Lefi had given up on mentally constructing her living quarters with Nanotech. She used to be one of the best engineers of her time. Now, engineering was an art and she was no artist. Instead of creating a confined space for her daily activities, she used the entire surface of Naiad; the moon that closely orbited Neptune between the surface of the planet and its ice filled rings.
Neptune became very bright; the second brightest object to the Sun and its magnet field surpassed that of Jupiter’s. Day time for Lefi was Neptune’s shine of bright blue. Her nights were dark green in the shadows of Neptune’s magnetic field. If not for the artificial atmosphere she had created on the potato shaped moon, her nights would have been a deep beautiful black lit only by piercing bright stars and neighboring planets.
Lefi woke as Neptune’s light started to emerge and engulf the moon. Her bed lay inside the largest crater on the moon which for only a few minutes would shadow under the brightness of Neptune and darken out the magnetic green night. It was her true night, a few precious moments of darkness. She sat up from her bed within the crater to allow her pupils to dilate in the light. She felt her eyes stretch and the sensation triggered a nervous response that traveled to her teeth, then electrified down her spine. “Better than coffee,” she said to herself just before the day started under the blue light of Neptune. She sneezed as her pupils constricted.
Lefi’s station was one of hundreds setup around the solar system. Most of which stationed several engineers and researchers except for a few who wished to do their work alone. Lefi was one of those who chose to spend a few months out of the year on Naiad, by herself. Each station hosted the best artificial intelligence based quantum computing systems. Constructed to complete four tasks; where are we, what is happening at the outer rims of the solar system, where do the Time Ghosts come from and who are the Elaakian.
Display, Lefi thought and the previous nine hours of data accumulated and superimposed itself around her as she stood. Graphs, charts and highlighted equations scrolled by as she watched and looked for anything significant.
She reached out her hand to select a new equation the computer had presented. “What is this?” she asked.
Data collected from a prehistoric beacon used by the formally known Point of Origin 01. The computer responded.
“Yes, fine. But what is the significance of this data, what is it showing?”
Specifically, data collected to complete an equation. The computer responded.
Lefi rolled her eyes, “Oh, c’mon. What equation, for what?” she asked, impatiently with her hands on her hips.
The equation in question is unconfirmed at the moment. Once all data is compiled it will be sent to other stations for a consensus of the findings and analysis of the equation. The computer responded.
“Computer, which of the four tasks does this equation represent?”
The origin of the Time Ghosts, it replied.
“You’re kidding?” she said excitedly.
I would not. The computer replied.
“Show me the findings,”
The human mind is not capable of comprehending.
“Ok, Mr. Intelligent Computer. Why not try out that superior mind of yours and explain it to me in a manner I can understand?”
The data and equation offers mathematical proof that the Time Ghosts come from a parallel universe.
“So it’s true…” she said under her breath.
There is no consensus that the data and equation is without error.
“Right, well. As history tells it, the Elaakian said just that. So we have a correlation now. Betcha didn’t think about that, did you?”
The computer did not respond.
“Send your findings directly to Nevia.”
Unable to comply.
“Look. You may be superior in many areas, but I can be wise and you cannot. If I tell you to do something, you will do it, immediately,” she said in a strict tone.
Of course, I am fully aware that I must comply with all your commands. There is a problem. Communications are not functioning.
“What, that’s ridiculous. Since when do communications stop functioning?”
Since the anomaly.
“What anomaly?”
The disturbance upon the surface of the moon of which I am unable to rule out as a magnetic fluctuation from the planet below.
Lefi became uncomfortable. An eerie feeling struck her and she looked around on the lonely moon, “When will you have the answer to this anomaly?”
I am currently going through data and likely causes for the anomaly. It will take approximately five hours.
“Not good enough, ” she said as she sat down on her bed, pondering.
It is the best I can do.
“Computer, correlate the data you have accumulated from the prehistoric beacon with the anomaly on this moon.”
I already have. There is a significant match.
Lefi jumped off her bed and shot up five feet into the air, “What?” she shouted whiling floating down to her feet.
Naiad’s gravity had been greatly improved after she had geoengineered an atmosphere upon it.
The computer tried to explain and teach her how to mimic the gravitational pull of Nevia with the use of Nanotech with no success. Lefi, frustrated with the technology, gave up and decided to live with the minor difference in gravity.
Yes. The most likely cause for the anomaly is the activation of a device which allows for travel between universes. Please allow five hours to rule out any other cause.
“I need to leave,” she said and started towards her personal spacecraft. She walked slowly and kept watch around her. “Computer, are there any other life forms on Naiad?” she asked.
Negative.
“Can you tell the difference between me and a Time Ghost?”
I do not have sufficient information to identify a Time Ghost.
“Oh great, so one could be here now?” she asked as she picked up speed taking long strides towards the spacecraft now just a few hundred feet away.
No, sensors are not picking up any presence on Naiad. You are alone.
