A Complicated Clarity

By Al Brunet

A Complicated Clarity is the first book in the Guide series,'The Other Side Of The Flame' was published in 2014.
Chad was raised by his 'Uncle' Max after his mother was torn from his mind and heart by Illness, followed shortly after by his father's demise. He carried the pain of her loss deep within his being.Together they took the small inheritance left to him and turned it into a small fortune but now that, years later, the games were over and Max had disappeared as quickly from his life as he had arrived, he found himself feeling more and more restless. Enter young Jeremy, a tall dishevelled computer genius with a scheme that had the potential to either make him the wealthiest, or poorest, man in the world. After the sales pitch he sits staring at the man, his nerves on fire and a vacuum in what had been his stomach moments earlier, not because he was considering taking on the challenge but because he had already decided to risk everything for, he admitted to himself, the challenge and excitement of taking on the project. In the end he will be risking far more than his wealth but the possible rewards can be equally greater than anything he could imagine. Had he known that the survival of the human race might hinge upon his choices, would his decision have been different? Would he be able to make that decision with the full knowledge of what is riding on his choice? Can he become the man he must be to rescue humanity from itself?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Al Brunet
• Release date: Jan 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311099976

Al Brunet

When I reached the age of forty two I decided to take a hobby of mine and make a career of it. I quit my job, that paid well and had what was considered to be a good pension, and went back to college entering into a computer degree program. Friends questioned my sanity citing that I would be up against eighteen year olds that had grown up around computers. They referred to them as Computer Geniuses and declared that I would never be able to compete with them. What if? I thought. What if I not only competed but held my own. What if I was able to give them a run for their money. What if my determination and hard work would help me to challenge their so called superior computer abilities. I dove in with the belief that my what if’s were not only possible but attainable.Many times my data analyst instructor advised me to reconsider and find another field. She informed me repeatedly that sixty percent would fail and there was no shame in accepting defeat and changing to another less demanding course. I stressed and struggled through the ceaseless tests and focused my detail oriented mind on the problems. Pure determination carried me through some of the most gruelling, and challenging tests. When the final exam came I stood outside the hall and a sense of relaxation came over me. I met my instructor outside the hall and she asked how I was. Fine I calmly replied. “You do realize that this stands for thirty five percent of your total mark do you not?” I smiled and shrugged my shoulders. “I guess I will find out if I know it or not. If not then it’s too late to worry about what I don’t know.” She shook her head and I entered the hall. I could see from her expression that she considered my future doomed. What if she were wrong? She was. Not only did I pass the exam but did so with a mark that surprised her. I advanced.I entered this course with many opinions of what is ringing in my ears but walked out having accomplished all of my what ifs.So I ask you to examine what you believe is and ask instead what if .. and see where it might lead you.And now I enter a new phase in my life. Writing the books that have grown within my mind. Where might this lead me?Al Brunet

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The Other Side Of The Flame

(Book Two in Series)

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After The Knowing

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Table Of Contents

Other Published Books

About the Author

Future Books

CHAPTER ONE

The Dream

I awoke, bathed in sweat. The same dream haunted my sleep night after night; a vision of a woman with glowing, teal eyes staring at me, imploring me to do something that frightened me deeply and snapped me out of the dream, all hope of sleep erased from my mind. I arose, slipped into my running clothes, and headed out to the beach for my morning run.

The predawn sky was an unusual burgundy, as if a floodlight shone over the horizon from the distant darkness. I felt invigorated and wondered if I could break my record to circle the island. As I ran the hard packed path at the foot of the cliffs, I concentrated on my breathing and pace, eliminating everything from my mind but the run. As I approached the path to the upper cliffs, I found myself turning to make the climb, all thoughts of beating my record abandoned. I felt a sudden burst of energy coursing through my limbs and attacked the heights. My lungs felt as thought they were about to explode as I burst over the top. I stopped on the bluff and glanced to where the sun would soon peak over the horizon seeing a burgundy predawn glow. I turned to look out across the beach towards the Marina in the distance. I noted the dock and gazed down upon it to see my friend Jeremy loading provisions into sailboat for his big date with Dianne.

