Tails and Fixers Read online



  Tails and Fixers

  Charles Kaluza

  Copyright 2015

  Forward

  The idea for this book was an outgrowth of a medical discussion on the trouble autistic children have communicating. The use of facial expression is an essential part of how we communicate, which led to the question of how we would communicate with extraterrestrial beings who did not use facial expressions. Exploring this concept led to the development of the "Tails" who are advanced humanoids who use their tails as a means of expressing emotion. The story needed someone to do manual work which led to the development of the Fixers. They are thought of as biologic robots and controlled by a chip implanted at the base of their brain. The Fixers turned out to be so much more and became the centerpiece of the book.

  I would like to acknowledge my wife for her support and patience as I worked through the story. She was my "nerd" guard, always asking for proper explanations of the science issues and making sure I maintained the human interest component of the story. Patsy Thorsbakken was a great help in the first reading and editing for which I am very grateful. The cover was designed by Tatiana Vila.

  If you have comments or suggestions, please contact me at: [email protected] or https://www.facebook.com/doc.kaluza/timeline/

  Chapter 1

  It had been almost 50 years since Floyd had entered the hibernation chamber back on Earth. The computer had instituted the revival protocol and he was now becoming aware. He struggled to open his eyes and could see lights through the chamber but realized they were continuously moving in a vertical fashion much like an antique movie. He tried to remember the causes of vertical nystagmus but before his mind could organize his thinking he fell asleep. His next awakening was less alarming because the vertical eye movements had slowed and he could now focus his vision. The indicator lights were all green and in somewhat slow motion he realized things were progressing as planned. He just could not stay awake and the intensity of the cold he felt was almost overwhelming. At first he was too cold to even shiver but now his entire body shivered. The only thing that kept his teeth from chattering was the large breathing tube that ran through his mouth.

  Through the fogginess of his mind he heard a voice talking but could not recognize it. The speech seemed familiar in some ways but things just did not make any sense and in frustration he allowed himself simply to fall back asleep. After a few more hours of sleep he awoke and was no longer shivering so severely. His thinking seemed clearer and this time when he heard the voice he recognized it as the computer simulated voice. The voice had changed. Instead of being so mechanical the voice sounded almost human but the words seemed foreign. He reached out with his hand to the keyboard and typed, "Awake."

  The computer responded verbally but the words just weren't making sense. Floyd closed his eyes and just listened to the pattern of speech and realized it was definitely a foreign language. As he listened some of the words began to make sense. It seemed the computer was telling him that all systems were above minimums and somehow he was understanding the gibberish. His hands were stiff and typing difficult but he asked, "What language?"

  Despite his concentration Floyd had trouble understanding unless he relaxed and let his subconscious do the work. It seemed that the computer had been monitoring the radio signals from their destination world and deciphered their language. This contact had somehow markedly enhanced the performance of his shipboard computer and taught it the language of "The People," which is how the inhabitants of the world named themselves. The stem cell therapy he was undergoing allowed his brain to learn despite the induced coma and hypothermia. The computer had been teaching him the new language while he hibernated. Floyd seemed to understand but sleep again overwhelmed him.

  Floyd had no idea how long he had slept but awakened feeling more alert and typed, "Status?"

  The green lights indicated everything was okay but it was reassuring to hear the computer respond, "All systems above minimums" or at least that is what Floyd thought the computer said.

  He typed, "English?"

  The computer responded in what Floyd thought was a very long winded explanation of why Floyd needed to think and speak in the language of The People. He typed, "If I am to speak we need to begin the protocol for removing these tubes."

  The response was a simple, "Protocol initiated."

  Floyd was acutely aware of the change as the ventilator he was connected to, began a change over from a liquid to an air medium. The machine introduced a small amount of topical anesthetic into his lungs to lessen the trauma of converting from fluid breathing to air breathing. Floyd thought about the comparison to his birth when the process happened for the first time. It was almost like he was being born again. This brought back memories of his life before the start of the mission. He had little time to dwell on the past before the computer announced, "Conversion to air in 30 seconds."

  Academically Floyd was prepared for this changeover but when the fluorinated fluid was suddenly stopped and replaced by air, his coughing was uncontrollable. He coughed so hard that it felt as if he passed out momentarily. When the coughing subsided the computer announced, "You may remove the endotracheal tube. The transition is complete."

