8. The Chase
Friday had been a good day for Adam. He had been awarded a certificate for an “A” average in his schoolwork. He had enjoyed a party with his schoolmates, and for once no one teased him for being so short, perhaps because the whole class was in good spirits over the end of the school year.
The final bell rang and Adam ran to retrieve his bicycle from where it locked up in the hall. He strapped on his helmet and headed out the door. The street was crowded with students who had left ahead of him, some waiting to board buses. Adam walked his bicycle to the corner preparing to start off down Second Avenue toward 79th street. A stranger wearing a Fedora and dark glasses grabbed his arm and sneered “You're coming with me kid, it's an emergency”. Albert looked up into Polecat's face and tried to pull free, but the man's grip was too strong. An SS agent came up behind Polecat and stuck the blue metal barrel of a Glock semiautomatic pistol in his ear. “Let go of the kid and put your hands over your head”, he roared, then added, “Slowly!”. Polecat let go of Adam with one hand and drew his other hand from his jacket pocket The SS agent reached into that pocket and withdrew a small Saturday night special. He put the firearm in his own pocket and then proceeded to handcuff Polecat's arms behind his head. “Take off Kid”, he barked. “Adam hit the street peddling his bicycle as hard as he could.
While the “G” man was occupied cuffing Polecat the Torch had come out from where he had been hiding. He quickly pulled his Garrote cord around the agent's neck and pulled tight. The agent fought back reaching behind him trying to gouge out Torch's eyes, but the Garrote was pulled tighter and he felt himself blacking out from the pain and strangulation. The secret serviceman fell to the ground just as the dirty van pulled up. Torch fished the agent's keyring from his pocket and the two men jumped into the van as it pulled away from the curb. He identified the key to the handcuffs and released his partner. “What about the other Fed”, Polecat asked. “He was number one for my Garrote”, Torch smirked.
Adam started to head in the direction of the museum through the Central Park 79th street transverse, but out of the corner of his eye he saw the dirty old van in hot pursuit. Adam changed his route and headed north on the east drive thinking he'd try and loose them in the park. He broke east riding through the grass around Turtle Pond and then north. He went through the great lawns over the softball fields and finally reached the 86th street transverse. He then headed west out of the park toward Broadway. On Manhattan's upper west side Broadway is a divided two-way street with the tracks of the Seventh Avenue subway running down it's middle. He hoped he had lost his tail but, as he left the park the van suddenly reappeared behind him. Adam quickly made a decision and turned north on Broadway thinking he could lose his tail in Harlem. The van was still tailing him, but Adam had increased his distance.
Adam's bicycle crossed 110th Street as he entered the Manhattan Valley. Here the ground level drops off to the lowest point on the island. Ahead in the distance he could see the street dipping sharply downhill. Traffic was not too heavy and Adam shifted gears and peddled hard to pick up speed. In the distance at 122nd Street the Seventh Avenue - Broadway local left the subway tunnel and ran elevated to reach the 125th street station high above the street. The tracks never run uphill though, from the subway deep underground at 110th street all the way to 125th they are actually at zero grade with the ground dropping out beneath them, emerging from the tunnel onto the El structure so the trains don't have to fight the grade.
Broadway dove downhill with a slope like San Fransisco's Lombard Street. Adam's bicycle picked up speed, with a boast from gravity he reached over 60 mph. The van was still behind him, accelerating, but it wasn't as nimble as Adam. The sound of horns wailed in the van's path as it's driver cut off slower traffic to keep up with Adam. Adam raced past 122nd Street as the El structure rose beside his path. A southbound local rattled on the tracks above his head as it reentered the tunnel. As he crossed La Salle Street, Adam saw a bus ahead on Tiemann Place approaching Broadway. He arrived at the intersection ahead of the bus and cut sharply in front of it. By this time the van had narrowed the gap. It's driver tried to follow Adam and at the last moment realized he wouldn't make it and steered to vier around the back of the bus. The turn was too tight and he was going too fast. The van T-boned the middle of the bus and came to a stop.
Shaken, but not badly injured the van's occupants continued their pursuit on foot. Adam barely regained control of his bicycle after swerving around the bus. He then made the mistake of looking behind him to see his adversaries still trailing him. Too late, he looked ahead of him. His front tire hit a pothole jolting the path of his bicycle. The bicycle's rear tire bounced sharply upward. Adam was thrown off over the handle bars in the direction of a parked glazier's truck loaded with several large sheets of picture window glass. Tumbling head over heels Adam struck the broadside of the truck spread-eagle. The glass panels exploded into a cloud of shards. The impact rocked the truck on it's suspension and Adam rebounded from it and ricocheted off an upright beam that supported the El. The force of the impact cracked his helmet in half. He finally came to a stop face down in the street. Seeing Adam's plight the terrorists ran away toward the subway station ahead at 125th Street.
In the street there was a sea of broken glass with Adam in the middle of it lying unconscious in a slowly growing pool of his own blood. Miles away a red screen flashed on a computer terminal. The nano tracker buried under the skin of Adam's left arm had reacted to the high G-force of the accident. It found a nearby open wifi connection and hacked it's way onto the internet to send a message to Robert Levinson's computer The nano tracker reported Adam's current location, and his vital signs. Issac received the message and searched for the nearest ambulance to Adam's location. The computer daemon then sent orders to the vehicle's crew to pick Adam up and transport him to the emergency ward at Bellevue relaying them his vital signs and blood type. Issac then send a message to the hospital emergency ward and Dr. Burakku's Blackberry to expect his arrival. Finally, the daemon hacked into the city's traffic computer system to control all the signals in the ambulance's path so it would have a clear route. All the traffic signals on the entrance ramps to the southbound FDR drive behind and ahead of 125th street down to 23rd street were blocked red to reduce traffic in the ambulance's path. Help was on the way.
Atom story re-told in a different way....
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Tetsuwan Penguin
- Robot Revolutionary
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Chapter 8. The Chase
Last edited by Tetsuwan Penguin on Fri Jan 11, 2013 3:29 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Tetsuwan Penguin
- Robot Revolutionary
- Posts: 4714
- Joined: 11 years ago
- Location: Chelmsford, Ma
- Contact:
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Tetsuwan Penguin
- Robot Revolutionary
- Posts: 4714
- Joined: 11 years ago
- Location: Chelmsford, Ma
- Contact:
9. Emergency Treatment
9. Emergency Treatment
Dr. Tenamann and Robert Levinson spent most of Friday finalizing and testing the android soldier's software. They put the polishing touches on the demonstration scripts and then backed up everything onto the server farm. Albert spent the rest of the afternoon looking at the metallurgical data for the 'T.A.T.' super alloy he would soon have access to. “Fascinating stuff”, he told Bob. “Besides the rigid structural form of the material, the alloy can also exist as an elastic material that when rolled thin enough can stretch and bend much like human skin. In this form it is impervious to being torn or punctured, and is only slightly electrically conductive. It's too bad I didn't have this stuff to make our prototype body out of. With enough horsepower it would have been able to punch its way into a bank vault!” “Well, there will probably be a follow up model”, Simon said walking over.
Albert looked at his watch and saw that it was almost four o'clock. “I wonder what's keeping Adam”, he said. “He's usually here by now, school let out almost an hour ago”. Suddenly Issac's image appeared on the computer terminal. “Hey boss, you here?”, his electronic voice rang out though the computers speakers. “Found us!”, Robert said looking into the web-cam. “I've just dispatched an ambulance to take Adam to the emergency ward at Bellevue”, he informed. “His implanted nano tracker's medical sensors started screaming at me indicating that he had just been in a serious accident. He should be in triage just about now according to the GPS in the ambulance”. “WHAT!”, Simon and Albert replied in chorus. “We'll take my Corvette”, Simon ordered. “Issac, track Simon's car via his On-Star and hack the traffic signals along the route”, Bob barked. “I'll be in my lab if you need me”, he added.
The ambulance had crossed 125th street and entered the FDR drive southbound. Thanks to Issac's influence on the traffic signals it made good time, arriving at 23rd Street in minutes. It drove past the VA hospital toward Bellevue across the street. A team of doctors lead by Dr. Burakku was already waiting. Adam was wheeled in on a gurney bed, with I.V. bags already attached to replace lost blood plasma. Simon's red sports car managed 120 mph along parts of the FDR drive. Not only did Issac clear the traffic lights, he managed to arrange for a police escort.
Adam was already in an O.R. by the time Simon had double parked the 'vette throwing the keys at an intern to properly park it. They quickly found an admitting nurse who could locate where Adam had been taken, Albert insisted on seeing his son, but the nurse told him it was quite impossible as he was already in surgery. Simon pulled the nurse aside and whispered in her ear. She then walked up to Albert and said “If you'd like I can get you both into the O.R.'s balcony overlook”. “Thank you”, Albert said meekly. Simon declined the offer and found a waiting area while Albert was led into the observation balcony above the operating room floor.
Albert stood at the window of the balcony overlooking the operating table. Dr. Burakku was working on Adam assisted only by a few nurses who supplied him with fresh instruments, suctioned away excess blood, or mopped the sweat from his forehead. One other surgeon sat a few feet from Albert watching the operation. Dr. Tenamann had a medical degree, though his knowledge had mostly been used to develop prostheses devices and medical electronics. He had scrubbed in to observe operations first hand during his medical education, and had even assisted in a few simple procedures. He had seen many operations performed by some top notch surgeons, but never had he seen the likes of this one. Dr. Burakku's skill and speed with the scalpel was unprecedented. By the time Albert had arrived he had opened the boys chest and had repaired a small tear in his aorta caused by an impaled shard of glass. Many of Adam's vital organs had been damaged by the impact. Dr. Burakku had to remove his spleen and part of his liver, with proper diet one can live without the former and the latter organ is one of the few in the human body that can regenerate itself. One kidney was badly damaged and had to be removed, the other was repairable. The boy could survive with just one good one. Both of his lungs were partly collapsed. Dr. Burakku drained them of fluid and was able to re inflate them. He had several fractured ribs which had been set together by stainless steel surgical wire. Adam had severe trauma to his skull and a drainage tube had been inserted to relieve pressure on his brain. Finally the doctor turned to Adams limbs. Both legs had compound fractures and one arm had suffered a simple one. He reached for the intercom microphone and looking up at the balcony asked, “Dr. Grey, would you mind scrubbing in to assist me by closing the boy's chest cavity while I repair his fractures?”. The man sitting next to Albert walked up to the intercom and pressed the talk button, “I'll be right down Dr. Burakku”, he replied. He left through the back door and reappeared downstairs in a few minutes. Dr. Grey bound the boys ribcage back together with surgical wire and started to suture his chest closed while Dr. Burakku set the boys fractured legs and sutured the wounds. He then applied temporary casts to both legs and the arm. Dr. Grey had not quite finished with his sutures by the time Dr. Burakku was finished.