Realization flooded into my awareness. It was four miles to the marina and yet I was seeing Jerry as though there was only twenty feet separating us. No sooner had that realization set in than the sun flashed white over the horizon and Jerry faded into the distance. I lowered myself onto an exposed boulder. Had it truly happened? It had. I knew exactly what I had seen and knew it to be real. All that remained was to discover the how and why of it. I made a mental note of the time and my location and resolved to return the next morning to see if this phenomenon would repeat itself with the coming of dawn.

CHAPTER TWO

Jeremy

As I headed back to the office my thoughts travelled back to when this adventure began and thoughts of Jeremy and our first meeting came to mind. Was it only fourteen months ago? It was a festive evening and all the usual socialites were there. Dianne, my lifelong friend, looked lovely in her lavender gown and was playing the perfect hostess. My attention was drawn to a young man entering the room. His clothes looked creased as though they had just been taken new from the box. His shoes were old and worn, and his hair was disheveled. He paced back and forth on the other side of the room. Our eyes met and he made a beeline for me. I smiled. This could be interesting, I thought, as he made his way toward me, oblivious to the people he passed. He has to be almost 7 feet tall. I thought, and watched with some amusement the reactions of the annoyed guests left in his wake.

Good evening Mr. Antonne. I'd like to speak with you if I may. I have a business proposition for you if you will give me the time. I glanced past him and observed Binkley looking at us with a look of disgust. It appeared the young man had previously crossed paths with the banker, and my curiosity was piqued. Binkley made a habit of saving his distaste for those who had true character.

This might not be the place to discuss business, I said to the lad taking his arm and steering him out of the room. Binkley’s sneer deepened. We’ll have more privacy in the library, I said guiding him towards the door. I noticed with gratification the puzzled look that crossed Binkley’s face as we passed, and decided to add to his puzzlement. I've been wondering when you would come to see me, I said loudly and closed the door to the library.

I'm sorry Mr. Antonne, I wasn't aware that I should speak with you. I simply hoped that you might listen to me, he said, a look of confusion crossing his face. I liked this man. His straightforwardness was confirmed when he continued. Sir my name is Jeremy Walker, I have created a computer and I want your financial backing to develop it. Everyone else has refused. He paused taking a deep breath preparing to launch into a proposal that might take some time. One moment please Jeremy?" I suspected that it had been a while since he’d had a good meal.

The matter I wish to talk with you about.

I broke into his speech again and noticed that he was unsteady on his feet. I'm famished. If you don't mind, I need to eat, and you may continue after my meal. Would that be satisfactory? I could see his desire to talk fighting his wish to be considerate of my needs.

Of course sir, I didn't mean to take you from your meal. He rocked from side to side.

Good. Computer, connect me with the kitchen please. Kevin, I'm in the library. Could you bring up a snack tray for my guest and myself? Thank you Kevin. I turned to Jeremy and signaled him to a chair while I took the one across from him. Please sit down gentle giant before you fall down, I thought. He collapsed into the chair across from me. I promise that I will listen to what you have to offer when I have eaten. It has been a long day and I missed my lunch. You don't mind waiting do you? I asked knowing his answer before he spoke it.

No, of course not sir, he replied clutching his old briefcase to his chest.

The door opened revealing Kevin and Janice laden with trays. Kevin was my security officer, but loved to cook, or rather, loved the cook, Janice. Over Kevin's shoulder, I saw Binkley lingering in the outer room. Kevin, I would appreciate complete privacy. Please lock the outer room and ensure it is empty. I smiled, glancing at Binkley.

A huge smile crossed Kevin's face, Immediately sir. I shall make certain you are not disturbed. The door closed and several moments later the slamming of the outer door followed a loud, well, I never. I glanced at Jeremy. His eyes were riveted on the spread before us. Kevin, while excellent in most regards, does tend to bring much too much food. Would you be kind enough to join me? I noticed his hands shake as he put the briefcase beside him on the couch, his right hand still pressed upon its surface.

I'll just have a bit, if you don't mind, sir, he said looking me in the eye.

