"I forgot to ask if this thing would change me."
“Well, of course, this will change you. Can you clarify?”
“I assume I’ll know more, recall more, but not like that. What else will it do to me?”
“If you are referring to your personality, that is an aggregation of many factors. The effect of becoming more intelligent will change you to a degree. I cannot anticipate how, exactly. Suffice it to say you will have a better understanding of your environment, and possibly your own body and thoughts, and your reflexes will improve. The vaskpar is an indispensable implant among our people. It is not only a communication device but also a biological aid. This vaskpar itself will learn how your mind works, over time it will help you by re-routing memories, re-organizing what you assimilate.”
“Whoa. What do you mean, it’s reprogramming me? This thing is going to get rid of my memories?”
“No, merely reorganize. Not all memories will be affected, just certain ones. It can only improve you.”
“As long as I stay sane.”
“Your sarcasm is noted. Understand the benefits. The vaskpar is capable of isolating and diagnosing problems pertaining to your health. Many of your body’s systems work autonomously, requiring little guidance from your brain. Fluctuating levels of chemicals and recurring aches and pains often indicate the presence of parasites, or a new viral infection, or some other kind of degradation within your organs. The vaskpar will help identify these problems more accurately than many of our tests. It can also stimulate your natural systems to repair the body. It will control unwanted voluntary reactions to help your body manage stress. For example, it can raise or lower hormone levels, or manipulate antibodies within your immune system. It can interface with medical systems, serving a vital function during reparative surgery by providing useful information and monitoring of your bodily systems.”
“Wow, OK, that’s a lot. Regarding communication in the Par, what kind of range does it have? You would think something like that would do cellular damage.”
“Precautions have been made to protect your body from any type of radiation damage. The vaskpar’s range may be amplified through a local relay device kept close to you.”
"Can I also use it to search through your computer archives?"
"Yes, of course, although the term computer is not a fitting label and you will not be able to achieve this without your interface server. The unit is being developed now and you should have access to it shortly."
"Interface server? I don’t recall you telling me about this. How will I use it?"
"This interface server will help you navigate the Par. This server will be a constant companion, an alter-ego if you will. Interfacing with it will be similar to reaching out to another party. The connection will occur seamlessly. You will find that once you are familiar with that party, you will be able to automatically initiate a direct connection.”
“So I can do this now?”
“Yes, of course.” Tsaurau caught his doubting look. “It will become clear when you do this.”
“Right. So this interface server thing will make it easier for me to learn, etc…”
"Yes, the vaskpar interface server is unique. By some definitions, one could consider it a sentient life-form."
“Great. A computer with a personality.”
“There is one more thing you should know. There is a slight difference between your vaskpar and others, discounting any necessary alterations that were introduced to adjust to your physical framework."
"What do you mean, exactly?"
"Modifications have been done to your vaskpar in order to achieve a higher interchange capability through your interface."
"Why?"
"We needed to do this in order to shorten your learning curve. This introduces a risk, however. We are not 100% sure about the effectiveness of this enhancement. We will, however, be monitoring you very closely. If you find yourself having unusual motor control problems, impulsive thoughts, any kind of complication, report it to us immediately."
He handed a small device to Ryan. "We need you to wear this patch, place it on your forearm. We realize this is bulky, but it is required for the time being. It is an auxiliary monitor and vaskpar control. It will protect you in the event of any possible problem."
Ryan's mouth turned dry. A remote shutdown device probably. No, they weren’t sure about the changes they’ve made. He was a Guinea Pig at a whole new level.
"Do not worry, Ryan," Tsaurau consoled. "We will be monitoring you continuously. If we find you are not compatible with this device, we can extract it, but we will not be able to accomplish our goals without it."
"I know. I need to learn and learn fast."
"To teach you to become a pilot, we need to train you in all the aspects of physics, science, astronomy & mathematics. The construction of a vessel that can traverse the tremendous distances of the universe is a major achievement of any race. It encompasses the culmination of a civilization’s knowledge."
"You’d give the same credit to the Xilozaks and the Txtians?"
"Initially," conceded Tsaurau. "Although they have stolen much from other races they have conquered and used this technology to leapfrog beyond their natural capabilities. But enough talk of them. You have another step to make before you will be complete. The interface to your vaskpar will be a very powerful one, as I have explained. It will provide the bridge between you and our Xeronian knowledge. Unfortunately, it is not ready. In the meantime, you will need to learn the normal way.”
"I don’t mind reading."
"Good. Let us start then."
From that point on Ryan's life became very busy. To top it all off, teams of Xeronian doctors constantly followed him around, observing him intently. He knew they meant well, but it was damned irritating.
They also had him on a fairly intensive exercise program, and some exercises they prescribed were very unusual, but Ryan did them anyway. He had learned that further questioning provided little answers, as the doctor's explanations were limited to ‘they needed to study certain muscle behaviors’ or something similar. Each day it seemed a new member joined the medical team. They were utterly fascinated with the human anatomy. Many of them huddled around each other for lengthy hours, watching as he exercised, intermittently chirping excitedly at some new unforeseen data, unable to contain themselves over their silent discussions which danced through the invisible network called the Par.
