verifying it was Kiera's consciousness on Logan's prototype chip. A simple link, after we'd connected her chip to the computer, was all that was required. Afterwards, I would be put to sleep. My consciousness would be uploaded to the computer, leaving Kiera's brain vacant. Tiredness was hardly going to be an issue.
Julian and Tiani had insisted on fixing breakfast for us. When we'd finished, they had gathered the remains and were washing the dishes in the sink. Nguma and I sat contemplating the simulated scene in the view screen opposite our table. I wondered what he was thinking. His eyes had a glazed, faraway look. Perhaps something in the scene reminded him of his dead wife.
Jack stuck his head round the door. "Luke, are you happy to stay behind to turn on the lights etcetera and follow us down later?"
"Yes, okay." His request surprise me, but it was logical. It would take time to set the process up. I wouldn't be needed. We could turn the lights on before we left, but perhaps Jack was giving me time to myself to think about what I was going to do, hoping I would reconsider. I wouldn't. My mind was firmly made up. I was happy to indulge him, because I still couldn't shake my desperate tiredness. Actually, it was rather sweet. Great Universe! Another Kiera thought? Would these remnants stay with me when I became a sapioid?
A little later, I watched them all traipse out and disappear into the airlock. After monitoring their departure, I found myself sitting alone with my thoughts, surrounded only by the quiet hiss of the air-conditioning. So much had happened in such a short time. I sighed and thought about Kiera––my beautiful, loving Kiera. I had thought she was lost forever, and now with Jack's help she would be restored to the body that was rightfully hers. I would become the sapioid. I hoped she'd understand.
We'd had many heated discussions around the subject. As far as she was concerned, androids were the last resort. I knew, unlike me, she would cling to her biological humanity as long as she could. She would be devastated by what had happened to Julian and Tiani. I hoped it wouldn't be too much for her. I found my thoughts drifting. I must have actually dropped off to sleep, because the next thing I became aware of was Jack's voice.
"This is going to take longer than I thought, Luke, so you might as well stay where you are for the time being."
My pulse rate immediately jumped, "Is there a problem?"
"No, I was just a bit optimistic about the length of time it would take. Go and have a nap, but leave the com on. I'll wake you with an alarm when it's time to come down." There was something in his voice, but I decided not to pursue it.
"Okay, I do feel quite tired."
"I'll let you know when we're ready."
"Okay." I yawned and got up from the chair. I padded across to the living unit. After a drink of water, I laid on the bunk. I went out like a light, and the next thing I was aware of was the sound of the alarm. I rolled off the bunk and trotted back to the console outside. I flicked the switch.
"We'll be ready for you by the time you get down here," Jack said, sounding pleased.
"So, connecting her chip has been successful?"
"Yes, once I worked out how to do it. It comes with its own program, Luke. It's gone without a hitch. See you soon." He'd already broken the connection. I switched off the com and went to suit up. After pressing the airlock button, I stood and waited for it to re-pressurise.
I thought about the length of time I'd been asleep and found it hard to believe almost three hours had passed. It had been a deep, seemingly dreamless sleep. I still couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. I dredged my brain, trying to pinpoint its origin without success.
With the re-pressurisation process complete, I opened the door and stepped inside. While waiting for the airlock to exhaust the air, my thoughts drifted. When I came back here, I would be a sapioid. Great Universe! Please let it go right.
Chapter 49
The air in the lab held a thick tension, as I finally sat in the chair, and the headband engaged. I had a monumental fight to control the anxiety flooding my brain. It took five minutes of controlled breathing and mental exercises to get myself into a state where I could actually engage and link with the computer.
I went through the preliminaries and finally came to the moment I was both dreading and excitedly anticipating.
––Link to Kiera Susannah Proud.
––Linking.
I waited, with my heart in my mouth, watching the screen blink, over and over. Seconds dripped through my brain and pooled like hours. I held my breath. I had to stay calm. I had to focus. Otherwise, I would have to start all over again. The message changed.
––Warning––requested link uploaded from a non-conforming chip.
––Link to occupant Kiera Susannah Proud.
––This procedure may be dangerous and is not recommended for uploads from nonstandard chips.
