Post by MjolnirH on Oct 27, 2005 3:35:52 GMT -5
The half-frozen figure trudges onward through the frozen wastes. He’d no idea of who he was, what he was doing here or even where he was. Half frozen blood sloshed it’s way through his veins, ice crystals inside scraping with each pumping of his heart bringing with it unimaginable pain. He had frozen to death countless time by now, but they would not let him die.
He’d frozen solid once a most horrid experience. Just one solid mass of frozen flesh and blood, but he was awake eyes open seeing, lungs frozen unable to breathe. It felt as if he were suffocating but would not die. The snow had piled up all around covering him in a pitch-black nightmare.
His legs were freezing once again, and then it would spread. He had no desire to repeat that horrible experience, so he forced his legs to lumber forward like some drunken fool. White! All around was white, blinding him. How long had he been living this frozen hell.
Then he was tumbling, spinning round and round the ground striking at him like a vicious snake. Maybe he was falling or bouncing down a steep slope, he could not know. This had never happened before. Finally he was no longer spinning, just lying on the cold frozen ground. He tried to move, tried to sit up, but his arms and legs had shattered during the tumble, they were however drifting back together piece by piece. It would take to long. He would freeze solid again...
The nightmare happening again, snow finally covered his face. The timeless black suffocation was back. Then after what seemed like insufferable ages the icy scratching of frozen blood pumping once again and the inevitable dig back towards the blinding white.
Crawling out as if from the grave the figure burst forth from the snow. a soundless scream echoed in his mind as the peircing blinding white assaulted his frozen eyes.
crawling...crawling...crawling
then falling...falling...falling
and for the first time since he could remember sweet black oblivion rose up to claim him.
Sweet black, warm oblivion. All he wanted to do was stay here, warm, safe, at rest. But fate was not yet done with him. Strange noises filtered down into his slumber. It may have been someone talking, but it didn’t sound like words just muffled noise. So he curled back up ignoring the noise and drifted back to oblivion. The noise became louder and clearer and soon he could ignore them no longer. With a great sigh he rousted himself and began to drift toward them, as the noises became clearer it triggered some buried memory. He actually recognized the sound, this sound the first he’s heard since he could remember was speaking a language he understood.
Orgl firt ooglaet moralt
the voice uttered as if stumbling over words in which it was unsure. It was rather crude, the way it was supposed to sound was "Orgal fiarth oaclayet moralit", which quite simply meant, "I hope you are well enough to wake soon.[/i]" The crude accent sounded somewhat familiar as well but he could not place it. Then he heard the voice muttering to itself in another language and he recognized that one as well.
Damn this Elvin-Common dictionary, it would be more helpful if it would have just spelled the words phonetically.
The voice complained. The sound of pages being turned,
Phrases, phrases it muttered. ahhh, here’s the one. Jgargal klimet h-h-hjizet marsupiy. Sweet Thomas these words are tough, however did these folk communicate with one another. Even the pup’s language is easier than this.
Not being able to handle this blatant butchery of his native language, he forced himself to draw a great breath and do something he hadn’t done in millennia uncounted. The sound was thin and whispery at first but gained strength.
It is correctly pronounced Jerchalglal climitay hichay mearisupie. And the sentiment is appreciated. Please speak only common for I understand it.
A stunned silence filled the room, then suddenly the voice broke out into laughter. Laughter I am familiar with, but this is different, there is no scorn, it does not mock. Reeling down through memory there is laughter like it there and everyone is laughing together its honest laughter, healthy.
Oh my friend I am most sorry. It has been told to me that talking to coma patients helps them realize that they are not alone. So I had the bright idea of trying to talk to you in your own language. Had I realized that it would have awoken you because I was butchering you language, I would have done so much sooner!! This brought fresh new laughter. I am so very glad to hear your voice my friend, I had a long time ago given up hope that you would ever wake. But I am a lonely man and came here more for myself these days, but you have awoken.
This man had an honest way about him, his voice was clear and strong. Slowly he began to actually become AWARE of his own body. It hit him like a thunderclap, his blood was pumping and there was no pain, he was warm and comfortable. His arms and legs were there and healthy, but would not yet answer his commands. He opened his eyes, light flared into his eyes, but he kept them open gritting his teeth. Once he became accustomed to the light he noticed that he was in a brightly-lit room and as he looked around terror leapt on him like a hungry animal. Everything was white.
He began to scream.