By the end of the first week, Ryan was beginning to feel impatient.
When Tsaurau met with him to discuss his progress, Ryan voiced his discontent. Tsaurau was not surprised.
"It will not last for very much longer. You will soon be too busy learning to concern yourself with the doctors. School is scheduled to begin tomorrow."
The next day Ryan began to learn the basics of Xeronian math and science. His progress was slow, and he found himself becoming increasingly frustrated. His professors, who were Xeronian scientists, were quite dry in the personality department, and he found it hard to concentrate on the subject matter. What made it even worse was that most of the teaching was done orally. They did not even attempt to communicate with him over the Par. There were few resources to refer to. For the life of him, he could not understand how he could learn enough to pilot a starship, or even understand their most basic principals of science.
In their next meeting, Tsaurau could sense Ryan's troubles.
“We are used to relying upon the Par to provide the necessary references. It is our oversight. Your vaskpar interface will be complete tomorrow. You will have access to the whole Xeronian library of knowledge. We will be stepping up your education program. You will learn even in your sleep." Thin lips curled in a Xeronian expression of support.
The vaskpar server interface was brought online the next day, very early. The monitor in Ryan's room sprung to life, lighting up the dark room where he slept.
"I am Timlin. I am notifying you that we are initiating your vaskpar
server interface. We are requesting a link. Can you respond?"
Ryan looked at the monitor, his mind still fuzzy. "What?"
"We are requesting a link. Can you respond, please?"
"How?"
"Concentrate on returning the sequence we send you."
A sound within his mind, intermittent clicks.
He thought the sequence back. The next message surprised him.
"Hello Ryan, I am your vaskpar server unit."
"Hello," Ryan thought back, his mind now clear from the haze of sleep. The noise emanating through the monitor had left him little choice by now.
Did they ever sleep?
"We have established a link. We will need to refine the protocol parameters but the exchange looks excellent."
"Timlin!" growled Ryan. "Do you mind telling me what the hell is going on?"
"Why, yes," he exclaimed, hairless eyebrows twisted into an Earth-like frown in a Xeronian look of astonishment. “You are linked to the Par via your server interface. Do you understand this?"
"Yes," growled Ryan, "but why did you have to wake me!"
"I see." He leaned away from the monitor in order to confer with his peers and appeared again, a second later. "We apologize for any inconvenience. Please resume your sleep."
The monitor went blank, leaving him alone to his thoughts. What was this Par going to be like? Why did they have to wake him in the middle of his sleep? Damn it!
He tossed, turned, and twisted his body in many different contortions before finally fading off. Later, a familiar voice woke him. It was a voice within his mind, but it was not Tsaurau's. It sounded different – which was strange given that there really was no ‘sound’. The voice was low and friendly. The resonance was soothing. A slight tickle.
"Good morning Ryan. It is time to rise."
Ryan questioned it back, "And what do I call you?"
"Whatever you wish. We are to be friends. In fact, my personality has been specifically designed to be compatible with yours. It makes for a more interesting conversation, does it not?"
Ryan, slightly amused, had to agree.
"I have been designed from your imprint, yet I am also quite different. I will be most assuredly your best friend, from this time on, until the end of your or my life."
This made Ryan laugh openly. "You seem pretty sure I can stand you. I'm not so sure I like this idea. A nosy computer that is pushy as well as arrogant."
The reply came slightly delayed. "That is understandable. I will remain on standby until you request me. Goodbye."
Silence followed. Strange. Gone like that. Maybe he had hurt its feelings. Does it have feelings?
Either way, there was more urgent business at hand. He was scheduled to meet the vaskpar technicians within the next half-hour.
He showed up a bit late. About a dozen Xeronians were moving busily about the laboratory when he arrived. The one in charge named Tzokbin was visibly irritated by his tardiness.
"Please expedite your actions! We have much work to do!”
He pointed to a chair. “Sit!”
Ryan complied, eager to get over with whatever they were planning for him today.
"And what, my good doctor Tzokbin, are we going to do today?"
"Today? Oh yes, this day we complete the refinements of your vaskpar interface, streamline communications and address any outstanding problems. We will be running many tests. We will require your undivided attention."
Clasps came out from around the back of his chair and pulled him tight against it. Steel bands bit down upon his wrists. A large machine swung down from the ceiling and was brought to bear on his right eye, a half-meter from his face.
"What's the idea?" He squirmed and quietly cussed as straps pulled taut all over his body.
Great. I can hardly move.
"We require you to remain absolutely still for a number of hours.”
Hours? He tried to say something but the chin straps had locked his jaw closed. He couldn’t stand being tied down. He could feel the panic swelling. He had to calm down.
“Vaskpar Interface.”
“I am here.”
“I need some help.”
“You must calm down. I will aid you if you desire.”
“Yes!”
He could feel it settle over his body. A gentle, soothing wave, relaxing, calming. He could feel his pulse slow, his body sink into a relaxed, eased state.
