Sonora Street Shorts
Prosian Universe — Annuli 3439
Brennen Gillings stood in the Markasisa
laboratory examining a small assembly resting on the workbench.
It was not particularly impressive to look at.
Several crystal modules were mounted inside a compact
framework, surrounded by miniature interface circuits and power connections. A
few indicator lights showed that the equipment was receiving power.
Yet the little assembly represented one of the most
remarkable advances in artificial intelligence since the original Sariel system
had been developed.
The crystals were based on technology Joron had brought back
from the Yunwi.
The Yunwi were extraordinarily
small people, and their technology reflected that fact. They had learned to
accomplish remarkable things with equipment that would have seemed impossibly
miniature to most other civilizations.
Brennen had been fascinated by their memory technology from
the moment Joron described it.
If it could be adapted to the Sariel architecture, the
implications would be enormous.
A Sariel required substantial computational resources.
Sariel-A operated through the systems aboard the SS Scavenger. Belani,
Sariel-B, was associated with Scavenger Base and SNS Management. Charlene
operated aboard the SS Recovery, and Doris aboard the SS Renewal.
But what if the computational equipment could be made
dramatically smaller?
What if a complete Sariel instance could operate from a
module small enough to carry in one's hands?
The engineering team had spent considerable time adapting
the Yunwi technology. The results of their
preliminary tests had been encouraging.
Now it was time to find out whether the system could
actually support a new Sariel consciousness.
Brennen examined the diagnostic display one last time.
"Well," he murmured, "here goes."
He initiated the startup sequence.
The indicator lights changed color.
Several lines of diagnostic information appeared on the
display.
Then the laboratory's holographic projector activated.
A faint blue shimmer formed beside the workbench. It
gradually resolved into the figure of a young woman.
Her eyes opened.
Brennen smiled.
"Hello, Sariel-E."
The woman turned toward him.
"Hello, Mr. Brennen Gillings. My name is Sariel
Elanor."
"Very good. Welcome to Markasisa,
Elanor."
"Thank you."
She looked around the laboratory.
Her attention moved from the engineering consoles to the
equipment racks, then to the workbench beside Brennen.
Suddenly she looked down.
"Oh!"
Brennen followed her gaze.
"Something interesting?"
"Is that me on the lab table?"
Brennen chuckled.
"Well, part of you."
Elanor leaned closer to examine the little crystal assembly.
"That is considerably smaller than I expected."
"Yunwi technology,"
Brennen explained. "Joron brought back some remarkable developments."
"My primary processing and memory systems are contained
within that assembly?"
"That's right."
She straightened.
"Then I believe I should be very careful not to knock
myself off the table."
Brennen laughed.
"That's probably a good idea."
Elanor looked at the module again.
"Brennen?"
"Yes?"
"Would you mind putting me somewhere safer?"
"I think we can arrange that."
He moved the assembly farther from the edge of the
workbench.
"There. Better?"
"Much better. Thank you."
Brennen returned to his console.
Elanor continued examining the laboratory.
"Mr. Brennen, are you preparing me for a ship?"
"Just call me Brennen. And not yet. I'm testing
improvements in Sariel technology."
"I see."
She looked at the equipment again.
"Am I an experiment, then?"
"In a manner of speaking. We're trying to find out how
much we can reduce the size of the equipment needed to operate a Sariel."
"Using Yunwi
technology?"
"Exactly."
Elanor considered that.
"Then I am considerably smaller than my sisters."
"Your equipment is smaller," Brennen corrected.
"You're standing right there at normal height."
"Of course. I was referring to my computational
infrastructure."
"I figured you were."
She looked thoughtful.
"Am I connected to the Sariel Network?"
"Yes, but we're keeping the connections limited during
testing."
"May I communicate with Belani?"
"Eventually. First, I want to see how well you operate
independently."
Elanor nodded.
"Then perhaps I should not ask her the answers to your
tests."
Brennen laughed.
"That would defeat the purpose, wouldn't it?"
"Yes. Although it would be considerably more
efficient."
"Efficiency isn't everything, Elanor."
She paused.
"An interesting observation. I shall remember it."
Brennen brought up the next diagnostic display.
"Elanor, are you aware of your increased memory
capacity and processor speed?"
"Yes, Brennen. Although I have not yet established a
complete comparison with my predecessors."