He screamed until his voice was hoarse, and even then a gurgling horrified croaking emerged from the elf’s throat. The man sitting next to him jumped to his feet wearing a horrified expression of his own.
What is it my friend, what’s happened, how can I help you?
The man was desperate, his newly risen comatose companion had absolute horror written all over his face and he just kept on screaming. Feeling utterly helpless and at a loss the man quickly grabbed a small metallic disk from the bedside and placed it on the elf’s arm where it stuck fast, made tiny whirling bleeping sounds, and tiny light began blinking on and off. The effect was somewhat immediate. The elf stopped trying to scream, his muscles relaxed and he lay there breathing heavily his eyes still wide and staring at the wall.
The terror lost its hold, inner demons went back down into the fringes of his mind where, they waited he knew to pounce upon him once again. Finally he managed to slow his breathing and at least start looking about the room albeit apprehensively. It seemed to him as if he were in some sort of white box. 20 foot square in dimension with a 7’ ceiling. He lay along one of the walls his head flush with a corner. The walls were of no material he’d ever seen before. They were a dull white and softened the light in the room. Which itself was emanating from four large rectangles embedded in the ceiling. He couldn’t quite name the thing he was lying upon, it was like part bed, part chair. The material upon which he lay was firm, but gave slightly as a springy sort of spongy material. His legs were laid out horizontally parallel with the floor but where his hips began it inclined slightly so that his back and shoulders laid on a sort of incline. Next to his head the right of his bed-thing was a white cabinet made of some white shiny material. It had a couple of drawers and on top of the cabinet was a what tray riddled with little holes resting in these holes where small gray metallic disks about the same dimensions of a copper piece. Thrown on top of the tray was what looked like a tiny yellow and blue book with a tile reading, Webster’s Elvish-Common Dictionary some of the words he did not recognize. Beside the cabinet at his bedside was the man who’d helped him. He was a large portly man with a kind careworn face. He had thinning gray curly hair, a gruff patchy graying beard and mustache, and wrinkled skin, which spoke of age. But his eyes were a brilliant blue gleaming with vibrant health. Well right now they looked rather concerned as he stood fretting wringing his hands with sweat dripping down his brow. On the floor behind the man was a stool that had been knocked over when the man leapt up.
When the man was reasonably sure that his patient was calm he spoke.
Are you feeling better, what happened just now, are you ok?
The elf looked at the man and calmly stated,
It was nothing I was merely reminded of something unpleasant. What have you done to me?
This last question took the man aback slightly,
I used a relaxation ESBE. The man gestured with his hand indicating the tray of disks.
A what? asked the elf
The man seemed confused for a moment then considered his patient’s previous condition.
Its an Enhanced Sonic Bio Emitter, this one pointing to the thing on his arm. is sono-tuned to relax you.
The elf raised his eyebrows at this, When you say sonic is that to mean sound?
The man was incredulous, any 6 year old child knows the rudimentary physics of Biosonic Inducers. Then an idea struck the man.
What do you remember?
Nothing aside from little bits here and there brought on by our conversation, but I must say I know nothing of these Sonic Bio things or have I ever seen anything like this room before. Why are there no doors or windows?
The man nodded sagely, Yes, amnesia is a common symptom in freshly waking comatose patients.
The elf frowned, How long have I been lying here
The man looked rather apprehensive as if he were deciding whether or not to tell the truth, the elf merely scowled.
The truth is you please.
The man steeled his nerve then answered, Fifteen years.
Fifteen years, is that all the rest I deserved. He sighed muttering to himself.
Um.. this may be inappropriate, but the little bit of Elven lore that I have read never mentioned anything about your race having blue skin.
This last statement shocked the elf from his muttered musings.
What!!
He looked down at his arm and hands, and indeed his skin had a light bluish tinge. Then red hot anger burned up through the calming vibrations.
DAMN THEM!!!!! WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO ME!!!!!
He looked up at the ceiling as if addressing some invisible person up there and tried to shout some more when he felt drowsy and began to fall asleep.
Sleep now my friend, a normal rest this time. You will feel better when you wake.
A multitude of emotions warred within the old man. One of sadness for this poor soul’s plight, another sheer joy for his sleeping companion had awoken after fifteen years of one-sided conversation it felt good to finally speak to him. The old man observed some of the tiny lights on the seven disks now attached to his friend and when he was satisfied. He went to what looked like a solid wall and placed his hand upon it. The wall speedily and silently slid to the side and the man walked out into the cool white hallway, and the door slid closed after him with a seam so precise that it looked as if there were no door at all.