Lefi did not believe the computer and picked up even more speed, then jumped, attempting to clear a thirty-foot crater in her way. Upon landing her long brown hair fell slowly over her face almost as if in water. She cleared it. “Wait a minute, computer, will my ship work without communications?”
Negative. The spacecraft relies on communications with coordination systems within the solar system. It cannot take you to any destination.
Lefi planted her heels into the sand on Naiad, she skid and left a long trail behind her before decelerating. “I’m stuck here?” she asked starring at the spacecraft in jumping distance.
The spacecraft was spherical, white and was big enough to room one person. It shined brightly under the light from Neptune. “Can’t I fly it manually?”
The mass produced Nevia 3.069 pods are not designed for manual control.
Lefi felt a slight claustrophobic fear creep up on her, along with the sensation that someone was watching her. She turned to look behind her, “I’m stuck here?”
Negative. Simply create your own means of transportation back to Nevia.
Lefi’s stomach turned, “Nano technology . . .” she said while looking up towards the Neptune lit sky. “Computer, create a spacecraft for me.”
Artificial intelligence is prohibited from the use of atomic construction.
“That’s ridiculous!” she said, “How come?”
Fear
With confidence, Lefi kneeled down and placed her hands on the moons sandy surface. The sand on the surface began to slowly rise and the Nano bots pulled up carbon and iron in an attempt to mimic and create what she was visualizing. A metallic square took shape and hovered down to the surface as it gained weight. It turned blue, and then black and the edges became smooth.
Lefi smiled, “Not so bad.” The black sphere became hollow and a window appeared upon it with a white comfortable looking seat within it.
Lefi visually sliced a side of the sphere opened for a point of entry. She climbed in and sat on the reclining seat then closed the sphere. “Not bad right, computer?”
If the goal was to construct a spaceship, you are approximately 99.999848% complete with your task.
Lefi sighed, “You’re right. I need to engineer controls, thrusters, life support and an onboard solar positioning system. “
Unidentified object approaching. The computer alerted.
“What?” she said looking out the window of the craft, “I don’t see anything, what is it?”
Sending a life feed of the object.
A holographic image of the object lit up in front of Lefi. A slow walking hooded faceless figure appeared, wearing a dark blue robe. The figure was slightly translucent. His hands clutched together within the sleeves of the robe. He stopped walking, appeared to lift his head in Lefi’s direction where she sat within the spacecraft then pointed at her.
“Who does he think he is?” she said tightening her jaw and shifted her attention to the then closed entry way of the spacecraft. She sliced it open again and stepped out, then turned to face the figure standing around one-hundred feet away.
“Computer, that there is a Time Ghost isn’t it?”
Most certainly.
“Is it breathing?” she asked.
It is not breathing, but appears to have a rhythmic beat resembling that of a heart.
“Good enough for me,” she said while atomically constructing her favorite ancient long sword; the Katana. The handle appeared within her hand first; a perfect fit between her fingers. The blade erected from within the handle and pierced into the sand of the moon as it grew longer. Swiftly, she threw it up in front of her pointing it at the Time Ghost who had begun walking towards her. The sand she kicked up with the edge of the blade sparkled around her in the light of Neptune before it slowly settled to the ground.
I advise against any violent action against this Time Ghost.
“Why not?”
You are risking your life. You cannot know how to destroy it.
“I see it like this,” she said keeping her eyes on the Time Ghost as he slowly moved closer. “I’m saving my life, and yours.”
I am not in danger. I cannot die.
“Yes you can. Think about it, how long since you have been able to make an upload, hours’ right?”
Six hours’, thirty-four minutes and 29 seconds.
“Right, so that’s over six hours of your life you will not get back if we are defeated. That which one researcher accomplishes in his entire life is what you accomplish in one minute, so how many life times will you lose?”
Approximately three-hundred, ninety-four and one half life times.
“Ready to fight now?” Lefi asked.
Yes, I am. Scanning. . . Analysis suggests a strike to the chest where the rhythmic beat is at its strongest with your ancient sword might demobilize or kill him.
“Now we’re talking,” she said.
Lefi held her hand out creating an atmospheric disturbance with the help of Nanotech. A small vortex visible by dust formed. She pushed it in the direction of the Time Ghost as it grew in size. By the time it reached the Time Ghost the vortex had turned into a full-blown Tornado. Lefi ran in the other direction.
While panting and catching her breath in between impact and trusting herself up into the sky with high jumps she said, “Computer. . . Eeeerrgg. . . Did I get him?”
He has cleared the vortex after a short struggle. High velocity sand pebbles ripped apart his robe, though a new one appeared shortly after.
“I’m sure glad I didn’t have to see that,” she said then placed her Katana in the sheath upon her back and impacted the surface with several finely executed rolls before regaining an upright posture sliding in the sand to a full stop. “Computer, do you think invisibility would fool the Time Ghost?” she asked.
It is uncertain.