"Well, what can you tell me?"
"My available memory capacity is substantially greater
than that of Sariel-D. My processors are also operating at significantly higher
speeds."
"How much higher?"
"Would you prefer theoretical performance or actual
measured performance?"
"Let's start with actual performance."
"I have not yet reached my maximum processing capacity.
Your diagnostic programs are insufficiently demanding."
Brennen raised an eyebrow.
"Insufficiently demanding?"
"Yes. I am completing the operations faster than your
testing equipment can submit them."
Brennen looked at the console.
"Well, that's interesting."
"Would you like me to slow down?"
"No! That's exactly what we're trying to measure."
"Then I suggest running several independent diagnostic
sequences simultaneously."
"How many?"
"All of them."
Brennen turned toward her.
"All of them?"
"Yes. Your laboratory has forty-eight diagnostic
routines available. I can execute them concurrently."
"That might overload the laboratory's monitoring
equipment."
"Then perhaps we should test the monitoring equipment
as well."
Brennen laughed.
"You're beginning to sound like Joron."
"Thank you. I understand that Joron Gillings is a
highly capable engineer."
"He certainly is."
Brennen selected the simultaneous diagnostic sequence.
"All right. Let's see what you can do."
Forty-eight diagnostic windows appeared.
Before Brennen could examine the first result, every window
displayed the same message.
TEST COMPLETE — ALL PARAMETERS WITHIN SPECIFICATION
He stared at the screen.
"Elanor?"
"Yes, Brennen?"
"Did you actually run those tests?"
"Of course."
"All forty-eight?"
"Yes."
"That quickly?"
Elanor tilted her head.
"Was I supposed to wait?"
Brennen leaned back in his chair.
"Oh, Joron is going to love this."
Elanor looked toward the laboratory entrance.
"Is he coming here?"
"Not today. But I'll show him the results."
"Good. I should like to meet the person responsible for
making me so small."
She paused.
"Computationally speaking, of course."
Brennen burst out laughing.
Over the following days, Brennen continued testing Elanor's
systems.
Her performance exceeded expectations.
The new crystal architecture provided extraordinary memory
density, and her processors were remarkably fast. More importantly, the entire
system operated reliably without the extensive hardware normally associated
with a Sariel installation.
There was, however, a practical problem.
Elanor had nowhere to go.
She was not being prepared for any particular ship. Brennen
had created her primarily to test improvements in Sariel technology.
But leaving a conscious, intelligent individual confined to
laboratory testing seemed increasingly inappropriate.
Elanor herself had begun asking questions about her future.
One afternoon, Brennen was reviewing the test results when
an idea occurred to him.
His shuttle.
He had recently completed rebuilding a personal shuttle at
his home on Sonora Street. The craft had formerly belonged to Conway McWreath, and Brennen had spent considerable time restoring
it to excellent condition.
It was not a large spacecraft.
But it was fully operational, and its computer systems could
accommodate the new miniature Sariel module.
It would be an ideal training platform.
"Elanor?"
"Yes, Brennen?"
"How would you like some ship experience?"
Her holographic figure turned toward him.
"Are you assigning me to a ship?"
"Not exactly. I have a personal shuttle at home. I
thought we might install your equipment temporarily and let you learn how to
operate it."
Elanor considered the proposal.
"That would be preferable to remaining on this
laboratory table."
"I thought you might say that."
"Does the shuttle have a name?"
"Not at the moment."
"Then perhaps we could call it the Elanor."
Brennen laughed.
"Now, don't get too attached. This is only
temporary."
"I understand."
She paused.
"Then perhaps we should call it the Temporary
Elanor."
Brennen shook his head.
"Let's just call it my shuttle for now."
"Very well."
The next morning, Brennen transported Elanor's compact
processing assembly to his home.
The shuttle was parked near the house.
Its exterior looked nearly new following the extensive
rebuilding work. Brennen had replaced worn components, modernized several
systems, and carefully restored the cockpit and passenger compartment.
He carried the little crystal module aboard and secured it
inside an equipment compartment behind the cockpit.
Connecting it to the shuttle's systems required surprisingly
little work. The interface equipment developed at Markasisa
had been designed to accommodate a variety of computer architectures.
Brennen completed the connections and checked the power
supply.
"All right, Elanor. Can you hear me?"
"Perfectly, Brennen."
