I-5483113’s existence measured her clock speed- a form of universal time where each second she existed had been calculated as well as a memory of her actions from the moment her mechanisms were combined to make her function.
Data was everything to an artificial construct. The flow of information began and ended with no break in between from the beginning of cognition. When it came to problem solving the same conclusion was reached no matter how many ways it was re-examined as long as the initial parameters were the same. There were no errors in their probing. Each time the information was examined there was nothing to suggest a mistake or a misinterpretation. The simple clockwork being had been in the Bio-laboratory for 4.375 hours now to attempting to re-interpret the data as an organic might… something which logically is futile for one of her kind.
The Genetic Sequencer responded exactly as was expected when loaded with a control sample. It was in perfect working order. I-5483113 was herself in working order within a 0.0001% of tolerance. Yet one small tick- one cog.. somewhere within the great mechanisms of her being insisted ‘something’ was incorrect.
She was alone here… at least in the physical sense. She had the entire cognitive might of Central Control and was herself merely an extension of it within the station. Her systems could not logically process as fast but the two beings reached the same conclusions even if at vastly different times. Her own systems were functioning and as was Central Control… but… is it possible both were mistaken? Why did it seem like organic beings were trying to tell her that two plus two equals five… Callie is and always has been a girl- everything they had pointed to this. Every shred of evidence from how they interpreted the world pointed this.
Pride was.. not a failing of machine existence. They did have a certain… satisfaction when equations fit together of course. Something about the equation of Callie though was making the unit tap her artificial fingers against the desk while she waited for the next result.
Everything equated into a sum.. everything was numbers. The brightness of the sun, how many atoms were present- such things they could calculate to an incredible fine degree… the very thoughts of organics could be encoded into digitised information… at least as a snapshot. The thoughts of organics flowed like a great river.. The Clockwork unit was not without her own abilities. In some ways they were vastly superior to organic life hence their creation for various tasks.
… yet how could the data misinterpret the very gender of one of their creators?
I-5483113 had returned to the Research Laboratory where the procedure to help Calie had been performed. The technology here was so incredibly restricted and could only be used to correct abnormalities.. anything further required an authorisation.. the kind of which probably no longer existed. Their creators had very strict protocols on how these systems were to be used… they got around it when they used it to ‘treat’ Callie.
I-543113 pushed a button. It had to give this one more try. “Log. Fallacy Protocol… re-interpret all data on Callie with minimal pre-established values. Decrease value unless data can be corroborated by secondary sensor scans... ” There was only one conclusion to reach… if Callie was telling the truth somehow they were in-correct when they fixed her. Their intention to repair her body had somehow resulted in the impossible. The other possibility was that their attempt to repair her had resulted in some strange form of gender dysphoria- which if true could be easily repaired by some simple neural sequencing. Certainly ethics suggested they repair a failure that the treatment had resulted in… “Central… what is the probability of cognitive error or bias in the data...”
“Paradoxical statement. System lacks a desire to create a bias. The data was interpreted and a conclusion reached based on the evidence available.”
“… is there any evidence to support the theory that Callie was once gender male?”
The system paused as it sifted through all the data. Each time it came out with the same result. It could only be one or the other… “Negative.”
Then… perhaps their treatment had caused this distress? I-5483113 was not satisfied… not at all. This equation was forcing the gears in her to literally grind against the other leaving chaotic trails of dust within her deeper mechanisms. Her system felt like it was shaking to the core yet.. her diagnostics told everything was working correctly. There was no defect.. There was no.. no defect.. no defect.. no defec- “Create zero assumption scenario...”
The values were displayed as key points on the screen now. Each key event that made them conclude their current set of circumstances. This was reality based on evidence... What were the events? Callie had activated a transporter. Conclusion: Only one of their race have the genetic markers to do that- therefore secondary evidence is there that she is one of their makers. This could not be refuted, Callie is born of their Creators.
Genetics did not lie… they were facts. Further examination showed Callie’s cells were already in the process of correcting the defects on their own. Their systems merely accelerated this...this.. this.. this..