***
He was standing on a mesa in a dry windswept realm. The rock had a strange striated texture of alternating yellows reds and browns. Below him at the bottom of the mesa scurrying upon the barren dusty rock were multitudes of small spindly yellow and orange creatures. He smiled cruelly down at them, then lifted his gaze upward to the sky and stretched his arms out to the heavens his silken red robes flapping in the wind.
Hot energy flowed into him and his eyes glowed a bright crimson and strange syllables echoed off the canyon walls into the night. His voice sounded alien as if the words themselves had taken his true voice. The skies began to darken as great black clouds formed. The mounting energies commanded by the strange words took shape, 5 large burning rocks streaked down like great fiery comets from the sky toward the creatures below, who were at this point panicked with fear and terror as they realized their doom. The rocks slammed into the ground creating devastating explosions of fiery rock and concussive force, the lucky ones simply vaporized from the heat, the rest became small flying objects of melting bubbling skin. Three quarters of the main force of the creatures had been completely obliterated by one powerful spell. He looked down upon the wreckage and death he had sown and chuckled wickedly listening to the screams of the dying.
The elf woke suddenly covered drenched in cold sweat, his breathing erratic. Was that really me he wondered to himself. How could I have been so horrible to those poor creatures? As the cobwebs of sleep cleared from his brain and the last vestiges of those horrid Images already fading he found that he was no longer lying flat upon his back, but was lying on his belly crossways on the bed/thing his legs dangling down the side toes touching the warm floor. I must have been tossing and turning, but how when I my self cannot move my arms or legs yet. Or can I? The elf willed his left arm to move, it remained still.
Well this is rather frustrating. he spoke to himself aloud.
The elf then closed his eyes and cleared his mind; focusing inward he sought to "feel" his arms and legs. As he mentally traversed the biological pathways of his body he came to a wall. This doesn’t belong here he thought, slightly perplexed. He stretched his mind inspecting the wall it was rather solid and emitted a low humming vibration. Using a meditation technique developed over years of mental discipline the elf focused all his will to a single point creating layers around that point strengthening it. The point then took the shape of a large ornate battering ram, which then floated back several feet from the wall. Then in one great mental surge the battering ram leapt forward slamming into the wall. The wall shattered like glass and the elf felt a small pinch at the base of his neck, then felt something slide off and fall clattering to the floor. Almost at once his arms and legs began to tingle as limbs do when deprived of blood for short lengths of time. Now he could feel his arms and legs.
The elf opened his eyes and looked again at his left arm willing it to move, this time it did move but still felt sluggish and slow. With great concentration he forced his arms up to grasp a hold on the bed/thing. Then he pushed slowly sliding his feet closer to the floor. Finally after many tries he was standing the bed/thing to hid left against the wall he tried walking with his left arm on the bed/thing for support. The first couple of steps were the toughest and he almost fell. When he reached the end of the bed thing he shuffled to the wall and placed his hand upon it for support.
Suddenly the wall turned black and he heard a little musical chime followed by a calm cheerful male voice.
Greetings!! It said. And welcome to ED Server version 12.4.1 Educational Database how may ED help you today?
So startled by the sudden color change on the wall and the voice within the room that the elf jumped and then promptly fell on his rump.
What?! Who said that? Where are you? Show yourself!
As I have already stated I am ED Server version 12.4.1 Educational Database a high resonance AI computer and I am at your disposal.
Replied the voice, as it did so the black wall changed to show a multitude of glowing green lines depicting various three dimensional shapes presumably what this computer thing looked like. Still somewhat confused the elf replied.
Ummmm...what is a computer?
Would you like a brief technological history of the computer?
Seriously intrigued now the elf could not help himself.
Yes I would
As the voice launched into what sounded like a class lecture, pictures started to zing and flicker across the screen showing in turn what the voice was talking about at the moment.
