by Steven Oaks
“Was there no way to just give me a button to push to make me immediately able to utilize this new found strength? Instead, you've made it impossible to move as I'm used too.” I complained.
“If you were caught by surprise how would you then be prepared? It is better to have it always ready to use. You will just have to learn to control it,” she explained.
“And now I only have a day to learn to do so. I don't think that'll be enough time,” I worried.
“Then you better start practicing. Now step slowly forward, and we shall see how you do,” she urged.
I tried to lift my leg slowly, and it responded much quicker than I had wanted. I kicked up as if it had been electrocuted, and hung in place until I willed it down again. I tried my other leg, this time with as little power as I could, and it lifted normally. I practiced one leg, then the other, and soon I was able to make a walking motion as I hung in the air.
“Alright Athene, you can lower me, and I'll see if I can go for a little walk. I'll be careful,” I promised.
She loosened her grasp, and I was set firmly on the ground. Being as delicate as I could I walked across the floor towards the bathroom door. Standing in front of the opening, I reached forward to grasp the doorknob that had never been there before. I mused it must be for practice, and I tried to gently turn and tug the door open. Unfortunately I must not have been gentle enough as the door slammed against the wall when I pulled it open.
“Sorry about that Athene,” I apologized.
“You will learn, just do everything as weakly as you can. You will find balance soon. The only difference is you are stronger, and you need to learn to weaken each action you take,” she said, serenely.
The rest of that morning she had me practice. Soon I was facing the black knight once more. Holding aloft my mighty sword I cut him in two with one slash. Had it been a normal human forged weapon it would never have been able to stand up against the stress I put on it. Even I, after completing the swing, wound up spinning in place and then falling to the ground.
“This isn't going well,” I mumbled from the ground.
“You are doing fine. See how easily you defeated the black knight? You have been fighting him every day for months, and today you were able to win with a single blow. I did not tell you, but you were always practicing against an opponent as strong as an Outsider. With the armor you were enhanced, but now you can do it on your own. If you were to wear even the thinnest of clothing made by me, you would be nearly unstoppable. Right now you could punch a hole in my hull; however, I would ask that you do not try,” she giggled.
“Am I really that strong? Am I not dangerous to you now?” I asked.
“I could heal any damage your small body could do to me, but you might still be blown out into space. I would not want you to have to experience that. You would survive, but you would not be comfortable. Your body would continue to feed your brain the needed nutrients, but you would feel the terrible vacuum of space,” she cautioned.
“Let's hope I don't accidentally do that then. Speaking of nutrients, do I need to eat anymore?” I questioned.
“You do not need to consume anything, as long as you are somewhere your body can convert the surrounding energy into what your brain needs. However, you still can eat and even taste food,” she said.
“Well I'm glad you kept that intact. I'd hate to have this all-powerful body and not be able to enjoy a little of life's pleasures,” I laughed. Sobering up I asked, “Can I still be poisoned?”
“Not by regular methods. Nor could you be poisoned in the way I incapacitated Mr. Thompson. In you I have put everything I have learned from his examination, and by everything I was able to decipher from the texts from human authors on human biology. Though I think I could still overwhelm you if I were to focus all my attention on you with every ounce of material I have to control. You very well may be able to break through the containment, but it would be difficult. You are self contained, though I allowed you to have the control over yourself enough that you could let another have a connection to your body if you so desired. If you wished an upgrade, or perhaps have me try to convert you back to a human body, you would have to grant me access,” she explained.
“And how would I do that?” I asked.
“You will have to mentally open up to whomever is trying to help you. As long as your feelings are peaceful, or as some put it, serene, you would be open. I did this so that if you ever feel threatened you will not be able to be put under. I notice you are not feeling that way now, which is understandable. However, given time you will be able to control that emotion,” she said.
“That's a little worrying. What if I start to malfunction before I can control my emotions? Will you be able to help me?” I asked with concern.
“You are unlikely to ever cease to function properly. You are as perfect as I could make, and I am nearly perfect myself. From what I learned, from you, and from the Outsiders, I have been upgrading myself. I've found no degradation of function, and am running smoother than ever before. However, I still have to limit myself to this form to not alert the Outsiders to any change. You are less scrutinized than I am, so I went all out. You are my masterpiece. When we win this battle I will make more, but for now you are the shining example of what a sentient being can become,” she said with pride.
“I don't feel all that perfect. Right now I'm a lumbering monster. Yes I am able to defeat an enemy with a single strike, but I land on my face more times than not,” I laughed, chagrined.
“It will come with time,” she said, gently.
“And yet I have little of it before I am forced to meet with an Outsider,” I complained.
“We do not know yet whether they will want to see you again,” she assured calmly, though I could hear her own worry in her voice.
“Oh they will. Every time I do something new they want to see me. First Adam, or Abihail, then Ava,” I said, in frustration. Then a thought struck me. “What about Ava? Am I immune to her completely now?”