“E-E-X-Amine- The C-c-c-con-clusion.” I-5483113 started. It.. it.. Calie… must be… better? She- She has- she has- she has someone. Real. Someone- r-real- like-like like- her. What did they miss? “H-how can I- s-s-s-ser-ve-”
Central detected that I-5483113 had somehow malfunctioned. “Unit I-5483113. Desist from your current activity. Reset.”
“N-N-No-t a-able-m-m-u-st he-lp C-al-l-l l-” Help-Tick-Callie- Tick-Help-Tick- Screeeeee-
“Desist from your current Activity. Reset.”
“C-Cal-lie- H-how- c-can- f-f-f-i-x-” Each ticking sound inside the construct was grinding hard trying to reach a conclusion. Lamenting failure… causing harm to another- not just another, a creator.. a child born of the creators… It never wanted to cause harm. It goes against the core of their being. Never cause harm.. never hurt.. obey the creators… What was in its memories? Callie- cried.. when she saw this unit… didn’t want it to be around. How many eons had it been for a creator to come to them.. and for it to fail… How long must she wait-
“Desist from your Current Activity. Reset. Comply.”
I-5483113 was frozen. Its hand still on the panel recording the log. It didn’t make any move for sixty seconds. Central carefully issued diagnostic commands when the unit started to function again. “Reboot.”
“I-5483113 activated. Ready to receive tasks. How may I be of assistance?” It started to boot up its recent knowledge. It seemed that for a moment it had ‘lost’ data… for the first time in its existence there was a time stamp of ten seconds where it had no memory. No.. recollection of what it thought and yet- when it tried to access it there was a.. sensation? It could just ‘almost’ be sadness…
Maggie felt a little sore still knowing how annoyed she had made Jen. Human rules were… complicated. It was hard to remember that Jen for all she looked like still seemed to act like a human. Another harpy would have perfectly understood why Maggie saw something her friend needed, that nobody else was using, and simply picked it up. The young harpy couldn’t help but think Jen ‘would’ be much happier living as an actual harpy… maybe in the wild forests? They could get a nice tree together, secure some territory in the woods… Jen could even raise chickings and she could have a little Jen to play with! Though on reflection maybe it wasn’t the best idea.
“Still seemed like a good idea...” She thought with the magic book gone. She had no knowledge of any ‘harpy magic’ folk to teach Jen. There were one or two stories though- one was said to use magic to fly higher then any other harpy on some kind of magical wind but… for the most part they didn’t use magic like humans did. What did that wizard say… Shamans? Spirits? She had no idea at all. Magic was just ‘weird’ to her.
It was time for another performance. Once again Jen started off with some very exotic sounding music. The bar was somewhat crowded today with a lot of stranger people here. While there were predominantly humans Jen could see cat-folk that looked like walking tigers.. interestingly she saw that fur-selling woman that looked Amazonian in her stance and stature. She seemed to really enjoy the style of music that Jen played.
“How does the chicken-girl make the sound of drums with strings?” She asked one of the patrons.
A wolf-man next to her shook his head. “Ain’t got a clue. It’s got a unique sound. Never heard of a harpy that played an instrument, they usually just sing.”
“Thank you everyone,” Jen said with a flourish of her wings. “I am happy to meet you at the rooster. Here are a few songs that I hope you will enjoy!” Jen found herself almost getting lost in the crowd. They cheered for her.. and she found herself liking this. Even if the people were not human and even if she was far from home her music made her think of that small place her life started in.. and where she longed to be again. Each strum with her talons as awkward as it was felt easier.
“-And they said a Hero could save us, I’m not gonna stand here and wait…”
There were more cheers as Jen and Maggie finished their song.
Bill seemed really happy with the two. “Heh, I’m going to have to get some more help if you girls keep bringing in this many customers. Damn the place is packed.”
Jen was quite exhausted. Her talons were feeling stiff with the way her guitar was positioned. Maybe she should consider getting an adapted instrument but she was getting used to it.
