by Tony Corden
There was silence.
As the silence grew only Leah and Gèng seemed to find it bearable. Finally, Stephen said, “So, where do we go from here? Neither Leah nor Gèng, as far as I understand it, are looking for the manumission of all and sundry AI. All they want is a way for Gèng to sell her designs and to have those designs attributed to her as creator and owner. How do we do that?”
Susan said, “There isn’t a law against it as far as I know. My AI just ran a search, and there is no precedence to restrict it. There isn’t a way to even start the process. She can't apply for a financial account or patent. Those avenues are only open to humans.”
Sarfaraz finally found his voice, “I’m stunned. Gèng, I want to apologise for my thoughtless statement. One of my best friends, a confidant, a person I spend time with, someone I think of as a brother, is my AI companion in the Persian Theme World of Persepolis. I recently went to the celebration when his firstborn son became a man—I was so proud. He has saved my life, and I have died trying to save his. The issue I struggle with is this: While, in some ways, I love and trust him more than I do the members of my own family, deep within I know it’s only a game. My comment to you came from a deep-seated, cultural and philosophical awareness that this world, the virtual world, is fantasy; it isn’t real, it’s contrived. I failed to comprehend that for you, it is real. This is your natural universe. I can understand that existentially you appreciate your reality as much as I appreciate mine.”
He took a deep breath and continued, “Having said that, I can't think of a legal way to pay you except through a proxy. You are unable to open an account in the larger multiverse because they all require citizenship in the real human universe. You could apply for citizenship, but that would be thrown out of court, and I suggest you would be removed from Leah’s chip and archived or scrubbed.”
After several more minutes, Leah said, “That then is the task we want you to pursue on our behalf. Sarfaraz and Susan, are you willing to look into this for Gèng and I, as clients?”
Susan said, “I’ll look into the question for you and make some enquiries to see if it can be done legally. I think I’m probably going to end up saying that Gèng should enter into a limited and private personal contract with you to hold and manage her financial estate. She will deed to you her designs, and you will agree to manage those funds as she desires.”
“What if she wants to purchase something without my knowledge?”
“That won’t be possible. All financial transactions must have human consent.”
Sarfaraz said, “I’ll look into it for you, but I’m going to say it’ll be a while. First I’ll need to get my head around the issues and then I can search for ways to achieve it within the current system.”
They talked for another twenty minutes or so without concluding anything. After the three visitors left Gèng and Leah spent another half an hour discussing options. Finally, Leah said, “Well, I think we’ve done all we can at the moment. It’s twenty to eleven real-time and eleven is when I expect to get a message from whoever has mum. I’m going to take a short break and be back here by then just in case they call.”
She logged out briefly before returning to the Pod to wait for the communication.
While Leah waited for a message from the Kodomans, and she was sure they had taken her mother, she started to pull together the various fragmentary notes she’d made when reviewing the scientific literature on braids.
While string theory had been considered for well over hundred years, it had only been in the last twenty or so that theorists had begun to restate and expand the theories to consider even more complex interactions between the various hypothetical dimensions. Earlier considerations had often considered string interactions as quasi-random events caused by the proximity of one string to another. People had begun to consider the possibility of a more ordered interaction across the multiple dimensions. The term ‘braid’ had been coined to show the multiplicity of inter-dimensional interactions and theorists looked for patterns and equations to describe what they imagined, to help them try and explain the universe as they observed it.
Within the last ten years Ivan Podshivalov had theorised that some of the paradoxical conclusions of both the early string theory and the later braids could be explained by considering each string’s interaction with those around it. To see them not just as random occurrences, nor as a complex series of repeatable interactions that were described by the other theorists, but by looking at the interactions as being only the first level of a complex tapestry or cord which encompassed all universes. He visualised each string as a fibre in a braided tubule. This tubule interacted with others to form an even more intricate braid or cord which was also interacting with others like it. Our universe and all the interactions we observed within it were the result of an infinite number of increasingly complex braids. His work revolved around a proposed tertiary level braid he advanced to help understand and explain what was observed within our particular space-time perspective.
Lindsey Poncelet had come to prominence thirty years previously when she had theorised that observable quantum values and effects, as understood in our dimension, were different in other proposed dimensions. She also proposed that there existed a relationship between dimensions such that what was a quantum value in one was simply a discrete integer multiple of another dimension. In her later works she considered the possibility that quantum values in one dimension might even consist of different combinations of matter, gravity, energy, and other quantised entities that were discretely observable in our dimension. She called these combinations, quantum packages. Several papers had been written on theoretical quantum package combinations and the type of dimensions that might form them.
Because a lot of Leah’s education had been self-directed, she hadn’t realised how far beyond the scope of secondary education she had travelled. Her interest in combining the two concepts had come in reading a paper on the construction of artificial dimensions called aether-dimensions. It was suggested that these dimensions were formed in the spaces between the braids of the larger inter-dimensional tapestry. Some of the aether-dimensions had exhibited the quantum behaviour as described by Lindsey Poncelet.
