Aside from Infinity

By J. T. Ryan

“Aside from Infinity,” is similar to John’s earlier book, “Beside the Benign.” It consists of twelve sci-fi short stories composed in a similar style to the Twilight Zone TV series. The tales are intended to be an entertaining mix of science, history, fiction, reality, and humor. Each story also relates in some manner to its song title. Topics include: artificial intelligence, dark matter, time travel, parallel universes, and quantum entanglement.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728311272

J. T. Ryan

Author, J. T. Ryan now lives in Hawaii, previously in San Diego. A graduate from UCLA and San Diego State, Mr. Ryan served in the U. S. Air Force and later worked for the Navy, and at Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico. This edition is a trilogy from three previous publications, focused on science or speculative fiction. Mr. Ryan’s academic work and background are represented to some degree by the various stories. The tales are intended to be entertaining samples from topics of current scientific interest. The reader will also notice references to history, humor, and music favorites.

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© 2019 J. T. Ryan. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  05/13/2019

ISBN: 978-1-7283-1128-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-1127-2 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

PREFACE

For those who’ve read my previous book, Beyond the Benign, you’re familiar with my skepticism regarding fiction versus nonfiction, especially in the realm of science.

Although we’d like to view scientific facts as ‘cast in stone,’ many laws in science tend to evolve over time into different species. Sir Isaac Newton was the pioneer of basic physics but, a couple centuries later, Dr. Albert Einstein made significant modifications to the concepts of gravity, acceleration, time, mass, and relativity. Not too long afterward, additional adjustments emerged from the field of quantum mechanics.

Given that our understanding of the universe is subject to continuous tweaking, one would wonder if any certain formulation will stand the test of time and scrutiny. How consistently, for example, will our basic equations of physics hold up under the extreme gravity of a black hole? And – what about as objects that approach the speed of light?

It’s convenient to set limits and bounds for how particles and energy should behave, but, how wide should the limits be? Would an infinite universe be broad enough? Infinity, after all, should extend forever without any constraints, right? But, what if infinity itself is subject to short cuts or distortion?

Since physical systems are capable of being warped by the pressures of our universe, what impact might there be on biological systems, which are subsets of physical matter?

Our primate species is built upon an exacting blueprint known as DNA. This blueprint is a remarkable sequence of biochemistry that has been largely conserved over the ages. We share a sizeable portion of this chemical treasure house with other creatures in the animal kingdom too, so it’s of great importance that our DNA makes only what’s appropriate and needed.

It wouldn’t do, for example, if our DNA started producing feathers, though our bird-like brothers and sisters couldn’t get by without them. Similarly, growing fins where our arms are supposed to be would soon land us in deep water. The number of our genes is finite but, the possible combinations for their expression may approach infinity.

Could there be a realm beyond infinity? It appears to be a contradiction because infinity extends beyond any limits. But, what about some kind of spirit realm apart from the normal constraints of physical space? Such a non-physical dominion may be exempt from the normal parameters of time, dimension, matter, and energy.

As in my earlier book, these stories are designed to be an interweaving of science, history, fiction, reality, and humor. Modeled on the TV series Twilight Zone, and other such short stories, the endings may appear to be sudden or abrupt. The final twist, as it were, is to allow the reader to ponder possible outcomes. Title, text, and dialog provide a background that readers may draw upon to derive their own conclusions.

You’ll notice that each story is named after a song or melody with a related theme. You may even want to listen to the cited music selections, for example on You Tube. Lyrics and melody may provide additional dimension or insight into the story.

contents

Preface

Song Title Credits:

1     You don’t know me – (Mickey Gilley)

Iranian bioengineer, Dr. N. T. Abuti, creates an android with artificial intelligence to stand in as his personal representative.

2     Back in the saddle again - (Gene Autry)

Physicists Mel and Rose, arrive at Los Alamos Laboratory in the year 2042 to work on a renewed version of the Manhattan Project.

3     Yesterday once more - (Karen Carpenter)

Scientists Otto and Nada, time transport to west LA in the 1960’s to search out favorite haunts that no longer exist in the present time.

4     Don’t get around much anymore - (Ella Fitzgerald)

Team teachers Connie and Chip, help citizens in the twenty-second century adjust to changing realities.

5     Both sides now – (Joni Mitchell)

Air Force Lt. Gordo Fajito, experiences quantum entanglement during a burrito comparison test at Nogales, Mexico and Tucson, Arizona

6     Easy to remember – (Lennon Sisters)

Ken and Donna, of Italian heritage, search out more effective remedies for Alzheimer’s and related conditions.

7     Let it be - (Paul McCartney)

University student Paul Wilson, joins a discussion group in his boarding house that includes revelations from the other side.

8     The sound of silence – (Paul Simon)

Doug and Sofie, originally from India, explore Dark matter and reflect on their own backgrounds in Calcutta.

9     Funny how time slips away – (Willie Nelson)

Merle and Don, stationed in cold war Korea, discuss parallel universes over lunch at the Army service club in Seoul.

10   Don’t it make my brown eyes blue - (Crystal Gayle)

Biotechnicians Ida and Seymour, tinker with telomeres and juggle genes in an effort to improve on human nature.

11   True grit – (Glen Campbell)

Apache chief Cochise disappears reportedly, in the 1800’s Arizona desert and mountain terrain.

12   Over the rainbow - (Judy Garland)

J. Spratt, new arrival at heaven’s gate, meets the gatekeeper.

SONG TITLE CREDITS:

1. You don’t know me. singer: Mickey Gilley; writer: Cindy Walker; 1956.

2. Back in the saddle again. singer: Gene Autry; writers: Ray Whitley & Gene Autry; 1939.

3. Yesterday once more. singer: Karen Carpenter; writers: Richard Carpenter