Artificial Intelligence: Beyond Boundaries: Number 2, #3

By Fernando Fernandez

It is a fabulous story from beginning to end and gives us the sort of emotions that connect with the characters, intrigue, and excitement that only pure science fiction can deliver. It's the use of technology and the acumen of these people that battle an advanced civilization and face the end of the universe as well. They take hold of quantum mechanics against all odds. Passionate love knocks at their door and everything will surely catch your attention.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fernando Fernandez
• Release date: Mar 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201783518

Book preview

I.  The Awakening

Akira is awakened by the morning sun’s rays. She’s back home on Earth. Later, she looks around in disbelief. How is it possible? She gets up and walks to the front porch. Later, she observes people passing by; some are walking their dogs, others are just rushing to their jobs. She gets inside to get ready to go to the office. She hasn’t been there in a long time.

Stu opens his eyes, and he’s on a hammock. I am back home, aren’t I? It feels awesome. What has happened? There’s no more space, and no more superpowers either. I must go to the clinic. It’s time for some fence-mending. Yes, I need to reestablish my office and strengthen my relationship with my patients. Furthermore, I have to consider  conciliation, or perhaps a renegotiation of the terms with the building owners. How much money do I owe them? I will find out as soon as I get there.

The following day, Stu is energetic and wants to return to his good old habits. I have to get into my routine, so I don’t think about all the nightmares out there. He goes hiking early in the morning, which has always been a boost for me. He drives to his favorite spot, then starts jogging to the main trail, just to warm up. After a few minutes, some sweat invigorates him. I really needed this. Additionally, the fresh air of the mountains caresses his hair. A small group is also running ahead of him. As he passes by them, he greets them, and continues on his way to the top. A few meters later, he stops for a sip of water and to catch his breath. I am definitely not in shape. I used to run  marathons sporadically. Is it age? Has space affected my bones and muscles? I’m struggling to get back into my workout routine. I must get a check-up. He gathered himself and pushed his body to the edge to achieve his goal. I know what it takes when it comes to getting back in shape and avoiding getting hurt in the process. I’m always being driven. This rust is not going to stop me. It may be daunting, but I’m a warrior. Nothing is impossible for me. After all I have done, this is meaningless.

Even though it looks downright impossible to continue with his work, they may have found somebody else to fill my position. I have sacrificed everything I had on Earth. What was that? I didn’t have anything or anybody. I really enjoyed my adventures up there, but I won’t get nostalgic. It’s time I pick up the pieces and go on with my life. Moreover, I could find love, as weird as it may sound. Anyway, Leah is gone. I didn’t have any chemistry with the other girls back at the council. There’s only one thing to do, hunt for love, Stu!

Akira took a flight to an undisclosed place. It is an undercover mission. I must keep a low profile. It is going to be just a couple of days, then I will have the rest of the week to take some time off and look around, think things over, and make decisions. Whoever is the culprit for my return, I must thank her. I imagine that it was Jenna who got rid of me. Why was she going to pull me out of work? It doesn’t make sense at all.

Meanwhile, at the local clinic, business as usual. Some patients show up to see the new doctor, Barbara.  Unexpectedly, Stu rings the bell. Miss Grant opens the door from her desk, and shouts: Come on in. As soon as Stu steps in, she was elated! Oh, Stu! Where have you been? It’s been ages, Miss Grant. Yes, indeed. How are things around here? Same old, same old, my friend. We thought that something wrong happened to you. Didn’t you get the news? What news? Forget it! Never mind, Stu. A young doctor comes to the front, and Miss Grant introduces them. If you ever need some help, just let me know. I’m just beginning to get a hold of it, thanks. There’s not much to do over here. It is always the same routine. Don’t tell me, I used to run things in the same office. Stu hugs Miss Grant and says goodbye to Barbara. It seems that nothing was awaiting me here. I must look for something else to do. I’m basically unemployed. Likewise, I have to figure out what to do. I may have some savings at the bank, that’s my next stop.