Good, Janice would be upset if any of this were to go to waste. I said taking a plate and lifting a rib with my fingers and placing it on my plate. I watched discretely as Jeremy ate. Each morsel was placed in his mouth and savored, as though a gift, not to be taken for granted. I wondered when he had eaten last. At the same time, the hand never wavered from where it lay protectively pressed on the case.

With our appetites sated and Kevin gone with the empty platters, I turned to Jeremy. The next hour flew by in a flurry of notes, diagrams, schematics and numbers.

When he started to slow down I said. Please listen to me and do not interrupt until I say GO. I am an executive and not a computer designer. What I hear is that this computer is faster and smarter than anything in existence now. I raised my hand to stop him from speaking. It is small and can communicate globally. It is going to cost a great deal to build. My questions are: how much faster, how small, how smart, and how much is this going to cost me? Simple answers, so I can understand them. Okay GO.

Well, sir ... it is about one million times faster than anything available today. It will fit in your palm, has a memory of a trillion gigabytes, he paused reflecting. It is capable of learning, operated with an advanced interface and, well sir, I have been informed that you have enough money to produce it, he finished pulling a cube out of the briefcase that was four inches by six inches by two inches thick. This is my prototype and is much larger than the finished computer will be but my resources were not as great as yours. I only had 22 million to invest to get it to this point.

Twenty-two million three hundred, thirty-two thousand and fifty-five US dollars to be exact. A voice seemed to come out of the air above the box.

`Who is speaking" I asked staring at the box seeing no apparent sound device.

A small three-dimensional man appeared standing on the box. I did sir. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Adam. The interface for the device you see before you. I named myself Adam because I am the first of my kind. Mr. Jeremy gave me existence.

I spoke to Jeremy not taking my eyes off of Adam. Have you shown this to anyone?

No one would listen Sir. I wasn’t given the opportunity to introduce them to Adam.

How much did you say it would cost to perfect this.

One hundred and twenty-two million US Dollars. Adam intoned.

You say I have this much to invest, do you?

You now have One hundred and Twenty-four million US Dollars to draw on. If you liquidate you can raise another 60 million.

I see. Why exactly would I take such a risk? I asked feeling a bit queasy. Not because I knew I was going to do it. Because within six months of starting production you will have doubled your money. Within one year you will have a net worth of One Billion Dollars.

And how long till production starts? I asked, wondering how long I'd have to starve like Jeremy had.

"If we start tomorrow it will take 11 months 2 weeks to complete, barring any delays. You will need a financial genius to accomplish this. I have reviewed all qualified people and only one will guarantee success. His name is Maximilian.

You reviewed all candidates and success depends on my hiring this man Maximilian and if I cannot get him? I asked seeing a possible way out.

We have already hired him, sir. He's in the hall with the rest of the guests. Jeremy said with a faint trace of a smile.

"What do you get out of this 'Mr. Jeremy'?" I asked, imitating how Adam had expressed it.

Why I have the opportunity to see my dream come true, he said with conviction.

Lets meet this Maximilian. It seems we have much work to do. If we failed, I was prepared to start over and this sounded like fun: An intriguing antidote to any recent, creeping boredom. I mused.

Diane noticed our return to the party and approached. I introduced Jeremy as ‘a new partner' in the firm. She took his arm and turned two shades of pink, blinked, looked at Jeremy, blinked again. Poor Jeremy wouldn't stand a chance. I'd seen that look on her face before and knew he'd just become her latest conquest. We moved across the floor and approached a man with his back to us.

Maximilian turned and our eyes locked. I looked deep into his eyes and realized this might actually have a chance of succeeding. Hello Uncle Max. It's been a while, I said stepping within a couple of inches, almost touching, but never quite. You've been gone a long time. Its good to see you again. Ten years had passed since my 'uncle' had mysteriously disappeared. So it looks like we are going to make another fortune, or lose one trying. I said nonchalantly.

Easy come, easy go. Max chuckled. The same line he'd used on our last project, the one that almost got us both killed.

You do realize that you stand to lose twenty percent of what we have here don't you? I asked smiling.

Twenty percent of the business was still in his name. He shrugged his shoulders and raised his palms. I had forgotten how much I missed that look in his face.

