Worse, Miles’ chipper voice greeted the sun and my sleepy head, “Good morning Miss Gama, could you please join me at your convenience.” It seems Miles wanted an early start with my help. Grumbling incoherently, I sprayed some water on my face from my Mech’s upgraded sani-unit, and tried to get ready. It was too damn early, where is my kaf!
My dream was different, finally. Every nightmare before was about being chased by giant metal machines. This time it started the same, with a chase but it ended with escape! I felt uncertain, scared, but free from my pursuers. The memories faded so quickly but I almost felt optimism in the dream, for the first time.
I wondered if I should start drinking, Sunny and even Miles seemed to really enjoy their drinks in the evening and after a good haul. But I just liked Molly’s kaf. And speaking of kaf, I needed to get up, get ready, and check in. And get some kaf, too.
Five minutes later, cup in hand, I was knocking on the door of Miles’ RV. The hover jets were obviously turned off, and the magnificent machine looked like an sleek armored turtle resting its stomach in the sand. Estéril opened the door and politely bowed. Her humanoid upper torso flexed in a very graceful curtsy. I didn't know how to respond so instead I asked, “Is Miles ready?”
Motioning for me to come in, she explained, “Indeed he is in science bay 2, let me show you the way.” While I had been in the hovercraft before, I took a moment to admire the vehicle. It was like nothing from our world, because, obviously, it wasn't. Wherever Miles came from, he brought his home/ lab with him. The vehicle was elegantly appointed with graceful almost organic shapes starting with the airlock and throughout the vessel. We passed through the lounge room and adjacent kitchen.
Noticing my curiosity Estéril smiled, “It really is something isn't it? Past there are our quarters, the armory and the cockpit, and back here, are labs 1 through 4 and the garage.”
Turning to the rear of the craft I soon found myself in front of a door marked lab 2, as far as I could tell the big difference between lab 1 and 2 and 3 and 4, where I was treated previously, was the lack of large observation windows on labs 1 and 2. Estéril pushed the release on the door and after a moment it unlocked and we both entered.
The lab was much larger than expected and the only things in it were Estéril, myself, Miles, and a cat lying in the corner. Well not really a cat. A dog? Wolf? The animal was as large as a tiger, at least the ones I had seen in vids. Had six symmetric legs, and a more lupine head. The animal didn't have any fur, because that would be too normal for the alien creatures we kept encountering, instead it had spines like a porcupine. Or was it quills? I would ask Big Fe later.
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>>Ummm ok thanks?>>
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The big cat-dog, creature’s head instantly whipped around and stared at me. It got up on all sixes, turned in a circle and then sat back down tongue hanging out. It was sitting on the back legs, propped up on the middle legs, and front legs crossed in a cute manner.
[[Nice to finally meet you Gabriela]]
I yelled. “What the fekking frelly frell!”
Miles and Estéril looked at me in shock and the dog-cat seemed to look amused.
[[No need to yell Gabriela, I can hear you just fine]]
I continued to yell, “You can talk, in my head?”
Miles stopped gaping and me and turned to the creature. He finally managed to look flummoxed, “wait you are capable of speech?”
Standing up on all six legs and giving itself a rough dog-like shake, followed by a very cat like stretch, it continued to talk.
[[Of course, I can talk to you all.]]
This time it was Estéril who looked startled.
Regaining half my wits, or at least a solid quarter, I continued “hold on, who, and what are you?!”
[[What I am is of no importance, and my name, well you can call me Bob.]]
I couldn't help but snort at that pronouncement, Bob? A talking alien cat-dog, called Bob.
Sticking his(?) tongue out, Bob chuffed, and shook his head.
[[ Fine my first name is Saippuakivikauppias. Though I try to always tell the truth, well when I want, and I hate to bother with selling anything. And as for the former, well you can call my race The Runners.]]
Actually making eye contact with Miles, I asked, “You ever hear of a species called the Runners?”