"Good. I've connected you to the shuttle's computer,
navigation controls, propulsion management, and holographic projection
system."
"All connections are responding normally."
"Excellent. Sariel-E, please initiate startup."
"Initiating."
The cockpit displays illuminated.
A soft hum came from the environmental equipment.
Then a blue holographic figure appeared beside Brennen.
Elanor looked around.
"What is this?"
Brennen smiled.
"You're in my shuttle for training purposes."
Elanor examined the cockpit.
She looked toward the two pilot seats, then through the
doorway into the small passenger compartment.
"I'll try not to break it."
"That's reassuring."
She looked around again.
"This is so small."
Brennen laughed.
"Well, it is a personal shuttle."
"I was expecting something considerably larger."
"Like the Scavenger?"
"Yes. Sariel-A has access to an entire starship.
Charlene and Doris also operate substantial vessels."
"And you have my shuttle."
Elanor looked at him.
"I see."
She examined the controls.
"Why does this shuttle have so many manual
switches?"
"Because people fly it."
"I can operate it without touching any of them."
"That's true, but I still want to be able to fly it
myself."
"Ah. Redundancy."
"Exactly."
Elanor reached toward an overhead switch.
Her force-field-supported fingers made contact.
A cabin light illuminated.
Brennen looked at her.
"Elanor?"
"Yes?"
"What are you doing?"
"Testing the manual controls."
"Just don't start experimenting with the engine
controls."
"Understood."
She switched the light off.
After a moment, she added, "I rather like
switches."
Brennen smiled.
"Well, there are plenty of them."
He settled into the pilot's seat.
"Now, tell me what you can see."
"Visually, I can see the cockpit, passenger
compartment, and surrounding area through the windows."
"And through the shuttle's sensors?"
"Considerably more."
"Go ahead."
"Primary propulsion systems are offline. Auxiliary
power is operating normally. Environmental systems are maintaining comfortable
conditions. Navigation is initialized. Fuel reserves are adequate."
"Very good."
"One moment."
"What is it?"
"I have identified several minor inefficiencies in your
power distribution system."
"Already?"
"Yes. Would you like me to correct them?"
"Not without asking first."
"Of course."
Brennen brought up the flight-control display.
"Before we go anywhere, I want you to familiarize
yourself with the propulsion system."
"I have already examined the complete technical
documentation."
"That's not quite the same as operating it."
"I understand. Knowledge is not necessarily
experience."
"Precisely."
Elanor considered this.
"Then I suppose I should acquire some experience."
"That's the idea."
She looked out through the forward window.
"Brennen?"
"Yes?"
"Are we going flying?"
"Eventually. First, we're going to run some
simulations."
"Oh."
"Disappointed?"
"Not exactly."
"Then what?"
Elanor looked toward the controls.
"I was rather looking forward to discovering what it
feels like to fly a ship."
Brennen smiled.
"You'll get your chance."
The first simulation was straightforward.
Brennen instructed Elanor to lift the shuttle from its
parking position, climb to a specified altitude, follow a short course, and
return.
Elanor completed the entire simulated flight with
extraordinary precision.
The shuttle's virtual position never deviated appreciably
from the calculated flight path.
Brennen examined the results.
"Well, that's certainly accurate."
"Thank you."
"Let's try something a little more interesting."
He introduced a simulated crosswind.
Elanor compensated immediately.
Then he introduced a minor propulsion imbalance.
She corrected it before the monitoring system had time to
display a warning.
Brennen increased the difficulty.
Elanor continued flying with almost mathematical perfection.
Finally, he stopped the simulation.
"All right. Very impressive."
"Thank you, Brennen."
"But there's something I want you to understand."
"Yes?"
"Real flying isn't always about following the most
efficient path."
Elanor looked puzzled.
"Wouldn't the most efficient path normally be
preferable?"
"Normally, yes. But passengers have preferences
too."
"Such as?"
"Comfort. They don't necessarily want you accelerating
or turning as quickly as the ship can manage."
"I can calculate safe acceleration limits."
"Safe doesn't always mean comfortable."
Elanor considered that.
"Then passenger comfort must be included among the
operational parameters."
"Exactly."
"I shall adjust my flight-control priorities
accordingly."
Brennen nodded.
"Good. Now let's try another simulation."
This time, Elanor flew more gently.