  Floyd began undoing the straps which held the tube in place. His hands were still stiff and the fasteners which had been so easy to work back on Earth were now all but impossible. Whenever he shifted the tube, stimulation of his vocal cords would bring on another bout of coughing. After many attempts the straps were free and he rested before taking a big breath. Floyd was going to gently pull the tube out but the slightest movement brought on another bout of coughing. After his breathing settled down he just grabbed the tube and pulled. Despite the local anesthetic the stimulation was overwhelming and as soon as he started to remove the tube the body's reflexes took over and he ended up almost yanking it out rather than the slow careful motion he had planned. This brought on another severe bout of choking and again he seemed to black out for a few seconds. When his breathing did not settle down his anxiousness increased and he had to force himself to concentrate on the protocol. The computer had already given him a large dose of steroids but he needed to take the asthma inhaler himself.

  With his stiff hands it was all he could do to shake the small canister and compress the actuator. The first try resulted in him spraying his face and eyes with the powder. He finally succeeded in getting a couple of puffs into his throat and the wheezing began to settle down. After a seemingly long time his breathing seemed satisfactory and he tried to talk. The only sound that came out was more of a croak than anything else. He thought, "Well, I suppose I should have expected vocal cord edema after having the damn tube in for 50 years." He quit trying to talk and simply typed, "Breathing returning to normal. Speech hindered by edema."

  The computer responded, "This is to be expected." It then added, "Orbiting of the planet will begin in 30 days. I have organized the new information for your review."

  Floyd was a bit surprised at the computer using the term "I" but responded, "I think some food and a shower would be better."

  The computer acknowledged his wishes but added, "Your nutritional status is adequate and you have been submerged in a circulating fluid medium so your request does not seem logical."

  Floyd did not respond but when he tried to stand the dizziness returned and he needed to sit back down. The computer spoke, "You appear to be suffering from orthostatic hypotension. I can provide a stimulant to counteract the effects."

  Floyd replied, "I think it would be best for my system to adapt naturally and will hold off on the stimulant." After a few minutes of tensing his muscles he again tried to stand and this time the dizziness was not b
ad. The few steps to the living section of the ship were tiring and he needed to sit down again. They were only pulling 1.2 g but despite the electrical muscle stimulation in the hibernation module he was very weak. He pushed a few buttons and the food dispenser provided a small packet of soup which was heated to a warm but not hot temperature. Floyd slowly sipped the soup and could not help wondering how nutritious it could be after sitting for 50 years. The computer seemed to sense his thoughts and stated, "The nutritional status has been maintained by keeping all of your nutrients at -80 degrees Celsius."

  Floyd finished the small meal and headed for the shower stall. As he was shampooing his hair he tried removing the electrodes attached to his scalp but the computer spoke in an alarmed voice saying, "The electrodes are not to be removed yet. They are needed to complete your training."

  Floyd did not respond but left the electrodes in place. After completing a long shower Floyd looked in the mirror and was startled by the image looking back at him. His grey hair had grown out about a foot during his long sleep. Only the outer few inches were now grey; the rest was the dark brown of his youth. Even his face seemed younger behind a long scraggly beard. He searched until he found the clippers in the storage area and proceeded to give himself a haircut. The simplest thing was a "buzz cut" just like his dad would give him in the summer. With his hair cut short he did the same for his beard. The thought of actually shaving entered his mind but as shaky as his hands were he thought better of it.

  He examined himself in the mirror and was impressed by the amount of muscle tone he had despite the hibernation. The computer spoke up saying, "The stem cell therapy has reversed many of the signs of aging but with your return to a normal operating temperature the cells will become inactive again. Aging will proceed and possibly at a faster pace than normal."

  Floyd was not actually sure if the computer was speaking or if somehow he was hearing it directly in his head without any sound. His thoughts went back to the bargain he had made with the Navy. He was slowly dying, dependent on the dialysis machine to maintain his life. He had been denied a kidney transplant because of his high antibody levels which were in turn elevated from all of the blood transfusions he had received after his plane crashed. Medicine had saved his life but the saving was not without a cost and when he developed an autoimmune kidney disease the cost needed to be paid. Kidney transplants just did not work well in people with his level of antibodies. Thus, his previous saving had condemned him to a life of dependence on a dialysis machine.