Nodding his head he replied, “Yeah I heard that too, and wait, no, I have never heard of them.” Clearly I was not the only one still confused. Estéril kept switching back and forth between her left leg, and then right, as her head ping ponging between the three of us.
As we continued to talk to the Runner, I felt a strange energy emanating from them. It seems obvious that it - he - they?, was communicating with me, - err with us -, telepathically. Furthermore, I could start to sense its emotions as well as projected thoughts. Seems like telepathy and empathic projection? I knew I didn't have an empathic nerve bundle in my body so that couldn't be something I was doing. So while the telepathy made sense, at least I did that with machines all the time. The emotional stuff was a total mystery.
>>Oh you shut up Big Fe.>>
Miles was starting to get excited, “I could tell, from the preliminary testing I had been able to conduct, that these Runners were also techno-biological, and clearly engineered or designed. I hope I didn't offend you Bob?” His voice sounded a bit panicked in the end.
[[When you get as old as me, I doubt there is anything you could ever do, that would bother me. Up to and including vivisection]]
Without thinking Miles asked, “Oh how old are you?” Güey, Miles was worse than I was with this guy.
He quickly corrected, “Wait vivisection, why no I would never, no matter the type of creature, that is absolutely horrid.”
[[Of course, of course. Your blood draws were just that. Currently, I am a little more than three years old. Tomorrow? Who knows.]]
As we continued to converse with the alien, his answers and questions continued to make little sense. But I begin to feel a strange connection with it. It's as if we shared a common bond, despite our vastly different origins. Suddenly, I feel a surge of psionic energy coursing through my body, and I realized that the Runner was using its powers to amplify my own and even alter me. I felt a similar feeling in my bizarre dreams!
The Runner began questioning me about my synth creations and even my sensitive work on artificial intelligence. It seemed to be holding a simultaneous conversation with Miles about his techno-biological magical research.
We continued to talk for another thirty minutes before I realized I had been ignoring repeated queries from BigFe.
>>Fe, I think I should be scared, or at least alarmed but, I’m not.>>
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>Jeez, relax Big guy, I know just what you need, take a feelie, or zoner pill, chummer.>>
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>
“?Oye! Way to ruin the mood, Big Fe.” Feeling my head clearly slightly, I took a deep breath. “But thank you Mr. Bob, Runner, sir, for your promise. I have no idea who or what you are, but I will assure you that we mean you and yours no harm as long as you do the same.”
[[And with that I think we should adjourn for now. I would feel horrible if you felt taken advantage of, or manipulated. I am sure we will have many a chance to engage in the future, but I want to provide boundaries that you yourselves might not put in place, that really you should. Again I apologize.]]
Miles was looking simultaneously disappointed and excited. He and I began to talk at the same time and interrupted each other. He was quick to defer, “Go ahead Gabby.”
Smiling, I quickly spit out, “but my dreams, my nightmares, that was you?,Why? And what, … no how?.”
[[Ahh yes. Of course. Well the short answer is that I was trying to help you deal with the repressed trauma from your childhood, and your more contemporary issues from the recent battle. While not perfect I was able to bridge your emotional state and provide a safe environment to process. In hindsight, perhaps I should not have done so?]]
“Uhh, well I don't really understand, but it sounds like you were trying to help. Perhaps we could discuss it later?” A later time when I didn't have strange feelings and thoughts messing with my emotions! I still didn't understand why I wasn't more concerned with all of this. Which made me concerned.
>>You know, Fe?>>
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I could actually feel the palpable hesitation from Big Fe <>
Miles continued, “Indeed Miss Gama, that is a grand idea, I believe we might want to introduce the idea of informed consent as well, Mr. Bob. And on that exact note, I would like to ask permission to continue some of my noninvasive tests, and ask, perhaps if you have any insights on your biological structure.”
[[Elf, as I said, you are welcome to continue your testing. While I am not an expert on Runner physiology I would be happy to entertain your questions and continue this line of inquiry, AFTER you all have had a chance to rest.]]