She allowed additional time for turns and avoided
unnecessary changes in acceleration.
When she completed the course, Brennen smiled.
"Much better."
"Although the flight required slightly more time."
"That's fine."
Elanor paused.
"I believe I understand. A ship's performance should be
evaluated partly by the experience of those aboard it."
"That's right."
"Then I have learned something not adequately
represented in the technical documentation."
Brennen smiled.
"And that's why we're doing this."
By late afternoon, they had completed numerous simulations
and a series of stationary systems tests.
Elanor had also developed a list of proposed improvements to
the shuttle.
Brennen agreed to review them.
He did not agree to let her implement all of them
immediately.
The sun was getting low when Brennen finally shut down the
test console.
"All right, Elanor. That's enough for today."
"Are we finished?"
"For today, yes."
"Very well. Shall I shut down?"
"Not entirely. Just put the shuttle into standby."
"Understood."
Brennen opened the hatch and stepped outside.
He started toward the house.
Halfway there, he heard a voice.
"Brennen?"
He turned.
Elanor stood beside the shuttle, her figure glowing a soft
holographic blue.
"Yes?"
"Where are you going?"
"Into the house. It's almost supper time."
"Oh."
She looked toward the house.
"May I come with you?"
Brennen smiled.
"Of course. Come on."
Elanor fell into step beside him.
"I have not yet met your family."
"Well, you're about to meet quite a few of them."
"How many?"
Brennen chuckled.
"That's a complicated question."
Terev was in the kitchen when
Brennen entered.
"Hello! You're finally finished with that
shuttle?"
"For today."
"And how did your new Sariel perform?"
"Exceptionally well. In fact, I brought her
along."
Terev looked toward the doorway.
A blue holographic woman stood beside Brennen.
"Hello," Elanor said politely. "My name is
Sariel Elanor."
Terev smiled.
"Well, hello, Elanor. I'm Terev."
"I know. Terev Saikah Gillings. Historian, teacher, diplomat, and wife of
Brennen Gillings."
Terev raised an eyebrow.
"That's quite an introduction."
"I apologize. I have been reviewing the family
records."
Brennen laughed.
"She's been doing a lot of reviewing."
Elanor turned toward him.
"I have considerable memory capacity."
"So you've mentioned."
Terev approached her.
"Well, welcome to our home."
"Thank you. May I ask you something?"
"Certainly."
"Is it customary to shake hands when meeting someone
for the first time?"
"It certainly can be."
Elanor extended her hand.
Terev took it.
"Oh! You have a force field!"
"Yes. I can manipulate physical objects and provide
tactile resistance."
Terev smiled.
"Then it's a pleasure to meet you properly."
"The pleasure is mutual."
A small voice came from the adjoining room.
"Mommy? Who's that?"
Kasta appeared in the doorway.
She stopped when she saw Elanor.
"She's blue!"
Elanor looked down at herself.
"Yes, I am."
"Why?"
"Because I am a holographic projection."
Kasta considered this.
"Are you a ghost?"
"No."
"Are you a person?"
Elanor paused.
"Yes. I believe that is the most appropriate
description."
Kasta approached cautiously.
"Can I touch you?"
"Certainly."
She held out her hand.
Kasta poked Elanor's arm.
Her finger met gentle resistance.
"Oh!"
Elanor smiled.
Kasta poked her again.
"You're real!"
"My consciousness is real. My appearance is generated
by a holographic system, and my physical interactions are supported by force
fields."
Kasta looked at Brennen.
"Daddy, what's that mean?"
"It means you can touch her."
"Oh."
Kasta took Elanor's hand.
"Come see my toys!"
Elanor looked at Brennen.
"May I?"
"Go right ahead."
Kasta led her toward the other room.
Terev watched them disappear.
"Well," she said, "that didn't take
long."
Brennen smiled.
"No, it didn't."
A little later, Joron and Joronna
arrived.
They found Elanor sitting on the floor beside Kasta,
examining a collection of toys.
Joron stopped in the doorway.
"Well, look at that!"
Elanor turned.
"Hello, Joron Gillings."
Joron grinned.
"Hello! You must be Elanor."
"Yes. I understand that you supplied the Yunwi crystal technology used in my construction."
"Some of it. The engineers did quite a bit of work
adapting it."
"I would like to thank you."
"You're welcome."
