Wanda

by carl smothers

  Regan National Spaceport

  Washington, D.C.

  Kimberly met Harry at the spaceport exit. “Glad you could make it. We’re going to have a lot of hard-heads to contend with. Carmen finished her review and gave me the thumbs up on their models. I also had her look at the ones our guys want to run and she said they wouldn’t work. Too simplistic.”

  “Well she’s never been wrong about anything.”

  “That’s for certain. So, are you anxious to work in the science lab?”

  “I admit I’m curious and somewhat excited about working in the Galaxy science laboratory.”

  “You have no idea how fantastic that lab is. Wait until you have a direct brain link-up with the computers. It will amaze you!”

  “Uh … I’m sure it will, but I’m leery of having machine intelligences roaming around in my head, accessing my thoughts and memories. There’s no telling what they could do to you.”

  “Don’t worry. The technology is perfectly safe. I’ve used it. Other than these strange and compelling urges I now have, it had no effect on me.”

  Harry gave him a frantic look. “What kind of urges?”

  Scott He paused for a moment before he burst out laughing.

  “Have you ever thought about the problems those computers could cause? What if they implanted information in your brain that was not real? What if they exchanged your memories for ones you’ve never experienced in life? I’ve read articles on experimentation using machine intelligences to reconstruct a person’s mind and change who they were, and in effect, their entire persona, creating someone totally different. It’s a scary concept.”

  “You do adjust after awhile,” Scott said, grinning. “The effects wear off in a while.”

  “You’re not making me feel any better.”

  As they drove to the ship, the idea of computers prowling around inside his head disturbed Harry. He thought of the old sci-fi movies where alien bugs ate their victim’s brains while they ran around screaming and holding their heads, or evil computers that took control of the victim’s minds, turning them into Zombie-like creatures.

  I wonder what it feels like to have an alien intelligence roaming around inside your head, riffling through your thoughts. What if they damage my mind? I don’t know about this whole brain link-up thing, Harry thought, as he and Scott arrived at the starship.

  Galaxy 10

  Washington, DC

  The Galaxy 10 was impressive. Circular in shape, five hundred meters in diameter, twenty-three decks and a dark matter propulsion system capable of light speed plus — not to mention the telepathic control systems, holographically integrated virtual reality systems, and sensor systems far in advance of Earth technology. His Qtab data sheet indicated the ship had a complement of two hundred and room for up to fifty additional passengers. The captain was Jeanna Kara-Kahn, whom Harry had been told, was about to be promoted to Admiral. She was purported to be the best starship captain in the Kandarian Fleet.

  Harry was glad to get to his stateroom. He would worry about the computers tomorrow. He fell into his bunk and dropped into a deep sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

  At 0700 the next morning, Captain Kara-Kahn gave the command to lift off. The pilot mentally entered the flight plan data, activated the antigravity systems, inertial dampers and the ship gently lifted off and headed into space toward the backside of the sun. The dark energy propulsion system’s acceleration was so gentle, none of the scientific team even stirred in their bunks.

  Galaxy 10

  In polar orbit

  Backside of the Sun

  Two days later, they arrived at the polar orbit point on the backside of the sun — far enough out to avoid capture by the sun’s gravity and maintain safe temperatures.

  Harry and the scientific party attended a briefing held by Commander Oshawa — in the science laboratory — to review the upcoming data collection exercise. They reviewed data Oshawa had collected on the previous trip, and were watching a simulation program on the large holographic display. As the sunspot formation and migration played out, it clearly demonstrated the development of the perfect storm that would destroy Earth. The sobering demonstration stunned the entire scientific party. No one spoke for minutes after the simulation completed. It was frightening.

  Captain Kara-Kahn announced over the intercom, “Commander Oshawa, you may commence testing at your convenience.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” Oshawa replied. “Ladies and Gentlemen, our test will start with several orbits around the sun to map and collect data on the surface rotation differentials and measure the magnetic fields associated with the plasma wells. Once we have completed this, we’ll use this data to run simulations to validate the plasma well migration and the associated Coronal Mass Eruptions we’ve forecast.”

  One scientist spoke up. “Commander, we want to run our own simulation programs.”

  “That’s fine.”

  “Let’s get started. Computer, initiate the plasma well mapping and analysis routines.”

  “All program sequences have been loaded and all sensors are calibrated. All systems are ready to commence data acquisition and analysis.”

  “We normally use direct brain transfer to interact with our computers,” Oshawa said, “but I thought it would be more appropriate if you were able to hear what we’re doing. A little later, we’ll let each of you experience the direct brain link-up telepathic technology. It’s much faster, accurate, and it will amaze you.”

  Oshawa activated his comm and reported, “Captain, this is Oshawa. We’re ready to initiate the orbital mapping procedures.”

  “Very well, Commander. Pilot, take us out of orbit and initiate mapping maneuvers.”