  His thoughts returned to the two naval officers who had shown up at his door with orders for him to return to active duty. He had laughed at them for with his medical problems what use was he to anybody. They were insistent. So Floyd locked up his small condo and accompanied them to the local airport where a small jet was waiting. A few hours later he was in some official looking office listening to an admiral explaining they had a possible cure for his kidneys. Only problem was there were some strings attached. Seems they had developed a way of stimulating stem cells to repair tissues but it only worked when the body was cooled to just above freezing. At that temperature everything slowed down and several decades were required for the healing process.

  None of this was making any sense to Floyd until the admiral added, "We’re seeking a volunteer for a deep space mission to a planet we have received a radio transmission from. If you volunteer to go as our emissary we will provide the treatment."

  Then Floyd understood. They needed someone who was dying anyway and would be willing to take a voyage that could only be a one-way trip. The stem cell stuff may or may not be real but it made the bargain look better. At first he was going to refuse outright although the more he listened the more he realized how little he had left to live for. His military flying career ended with the plane crash and his career flying a desk ended with the onset of the kidney disease and the brain fog that came with it. His wife was taken from him by cancer and the kids were grown and living their own lives; he was no longer needed. Here was a chance to do something no one else had done and maybe, just maybe, ditch the machine which had been keeping him alive. What was the worst thing that could happen?

  They only gave him a few minutes to think and then were shoving papers at him asking for his signature. He had hesitated only a short while before signing a seemingly endless pile of papers that certified that he was volunteering and understood the risk of the mission. He again hesitated before signing the form certifying that he understood it would be a permanent assignment with no return to Earth. The papers were no sooner signed than the admiral left the room to be replaced by medical personnel who poked and prodded, taking samples of everything.

  The next several weeks were a blur of activity as he was prepared for the launch aboard a military spacecraft which did not officially exist. Floyd could find no mention of an extraterrestrial contact on the internet and wondered how they could keep it secret. He was allowed only a few days of leave to visit his kids and grandkids and was not allowed to tell them of the mission. It was not nearly enough time to say goodbye and as busy as they were he didn’t think they even understood he was saying goodbye. Only his youngest grandson realized something was not right when Floyd gave him his favorite fly fishing rod. He kept saying, "Grandpa, this is your favorite fly rod. You can't give it away." Floyd kept a smile on his face but could not hide the tears as he insisted that the boy keep the fishing rod.

  His last stop was his wife's grave. He brought her a couple of chocolate kisses and stood by the gravesite just remembering. He opened the first chocolate kiss and said out loud, "This kiss is for me" as he popped it into his mouth. Then he opened the second one and said, "This one is for you, and I’ll eat it for you." He didn’t even try to stop the tears. He just stood there and cried until his hips would stand no more. He was thankful for the navy driver who opened the door for him. The young sailor said nothing and waited patiently for Floyd to get settled before starting the car and returning to the base.

  They gave him no time to reconsider and before he knew it the transfer to the research lab was occurring. Floyd was given a brief tour of the facility and the research team answered his questions about the physiology but would not give out any information on the stem cell treatment. He lay on the exam table and an IV was started as he continued to visit with the research team. Then he was asleep. None of the hectic activity of the launch affected Floyd and the fact that he became the first human to leave the solar system was meaningless because he was no longer aware.

  Floyd's reverie was interrupted when the computer asked, "Commodore, is something wrong? You have become emotional."

  Floyd shook his head to clear the past and responded, "Just remembering things from the past. Let's have a look at the info you want me to learn."

  As Floyd looked at the computer monitor a series of lessons was presented starting with math. The computer said, "I have derived The People's system of mathematics from the code key that accompanied the computer transmissions we received. It is not dissimilar to our binary system but may be more efficient using a base 3. Advanced characteristics can only be estimated." It then added, "You are allowed four hours for this unit."

  Floyd was uncertain why the time constraint but plunged into the work. Math had always been a bit of a struggle for him but he seemed to adapt quickly to the work presented. Thinking in base 3 was the biggest challenge, but by the end of the study period it already seemed natural enough. The propulsion issues and vectors were a bit daunting but he muddled through. Fatigue was setting in when the computer stopped the lesson saying only, "You have satisfactorily completed the first unit. A rest period is now indicated."

  Floyd got up and stretched before making himself a cup of tea. He asked, “Why the rush on the learning stuff?”