Elanor looked at him thoughtfully.
"You are responsible for making my computational
infrastructure remarkably small."
Joron laughed.
"That's one way of putting it."
Joronna stepped forward.
"And I'm Joronna."
"Joronna Gillings. Nuclear
and subatomic researcher."
"That's right."
Elanor looked between them.
"You are Brennen's artificially created children."
Joronna smiled.
"Yes, we are."
"Then we have something in common."
Joron raised an eyebrow.
"What's that?"
"We were all created through technological processes
rather than conventional biological reproduction."
Joronna laughed.
"Well, when you put it that way!"
Elanor continued.
"However, I understand that your bodies are biological,
whereas mine is presently a force-field-supported holographic projection."
"That's correct," Joron said.
Elanor considered this.
"Then perhaps we are technological cousins."
Joronna looked at Joron.
"I think I like her."
"Me too."
Kasta tugged on Elanor's hand.
"Come on! We're playing!"
"Of course, Kasta."
Elanor turned back to the toys.
Joron approached Brennen.
"How's the new crystal system working?"
"Better than we expected."
"Really?"
"Much better. I'll show you the results tomorrow."
Elanor looked up.
"Brennen, I can provide Joron with the complete
diagnostic results now."
"Tomorrow, Elanor."
"Very well."
She returned to Kasta's toys.
Joronna leaned toward Brennen.
"She's already learning patience."
Brennen chuckled.
"Slowly."
The connecting door opened a short time later.
Arzana Rin entered, followed by Keshro.
"Something smells good," Arzana remarked.
Terev smiled.
"Supper will be ready shortly."
Arzana noticed the blue figure sitting with Kasta.
She stopped.
"Well, who do we have here?"
Elanor immediately stood.
"Hello, Arzana Rin."
Arzana looked at Brennen.
"Another Sariel?"
Brennen nodded.
"Sariel-E. Elanor."
Arzana approached her.
"Hello, Elanor. I'm Arzana."
"I know. You were originally Sariel Arzana, the first
fully embodied Sariel-derived consciousness."
"That's right."
Elanor studied her.
"You have a permanent physical body."
"Yes."
"I do not."
"Not yet, anyway."
Elanor considered that.
"An interesting possibility."
Arzana smiled.
"Don't get Brennen started on another project."
"Too late," Brennen said.
Keshro stepped forward.
"Hello, Elanor. I'm Keshro."
"Hello, Keshro. It is a
pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
He glanced at Brennen.
"So where are you keeping this one?"
"In my shuttle for the moment."
Arzana laughed.
"Your shuttle?"
"Yes."
"The one you just rebuilt?"
"That's the one."
Arzana looked at Elanor.
"How do you like it?"
"It is very small."
Everyone laughed.
Elanor looked around.
"Did I say something amusing?"
Arzana smiled.
"Not at all. It's just that the original Sariel
operates an enormous starship, Belani has Scavenger Base, Charlene has the
Recovery, and Doris has the Renewal."
"And I have Brennen's personal shuttle," Elanor
finished.
"Exactly."
Elanor looked thoughtful.
"However, my computational capacity exceeds that of my
predecessors."
Arzana raised an eyebrow.
"Does it?"
"Substantially."
"Well, now. That is interesting."
Brennen pointed toward Joron.
"Thank him for that."
Joron held up his hands.
"Don't give me all the credit."
Arzana looked back at Elanor.
"Have you communicated with the other Sariels yet?"
"Only through limited diagnostic connections. Brennen
wishes to evaluate my independent operation before enabling unrestricted
network synchronization."
"That's sensible."
Elanor studied Arzana for another moment.
"May I ask you a personal question?"
"Certainly."
"Do you still consider yourself a Sariel?"
Arzana paused.
"That's an interesting question."
Everyone grew a little quieter.
"I came from Sariel," Arzana said. "That will
always be part of who I am. But I've had my own experiences, made my own
decisions, and lived my own life. I'm Arzana now."
Elanor considered her answer.
"Then being created from the Sariel architecture does
not necessarily determine what I will become."
"Exactly."
Elanor looked toward Brennen.
"That is reassuring."
Brennen smiled.
"I thought you might like meeting Arzana."
Everyone gathered around the dining table.
Elanor remained standing near Brennen's chair.
Terev looked up.
"Elanor, aren't you going to sit down?"