  “Roger that, Ma’am.”

  Using direct brain link-up, the pilot ordered the computers to take the ship out of its station keeping point to initiate the mapping tasks. The system enabled all bridge personnel to share the mind link-up interactions and results.

  The huge holographic display in the science laboratory showed the ship’s flight path and geometry of the mapping maneuvers with respect to the sun. Harry thought the resolution and purity of color made the images appear real.

  Each trajectory had three-dimensional boundaries mapped around the required corridors the ship would traverse to ensure they maintained the correct spatial positioning and distance from the sun.

  The computers would detect any deviation out of the corridor boundaries. With concurrence from the pilot, they would automatically correct the maneuver and keep the ship in its precise orbital position. The pilot always had priority.

  Once the mapping started, the holographic display showed the data compilation and analysis real-time. The sunspot mapping precisely located the plasma wells and the magnetic fields that had developed around them. The energy storage of the loops was calculated and graphically displayed by each well, then presented to show how the energy build-up was occurring over time.

  It startled Harry to see how much energy could be stored in such a system without it literally exploding. What could possibly enable storage of that amount of energy in a semi-stable mode? I don’t understand this process at all. It seems to defy the laws of physics.

  Once the eighth orbit data collection had been completed, Kimberly asked, “Commander, shall we start the simulations using the Earth models?”

  “Certainly, Doctor.”

  The scientific team reviewed the data in detail. Convinced of its validity, they were anxious to commence the simulation routines. The Earth models ran first. Just as Kimberly had predicted, they rapidly produced results that were not physically realizable or reasonable.

  “Harry, our simulations are failing,” Dr. Martin Romanski, Harry’s nemesis from the design review, noted. “Our models are just not sophisticated enough.”

  “The holographic display is showing that in spades,” Harry replied.

  “Gentlemen, the simulations have failed using your models, as we thought they
might,” Scott announced. “If you agree, I recommend we re-run using the Kandarian models and parameters.”

  Dr. Romanski and his colleagues reluctantly agreed. They were all disappointed in the inadequacy of their models, in fact a bit embarrassed.

  Scott explained. “I’ve analyzed the physics and mathematics of the Kandarian models with a fine-tooth comb. Their approach is correct. So, I recommend we waste no more time and run the Kandarian programs.”

  The simulation runs yielded the results they had all feared. Harry watched with trepidation as the holographic display mapped the entire surface of the sun. They could view it from all aspects, as if they were standing out in space watching the molten globe as it rotated.

  The surface boiled like water in a pan. Hot plasma bubbled up then dropped back into the interior as it cooled. The plasma wells and associate magnetic loops were the most distorted and twisted conglomeration Harry could have imagined. The simulation routines automated and quantified the sunspot migrations and CME’s as they formed, completely annotated with numerical data. Watching the sunspots dynamically migrate to the equator and merge in the direction of the Earth both fascinated and scared Harry. At that point, unbelievable amounts of energy was released, resulting in huge CME’s that exploded thousands of miles into space, propelling deadly particles at several hundred thousand miles per hour towards Earth.

  The realistic simulation made Harry tremble and weak at the knees. Each year the solar storms increased in severity, more and more sunspots migrating to the suns equator. Finally, at year fifteen, the perfect solar storm occurred.

  There was no disputing the results! The end game — a solar storm unlike any ever seen before. The monstrous CME’s resulted in waves of high-energy particles and X-rays hurling towards the Earth. The particle streams bent and severely elongated Earth’s magnetic field, and then striped all traces of an atmosphere from the planet, leaving Earth barren of all life.

  This is scary, Harry thought. “It sure paints a bleak picture doesn’t it, Scott?”

  “I wish to hell the models are wrong, but they’re not.”

  Martin Romanski approached Harry and Scott, looking like as though he had seen a ghost. “We’ve been through the physics and the mathematics in detail. The arguments are over. I’m convinced, and will support you in Congress or at the UN. We have a mess on our hands. Thank Goodness the Kandarians alerted us to it. Harry, I owe you an apology. I know I gave you hell at the design review. The wormhole technology may be humankind’s only salvation. God bless you for giving us a way out.”

  Stunned, all Harry could do was nod politely.

  ~~

  While reviewing the simulation results later that day, a cold chill ran up and down Harry’s spine. He knew the world would be looking to the wormhole technology to save itself. Transferring and setting up this technology would be a huge job: not to mention relocating the entire population to another world.

  Maybe we can pull it off. I’m glad my job is just to make sure the technology’s ready for deployment. Someone else will have to oversee the relocation effort. It’s going to be ulcer city. They couldn’t pay me enough to take that job. Oh well, I don’t have to worry. My name won’t even be on the long alternate list.

  Kimberly interrupted Harry’s thoughts. “I think everyone involved is convinced.”