People come and go. The trail is very busy today. Furthermore, Akira is easing back into a workout routine. I must have been hibernating because I can’t feel my legs. I must have taken a long break. Well, going up the mountain is your heart pumping up, which  takes you to the top. On the descent, it is all up to your legs. She’s coming down the hill when she comes across a guy that looks familiar. I’ve seen him before. Akira! Yes! Who are you? I’m Stu. Don’t you remember me? Sort of. Oh, sorry, I haven’t shaved in a while. Just imagine that I am clean-shaven. Oh, my! We’re back together. Is everybody back? I don’t know, Akira. So far, it’s just the two of us. She encourages him to continue all the way down. I hope I don’t get any cramps. Yes, it’s been a bumpy road. Well, I know this mountain very well. I live a few kilometers from here. What are you doing here? It’s a long story. You’re very far from home. Gosh, thanks for reminding me. If you don’t mind, you can join me at my place. We can have breakfast and talk for a while, just like the old days back at the council. Sure, I must warn you that I’m expecting a call and I will leave soon! It doesn’t matter. I’m really glad to see you. This is the first pleasant thing that has happened to me since I returned. I imagine, mine has been very boring.

Miss Grant commented to Barbara: Stu is a great doctor, but he lost it What happened? He just vanished. We didn’t know where he went or what exactly happened to him. He’s a celebrity worldwide. Why did you tell him that you didn’t know? I was just teasing him, we always did so. Is he married? It seems that you like him. Barbara laughs, and replied, he’s not bad. However, I’m engaged, so not worth risking what I have. Yes, you’re right. In addition, Stu is a player, he may end up breaking your heart.

Akira is very secretive. Do you think I believe you when you say you’re casually strolling around this small town in the middle of nowhere? You know,  I’m very straightforward. I came to see you, Stu. Okay, that’s a lot better. What can I do for you? I’m in charge of making sure that all the ones that are back home keep a low profile. You know what I mean? No, I don’t. The authorities on Earth allow us to be here with one condition: do not disrupt the order. We are not to be seen because they don’t want the world to see me, especially when they know who I am. Now, that makes sense. Miss Grant! Yes, she’s aware of what’s going on. She was protecting me. Listen, everybody loves you. This is your town. You can’t, however, go back to the same things. I was an easy target. You found me with no sweat. Trust me, literally no effort at all. Am I so predictable?  You have always been like that, haven’t you? I guess you’re right. Akira’s cellphone rang. She picks up the call and goes away from Stu. She answers, Yes, yes, that’s correct. I’m with him right now.  Who was it? Don’t worry about it? Please tell me. You don’t want to know. They want you to go to a project. Who are they? They are powerful people. What people? Your government. What for? Since you’re a doctor, they have a project in which they would like you to participate. What kind of project? I don’t have the details. I will pass on the information, and that’s it. Are you leaving? Why not? Stay the night. I have nobody by my side, so at least I can talk to you. That’s fine, for the good old days. That’s great.

A report was sent to the head of the project. When? I think he’ll be here soon. Don’t mess it up; we have no room for mistakes. I know this is very important. We have many things on the line.  Don is concerned about the confidentiality of the project and believes any disclosure may harm their job. The last thing we need is the hype brought on by this space celebrity. We have to accelerate the first stage. Despite scientists’ scrambling with it, it is the easiest one. He then sent a message to an unknown recipient, Creating rules to operate the lab, machines, biological entities, and one subject expected asap.

She’s thin and short, with pale porcelain skin and long shiny black hair. What are you saying? I’m just looking at you! I see. Akira has an iconic tattoo. I haven’t seen it before. Ah, that! A slash-blade of a katana of ink on her torso. What’s wrong with it? Nothing at all, my dear. In contrast, it is inviting! To what? I imagine touching it. Really? Yes, up and down. 

Let’s share some wine. Sure, Akira laughed and said, We needed it. What harvest? It is usually in the fall. Don’t be funny! What year? 1972. Where is it from? It’s from Napa Valley. They shared some cups. Do you know a lot about wines? Not much, I just drink them. No, I can see you have a special way of tasting wine. You are very detail-oriented. Tasting wine is a pleasure, First, I look at the wine legs. Legs? Yes, indeed. I didn’t know that wine had legs. There’s so much buried under the appearance of a bottle. We see the wine under neutral lighting, check the odor, opacity, and viscosity. Then I smell it through my nostrils. Let’s close our eyes. Blind testing? Just follow my instructions. Okay. Think from big to small. From the broad of fruit, citrus, orchid, to specific notes. I don’t sense it. It is frustrating. Don’t desperate, Akira. There’s no wrong answer. Your brain can only pick up the scents that are already recorded in your memory, so your brain will make up the rest. For example, your hair smells like Sakura. Are you sure? Yes, it is like a cherry blossom, and  It’s really