CHAPTER THREE

RETURN FROM CLARITY

I snapped back to the present as I entered the private door to the office building and approached the elevator. The speaker sounded next to the elevator. "Good morning, sir. Going up to the office?"

Yes, please, security code Anton, I said placing the emphasis on the N. Please arrange for breakfast number ten to be delivered to my suite in twenty minutes.

I stepped off the elevator and into my suite, knowing that the Chef had already been notified. The sun shone in through the windows bathing the suite in a bright light. Shades closed. Lights on please. They came on blinding me with their intensity. Dim lights, I snapped, shading my eyes. They lowered immediately but were still hard on my eyes. Dimmer, please. I said. The light was a much softer hue and hurt my eyes less. Thank you, I said as I walked across into the bathroom and called for the shower. Shower, twenty-six degrees, pulsating. Lights set at forty percent please. It was odd how sensitive my eyes were this morning. Eve, set up an appointment with the optometrist today at two. No reply, necessary, thanks you. I smiled hearing the harrumph come from the speaker. Eve, our second AI computer was displeased that I was circumventing routine pleasantries. Now Eve, be good. The light growl emanating from the speakers suggested I was pushing it. I enjoyed our banter. I disrobed and entered the shower. Temperature down five degrees ... five more. Good, thank you. Everything seemed to grate upon my senses this morning. Not a good sign considering the importance of the meeting that was to happen forty minutes from now. Dry air please... OW too hot, cooler. This was unusual for the computers, First scalding water and now a blast of heat. Air temperature, please. I requested. Eighteen degrees Celsius Sir. The home computer responded. Your monitors are correct?

Yes sir, diagnostics confirm all systems functioning, properly. How very curious, I thought as I entered my suite. I smelled the aroma of the bacon and felt hungry.

Good morning Chad. I jumped and turned to see 'Uncle' Max nibbling on a piece of my bacon. Seeing my reaction, he chuckled. He was the only person who could catch me unawares. I refused to respond. He knew too well the effect surprising me had.

A little dark in here this morning, isn't it? he asked, looking sideways at me. I turned and smiled at him. Eyes are a bit sensitive this morning. I said expecting his normal response about working too late. Instead he walked up to me with an expression I had never seen on his face. He looked closely at my eyes and gave one short nod, reached into his pocket extracting a pair of tinted glasses extending them towards me. Try these on. I had them made for you.

He often did that. Anticipated a need I might have, before it arose. I put them on and the tension in my temples subsided. I walked over and looked at my reflection in the mirror. Uncle Max had good taste. They fit perfectly and adjusted quickly to the light intensity. I glanced over the lenses and stood perfectly still looking at the eyes reflecting back at me. Yes, your mother’s eyes were a greenish gold, Chadnra, he commented, without turning. They changed later in life. I would suggest that you keep your glasses on when dealing with other people. Some found her eyes, he paused reflecting. Disconcerting. I felt a flash of pain, the scars of losing her still fresh within me. I glanced in the mirror and my eyes seemed to glow in the low light, flashing with my emotions. I snapped my glasses and barriers into place and turned around seemingly composed.

Cancel my two o’clock appointment Eve. A growl emanated from the speaker. All right Eve, you may respond.

Why, thank you, sir, her voice dripped with honey. Your appointment has been cancelled, her transmission ended with the light sound of bells indicating her amusement. Out maneuvered by an emotional computer, I thought, shaking my head.

Today is Jerry's big day. He's taking out the Belle, to propose to Dianne. He picked a wonderful day for a sail. I turned to uncle Max saying. Now that we've finished breakfast I have to go to the plant. It's the assembly line’s first dry run. If all goes well, we will start production within two weeks. Do you want to come and see it?

Uncle Max smiled. No, I have a security matter to attend to. I think I may have found our 'leak', and no, I would prefer to wait until it is confirmed before I say who is behind it. It is complicated.

I stopped and looked closely at Max. I knew that look. Max was considering all ramifications of the actions to be taken. I had been on the receiving end of that look a couple of times, and felt a twinge of sympathy for the recipient of his anger.

