Chapter 4
Chip’s Story
Chip turned to see the group split up into dyads—the escort along with the crewmember. Each dyad was getting into a two person transport device called a Pod. The exception being the four person vehicle that Tammy, Dale and their escorts entered. From Chip’s point of view, the transport pods were quiet, highly efficient, effective propulsion, and no apparent energy waste. At a distance, he could see a larger capacity vehicle carrying fifty or more persons. The Pods reminded him of the Lexan case that enclosed the 1000Gigabyte memory cubes he uses in his portable ComPad. The launch pad used a high energy light beam, directed at the Pod’s harnessing disc at the base of the vehicle, to propel it into the air. The harnessing disc was cone shaped to accept the energy pulse, much like someone blowing a snow cone cup into the air with a straw. A large clicking sound and pulsating light, emanated from the terminal floor. It repeated itself in 1/2 second intervals and grew fainter as Chip flew farther away from the terminal. When the light source from the terminal was out of range, smaller lighthouses strategically posted throughout the city relayed the pods to their destination.
After he returned from his trip, Chip was first to report the results of the week of researching the Vlanco people. He faced the group, as he pulled out his ComPad and attached it to the wall, as if ready to give a scientific presentation. We waited patiently as he gathered himself.
“We flew in complete silence. This gave me a chance to concentrate on the flight plan and scheduled destinations,” said Chip proud of his efficiency. “We had one week to finish our study, which, as you know translates into about six 30 hour days here on Onos. I’m not one to gripe about a long work day. We landed at their scientific research ‘Emporium,’ which is more or less a clearing house of all science information. Astrological, biological, medical, chemical...all the physical sciences, are channeled through this facility. Through the centuries, they lost so much data from various biological viruses that mutated into electronic components, they decided to channel all information into one secure location. While ideas and technology are developed throughout the solar system, anything new and different will be compiled and categorized into its specific area.”
Chip scanned some notes he made, before he continued.
“Since Bioengineering was my specialty, I decided to visit that part of the Emporium first. I wanted to learn as much as possible, regarding the scientific advances, so I was escorted to the historical archives to see a summary of the systems data.”
Chip wrinkled the side of his mouth and sighed through his nose. “You know, just when I was getting into the database, the Advisor of the facility—Kagor—interrupted me. He was a nice enough guy,” he said rolling his eyes, “but I had to make polite conversation for about an hour with him, and other scientists, before I could get back to the data. But he kept using this farewell expression which stuck in my head, like a bad commercial, he whole time I was there. Kagor had this deep bass voice that would have gotten him a spot on any barbershop quartet. He would say ‘Good work and good heart.’ I guess that was his way of greeting someone.
Nevertheless, I found out that their science is an interconnected link with other areas of society. Science will not pursue a specific direction unless it is acceptable by governmental, economic, and spirituality groups. I thought it would slow down the advancement of technology, but they have gotten very adept at streamlining information by letting computers glean the rudimentary data out and saving the highly unusual data for Advisors to evaluate.”
Chip saw our bewildered frowns and explained further. “For example, There was a new technology that scientists had stumbled across, on Presus2, a local moon in the Donos Pladis. The Pladis is the set of planets and moons on this side of the triple stars,” he reminded. “They found a new substance, called Tara100, in the moon. When exposed to oxygen, it would cause an energy exchange resulting in explosion thousands of times greater than the input. They did some tests and gave the data to the Emporium before moving ahead. The computers weaned out the facts of harmful and helpful effect scenarios for the Vlanco population. The results were that the negative effects outweighed the positive and therefore further consideration wasn’t even given by the Advisors. However, as time progresses, the computers may re-examine the analysis later, based on changes in society then alert the Advisors for reconsideration. It seems that most of the research and technology focuses on the welfare and security of the Vlanco people as a whole, but sometimes sacrifices, such as an outlying planet’s people dying from a plague, will take priority. For the most part, no one is in a rush to push through new advances. They seemed to go by the ‘it’s better to be safe than sorry’ approach.”