  “It looks that way. When are we heading back?” Harry stood and stretched. “I’m ready to go home.”

  “They need about four hours to finish everything up. By the way have you tried the direct brain link-up yet?”

  Harry nearly choked on a swig of coffee. “Damn, I guess I swallowed wrong.” He wiped his shirt and laughed softly. “I’m nervous about that DBL technology. As I said before, I don’t think I want an AI program roaming around in my personal thoughts and memories. I’m content to bypass that opportunity.”

  Scott patted Harry on the back. “I understand. Look, the computers are non-invasive. They only respond to queries directed to them, and they won’t access anything you don’t want them to. The Kandarians have been extremely careful about maintaining their privacy. I’ve read their reports, and they have incorporated enormous safeguards to prevent the computers from violating their private realm of thought. You have to try it.”

  “Really? Well … maybe I should. Where’s the link-up?” I sure hope I’m not making a mistake.

  Commander Oshawa walked over and handed Harry the mind-link band. “Slip this on your head, then relax and enjoy the experience. When you’re ready just mentally tell the computers what you want.”

  Harry cautiously put the link on and adjusted it for comfort. He was somewhat hesitant to proceed — waiting for the intrusive influx of an alien intelligence to pour through his mind. He didn’t feel anything, so he meekly thought to himself.

  Computer, show me the trajectories and flight through the eight orbits we have just completed.

  He held his breath, expecting some force to roll through his head, to scatter his brain or take control of his thoughts. Much to his surprise, a software computer agent appeared as a professionally dressed female standing in front of him. Her image extruded charisma. He couldn’t help but like her. She responded in a pleasant voice.

  Right away, Harry. By the way, my name is Sally. It’s nice to be working with you. Please give me a couple of seconds, and I will present the data. Do you want to see it as an immersion holograph?

  That would be nice, Sally.

  The computers sensed his social preferences and communication style and implemented the interface to his liking and comfort level. After a few seconds, he “saw” a three dimensional view of the sun and the orbits they had just completed, along with the quantitative data. It was as if he were immersed or floating inside a large holographic display with full color and data and objects at perfect resolution. It was virtual reality in its purest form. There was no attachment hardware, only mental interaction. Everything moved as if he were observing it real-time, a dynamic model in surround vision. The surface of the sun appeared natural with its fiery surface bubbling and boiling, polka- dotted with plasma wells. The magnetic fields around the sunspots twisted and distorted as they stored more energy. The display showed the ship moving through the orbital corridors.

  Harry moved effortlessly around and within the image to different positions, to inspect other views and perspectives merely by thinking. He felt like a child exploring a magnificent world for the first time, weightless and free to move in any direction or place he desired. To mentally command data, view or see any calculation he wanted instantly.

  The computer software agent, presented to him as a visual manifestation as opposed to just a thought, made the experience as pleasant and normal as talking to another person — only faster. After a while, Sally appeared again.

  Harry, is this sufficient or do you want additional data?

  I would like to see the results of the sunspot simulation, and please give me all supporting quantitative data.

  One moment please.

  She smiled then turned as though simply accessing another piece of information from a virtual reality graphic interface she was using. Instead of flashing the complete mental image to him instantly, the interface agent matched the data transfer with his mental processing speeds, so nothing appeared abrupt to him. It was as if he were watching the event develop with him in the middle of it. Every time he wanted a different view or perspective he merely thought it, and Sally provided him with the exact mental image.

  He ran the simulations through various perspectives and called up data supporting the conclusions they had made. When he wanted, he could request the mathematics and follow the equations and calculations as if he were writing them himself.

  The final picture he viewed was disturbing. The plasma well magnetic fields appeared like gnarled knots and wound so tight with energy they were bursting at the seams.

  Sally, please provide me with the physics and mathematical calculations of the magnetic field
energy storage.

  It will only take a moment.

  Harry reviewed it with amazement. I would have never thought to approach the analysis that way. There are actually particles involved. I would have never believed it. It’s the particles interacting with the magnetic fields that are the main energy carriers. That explains everything.

  The final simulation showed the most horrible CME’s he could imagine. The intense plasma streams erupted, flying past him at several hundred thousand of miles per hour. No doubt, the Kandarian conclusions were correct. He finally decided he didn’t want to see anymore. His stomach dictated that.

  Sally then appeared.

  Is there anything more I can do for you, Harry? Would you like to see more?

  No thank you, Sally. Please disconnect.

  Very well, I enjoyed meeting you. I hope to see you again soon.

  Once disconnect occurred, Harry returned to using his own sensors. Funny, it seemed no different from the direct brain linkage experience.

  “Well, Harry, what did you think about the DBL technology?” Scott asked.

  “It was phenomenal! Like talking to another person. I didn’t get the impression everything was happening inside my head. It seemed natural, and the interface agent took on an appealing persona. I’m just flabbergasted.”