Post by The Pilot on Oct 11, 2007 15:28:00 GMT -5
Somewhere amid the mass of code and circuitry in my chest, a consciousness waxes from almost nothing, and again I'm awake.
For a while, the Humans had trouble explaining (in electronic terms) how we were able to wake ourselves up from sleep like a biological creature. In theory, the hibernation state was supposed to mean that 99% of our processes were shut down, with only the most basic of basic processes running. In fact, it was supposed to be just enough to keep us alive; in that state, we use as much energy as it takes to turn on an incandescent light bulb. Perhaps consciousness can run on 40 watts?
After a brief moment, I can see again. I turn to the right and note that Raid is still asleep- his model needs more energy to function optimally than I do.
"Ion," I call out.
The mech appears in front of me. "Done, sir?"
"I have a meeting with the commanders and captain Bios," I say, nodding.
Ion steps behind me and unplugs the cable from its port between my shoulder lames. The charge should last another week or so.
"More discussion about maps?"
I stand up. "Yes, but I suspect it'll be much more than just that."
Ion's optic lenses dilate and flags raise as his interest is piqued. If he had a humanoid mouth, I'm sure he would have been smiling. "Be sure to tell me what went down afterward. Good luck, sir." The faint luminescent disks on his chest flicker once with acknowledgment, and I nod, dismissing him.
I walk over to the med bay to find that Bracket is dry once again and recovering well. “The Commanders intend to meet with you soon, Switch.”
My lights dim slightly. “I know. Is the captain with them now?”
The Vanguard nods. “Downstairs.”
I head across the enormous room over to a doorway that leads downward. Light strips on the walls illuminate the space with a white, artificial glow. My steps shift the age-old dust that covers the ground, and a small insect scurries away from me on the floor. Rounding the bend, I find myself in the nucleus of the ruin, the Commander's chamber. At seeing the four leaders of our refugee group, I stand my flags on end and brighten myself in salute.
“At ease, Lieutenant.”
For a while, the Humans had trouble explaining (in electronic terms) how we were able to wake ourselves up from sleep like a biological creature. In theory, the hibernation state was supposed to mean that 99% of our processes were shut down, with only the most basic of basic processes running. In fact, it was supposed to be just enough to keep us alive; in that state, we use as much energy as it takes to turn on an incandescent light bulb. Perhaps consciousness can run on 40 watts?
After a brief moment, I can see again. I turn to the right and note that Raid is still asleep- his model needs more energy to function optimally than I do.
"Ion," I call out.
The mech appears in front of me. "Done, sir?"
"I have a meeting with the commanders and captain Bios," I say, nodding.
Ion steps behind me and unplugs the cable from its port between my shoulder lames. The charge should last another week or so.
"More discussion about maps?"
I stand up. "Yes, but I suspect it'll be much more than just that."
Ion's optic lenses dilate and flags raise as his interest is piqued. If he had a humanoid mouth, I'm sure he would have been smiling. "Be sure to tell me what went down afterward. Good luck, sir." The faint luminescent disks on his chest flicker once with acknowledgment, and I nod, dismissing him.
I walk over to the med bay to find that Bracket is dry once again and recovering well. “The Commanders intend to meet with you soon, Switch.”
My lights dim slightly. “I know. Is the captain with them now?”
The Vanguard nods. “Downstairs.”
I head across the enormous room over to a doorway that leads downward. Light strips on the walls illuminate the space with a white, artificial glow. My steps shift the age-old dust that covers the ground, and a small insect scurries away from me on the floor. Rounding the bend, I find myself in the nucleus of the ruin, the Commander's chamber. At seeing the four leaders of our refugee group, I stand my flags on end and brighten myself in salute.
“At ease, Lieutenant.”
