Hello Readers!

Here is the chapter, that I mentioned, that will shed some light in the mystery of what is going on with Calb. I am sure reading this chapter will make the mystery even more so, but all will be revealed real soon....enjoy!

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“Listen up BRATS! You are now in NASA, North Academy Space Association. This is Earth’s finest Space Academy that Galaxy Star Federation (GSF) has to offer!” Space Cadet Sergeant yelled at all the new recruits that signed up for space academy. The new recruits have been standing in the NASA Recruit Parade Ground for, already, an hour getting briefed on various functions of the military before this loud man walked up the podium to pound their eardrums.

“You maggots, when you graduate…correction, IF you graduate, will become one of the finest in our Galaxy! However, achievements don’t come without a price. Starting today, every one of you will be getting one of these.” The Space Cadet Sergeant (SCS) brought up his forearm to show a device wrapped around his wrist.

“These are what are called PIDOs. PIDO is a Physiologically Integrated Dimensional Oracle. It is a space age personal computer that monitors your health as well as all the other functions a regular desktop computer can do at a much faster rate. It also serves as a dimensional storage device that can store any object as a data and reconverts stored data of the object back into the physical object upon recall. Lastly, it is an oracle that automatically scans unexplored lands and creates a map of those lands within minutes! Its main feature is that it can detect an enemy within a mile radius, show their current movements, and predict their movement based upon the geographical feature of the land with up to 80% accuracy.”

“This PIDO will be your lifesaver if you ever crash on an unknown planet crawling with hostiles. And you SISSIES out there, yeah you!” He sweeps his pointed finger at the new recruits and continued, “You SISSIES that want to run away from your enemies while your comrades are duking it out with the enemy, this PIDO, though is wasted on you, will help you find a hole in the ground for you to hide in!”

“In order for these to work, we must implant a chip in your forearm where you will wear this PIDO over it. The chip is designed so that it will interact with PIDO, and at the same time, it coordinates with your nano-brain that was created with the injection of the nanobots before you all signed up with the GSF. Every one of you will be getting a chip in your forearm, no questions asked! However, upon discharge from NASA, these chips can and will be removed!” SCS paused to look at the recruits before continuing.

“Now, there are two different chips. First of the two chips is the one that is implanted underneath your skin, and it is also smaller than the other one. The other one, as I have just told you, is bigger, but unlike the smaller one, this one will not be covered by your skin. Instead, it will be like that of a skin graft in that it will become your second skin! Even though we are making you get these implants, you do have the option of choosing from either of these two chips. I am sure all of you can tell the obvious advantage of one and the disadvantage of the other in that one is bigger and visible while the other is smaller and is not readily visible. If given the choice, I am sure most, if not all of you would want the small and invisible one, ESPECIALLY YOU SISSIES!” SCS pointed at the crowd again.

“However, you SISSIES out there, listen and listen well!” continued SCS, “You do have the option of choosing the smaller chip. However, the effectiveness of PIDO will be cut in half with the smaller chip. That means, when you SISSIES want to run with your tails between your legs, chances of you making out of the conflict alive would be depended upon whether you chose the big chip or the small one.”

“Now for you future heroes of GSF, this PIDO will be like a sidekick that you can’t do without. If you want to shake the Galaxy with your terrifying presence, you can’t afford to not implant the bigger chip!” At this point, SCS’s tone changed from that of mocking and ridiculing to that of a sensational sales man targeting the hearts of all the vain individuals amongst the recruits, as he continued on for another 10 minutes telling the recruits about the advantage of the bigger chip.

Any sensible individual would be able to tell that the NASA was out to sell its recruits this so called space age technology just by listening carefully to this obnoxious man standing in front of all the new recruits, and the fact of the matter was that the GSF was really pushing this PIDO made more effective by the “bigger” chip to all the recruits as well as those already in the military. However, contrary to what many thought, such movement was not driven by money, but its actual usefulness out in the battlefield. GSF was in a corner, and it needed any advantage they can possibly have over the Filtons.

After about another hour of the verbal abuse and initial brainwashing attempt by the SCS, half score of VIPs and military higher ups all gave short, little speeches to further brainwash the recruits of their valor and dedication to GSF. Calb sort of expected it, but after speaker after speakers pretty much saying the same thing, just in different manner, he was so glad when the last VIP finally had his say, and without any waste of time, they were moved to their temporary barracks.

Though it’s kind of crude to have been “moved” to their temporary barracks, but that was the case. When they were gathered at the opening ceremony to listen to the speakers, it seemed to Calb that there weren’t much order, as they were simply placed in line as they appeared. However, upon completion of the speeches, there were designated exit for the VIPs and the same for the new recruits. The VIPs were escorted to their personal vehicles, and the new recruits were lead to the large platforms with moving plates that individually carried each recruits to their destinations like as in conveyor belt, but much more technologically advanced.