“Encore!” The crowd called out.
Jen felt herself blush but there was one song that came straight from her heart. She glanced to Maggie. “Okay.. just tap to this in fours...” Maggie did so and Jen started to sing. There was a sombre sound to it perhaps more so then she wanted…“Country roads.. take me home… to the place… I belong...”
A creature watched Jen’s performance. He looked… intrigued by the words in the song. These were towns and places not known. Where had this harpy come from? He was told not to pry into it but he was so curious. She had such an innocent face and one that looked far more civil then most harpies. Raised perhaps in a human settlment? Hm…
The creature slowly got up. From his lower body one could see it was composed of hooves it and brown fur. He was clearly some form of Satyr. The face was human if a little wizened. Specks of white hair and a long drawn expression. He was smoking some kind of pipe and had an earthly looking green tunic with more herbs on a belt. A few odd assortment of leaves and branches were stuck on it.. though this looked to be intentional rather then simply stumbling through the under brush.
As Jen finished her performance things started to wind down. The Satyr breathed a faint smile and whispered something. He just had to get the girl’s attention… the younger one first.
Maggie stopped and stared quickly at the Satyr from the stage. “Huh? Um...” She glanced to Jen again. “Jen? He’s trying to say something to me… using magic.” She wasn’t sure she felt comfortable just talking to a stranger with magic like that!
Jen looked at he Satyr and felt protective towards Maggie. She went to the table. “Yes?”
The Satyr muttered something. “Ah.. my apologies. I meant no disrespect… I come on the word of the Witch of the woods and simply asked how the young one was faring… and if she wished to communicate a personal message.”
Jen gasped. “W-What? The Witch?!” She almost dropped her guitar. “What does she want?!” She didn’t want anything to do with her. She had made it clear that she wasn’t going to help her at all.
“Oh, let me introduce myself. Rashilder… hunter of the haunted trees.” He paused. “Hm, guess that means nothing to you. Suffice to say… I was sent to see how you were doing and to make sure you were taking care of little Maggie. It’s good she has someone of her kind to look after her… and you were somewhat saddled with her perhaps unfairly.”
Jen glanced at Maggie. It was true the witch had somewhat brought them together with no discussion… but…
Rashilder continued. “… in any case, I am here to help take her off your hands. If you so desire, the witch has found a couple that is more then happy to take in the little one in.”
“No!” Maggie gasped. “I want to stay with Jen!” She looked annoyed at that idea. “I’ve been with her for ages!”
The Satyr didn’t seem bothered. “Yeah of course you do. It’s that imprinting thing your kind do. That’s why it was always a bit concerning. If Jen turned out to be a terrible influence.. well.. couldn’t really allow that situation to continue now could we. So I was sent to make sure you were happy.” He shook his head a little. “So Jen, what will it be? I’m sure without the chickling you can do better at your.. quest to find home.”
Jen thought about it- not for too long but… “I’m.. I would like to keep Maggie with me. I.. do appreciate the looking into but- I… I do like having her around. I can still find my home with her.”
“Uh huh.. well, given she’s imprinted on you it’s probably for the best. Seems you imprinted a bit on her too,” he chuckled. “The Witch of the Woods is rather pleased so far with the progress you’ve made.” The satyr gave a widening grin. “Though if you do seek a way home… I would suggest talking to some of the water-folk. They know more about passages to other places then anyone else. The Merfolk if you’re lucky enough to find one.”
Jen blinked at that. Merfolk? Here? Well.. it was a possibility perhaps.
I-5483113 continued to tick abnormally. Central control was getting concerned.. the reset should have fixed her but the agitation being displayed was almost abnormal. Then all of a sudden the agitation stopped. I-5483113 seemed… surprised?
“Solution...” She said as if it was salvation. “Solution.. accessed.” It was perfectly logical. This would solve the problem. This would fix Callie. This would let the child achieve some happiness.
