The NOMAN test facility was located in the safest spot that management could find, the workers said once they heard of the purpose. 25 miles from any population center, situated at the base of a mountain in the Rockies. The only visible building was a prefab structure, a concrete block of a building nestled against the sheer cliff side. For all the world it looked more like an oversized bunker than any sort of living or work structure. This also seemed like a bulwark against their own idea.

At one point, one of the laborers working with the design team suggested, "If they could have found a way to sink this into the ocean on the other side of the planet, I think they'd have gone there." And it was generally agreed by those he told this story to that A: he was far too proud of this 'joke', but B: at least the commute would have been more interesting if that had been the case.

The only other visible point of interest one might see on approaching the fenced-in complex would be the Hole in the Wall. This nickname was thrown around along with several others, but the simplicity appealed to most who would use it. The rock formation of the mountain happened to present a sheer nearly flat vertical surface, and a large squared hole had been drilled into it, an unlit tunnel that none could see the end of. In a large semicircle all around the Hole, small drilled in points could be seen, a clear sign of installation and treatment of the location for some unknown purpose.

As simple as it looked, everyone working on the project knew that, in fact, they were working with bleeding edged, untested technology. It just happened to be simplest to simply hammer in this technology with brute force, rather than any more elegant means of installation.

There was little activity outside. The physical work had been completed for months, with only basic maintenance performed from time to time. There was only one remaining step before proper testing and evaluation could begin, but a long time had passed without word from the higher ups. There was speculation that the entire idea was a flop, and soon things would fold, leaving nothing but an empty shell that had had way too much time put into it. But in fact, just a short time ago, a decision had been made to go forward. The project would take a risk and activate the system they had spent so much time working on.

Not that the newly awakened mind within said system knew any of this.

***

The space was dark. Pitch black. It was impossible to know from the perspective of the mind if this was due to a lack of light or if it simply did not have any vision. At the moment there also lacked any sound to be heard. It was as dark and dead as a tomb.

Ok, probably not the best perspective to have. Probably should take it easy on the grim ideas. For now. Can't take anything for granted. Lets go over what I know so far and maybe I can make sense of this.

I....am me. OK, following along so far, which is good or I'd have even more to worry about. Though it suggests a few things about identity that..... No, that's another thing I shouldn't get distracted by. Focus on the essentials.

I know things. I know words, language. I know how gravity works, science, information like that. But....I don't know anything other than that. No name. No specific events. I can't recall if anything occurred, other than just this raw information. Yet I think I'm separate from that. Again, me. I am me. But.....what does that make me? How can I know what I am if I cant remember anything of myself!?

Deep in the darkness, a whirring sound began. If anyone else was there to hear it, they might have described it as a computer overheating, fan working furiously to equalize its temperature. The minds behind this project would agree, more or less, at that description, if they were there to hear it. A sound of distress.

I don't know who I am! Where did I come from! How can I know so much and not know anything about myself!

This thought process was interrupted with what sounded like a dinging sound, though there was nothing audible

--Query--

-The thoughtform has access to the system directory. It is provided with both general access and crossreferencing ability. Information is passively drawn for use.-

The whirring halted, once again leaving the space silent. A long, blank moment stretched. For seconds? hours? It was impossible to tell.

Ok what? Right, I didn't expect that. Was that..a voice? No, I don't think it made any sound. Those other voices were definitely sounds I heard, the voices having a conversation, but this was....in my..head? What was it?

--System Message--

-System information is processed in the main computational interface. No sensory input is involved.-

That's...going to take some getting used to. But it seems to answer questions. Questions that I...think? More questions, things I don't know. Let's try one.....What is answering my questions?

--Query--

-Queries are answered by internal system interface. Interface takes the form of direct conversation as a method of stimulus for the thoughtform.-

OK, so I'm apparently talking with some sort of autoresponse encyclopedia? That's a bit confused. But let's keep going. What is going on?

--Message--

-Insufficient data for full response. Processing, parsing statements for meaning. Hypothesis: Thoughtform is showing signs of distress, confusion, but also self actualization. Thoughtform's sense of self is forming at accelerated rate. Thoughtform appears to have already formed personal identity. Normal thoughtform patterns would take 3 times the elapsed time frame to be aware, with additional sensory input. This may lead to thoughtform distress due to lack of understanding and input at crucial development phase -

Ok, that wasn't helpful. Mostly because I didn't understand half of what it just said.

Returning, the whirring noise gave the distinct feeling of a deep sigh, somehow, without changing its tone more than lowering.

OK, lets take stock again. I can't see anything, can't feel anything. There's a weird robot not-voice telling me things if I ask. And I think it called me a... thoughtform? What does that mean?

--Query : Definition--

-Thoughtform is the technical term for a current theory of consciousness pioneered by AI researchers two years before current date. A thoughtform is the culmination of knowledge, awareness and memory in a single existence. This is required for decision making, learning, and adapting at a human rate. The theory posits that while biologically structured forms are linked to their physical form and sensory system, that artificial forms, digital or electric, could be both created and transfered separate from memory and system architecture. Artificial thoughtforms are believed possible, but documentation shows them in the experimental stage in most fields.

So, what does that make me? Some sort of science experiment? Or perhaps a freak accident?