“Wow, thanks. How did you do that?”
“I merely did what you could have done yourself. I will need to go offline. But I will visit you again, in a short time. Will you be OK?”
Tzokbin swung a large machine over in front of him. A red light glared into his eyes.
“Ryan, adrenaline levels are rising again.”
He focused. Like the server said, nothing he couldn’t do himself. Stay calm, stay cool. “Yeah, I should be alright, thanks.”
Timlin leaned over. "This will not inflict any significant pain."
It won’t hurt a bit. That’s what you’re supposed to say. It won’t hurt a bit. Damn chin strap.
After five hours of total restraint, they finally let him up. He had some awful muscle cramps, but the pain in no way exceeded his miserable temperament.
That would be the last time they did something like that.
* * *
"Well, what's next Tsaurau?"
They were both sitting in his apartment in front of an artificial fireplace Ryan had requested. He found it made the place more comfortable, in addition to the pictures on the walls, the lanterns, the woven rugs, it all helped take away the antiseptic feel of the room.
The lights were low. Ryan's body was sunk deep into his favorite, comfortable chair, his feet up on an ottoman. He could smell a wisp of cherry wood smoke in the air.
He had to complement those engineers.
Both of them were drinking a facsimile of apricot brandy, another request of Ryan's. The Xeronians had done an exemplary job of its reproduction, down to that last detail, including the alcohol content. He took another swig; it burned going down and left a warm glow in his stomach.
Tsaurau was taking his time answering. The Xeronian was in a mellow mood – which was not at all like him. The brandy was doing its work, and the alien physiology was not immune from its effects. Just the same, it seemed his alien friend was appreciating this chemically induced state, even if it took some effort to communicate clearly.
"The next thing, I believe you would call it, in Earth slang, is power learning. You will...you'll be online with the knowledge database every hour of every day. Your vaskpar interface is ready to initiate the program. It is up to you now, whenever you feel ready for it."
"Whenever I feel ready!" Ryan chuckled. "Now that's a switch. Those doctors of yours could learn a little bit from you."
Tsaurau laughed - a human reaction he had learned from Ryan. Xeronians do not laugh, at least the younger ones didn’t. The older ones, well, they had their own ways. The Earthman was an obvious influence on him. Not all of it good, at least not socially. He, of all Xeronians, should not acquire such 'bad habits'.
"Yes, Ryan, the doctors are known to be a determined group. Are you ready?"
"Yes, the sooner, the better."
"I have a question regarding a discussion we had a time ago when I told you about your destiny. You mentioned a promise, that you needed to find someone. Who is this person?"
"A Signite woman named Aviore Tem, the daughter of the Governor of Signus. We met on a slavership when I was first captured. I was injured pretty badly by a Xilozak. She nursed me back to health. I would have died had she not been there.”
“I see. What happened to her?”
“They separated us, took her away."
Tsaurau stared at him solemnly, his large head bobbing slightly side-to-side, "You believe… that she is still alive?"
"I don't know for sure. I just feel she is. Either way, I have to find her."
"Your task is a difficult one. Th
e known galaxy is immense, the universe, unfathomable.”
"I know the odds, Tsaurau," he shot back, a bit too harshly.
A long silence followed. Tsaurau seemed to be considering his problem, possibly posing questions to the Par, and waiting for the answers with typical well-practiced Xeronian patience. Others were out there, their minds woven into the Par as intimately as their own bodies. The Par had been a part of each of them from birth. Every Xeronian had learned long ago they were not alone. Help was out there. Shortly, the answers trickled down in a colorful grace, responses from other minds within the colony, from brothers and sisters who had been listening.
Ryan could communicate within the Par, but he chose to remain silent. Since the day of his implant, he had not truly adopted it, and probably never would. It was, above all, uniquely Xeronian. One should not expect others to fully adapt one's ways.
"We know of Signus. Its people are genetically identical to you. This one you call Aviore, she is your... mate, your female partner? You feel love for her?"
Ryan nodded. “Yes. I do. I thought you Xeronians would have isolated this love thing down to its chemical architecture by now. Put some artificial controls on it, labeled it within some test tube.”
"This sarcasm you are displaying is not contributing to our relationship. I must confess, your behavior is a mystery to me sometimes. Regardless, I will confer with the Elders. It is possible that the Eternals may have provided some secrets to your future."
"Forgive me for my insolence, Tsaurau, but as I’m already on a roll. I have to tell you I do not believe in your Eternals. I do not believe in whispers from the dead, or murmuring well-meaning ghosts. I play the cards I am dealt and I do not profess to know what tomorrow will bring. Your beliefs do not match mine Tsaurau; I am a lone man, light-years from my home. I have only my idealism to keep me sane."
"If it is any comfort to you, our scientists have long ago abandoned the need to explain everything. I can state, and this includes almost all Xeronians, that we have managed to find inner peace. We strive to improve our talents and make ourselves the best we can be. As for your beliefs, I can say you do not have an exclusive right to hope, or to belief that you can make a difference.
A Bellicose Dance Page 17