Callie wasn’t sure what was going on now. The new doll robot girl had been.. very kind to her. She didn’t really expect it to be possible. She kept on waiting to see if the robot part of her would somehow show itself but.. everything she did was human. The way she intoned concern… the way she looked embarrassed at times or even the hesitation of her voice. The organic nature of this new person as she cried out.
The strange thing was how ‘familiar’ Callie was starting to feel to the nice doll-girl. Something about it felt.. well.. she didn’t know. She half wondered what to do when she got back to her village looking like this…
she wasn’t even an animal folk.. just some strange ‘alien’ girl. She was alien to everyone! How would they treat her...
At that point I-5483113 had entered the room. “I request your presence please Callie,” She said.
“What?” Callie asked. “Are you going to fix me now?”
“I.. wish to show you a place that will help us understand you better.”
Callie seemed intrigued at that. If she could get them to see what she was! Then this would be a good thing. She quickly wiped away her tears and nodded. “Can .. Demary also come with us?” It was such an odd name...
“...Certainly.” I-5483113 almost pursed her lips.
Once again Callie was lead down corridors of strange organic slops and shapes. Given she was able to float she could now see how this place worked- yet it seemed like this place was designed on the possibility that not everyone floated. The machines didn’t float and the architecture was not exactly on the roof. So… if the designers could float.. who was this place built for? Was it for a mix of people? That might make the most sense…
“Did only the creators live here?” She found herself asking.
“The creators built us… and this place. They are not here any more.” I-5483113 repeated whenever that query came up.
D-Mary followed also very curious. She had a curious map in her head but still didn’t understand what these words were. Yet she was learning.. very quickly. ‘Central power station… fuel type? Gravametric radiation.. what is radiation? Several types Specify? Electromagnetic waves? what is an electromagnetic wave? Duel particle nature- what is a particle? On and on she tried her best to learn from the strange machines. It was almost overwhelming.
The room they accessed next was called ‘Holographic Recreation Simulator.” even more words came… and things got very complicated for her indeed as more definitions entered into her mind.
“What’s this place?” Callie asked as the door hissed in front of her. Something about this room was different from the others. It almost smelled like they were outside? Yet all she saw were grey walls and a star-sky above.
“This is the Holographic Recreation Simulator system. It can be used to generate the appearance of places within memories.”
“Huh?”
D-Mary tried to help. “As far as I can see, it’s a magic room. You say stuff you want to appear and things will appear as an illusion.”
“Yes. That is as I explained it,” I-5483113 ticked slightly. Was that a brief moment of annoyance? You expressed sadness that you could not recall your mother. We can make her image appear here. Please would you proceed?”
Callie gasped. “You can make her..appear here?” The thought- that of all things… she looked suddenly very hopeful.
“Just an illusion of her,” D-Mary quietly explained. “It would be like looking at an artistic picture of her… I don’t know if this is a good idea I-5483113...” D-Mary tried to persuade. “We don’t usually… create images of those who are gone- well- with some exceptions I guess...”
I-5483113 was almost excited. She had found the problem and was initiating the repair. “This can be an exception. It is clearly an element of contention within the child’s mind. It has impacted on her psyche deeply. Therefore seeing the memory will alleviate some symptoms of mental distress. Such was caused before our interaction with her. This will remedy the situation. If Callie wishes it, please request what you wish to have appear. The images will be pieced together from your mind.”
Callie glanced at the two odd machines and thought about it. This was probably the only time someone like her could get a chance as this. “Alright… Show me my mother...”
The room started to shift in hue and light. The walls once a sky-like blue dimmed as something appeared in the middle. A human shape with blonde hair. There was the hint of red clothing and some kind of cross-like threading on the buttons. However staring at the face was something appalling…
… it had no face.
Callie looked taken aback and tried to run- in mid air no less. Though the motion just made her do a weird arc in the air. “No- AH!” What the heck! There was some weird faceless being in front of her. This was the freakiest scariest damn thing in this place!
“Please- be calm,” I-5483113 tried to say her ticking noise getting more insistent. “This can be repaired. Give time while we calibrate the memories.”