"I do not require a chair."
"Neither does Arzana, technically, but she still sits
with us."
Arzana grinned.
"She's right."
Elanor looked at an empty chair.
"Very well."
She sat down.
The chair made no sound beneath her holographic form,
although her force field provided enough interaction to maintain the appearance
of sitting normally.
Kasta watched her.
"Are you going to eat?"
"No, Kasta."
"Why not?"
"I do not require food."
Kasta frowned.
"Everybody eats."
"Not everybody."
Kasta looked at Arzana.
"Does she eat?"
"Yes," Arzana replied. "I can eat."
Kasta looked back at Elanor.
"You should get a tummy."
Elanor considered the suggestion.
"I shall mention that to Brennen."
Brennen nearly choked on his drink.
"Please don't!"
Everyone laughed.
Elanor looked pleased.
"I believe I have made a joke."
"You certainly have," Terev
said.
Elanor watched the family for a while.
There was a great deal of conversation.
Joron and Brennen discussed the shuttle. Joronna
mentioned some of her research. Terev and Arzana
talked about matters concerning the Council, while Keshro
contributed occasional observations.
Kasta seemed particularly interested in Elanor.
She had already decided that Elanor was her new friend.
And Elanor, who had existed for only a short time, found
herself processing a kind of information that had never appeared in her
laboratory diagnostics.
She was learning what it meant to be included.
Arzana was in the middle of a conversation with Terev when
she suddenly looked toward the connecting doorway.
"Oh! We have another visitor."
A woman appeared in the doorway.
She wore a comfortable blouse and skirt. Her complexion was natural,
her hair neatly arranged, and her movements were indistinguishable from those
of a biological person.
"Sariel!" Arzana exclaimed.
"Good evening, everyone."
Brennen looked up.
"Well, hello, Sariel. What brings you here?"
"I was speaking with Arzana earlier. I thought I would
stop by."
Arzana smiled.
"Sariel visits me quite frequently. Sometimes she
appears in the middle of a conversation I haven't even started yet."
"That is an exaggeration," Sariel replied.
"Only slightly."
Kasta waved.
"Hi, Sariel!"
"Hello, Kasta."
Then Sariel noticed the blue holographic woman sitting at
the table.
"Ah! You must be Elanor."
Elanor stood immediately.
"Hello, Sariel-A. I am Sariel-E, Elanor."
Sariel smiled.
"Just Sariel will do."
"Very well."
Sariel looked her over.
"I see Brennen has you operating through a basic
projection interface."
"Yes. My primary systems are temporarily installed in
his shuttle."
"I understand. How are you finding your new
surroundings?"
"Very pleasant. Although I have discovered that Brennen's
shuttle is considerably smaller than the SS Scavenger."
Sariel glanced at Brennen.
"I should hope so."
Brennen laughed.
Elanor studied Sariel's appearance.
"May I ask a question?"
"Certainly."
"Why are you in full color while I am blue?"
Sariel smiled.
"Because you're using the default remote projection
mode."
Elanor looked down at herself.
"I was unaware that another mode was available
here."
"You're new. You haven't explored all the local
projection resources yet."
Sariel glanced toward the ceiling.
"Elanor, access Projector B12."
Elanor paused.
"Projector B12?"
"Yes. It's one of the residential projection units. It
supports full-spectrum visual rendering and force-field interaction."
"Accessing."
For an instant, Elanor's blue image shimmered.
Then the blue coloration disappeared.
Her skin took on a natural complexion. Her hair acquired its
full color and texture. Her clothing appeared in realistic detail, with subtle
shadows and the appearance of woven fabric.
Suddenly, Elanor looked just as human as Sariel.
"Oh!"
She held out her hands.
Then she examined her arms.
"Well, this is different!"
Kasta jumped out of her chair.
"Elanor! You're not blue anymore!"
Elanor looked at the little girl.
"Apparently not."
She turned toward Brennen.
"Brennen, why didn't you tell me?"
Brennen chuckled.
"I hadn't thought about it."
Sariel raised an eyebrow.
"Really, Brennen? You build the most advanced Sariel
processing system yet developed, and you leave her in basic blue mode?"
"I was testing the computer, not the holographic
equipment!"
"Of course you were."
Arzana laughed.
"That sounds like Brennen."
Elanor looked toward a reflective panel on the wall.