Adam was wheeled out of the O.R. and was moved to recovery in the laboratory section where Albert's brain analyzer machine was located. Dr. Burakku put the boy's bed next to the machine and hooked him up to the usual hospital monitoring equipment. Albert and Simon followed. “Why did you bring him here?” Albert questioned. “Your son is in very critical condition. I've already had to insert a drainage tube at the base of his skull to relive pressure on his brain. I want to carefully monitor his condition just in case I need to perform emergency brain surgery, he's still in danger of slipping into a coma. Your equipment is actually more suited to the task than anything the hospital has”, he explained. “Also, I think it would be a very good idea to get a capture of Adam's brain image, just in case”, he added. “The test subjects we worked on last week fell asleep during the procedure. The machine actually got a higher definition capture of a sleeping subject. While your son is under sedation would be a good time to try this”, he added.
Simon nodded. “I've already got Bob standing by at the other end.”, “I guess so”, Albert sighed and he started to initialize his equipment for a run. He carefully placed the superconducting pickup coil pillow under Adams head and applied the EEG electrode stickers to the boy's shaved scalp. They moved the bed over to the machine so Adam's head was inside the magnetic pickup chamber. Albert used the mouse to click the start icon on the computer screen to initiate the process.
Dr. Tenamann and Robert Levinson spent most of Friday finalizing and testing the android soldier's software. They put the polishing touches on the demonstration scripts and then backed up everything onto the server farm. Albert spent the rest of the afternoon looking at the metallurgical data for the 'T.A.T.' super alloy he would soon have access to. “Fascinating stuff”, he told Bob. “Besides the rigid structural form of the material, the alloy can also exist as an elastic material that when rolled thin enough can stretch and bend much like human skin. In this form it is impervious to being torn or punctured, and is only slightly electrically conductive. It's too bad I didn't have this stuff to make our prototype body out of. With enough horsepower it would have been able to punch its way into a bank vault!” “Well, there will probably be a follow up model”, Simon said walking over.
Albert looked at his watch and saw that it was almost four o'clock. “I wonder what's keeping Adam”, he said. “He's usually here by now, school let out almost an hour ago”. Suddenly Issac's image appeared on the computer terminal. “Hey boss, you here?”, his electronic voice rang out though the computers speakers. “Found us!”, Robert said looking into the web-cam. “I've just dispatched an ambulance to take Adam to the emergency ward at Bellevue”, he informed. “His implanted nano tracker's medical sensors started screaming at me indicating that he had just been in a serious accident. He should be in triage just about now according to the GPS in the ambulance”. “WHAT!”, Simon and Albert replied in chorus. “We'll take my Corvette”, Simon ordered. “Issac, track Simon's car via his On-Star and hack the traffic signals along the route”, Bob barked. “I'll be in my lab if you need me”, he added.
The ambulance had crossed 125th street and entered the FDR drive southbound. Thanks to Issac's influence on the traffic signals it made good time, arriving at 23rd Street in minutes. It drove past the VA hospital toward Bellevue across the street. A team of doctors lead by Dr. Burakku was already waiting. Adam was wheeled in on a gurney bed, with I.V. bags already attached to replace lost blood plasma. Simon's red sports car managed 120 mph along parts of the FDR drive. Not only did Issac clear the traffic lights, he managed to arrange for a police escort.
Adam was already in an O.R. by the time Simon had double parked the 'vette throwing the keys at an intern to properly park it. They quickly found an admitting nurse who could locate where Adam had been taken, Albert insisted on seeing his son, but the nurse told him it was quite impossible as he was already in surgery. Simon pulled the nurse aside and whispered in her ear. She then walked up to Albert and said “If you'd like I can get you both into the O.R.'s balcony overlook”. “Thank you”, Albert said meekly. Simon declined the offer and found a waiting area while Albert was led into the observation balcony above the operating room floor.
Albert stood at the window of the balcony overlooking the operating table. Dr. Burakku was working on Adam assisted only by a few nurses who supplied him with fresh instruments, suctioned away excess blood, or mopped the sweat from his forehead. One other surgeon sat a few feet from Albert watching the operation. Dr. Tenamann had a medical degree, though his knowledge had mostly been used to develop prostheses devices and medical electronics. He had scrubbed in to observe operations first hand during his medical education, and had even assisted in a few simple procedures. He had seen many operations performed by some top notch surgeons, but never had he seen the likes of this one. Dr. Burakku's skill and speed with the scalpel was unprecedented. By the time Albert had arrived he had opened the boys chest and had repaired a small tear in his aorta caused by an impaled shard of glass. Many of Adam's vital organs had been damaged by the impact. Dr. Burakku had to remove his spleen and part of his liver, with proper diet one can live without the former and the latter organ is one of the few in the human body that can regenerate itself. One kidney was badly damaged and had to be removed, the other was repairable. The boy could survive with just one good one. Both of his lungs were partly collapsed. Dr. Burakku drained them of fluid and was able to re inflate them. He had several fractured ribs which had been set together by stainless steel surgical wire. Adam had severe trauma to his skull and a drainage tube had been inserted to relieve pressure on his brain. Finally the doctor turned to Adams limbs. Both legs had compound fractures and one arm had suffered a simple one. He reached for the intercom microphone and looking up at the balcony asked, “Dr. Grey, would you mind scrubbing in to assist me by closing the boy's chest cavity while I repair his fractures?”. The man sitting next to Albert walked up to the intercom and pressed the talk button, “I'll be right down Dr. Burakku”, he replied. He left through the back door and reappeared downstairs in a few minutes. Dr. Grey bound the boys ribcage back together with surgical wire and started to suture his chest closed while Dr. Burakku set the boys fractured legs and sutured the wounds. He then applied temporary casts to both legs and the arm. Dr. Grey had not quite finished with his sutures by the time Dr. Burakku was finished.
Adam was wheeled out of the O.R. and was moved to recovery in the laboratory section where Albert's brain analyzer machine was located. Dr. Burakku put the boy's bed next to the machine and hooked him up to the usual hospital monitoring equipment. Albert and Simon followed. “Why did you bring him here?” Albert questioned. “Your son is in very critical condition. I've already had to insert a drainage tube at the base of his skull to relive pressure on his brain. I want to carefully monitor his condition just in case I need to perform emergency brain surgery, he's still in danger of slipping into a coma. Your equipment is actually more suited to the task than anything the hospital has”, he explained. “Also, I think it would be a very good idea to get a capture of Adam's brain image, just in case”, he added. “The test subjects we worked on last week fell asleep during the procedure. The machine actually got a higher definition capture of a sleeping subject. While your son is under sedation would be a good time to try this”, he added.
Simon nodded. “I've already got Bob standing by at the other end.”, “I guess so”, Albert sighed and he started to initialize his equipment for a run. He carefully placed the superconducting pickup coil pillow under Adams head and applied the EEG electrode stickers to the boy's shaved scalp. They moved the bed over to the machine so Adam's head was inside the magnetic pickup chamber. Albert used the mouse to click the start icon on the computer screen to initiate the process.
Last edited by Tetsuwan Penguin on Sun Jan 13, 2013 12:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Tetsuwan Penguin
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10. Coma
10. Coma
Adam had been under readout of Albert's brain scanner for about an hour and a half. His vital signs had remained strong enough that Dr. Burakku saw no reasons to stop the machine for any further treatment, but his eyes never left the monitors. Adam's sedation was wearing off and he briefly opened his eyes to notice his surroundings. He recognized the blurry image of his father and smiled painfully before drifting back into unconsciousness. Three hours later, the progress bars on the computer's GUI had reached over 99%. It's all here, Bob said, his voice coming over the computer link from his laboratory on the upper east side. Albert turned off the capture as it had completed. He started to disconnect his son from the machine but Dr. Burakku waved his hand. Leave him connected and the EEG monitoring readout on, he said. I want to keep an eye on him for at least a few days. Can you program the system to issue an alarm if the readings drop to a critical level? he asked. I can do that, Albert said. He navigated though the setup menus and configured the alarm settings. I'll leave Isaac interfaced to the machine so he can grab us though our Blackberrys if Adam's condition worsens, Bob suggested.
Come with me Albert, Simon gestured. Let's get you something to eat. I'm not that hungry, Albert insisted. Come on, it's after midnight and we've both been here since around 4:30. Your son has a long road ahead of him and we'll be notified if there are any changes in his condition, hopefully for the better, Simon said. They found the hospital cafeteria which though short staffed at this hour had some cold sandwiches, hot soup and coffee available full time. Simon settled on a chicken salad on rye with a cup of black coffee. He handed Albert a turkey club on whole wheat, Albert filled a mug with hot water and plopped a green tea tea-bag into it. Simon paid for both using a pocket full of small change, mostly dimes and nickels. Albert didn't try and guess why his associate kept his pockets full of coins all the time. They sat and ate silently. Finally when he had finished his sandwich Simon spoke, I've already texted the General to tell him that the demonstration has been canceled, he said. You're not going to be in any state of mind to be of any use, and I'm not going to try to take your place. Bob will probably want to keep debugging his already perfect software anyway. His kind of geek isn't happy till everything is 102% perfect anyway. I'm going back to sit with Adam, Albert said. No you're not, Simon replied. Bob had Issac check you into a hotel room a few block from here. It's not the Waldorf but it's clean and safe. You can be back here in the morning, Keep you phone on by your bedside, Issac will wake you if anything changes that requires you back sooner.
Albert woke at 7:30 when the sun rose high enough to beam into his hotel window. He showered and shaved quickly and got dressed. Someone had gone to his house to raid the closet and he had found a clean set of clothes on his bed upon entering the hotel room early that morning. Bless Bob and Amy he thought. Passing though the hotel lobby he noticed an urn full of fresh brewed coffee and a small pile of thick paper cups. He poured himself a cup to go and walked out on to Third Avenue. It was just two avenue blocks to the Hospital from his small hotel and it took him less than ten minutes to walk the distance. He passed a waiting area as he entered the hospital heading for the laboratory area and served himself a fresh cup of black coffee in a clean paper cup. When he reached Adam's bedside he found Dr. Burakku half asleep on a cot a few feet from his son. The Doctor woke when Albert entered. Have you been here all night?, Albert asked. Yes, I didn't want to trust any of the nurses with keeping watch. I've been catnapping on and off all night. he added. Albert handed him the yet untouched cup of java, Here, you can use this more than I can.