In the year 2432 a Coald researcher by the name of Kiyetya Mformal developed the worlds first circuit board, a series of interconnected transistors, varisters, and resisters, capacitors, and oscillators. She connected these into a crude input device much like the ancient telegraph delivery device. The computer communicated to its user by way of a heavy glass monitor constructed with vacuum tubes. As more technologies were discovered they were implemented upon the base computer construction model improving its computing power allowing it to perform greater tasks. A very brief list of these early model types included the 8088’s, 286, 386, 486, 486 DX/2’s, 586 and so on. Then in 2530 Rugdar Jrupf made a discovery that revolutionized technology into what you see today. He discovered Superstring Resonance, within all things are atoms and within all atoms are thousands of Superstrings vibrating each creating its own resonance which in turn determines what it feels, tastes, looks, and/or sounds like. Using this newfound discovery many new materials could be made, including Admit-super-polygraphic alloys like the one in which I am made of to ensure easy self repair. Also there is no more world hunger or pollution. As everyone has plenty of food to eat and all waste materials can simply be turned into whatever useful thing is needed.
At first the elf just stared at the whirling Images mesmerized listening to the voice taking it all in. then an idea took root within his brain.
ED? How much do you know about this place?
ED briefly paused his lecture to answer the question, Everything. And then continued.
Then the elf was nodding his head a beaming smile upon his face.
This computer thing that called itself ED was truly amazing. It was willing to tell the elf literally anything he wanted to know. He could ask it anything, truly extraordinary.
ED these super strings you’ve mentioned what are they?
Ed immediately launched into a lecture in his cheerful manner,
Every thing in the universe is composed of atoms. As ED spoke various diagrams appeared upon the view screen, strange spherical objects revolving around one another. Atoms are particles of energy that move constantly, even in mineral materials such as gold, silver, or stone. The smaller spheres revolving around the larger one are called electrons. The large sphere is known as the nucleus within the nucleus are two kinds of smaller particles called neutrons, and protons. Atoms are very small and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Yet smaller still are the particles that make up the protons, neutrons, and electrons. They are called quarks, and finally the superstrings make up the quarks. They are strings of particles that vibrate giving off a resonance.
Up on the screen the elf saw a picture that looked something akin to a string of pearls vibrating, and to further illustrate the point ED had some lines representing sound or resonance waves, which they had discussed earlier.
Now if you were able to alter and manipulate the resonance field the superstring created, then you would effectively be able to created any substance you desired from any other substance simply by changing its field.
And you can do this ED? Asked with growing curiosity.
In a limited capacity, yes. ED replied.
Please explain. How do you do this and what are your limitations?
Within this room are thousands of RN’s (Resonanic Nanites) tiny microscopic robots that can manipulate the superstrings and alter their vibrations.
The screen filled with diagrams and schematics of tiny incectiod looking robots.
The RN’s are attached to my network by way of tiny nodes integrated into their systems. I send messages to these nodes instructing the RN’s, altering their functions as is needed. Otherwise they are constantly running their own sub-functions such as keeping the room clean and germ free. As to my limitations as an educational program I can only create objects with a simple resonance matrix. Such as a chair or an apple.
As ED said these last two things it occurred to the elf that he was still sitting upon the floor, and he hasn’t eaten anything since he awoke from his "coma" whatever that is.
So could you in fact make a chair for me to sit upon?
Yes I can, I need the appropriate comfort level inputted to complete the task.
The elf crinkled his brow in confusion. The appropriate comfort level?
So you need something from me?
Yes, I need you to determine the comfort level you desire and complete the parameters of your request.
Ahhh you need me to tell you my comfort level, well I am unfamiliar with what comfort levels are in existence.
The comfort level range as going by the Ferton scale of comfort is as follows; 0 is a simple hard plastic stool with no back support, where as 32 is a high resonance plush valium couch 2000.
Hmmmm well I don’t want anything too comfortable for I may fall asleep again, so we’ll go with comfort level 12 shall we.
Immediately a white chair appeared next to the elf. The chair was facing the direction of the vid-screen. It was made of some shiny white smooth material with strange white cushy things attached in various places. With some difficulty the elf managed to pull himself up and into the chair. It felt good to sit in a chair again.
Now all I need is some sweet Elven wine. The elf mumbled to himself. This had a strange effect on ED. He began spouting strange phrases.
Please wait...accessing...accessing...initiating personal resonance matrix ident...elven matrix established. [/color
A small ornate glass with a sweet smelling liquid suddenly appeared in the elf’s hand. He blinked for a moment. Then sniffed the bouquet. It smelled like Elven wine. Then he tasted it. It was like being a sun-bleached skeleton walking out of the driest desert drinking water for the first time. The sweet liquid was Elven wine and a very fine vintage. He slowly drained the glass never taking his lips from it, savoring every drop. Then it was gone.
Can you make more of this?