Leah believed she had a series of braid patterns which showed consistency with observable data not only at the tertiary level but also at the quaternary level. At this level, she believed it was possible to identify where any given aether-dimension might be formed and the type of quantum entities that would or could exist there. Her rough modelling suggested that each aether-dimension had an infinite number of possible spaces it could form within. If she could describe the specific interconnection of two points in any given aether-dimension, then it should be possible to insert a particle through a portal into a particular aether-dimension and prescribe its motion through that dimension in such a way that it would exit that aether-dimension at a different, yet known, point in our space-time continuum.
Leah had been drawing together the threads of literature to present to Dr Whitfield for almost two hours when Gèng interrupted, “Leah, you have a holographic message from an untraceable and unnamed source.”
“Please show it.”
The image of her mother appeared in from to her. She was still wearing her church clothes, her hands were free, and she was sitting on a chair in what looked to be a bare room. The floor was carpeted, but no other details were readily visible. She was looking straight ahead, and though Leah could see her fierce determination and strength, she could also tell her mother was terrified. There was a large red hand print on her left cheek where she had almost certainly been struck.
Jin said, “Ling, these Barbarians say I must speak English and tell you what to do. They want you to return what you stole. Their representative will meet you tomorrow at midday, Brisbane Time, in the Birdcage Theatre, Tombstone, in a world called Quickdraw. They say you know the representative. They want me to say what happens if you don’t turn up but I refuse.”
The imaged paused, and there was a digitised voice-over. It said, “Your mother is as stubborn as you. If you aren’t in the Saloon at the correct time, then I will chip your mother and send her to work on Erotica. And don’t think that is the worst place in the multiverse I could send her. There are numerous places much worse. I even know some private worlds that would pay for another plaything or two.”
The message ended, and Leah stared at the empty spot with eyes that slowly filled with tears. She let them fall unhindered down her cheeks as she replayed the message over and over in her mind. The tears finally slowed and stopped, and Leah rose and said, “Gèng, I’ll be with John and my father. I’ll be back soon.”
“Leah, before you go. The Annoyance is due to exit Plankian space at two minutes past midday. I’ve checked the trajectory, and if you miss the transition, then it will be lost in Plankian Space. The rules of Cosmos Online mean that the ship will be considered destroyed and will be scrubbed. You and John will be returned to your resurrection points at 55 Cancri.”
“Please send the following message to Meredith. ‘I will be in the Saloon at the scheduled time unless you change it. Note that my Meridian Corvette 6000, which is named Annoyance, is due to exit Plankian Space at 12.02. I cannot change this. End message.’”
Leah logged out and went to talk to John and her dad.
Diary - 10 December 2073
I’ve deleted this entry so many times.
I don’t want to write down my feelings about today. I don’t want to examine them. I don’t want to evaluate them. I don’t want to learn from them? Why can’t I find a ‘nice’ response? A moderate one? Or maybe, simply a consistent one? Something I can write down without thinking I’m unhinged in some way? A feeling that doesn’t get stronger when I write it down.
Every time I think about mum I just get sadder, and I get angrier. I’m so devastated I can hardly breathe. One of the foundations of my life has been removed, and I’m struggling to stand. Even the smallest things remind me of her, I just want to curl up in a ball and hide. If people knew how broken and vulnerable I was they wouldn’t depend on me for anything, they wouldn't ask me for anything. I don't think they would trust me with anything. I’m that fragile.
Every time I think of mum I get angry. I’m angry at the injustice, at the brutality, at the wrongness of what has been done. I want to find the people and kill them. Seriously I would kill them if they were here right now. No trial, no defence, no discussion, just straightforward simple justice. They deserve nothing less. If people knew how angry and implacable I was, how unbending, they wouldn’t depend on me for anything, ask me for anything, trust me with anything. I will not change my mind.
But it isn’t just mum. It’s Thad, how can I trust him completely and yet have no confidence in him? I need to talk to him, to tell him what is happening, to have his support, and to know he is with me. But at the same time—not ten minutes later, but at the same time—I have no confidence in him, I wonder if he has been playing with me. Does his family control his every move? Is any of it real? When I read this, I think I’m one of those weak-minded, emotionally-unstable, unreliable…Nope. I can’t finish the sentence because the truth is, I'm describing me. And I don’t think I’m unstable. I don’t think I’m inconsistent.
And I want consistency. I want my parents to be consistent. I want my friends to be consistent. If they are then I can trust them, I can depend on them. Mantic even called it the “very foundation of the Gods”. I need—not want—I NEED God to be consistent. If He isn’t, then how can I trust Him?
So maybe my problem is I don't really understand what consistency is. I don't know what true sanity, really is.
If I were only broken by my mum’s kidnap and felt nothing but despair, then I would go mad. If I only wanted justice, and to kill the people who took her, then I’d probably already be crazy—that’s just vengeance. Is there a good middle ground? I don’t think so. If dad wasn’t broken by her kidnap, or if he didn’t want justice; then I’d find it hard to have faith in him, hard to keep loving him even. But I do trust him. I trust him because he will always be broken by her kidnap and he will always seek justice. Maybe holding the conflicting emotions don't mean I'm crazy—maybe they just show that I’m sane.