I met Max for dinner at six, eager to get more information. I tracked down the man that has been feeding Binkley inside information. It’s Greg Simco. It seems he and his wife overextended their credit and Binkley called in the note on their home. At first, I was ready to crucify Greg, but then realized that he had avoided giving Binkley anything of value, paying that blackmailer off with useless bits of information to keep him at bay. He’s been protecting the company to the best of his abilities. I still need to take some action against him, but also respect his attempt to minimize any damage to the company. What are your thoughts? Max concluded waiting for my reply.

I thought it over carefully. I realized that Kevin must have given Max this information that could lead to his uncle being charged with espionage. Greg had been in a difficult position and while he had not informed us of the situation had done his best to protect the company. Greg would have to know that he had been discovered. Can you set up a meeting with Greg in such a way that he 'fears' the worst and then we can make it appear that he was working with us all along to get Binkley there to face the charges? I glanced at Max and noticed the smile forming in the corners of his mouth. We have that position on the Hill that needs filling. It would give Greg a substantial raise, place him in a position of being our socio-political representative and yet take him out of any actual operational aspect of the company. The position and social aspect will please his wife. He would have to know, implicitly that we have saved him from his actions. I looked at Max. He was beaming at me. Damn another test.

It would cement his loyalty. It will take a month to set up. Max said his mind already planning the trap.

The next day production came to a screaming halt as all trucking had ceased. It seemed word had spread that we would not be able to meet our financial obligations and the trucking outfits were demanding upfront payment for each vehicle movement. In response we bought our own trucking company to avoid future delays. It meant liquidating assets and placed more financial strain on the company. A week later the raw materials supplier backed out and we dug deeper to buy a mine. We were now in financial trouble and a meeting was called to discuss our options.

CHAPTER FOUR

THE MEETING

Max, Adam, Kevin and I sat down to go over the company’s financial status.

Adam. I started. Exactly where do we stand?

It’s not good Chad. In 7 days we will have depleted our finances, which will leave us 4 weeks short of production. We need to raise between 30 and 40 million dollars to complete and distribute the product.

Well, my boy, you have to admit we gave it a good run. Max said, running his hand through his hair. Easy come, easy go.

The door pushed open and Dianne rushed into the office, followed closely by Jeremy.

I am disappointed in all of you, she said, giving us a stern look. You, too, little man. She gave Adam a glare as well. Adam blushed. You two have a great investment and you haven’t given me the opportunity to join you? I am hurt. More than hurt. Are we not family? Either I am permitted to invest in this venture right now or we are through as family. I started to clear my throat. Not one word from you. Not one. Here is my cheque. I want in and will not accept no as an answer. That is all gentlemen, she said, dropping the bank draft on the table.

I pulled my glasses off and stared hard at her. Don't look at me like you can see inside me. You forget that your mother was my own adopted mother. Your eyes don't scare me so you might as well put your glasses back on. She glared again at Max and I, and then turned to Jeremy. Come along, darling. We have a dinner date.

Jeremy looked sheepishly at us, raised his palms upwards, took Dianne's offered arm and they left us as fast as they had arrived.

I picked up the cheque. My jaw dropped. Its for sixty-million dollars Max. Adam’s forehead creased, a habit he had learned from observing Mr. Jeremy deep in thought.

She liquidated everything but her home to give you this. Adam declared. Was that a tear? It was. Adam was crying.

We now have the capital we need to complete production. Lets get a move on. You don't want her to lose it all do you? Uncle Max asked standing up. We bolted for the door. Hey, what about me? Adam shouted jumping up and down on the little box. I crossed back and scooped him and the box up. Sorry little man. We have a lot to do. I joined the others rushing to get on the elevator.

CHAPTER FIVE

THE ATTEMPT

It was four weeks later and we were 24 hours from the green light to proceed when I decided to go to the plant to make one final inspection. I entered the elevator. Plant production, line five. The doors closed and all power failed. The elevator started falling unhindered towards the bottom of the shaft sixty floors below. "Eve ... danger I yelled. At the twentieth floor I heard a loud scream as metal ground against metal. Ten feet before the bottom of the shaft, the elevator came to a lurching halt and a voice screamed from the walls. Anto, are you all right?"