Of course, I am fully programmed with a number of various Elven Vintages
The elf raised his eyebrows. Really? Oh this could be quite fun. He said smiling, chuckling, and feeling better than he could ever remember feeling in a long time.
ED refilled the glass with a golden Summer wine made with honey and strawberries.
He’d frozen solid once a most horrid experience. Just one solid mass of frozen flesh and blood, but he was awake eyes open seeing, lungs frozen unable to breathe. It felt as if he were suffocating but would not die. The snow had piled up all around covering him in a pitch-black nightmare.
His legs were freezing once again, and then it would spread. He had no desire to repeat that horrible experience, so he forced his legs to lumber forward like some drunken fool. White! All around was white, blinding him. How long had he been living this frozen hell.
Then he was tumbling, spinning round and round the ground striking at him like a vicious snake. Maybe he was falling or bouncing down a steep slope, he could not know. This had never happened before. Finally he was no longer spinning, just lying on the cold frozen ground. He tried to move, tried to sit up, but his arms and legs had shattered during the tumble, they were however drifting back together piece by piece. It would take to long. He would freeze solid again...
The nightmare happening again, snow finally covered his face. The timeless black suffocation was back. Then after what seemed like insufferable ages the icy scratching of frozen blood pumping once again and the inevitable dig back towards the blinding white.
Crawling out as if from the grave the figure burst forth from the snow. a soundless scream echoed in his mind as the peircing blinding white assaulted his frozen eyes.
crawling...crawling...crawling
then falling...falling...falling
and for the first time since he could remember sweet black oblivion rose up to claim him.
Sweet black, warm oblivion. All he wanted to do was stay here, warm, safe, at rest. But fate was not yet done with him. Strange noises filtered down into his slumber. It may have been someone talking, but it didn’t sound like words just muffled noise. So he curled back up ignoring the noise and drifted back to oblivion. The noise became louder and clearer and soon he could ignore them no longer. With a great sigh he rousted himself and began to drift toward them, as the noises became clearer it triggered some buried memory. He actually recognized the sound, this sound the first he’s heard since he could remember was speaking a language he understood.
Orgl firt ooglaet moralt
the voice uttered as if stumbling over words in which it was unsure. It was rather crude, the way it was supposed to sound was "Orgal fiarth oaclayet moralit", which quite simply meant, "I hope you are well enough to wake soon.[/i]" The crude accent sounded somewhat familiar as well but he could not place it. Then he heard the voice muttering to itself in another language and he recognized that one as well.
Damn this Elvin-Common dictionary, it would be more helpful if it would have just spelled the words phonetically.
The voice complained. The sound of pages being turned,
Phrases, phrases it muttered. ahhh, here’s the one. Jgargal klimet h-h-hjizet marsupiy. Sweet Thomas these words are tough, however did these folk communicate with one another. Even the pup’s language is easier than this.
Not being able to handle this blatant butchery of his native language, he forced himself to draw a great breath and do something he hadn’t done in millennia uncounted. The sound was thin and whispery at first but gained strength.
It is correctly pronounced Jerchalglal climitay hichay mearisupie. And the sentiment is appreciated. Please speak only common for I understand it.
A stunned silence filled the room, then suddenly the voice broke out into laughter. Laughter I am familiar with, but this is different, there is no scorn, it does not mock. Reeling down through memory there is laughter like it there and everyone is laughing together its honest laughter, healthy.
Oh my friend I am most sorry. It has been told to me that talking to coma patients helps them realize that they are not alone. So I had the bright idea of trying to talk to you in your own language. Had I realized that it would have awoken you because I was butchering you language, I would have done so much sooner!! This brought fresh new laughter. I am so very glad to hear your voice my friend, I had a long time ago given up hope that you would ever wake. But I am a lonely man and came here more for myself these days, but you have awoken.
This man had an honest way about him, his voice was clear and strong. Slowly he began to actually become AWARE of his own body. It hit him like a thunderclap, his blood was pumping and there was no pain, he was warm and comfortable. His arms and legs were there and healthy, but would not yet answer his commands. He opened his eyes, light flared into his eyes, but he kept them open gritting his teeth. Once he became accustomed to the light he noticed that he was in a brightly-lit room and as he looked around terror leapt on him like a hungry animal. Everything was white.
He began to scream.
He screamed until his voice was hoarse, and even then a gurgling horrified croaking emerged from the elf’s throat. The man sitting next to him jumped to his feet wearing a horrified expression of his own.
What is it my friend, what’s happened, how can I help you?
