Inhuman(17)

“I’m trying to be extra careful,” James explained. “If 1 really is concerned with Planck energy disruption, it would be better if her attention were directed away from areas that are populated. Her attempt to destroy the Earth just hours ago demonstrated a desperation on her part that we have to take into account. We still don’t understand her motives, so we have to do everything we can to minimize the danger to humanity.”

“Phrases like ‘minimize the danger to humanity’ don’t exactly fill me with confidence that this is a low-danger, intel-gathering mission,” Old-timer noted.

“It should only be a reconnaissance mission,” the A.I, offered, “but you need to go into this with your eyes wide open. We don’t want to lie to you. While it’s unlikely that the crossing would garner 1’s attention, it can’t be ruled out.”

“Are you sure you still want to go?” James asked.

“You already know his answer,” the A.I. pointed out to James.

“I know,” James answered, “but he should still be given the courtesy.”

“Courtesy?” Old-timer reacted. “Courtesy, or the illusion of free will? The two of you seem to know everything I’m going to do before I do it.”

“We only know probabilities,” James explained to Old-timer. “The A.I. and I have calculated that there’s an extremely high probability that even if we insisted that you not go, you’d insist on going. It’s difficult for people to act against their true nature, but it’s not impossible. You do have free will, as do we all.”

Old-timer stroked his chin for a moment as he considered his options. Is it possible that I truly do have it within me to abandon my friends and refuse the mission? He searched for it, for the reason that would make him turn his back on a responsibility that he knew he’d incurred the moment he let the Purist die three-quarters of a century ago in a universe that wasn’t even his. He thought about his promise to Daniella. Is that enough? He shook his head.

“If there is any chance that my actions have had consequences this dire, then I’m responsible for the fate of everyone in our universe—and everyone in Universe 332 as well. I couldn’t live with that if it were true. You’re both right. I’ll go.”

The A.I. nodded to Old-timer before turning to James. “James, I suggest that you—”

“I’m way ahead of you,” James interrupted him. “I’ll meet Thel with the Purists, as planned, and let her know we’re bumping up our schedule for Trans-human. We’ll embark as soon as we get to Earth.”

“And I guess I better be on my way,” Old-timer offered, “but before I go, I just want to point out that I won the bet,” he said, pointing to his chest with his thumb. “I’m in no way less impressed with your mental abilities. In fact, learning a bit about how they worked might have actually increased my respect for them.”

“Interesting,” James grinned. “So, if I’m understanding you correctly, you’re telling me that you’re even more impressed with my enhanced mental capabilities, so therefore you’ve won our bet?”

“That’s right,” Old-timer confirmed.

“So you just outsmarted me, correct?”

Old-timer was silent for a moment, the implication instantly stumping him. “Wait a second...”

“Maybe it’s just me,” James continued, still smiling, “but it seems as though, if you’ve outsmarted me, that would diminish your estimation of my mental capabilities considerably.”

“Uh…for the love of…” Old-timer shook his head as his shoulders slumped. “You’re kidding me.”

James gave a short laugh. “Either I succeeded in making you less impressed, or I didn’t, thereby making you less impressed.”

“Defeated by a paradox,” Old-timer conceded.

“Buddy, I had that paradox in my back pocket from the outset. There was no way you could win.”

“Okay,” Old-timer nodded with a smile. “Okay. This time, I learned my lesson.” He tapped his temple with his index finger, as though he were etching the lesson into his skull. “Stop arguing with James and the A.I. Right.” He waved as he turned to fly away before adding, “I’ll set a rendezvous course for Rich and Djanet. Make sure you get those coordinates to us fast.”

“Sent,” the A.I. said.

The coordinates popped up in Old-timer’s mind’s eye. “Heh. Different temporal perception indeed. I am looking forward to when I get my intelligence upgrade—it’d be nice to have a conversation with you guys that didn’t go as slow as molasses for y’all. I’ll make contact again before we cross over.”