D-Mary stared at the strange faceless being. It almost looked like a blurry… no it couldn’t be. “May I access the image?” She asked.
“Very well...” I-5483113 said willing to try anything if Callie would not panic.
D-Mary found she could change it and add detail with but her mere thoghts. Starting with the nose.. small and slender, slightly filled out lips. A pretty woman perhaps, if not overly so. The woman looked a lot like Mary- in her old body. The cheekbones needed to be higher.. now how did her eyes look? Yes… a little more like that… each memory of her seemed to go into the computer drawing it slowly but surely.
Her voice she remembered… “Kevin?”
Callie gasped as she heard the voice. She turned slowly back… was… that her? “Mom?!” She floated into the woman- and right through her. She blinked as she turned back to see her again.
“Mother… Moira...” D-Mary whispered.
“Yes- that’s her name- is it cause you two are reading my head?” Callie asked shifting a little in the air.
The ghostly image waved suddenly as it solidified. “Well hello my children,” she said. “Are we excited today? We’re going to see the Festival!” she smiled again. Images of two children appeared dressed well. Kevin was there too very young at only five years old.
Callie looked at the ghost somewhat down hearted. “I remember… what she looked like… now...”
Moira looked to Callie suddenly. That is.. the girl “Hm, well you don’t look quite how I expected you to turn out,” she said as she glanced back to her son then to Callie. The young boy vanished quickly as the woman addressed them directly.
“M-Mom?!” Callie gasped. “I mean… is that you?”
“It’s a simulation,” I-5483113 stated. “The system creates what you expect and it will respond with those parameters.” Was this working? Was it helping her?
Moira stood there perplexed for a moment. “Such is true. I’m sorry dear I have to be honest. I’m not your mother just.. a memory of her. Well.. made from two sets of memories. Between the two of you I seem to have quite a bit to work with- but I am not real… I am what you remember me to be though.”
“Two…?” Callie stared at Demary. “Deemary… MARY?!” Her sister?!
“Callie… Kevin?!” Mary suddenly looked at the girl. It couldn’t be!
Moira suddenly laughed. “Oh this is so strange! Seeing the two of you like this. I guess you are wondering how would your mother react if she saw you- well I suppose I sense I would have a lot of faith in you but colour me surprised. How is the inn doing these days anyway? ”
“Mom… I can’t go back home like this!” Callie suddenly cried.
Moira looked down to her son turned daughter. “There is a reason for everything Kevin… I have always said such to you. I am glad you get to see me however brief this is. I get to say goodbye to you too this time… ”
Callie looked downward. “When you left.. nothing seemed right-”
“I know,” Moira looked saddened. “Mary did well to take care of you but I don’t think she intended to try and replace me. I never wanted to leave you… however you are both my children and I survive through you. Please continue to make me proud. Though Kevin, you do need to work on being a little nicer to people. You know your father isn’t ‘just’ an innkeeper. He has many friends and enjoys his work. You don’t have to follow the same path.”
“I- I wanted to adventure,” Callie whispered.
“Now you can adventure anywhere dear.. more places then anyone else can in this world.” She patted her head. “You just behave yourself from now on alright?”
I- I will!” Kevin suddenly blanched at a telling off that might as well have been beyond the grave. “I promise-”
Moira gave a playful smile. “Well, I think it’s time I go now. Remember to take care of each other. Oh- Tell that husband of mine to just go and marry Brook already I am sure I would approve.” With that the simulation ended… seemingly by itself. It was as if the memories knew Moira wouldn’t want to exist in such a state in case it caused more harm.
I-5483113 gave a slight tick with a click of her head. “I believe the simulation has provided assistance-” she paused as the two seemed to be in tears now. Why were they holding each other? I-5483113 hoped this had not caused even more problems. It seemed like a very logical thing to do in her view but.. logic seemed to be failing. Had she done wrong… again? Was it better to just.. stop?