The man was desperate, his newly risen comatose companion had absolute horror written all over his face and he just kept on screaming. Feeling utterly helpless and at a loss the man quickly grabbed a small metallic disk from the bedside and placed it on the elf’s arm where it stuck fast, made tiny whirling bleeping sounds, and tiny light began blinking on and off. The effect was somewhat immediate. The elf stopped trying to scream, his muscles relaxed and he lay there breathing heavily his eyes still wide and staring at the wall.
The terror lost its hold, inner demons went back down into the fringes of his mind where, they waited he knew to pounce upon him once again. Finally he managed to slow his breathing and at least start looking about the room albeit apprehensively. It seemed to him as if he were in some sort of white box. 20 foot square in dimension with a 7’ ceiling. He lay along one of the walls his head flush with a corner. The walls were of no material he’d ever seen before. They were a dull white and softened the light in the room. Which itself was emanating from four large rectangles embedded in the ceiling. He couldn’t quite name the thing he was lying upon, it was like part bed, part chair. The material upon which he lay was firm, but gave slightly as a springy sort of spongy material. His legs were laid out horizontally parallel with the floor but where his hips began it inclined slightly so that his back and shoulders laid on a sort of incline. Next to his head the right of his bed-thing was a white cabinet made of some white shiny material. It had a couple of drawers and on top of the cabinet was a what tray riddled with little holes resting in these holes where small gray metallic disks about the same dimensions of a copper piece. Thrown on top of the tray was what looked like a tiny yellow and blue book with a tile reading, Webster’s Elvish-Common Dictionary some of the words he did not recognize. Beside the cabinet at his bedside was the man who’d helped him. He was a large portly man with a kind careworn face. He had thinning gray curly hair, a gruff patchy graying beard and mustache, and wrinkled skin, which spoke of age. But his eyes were a brilliant blue gleaming with vibrant health. Well right now they looked rather concerned as he stood fretting wringing his hands with sweat dripping down his brow. On the floor behind the man was a stool that had been knocked over when the man leapt up.
When the man was reasonably sure that his patient was calm he spoke.
Are you feeling better, what happened just now, are you ok?
The elf looked at the man and calmly stated,
It was nothing I was merely reminded of something unpleasant. What have you done to me?
This last question took the man aback slightly,
I used a relaxation ESBE. The man gestured with his hand indicating the tray of disks.
A what? asked the elf
The man seemed confused for a moment then considered his patient’s previous condition.
Its an Enhanced Sonic Bio Emitter, this one pointing to the thing on his arm. is sono-tuned to relax you.
The elf raised his eyebrows at this, When you say sonic is that to mean sound?
The man was incredulous, any 6 year old child knows the rudimentary physics of Biosonic Inducers. Then an idea struck the man.
What do you remember?
Nothing aside from little bits here and there brought on by our conversation, but I must say I know nothing of these Sonic Bio things or have I ever seen anything like this room before. Why are there no doors or windows?
The man nodded sagely, Yes, amnesia is a common symptom in freshly waking comatose patients.
The elf frowned, How long have I been lying here
The man looked rather apprehensive as if he were deciding whether or not to tell the truth, the elf merely scowled.
The truth is you please.
The man steeled his nerve then answered, Fifteen years.
Fifteen years, is that all the rest I deserved. He sighed muttering to himself.
Um.. this may be inappropriate, but the little bit of Elven lore that I have read never mentioned anything about your race having blue skin.
This last statement shocked the elf from his muttered musings.
What!!
He looked down at his arm and hands, and indeed his skin had a light bluish tinge. Then red hot anger burned up through the calming vibrations.
DAMN THEM!!!!! WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO ME!!!!!
He looked up at the ceiling as if addressing some invisible person up there and tried to shout some more when he felt drowsy and began to fall asleep.
Sleep now my friend, a normal rest this time. You will feel better when you wake.
A multitude of emotions warred within the old man. One of sadness for this poor soul’s plight, another sheer joy for his sleeping companion had awoken after fifteen years of one-sided conversation it felt good to finally speak to him. The old man observed some of the tiny lights on the seven disks now attached to his friend and when he was satisfied. He went to what looked like a solid wall and placed his hand upon it. The wall speedily and silently slid to the side and the man walked out into the cool white hallway, and the door slid closed after him with a seam so precise that it looked as if there were no door at all.