Adam's EEG readings have been slowly decreasing, Dr Burakku explained. It's not critical yet, and they do bounce up and down, but the trend has been in a downward direction. If I don't start to see an improvement soon I may need to open his skull and do an exploratory procedure to find the cause. I'm going to schedule a CAT scan and an MRI for later today in any case, he added. Has he regained consciousness at any time? Dr. Tenamann inquired? Only once for a few seconds. He didn't speak, just briefly moaned and drifted away again, Burakku said.
Several hours later Adam was disconnected from the instruments and wheeled over to another part of the hospital. He spent the next hour in both the CAT scan and MRI machines and was then returned to his room. Albert had followed him every step of the way. Dr. Burakku read the results himself. I don't see anything obvious, he analyzed. The CAT scan does suggest the possibility of a hematoma just under the top of his skull, he added. If his vitals otherwise remain strong, I think I should operate soon to fix that. I trust your judgment, Albert said.
Late that afternoon Albert again found himself in the O.R. balcony. Dr. Burakku had invited him to scrub in to watch from inside the O.R. but Albert declined. It's not that I'm squeamish because it's my son, he explained, I just don't want to destroy your concentration'. That wouldn't happen, Dr. Burakku said, but I fully understand. Once again Albert marveled at the precession at which the doctor operated. He carefully opened the top of Adam's skull and probed with his instruments. He did find a small bleed and sutured a few small blood vessels. Adam was returned to his room with a fresh bandage wrapped around his head. I hope I've found the problem, he told Albert. There still could be some other damage deeper inside his brain, but I can't do much without the risk of further damage that could leave him much worse off. So once again we wait, Albert sighed.
Adam's condition seemed to improve for awhile. The EEG readings spiked upward and he again woke to a twilight condition where he seemed to recognize Albert and Simon. Dad...., he tried to speak but only mouthed the words before drifting back to sleep again. I'm going to put him on a feeding tube, Dr. Burakku decided. It doesn't seem likely that your son is going to regain full consciousness any time soon and his IV only replaces lost fluids. I need to keep his strength up if he is to recover. Again, I will accept your judgment on that, Albert agreed.
Albert returned to his hotel room for a few hours of sleep. Adam's condition seemed grim, but stable. He angrily banged his fist on the nightstand. Adam wouldn't be in this condition if it hadn't been for his project. He decided he knew what he had to do. He'd go back to the lab and destroy the prototype and delete all the data on his project from the computer system.
Adam had been under readout of Albert's brain scanner for about an hour and a half. His vital signs had remained strong enough that Dr. Burakku saw no reasons to stop the machine for any further treatment, but his eyes never left the monitors. Adam's sedation was wearing off and he briefly opened his eyes to notice his surroundings. He recognized the blurry image of his father and smiled painfully before drifting back into unconsciousness. Three hours later, the progress bars on the computer's GUI had reached over 99%. It's all here, Bob said, his voice coming over the computer link from his laboratory on the upper east side. Albert turned off the capture as it had completed. He started to disconnect his son from the machine but Dr. Burakku waved his hand. Leave him connected and the EEG monitoring readout on, he said. I want to keep an eye on him for at least a few days. Can you program the system to issue an alarm if the readings drop to a critical level? he asked. I can do that, Albert said. He navigated though the setup menus and configured the alarm settings. I'll leave Isaac interfaced to the machine so he can grab us though our Blackberrys if Adam's condition worsens, Bob suggested.
Come with me Albert, Simon gestured. Let's get you something to eat. I'm not that hungry, Albert insisted. Come on, it's after midnight and we've both been here since around 4:30. Your son has a long road ahead of him and we'll be notified if there are any changes in his condition, hopefully for the better, Simon said. They found the hospital cafeteria which though short staffed at this hour had some cold sandwiches, hot soup and coffee available full time. Simon settled on a chicken salad on rye with a cup of black coffee. He handed Albert a turkey club on whole wheat, Albert filled a mug with hot water and plopped a green tea tea-bag into it. Simon paid for both using a pocket full of small change, mostly dimes and nickels. Albert didn't try and guess why his associate kept his pockets full of coins all the time. They sat and ate silently. Finally when he had finished his sandwich Simon spoke, I've already texted the General to tell him that the demonstration has been canceled, he said. You're not going to be in any state of mind to be of any use, and I'm not going to try to take your place. Bob will probably want to keep debugging his already perfect software anyway. His kind of geek isn't happy till everything is 102% perfect anyway. I'm going back to sit with Adam, Albert said. No you're not, Simon replied. Bob had Issac check you into a hotel room a few block from here. It's not the Waldorf but it's clean and safe. You can be back here in the morning, Keep you phone on by your bedside, Issac will wake you if anything changes that requires you back sooner.
Albert woke at 7:30 when the sun rose high enough to beam into his hotel window. He showered and shaved quickly and got dressed. Someone had gone to his house to raid the closet and he had found a clean set of clothes on his bed upon entering the hotel room early that morning. Bless Bob and Amy he thought. Passing though the hotel lobby he noticed an urn full of fresh brewed coffee and a small pile of thick paper cups. He poured himself a cup to go and walked out on to Third Avenue. It was just two avenue blocks to the Hospital from his small hotel and it took him less than ten minutes to walk the distance. He passed a waiting area as he entered the hospital heading for the laboratory area and served himself a fresh cup of black coffee in a clean paper cup. When he reached Adam's bedside he found Dr. Burakku half asleep on a cot a few feet from his son. The Doctor woke when Albert entered. Have you been here all night?, Albert asked. Yes, I didn't want to trust any of the nurses with keeping watch. I've been catnapping on and off all night. he added. Albert handed him the yet untouched cup of java, Here, you can use this more than I can.
Adam's EEG readings have been slowly decreasing, Dr Burakku explained. It's not critical yet, and they do bounce up and down, but the trend has been in a downward direction. If I don't start to see an improvement soon I may need to open his skull and do an exploratory procedure to find the cause. I'm going to schedule a CAT scan and an MRI for later today in any case, he added. Has he regained consciousness at any time? Dr. Tenamann inquired? Only once for a few seconds. He didn't speak, just briefly moaned and drifted away again, Burakku said.
Several hours later Adam was disconnected from the instruments and wheeled over to another part of the hospital. He spent the next hour in both the CAT scan and MRI machines and was then returned to his room. Albert had followed him every step of the way. Dr. Burakku read the results himself. I don't see anything obvious, he analyzed. The CAT scan does suggest the possibility of a hematoma just under the top of his skull, he added. If his vitals otherwise remain strong, I think I should operate soon to fix that. I trust your judgment, Albert said.
Late that afternoon Albert again found himself in the O.R. balcony. Dr. Burakku had invited him to scrub in to watch from inside the O.R. but Albert declined. It's not that I'm squeamish because it's my son, he explained, I just don't want to destroy your concentration'. That wouldn't happen, Dr. Burakku said, but I fully understand. Once again Albert marveled at the precession at which the doctor operated. He carefully opened the top of Adam's skull and probed with his instruments. He did find a small bleed and sutured a few small blood vessels. Adam was returned to his room with a fresh bandage wrapped around his head. I hope I've found the problem, he told Albert. There still could be some other damage deeper inside his brain, but I can't do much without the risk of further damage that could leave him much worse off. So once again we wait, Albert sighed.
Adam's condition seemed to improve for awhile. The EEG readings spiked upward and he again woke to a twilight condition where he seemed to recognize Albert and Simon. Dad...., he tried to speak but only mouthed the words before drifting back to sleep again. I'm going to put him on a feeding tube, Dr. Burakku decided. It doesn't seem likely that your son is going to regain full consciousness any time soon and his IV only replaces lost fluids. I need to keep his strength up if he is to recover. Again, I will accept your judgment on that, Albert agreed.
Albert returned to his hotel room for a few hours of sleep. Adam's condition seemed grim, but stable. He angrily banged his fist on the nightstand. Adam wouldn't be in this condition if it hadn't been for his project. He decided he knew what he had to do. He'd go back to the lab and destroy the prototype and delete all the data on his project from the computer system.
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Tetsuwan Penguin
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11. Albert's Decision
11. Albert's Decision
Simon Green had gone back to his office. There were other projects that he had been neglecting other than Albert's. General Hayes hadn't been happy about the situation, but he knew there was nothing he could do about it, and he also knew that it was at least partly his fault. “General 'Disaster' will probably shoot off a couple of memos redoubling his efforts to find the leak in his department”, Simon thought to himself. Issac's image walked onto Simon's computer screen. “I've just intercepted a system wide file delete request from Albert's computer.”, the daemon told him. “I've let Albert think his actions have happened, but the backups on the mainframe are quite intact”, it added. “Thanks Issac”, Simon replied wondering to himself if he was going insane talking to a computer daemon like it was a real person.
Albert wasn't in his office so Simon ran downstairs to the lower level laboratory where the prototype was located. Albert had already started attacking it with a screwdriver. “What do you think you are doing?”, Simon asked. “This is what put Adam in the hospital!”, Dr. Tenamann sobbed. I'm going to take it apart and melt down the pieces.” “You know I can't allow that”, Simon said. “Go back to the hospital and sit by your son. You'll feel better about this project when he recovers”. “That doesn't seem likely”, Albert cried. “He's drifted back closer to a coma, his EEG readings are lower than ever. I'm loosing him!” Simon was unaware of the latest development. He picked up the phone and ordered two security guards to enter the laboratory. “Albert, these gentlemen will escort you back to your office area. They will keep you under guard until you settle down and then you may either go home or back to Belleview. I'm going to cancel your access to this facility until I think you're ready to return” he explained.
Albert sat in his office sobbing. He stared at his Japan museum in the back. Robert Levinson walked in and motioned for the guards to wait outside the office so they could talk in private. Simon agreed and walked out with the guards leaving Albert and Bob together. Bob brought up Issac on Albert's computer. “Isaac, please activate the bug jamming protocol in this office”, he asked. “Simon has already blocked that request”, the daemon replied. “I can't obey you I'm sorry”. “Issac”, Bob spoke again, “Security protocol override, code NCC1701D-memory Alpha”. “OK Bob, override accepted!”, Issac replied. “I always leave myself a back door!”, Bob bragged to himself.
“Albert”, Robert whispered. “I have a better idea. I've got the high end quantum processor all assembled and ready to go. Adam's brain dump has been processed and is perfect! Give me the word and I'll put him in the processor. We can swap them out and put him in the prototype.” Albert's eyes lite up for a minute then faded. “No, that won't work. You can't put a boy into the body of a hulk. He wouldn't feel right. Besides, that prototype is primitive”. Bob scratched his chin. “Well maybe you could do better with the new material, the foundry is now up and running. I'd have to convince Simon that your sanity is back to normal though so we can get you in here.” “Either that, or you could hack my access rights back”, Albert smiled. “Yeah there is that too”, Bob laughed.
