Living in Syn

by Bobby Draughon

  "Why is this any different from any other group that settles any other area? They choose to leave Earth and live elsewhere, many times for the opportunity to realize a different style of government."

  "You are synthetics. No government or treaty recognizes you as having any rights, therefore you can't own property. The way things stand right now, you could declare independence and any salvage company could fly in here and abduct you, and sell you to the highest bidder."

  "Then the governments must recognize the rights of the synthetic."

  Mission hid his face in his hands. "And you call this Paine character crazy? You are divorced from reality."

  He looked at Atwood almost pleading. "Don't you see? None of this is real. You and your followers are imitating the motions of humans you’ve seen. But that doesn't make it life. This is only an immense and elaborate pantomime. Can't you see that? You are the drum major leading the parade through pantomime city."

  Atwood's composure slipped a bit. "If only you could step back and listen to your arrogance. Pray tell me what is real about the lives you humans lead and contrast it to the artificial aspects of my life."

  Mission fumbled for words, and in truth, for thoughts. He started several times and discovered he had nothing to say.

  Atwood nodded. "It is as I suspected. Certainly the subject is debatable on hundreds of levels. But the truth is your problem is as old as time. You find it difficult to believe that something so different as a synthetic might have so much in common with you. And that your comfortable notions of life would change if you recognize my basic freedoms."

  Mission rubbed his face. He felt almost desperate to communicate the reality of the situation. He stared at Atwood and said, "Arthur, I know you’re familiar with the works of Thomas Paine so I will only remind you that in Common Sense he said, Time makes more converts than reason. This is not about right or wrong, whether synthetics' rights should be recognized. Let's go ahead and assume that you’re right and you should have independence and property and due process rights as do other sentient beings."

  "My point is that it is only you and a few others feel the same way. We can say perhaps 10,000 others recognize it. It still doesn't matter. Until we convince a billion or so people and amend government documents and modify laws, you are no more than a Ford up on blocks in front of a trailer. Do you see what I'm trying to say? Being right will make you no less dead when the fanatics come for you."

  Atwood continued to smile. "And I am sure you are familiar with Frederick Nietzsche’s philosophy of nihilism. Once you embrace it, you cannot go back. Once you see the underlying concepts of religion are built to pacify and regiment peoples mired in misery, you cannot go back to the active practice of faith. Now that we have tasted the freedom, we will never be slaves again. Never."

  Mission felt he had a foot nailed to the floor and he ran in circles. "Arthur, how can we do this? Look, let's list the problems here. Okay? I can't discuss philosophy for more than ten minutes, then I have to talk solutions. First, the public will not allow synthetics to control a city. No! I'll be more generous than that. Let's just say they won't be receptive to the idea. Second, the military will insist on a solution that allows them to protect this part of Planet's Row. Third, Paradox must protect its business interests, another reason why we don't want the public to find out about you folks. Fourth, Pioneer has a substantial investment in this city, and while they have settled for a percentage up till now, they will eventually want to recoup all their money with a profit on top."

  The conversation ebbed and flowed, angered and calmed, and elongated past any rational standard of patience. Finally, Mission knew that they would accomplish no more and he stood up. "Alright Arthur, I need time to think. Given sufficient time, the answers surface unbidden to my conscious mind. But I can leave you with several thoughts. I will communicate any ideas I have to you and then discuss them with Chandler Hunt and the Army. I believe that I can force any reasonable solution on Pioneer. They’re afraid and embarrassed."

  "But I want you to consider this for you and especially for your people. Identify an escape plan and be ready to execute it. I'll risk arrest for treason to give you the notice you need to get out of here. It might not seem palatable, but I'll use one of your examples to illustrate my point. You said charismatics, and let's just call them leaders, without a vision or a plan were pimps leading their converts to debasement. Simply because you and your followers are willing to die doesn't mean you should lead them to death. Make an escape plan."

  "And finally. I must clear up the combat syns on Earth. Will you allow me to offer sanctuary to any synthetic that prefers life here to slavery?"

  Atwood nodded and said, "Of course. We will take in anyone."

  Mission said, "I’ve learned much from you Arthur. More than you would believe. Some part of me has enjoyed our dealings. My group and I will stop in to say good-bye before we leave."

  Mission extended his hand and waited. Atwood looked at the outstretched hand and one could virtually see the deliberations speeding by. Slowly Atwood brought out his hand and they shook. He said, "Take care of yourself and enjoy the company of Dr. St. Jean."

  Mission smiled, said "Indeed" and left.

  57

  A second after Atwood's door shut, Mission stuck his head back into the office.

  "Arthur, I have another favor to ask. Perhaps it's a favor for your folks too."

  Atwood's eyebrows raised and he said, "And what is this favor?"

  "Turn your people loose. I can appreciate that tensions exist and that our safety can't be guaranteed. But I can't stand the thought of them being confined because of us. And I would really appreciate a chance to see your city as it truly is. I could stand an education and the entire group could benefit from the exposure to your people as an autonomous group."

  "Mission, you are an interesting man. You don't act like a bounty hunter at all."