***
He was standing on a mesa in a dry windswept realm. The rock had a strange striated texture of alternating yellows reds and browns. Below him at the bottom of the mesa scurrying upon the barren dusty rock were multitudes of small spindly yellow and orange creatures. He smiled cruelly down at them, then lifted his gaze upward to the sky and stretched his arms out to the heavens his silken red robes flapping in the wind.
Hot energy flowed into him and his eyes glowed a bright crimson and strange syllables echoed off the canyon walls into the night. His voice sounded alien as if the words themselves had taken his true voice. The skies began to darken as great black clouds formed. The mounting energies commanded by the strange words took shape, 5 large burning rocks streaked down like great fiery comets from the sky toward the creatures below, who were at this point panicked with fear and terror as they realized their doom. The rocks slammed into the ground creating devastating explosions of fiery rock and concussive force, the lucky ones simply vaporized from the heat, the rest became small flying objects of melting bubbling skin. Three quarters of the main force of the creatures had been completely obliterated by one powerful spell. He looked down upon the wreckage and death he had sown and chuckled wickedly listening to the screams of the dying.
The elf woke suddenly covered drenched in cold sweat, his breathing erratic. Was that really me he wondered to himself. How could I have been so horrible to those poor creatures? As the cobwebs of sleep cleared from his brain and the last vestiges of those horrid Images already fading he found that he was no longer lying flat upon his back, but was lying on his belly crossways on the bed/thing his legs dangling down the side toes touching the warm floor. I must have been tossing and turning, but how when I my self cannot move my arms or legs yet. Or can I? The elf willed his left arm to move, it remained still.
Well this is rather frustrating. he spoke to himself aloud.
The elf then closed his eyes and cleared his mind; focusing inward he sought to "feel" his arms and legs. As he mentally traversed the biological pathways of his body he came to a wall. This doesn’t belong here he thought, slightly perplexed. He stretched his mind inspecting the wall it was rather solid and emitted a low humming vibration. Using a meditation technique developed over years of mental discipline the elf focused all his will to a single point creating layers around that point strengthening it. The point then took the shape of a large ornate battering ram, which then floated back several feet from the wall. Then in one great mental surge the battering ram leapt forward slamming into the wall. The wall shattered like glass and the elf felt a small pinch at the base of his neck, then felt something slide off and fall clattering to the floor. Almost at once his arms and legs began to tingle as limbs do when deprived of blood for short lengths of time. Now he could feel his arms and legs.
The elf opened his eyes and looked again at his left arm willing it to move, this time it did move but still felt sluggish and slow. With great concentration he forced his arms up to grasp a hold on the bed/thing. Then he pushed slowly sliding his feet closer to the floor. Finally after many tries he was standing the bed/thing to hid left against the wall he tried walking with his left arm on the bed/thing for support. The first couple of steps were the toughest and he almost fell. When he reached the end of the bed thing he shuffled to the wall and placed his hand upon it for support.
Suddenly the wall turned black and he heard a little musical chime followed by a calm cheerful male voice.
Greetings!! It said. And welcome to ED Server version 12.4.1 Educational Database how may ED help you today?
So startled by the sudden color change on the wall and the voice within the room that the elf jumped and then promptly fell on his rump.
What?! Who said that? Where are you? Show yourself!
As I have already stated I am ED Server version 12.4.1 Educational Database a high resonance AI computer and I am at your disposal.
Replied the voice, as it did so the black wall changed to show a multitude of glowing green lines depicting various three dimensional shapes presumably what this computer thing looked like. Still somewhat confused the elf replied.
Ummmm...what is a computer?
Would you like a brief technological history of the computer?
Seriously intrigued now the elf could not help himself.
Yes I would
As the voice launched into what sounded like a class lecture, pictures started to zing and flicker across the screen showing in turn what the voice was talking about at the moment.
In the year 2432 a Coald researcher by the name of Kiyetya Mformal developed the worlds first circuit board, a series of interconnected transistors, varisters, and resisters, capacitors, and oscillators. She connected these into a crude input device much like the ancient telegraph delivery device. The computer communicated to its user by way of a heavy glass monitor constructed with vacuum tubes. As more technologies were discovered they were implemented upon the base computer construction model improving its computing power allowing it to perform greater tasks. A very brief list of these early model types included the 8088’s, 286, 386, 486, 486 DX/2’s, 586 and so on. Then in 2530 Rugdar Jrupf made a discovery that revolutionized technology into what you see today. He discovered Superstring Resonance, within all things are atoms and within all atoms are thousands of Superstrings vibrating each creating its own resonance which in turn determines what it feels, tastes, looks, and/or sounds like. Using this newfound discovery many new materials could be made, including Admit-super-polygraphic alloys like the one in which I am made of to ensure easy self repair. Also there is no more world hunger or pollution. As everyone has plenty of food to eat and all waste materials can simply be turned into whatever useful thing is needed.