“I also noticed how they have dealt with aging. As you all know J.W. Hendricks and his international biotech team were the major contributors to the slowing of the aging process in 2019. And while Alex over there is 97...”
“98,” I injected,
“As you wish.” Chip continued, “He looks like what a 40 year old would look like in the 20th century. And while we currently expect human life span to reach 200 years or so, without genetic breakdown, these people have figured out how to stop aging, without side effects. They have the same type of DNA as we do, so this information is a gold mine.”
Chip’s eyes were getting bigger, as he continued his explanations. “They came up with this research about 300 years ago, which is why most of these Vlanco people look so young. Nevertheless, they are very concerned about long life; not for being fit and youthful looking, but rather that it may lead them to a productive and spiritual life.
“Kagor crept up behind me and asked, ‘Chip, how is your research going.’” I jumped, not expecting that low booming voice. I think he did on purpose, because when he saw me startled, he laughed and laughed, like it was comedy night.”
“Our conversation went something like this:”
“‘Hi Kagor, how can I help you?’ I said, exhaling.
‘Chip, I am more interested in your intentions than your help.’
‘What do you mean?’ I said, innocently.
‘Well, from across the room I could see you investigating the aging process and it seemed that your interest may be more self motivated.’
‘How could you tell—I mean know what my motives are?’
That‘s when he started to nag me.
‘Chip, trust me, we can sense these things. At any rate, what I was going to tell you was that longevity in life also means responsibility to the community. Do you agree?’
‘Oh, yes I do.’”
He turned to us in confidentiality. “And I did agree with Kagor. But I never mind getting a little something out of it for myself.”
“‘Even if it means sacrificing benefits for oneself, Chip?’” he said with a knowing look.
“Man this guy was on to me! I couldn’t figure out how this guy knows me so well and how he does it, but in reality he was right, my greedy side can’t help itself.”
I couldn’t have agreed with Chip any more.
“‘Yes...your right,” I said relenting.
‘Good, Chip! I think you are beginning to understand what I mean when I say, Good work and Good heart.’
‘Yea.......oh yea, I guess sooo...’ I said, briefly reconsidering his words.
Chip turned to us with a worried frown.
“These guys are too nice, it really irritates me, was it the same with you Guys?” Without waiting for an answer, Chip continued. “As I finished making some critical notes in my ComPad. Actually I downloaded as much crucial data as I could,” he said with an eh-what-the-hell-look. But the rest of the crew were skeptical of his use of data, due to his volatile past history.
“And since I have always been interested in the cellular neuroscience regarding the biophysical, biochemical, and molecular, I wanted to find any data on the electro-biological interrelational connections so I could observe their methods relative to my own research. In the past, I would have used the Ca102a+ imaging applied to a wide range of model systems cells in amphibia, chemosensory neurons in the nematode, and the brains spatial distribution of voltage, ligand-gated channels and the effects of peptides and second-messenger systems on membrane currents. Then I could take some of the Vlanco...”
Chip saw the yawns in the room. “Nevermind! I see you have no interest in the finer points of my research.”
“Don’t get hostile Chip,” I piped in. We want you to continue, but you’re talking a little over our heads—with maybe the exception of Tammy.”
“Who just plain doesn’t care,” Tammy replied proudly.
I shot a desperate frown to Tammy, then turned back to Chip. “Go ahead Chip, and I know its tough, but just lower the technical aspects a notch and you‘ll be fine.”
“Thanks Alex for your support,” he said, trying to gather himself for the next part of his presentation.
“In a nutshell, they don’t have human/machine memory research.” He sighed. “But that doesn’t mean they don’t have any effective research on the body or research on computer systems. It just means we have to integrate the two.”
“Why do I think your up to something Chip,” I said with a squint.
“What do you mean Alex,” Chip said with a most saintly look.
“Yeah, I do believe your eyes are gettin’ brown, Sticky Fingers,” said Dale.
Dale huffed. “That was a long time ago, Dale, now can I continue please?”
“Its may I continue,” added Tammy with a smirk.