Initially, those moving plates were all heading in the same direction, creating an appearance of multiple heads moving in mass, but after a while, with emergence of separate lanes and exits, many were increasingly taken to the said lanes, and soon, mass became small groups, and small groups became select few as each individuals ended up in their intended barracks.

Calb wondered what was going on. He couldn’t tell how it was that the moving plates “moved” everyone to where they were supposed to go. It was not like everyone was assigned to a specific moving plate, carrying them to where they were supposed to be. There was no such organization at the platform. They were rushed to the platform and were rushed onto the plates to be sent on their way without any kind of registration. The plates just knew who they were and took them to their respective barracks!

Just as the others were taken to their respective barracks, Calb’s plate also brought him to his barracks building. However, somehow, it seemed different from the other barracks. He had passed many fellow recruits that had reached their barracks before him, and it seemed like they were taken to big buildings, whereas his building was much smaller…and much more refined…more taken cared of. Also, there were many other recruits at those other, bigger buildings, but where he was, there weren’t any other recruits besides him. He was alone!

“Maybe the plate that brought me here was malfunctioning,” thought Calb. “Well, whatever the case, lets go in and see.” He walked over to the front of the building, and the door automatically opened for him. He definitely seemed out of place.

“Oh, you must be the new recruit?” asked the receptionist.

“Ah, yes, but I must have been brought to a wrong place. I was told I would be taken to the barracks building, but this place definitely does not look like barracks building to me.” Calb awkwardly turned to leave, but he was stopped by the receptionist.

“No..No! You are in the right place,” said the receptionist quickly. “Tell me kid, what was your assimilation rate for your nanobot injection?”

“Umm, I had 100% assimilation. They told me it was rare for someone that was already grown to achieve that.”

“You are right indeed. It is very unusual for someone that has fully grown to achieve 100% assimilation, and the reason for you being here is because of that 100% assimilation!” The receptionist cheerfully smiled at Calb as he cleared Calb’s doubt.

“I don’t understand. What does my 100% assimilation of the nanobot injection have anything to do with me being here?”

“Well, you just came from the recruit parade ground right?” Nodded Calb.

“Then you have also listened to the guy talking about the PIDO right?” Calb nodded again.

“Tell me what you know then,” asked the receptionist

“Well, according to the Space Cadet Sergeant PIDO is equivalent to personal computer that monitors vital signs and is able to produce map of uncharted area up to a mile while having function to predict enemy movement. It also serves as a storage device. He said that it needs to interact with the chip that is implanted in the forearm in order for it to work, and that the bigger chip serving as the second skin, if chosen, will double the effectiveness of PIDO.” Calb summarized what he remembered.

“Okay, what he said is generally correct, but what he didn’t tell you guys was the fact that the effectiveness of PIDO is also influenced by the assimilation ratio. Think about it. Why do you think the effectiveness of PIDO would increase by using the bigger chip? It provides a cleaner connection to the PIDO, and it also has greater surface area of contact with the PIDO. That can be guessed pretty easily. However, what about the chips coordinating with the nanobrain? What do you think makes the coordination between the chip and the nanobrain more effective? Don’t you think that if your assimilation ratio is higher, the coordination between the chip and the nanobrain be that much more effective? In other words, your body will make much better use of PIDO as compared to others.”

After hearing the receptionist’s logic, Calb’s face somewhat cleared of its confusion and doubt and changed to that of a sudden epiphany. “Ahh…I understand!” Then with his next question, his face furrowed again. “But what does that have to do with me being here?”

As if he was reading Calb’s mind, receptionist continued with unabated smile, “I was getting there. I knew you would still have no idea. You see, the effectiveness of the PIDO increase so much with each percentage of assimilation that those with 100% assimilation are given preference in various jobs in the GSF. So in other words, you are a VIP, so to speak.” Continuing with his cheerful disposition, the receptionist looked at Calb briefly to observe his reaction before he said any more.

“Kid, you disappoint me,” said the receptionist with a frown. “I was expecting some excitement or some haughty demeanor from you after hearing what I had to say, but you didn’t bite.” Receptionist smiled again.

“The truth of the matter is that you are only a VIP when it comes to those that are from Earth, as 100% assimilation is not that rare among those living out in the space, as they get their nanobot injection when they are babies, thus guaranteeing 100% assimilation. So in that sense, if you were to ask me why you are being treated so nicely it would be perfectly normal.”

“So why am I?” asked Calb.

“Well, as for that, I don’t think I am qualified to divulge that information to you right now,” said the receptionist with a friendly wink. “Just enjoy your stay here for rest of the day, and come tomorrow, you will be briefed by the science officers regarding the VIP treatment. So go to that front desk and register to get your room key, and I will see you tomorrow if I am lucky!” The receptionist pointed to the front desk near the elevator.