Albert walked to the back of the office and stared at the poster artwork signed by the god of manga. He started to laugh maniacally as he moved his fingers over the cartoon blueprint. Bob looked at him and the poster and the irony dawned on him. “Dr. Tenma, I presume?”, he asked. Albert turned and looked at Bob, “Why not? I now actually have all the required ingredients.” he giggled. “You realize that you haven't lost your son yet. Dr. Burakku is still on the case. I believe Adam will pull through”, Bob reassured him. “Well Adam said he wanted a robot playmate just like himself. He even suggested how I should build it. When he pulls through he'll have a twin brother”, Albert replied. “Yeah, the project will act as therapy for you as well”, Bob added.
“Are you sure you talked some sense into him?”, Simon worried. “Yes we see eye to eye on this. Albert wants to start on the second phase right now. I dangled the new toys in his face and he made a quick recovery. You know it takes a geek to talk sense into one”, Bob explained. “OK, I'll return Albert to active status around here”, Simon said, “But if he snaps you're both in trouble!”.
Albert's fingers made the mouse fly. He worked quickly putting together pages of blueprints while cross referencing some old plans he pulled up from the old skunk-works files he hidden away in the archives from his days at Area 51. Bob instructed Issac to hid Albert's work from Simon's access. He wasn't to sure what Simon would say if he looked too closely at the plans for the new four foot high prototype. Bob pulled up the plans on his own computer out of curiosity and was shocked. “What the hell is Albert thinking!”, he thought. “OK the micro-tele-scopic night vision cameras and the super high sensitivity wide band microphones aren't too crazy, but THIS!”, Running back to Albert's office he pulled out the first volume of the Black Horse reprints of the old mangas. “My god!”, he slapped his forehead, “Now I remember!”
Bob ran into the lower laboratory to find Albert sorting though an assemblage of old parts. He recognized the He3 75 megawatt fusion generator and the ion-plasma jet engines but another object seemed unknown to him. “What the hell is this!”, he asked (but had already seen it on the plans). “You remember what those jet engines were for don't you?”, Albert reminded him. “Yeah that mini A-10 Warthog drone, right?”, Bob guessed. “Yes, and what else was supposed to be in there?”, Albert teased him. “You tell me”, Bob demanded. “That Robert, is a pair of micro-caliber sub-miniature Gatling guns that shoot depleted uranium armor piercing shells. Next to those you probably recognize the sub-miniature two megawatt CO2 laser assembly developed for the next generation fighter”, he added. “I noticed all that”, Bob huffed. “The laser is to be mounted in the android's right arm and shot through a window in the palm of it's hand. Those 'cannons' are to be found one on either side of it's hips. The plasma jets are, of course, located in the lower portions of each leg Aren't we taking this a bit too literally?”, he questioned.
“Don't worry Bob”, Albert explained. “Adam's autonomic firmware will have the various weapons systems disabled. He won't be aware of their existence unless he finds himself under extreme duress. Sort of an electronic adrenaline reaction. I just thought this was a good opportunity to test out an advanced system for the military.” “More work for me”, Bob gave in. “I'll fine tune the autonomic processor to handle everything”.
Simon Green had gone back to his office. There were other projects that he had been neglecting other than Albert's. General Hayes hadn't been happy about the situation, but he knew there was nothing he could do about it, and he also knew that it was at least partly his fault. “General 'Disaster' will probably shoot off a couple of memos redoubling his efforts to find the leak in his department”, Simon thought to himself. Issac's image walked onto Simon's computer screen. “I've just intercepted a system wide file delete request from Albert's computer.”, the daemon told him. “I've let Albert think his actions have happened, but the backups on the mainframe are quite intact”, it added. “Thanks Issac”, Simon replied wondering to himself if he was going insane talking to a computer daemon like it was a real person.
Albert wasn't in his office so Simon ran downstairs to the lower level laboratory where the prototype was located. Albert had already started attacking it with a screwdriver. “What do you think you are doing?”, Simon asked. “This is what put Adam in the hospital!”, Dr. Tenamann sobbed. I'm going to take it apart and melt down the pieces.” “You know I can't allow that”, Simon said. “Go back to the hospital and sit by your son. You'll feel better about this project when he recovers”. “That doesn't seem likely”, Albert cried. “He's drifted back closer to a coma, his EEG readings are lower than ever. I'm loosing him!” Simon was unaware of the latest development. He picked up the phone and ordered two security guards to enter the laboratory. “Albert, these gentlemen will escort you back to your office area. They will keep you under guard until you settle down and then you may either go home or back to Belleview. I'm going to cancel your access to this facility until I think you're ready to return” he explained.
Albert sat in his office sobbing. He stared at his Japan museum in the back. Robert Levinson walked in and motioned for the guards to wait outside the office so they could talk in private. Simon agreed and walked out with the guards leaving Albert and Bob together. Bob brought up Issac on Albert's computer. “Isaac, please activate the bug jamming protocol in this office”, he asked. “Simon has already blocked that request”, the daemon replied. “I can't obey you I'm sorry”. “Issac”, Bob spoke again, “Security protocol override, code NCC1701D-memory Alpha”. “OK Bob, override accepted!”, Issac replied. “I always leave myself a back door!”, Bob bragged to himself.
“Albert”, Robert whispered. “I have a better idea. I've got the high end quantum processor all assembled and ready to go. Adam's brain dump has been processed and is perfect! Give me the word and I'll put him in the processor. We can swap them out and put him in the prototype.” Albert's eyes lite up for a minute then faded. “No, that won't work. You can't put a boy into the body of a hulk. He wouldn't feel right. Besides, that prototype is primitive”. Bob scratched his chin. “Well maybe you could do better with the new material, the foundry is now up and running. I'd have to convince Simon that your sanity is back to normal though so we can get you in here.” “Either that, or you could hack my access rights back”, Albert smiled. “Yeah there is that too”, Bob laughed.
Albert walked to the back of the office and stared at the poster artwork signed by the god of manga. He started to laugh maniacally as he moved his fingers over the cartoon blueprint. Bob looked at him and the poster and the irony dawned on him. “Dr. Tenma, I presume?”, he asked. Albert turned and looked at Bob, “Why not? I now actually have all the required ingredients.” he giggled. “You realize that you haven't lost your son yet. Dr. Burakku is still on the case. I believe Adam will pull through”, Bob reassured him. “Well Adam said he wanted a robot playmate just like himself. He even suggested how I should build it. When he pulls through he'll have a twin brother”, Albert replied. “Yeah, the project will act as therapy for you as well”, Bob added.
“Are you sure you talked some sense into him?”, Simon worried. “Yes we see eye to eye on this. Albert wants to start on the second phase right now. I dangled the new toys in his face and he made a quick recovery. You know it takes a geek to talk sense into one”, Bob explained. “OK, I'll return Albert to active status around here”, Simon said, “But if he snaps you're both in trouble!”.
Albert's fingers made the mouse fly. He worked quickly putting together pages of blueprints while cross referencing some old plans he pulled up from the old skunk-works files he hidden away in the archives from his days at Area 51. Bob instructed Issac to hid Albert's work from Simon's access. He wasn't to sure what Simon would say if he looked too closely at the plans for the new four foot high prototype. Bob pulled up the plans on his own computer out of curiosity and was shocked. “What the hell is Albert thinking!”, he thought. “OK the micro-tele-scopic night vision cameras and the super high sensitivity wide band microphones aren't too crazy, but THIS!”, Running back to Albert's office he pulled out the first volume of the Black Horse reprints of the old mangas. “My god!”, he slapped his forehead, “Now I remember!”
Bob ran into the lower laboratory to find Albert sorting though an assemblage of old parts. He recognized the He3 75 megawatt fusion generator and the ion-plasma jet engines but another object seemed unknown to him. “What the hell is this!”, he asked (but had already seen it on the plans). “You remember what those jet engines were for don't you?”, Albert reminded him. “Yeah that mini A-10 Warthog drone, right?”, Bob guessed. “Yes, and what else was supposed to be in there?”, Albert teased him. “You tell me”, Bob demanded. “That Robert, is a pair of micro-caliber sub-miniature Gatling guns that shoot depleted uranium armor piercing shells. Next to those you probably recognize the sub-miniature two megawatt CO2 laser assembly developed for the next generation fighter”, he added. “I noticed all that”, Bob huffed. “The laser is to be mounted in the android's right arm and shot through a window in the palm of it's hand. Those 'cannons' are to be found one on either side of it's hips. The plasma jets are, of course, located in the lower portions of each leg Aren't we taking this a bit too literally?”, he questioned.
“Don't worry Bob”, Albert explained. “Adam's autonomic firmware will have the various weapons systems disabled. He won't be aware of their existence unless he finds himself under extreme duress. Sort of an electronic adrenaline reaction. I just thought this was a good opportunity to test out an advanced system for the military.” “More work for me”, Bob gave in. “I'll fine tune the autonomic processor to handle everything”.
Last edited by Tetsuwan Penguin on Sat Jan 12, 2013 10:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Tetsuwan Penguin
- Robot Revolutionary
- Posts: 4714
- Joined: 11 years ago
- Location: Chelmsford, Ma
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Chapter 12. Child of Science
12. Child of Science
A week had passed. Albert alternated between the laboratory and the hospital. Adam's condition hadn't changed very much. He was in a semi-comatose state. His EEG readings had dropped very low and he had marginal reaction to light, his eyes only slowly dilating in reaction to strong light Dr. Burakku performed other tests including several CAT scans at different angles. He performed one more exploratory surgery and had found and corrected some more minor bleeding, but nothing changed. Still he felt sure that the boy's brain was trying to heal itself from within and he refused to terminate the life supportive efforts.
The foundry had delivered the parts Albert had designed. Now came the task of assembly. There were miles of wiring, most of which was in the from of cable assemblies produced by the automated plant from Albert's electronic blueprints. The robot's hands and face were carefully sculpted from the flexible super material. They looked almost human, down to the fingernails on the hands and the eyebrows on the face. Yet a very close examination would give away the fact that it was artificial by the imperfections in the pores and the hair follicles. The face itself was a bit cartoon like because of the size of the robot's eyes, they had to be a bit larger than life to fit the television cameras and lenses that would give Adam (or should that be 'Atom' Dr. Tenamann had started to wonder) vision that would rival Superman's. Finally the hairline and style that Albert had designed for his creation was just a bit 'plasitc' like, even though composed of individual hair fibers. It reflected his son's pleasure in styling his own hair like his favorite manga character.