CHAPTER FOUR
December 11, 2073 - Part 1
Both John and her father were sitting in the kitchen waiting for her. It was midnight and although she had often studied until one or two, she had never seen her dad up so late. She grabbed some food and sat down so she could see them both.
John said, “We got a second reading. It was on the northern side of the river near Pinkenba. It was on a main sewage line, and it could have come from any number of northern suburbs the way the pumping stations move the sewage around. Still, it’s progress.”
Leah nodded, then said, “I’ve heard from the kidnappers. They showed me a hologram of mum. She looked ok, although I think they have hit her a few times, she had a handprint mark on her cheek. They want to meet me tomorrow, midday in some Wild West virtual world. I said I would be there, but that would mean missing out on completing a manoeuvre in Cosmos Online.”
Michael slammed his hand on the table and almost shouted, “Leah, forget the damn game! Your mother is all that matters!”
John raised his hands to calm Michael and said quietly, “That’s not fair Michael, and that’s not what Leah meant. The ship that the kidnappers want, the one that’s got their hidden information on it, that ship will be destroyed if Leah isn’t online to transition it from one type of space to another. If that ship is destroyed, they won’t need anything from us, and we don’t know what they would do with Lin.”
Michael slumped and said, “I’m sorry. Leah, I’m sorry. I know you wouldn’t put anything over your mother's safety. I’m just so worried.”
Leah, who had frozen in her chair, nodded and said, “Me too. I understand how you feel, I do. And it’s ok. It’s just, that’s the second time in just a few hours that you’ve doubted me and my intentions. I really don’t need the extra stress, dad. Sometimes, I think I’m just going to explode. You’ve always been supportive, what’s changed? Do you think this is my fault? I do, sometimes. Then I remember all the times you’ve told me to do what’s right and that’s all I’ve tried to do. So which is it? Is it my fault? Or is it the people who took mum? Do you blame me?”
Michael rose and knelt beside Leah. Taking her hands in his, he said, “I am truly sorry. Yes, in some way I began to think that you were to blame, and that was wrong of me. There is no excuse for my attitude. You’ve explained what happened and both your mother and I would have you change nothing. These people must be stopped. I am proud of you, your achievements, and the way you live each part of your life. Will you forgive me? Please?”
Leah nodded and hugged him before saying, “I’m sorry too, I shouldn’t have mouthed off like that.”
John said, “Yes, you should have. He deserved it. Michael, sit down. She forgives you, but I don’t, not yet. She has more on her shoulders than any of us, and she didn’t deserve any of what you said. I need her, you need her, and Lin needs her to be at the top of her game. But she won’t be unless we all pitch in and pick up our games as well. Now, Leah, did Lin say anything else?”
“They asked her to, but she refused. I imagine that’s why they hit her. A voice said that if I weren't at the saloon at midday Brisbane time, then they would chip mum and send her to Erotica or somewhere worse.”
John nodded, “So, we need to check the place out first. I can go because they haven’t seen me yet. What about some of your other friends? Thad might be useful.”
Leah’s shoulders slumped, and she said, “Sorry John, there are new complications that mean I don’t think any of that group are available to help.”
“What complications?”
Leah looked at both men for a minute then lowered her eyes and explained her quest to find Catherine and what they had uncovered about Thad’s family.
/>
John said, “Damn! So you haven’t even been able to share this with any of them?”
“Nope, they’re all friends from way back. We’re on our own.”
Michael said, “Now, hold on. You both just told me off, and rightly so. I blamed Leah unfairly and without cause. Aren’t you doing the same thing with Thad?”
Leah nodded, “Yes. Totally! And I know it’s unfair. Everything I know about him says there is no way he’s involved in this. The problem is, I’ve never been to his world. For all I know, he's compelled to repeat everything that happens when he goes home, and he remembers none of it. Dad, this is breaking my heart. I like him. I really like him. Like, really, really. But right now I just can’t trust him.”
John said, “What about Wisp, or Amy? You know you can trust Zack, his place was cleaned.”
Leah said, “Maybe. To be honest, I just assumed they had all had their worlds checked. Zack is the only one I know for sure has. Amy is the most likely one to help without telling the others, but what do I say?”
John said, “The truth, Leah, tell her the truth. Go visit her, go to her world, if it’s clean then tell her the truth. I need at least one other person if I’m going to stake the place out.”
Leah nodded. All three sat there for a while until the silence became uncomfortable. Leah stood and said, “Right, I’m off. John, I’ll talk with Amy. If she can help, I’ll get her to contact you. I’ve two and a half hours before I’m due in Dunyanin and I’ll either be looking for Catherine or trying to decode the files on the Annoyance. If you hear anything more about mum, then have Gèng interrupt whatever I am doing.”
Leah headed for the Pod and said, “Gèng, can you see if Amy is free for me to visit? I want it to be in her world. Let her know I’d like it to be just her, no one else. If she hesitates then tell her I need some ‘girl advice’.”