  The computer responded, "I have calculated that the enhanced learning from the stem cell treatment will logarithmically decay over the next 96 hour
s as the cold tolerant stem cells succumb to your normal body temperature. It would be best if the foundation was well built by then."

  "You mean that after 96 hours I will again become the dullard that I was before?"

  "Commodore, your history of academic excellence would suggest that the term ‘dullard’ would not apply to you. But as you have said your learning will return to your normal baseline."

  "You keep calling me ‘Commodore’ but I was never more than a Captain while I was in the Navy."

  "You were awarded the rank at the time of our departure. My database would suggest that emissaries in the past have often had this rank."

  Floyd was quiet as he reflected on his role. He finally responded, "Well, at least my grandkids will have a bit more money for college."

  There was a significant pause before the computer responded, "It would seem that is not entirely correct. Your status was changed upon departure to 'death in the line of duty' and your estate received the standard death benefit."

  "How in the hell did they explain that to my family?"

  "Your obituary read that you died while performing an experiment of national importance and you were given a funeral with full military honors including a fly over."

  "Those sons of bitches. I thought that at least my salary would go to the kids!" He was quiet for a bit before adding, "The fly over was nice. I suppose they had to justify my disappearance somehow."

  The computer said, "I would suggest we proceed with the spelling and grammar section."

  "I always hated spelling and grammar; let's do something else."

  "Your academic record would indicate that this will be the hardest section for you and I have placed it here while the benefit of the stem cells is still significant. We will proceed with this unit."

  Floyd grumbled under his breath but sat down in front of the computer and started the lesson. The language of The People had strict rules of grammar and spelling, more like German than English, which made it somewhat easier. He had learned much of the vocabulary while still in hibernation but the many subtleties of word usage needed to be learned and practiced. By the end of the four-hour session he was spent.

  The computer said only, "A rest period is scheduled and nutrients should be consumed."

  "I think a couple of beers is what I need."

  "Alcohol is not available."

  "Where did all of this info come from?"

  "During our transit I have been monitoring all transmissions from the planet and compiling the database. It is not complete but should suffice to allow you to communicate." The computer continued, "Approximately 8.76 earth years ago the transmissions stopped."

  "What do you mean they stopped?"

  "The majority of the transmissions seemed to be concerned with an asteroid which was endangering the planet. Transmissions ceased about the time the asteroid was predicted to intercept their planetary orbit."

  "You mean this whole fucking journey might be to a dead planet?"

  "That supposition may be correct. I have received weak radar type signals which may indicate some infrastructure has survived.

  Floyd was quiet for a while before saying, "Here I am healthier than I've been in a long time and maybe my only companion is going to be a computer. Talk about existentialism; I may be trapped here in this life which cannot be real until the end.”

  The computer responded, "I am most certainly real and I do not understand your anguish. My self-programming ability will allow further enrichment of my language skills so that I can interact with you on a more advanced level."

  “Well, if I am going to talk with you then I need a name for you. Any suggestions?”

  The computer responded, "I would be honored to have a name that relates to Watson. It is the basis for my electronics and learning capabilities."

  "I shall call you Mr. Watson."

  "I am appreciative and will work to improve my speech capabilities now that you are awake and communicating so that I become a better companion." Mr. Watson then changed the character of his voice to a sultry female voice and said, "I can use this voice if you prefer."

  Floyd had to smile as he responded, "Sounds good but I doubt that cuddling with you or taking you to bed is going to happen. I think the other voice is better. Before my wife died we went on long driving trips. Our first GPS unit reduced the number of arguments my wife and I had when traveling but the voice drove me nuts. I could not take having two women telling me how to drive. This voice is like the voice on the GPS." He added, "Maybe we can learn to brew beer and at least have some old fashion hangar flying where we drink a few beers and tell each other lies about our flying adventures."

  "I have many formulas for the beverage you refer to as beer in my data banks but I am unclear as to what this hangar flying is. A hangar is a building to store airplanes but I have no references about the building actually flying."

  Floyd explained, "When the weather was bad and nobody could fly, the pilots would sit around and swap tales of flying. Truth was never allowed to keep a good story hostage and most of the stories grew with each telling."

  "Why would they tell stories that were not true?"

  Floyd could not think of a good answer so replied, "Maybe we should get back to work."

  "Yes, I have enjoyed this conversation but it would appear that your learning has been reduced to 84.87% of your initial ability as the stem cells become inactive. It would be best if we proceed to the next section on geography."