As our conversation came to a close, I could see the excitement in Miles’ eyes as he finally had an intelligent subject to work on, err with? And given the questions that the alien was asking me, I suspect they knew a thing or 10 about AI as well.
I am sure it was the after effects of the energy boost or the brain manipulation, but meeting an alien from another dimension or world, and sharing our knowledge and abilities, had been a truly unforgettable experience. And I know that this is just the beginning of a new era of discovery and exploration, as we continue to learn from the vast and mysterious universe around us. Wait, what was that garbage I was thinking? Man, I am really thrown for a loop.
I laughed out loud. Or at least that is what some Corpo P.R. drek they would spin this if they were in charge. I imagine AN&M omnimedia ? would love to control the narrative and lock down the story for maximum profit. And I am sure other biotech corps would do far worse. Lucky we are all by ourselves out here. I felt my excitement and blaise attitude attenuate a bit and my normal anxieties return a bit more.
I didn't even realize that I had joined the others for dinner around the campfire. Miles had yet to bring up his guest and I wasn't going to blow it for him. I kept tuning out the evening chatter as I wondered if we could ask Bob for more direct help with the designs of the synths or coding for BigFe.
After a while I couldn't keep my eyes open and I bid everyone good night, before I realized it, I was flying up the ladder to Gretta. Grabbing a hold of the ladder in panic I was shocked. I really was flying, albeit slowly. It seems my intermittent telekinetic powers had received a massive boost! As I reached the cabin I wanted to run through all of my powers, especially my debugging, divination, and machine control skills. But, I couldn't keep my eyes open and the general lassitude was still stifling my sense of urgency and worry. I was out before the hammock had stopped swaying in the cabin.
The next few days fell into a simple routine. I would meet Miles and Bob, way too early, in the hover RV, to discuss alien biology- boring, synthetic lifeforms- okay, and sapient software development- amazing!. I would then begrudgingly spend the rest of the day continuing to repair the vehicles and tinker with the damaged synth parts from the battle we had against the Neaman dino riders.
For our first session I was eager to explore the changes in my powers and how I might be able to augment or grow my skills even further. But Bob interrupted me before I could get spun up.
[[Gabby and Miles I want to first apologize for my careless handling of your emotions and mindset in our first encounter. It was unconscionable, and I cannot believe I had such poor manners, I am in your debt and must make it up to you.]]
He paused to look at both of us with his puppy dog eyes, in his quill covered head, on his feline body. Geez, it was taking me a moment to get used to non bipedal intelligences.
Miles eloquently responded “Mr. Bob, we greatly appreciate your honesty and apology. I must admit I have no idea to the extent and impact of your projections, but your intent seems genuine. Can I ask you to control yourself going forward?”
[[Absolutely, you have my word on my lineage that I will not invade or tamper with your emotions or mental state without your ‘informed consent.’ But what's worse, I am even more sorry, Gabby, to you for what I have done. So sorry I didn't realize I was projecting my subconscious memories onto you when I was attempting to help you with your nightmares and emotional traumas. I have not thought about those events for a thousand years, but I somehow managed to share and implant them in your mind.… Ahem anyway I feel profoundly apologetic. Let me help you develop a mental shield. I will teach the techniques and help you construct a foci for your abilities as well. ]]
I mumbled agreement and was quite excited to learn about manipulating my skills even if they required items that felt too much like cyberwizardly or worse, technomagica.
[[Please let me do that to atone. First the enthusiasm that got out of control and worse my nightmares as I deliberately tried to help you. I am out of practice. My apologies.]]
Over the course of the morning Bob explained how to create a mental fortress, with multiple layers, all made of different, distinct substances to counteract any accidental, or deliberate mental assaults. I practiced first creating, and then placing my conscience inside the protective shell. I envisioned a structure a lot like my Gretta made up of numerous layers of meta-matter like supersteel, duracrete, ceramic metals, nanofabrics. I then interspersed reactive materials like hydropneumatic reservoirs, amorphous crystalline gels, polymer pathways, and energy lattices. It was a literal headache to visualize and sustain the layers in my virtual Gretta but I managed to make sufficient progress for the testing portion.