They took extra security precautions while installing the top secret bits. Albert was rightly worried about using the Area 51 components and Bob had Issac monitor for any security screening of the laboratory from Simon's office. “What worries me”, Albert said, “Is what is going to happen the first time we start up that He3 reactor. From what I remember from my Area 51 days, it took a hell of a lot of power to kick start, though once going it idled at micro-watts. We might dim all the lights in Manhattan when we bring 'Atom' to life.” Bob noticed that Albert had started to refer to his creation by the name of the Manga character rather than by his son's name. He hoped that meant that Albert hadn't written Adam off as dead in his mind. “We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, I guess”, he suggested.
Across the Hudson Torch and Polecat had been laying low. It took them a while to find out about Albert Tenamann's son. Despite Simon's precautions the pentagon mole had finally found where Adam had been taken for treatment. “The kid isn't dead, he's recuperating over at Bellevue”, Torch said. “So do we snatch him from the hospital?”, Polecat asked. “I'm not sure that would be a good idea, yet”, he thought. “I'm not sure about his condition, if he's very badly injured we'd be signing his death warrant if we snatched him, and we need him alive. “However,” he added, “It might be easier now to put the grab on his old man now. I've got some contacts at Bellevue and I could disguise myself as a doctor.” “Hmmm”, Polecat rubbed his chin. “That idea has some merit.”
After a few weeks of double checking everything, Albert was satisfied with his creation. Little remained to do but to activate the He3 power plant. He felt a bit guilty about the decreasing frequency of his visits to the hospital, but Adam's condition had stabilized at a low level of brain activity. His other vital signs continued to improve and Dr. Burakku was certain that the boy's body was working hard to repair itself and that his brain functions would return eventually. He just couldn't tell when. Albert and Bob decided they'd try to kick start the robot that weekend. Bob had Issac hack into Con-Ed's computer system so he could re-route power as needed to the laboratory by creating rotating micro-blackouts though out the metropolitan area. They'd do it in the wee hours of the morning to keep damage at a minimal level.
At two-thirty on a Sunday morning they started. Albert lifted Atom's right hand and touched his index finger to his chest and pressed. A blue dot appeared under the finger and spread forming a rectangle. Albert then pushed in and a panel opened in the robot's torso. He opened it, reveling the robot's chest cavity. Here he could access various adjustments and electrical connections. He picked up the cylinder of highly compressed He3 fuel from the work bench and screwed it into the reactor. Bob carried two heavy electrical cables to the operating table that Atom lay on and attached them to terminals inside the robot's chest cavity. “Now stand back”, Albert lectured. “Here comes some serious $hit!” He walked back to the laboratory's main computer and accessed Issac. “OK Issac, lets rock and roll!”.
Power began to flow into the reactor inside the robot. A purple glow filled the laboratory as Issac pumped up the power level. Outside the city darkened. At first streetlights faded out. Subway trains stopped under the river. Radio and TV stations went off the air. At all the city hospitals power faded except in the most vital areas as Issac carefully chose where he pulled the switches. The purple glow in Adam/Atom's chest was now a blinding glare rivaling the sun. A sixty hertz hum filled the laboratory. “We're at eighty percent power”, Albert yelled over the noise. Issac continued to steal energy from the surrounding grid. LIRR trains stopped moving.. Laguardia and Kennedy airports went dark. The New York and Pennsylvania branches of Amtrak stopped in their tracks. “Ninty five percent”, Albert yelled. The roar increased and it seemed a nuclear explosion was a real possibility. Over in New Jersey power transformers arched over. The turbines at Niagara Falls screamed in agony. The Indian Point nuclear plant scrammed. “One hundred percent power!” Albert cried. There was a final burst of intense green light from inside Adam/Atom and everything quickly went dark and silent. All around the northeast power slowly returned to normal.
On the operating table the robot lay quiet. “The reactor is operational”, Albert gasped in awe. “It's idling at a few watts of output now. Amazing!”. Albert walked slowly and carefully toward the table. He reached inside the chest cavity and removed the heavy cables, and then closed the panel which sealed itself with a blue glow that faded away. Albert looked on Adam/Atom's face. The boy robot slowly opened it's eyes and lifted it's head. “Dad?” it questioned. “Adam .. ”, Albert sobbed, tears filling his eyes. “Where am I?”, Adam/Atom asked. “Long story”, Albert answered. “Long story”.
A week had passed. Albert alternated between the laboratory and the hospital. Adam's condition hadn't changed very much. He was in a semi-comatose state. His EEG readings had dropped very low and he had marginal reaction to light, his eyes only slowly dilating in reaction to strong light Dr. Burakku performed other tests including several CAT scans at different angles. He performed one more exploratory surgery and had found and corrected some more minor bleeding, but nothing changed. Still he felt sure that the boy's brain was trying to heal itself from within and he refused to terminate the life supportive efforts.
The foundry had delivered the parts Albert had designed. Now came the task of assembly. There were miles of wiring, most of which was in the from of cable assemblies produced by the automated plant from Albert's electronic blueprints. The robot's hands and face were carefully sculpted from the flexible super material. They looked almost human, down to the fingernails on the hands and the eyebrows on the face. Yet a very close examination would give away the fact that it was artificial by the imperfections in the pores and the hair follicles. The face itself was a bit cartoon like because of the size of the robot's eyes, they had to be a bit larger than life to fit the television cameras and lenses that would give Adam (or should that be 'Atom' Dr. Tenamann had started to wonder) vision that would rival Superman's. Finally the hairline and style that Albert had designed for his creation was just a bit 'plasitc' like, even though composed of individual hair fibers. It reflected his son's pleasure in styling his own hair like his favorite manga character.
They took extra security precautions while installing the top secret bits. Albert was rightly worried about using the Area 51 components and Bob had Issac monitor for any security screening of the laboratory from Simon's office. “What worries me”, Albert said, “Is what is going to happen the first time we start up that He3 reactor. From what I remember from my Area 51 days, it took a hell of a lot of power to kick start, though once going it idled at micro-watts. We might dim all the lights in Manhattan when we bring 'Atom' to life.” Bob noticed that Albert had started to refer to his creation by the name of the Manga character rather than by his son's name. He hoped that meant that Albert hadn't written Adam off as dead in his mind. “We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, I guess”, he suggested.
Across the Hudson Torch and Polecat had been laying low. It took them a while to find out about Albert Tenamann's son. Despite Simon's precautions the pentagon mole had finally found where Adam had been taken for treatment. “The kid isn't dead, he's recuperating over at Bellevue”, Torch said. “So do we snatch him from the hospital?”, Polecat asked. “I'm not sure that would be a good idea, yet”, he thought. “I'm not sure about his condition, if he's very badly injured we'd be signing his death warrant if we snatched him, and we need him alive. “However,” he added, “It might be easier now to put the grab on his old man now. I've got some contacts at Bellevue and I could disguise myself as a doctor.” “Hmmm”, Polecat rubbed his chin. “That idea has some merit.”
After a few weeks of double checking everything, Albert was satisfied with his creation. Little remained to do but to activate the He3 power plant. He felt a bit guilty about the decreasing frequency of his visits to the hospital, but Adam's condition had stabilized at a low level of brain activity. His other vital signs continued to improve and Dr. Burakku was certain that the boy's body was working hard to repair itself and that his brain functions would return eventually. He just couldn't tell when. Albert and Bob decided they'd try to kick start the robot that weekend. Bob had Issac hack into Con-Ed's computer system so he could re-route power as needed to the laboratory by creating rotating micro-blackouts though out the metropolitan area. They'd do it in the wee hours of the morning to keep damage at a minimal level.
At two-thirty on a Sunday morning they started. Albert lifted Atom's right hand and touched his index finger to his chest and pressed. A blue dot appeared under the finger and spread forming a rectangle. Albert then pushed in and a panel opened in the robot's torso. He opened it, reveling the robot's chest cavity. Here he could access various adjustments and electrical connections. He picked up the cylinder of highly compressed He3 fuel from the work bench and screwed it into the reactor. Bob carried two heavy electrical cables to the operating table that Atom lay on and attached them to terminals inside the robot's chest cavity. “Now stand back”, Albert lectured. “Here comes some serious $hit!” He walked back to the laboratory's main computer and accessed Issac. “OK Issac, lets rock and roll!”.
Power began to flow into the reactor inside the robot. A purple glow filled the laboratory as Issac pumped up the power level. Outside the city darkened. At first streetlights faded out. Subway trains stopped under the river. Radio and TV stations went off the air. At all the city hospitals power faded except in the most vital areas as Issac carefully chose where he pulled the switches. The purple glow in Adam/Atom's chest was now a blinding glare rivaling the sun. A sixty hertz hum filled the laboratory. “We're at eighty percent power”, Albert yelled over the noise. Issac continued to steal energy from the surrounding grid. LIRR trains stopped moving.. Laguardia and Kennedy airports went dark. The New York and Pennsylvania branches of Amtrak stopped in their tracks. “Ninty five percent”, Albert yelled. The roar increased and it seemed a nuclear explosion was a real possibility. Over in New Jersey power transformers arched over. The turbines at Niagara Falls screamed in agony. The Indian Point nuclear plant scrammed. “One hundred percent power!” Albert cried. There was a final burst of intense green light from inside Adam/Atom and everything quickly went dark and silent. All around the northeast power slowly returned to normal.
On the operating table the robot lay quiet. “The reactor is operational”, Albert gasped in awe. “It's idling at a few watts of output now. Amazing!”. Albert walked slowly and carefully toward the table. He reached inside the chest cavity and removed the heavy cables, and then closed the panel which sealed itself with a blue glow that faded away. Albert looked on Adam/Atom's face. The boy robot slowly opened it's eyes and lifted it's head. “Dad?” it questioned. “Adam .. ”, Albert sobbed, tears filling his eyes. “Where am I?”, Adam/Atom asked. “Long story”, Albert answered. “Long story”.
Last edited by Tetsuwan Penguin on Sun Jan 13, 2013 12:54 am, edited 4 times in total.