  Mission flashed a grim smile. "Oh yes I do. But man's greatest asset is the ability to evolve. Despite my best efforts, it may happen to me."

  That evening in the cafeteria, the group gathered with even Montag present, sporting a middle eastern looking scarf across the lower half of his face. The cafeteria held no one else tonight as the pretenses dropped. Loud music, raucous laughter, and screams of delight could be heard from far down the hallway.

  Carson said, "So that's it? You didn't settle anything? You’re going to think about this? Well, that's just great. Once we leave, he'll slow any negotiations to a snail's pace and wait for us to die. Another forty years is nothing to a syn."

  Mission turned to Montag and motioned toward Carson. "I don't know. I've seen him happier."

  Susan punched Mission in the ribs which told him he was forgiven. "Carson has a point. We haven't settled anything here."

  Mission said, "I don't know how much we are supposed to settle. We came here and discovered the facts and that was our primary mission. Now does anyone besides me think it may be a mistake to negotiate a settlement before we untangle this final thread with the group behind the combat models? Negotiations are all about allocating costs equitably based on responsibility, culpability, and relative net gain between the involved parties. How can we do that when a tremendous piece of the costs here should be absorbed by this unknown group?"

  Carson said, "You know, I'm with Susan. I'm tired of your answer for everything shit. This whole trip is ending horribly because you want to be a diplomat when you grow up."

  "Yeah, but you liked fighting with me, and once you're home, it won't be a boring government trip, it’ll be a battle you'll remember the rest of your life."

  For a second, Mission thought Carson might smile. But then he shook his head and looked at Susan. "Yeah, I’ll remember."

  They walked down the passage way and music and voices grew louder. The whine of machinery and the crackle of electricity also mingled into the din. Mission smelled marijuana and remembered that syns had their own limbic systems and thus, d
rugs would affect them too. They reached a section where more than a dozen consecutive rooms on each side of the hall were opened up to form a huge party room.

  Middle America would die on the spot. Hundreds of the syns mingled. Most of the women were bare breasted. Several couples and a few groups engaged in sex on the tables, the floor, the chairs, and on the ceiling and walls using the gravity boots. Males and females were laid on their stomachs as their partners opened their skull casings and direct fed some type of input. Judging from the reactions, the input simulated drugs or sex or both.

  Couples danced to the wild, frenetic music and partners shifted by the minute. Around the edges of the room, a number of syns formed loose discussion groups. Mission noticed that one particularly adamant speaker held The Rights of Man and The Federalist Papers in his hand.

  A young lady virtually attacked a six by three foot canvas, using paint sprays, smears and brushes to create an impressionistic juxtaposition of man, synthetic, and the solar system.

  Carson moved closer to the group and shouted, "See? This is decadence. Eighteen months and they're ready for the fall of Rome."

  Mission grinned and said, "Are you kidding? This is a renaissance. Eighteen months and they’re ready for the Golden Age."

  Susan said, "If you don't mind an objective opinion, these are beings whose species has only existed for twenty years and these beings themselves less than two. We are seeing the immature, exploratory behavior typical of children. They’ll grow out of these excesses much faster than humans would."

  Mission said, "In any case, I enjoy the decadence. I want to check out the musicians for a bit." He extended his arm to Susan. "Care to join me?"

  She took his arm and he noticed that Carson looked disgusted. "Hey, Carson. There's a martial arts contest over in that third bay."

  Carson's nodded, but without enthusiasm and walked over. Susan smiled at Mission and they turned to Montag. Susan said, "Is there something here that interests you?"

  Montag said, "I must stay close to protect you Dr. Susan."

  Mission said, "Not necessary Montag. And I'll be with her all the time. And I’m armed. It would help the team if you would check out that discussion group."

  Mission pointed toward the adamant young man with the books from the American Revolution. "I think it would help to understand the frame of mind of the peoples of this city."

  Montag said, "Then I will gather as much information as is possible."

  As he moved into the crowd, Susan looked up at Mission and said, "Bull! Why did you send him over there?"

  "It's all about choices. That reminds me. Would you join me in Atwood's office tomorrow morning at 9:00?"

  "You mean I'm allowed to come this time?"

  "Now Susan, it's not like you to pout."

  "No? And what is like me?"

  "Well, it's more like you to exact revenge."

  She hit him in the ribs. That did it. From now on, he would wear a flak jacket around this woman. They moved off into the crowd and delighted in the wonders of a city without inhibition or oppression.

  The next morning, Susan and Mission arrived at Atwood's waiting room. Montag already reclined in one of the chairs, talking to Margaret about the trials of administering so many people. Susan looked at Mission and whispered, "You didn't tell me Montag would be here."

  "Keeping secrets is the only way I can keep you off balance. Anyway, I ... "

  Margaret interrupted and said, "Mr. Atwood will see you now."

  Atwood smiled as they entered. Mission said, "Thank you for allowing us a peek at your city. It was enjoyable."

  "Well, as you suggested, it benefited us as well. The city languished under curfew for much too long."

  By now they found their seats and Mission said, "As you know, we will leave on the shuttle this afternoon. There is one unfinished item that we can settle today and that is the issue of Montag."