Bob proceeded to project emotions and feelings, with my consent he was quite firm on that point, and I slowly developed the means to maintain my mental defenses and shield against ‘adequate’ attacks, for a juvenile.
“Juvenile, really Bob! You said you were 3 years old yesterday! And then this morning you said these memories were more than a thousand years old. How old are you!?”
Bob chuffed and shook his head, [[Yes.]]
Crossing my arms and staring down the intimidating creature. I wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily.
Sighing, [[Gabby, it's complicated but yes both are true, can you trust that and let us return to your training?]]
Having overheard the part I said out loud, Miles raised his eyebrows from the parallel conversation he was also having with Bob, but I just shook my head.
With that issue set aside, Bob continued to advise me on how to make my shielding second nature and incorporate the foci into a helmet or earrings, or even your own skull if possible. I was currently practicing without a foci to raise the difficulty and ensure I had a solid foundation for defense, but I would be working it into my helmets going forward.
With the morning sessions over I returned to tinkering on the damaged Kombi-busses and the Roundabout trucks. I was distracted by the excitement of actually learning about my abilities instead of feeling alone and different from all the other ‘special’ folks inside the Black Market bunker.
The day flew by and in our session the next morning Bob explained how I had been doing essentially all of my psionic abilities wrong.
[[You see Gabby, you need foci to get the most out of your powers. Each skill exists in the abstract, but to interact with the real world you need to translate the magic, as you call it, psionics, into this dimension. Now, you are naturally doing that with your telemechanics via your headcomp very clever, that. But you don't have a focus for your telekinesis, hence your struggle with moving objects beyond parlor tricks.]]
I felt my head buzzing with excitement, “Okay so much to unpack there. First of all, magic? I thought psionics and magic were totally separate? Dimension? How many dimensions are there? Focus, how do you create one, what does it entail, and what are parlor tricks?”
Sighing, the Runner turned around quickly and laid down. Resting his head on his two front paws he explained, [[Right magic and psionics, sure they are different, but at its heart they are both about using your mind to directly alter reality yes?]]
Not sure I was liking where this was going, I agreed tentatively, “Sure?”
[[ There are eight or nine dimensions but we really don't have time to get into that now. So, when you draw upon your special skills you are channelling the so called fifth element, quintesse, Are you familiar with quintessence?]]
“Well yes but that's for that magic stuff not psionics, right?” I was starting to get concerned with this line of inquiry. I had always distained the declasse magic I had encountered growing up. It felt like cheating and had a lack of understanding as to the why and how.
[[Sure sure, well kinda, the point is that while it's possible to use your abilities with just your mind, it's far better for you to use a focus. For example, your communication with Big Fe is so flawless and far reaching because he is essentially a giant antenna focus for you and your communication with him. You can build a smaller antenna focus and communicate with other telepathicly receptive individuals. If you get enough power you can send it to anyone. Similarly your diagnostic and machine control literally uses your headcomp as a focus for your skills. You naturally gravitated to machines because you could focus on them, and you understand their designs so well. ]]
Nodding along I encouraged him to continue.
[[You can build what we can call a psionic transceiver, think of it as circuitry and antennas for your abilities. It helps to direct your efforts into reproducible patterns and consequently effects. The form, material, and construction all matter but far less than the will or intent to use it, and the skill to create the desired effect]]
I understood at least on an intellectual level. “So if I wanted to improve my telekinesis I would need to create something like a pair of Engineers telekinetic gloves?” I said, only half joking.