--System Message--

-NOMAN v 1.001. Experimental core for adaptable fieldwork instruction. The NOMAN project was started 545 days ago, by the Monomyth Solutions Corporation. The stated goal of the project is to solve an ongoing issue of complexity in the attempt to meet the needs of individuals of a diverse skill and -

Gah, its rambling. Cancel, cancel!

--Playback Terminated--

Ok, so that was probably too vague so it started from the top. Like trying to look up a word by starting in the dictionary at A and just reading straight through. Let's try narrowing things down a bit and see if we can work this out. Let's see.... what is my current status?

--Query--

-The NOMAN core is currently installed deep inside the Experimental Field. Hardware was completed 35 days ago, and the software was added 14.3 hours ago. Records show the software was active for 1.2 hours before being installed. Next check is scheduled for 15 hours from current time.-

Getting somewhere. Ok, lets try focusing on some of those terms. What is a Core?

--Query : Definition--

-A system CORE is a hardware used to house a thoughtform and its constructor. The CORE exists as a silicon matrix Orb housed in a plug column that interfaces with the nano-assembly impregnating the Field.-

Ok so....that makes me a ball? Or a ghost in a ball? This is getting tedious...Are you able to show images, or...not-images? I don't know how to describe what I'm asking....

--Request--

-Accessing image from structural files

And then, rather than just darkness, the mind was able to see. A square image appeared before it. It appeared to be some sort of diagram, showing what looked to the world to be a green sphere. However, looking closely, one could see that the sphere was not a perfect shape. Instead, it was more reiminscent of the shape of a Buckyball, (Ok, didn't know I knew THAT one before just now), a spheroid made out of interlocking five sided shapes. However, it was more complex, with multiple varied-sided shapes fitting together in extreme small sections of the full object, making it more rounded and smoother to the appearance. An accompanying blueprint showed that the ball was not solid, but filled with a dizzying number of components, minaturized to fit into the surface.

Right. That's at least an image I can hang onto, even if it doesn't tell me anything specific. But this whole internal sensation is getting old, and I still do not know anything about where I am. Let's see....Is there any way to receive visual information of my location?

--Query--

-Thoughtform CORE has access to internal mapping. Activating MAP mode--

And the world opened up.

W-WAAH!

The influx was sudden and overwhelming. Although the shape of what it could see was that of a simple wireframe structure, there was information packed into every inch. He knew that 'he', or the pillar shaped object that appeared to be the focus of this 'room', was sitting at the end of a 20 x 60 foot room, basically just a simply cut corridor made of rock. But at the same time, he knew. The density of the walls, the contours of the panels, the way information was flowing in between an innumerable system of tiny influx points that covered everything within 'sight'. And worse, all of these 'points' were moving, speeding back and forth on randomized paths, doubling, trebling, and x-tupling the data through constant movement.

And it was too much, the mind couldn't absorb it all. What it felt, it might desccribe as PAIN if it was certain it matched what a body might. But in either case, it was unbearable, dizzying, screaming at it in every way. And it simply continued, nonstop, until the mind called out.

Too much! Can't handle it all! Uh, need to, need to limit it! Turn it off! Visual, Visual data only!

--Command--

-Confirmed. Shifting from unfiltered to visual spectrum Map and auditory input.-

And as suddenly as the assault began, it ended. The masses of information immediately shrank down to a simplfied wireform structure. It only showed the size and shape of the room, had a simplified color palette, and tagged only one object in the room with a sort of floating label. "CORE", it said.

For a moment, the mind noticed the core was highlighted red, before the outline vanished. It also heard a loud buzzing sound that was slowly dropping in pitch and urgency into a sort of whirring. But these thoughts were not foremost in its perspective, as it was preoccupied with recovering from that backlash.

What.....why....OK, so I don't know if I can make rules for whatever you are, not-voice. But here's one. Do not ever do that full MAP again without specifically being asked.

--Command--

-Rule accepted. Map filter permission-locked to Visual mode.-

*OK, good, so I can change settings as well. Good to know. Probably be very bad if I couldn't But how did i get a headache from that?

--Query--

-System is designed to provide feedback for learning processes both positive and-

Never mind, I can guess the rest of it from that much.

--Halted--

Wait, though. Why would a process in this system just being on be so, well, dangerous?

--Query--

-System is designed on slow access protocols. The thoughtform and the system need time to expand to access more options simultaneously. In addition, in idle mode the system expended all resources on visualization, increasing output. The thoughtform would not be able to absorb all this information even at current accelerated growth.-

Well, I can add that to this brand new "things I don't like about my situation" list that I'm making, then.

--Command--

-Request to save data confirmed.--

No, wait, I didn't actually need--

The mind saw, on the menu it had been ignoring up until now, a new data point appear. "Saved Documents+.

Fine, whatever. Maybe I'll get use out of it. Anyways...

With that sorted, the mind 'looked' at its surroundings. With the restrictions in play, it was able to make some more rapid conclusions.

So, I'm in some sort of cave? Or some sort of carved out room? I don't get it. If what you're telling me is true, this is some sort of specially made test? For what? What was this all installed for?

--Query--

-The NOMAN project was created to solve the significant hurdles in creating and maintaining a training regimen for beings of diverse and unique skillsets by forming modular self learning protocols.

That's a bit obtuse, can you explain it in a simpler fashion?

--Query--

-This system is designed to learn, create, and maintain training courses for beings designated "superheroes" and other extra-human beings through design and testing of obstacles and environments.-

Not to keep repeating myself, but... what?