Reason: modify profanity
Reason: modify profanity
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Tetsuwan Penguin
- Robot Revolutionary
- Posts: 4714
- Joined: 11 years ago
- Location: Chelmsford, Ma
- Contact:
Chapter 13. Atom
13. Atom
What is the last think you remember, son?, Albert asked. I remember I was being chased by those two terrorists in a dirty old van, Adam/Atom said. I swerved around a bus and the front tire of my bicycle fell into a deep hole in the street. The last think I remember was flying through the air and this glass truck in front of me. Then everything went dark. Oh, I vaguely remember waking up for a second and seeing your face. I was inside some strange piece of equipment, I think. The robot sat up and dangled his legs over the side of the table. He held his hands up to his face and examined his fingers carefully. He looked down at his body, and starred at his feet. While Albert had put great detail into the hands, the robot's legs and especially his feet were less detailed and didn't resemble human parts as much. He had intended all along that the robot would have some kind of footwear on. Though shaped like a human foot Adam/Atom's feet didn't have distinctly separate toes, just the general outline of a foot. This was a necessary simplification to mimic the way humans perambulate. Adam/Atom also examined his 'private' area. His crotch was covered with a metallic pair of black short pants under which was, well nothing. Adam/Atom was neutered, sexless. Albert's face turned white. He hadn't thought of the natural reaction of the boy's self examination. Would Adam's brain go into a panic state? What should he do?
But Albert hadn't counted on the extreme processing power of the quantum CPU magnifying the boy's IQ and mental reasoning powers. Like a Vulcan scientist Adam logically put the available facts together and came up with his own answers. You actually did it, didn't you Dad?, he said slowly. You scanned my brain and made a copy. You put me into this robotic body. Wow! But the facts led him further. I guess the original me is dead, aren't I?, he almost sobbed looking up into Albert's eyes. No, not at all, Albert reassured his creation. You are still in intensive care, but in a coma like state. We are still hoping for your complete recovery. Then I am my own brother, Adam/Atom said. Now this is awkward, he thought. You can't really call me Adam, since I'm not and he is. Albert looked at him. What should I call you son?, he asked. Why not Atom?, the robot asked. You've already been doing so anyway, and the names sound similar. Kinda like twin names you know, he smiled. Robert handed Albert a shopping bag. Here, I brought some of Adam's clothes from your house. They've been here for a few weeks, just in case. Albert handed them to Atom and shrugged. Atom tried on Adam's short trousers and T shirt, then the long red socks and high top sneakers. Everything fit perfectly except for the sneakers since Atom's feet were not shaped like a nine year old boy's. Tears welled up in Albert's eyes and he hugged Atom. He picked up something from the workbench. Here Atom, put these on, he said handing him a pair of red boots that were made by the automated factory along with all the other parts. The footwear was made from the elastic form of the alloy and was molded to fit the robot's feet. The soles of the boots had a panel that could open up to allow the operation of the jet engines in Atom's legs, but the robot was not aware of this yet. Atom removed the socks and pulled the boots over his feet and smiled.
What the hell have you geeks been up to!, Simon stormed into the laboratory. The tristate area was just turned inside-out by the craziest blackout in years and can you guess where there was a power spike of astronomical proportions? Right HERE! Simon rubbed his eyes and starred in disbelief like he had just seen a ghost. What's Adam doing here, he's still in a coma? Atom slowly got off the table and on to his feet. He stumbled taking his first steps, and slowly walked toward Simon. It didn't take Simon long to figure things out, though he still had a hard time believing it. Simon grabbed Atom by the arm, then he felt the boys torso and head. This is the mark two prototype?, he gasped. Suddenly it all came together for him. The He3 power plant! That's why you blacked out a good part of three states!, he yelled. You needed to power up the darn thing! What the hell did you need with that much power in a four foot boy android! You guys have gone way off the deep end here! he stammered.
Are you finished yet? Robert intervened trying to deflect Simon's rage. Going for broke he led Simon aside toward a computer console on the far side of the lab. Keep you mouth shut and look at these schematics, he said in a low voice. I don't want the boy to hear this. Robert brought up the details of Atom's design one page at a time. Simon's jaw dropped almost hitting the floor. He's a one man army!, he gasped in a whisper. Albert went a little nuts putting everything but the kitchen sink into 'Atom', Bob agreed. The boy is a walking test bed of technology, but he doesn't know what he has in him. We rigged up his control firmware so he can only tap into his abilities under duress. A very good idea, Simon nodded. Turning back to face Albert he said I hope General Hayes doesn't find out about this, though I can't figure how he won't giving the fact that the his foundry produced all these parts which he thought were going into a mark II soldier-bot. How are we going to hide this thing!. That shouldn't be too hard, being that it looks just like Adam, Albert said. Well maybe., Simon guessed.
Albert's blackberry started buzzing. He opened a text message from Dr. Burakku at the hospital and started crying. Bad news Albert?, Bob worried. No, good!. Adam's EEG readings are off the chart! He's coming out of it! Albert patted Atom on the shoulder. Would you like to meet your brother, Atom?. Yes father, I would, Atom replied. Brother? Simon quizzed. Oh why the hell not!. I'll call us a cab. Simon sent a text to the government car service that the think tank used for secure transportation. They made the trip from the museum complex to Bellevue via the streets. Simon sat in front with the driver and Atom between his 'father' and Robert in the back seat.
Over in New Jersey Polecat and Torch had studied their options and hatched a crude plan. Torch called in some markers from people that owed him favors and had a small army staking out Albert's home and around Bellview. He'd be ready to grab Dr. Tenamann as soon as he knew his whereabouts.
What is the last think you remember, son?, Albert asked. I remember I was being chased by those two terrorists in a dirty old van, Adam/Atom said. I swerved around a bus and the front tire of my bicycle fell into a deep hole in the street. The last think I remember was flying through the air and this glass truck in front of me. Then everything went dark. Oh, I vaguely remember waking up for a second and seeing your face. I was inside some strange piece of equipment, I think. The robot sat up and dangled his legs over the side of the table. He held his hands up to his face and examined his fingers carefully. He looked down at his body, and starred at his feet. While Albert had put great detail into the hands, the robot's legs and especially his feet were less detailed and didn't resemble human parts as much. He had intended all along that the robot would have some kind of footwear on. Though shaped like a human foot Adam/Atom's feet didn't have distinctly separate toes, just the general outline of a foot. This was a necessary simplification to mimic the way humans perambulate. Adam/Atom also examined his 'private' area. His crotch was covered with a metallic pair of black short pants under which was, well nothing. Adam/Atom was neutered, sexless. Albert's face turned white. He hadn't thought of the natural reaction of the boy's self examination. Would Adam's brain go into a panic state? What should he do?
But Albert hadn't counted on the extreme processing power of the quantum CPU magnifying the boy's IQ and mental reasoning powers. Like a Vulcan scientist Adam logically put the available facts together and came up with his own answers. You actually did it, didn't you Dad?, he said slowly. You scanned my brain and made a copy. You put me into this robotic body. Wow! But the facts led him further. I guess the original me is dead, aren't I?, he almost sobbed looking up into Albert's eyes. No, not at all, Albert reassured his creation. You are still in intensive care, but in a coma like state. We are still hoping for your complete recovery. Then I am my own brother, Adam/Atom said. Now this is awkward, he thought. You can't really call me Adam, since I'm not and he is. Albert looked at him. What should I call you son?, he asked. Why not Atom?, the robot asked. You've already been doing so anyway, and the names sound similar. Kinda like twin names you know, he smiled. Robert handed Albert a shopping bag. Here, I brought some of Adam's clothes from your house. They've been here for a few weeks, just in case. Albert handed them to Atom and shrugged. Atom tried on Adam's short trousers and T shirt, then the long red socks and high top sneakers. Everything fit perfectly except for the sneakers since Atom's feet were not shaped like a nine year old boy's. Tears welled up in Albert's eyes and he hugged Atom. He picked up something from the workbench. Here Atom, put these on, he said handing him a pair of red boots that were made by the automated factory along with all the other parts. The footwear was made from the elastic form of the alloy and was molded to fit the robot's feet. The soles of the boots had a panel that could open up to allow the operation of the jet engines in Atom's legs, but the robot was not aware of this yet. Atom removed the socks and pulled the boots over his feet and smiled.
What the hell have you geeks been up to!, Simon stormed into the laboratory. The tristate area was just turned inside-out by the craziest blackout in years and can you guess where there was a power spike of astronomical proportions? Right HERE! Simon rubbed his eyes and starred in disbelief like he had just seen a ghost. What's Adam doing here, he's still in a coma? Atom slowly got off the table and on to his feet. He stumbled taking his first steps, and slowly walked toward Simon. It didn't take Simon long to figure things out, though he still had a hard time believing it. Simon grabbed Atom by the arm, then he felt the boys torso and head. This is the mark two prototype?, he gasped. Suddenly it all came together for him. The He3 power plant! That's why you blacked out a good part of three states!, he yelled. You needed to power up the darn thing! What the hell did you need with that much power in a four foot boy android! You guys have gone way off the deep end here! he stammered.
Are you finished yet? Robert intervened trying to deflect Simon's rage. Going for broke he led Simon aside toward a computer console on the far side of the lab. Keep you mouth shut and look at these schematics, he said in a low voice. I don't want the boy to hear this. Robert brought up the details of Atom's design one page at a time. Simon's jaw dropped almost hitting the floor. He's a one man army!, he gasped in a whisper. Albert went a little nuts putting everything but the kitchen sink into 'Atom', Bob agreed. The boy is a walking test bed of technology, but he doesn't know what he has in him. We rigged up his control firmware so he can only tap into his abilities under duress. A very good idea, Simon nodded. Turning back to face Albert he said I hope General Hayes doesn't find out about this, though I can't figure how he won't giving the fact that the his foundry produced all these parts which he thought were going into a mark II soldier-bot. How are we going to hide this thing!. That shouldn't be too hard, being that it looks just like Adam, Albert said. Well maybe., Simon guessed.
Albert's blackberry started buzzing. He opened a text message from Dr. Burakku at the hospital and started crying. Bad news Albert?, Bob worried. No, good!. Adam's EEG readings are off the chart! He's coming out of it! Albert patted Atom on the shoulder. Would you like to meet your brother, Atom?. Yes father, I would, Atom replied. Brother? Simon quizzed. Oh why the hell not!. I'll call us a cab. Simon sent a text to the government car service that the think tank used for secure transportation. They made the trip from the museum complex to Bellevue via the streets. Simon sat in front with the driver and Atom between his 'father' and Robert in the back seat.
Over in New Jersey Polecat and Torch had studied their options and hatched a crude plan. Torch called in some markers from people that owed him favors and had a small army staking out Albert's home and around Bellview. He'd be ready to grab Dr. Tenamann as soon as he knew his whereabouts.