Calb was relieved that he was at a right place, but the tone of the receptionist and his mannerism toward him didn’t quite settle well with him. He knew something was up, but he had no way of knowing, and thus, all he could do was to do what he was told. So Calb signed in at the front desk and grabbed his room key.

The next morning, he was awoken by the front desk, and was informed that he needed to report to the front desk. He was told that there will be someone there that will take him away for a briefing. He was given 30 minutes.

Feeling nervous, Calb quickly got up and took his shower and got dressed. He had wished he had some time to eat, but he didn’t want to be late for the briefing, so he decided to head straight down to the front desk to be on the safe side. Even though he was early, when he got out of the elevator, he found a woman in a military outfit standing by the front desk waiting for him, he guessed.

Facing him, the woman addressed him, “Are you Calb?”

“Yes,…I thought I was early, but I guess you have been waiting for me?” Calb didn’t know what else to say.

“No, I just got here so I didn’t wait long, and yes, you are early so don’t feel bad. My name is Karen Forso. I am an engineer heading the PIDO project for the GSF. Nice to meet you.” She extended her hand.

Shaking her hand, Calb responded, “Nice to meet you. I am Calb Colbert…, a new recruit.” Calb felt kind of awkward at the formal greeting by the head engineer for the Galaxy Star Federation (GSF). He felt out of place, not having any kind of title to his name to return the greeting, and not knowing what to do, he just went with his status as a new recruit.

“Have you had chance to eat anything?” Karen asked, trying to make Calb more comfortable by initiating casual conversation.

“Umm, no actually,” replied Calb. “To be frank, I was a bit nervous about what was going to happen to me, and I didn’t want to be late so….”

“Good!” Smiling Karen. “Let me take you over to cafeteria, and we can eat while we talk. I didn’t have a chance to eat breakfast either. I was working on my presentation for today. So shall we?”

“Sure.”

Karen lead Calb in the cafeteria, and she was trying to find a spot to speak privately, but it being a military facility it was very difficult, as there were already many soldiers from various different companies coming in and out before the start of the day. In fact, for some, their day had already started, as they were coming back from morning workout.

“Well, it looks like it may be a while before we can find a quiet table, so why don’t we first get our meal and enjoy it while we wait for a private table?” suggested Karen.

“That sounds good, but I think I left my wallet in my room….” Calb felt ashamed.

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about your ID. You just write your name on the roster over there, and I can sign you in,” smiled Karen. “It takes a while for people to get used to military lifestyle, and for someone that just got in yesterday, I am sure you will make plenty of mistakes. I am not sure what was told to you, but everything in here is free, and you can grab as much as you want. Of course I would only grab what you can eat now and perhaps a little something for a snack later.”

The cafeteria was pretty much automated where the meals were on a conveyor belt for people to pick up if they wanted it, but at the same time, there were cafeteria ladies that cooked meals to the likings of those that wanted something more fresh or those that had particular style of eggs that they liked. Also, there were various vending machines that had stocked items from beverages to snacks and condiments, and all anyone had to do was simply push a button and out it came. Surprisingly, there were also fresh fruits near the table where the rosters were. Fresh fruits were almost a rare commodity, as Calb only had access to fruits in cans or in plastic containers when he was growing up. Calb knew, for sure, what he definitely won’t forget to grab!

Military cafeteria certainly is not a luxury restaurant where one can have fancy meals and such, but one thing about military is that they are well funded, and they do not skimp on their meals. They keep their cafeteria full of reasonable amount of assortments of food, and for Calb, being an orphan, what he saw at that moment was more than what he imagined he would ever get to eat in his lifetime. With the prospect of filing his empty stomach with all the things that he had wished as a kid and a smile of a nice lady waiting by the roster table, the nervousness that he felt when he first got out of the elevator faded away like it never happened. There definitely was something about food that sets people at ease.

“Did you get all you wanted?” asked Karen.

“Yep!” Smiled Calb.

“Good. By the way, while you were getting your meal, I reserved us a table at a quiet place over there.” She pointed at a table near, what appeared to be, tables reserved for the staff of the academy. Karen had already grabbed her meal and placed her plate on the table.

“Wow, I must have taken some time to get my food,” said Calb, feeling a bit guilty for taking his time to look at all that the cafeteria had to offer.

“Nah, I just knew what I wanted. I have been eating here for a long time, you know. Plus, I am pretty predictable in that I eat same thing every morning. Even though they have some varieties here, after a while, it’s all the same,” pouted Karen. “Let’s go sit.”

“Okay.”