[[Exactly. Anyone needs an external focus to perform their skills. That's why your divination is so poor, even your astral projection leverages the cybernetic ocular nerve connections for your head comp. That's why you cannot hear or smell when you project. And don't get me started on your ‘telemechanics’ I think you will find your headcomp drastically different from a standard version. You have, perhaps unknowingly be using that as a major focus and your skill has subconsciously been adapting that to amplify your machine related skills. Frankly it's an exceptional example of amateur elegance, or was it brute force? Eitherway impressive.]]
I continued to pester Bob with questions on composition and the specific task of crafting a focus, and began to have a general idea of how much work it would entail to optimize a focus. However for the purposes of a beginner I could see how advantageous this would be.
As I lay in my hammock I couldn't believe the revelations that I had learned from that alien. I began to understand that my abilities, while rare, were not unnatural or something to be concerned about. I had always wondered what the origin of my abilities was. While there have been others with special abilities we always chalked it up to the coming of the doorways or the alien influences or the frankly terrifying mutations of the wastelands.
But it seemed like these sorts of abilities were something that others had experience with elsewhere in the universe. Perhaps in the halls of the magic focused Corpos they might have similar knowledge but it was not something I had ever come across.
I couldn't wait to learn how to push the boundaries of my telemechanics, telekinesis, even my clairvoyance. I also began to realize how much work still lay ahead of me to grasp the magnitude of the power differential between Runner and myself. The fact that a being could accidentally project their subconscious memories into someone else across a campsite without noticing seems incredulous at first.
I can't understand how a being so powerful could have missed doing that to me. I wasn't sure if I should feel angry and pissed off or amused at the beings' oversight. I guess time would tell if I was happy with the Runners tutelage as recompense. And the very fact that I was having these thoughts meant the brainwashing, or whatever it really was, had receded from my mind.
I was excited to practice the exercises and focal mantras that Runner had shared with me. And while it sounded a lot like the Hocus Pocus of a technomage or cyberwizard, I was willing to try anything to get a better handle on my abilities. Especially if it improved the effectiveness, power, and range.
I like the idea of creating some sort of Power Glove that would aid my telekinesis. I would enjoy figuring out the material composition. It seemed important but Runner indicated that it didn't matter as much what it was made out of more that I created it and I created with specific intent and purpose. I knew I had some spare materials like metals, metaloceramics and even a few crystals in the spare bin in my storage bus. I couldn't wait to start the project in the morning as I began to climb up Greta to go to bed
The next morning after my typical routine with Bob, I began designing and sketching out plans for my telekinetic gloves. I wanted them to be thin and flexible enough so that I could wrench and work on fine electronics but also have the necessary components to enable my burgeoning telekinetic abilities. I wondered if using conductive materials would make sense in the context of range and power control versus an energy storage lattice that would make sense in terms of strength and endurance. If I was designing a machine to somehow make strange interactions at a distance I would want to balance those forces so that I could control with enough detail to manipulate objects but have enough strength to move sufficiently heavy objects.
The reality is I had no idea what I was doing and it's better to design and prototype rapidly than to have analysis paralysis staring at the screen. With that settled for now, I headed towards my infamous storage bus and began rooting around for the relevant supplies and material I knew I had.
There had to be several pairs of gloves somewhere in here. I also needed to find conductive tape and energy lattice webbing in my first go around. I eventually found suitable materials but I never did find my bucket of gloves. I guess I'd have to start with my mechanic gloves that I always wore.
Returning to my crafting bench, I laid down my gloves and began carefully splicing the energy lattice first with the conductive tape along the sides of my fingers and thumb. It took me less than an hour and it looked like some sort of Halloween costume for a techno Dia de los Muertos. I wonder what would happen if I modified the design for all of my clothing! I could only imagine if I could create a telekinetic powered exoskeleton for my legs, torso and arms. I bet it would be a pretty amazing feat of course, currently I still couldn't move playing cards reliably.
On our fourth day of us getting together in Miles’s RV cum science vessel Bob cut our conversations short.
[[I will be gone for three days, there are a few items I must take care of, but I will return as soon as I am able. I trust you all will take care in my absence. ]]