Глава 15

Follow me, Dr. {@nickname}.

......;A-Are you angry?

You'll need to do the cognition baseline test too, Amiya.

First, though, get some rest.

A-Alright, Dr. Kal'tsit.

Can't Amiya come with me?

That's not part of my plans, Doctor. I'll arrange for Amiya to be tested as soon as your tests are complete.

Let's go.

This is the testing equipment?;I don't remember it at all.

A prototype that the Medical Department developed. Theresa and I designed it together.

But the limitations of our understanding of cognition and perception have prevented it from being put into service as a way to measure cognitive stability.

Under current circumstances, however, it's the most effective method available.

Go inside the isolation pod, Doctor. Relax. I've tried it myself, and it won't cause any significant physical distress.

Anything else I need to know?

No. Just follow my instructions. I'll need to calibrate the machine first. Relax and do as I say, but do not hesitate.

Tell me your name, Doctor.

A good start.

Relax, Doctor. We're just calibrating.

See the chronometer behind me? Count the time in silence and try to synchronize your counting with the ticking of its numbers.

(You silently count and feel the passage of time);I'm not sure what the point of this is, Kal'tsit...

It helps reinforce your perception of reality. It's been twenty seconds. Are you feeling any discomfort?

No.;...It's hard to say.;Is the machine showing something abnormal?

Let's continue the calibration.

Are you able to continue to perceive Amiya in your consciousness?

Yes.;No.

Likely residue perception from the neural link being severed improperly.

Good, we're getting used to the flow.

Continuing with the calibration. Do you agree with Rhodes Island's ideals?

Yes.;No.

Good. We're almost done with the calibration.

An interesting answer, Dr. {@nickname}, but this is not a lie detector. Unless you were expecting a more dramatic outcome.

Continue. You saw her at the cognitive boundary.

Yes.;Saw who?

As I expected. You're calmer than I thought you would be, though.

No need to hide it from me, Doctor. You can trust me.

Final question. Do you have doubts about the one who is like you?

Yes.;No.

A reasonable emotion, but I cannot resolve your doubts in any way or capacity. You will find the answer, sooner or later.

Maybe you've already formed your subjective opinion. It's not my place to interfere with it, but I trust you will not act contrary to Rhodes Island's interests.

Looks like you've formed your opinion. I will not comment on it.

We're done, Doctor.

Cognition baseline testing indicates that your cognitive stability remains within safe values. The rest of it is secondary.

Wait, I thought that was the calibration.

It was necessary to ensure that the data collected is accurate.

I trust that you're capable of perceiving my thinking and camouflaging yourself accordingly.

It would not be hard for you to fool this prototype.

Of course!;...Is this part of the test too, Kal'tsit?

The remaining checks will be complete soon, Dr. {@nickname}. I have time to answer a few questions.

You understand, of course, that there are certain questions that I am not in a position to answer.

...What are the origins of Rhodes Island?;How were you able to predict our movements ahead of time?

If you're referring to this ship, it's even older than the history known to me.

In a sense, it's the carrier of hope, hence the comprehensive protective systems capable of supporting our every operation on Terra.

It is thanks to the initial design that it has survived the most brutal challenges with its core structure intact.

We have yet to discover its full potential.

However, I remain cautious about trying to unlock this potential in its entirety.

You mean the hints that were left behind at the boundary? There was no guarantee that it would be you who would solve them.

Nor am I able to predict things that have yet to come to pass. It was for another reason that I made such preparations...

Someone I respected very much had computed all the possibilities that could occur in the future. Someone whose words I will never forget.

Perhaps I have been quietly influenced too.

You seem nervous, Kal'tsit.

The current uncertainty is not the only reason why you're nervous.

I can't describe this strange intuition.;I've never sensed such complex emotions from you.

I'm not the one getting tested—

You see your reflection in the window, almost as though you were still standing with Kal'tsit.

You look at your own reflected image, but cannot help recalling the figure at the boundary, who treated the construct with such kindness...

Your gaze turns towards Kal'tsit.

Why are you looking at me like this, Dr. {@nickname}?

Did you also put your utter trust in me?

I still do. You've proven yourself.

Whatever you see at the boundary, Dr. {@nickname}, belongs to a past that is dead and gone.

It is enough that you and Rhodes Island are walking on the proper path. You and I, we both have the right to our subjective definition of this relationship that exists between us.

You don't need to be concerned about how I view you, not before, not now, not ever. I respect your understanding of our cooperation—

I'm sorry, Kal'tsit.

I'm apologizing for my and Amiya's reckless actions.

I know what to do next.

I just have one more question, Kal'tsit.

(Unknown language) 'Perhaps it will be our blessing'...

(Unknown language) 'And the final gift of hope.'

I don't understand what it means.;I seem to sense good intentions behind the words.

It means 'blessing' and 'gift'.

You guided us to that one.

Whoever it was, there is nothing fake about your trust.

Then we have a lot of work to do.

A regular-shaped Originium crystal emerges in the space.

A short curved line appears on the corner of the crystal.

Line expands into surface, then into a perfectly smooth sphere.

It is an eye that observes this dimension. All it does is record all that it sees; the organ that makes decisions has not fully escaped the Originium.

Until now.

(Perceives silently)

Doctor, Dr. Kal'tsit has determined that there is no major issue with me.

But she was concerned about whether I was subject to any shock during the neural link.

She must have her concerns.

We should get on with analyzing the formulas that you retrieved.

Like I said, the abnormalities of PRTS persist. It's very likely that we'll be getting even more anomalies in short order.

It hasn't been restored?

Closure has been trying, to little avail.

Deployment of the backup command system has begun, but it will take time to synchronize it across all equipment and individuals.

As for the information you brought back from the boundary, I can help you decipher it.

Do you understand its meaning?

I'll have to see the formulas in their entirety to be sure.