At first the elf just stared at the whirling Images mesmerized listening to the voice taking it all in. then an idea took root within his brain.
ED? How much do you know about this place?
ED briefly paused his lecture to answer the question, Everything. And then continued.
Then the elf was nodding his head a beaming smile upon his face.
This computer thing that called itself ED was truly amazing. It was willing to tell the elf literally anything he wanted to know. He could ask it anything, truly extraordinary.
ED these super strings you’ve mentioned what are they?
Ed immediately launched into a lecture in his cheerful manner,
Every thing in the universe is composed of atoms. As ED spoke various diagrams appeared upon the view screen, strange spherical objects revolving around one another. Atoms are particles of energy that move constantly, even in mineral materials such as gold, silver, or stone. The smaller spheres revolving around the larger one are called electrons. The large sphere is known as the nucleus within the nucleus are two kinds of smaller particles called neutrons, and protons. Atoms are very small and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Yet smaller still are the particles that make up the protons, neutrons, and electrons. They are called quarks, and finally the superstrings make up the quarks. They are strings of particles that vibrate giving off a resonance.
Up on the screen the elf saw a picture that looked something akin to a string of pearls vibrating, and to further illustrate the point ED had some lines representing sound or resonance waves, which they had discussed earlier.
Now if you were able to alter and manipulate the resonance field the superstring created, then you would effectively be able to created any substance you desired from any other substance simply by changing its field.
And you can do this ED? Asked with growing curiosity.
In a limited capacity, yes. ED replied.
Please explain. How do you do this and what are your limitations?
Within this room are thousands of RN’s (Resonanic Nanites) tiny microscopic robots that can manipulate the superstrings and alter their vibrations.
The screen filled with diagrams and schematics of tiny incectiod looking robots.
The RN’s are attached to my network by way of tiny nodes integrated into their systems. I send messages to these nodes instructing the RN’s, altering their functions as is needed. Otherwise they are constantly running their own sub-functions such as keeping the room clean and germ free. As to my limitations as an educational program I can only create objects with a simple resonance matrix. Such as a chair or an apple.
As ED said these last two things it occurred to the elf that he was still sitting upon the floor, and he hasn’t eaten anything since he awoke from his "coma" whatever that is.
So could you in fact make a chair for me to sit upon?
Yes I can, I need the appropriate comfort level inputted to complete the task.
The elf crinkled his brow in confusion. The appropriate comfort level?
So you need something from me?
Yes, I need you to determine the comfort level you desire and complete the parameters of your request.
Ahhh you need me to tell you my comfort level, well I am unfamiliar with what comfort levels are in existence.
The comfort level range as going by the Ferton scale of comfort is as follows; 0 is a simple hard plastic stool with no back support, where as 32 is a high resonance plush valium couch 2000.
Hmmmm well I don’t want anything too comfortable for I may fall asleep again, so we’ll go with comfort level 12 shall we.
Immediately a white chair appeared next to the elf. The chair was facing the direction of the vid-screen. It was made of some shiny white smooth material with strange white cushy things attached in various places. With some difficulty the elf managed to pull himself up and into the chair. It felt good to sit in a chair again.
Now all I need is some sweet Elven wine. The elf mumbled to himself. This had a strange effect on ED. He began spouting strange phrases.
Please wait...accessing...accessing...initiating personal resonance matrix ident...elven matrix established. [/color
A small ornate glass with a sweet smelling liquid suddenly appeared in the elf’s hand. He blinked for a moment. Then sniffed the bouquet. It smelled like Elven wine. Then he tasted it. It was like being a sun-bleached skeleton walking out of the driest desert drinking water for the first time. The sweet liquid was Elven wine and a very fine vintage. He slowly drained the glass never taking his lips from it, savoring every drop. Then it was gone.
Can you make more of this?
Of course, I am fully programmed with a number of various Elven Vintages
The elf raised his eyebrows. Really? Oh this could be quite fun. He said smiling, chuckling, and feeling better than he could ever remember feeling in a long time.
ED refilled the glass with a golden Summer wine made with honey and strawberries.