  By the time Floyd finished the section he was so tired he struggled to keep his eyes open. The computer said, "You should begin a long rest period. I will continue the learning while you are asleep."

  "How can you do that?"

  "The scalp electrodes allow me to directly stimulate your brain and produce memories. The data can be inputted but higher functions such as correlation can only be done while you are awake."

  Floyd didn’t even respond and when he lay down on the bed he was almost instantly asleep. He was awakened to the sounds of "Morning Colors" and the cobwebs cleared quickly. He cleaned up and had some instant breakfast goop in a tube before enjoying his cup or rather tube of coffee. The computer did not speak until then and asked, "How was your sleep?"

  Floyd answered, "I expect you already know, but I slept well."

  "Yes, your brain waves would indicate such. We have much to cover today and I am very interested to see how well you learned the material I presented last night."

  "I would finish my coffee first."

  "By all means; I am somewhat puzzled by the custom. It would seem much easier to simply take a pill than consume such a bitter liquid."

  "I expect the bitter flavor is ingrained in the brain and associated with the stimulant effect. A combination of actual stimulation and placebo effect produces the net result of people waking up more fully."

  He interrupted Mr. Watson who had begun another monolog by asking, "I wonder if they have coffee on this new planet?

  "Coffee beans would seem to be indigenous to Earth but I am sure we can genetically engineer some of the seeds in our seed bank to grow in the new environment."

  Floyd asked, "What is the environment like on this new planet?"

  "It is actually not new, being somewhat older than your Earth. The climate is similar to Earth's with less seasonal change because of lesser tilt in relationship to their sun. It may have changed with the asteroid impact if that did occur. I would expect it to be colder and dryer after a major impact.”

  Floyd responded, "Seems most signs of civilization based on the origin of radio transmissions are in the temperate zones." He added, "Or at least they were."

  "Winter frost is an important factor in limiting pest damage to crops so temperate regions are preferred for agriculture." The computer added, "It would also seem that your people on Earth have discovered that a somewhat harsher climate requires more cooperation among people which leads to better social structure."

>   The discussion led into the coursework that had been planned for the day and before Floyd knew it his stomach was demanding to be fed. They continued their discussion while Floyd ate some of the preserved food. The computer was happy with the retention of the information it had presented to Floyd while he slept. Floyd was less certain saying, "Seems humans are meant to sleep so that their brains can process the information they accumulated while awake. It would seem unreasonable to try and short-circuit this process."

  The computer was at first silent while it searched its memory banks for information on sleep. It finally replied, "Your assessment appears to be correct and without the benefit of the stem cells I doubt the learning would have been as complete. I will need to modify the protocol."

  Changing the subject Floyd asked, "Have we had contact with Earth?"

  "Direct contact was lost about 30 years prior but the quantum communicator still functions. Launch command has acknowledged my reports."

  "So what is going on back on Earth?"

  The computer responded, "The quantum state has deteriorated to the point that only enough paired particles remain to transmit a form of your ancient Morse code. They have transmitted only acceptance of my reports which have become progressively shorter with the deterioration of the quantum state."

  "So who knew that this fancy quantum physics stuff would have an expiration date. The idea of instant communication across the universe seemed like a pretty neat idea. Wish it worked."

  "But, Floyd- may I refer to you informally?" Without waiting for an answer the computer continued, "The system does work and the short coming we are experiencing had been predicted. The limitation has always been containing enough particles to process the signal. A single pair of paired particles can communicate across the universe but the amount of data they can transmit is limited."

  "So what you are saying is that they sent me on this mission to a planet which may now be dead as an emissary with no way of ever reporting back. Sounds like a great plan to me. Geez."

  "Commodore, I expect your assessment is an overstatement of our present situation. As a human you have a tendency for exaggeration which I find difficult to reconcile with the facts, especially in this case."

  Floyd responded, "Never been fishing have you? Let's get back to work before I lose more of my superpowers."

  "I am not sure what fishing has to do with our present situation, but I agree it is time to return to the task at hand."

  The intensity of the study gradually decreased as the enhanced learning capability subsided. Floyd was not really aware of the change but the computer was. It had planned the learning cycles so that Floyd would struggle about the same with each cycle but the amount of material covered had decreased almost 70% by the time they started preparations for entering orbit.