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Tetsuwan Penguin
- Robot Revolutionary
- Posts: 4714
- Joined: 11 years ago
- Location: Chelmsford, Ma
- Contact:
Chapter 14. Brothers
Chapter 14. Brothers
They walked through the hospital hallways toward Adam's room. Albert asked Atom to wait just inside the room out of Adam's view. I want to prepare him before he meets you. Good idea father, Atom agreed. Adam was sitting up in bed while Dr. Burakku spoon fed him some apple sauce. When Albert came to his son's side the Dr. handed him the bowl and spoon and Albert continued the feeding himself. How are you feeling son?, he asked tearfully. Very weak the boy spoke in a low voice. My head is clearing though I think my ears are ringing a little. That will pass soon, Dr. Burakku told him. You've just made a miraculous recovery, your strength will return slowly. The ringing in your ears is due to the drugs we've been giving you. After the boy had eaten all that he could hold down Albert continued to converse with him. Do you remember anything? he asked. I think I remember being thrown off my bicycle while running away from those guys with the van, he said. Everything else is just a haze. Was I in your laboratory? I think I remember seeing you as if in a dream
Sort of, son. If you feel up to it there is someone here to meet you. Do you remember what you said the day we toured the laboratory? , he asked. About what?, Adam asked. When you saw the computer generated version of me?, Albert said. Yeah, that was real cool!, Adam perked up. You made a copy of your mind and put it in the computer and I thought it would be cool if you could do that with me.. Well son while you were recovering from your accident we put you in the machine to make a copy of your mind. I didn't want to lose you and thought I could save something of you that way. I know it sounds selfish now, Albert blushed. Then you almost faded away for good and I got mad and wanted to destroy what I was doing because I thought it was indirectly responsible for you being put in danger. Albert was getting emotional and found it hard to continue. Bob tried to redirect my energy to doing something constructive. We had a few breakthroughs and had the resources to do something much better with the robot research than we had ever thought possible. We made a robot about your size with your mind in it's computer. Would you like to meet your twin brother?
Adam looked a little dazed as his mind absorbed the story. A robot that looks like me?, he asked. Well, sorta. Actually he looks like someone you often dress up as, Albert said. Atom? , the word came slowly out of his mouth. Isn't that what you fantasized about, Albert asked. Cool!, Adam replied. ATOM!, he said aloud, Are you there? Atom walked over to the bed and smiled. Hello brother!, he beamed. Get well soon so we can be friends. Atom offered his hand and Adam took it. He leaned over and touched Atoms face, and felt his chest. Amazing! he laughed. I've always wanted a brother. This is the happiest day of my life! Thank you Dad!
Let's leave the two of them alone for a while, Simon said. I need to talk to both of you out of Atom's earshot. Simon led Bob and Albert into a nearby empty room. I'm starting to wonder if this is a good idea, he said. Isn't that robot's brain an exact copy of your son's? Don't you think being with an exact copy of himself will be a bit, well confusing for him in his weakened state? Dr. Burakku stuck his head into the door. Actually, I think it will be good therapy for the boy, he interrupted. The instant you started the boy's mind running on the computer it started it's own path of thought. The longer it runs the more it will diverge from Adam's. Yes, that's true, Albert agreed. Plus the computer it's running on has as much computing power as almost all of the machines on the planet combined, Bob added. You guys have no idea what my friends at IBM gave me. The result is that Atom has an effective IQ that is so far off the charts it can't even be quantified. They walked back to Adam's room. Albert rubbed his forehead in thought. Think you will be OK for awhile Adam? I'm going to go home and grab some of your things.. Maybe having some of your 'toys' will help keep your spirits up. Thanks Dad!, Adam said. I'll be back soon son, Albert said. OK dad, Adam replied. Take your time I'll be fine. I'll take good care of my brother, Atom added.
Well, it looks like my work here is almost at an end. Dr. Burakku said. I'll check in on Adam from time to time to monitor his progress, but if he regains his strength as quickly as his age suggests he will, you'll be taking him home by the end of the week. If you don't need me for your research Dr. Tenamann, I think I will be returning to Japan as soon as Adam returns home. Turning to Simon he added, I'll be sending you my bill for services rendered.
Should I get you a car?, Simon asked. No, I'm going to take the subway back home, Albert decided. The ride will clear my head and help me feel normal again. Bob saw a concerned look on Simon's face. He set his own cellphone on silent and on the sly he put it into Albert's jacket pocket and buttoned it shut. Albert left the hospital and walked west toward Park Avenue and the Lexington Local. He was in such a euphoric state that he didn't notice the characters following him down the stairs. Albert inserted his MTA pass into the turnstile and walked toward the platform for the uptown local. Polecat jumped over the turnstile followed by Propane Torch while an MTA cop was busy looking the other way. A #6 train entered the station and the doors opened in front of him. Albert got on the train and sat down, the two terrorists boarded a car behind his. The R142A's accelerated quickly then slowed as the train entered the 28th street station. A man carrying a guitar started to perform for his captive audience and then passed his inverted hat around as the train pulled into the 33rd street station. He ran out and quickly entered the next car before the doors shut hoping he'd get more tips from the passengers in another car.
Polecat wasn't in the mood for a street beggar to serenade him. Shut up the music! he warned the ministerial but the man just walked a few feet and continued playing. Torch grabbed the man's guitar and swinging it like a Louisville slugger broke it across his back just as the train pulled into Grand Central Station. In the car ahead Albert got off and started up the stairs to reach the passageway toward the shuttle. The station PA system became active, Please stand clear of the moving platform as trains enter and leave the station it warned. Polecat and Torch got out of their car just as the doors started closing and followed Albert at a respectable distance.
They walked through the hospital hallways toward Adam's room. Albert asked Atom to wait just inside the room out of Adam's view. I want to prepare him before he meets you. Good idea father, Atom agreed. Adam was sitting up in bed while Dr. Burakku spoon fed him some apple sauce. When Albert came to his son's side the Dr. handed him the bowl and spoon and Albert continued the feeding himself. How are you feeling son?, he asked tearfully. Very weak the boy spoke in a low voice. My head is clearing though I think my ears are ringing a little. That will pass soon, Dr. Burakku told him. You've just made a miraculous recovery, your strength will return slowly. The ringing in your ears is due to the drugs we've been giving you. After the boy had eaten all that he could hold down Albert continued to converse with him. Do you remember anything? he asked. I think I remember being thrown off my bicycle while running away from those guys with the van, he said. Everything else is just a haze. Was I in your laboratory? I think I remember seeing you as if in a dream
Sort of, son. If you feel up to it there is someone here to meet you. Do you remember what you said the day we toured the laboratory? , he asked. About what?, Adam asked. When you saw the computer generated version of me?, Albert said. Yeah, that was real cool!, Adam perked up. You made a copy of your mind and put it in the computer and I thought it would be cool if you could do that with me.. Well son while you were recovering from your accident we put you in the machine to make a copy of your mind. I didn't want to lose you and thought I could save something of you that way. I know it sounds selfish now, Albert blushed. Then you almost faded away for good and I got mad and wanted to destroy what I was doing because I thought it was indirectly responsible for you being put in danger. Albert was getting emotional and found it hard to continue. Bob tried to redirect my energy to doing something constructive. We had a few breakthroughs and had the resources to do something much better with the robot research than we had ever thought possible. We made a robot about your size with your mind in it's computer. Would you like to meet your twin brother?
Adam looked a little dazed as his mind absorbed the story. A robot that looks like me?, he asked. Well, sorta. Actually he looks like someone you often dress up as, Albert said. Atom? , the word came slowly out of his mouth. Isn't that what you fantasized about, Albert asked. Cool!, Adam replied. ATOM!, he said aloud, Are you there? Atom walked over to the bed and smiled. Hello brother!, he beamed. Get well soon so we can be friends. Atom offered his hand and Adam took it. He leaned over and touched Atoms face, and felt his chest. Amazing! he laughed. I've always wanted a brother. This is the happiest day of my life! Thank you Dad!
Let's leave the two of them alone for a while, Simon said. I need to talk to both of you out of Atom's earshot. Simon led Bob and Albert into a nearby empty room. I'm starting to wonder if this is a good idea, he said. Isn't that robot's brain an exact copy of your son's? Don't you think being with an exact copy of himself will be a bit, well confusing for him in his weakened state? Dr. Burakku stuck his head into the door. Actually, I think it will be good therapy for the boy, he interrupted. The instant you started the boy's mind running on the computer it started it's own path of thought. The longer it runs the more it will diverge from Adam's. Yes, that's true, Albert agreed. Plus the computer it's running on has as much computing power as almost all of the machines on the planet combined, Bob added. You guys have no idea what my friends at IBM gave me. The result is that Atom has an effective IQ that is so far off the charts it can't even be quantified. They walked back to Adam's room. Albert rubbed his forehead in thought. Think you will be OK for awhile Adam? I'm going to go home and grab some of your things.. Maybe having some of your 'toys' will help keep your spirits up. Thanks Dad!, Adam said. I'll be back soon son, Albert said. OK dad, Adam replied. Take your time I'll be fine. I'll take good care of my brother, Atom added.
Well, it looks like my work here is almost at an end. Dr. Burakku said. I'll check in on Adam from time to time to monitor his progress, but if he regains his strength as quickly as his age suggests he will, you'll be taking him home by the end of the week. If you don't need me for your research Dr. Tenamann, I think I will be returning to Japan as soon as Adam returns home. Turning to Simon he added, I'll be sending you my bill for services rendered.
Should I get you a car?, Simon asked. No, I'm going to take the subway back home, Albert decided. The ride will clear my head and help me feel normal again. Bob saw a concerned look on Simon's face. He set his own cellphone on silent and on the sly he put it into Albert's jacket pocket and buttoned it shut. Albert left the hospital and walked west toward Park Avenue and the Lexington Local. He was in such a euphoric state that he didn't notice the characters following him down the stairs. Albert inserted his MTA pass into the turnstile and walked toward the platform for the uptown local. Polecat jumped over the turnstile followed by Propane Torch while an MTA cop was busy looking the other way. A #6 train entered the station and the doors opened in front of him. Albert got on the train and sat down, the two terrorists boarded a car behind his. The R142A's accelerated quickly then slowed as the train entered the 28th street station. A man carrying a guitar started to perform for his captive audience and then passed his inverted hat around as the train pulled into the 33rd street station. He ran out and quickly entered the next car before the doors shut hoping he'd get more tips from the passengers in another car.
Polecat wasn't in the mood for a street beggar to serenade him. Shut up the music! he warned the ministerial but the man just walked a few feet and continued playing. Torch grabbed the man's guitar and swinging it like a Louisville slugger broke it across his back just as the train pulled into Grand Central Station. In the car ahead Albert got off and started up the stairs to reach the passageway toward the shuttle. The station PA system became active, Please stand clear of the moving platform as trains enter and leave the station it warned. Polecat and Torch got out of their car just as the doors started closing and followed Albert at a respectable distance.