“Thank you, Tammy, it is the first and finest correction I have ever had the honor of receiving from you.”
“You don’t know half of the finest I have, honey.” Tammy blew him a kiss.
“Go girl, go,” said Dale. He and Tammy gave each other a high five.
We were definitely getting sidetracked. “Knock it off guys, let Chip continue,” I scolded. I nodded to Chip.
He continued. “After my fill of medical information, I was lead to an area where they examine data from Astrological research. Kagor guided me to my next destination. It was a very large sterile structure with a dome atop. There were few vehicles operating in the area. Almost all persons walked between the buildings.”
“Kagor walked and talked. ‘Chip, I believe you will enjoy the Astrological complex. I will introduce you to a reputable scientist named Spaest. He is in the process of leading a group of scientist to complete a marvelous assignment of mapping the Galaxy. Incidentally Chip, why is it that you are named Chip and not Christopher?’ Man I gave a sorry, sour look for myself.”
“I took a deep breath. ‘Well Kagor, the short story is that I invented a special integrated chip design, and after that, everyone kept calling me the Chip King or the Chip Guru and as time went on it became just Chip. I had respect from most people at one time, but not after this happened. People have short memories—with the exception for idiotic slang terms!’”
“‘It sounds as though you still harbor some resentment. Should I call you Christopher instead?’ Kagor said, in a sensitive tone.”
“‘Don’t worry about it Kagor, I’m getting used to it. Point me in the direction of the genius Astronomer. I could use some intelligent conversation.’”
“As we entered a large room, I noticed that there was no roofing over the dome on the building. Didn’t seem weatherproof.”
“Kagor moved toward a group of people analyzing some data. ‘Spaest!’ he called out, with his arms extended and a grin on his face.”
“‘Kagor!’ the other guy said slapping his leg. ‘what are you doing on this side of the Emporium.’”
“‘I just came to see you Spaest. You are my favorite Astrological, Physometro, Universal Continuum, space mapper,’” “Then they hugged.”
“‘Your just saying that because you want my wife to cook you another dinner. I know she captured your taste sensors the last time we had you over,’ he chuckled.”
“Kagor laughed. ‘You have cornered me my friend.’”
“Spaest turned to me. ‘So this must be one of the Earth people we have heard about.’”
“‘Yes, this is Chip,’ Kagor said extending his hands toward me, like he was showing off a new automobile.”
“‘What happens when it rains? I said, pointing to where the ceiling should have been.”
“‘Chip, I see you are not one for pleasantries,’ he said, chuckling some more. His chuckle sobered to a short smile, ‘We have a energy field that covers the opening from foreign objects from entering. We have a wonderful view of the stars from here, do you not agree?’”
“‘Actually, it is a very effective viewing area.’ I was mildly impressed."
“Spaest puffed up. ‘I thought you would agree. Now, what is it that I can do for you?’”
“Finally back to science. ‘I wanted to continue my scientific research by examining your portion of the complex. You can either guide me personally, or if you are busy, lead me to the database and I will evaluate the information myself.”
“‘Chip, I think you may be interested in some of the current research we are conducting. However, I am discussing a very interesting conundrum at the moment with my colleagues. Please investigate the database and I will be with you momentarily.’ Spaest bowed quickly and turned to his associates.”
“Excellent! I thought to myself. No one to have polite conversation with. As I found my way to the database, I patted Kagor on the back. ‘Goodbye.’”
“‘I believe you will be happy there. Enjoy yourself, and remember, Good work and—’”
“‘Yeah, I know, good work and good heart.’”
“‘Ha, ha, ha. You are such an interesting Being, Chip.’ His laughter trailed off, as he headed back to the bioengineering structure. I shuddered a bit, then focused my attention to the terminal.”
“‘Query?’ said the female holographic guide.”
“‘Yes. Please direct me to the latest mapping of the Galaxy.’ I glanced over at the two scientists, as they talked, laughed, and debated.”
“‘Excuse me sir, would you like the Fomet Galaxy or another?’”