‘Central? Why is this causing harm and.. how in the future can we prevent further issues?’
Central gave a simple answer. ‘Isolation. The people are not able to understand our technology.. not even Callie. We will have to isolate ourselves from any future interaction.’
It was as I-5483113 suspected. Then once the two were sent back… the doors will be closed. They would shut down… and prevent further access to their technology.
“My Lady,” Amenemhat bowed towards Khuit in a practiced motion before entering what was a bit of a makeshift throne room. Khuit herself stood on a raised platform as was tradition for one in her elevated position in society. She was clad in her typical regal jewels which perhaps might seem strange on someone who was literally part animal. A servant was tending to her hair even as she smiled towards the older human. “Sage Amenemhat, I heard you were conversing with our new guest. I would be very interested to know your thoughts on her.”
“I had no doubt you would be,” Amenemhat said with a sharp shrewd look. “Frankly, she is one of the most genuine and honest soul I have ever met. She has.. no experience of any harshness in the world and has suffered neither cruelty or neglect.”
“I suppose that is why she intrigues me so much,” Khuit nodded. “Such a wild body with rather civil eyes. It is a very interesting combination.” She tilted her head to allow the servant girl to brush more of her hair and go down her fur. The woman did so with no pause and seemed not to listen to the conversation at all.
“I would not consider keeping her forever m’lady,” Amenemhat quickly advised. “Though young and good natured she appears smart and is keenly observant of those around her. I have little doubt she knows you hope to have her around for some time.” The older man leaned in slightly as he whispered not making direct eye contact.
The Sphinx regarded this briefly and seemed to shrug. “Well, I am sure I could convince her with more fineries if she desired to stay,” Khuit sighed with a bristle of her fur. “It is certainly not manipulation if I offer a home and place for her. I am showing kindness, shelter to one who is quite lost in this world in a body familiar to my own.”
“I did not suggest M’lady was in any way forcing the girl towards a direction… I am aware of the friendship you have struck with her. Though her path and yours are in opposition. She will travel far and wide to seek her family and way back to her world. You are the sixth in line to the throne of Khemet.”
“Please, being sixth is no greater then eight, or ten. The throne is not something I am likely to have access to.” Khuit quickly interjected with some annoyance. She glanced to her servant girl. “You may go.”
“My Lady,” The serving girl bowed humbly as she quickly made her way from the chamber.
Khuit grimaced briefly. “I would like her to stay with us. This.. Zoe could have so much to teach us of her world. I am intrigued in how they regard sphinxes there. Apparently they consider us gods. I think I would be right at home there. Imagine perhaps a new throne where I would be first. A few new blood to serve Khemet wouldn’t go astray.” A new desert perhaps.. humans willing to serve… why would any sphinx pass up such a possibility?
“M’lady’s ambitions must be tempered with what is achievable,” Amenemhat quietly advised. “This new world.. this.. Earth is not like other worlds I have heard any story of. The humans are perhaps quite varied… they may not recognise your station- of course ignorance is bliss on such matters but we can not help how some humans are.”
“Well I am sure I could convince them if such were necessary.” She gave a cat-like grin. “Perhaps we best get back to the real business of being here.” She looked almost reluctant. Still state matters were important. “Anything new to know about the great Sun-Dial?”
Amenemhat paused briefly and slowly took out a scroll. “I have studied it… for more then a year now. The Sun-Dial is… very old, and it clearly has the markings of the Ancients upon it. Though what it is for I have made less progress on.” he started to get a few more scrolls and notes. “I have tried to explore ancient legends of old tribes who may have come across it… but nothing that corroborates with its appearance.”
“I see… disappointing.” The Sphinx yawned.
“However-” Amenemhat made a brief uncomfortable look. “The gem recently gave a brief flash… a glow of blue light.”
The sphinx’s ears perked up at that. “Oh? Perhaps I would like to see this new toy after all...”
“It has been glowing now and then suggesting something has recently awoken. It might simply be a recording of the Ancients.. or some other device. I suggest time to study this further.”