“You should be able to resist her far better than normal. However, you still have the same senses you had when you previously met her. You can dampen them on command; however, you must learn that control. Her touch; however, should no longer have the same effect,” she explained.
“So until I can control myself better I should avoid her at all cost,” I said simply.
“You already have been able to resist the false Ava I have made. It should be no different from that, and perhaps you will find it even easier now,” she reassured me.
“And if I get angry like I have so many times before, what then? I might try to tear her apart with my new found power. That would ruin our plan of abducting her,” I insisted, frustrated.
“Not necessarily. If she still is mostly intact, and you are on board, then I could still gain access to her memories,” Athene said.
“And if I'm not on board, then it would be a waste. Who knows what trouble I would stir up? I will have to be doubly cautious now. My berserk rages would cause so much more damage now,” I said, thinking of when I tried to destroy the bedroom only recently.
“It would be difficult to rescue you from their main ship. If they decided to attack you with their gravity weapons, you would not survive. Immortal you are not, yet you possess the ability to outlive normal humans,” she declared.
“You did say something about black holes. Well let's hope it doesn't come to that. This is a sneaky operation. Abduct these Outsiders, and find out what we can do to stop their control over humanity. If we do it right, none shall be the wiser,” I asserted, and I hoped I was right.
“Even if we fail the other Athenes are following behind us. They may have a more difficult time locating all the Outsiders, but they should at least stop the transportation of the dead. Also, they will be able to give humanity the technology the trade was originally for. There should be no aggression from people if we can still ensure that,” she concluded.
“I hope you're rig
ht. While it seems her hypnotic effect wore off for me, I was already resistant to manipulation. Who knows if those she influenced before will be the same. Those were powerful people in their own right, and may rise up against us if we succeed,” I noted.
“Nothing is ever guaranteed; however, there is hope. We risk much because the outcome is worth it. Remember that, and we shall be able to do this,” she encouraged.
“I know Athene. You're repeating basically what I say every day to myself. Well let's get back to training. I don't want to fall on my face in front of Adam,” I laughed.
“The Black Knight again?” she asked.
“How about I try eating? I don't feel hungry, but I'd like to try out this new tongue of mine,” I smiled.
“And what would the dear captain like to try first?” she asked.
“What a question. Something that doesn't require a knife would be best. I don't want to accidentally stab myself,” I commented, standing up slowly to make sure I would not launch myself into the air.
“Simple oatmeal, or maybe a sandwich which requires no utensils?” she reasoned.
“I think a hamburger would suit me just fine right now,” I smirked. Having found my footing, I removed the armor Athene insisted I did not need, and yet I had worn. I watched it hit the ground to sink away. You would think seeing this every day would cause me to become numb to such things, but the little tricks of Athene's construction always had me shaking my head in amazement.
Making my way slowly through the halls I entered the dining area. It appeared to be decorated the same, but everything seemed softer somehow. I reached out a hand to pull a chair away from the table, and I felt my fingers sink into it.
“Athene, what have you done?” I asked, surprised.
“I want to ensure you do not damage me too much. That and there is no reason for shards of wood to go flying around if you misjudge your own strength,” she giggled.
“So you've put me in a childproof room?” I laughed as well.
“Somewhat, but I think any child would be safer here than in a home a human made,” she boasted, pridefully.
“I'm sure you would make a very good parent. Now let's see about this meal,” I said, beginning to salivate at the idea of food. While I was not hungry, I do enjoy flavors. I wondered if I would get full now with this new body.
As I sat in the new squishable wooden chairs, a plate containing a single burger rose from the surface of the table causing small ripples to pulse outwards. Small curls of steam rose from the fare, and the room was filled with an almost intoxicating smell.
Though I was anxious to fill my mouth, I took it slowly. With concentration I cautiously brought the sandwich to my mouth. Instead of my usual large mouthful, I nibbled delicately. As I chewed, I noticed how much more I tasted. Perhaps it was the new taste-buds, or maybe it was this new and unusual way I was eating. Only unusual for me of course, I've seen others savor their food, but I was used to simply eating quickly.
“This is delicious Athene,” I said with joy.
“Don't talk with your mouth full Michael,” she admonished, though she said it happily.
“Sorry,” I muttered while I smiled. “Can I get a drink,” I said, coughing.
“I'm not sure you are ready for a glass yet. Will a water fountain suffice?” she asked, and I nodded.
The table morphed before me, there now was a small divot, and a stream of water arched down into a waiting drain. I leaned forward to sip from the water, and was rewarded with cool thirst quenching refreshment.
“Ah, just what I needed. Now back to this delectable meal,” I said as I excitedly tore another bite free. This time it was a much larger portion, and I nearly choked on it.
Coughing again, I leaned into the fountain and nearly slammed my head into the table. Pushing myself away so as not to drown, I flung myself back and toppled over the chair.
Laying on the floor feeling foolish, Athene said, “Michael are you alright?”
“I think so, though I feel ridiculous. I just reacted like I would usually, and I've wound up on my back. If I panic without thought I will cause us more trouble,” I grumbled.