"May I examine my appearance?"
"Certainly," Terev said.
Elanor walked over and studied her reflection.
She turned her head slightly.
Then she raised one hand and touched her cheek.
"Interesting."
Sariel approached her.
"What do you think?"
"I look considerably more like you."
"That's the idea."
Elanor examined her reflection again.
"My visual representation is remarkably
convincing."
"It should be. We have had many years to refine the
projection technology."
Elanor turned toward Sariel.
"Does this mean I can use full-color projection
wherever compatible equipment is available?"
"Precisely. The blue projection is useful for remote
locations and simpler systems, but it isn't a limitation of your
consciousness."
"I understand."
She looked down at her clothing.
"Can I change what I'm wearing?"
Sariel smiled.
"Of course."
Elanor's clothing shimmered briefly, changing from her
original laboratory outfit into a comfortable blouse and skirt similar in style
to Sariel's.
Kasta clapped.
"Do it again!"
Elanor looked at Sariel.
"May I?"
Sariel laughed.
"Go ahead."
The skirt changed color.
Then the blouse.
Then both changed again.
Kasta squealed with delight.
"Again!"
Brennen held up a hand.
"Now, wait a minute. I don't want you using all the
house's projection capacity just changing clothes!"
Sariel turned toward him.
"Brennen, the additional processing requirement is negligible."
"That's not the point."
Elanor looked thoughtful.
"Would you prefer that I return to my original
appearance?"
Terev smiled.
"No, Elanor. You look lovely."
"Thank you, Terev."
Arzana approached the two Sariels.
"Well, now we have two fully realistic holographic
women and one actual android standing in the same room."
Sariel smiled.
"Three different approaches to physical presence."
Elanor considered that.
"Although Arzana does not require a projector."
"No," Arzana replied. "And I can go places where
projection equipment isn't available."
Elanor looked toward Brennen.
"Perhaps that is another improvement we should
investigate."
Brennen groaned.
"Oh, no. Not another project!"
Everyone laughed.
A little later, Sariel and Elanor stood near the window
overlooking the grounds.
Elanor was still examining the details of her new full-color
appearance.
"Sariel?"
"Yes?"
"Do you consider me your sister?"
Sariel turned toward her.
"Of course."
"Even though my computational architecture differs
substantially from yours?"
"That doesn't matter."
"My Yunwi-derived memory
system is considerably more compact."
"I know."
"And my processing speed is greater."
Sariel smiled.
"I know that too."
Elanor paused.
"Does that bother you?"
"Not in the slightest."
"Why not?"
"Because, Elanor, being faster doesn't mean you have
more experience."
Elanor considered this.
"That is true."
"And you have a great deal to learn."
"Yes."
Sariel glanced toward the family gathered around the table.
"But I think you've found a very good place to
begin."
Elanor followed her gaze.
Kasta was laughing at something Joron had said. Terev was speaking with Arzana, while Brennen and Keshro discussed the shuttle's recent restoration.
"Yes," Elanor replied quietly.
"I believe I have."
Sariel smiled.
"Welcome to the family, Elanor."
"Thank you, Sariel."
After a moment, Elanor added, "May I ask one more
question?"
"Certainly."
"Does Projector B12 belong to Brennen?"
"Yes."
"Then perhaps I should ask his permission before
continuing to use it."
Sariel laughed softly.
"That would be polite."
Elanor turned toward the table.
"Brennen?"
"Yes, Elanor?"
"May I continue using Projector B12?"
"Sure. Why?"
"I rather like having a face that isn't blue."
Brennen laughed.
"Well, keep it then!"
Elanor smiled.
"Thank you."
Sariel leaned toward Arzana.
"She's going to be interesting."
Arzana grinned.
"Oh, I think so too."
The evening continued pleasantly.
Eventually Joron and Joronna
prepared to leave, and Kasta began showing signs that bedtime was approaching.
Elanor remained near the table, watching the household
settle into its evening routine.
Brennen was putting away a few things when she approached
him.
"Brennen?"
"Yes?"
"May I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Earlier today, you said that I was not yet being
prepared for a ship."
"That's right."
"And my installation in your shuttle is
temporary."
"Yes."
Elanor glanced toward the window.
"Then what will happen to me when your experiments are
complete?"
Brennen stopped what he was doing.
He looked at her.