-
Tetsuwan Penguin
- Robot Revolutionary
- Posts: 4714
- Joined: 11 years ago
- Location: Chelmsford, Ma
- Contact:
-
Tetsuwan Penguin
- Robot Revolutionary
- Posts: 4714
- Joined: 11 years ago
- Location: Chelmsford, Ma
- Contact:
Chapter 15. Kidnapped
Chapter 15. Kidnapped
Normally Albert took the 42nd street shuttle to transfer between the Eight Avenue and Lexington Avenue lines. The shuttle was the more traveled route and was 'non stop' between the two points. It also ran frequent service with rarely more than a few seconds between trains. For some reason, maybe his euphoria in high gear, Albert decided to take the road less traveled and veered toward the passageway to the #7 Flushing line. The Flushing line runs from Times Square east bound. It makes two more stops in Manhattan at 5th Avenue and Grand Central, and then crosses under the east river into Queens. The train runs express over an elevated structure, the next to last stop being at Willets Point where the old World's Fair grounds and the N.Y. Mets stadium are located. Albert boarded an eleven car train of R62A's followed by Polecat and Torch. Besides himself and the two thugs the car was empty. Albert stood up clutching a hangar strap near the center door as he figured it didn't pay to sit for such a short ride. As the train slowed for the 5th Avenue station Polecat came up behind him and covered his face with a chloroform soaked rag. Albert struggled to get free but quickly passed out from the fumes. The two terrorists dragged him from the train, one of his arms over each man's shoulders. They made like they were carrying a drunk off the train who had a bit too much to drink.
They half dragged their victim through the passageway toward the 6th avenue line where they boarded an uptown F train. Albert was still groggy when he was led off the R46 at the Roosevelt Island stop. An antique VW bus was parked at the entrance to the station where they threw Albert into the back seat, bound his hands with rope, and put a sack over his head. The bus drove them a few blocks south to an abandoned building beneath the 59th Street bridge. Albert's head cleared and he saw that he was inside a windowless room lit by a small bulb in a socket hanging by its' wires from the ceiling. Polecat was sitting across from him keeping watch while Torch was on his cel-phone a few feet away. Don't worry Dr. Tenamann, we're arranging for your transportation right now. You have some very good friends you've never met who want to talk with you, Polecat smiled though his yellow teeth.
Simon tried to reach Albert on his Blackberry several times but only got the answering machine service. I'm worried, he said. There are cel repeaters in the subway he should have answered. The IRT is noisy has hell, Bob reminded him. I can never hear my phone ring in there, even on vibrate I don't notice it. Yeah, but he should have made it home by now, Simon countered. Robert wasn't as worried yet, he knew Albert could be so spaced out at times that he would become detached from reality. Still Simon had a point. Bob walked back to the laboratory section so he could interface with Issac. Hi boss, the daemon greeted him. Issac, do a track on Dr. Tenamann please, he requested. Sure thing, just a moment.. In a few seconds a google map page appeared on the screen with a blinking dot at Roosevelt Island near the 59th street bridge. What the hell?, Robert wondered. Issac pull up a med readout on Albert. He's in good health, heartbeat normal but a bit elevated, breathing slightly rapid. Traces of sedative in his blood stream, looks like ether or chloroform, Issac reported. Albert's in trouble!, Bob cried out. Looks like he's been abducted, his current location is Roosevelt Island. Damn, they must have grabbed him on the subway, Simon said. I should have insisted on getting him a ride.
We're on the move Doc, Torch smiled. Albert was led to the base of the bridge tower and the three men took the elevator from the street up to the road level of the old bridge. A late model Lincoln Town Car pulled over to the walkway and the three got in. The Torch removed Albert's jacket and pulled a foil lined long sleeve sweatshirt over his head. He plopped the jacket on Albert's lap. Just a bit of shielding Doc. Don't want the satellites to see you. I know all about your under the skin bugs. Or would you rather I cut it out of you, he laughed. He then searched Albert's pockets and found his Blackberry. He removed the back of the phone and removed the battery. Don't want anybody tracking you with this either, he said.
Issac came back to life, He's on the move again. Change of altitude now, looks like the roadway level of the 59th street bridge, he reported. Wait I've lost the signal!. Simon looked at Bob. Well, they could have thrown an RF shield over him, they must suspect Albert has the tracking implant, he figured.
Over in the other room Atom and Adam were reliving their shared lives and joking. Adam noticed that Simon and Bob had been gone from their room for a while and wondered what was up with them. Can you go look to see if they still in the hallway, Adam asked. Maybe I can hear them, Atom wondered. He put his hands to his ears as if to direct more sound his way. His autonomic firmware responded by increasing the gain of his hearing. Atom strained to listen for the two men;s voices and his ears set themselves to 1000 times gain. Atom picked up Robert's voice from down the hallway, Looks like he's been abducted, he heard Bob say. Atom though better than telling Adam what he heard, instead he made something up. Bob's calling me, I gotta go, he said. OK Atom, Adam said. I think I feel a bit sleepy anyway. I'll take a nap and see you later. OK, Atom said, I'll see you later bro.
Atom ran towards Simon and Robert. What are we going to do?, he asked I know what happened. How did you , Simon started. Guess he just discovered his upgraded hearing, Bob interrupted. We'll head back to the museum complex to coordinate this, Simon answered. He called for a car to take them back. Atom was antsy and said I'll meet you back there. You're going to walk?, Simon asked. No, run. Atom took off running down 23rd street. Simon watched Atom take off. My god! he thought to himself, the kid can run! Atom was in a hurry and started running faster. Unaware of what he was doing he reached over 30mph and didn't even feel his speed.
Normally Albert took the 42nd street shuttle to transfer between the Eight Avenue and Lexington Avenue lines. The shuttle was the more traveled route and was 'non stop' between the two points. It also ran frequent service with rarely more than a few seconds between trains. For some reason, maybe his euphoria in high gear, Albert decided to take the road less traveled and veered toward the passageway to the #7 Flushing line. The Flushing line runs from Times Square east bound. It makes two more stops in Manhattan at 5th Avenue and Grand Central, and then crosses under the east river into Queens. The train runs express over an elevated structure, the next to last stop being at Willets Point where the old World's Fair grounds and the N.Y. Mets stadium are located. Albert boarded an eleven car train of R62A's followed by Polecat and Torch. Besides himself and the two thugs the car was empty. Albert stood up clutching a hangar strap near the center door as he figured it didn't pay to sit for such a short ride. As the train slowed for the 5th Avenue station Polecat came up behind him and covered his face with a chloroform soaked rag. Albert struggled to get free but quickly passed out from the fumes. The two terrorists dragged him from the train, one of his arms over each man's shoulders. They made like they were carrying a drunk off the train who had a bit too much to drink.
They half dragged their victim through the passageway toward the 6th avenue line where they boarded an uptown F train. Albert was still groggy when he was led off the R46 at the Roosevelt Island stop. An antique VW bus was parked at the entrance to the station where they threw Albert into the back seat, bound his hands with rope, and put a sack over his head. The bus drove them a few blocks south to an abandoned building beneath the 59th Street bridge. Albert's head cleared and he saw that he was inside a windowless room lit by a small bulb in a socket hanging by its' wires from the ceiling. Polecat was sitting across from him keeping watch while Torch was on his cel-phone a few feet away. Don't worry Dr. Tenamann, we're arranging for your transportation right now. You have some very good friends you've never met who want to talk with you, Polecat smiled though his yellow teeth.
Simon tried to reach Albert on his Blackberry several times but only got the answering machine service. I'm worried, he said. There are cel repeaters in the subway he should have answered. The IRT is noisy has hell, Bob reminded him. I can never hear my phone ring in there, even on vibrate I don't notice it. Yeah, but he should have made it home by now, Simon countered. Robert wasn't as worried yet, he knew Albert could be so spaced out at times that he would become detached from reality. Still Simon had a point. Bob walked back to the laboratory section so he could interface with Issac. Hi boss, the daemon greeted him. Issac, do a track on Dr. Tenamann please, he requested. Sure thing, just a moment.. In a few seconds a google map page appeared on the screen with a blinking dot at Roosevelt Island near the 59th street bridge. What the hell?, Robert wondered. Issac pull up a med readout on Albert. He's in good health, heartbeat normal but a bit elevated, breathing slightly rapid. Traces of sedative in his blood stream, looks like ether or chloroform, Issac reported. Albert's in trouble!, Bob cried out. Looks like he's been abducted, his current location is Roosevelt Island. Damn, they must have grabbed him on the subway, Simon said. I should have insisted on getting him a ride.
We're on the move Doc, Torch smiled. Albert was led to the base of the bridge tower and the three men took the elevator from the street up to the road level of the old bridge. A late model Lincoln Town Car pulled over to the walkway and the three got in. The Torch removed Albert's jacket and pulled a foil lined long sleeve sweatshirt over his head. He plopped the jacket on Albert's lap. Just a bit of shielding Doc. Don't want the satellites to see you. I know all about your under the skin bugs. Or would you rather I cut it out of you, he laughed. He then searched Albert's pockets and found his Blackberry. He removed the back of the phone and removed the battery. Don't want anybody tracking you with this either, he said.
Issac came back to life, He's on the move again. Change of altitude now, looks like the roadway level of the 59th street bridge, he reported. Wait I've lost the signal!. Simon looked at Bob. Well, they could have thrown an RF shield over him, they must suspect Albert has the tracking implant, he figured.
Over in the other room Atom and Adam were reliving their shared lives and joking. Adam noticed that Simon and Bob had been gone from their room for a while and wondered what was up with them. Can you go look to see if they still in the hallway, Adam asked. Maybe I can hear them, Atom wondered. He put his hands to his ears as if to direct more sound his way. His autonomic firmware responded by increasing the gain of his hearing. Atom strained to listen for the two men;s voices and his ears set themselves to 1000 times gain. Atom picked up Robert's voice from down the hallway, Looks like he's been abducted, he heard Bob say. Atom though better than telling Adam what he heard, instead he made something up. Bob's calling me, I gotta go, he said. OK Atom, Adam said. I think I feel a bit sleepy anyway. I'll take a nap and see you later. OK, Atom said, I'll see you later bro.
Atom ran towards Simon and Robert. What are we going to do?, he asked I know what happened. How did you , Simon started. Guess he just discovered his upgraded hearing, Bob interrupted. We'll head back to the museum complex to coordinate this, Simon answered. He called for a car to take them back. Atom was antsy and said I'll meet you back there. You're going to walk?, Simon asked. No, run. Atom took off running down 23rd street. Simon watched Atom take off. My god! he thought to himself, the kid can run! Atom was in a hurry and started running faster. Unaware of what he was doing he reached over 30mph and didn't even feel his speed.
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