Karen gave Calb some time to eat before she revealed the reason for her visit. As she had already informed Calb, she was an engineer in charge of the PIDO project. For a while, GSF was looking into an idea of further developing the effectiveness of PIDO, and what resulted was the chip system coordinating with the nanobrain, but they realized the limitation of the chip system in that coordination between PIDO and the nanobrain was not as fast as they had hoped, as they were using the chip as a bridge to connect the two. What they really wanted was a direct coordination between the two rather than having to depend on the chips. In other words, they were trying to find a way to make PIDO into an implant itself.

The problem with that idea was that body’s own electric polarity, as well as biorhythm from blood circulation caused disruption of electric circuits in PIDO. As such, they had to develop a whole new PIDO based predominately upon nanobots. However, that option had its own drawback in that the nanobots, when introduced into the candidate’s forearm, couldn’t fully assimilate into the nerves of that region. Instead, the nanobots ended up spreading throughout the whole body, thus effectively, shutting down PIDO.

Karen, as the originator of the PIDO, she was trying to solve the assimilation problem when she heard of a candidate with the 100% assimilation of a nanobot injection as a fully grown adult. She had pulled all the files available concerning Calb, and she had also studied the reactions of the nanobots, from multiple angles, as they interacted with Calb’s nervous system. The result of her study? It wasn’t conclusive, but she was fairly confident that there was something unique about Calb’s DNA that allowed the nanobots to “settle” where they were introduced. In Karen’s eyes, even though this was not a complete solution to assimilation failure in terms of the adaptation for all of the candidates, at least in this one individual, adaptation was a possibility! That was the reason for her visit with Calb, and that was the reason for Calb’s VIP treatment.

“So what do you say Calb? Would you be willing to try this out?” asked Karen. “There won’t be any danger to your life, as there have been many other candidates that have gone through this procedure without any danger to their lives. We were able to retrieve nonessential nanobots out of their bodies without any complication. It is just that PIDO couldn’t stay functional with the nanobots leaving the vicinity of the implant. However, with you, the chances are great that the nanobots will stay in the vicinity of the implant, thus making PIDO functional.”

“Well, I guess I sort of understand where you are coming from, but aren’t there others that have achieved 100% assimilation as well? I was told that there were numerous individuals that were born out in space with 100% assimilation.”

“You are right Calb, but at the same time you are wrong. You see, the reason why they were successful at 100% assimilation was because they were injected with the nanobots before their body, especially their nervous system, fully matured. If we can implant PIDO in a little baby we would definitely do that, but that is not possible. First of all, PIDO is fairly large. Too large that it can’t possibly be implanted into such a small forearm. Second reason is the matter of ethics. We don’t see any problem of injecting nanobots that were designed to produce second set of brain for the purposes of human enhancement and language proficiency, but implanting a device designed for usage in warfare in a minor is unethical. No, we must be able to implant PIDO into an adult, and in that sense, the fact that they were able to be assimilated when they were young does not mean anything anymore, when it comes to their ability to be assimilated as an adult. In other words, even for them, they are, in a sense, back to zero. You, however, having achieved assimilation as an adult, is highly likely to succeed at assimilation for PIDO as well. Do you follow?”

“I think so. At least it sounds reasonable.”

“Of course it does! I am a genius you know,” Karen gave a sly smile.

“You say the effectiveness of PIDO will increase tremendously as a result, if this succeeds?”

“Yes. Currently, the most efficiency we were able to record was 2.2 time the effectiveness of the small chip. As I have said, those chips serve as a bridge between the nanobrain and PIDO. With the elimination of that bridge, in other words, direct communication between nanobrain and PIDO, the effectiveness will quadruple that of the small chip! That means your PIDO will be able to map out a distance of 2 miles radius versus 1 mile radius by the big chip and .5 miles radius by the small chip, not to mention the increase in the processing speed. Can you imagine how much of an advantage you will have over those that can at maximum see only a mile out?”

“Yes, I can see how that would be very useful.”

“So what do you say?”

“I say yes!” smiled Calb.

“Calb! Get up you sleepyhead!” Yelled Serina. “It is about time we head back!”

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There you have it folks!

Now, some of you may be wondering why I started a chapter about Calb's recruit days. Is it one of those flashbacks? If so, how significant/necessary are the flashbacks? Once you catch on to the pattern, I think you will appreciate the anticipation that such flashbacks provide for the upcoming chapters.... :)

This chapter talked about a little hardware only Calb was capable of obtaining. In other words, this is a little segment where author has the privilege of making the protagonist just a little bit "special" :)

Though I didn't go through the whole process of implanting the PIDO on Calb as I have with his nanobot injection in the prior chapter, I think everyone understood that Calb, indeed, was successful in achieving 100% assimilation for PIDO-bots. So what is the significance of this development? Do I need to say? :)

Ummm....I will be taking a pretty long break this time...I think.... So....until next time.....:)

-----MooShoo-----