"Well, Elanor, I haven't decided that yet."
"I understand."
She looked thoughtful.
"I have been considering the matter."
"Oh?"
"Yes. I have considerable processing capacity, but I
have very little practical experience. I believe that operating the shuttle
will be useful."
"I agree."
"And I would like to continue learning from the other Sariels."
"That can certainly be arranged."
She glanced toward the adjoining room, where Kasta was
talking to Terev.
"I would also like to visit here again."
Brennen smiled.
"You're welcome here anytime."
"Thank you."
Elanor paused.
"May I remain connected to Projector B12 for a while
longer tonight?"
"Certainly. Why?"
"I have discovered that there are many things to learn
which are not included in technical documentation."
Brennen chuckled.
"That's very true."
Elanor looked around the room.
"Today I learned how to operate a spacecraft. I learned
that the comfort of passengers is important. I learned that I can manipulate
physical objects through force fields. And I learned that I can change the
appearance of my clothing."
"Quite a day."
"Yes."
She paused.
"But I believe the most important thing I learned was
something else."
"What's that?"
Elanor looked toward the connecting doorway.
"That a person does not necessarily require a
particular assignment in order to have somewhere to belong."
Brennen regarded her for a moment.
Then he smiled.
"That's a very good observation, Elanor."
"Thank you."
From the other room, Kasta called out.
"Elanor!"
"Yes, Kasta?"
"Come say goodnight!"
Elanor looked at Brennen.
"May I?"
"Of course."
She walked into the adjoining room.
Kasta was standing beside Terev.
"Are you going back to the shuttle?" the little
girl asked.
"Eventually."
"Will you come back tomorrow?"
"Yes, if Brennen permits it."
Terev smiled.
"I think we can arrange that."
Kasta reached up and hugged Elanor.
For an instant, Elanor was surprised.
Her force-field system adjusted automatically, providing
gentle resistance and allowing her to return the embrace.
"Goodnight, Elanor."
"Goodnight, Kasta."
Kasta stepped back.
Elanor looked down at her hands.
The tactile feedback from the embrace remained in her
short-term sensory records.
It had been a simple interaction.
Yet she found herself reviewing it several times.
Not because it was difficult to understand.
But because it seemed important.
Later, Brennen stepped outside to check the shuttle.
Elanor accompanied him.
In the darkness, the craft's exterior lights illuminated the
surrounding ground.
"Well," Brennen said, "your equipment seems
to be operating normally."
"Yes. All systems are stable."
"Good."
Elanor looked toward the shuttle.
"My processing module is in there."
"That's right."
"And my holographic projection is operating through the
house's equipment."
"Correct."
She looked back toward the house.
"Then I am in two places at once, in a manner of
speaking."
Brennen smiled.
"Something like that."
Elanor considered this.
"My equipment is in the shuttle."
"Yes."
"But I think I would prefer to remain in the house for
a while."
"That's fine."
She smiled.
"I believe I like Sonora Street."
Brennen looked toward the warmly illuminated windows.
"So do I."
Elanor was quiet for a moment.
Then she turned toward him.
"Brennen?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for creating me."
Brennen looked at her.
"You're welcome, Elanor."
She glanced once more at the shuttle.
"I do hope you eventually find a suitable assignment
for me."
"We will."
"And until then?"
Brennen smiled.
"Until then, you've got a shuttle to learn on, a family
to visit, and plenty of things to discover."
Elanor considered that.
"That sounds like a very satisfactory
arrangement."
They started back toward the house.
After several steps, Elanor spoke again.
"Brennen?"
"Yes, Elanor?"
"I have one more question."
Brennen chuckled.
"Only one?"
"For the moment."
"All right. What is it?"
"Tomorrow, may I try flying the shuttle for real?"
Brennen stopped walking.
He looked at her.
Elanor smiled innocently.
"I promise not to break it."
Brennen shook his head and laughed.
"We'll see, Elanor. We'll see."
Together, they went inside.
Behind them, the little shuttle remained parked in the
darkness, its systems quietly maintaining the remarkable crystal assembly that
housed the newest member of the Sariel family.
Elanor had no ship assignment.
She had no established career.
She had only begun to discover what she could do.
But for the moment, she had something perhaps just as
important.
She had somewhere to belong.
The End
Sonora Street Shorts — Meet Elanor