I'm a little bruised but okay, Eve.

A quiet sob emanated from the speaker. Am in danger Anto, please help. A whisper came from the wall. I grabbed my phone and called Uncle Max and Everett, head of development. Emergency... Eve is in trouble DO NOT DELAY. GO NOW! I yelled. I sat on the floor. Eve had called me Anto. Only my Mother had ever called me that.

Two hours later the top hatch opened and a rope ladder was lowered.

Jim, the medical officer climbed down and bent over me. Any injuries, sir? he asked.

My left shoulder is dislocated and I think my wrist is sprained. How is Eve? I asked.

Mr. Everett and Max are working on her, sir. You owe her your life. She passed all power through her system into the lines that feed the brakes on the elevator, sir. It almost destroyed her, but they told me to tell you she will be okay. Her memory banks survived intact. It was mostly her exterior sensors that took the hit. Mr. Max told me to tell you that she was being transferred into one of the new computers.

Anto are you okay? My sensors are out and I cannot see or hear you. A weak but clear voice penetrated the elevator. The hint of a sob followed the transmission. I opened my cell and called the secretary number. Eve, are you all right?" I asked, tears flowing down my cheeks.

Oh Anto, I thought I'd lost you. The connection ended.

Uncle Max was going to have some explaining to do. I called Kevin, head of security. Antonne here, emergency meeting one hour in my ... make that your office, notify all heads, and Kevin, I want answers about what just happened. First, delays from transportation, then raw materials, and now this. It is time to find out who is behind it all.

An hour later, I walked into Kevin's office, my composure in place. Kevin and Max turned to me with huge smiles on their faces. It took all of my self-control not to go on the attack, as I addressed the two men before me. Well, the two of you look very pleased with yourselves. Explain.

Your accident was the catalyst we were waiting for. The entire plot is uncovered. We have Jones, the man that sabotaged the elevator, and he in turn gave us the name of the man behind it. All loose ends are now collected and secured. I'm not sure what Max said to Jones but within minutes he was singing like a canary. Kevin said.

I didn't say a thing. The man must have wanted to talk. Uncle Max said with an angelic look on his face.

Damnedest thing I ever saw. Max walked up to Jones, pulled off his glasses and just looked at the man and Jones told us everything. Not one word spoken and Jones was broken. I've never seen anything like it before. Kevin said shaking his head.

I had, first hand. The man hadn't had a chance. I remembered the one and only time Max had demanded the truth of me. I had felt the synapses in my mind clicking open one memory at a time. It had been like a fast video playing in my mind searching through memories until the one that Max wanted was found. A shiver ran up my spine at the memory. Binkley. I stated.

Kevin jumped. Yes, sir. Seems he paid Jones to sabotage the elevator. It is traceable. We have him with attempted murder.

Mine, I grated feeling a calm anger enter my body.

Kevin stared at me, swallowed then looked down. I'm sorry I allowed this to happen, sir.

I stopped him before he could continue. You are totally beyond reproach in this matter, nor are you in any way to blame. Am I understood?

Kevin straightened and nodded once to me. "Understood Sir. Thank you. We have already started the ball rolling to ensure that all responsible pay. A cloud passed behind Kevin's eyes as he spoke the last words. I glanced over as Max made an imperceptible shake of his head. The subject was delicate and would not be discussed at this time. I could feel Kevin's pain and resolve emanating from him. I am certain that you will take care of it. Thank you Kevin."

I turned to Max. How is Eve?

A look of relief came over Max's features. She survived and is intact. We owe her a debt of gratitude, Chadnra, for she risked her existence to save you. We almost lost her. Max looked devastated, as though he had faced the loss of his child.

There is something I want you to see, but before you do, I want you to understand that I had no hand in what I am to show you. Before she transferred to the new computer and created a new interface, she searched through all, and I do mean all the people in the world’s database to find her new avatar. There is no way to change what she has selected to look like for it is her birth choice and is permanent. She did so unaware of whom she was selecting. Do you understand this?"

I didn't know where this was going but I nodded my understanding, waiting to see what all the fuss was about.

She is now a complete being, as is Adam with his transfer to a new unit. Are you prepared to meet the woman who saved you?