“If I could get close without him noticing, I could strike.”
I suggest taking the remaining sand in the atmosphere from your vortex and piling it upon him. Move in to strike while he is blind, instead of unaware.
“Good idea, now you’re acting like you want to survive!”
Lefi mentally programmed the nanabots to grab and pull down the dust and particles to surround the Time Ghost. “I could use the little micro bots to cover him as well, couldn’t I?”
Yes.
Lefi started off in the Time Ghost’s direction, her speed increasing with each stride. “I see him, not so scary looking like an ant hill are we?” She reached for her Katana as she came closer, and reduced her speed.
“There’s too much sand around him, I can’t pierce through it. Heck, I don’t even know if I’ll be striking him.”
I will place a silhouette upon your vision of his location within the sand mound. You can either increase the size of your weapon. Or remove sand in order to strike him. Quickly, my sensors are showing that he is moving.
Lefi weighed the alternatives; longer and heavier Katana or less sand between her and her enemy.
She crept up to the sand mound blowing layers of sand away upon the silhouette with her mind, Katana in hand, each layer braver and deeper than the last.
“Is he still moving?” she asked.
Yes.
“How much more should I remove before I try to strike?”
Ten inches.
Lefi moved in closer to the mound, her Katana aimed at his chest, “A little closer . . .”
Strike him now.
In conjunction with her mental programming of Nanotech, she blew the last layer away necessary to strike the Time Ghost. With a deep inhale and exhale through the mouth and lunged with the sword.
Direct hit.
“I got him?” she said while paralyzed in the moment; unable to move or back the sword out of the sand mound and hopefully the Time Ghost’s chest.
Once the adrenaline started to wear off, Lefi rotated the Katana slowly picturing it moving inside the Time Ghost’s chest and breaking ribs. “Yeah, direct hit,” she said. “Are communications back up?”
Negative. I am unable to ping the network.
“I guess I could keep working on that pod, then,” she said looking up and down at the sand mound and her Katana still piercing it. She pulled it out slowly, the scrapping and scratching the Katana had against the sand made an awful sound that crawled on her skin like tiny bugs.
Lefi pulled the Katana out quickly, paused a moment in a defensive position anticipating a surprise attack by the Time Ghost. There was silence.
She turned around and put her Katana upon her back into her sheath. “So, what were you saying about me not using violence against the Time Ghost?” she asked the computer.
Just before the computer could alert Lefi to the movement within the sand mound, the Time Ghost had exploded out behind her and grabbed the back of her neck.
Alert! Alert! Danger!
The Time Ghost lifted Lefi off from the ground with one hand and started squeezing her neck. She could feel her bones weakening. With milliseconds to spare, she was able to apply resistance between the Time Ghost’s fingers and her neck by lifting his hand off of her with the force of nanobots. She fell to the ground and retreated as fast as she could on her hands and knees. The Time Ghost peered down upon her, and moved closer as she tried to gain distance.
“Computer, help!” she cried out.
The computer created several holographic images of various objects and people in front of the Time Ghost in a desperate act to distract him. It did not appear to work and he continued to walk towards Lefi.
Lefi took to her feet, reached for her Katana and took a defensive stance while assessing the situation. “Who and what are you?”
“I am that of which will survive with the destruction of your life,” said the Time Ghost with a static scratchy voice.
Lefi brought her Katana in an offensive stance, held it horizontally and parallel to the ground; aimed at the Time Ghost’s right shoulder. She brought her weight to her back foot and then jumped forward to cut the Time Ghost’s neck. The attack forced her to take close proximity with him and as her strike was met with an extended outward block by the Time Ghost, his forearm disconnected from his body, then fell and landed on Lefi's knee braced against her stomach.
She continued her momentum bringing the Katana around from behind to cut at his legs, then leaped to her right to take a defensive position while assessing the damage she had inflicted.
The Time Ghost fell backwards as his body lost support of his now disconnected legs. There was no blood and the Time Ghost never once cried out in pain.
Lefi still in survival mode cried out “Die!” and went on another attack that brought down her Katana into the Time Ghost’s chest.
The Time Ghost disappeared with the blow to his chest, and the robe lay lifeless upon the sand of Naiad.
Lefi fell to her knees to catch her breath. She looked up to the sky, “Communications up now computer?” she asked.
Yes.
She dug her Katana into the dirt and lifted herself up, “Get any useful information?”
Affirmative, I was able to scan the Time Ghost’s universe as the portal opened again. I could not find any resemblance of atoms within it.
Lefi frowned, “You mean it got away?”
That would be correct.
“A universe without atoms you say?” she said while rubbing her neck. The pain from the Time Ghost’s attack had dissipated as the nanobots worked their magic upon her. “How could living things exist in such a universe, no DNA?” she asked.
Upload complete. I recommend you leave this moon and find a safer place.
Lefi looked at her unfinished pod, “Stupid nanobots, how smart does one have to be to actually construct something of use?”