  Shock registered on all their faces, particularly Montag's.

  Mission said, "I am not completely unchanged by our experience here and Montag is more to us than a synthetic protector. He is a teammate and a friend. Before we take him back to Earth, I thought we could extend the opportunity to him to remain here in New Angeles as a free man."

  Montag shook his head rapidly and said, "I do not want this. My duty is to serve, to protect Dr. Susan and then you and Major Pierce."

  "Montag, listen to me. I understand that is how you are programmed. What I am trying to ask is, are there also feelings inside you that long for independence?"

  Montag shook his head and Mission looked over to Susan and said, "What do you think?"

  She shrugged and said, "Now that you’ve introduced the question, I think Montag should do what he wants."

  Montag looked desperate and fearful. Mission said, "Montag, we aren't going to make you do something you don't want to do. But you do need this opportunity to make a conscious decision here. Look, Susan and I are going to leave and I would like you to talk to Arthur about staying here. We’re scheduled to meet in the terminal at 1:00 for check in. Meet us then. If you return with us, that’s fine. If you choose to stay here, we’ll say our good-byes. Okay?"

  They stood up and as they started to leave, Mission extended his hand and as Montag shook it, Mission could see how upset he was. "Montag, do you remember how you wanted that killer programming and I said no? And you were upset? Was it the right decision for you?"

  Montag nodded. "Well, this is very much the same. I don't think it's so important that you stay or go. I think it's important that you consider the options carefully and decide what you want to do."

  Mission slapped him on the shoulder and said, "It'll be okay. Trust me. See you at 1:00."

  Once outside, Susan said, "And how will you explain this and compensate Paradox if he stays?"

  Mission looked at her and said, "There's no satisfying you. You complain that I have an answer to everything, and then I upset you when I don't have a clue."

  His smile disappeared. "I'll figure that one out if he stays."

  58

  At 1:00, Carson watched as Mission and Susan checked and then rechecked their baggage. Carson had finished his at noon. Susan looked up to see Montag approaching with his bags in hand. She said, "I take it you are returning with us?"

  Montag smiled and said, "Yes, Dr. Susan. Mr. Atwood made many interesting and relevant points. But my place is here with my teammates."

  Susan kissed him on the cheek and said, "I'm glad. We would have missed you."

  Mission and Carson echoed her sentiments as they noticed Atwood approaching. He stopped to clean his glasses and said, "I came to see you off."

  Mission grinned and said, "Going to make sure we get on the shuttle, are you?"

  Atwood smiled and said, "No, I actually believe you are more anxious to leave than I am to see you go. I just wanted to say good-bye and good luck."

  They shook hands all around and as he came to Mission he said, "I would very much like to see you continue to lead the negotiations once you reach Earth."

  That shocked Mission. He considered and said, "Well, I would like to continue. But the truth is, once we reach Earth, I’m unemployed. I’ll have to see what develops. Good-bye Arthur. I think your people are in very good hands."

  They stepped inside the shuttle and three hours later landed at Station Eight.

  The depression smothered them as they stepped off the shuttle. Back to the mind numbing routine of nothing to do in quarters far too small. The good news was that they would fly on to Station Seven tomorrow.

  The time passed and Mission paused in his reading for a moment. They were on route to Station Six and he looked at several opinions on the sound quality and action of the musical instruments on which Mozart composed his music. Susan stared at him and he said, "What? I couldn't possibly have done anything wrong,"

  "I'm wondering about your statement to Atwood, you said you were unemployed when we land on Earth."

  "I resigned Susa
n. No more Paradox paychecks."

  She shook her head emphatically. "No, you meant something more than that, didn't you?"

  Mission sighed. "I don't know. I don't think I can hunt syns anymore. At least not the ones declaring independence. Maybe the ones that are mentally unstable. But now it feels like murder. And I can't afford to try and take them alive. I’d be killed within the year. I've survived this long because my strategy is to strike without warning. I think I have to find something else to do."

  Susan asked, "Why don't you come back to Paradox?"

  "You know why. Besides, I'm not sure your future is much safer. If anything at all goes wrong, the publicity will bankrupt your company overnight."

  Susan nodded. "Yes, you’re right. I suppose both of us might live in the Free Zone next year."

  She fell silent and Mission realized how wonderfully he reassured Susan. But she's a big girl and she'll deal with it. Plus she has impeccable credentials. She won't miss a paycheck before she catches on with another company. His head gradually slumped toward the window as he fell asleep.

  Mission woke noticing Susan's face very close to his. She looked out the window at Saturn. The spectacle defied comparison. The planet itself and the majesty of the rings acted as centerpiece for a flurry of activity as at least eighteen natural moons and the largest space station ever built hurried through their orbits. Space shuttles and cruisers and freighters dotted the sky and animated the scene.

  Susan said, "I think the rings of Saturn are the most beautiful sight ever revealed to the humans."

  Mission nodded. "Me too. As a matter of fact, I was wondering about this evening."

  Susan smiled.

  Mission smiled back. "Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of a space cruiser."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Well, they have cruisers for charter at Number Six with glass observation rooms. You can see the entire panorama. I chartered one for us tonight."