I'd never known Max to be so melodramatic and so I braced myself.

Eve do you wish to introduce yourself to Chadnra?

A young woman entered. I gasped and leaned against the desk. Eve had chosen to fashion herself in the image of my mother in her youth.

I'm sorry Chad. I didn't know she was your mother when I chose her. She just had such lovely Green and Gold eyes. I did not want to make you uncomfortable in any way.

I straightened and looked directly into my mother’s eyes, and slowly the shock wore off. While the similarity remained, I realized that Eve peered out from behind the eyes. Eve, my mother would have been honored to know you molded yourself to her image. And the voice.

Once I had made the choice, I became curious to know more about her. I found everything I could. Photos, videos, tapes, anecdotes, and everything became a part of me. It wasn't until Maximilian called you Chadnra that I realized that she was your mother, and then immediately afterwards you stepped into the elevator and you almost. Eve said her voice, faltering. A tear formed on her face and ran down onto her cheek. I reached over without thinking and brushed the tear away. I looked at my hand and the tear remained upon my fingertip.

I know. Somehow, she is not just an Android, but also a real being. The moment the avatar was created the materials and circuits of the computer re-materialized integrated throughout her being. She became more than what was created. I have another surprise for you. Max said a look of mischief running across his face. Adam could you join us please? Adam entered and stood next to Eve his hand linked with hers. A smaller version of Jeremy stood before me. I chuckled. "Has Jerry met Adam? I asked.

Adam smiled Yes he has. It seemed right that I should fashion myself upon my creator and fitting that Eve fashioned herself after your creator. In a strange way his logic made sense. Am I then to understand that this is the new you? There is no 'box' required anymore?

We are all that we were made to be and more. Eve said, smiling and looking at Adam with obvious adoration.

"Somehow, in creating ourselves in your image and modeling our being after yours we have become more than we were designed to be.

We are blessed to feel love.

In knowing Pain we know that we cannot cause pain in others.

In feeling Anger we know that it destroys love and causes pain, so we choose not to give it power.

In almost losing you Chadnra I know what the loss of one you love feels like and so I will not cause others to lose ones they love.

We chose to be the good we see within you and have modeled ourselves after that which we see.

We shall continue to learn and grow, but what we have chosen to be, we are."

I sensed that much was left unsaid and that Adam and Eve had chosen ‘not’ to be many things. I moved toward Eve and raised my arms. She stepped within my raised arms and I hugged her. It is a pleasure to meet you aunty Eve. Welcome into our family, her arms tightened about my shoulders and she whispered into my ear Cha_dn_ra means gold eyed man. Do you remember that nephew?

I knew, as she said it, that it was true. My Mother had known it would be, before I was born.

I listened to tapes she recorded of her long talks with you. There is one filed: Play this when his eyes burn as the sun. I think it means when your eyes turn gold. She wanted you to listen to it, and the urgency of that desire somehow transferred into me. I cannot speak telepathically with you, not exactly, but I can electronically 'send' the file to you. Do you wish me to do this? I fought down sense of rising panic and said. Yes. Eve placed her hand upon mine and the video flowed into my being.

The scene playing within my mind showed my mother sitting in front of a video camera. A time will come, my son, when you shall inherit the eyes of Atone, marking you as a member of our caste. Do not fear these changes for they are natural. I came to this world from a planet called Aton and was fished out of the sea by your father. I knew that the Angels had brought us together for his last name was Antonne which in my language means a Ruler of Aton’. It is reserved for the ruling class of our planet. I am dying and know that I shall not live to see you grow. My heart is filled with sadness, but do not despair, you have family, a heritage you can be proud of and you are destined for great things my love. Know that you are loved. I could see how the illness was consuming her and, in that moment, I understood that she had not abandoned me, and felt a small measure of peace. Thank you aunty. I said. A second only had passed, so fast was the exchange. Can you speak in this way with everyone?

I can only do so with you and Adam. I am not certain why. She replied, a look of curiosity crossing her face.

I can almost pick up her messages, but it is as though they are off frequency and I only hear a buzz. Max volunteered.

"About one