I invoked the critical emergency override and repeated my request again, and waited.
––Linking.
I sat, suspended in time before I spiralled down into blackness.
––Kiera, it's Luke, I need you to confirm your password with the computer.
Silence. I repeated my request.
––Luke, what's going on? Where are you? I can't see anything. Why can't I see anything?
It was her. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind.
––Yes, it's me, Kiera, you're in suspension. I don't have time to explain, please verify your password with the computer.
––Not until you tell me what's going on.
––I don't have time Kiera, please do as I ask. Your life is at stake.
––What!
––Do as I ask now!
––All right, no need to get terse. Locate password for Kiera Susannah Proud.
––Password located––please verify.
––White mouse.
––Password verified.
––Thanks, Kiera. See you shortly.
––Break link.
––Link terminated.
Everyone had gathered around me, and they were all waiting expectantly.
"It's her… It's her," was all I could manage through my sobs of joy and relief. As I got up from the chair, Tiani launched herself at me. She threw her arms round my neck, crying and laughing at the same time. Julian, ecstatic, punched the air, while Nguma looked on, nodded his head and beamed; only Jack remained impassive.
"Are you sure it's her, Luke?" he asked, with a solemn expression.
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Okay, let's get on with it. Places everyone. Time is ticking." He turned away from us. Something in his eyes unsettled me, something I couldn't fathom. If there'd been more time, I would have spoken to him to try and get to the bottom of it. Whatever it was.
#
"I still can't understand why it took you so long," I said to Julian, as he fixed various leads onto my head.
"Hey, what's it matter?" He grinned down at me. "You're here now."
The inexplicable time lag, compounded by everyone appearing too Zarking cheerful, was making me uneasy. Great Universe! Now I'm getting paranoid. Relax, Luke. You're just imagining things. Why shouldn't everybody be cheerful? We're about to resurrect Kiera and return her to her body.
"He's ready, Jack," Julian called out, patting my shoulder affectionately. "Have a nice sleep, and come back to us." He paused. "Hey, we'll make a pretty mean trio, Dad." He stepped out of the way for Tiani.
She had
tears in her eyes. She leaned over and put both arms around me and kissed me gently on the cheek. "I love you, Dad."
"I love you too, Ti." I turned to Julian, "And you too, Julian. Don't worry––I'll be back." Tears began to trickle out of the corners of my eyes, but I was unable to brush them away, for fear of dislodging some of the electrodes.
"Okay, you two," Jack said, "enough of all this sentimental stuff, man your posts."
I lifted my hand and reluctantly shooed them away, as Jack and Nguma stepped up, one on each side of me.
Jack regarded me with a serious expression and said quietly, "Last chance, Luke, are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes, Jack. I'm sure." I smiled up at him.
"Okay, over to you, Nguma."
As Jack turned and went back to the console, Nguma took my hand. He expertly inserted the line for the anaesthetic, ready to administer it when Jack gave the go-ahead.
"Put him to sleep, Nguma," Jack called.
"I'm running it in now, Luke," Nguma said, as he momentarily held my gaze, "All will be well, my friend."
Just before I drifted into unconsciousness, my brain flooded with a vivid memory. Logan.…Great Universe…the chip…wait, I tried to say, but the words died in my leaden mouth. The last thing I felt and heard was Nguma patting my hand and saying, "All will be well, Luke"
Chapter 50
I heard a voice––someone called my name; I struggled against a heavy lethargy to open my eyes.
"It's okay, Luke, just relax." The voice…soft…loving…Kiera. It was Kiera's voice. Great Universe! It had worked.
"You'll be able to open your eyes in just a minute, Luke." She caressed my face, and held my hand in her tender grip. My eyes fluttered open. Kiera's face, blurry at first, slowly crystallised into clarity, and a tidal wave of joy broke over me. I attempted to sit up. I wanted to wrap my arms around her, to feel her arms around me and her lips on mine; I wanted this perfect moment to last forever.
"Easy, Luke." She slipped her hands under my arms and helped me to sit up. "Easy does it. Just sit for a bit while you stabilise." She wrapped her arms around me and laid her head on my shoulder.
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