“‘Computer, please use the terms downloaded from the Earth vessel.’”
“‘Excuse me sir. Would you like the Milky Way Galaxy or another?’”
“I was intrigued. ‘What percentage of outer space has been mapped? And of how many galaxies?’”
“‘Mapping of the Milky Way is 58% complete, mapping of Leo 1 is 24% complete, mapping of Ursa Minor is 7% complete, mapping of Sculptor is 14%, mapping of ...”
“‘Hold it, computer, did you say 58% of the Milky Way has been completely mapped?’”
“‘Yes, that is correct sir.’”
“I was fascinated. ‘Does that include all stars, planets, comets, etc?’”
“‘Yes sir. It also includes planets and some major moons.’”
“‘That is unbelievable! Do you have space craft that travels through the galaxy?’ I half expected an elaborate space exploration network.”
“‘No sir.’”
“‘How then did you retrieve the information for mapping, when space travel is limited to...to....Where is it limited to?’”
“‘Space vehicles travel primarily within the Vlanco solar system.’”
“‘How thorough is mapping accomplished from this distance?’”
“‘The primary tools are space probes, High energy displacement telescopes, and Ravion energy beams.’”
“‘I see. Computer, I would like to investigate the telescopes and this Ravion device. But first, could you show me Earth?’ I wanted to confirm if they knew anything about Earth or were just bluffing.”
“The computer showed a wide view, with differing perspectives and finally a fairly complete picture of Earth. But not in great detail. I was truly astounded and amazed they knew Earth existed. The computer continued to give data at my request. That was until Spaest returned.”
“‘Chip, how are things progressing?’ he inquired.”
“I couldn’t hold back my enthusiasm. ‘This is truly amazing!’”
“‘What is that, Chip?’ Spaest said, leaning his head forward with a confused gaze.”
“‘Your mapping! You must know not only about astronomical bodies, but possibilities for advanced civilizations as well!’”
“‘Yes, Chip, you are correct. We have not initiated contact, but know of several potential life supporting star systems in the galaxy. We have taken a broad sweeping approach to evaluating the stars, and have chosen to let the events happen rather than forcing them in any direction.’”
“‘You mean you haven’t even tried to contact other planets?’”
“‘That is correct Chip.’”
“‘I don’t understand. With the resources you have, it would seem a simple thing.’ They all these resources and never made contact with other planets. Very puzzling, indeed.”
“‘There are many reasons we do not. We focus our primary attention on the mapping process. You Earth people are a good example of allowing the research to come to us, rather than the other way around. Here you are!”
“I almost scowled. ‘But that was an accident. We don’t have the technology to transport this far.’”
“‘There is another reason. It is based upon the ethical boundaries we have set for ourselves.’”
“That sounded like poppycock. ‘Alright, I can respect your view.’”
“I then launched into questions with Spaest regarding technology, which had him responding for the better part of an hour. Spaest seemed to quench my intellectual thirst that Kagor couldn’t. However at one point in the conversation, Spaest turned the questioning back to me.”
“‘Chip, I can see you are very interested in the technological information that we have been discussing; however, is it not of interest that you ask me about my family or other personal issues?’”
“I was blunt. ‘I guess I haven’t asked you for two reasons: one, I don’t even know you, and two, I don’t feel comfortable getting into the touchy feely particulars.’”
“‘Thank you Chip, for your candor,’ said Spaest. ‘May I inquire if technology interests you more than other beings?’”
“‘In many ways it does. But before you continue in this line of thought, I just wanted to let you know that Kagor has already given me my Sunday school lesson for today, so can we stick to the Astrological conversation?’ It seemed we were veering into touchy feely. ‘Better yet, can we continue our discussion tomorrow? I believe I have enough data to pour over for awhile.’”
“‘Certainly Chip, I am sure you have had a busy day.’”
“I went back to my quarters, and began theorizing new concepts from the information I had gathered.”
Chip leaned in with a impish smile. “And you wouldn’t believe what I think the Vlanco’s could do for us.”
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