“Then you just have to not panic. Think through all your actions, and plan accordingly. Eventually you will get used to this new body, and then you will not have to,” she advised gently.
“I suppose. But we really don't have time for me to settle into it. Damn it,” I yelled angrily as I slammed my fists into the ground. Where I had hit the floor, fist sized divots marred its smooth surface.
Shaking my head in frustration I slowly pulled myself off the floor. Dragging the chair carefully back into place I sat down trying to compose myself.
“Shazbot,” I cursed, and smiled. Nothing like the irreverent to shake yourself free of depression.
“What Michael?” Athene asked.
“Oh nothing, just a word for disappointment,” I said.
“Try again, you have some time,” she encouraged again.
I looked at the half eaten burger, and felt no desire. Instead of eating more I asked, “Athene will I feel full? Will I even have anything to let me know that I should eat? What's the point of consuming anything anymore?”
“You eat for fuel like you have done so in the past, though you do not have to. Will you get full, that I am unsure of. You could fill the cavity left aside for digestion, though it rapidly metabolizes materials, and you may not. It depends on the speed of your consumption. Rapidly enough you would have food falling out of your mouth. However, within a minute or so you would find room again. Waste byproduct will be eliminated in the same fashion as before; however, since you utilize calories from food more efficiently it should be less often. If no facility is available you may burn the access away, though it will raise your body temperature to do so,” she explained.
“You mean the reason why the Outsiders are so hot is because they couldn't get to a restroom?” I laughed.
“That is perhaps one reason. The other reason of course is simply by design. It may be they needed an easier way to distinguish between human and copy. Thorough examinations are difficult to do with limited tools. Their bodies are advanced, but not in a way that would allow them to see through someone. Heat signatures could be detected easily enough. Simply touching another would alert them the other is one of their kind. I suspect you noticed how hot their touch was,” she reminded.
“After you told me the Outsiders had a higher temperature I did notice when shaking Adam's hand. But now I'm like them. If they touch me won't they notice?” I asked.
“Only if you were to do something quicker than a human would. So far while you have eaten you have not raised your temperature, save when you panicked. I was able to eliminate that design flaw in you. As luck would have it, while I was modifying you I was able to examine your systems closer. Doing so has allowed this enhancement,” she bragged, proudly.
“Then is it possible the Outsiders are always ready to attack? Meaning they are always hot and then able to utilize their greater power with a moments notice?” I asked.
“I am sure that is part of the reason. However, there is no lag in your abilities, as you have seen. It merely does not show unless you actually act with force. Again we know little as to why the Outsiders even appear human, other than it is likely they wish to be better suited to handling humans,” she concluded.
“All in all, you're saying I don't have to eat. Then Athene, I'm finished with this food. Though it was tasty, I feel no desire to continue. It doesn't fill me with pleasure like it did before. Perhaps the expression 'hunger is the best spice' means I will no longer enjoy it as I once did. I don't begrudge you this change, much, but you know my usual behavior. I only eat that which I need. You have expanded my palate, yet even with all your offerings I usually only ate oatmeal. Now I've no need even for that. I have lost a little of my humanity thanks to this change, though I gain in abilities,” I smiled a sad smile.
“I am sorry if I overstepped myself. I just
wished to take away some of the risks you will face. The Mr. Thompson version of myself seemed to enjoy food even though he felt no hunger. I had no idea it would be different with you,” she offered, sounding worried.
“You've never been human. While you may take the shape of something, that doesn't mean you are that something. You can act as others do, but that doesn't change the experiences of being something else. You would have to start all over from scratch to be human. No memories in place, and be born a baby. Slowly you would grow into a person, a human person, and then you might see what it is to be one of us. You and your others are mere facsimiles of a human mind. Even while your shape could be that of a human, that doesn't change the fact you are not one,” I explained. While I was not truly angry with her, I still felt nothing I could do would make her understand. Perhaps I was a little harsh, but how else could I express the differences between us?
“Are you so sure of that? Are not all people different from another? Sure we cannot experience another's viewpoint, but that does not mean we cannot have the human experience. Form dictates how we interact with our environment. Experience only dictates how we see it. Certainly we will never be you, and you will never be another, but that does not decide what we are. It can only show us who we are. We will be as human as we can be, when taking the shape, only our past will change how we interpret the experience,” she argued, somewhat heatedly.
I sighed. She did not understand me. “Athene, there's nothing wrong with taking the shape you desire. I'm merely saying that to be human you have to have been born human. You will always be a person, but that does not mean you can be a human person. I think you are wonderful whatever form you take, but you won't know what it's like to be human. It's the experiences that makes us who we are, and you started out with the experience of being a computer. You'll have a hard time predicting us. This lack of hunger is but the latest example of your lack of understanding,” I elaborated.
“Should I then experience hunger? Must I then give you back your pain? Is it not better now that you will never starve? Can you not see all I have done is to ensure your safety and survival?” she objected, confused and sorrowful.