January, 2014

"I feel like everything before I was twelve was on easy mode." Aya said as she took a look at the information again.

"It would feel like that, baby. This chip you installed works nicely, and I can finally speak to you." Aya looked up.

"It took me a full year to get that chip to work. A year. I reprogrammed a computer at age ten, and built and advanced computer right after. Now, I'm working on the most advanced computers of all. The human brain." She sighed a bit.

"Some scientists would disagree with you, baby." Tandy said, and sounded like she had a little smirk on her lips.

"Fools. They create advanced algorithms, with the supposed ability to learn. They don't have the ability to reason. It's just fancy programming. Not to mention the fact that they say its far more advanced then a human, yet the human brain does everything they are trying to emulate. They still can't do it, yet say their computers are better." Aya rolled her eyes.

"Yes, baby. It's arrogant pride. They just don't want to admit how wonderful our organic systems are, even though they are fragile." Tandy smiled a small smile in the tank.

"You're regained a bit more control over your facial muscles, Tandy. What about brain function? Are there any concerns you may have?" Aya asked carefully.

"Some memory loss. Some names seem to be on the tip of my tongue, so to speak, but won't process. Due to how calm my nature is, I'm not freaked out. Any further symptoms of the damage do not occur." Tandy said through the computer. Aya nodded.

"According to the data, the higher functions are all restored, minus some memory access. I can't replace the organic tissue, but the interface should allow you to access a 'space' that I'm designing." Tandy lifted an eyebrow.

"A space? Like in a novel?"

"No, a computerized, completely digital space. Your consciousness could enter, and your mind would create an avatar for you. It would allow you to access things in the real world. Or it would allow us to interact." Aya blushed a bit. "Our minds could touch."

"Baby. Is there a couch for cuddling?" Tandy laughed lightly, as she watched her girl look away. "You little devil. Alright, if that is your focus, I won't dissuade you from it. Test it thoroughly. I would like to help with that."

"How?"

"A monitor with display, and eye movement tracking. I can change pages, or you can set up a vocal interface for me." She watched Aya roll her eyes. "Baby, you're tired again." The voice became softer.

"I know." She lowered her eyes.

"Computer, initialize sleep protocols. I will sleep while my baby sleeps." Tandy said softly. Aya blushed again.

"So mean."

* * *

July, 2014

"The specimen is ready, Aya." Aya lifted an eyebrow. "It's necessary to keep things professional while you operate, and adjust."

"I know, I just don't like it." She pouted a bit, like the teen she was, then cleared her face. The switch was surreal, even from Tandy's standpoint. "So far, the design is sound, but the specimen will not survive the integration. I've replaced their atlas and axis, both the C1 and C2 vertebrae with titanium based components, lined with medical grade silicon insulation to cushion the cord. Their brains registered a drop in their pain receptors due to the replacement within a few days."

"Are we sure that it's a drop in pain, and not an adaptive response?"

"I am. The data is still transmitted even if the specimen adapts. The stress has made the specimen more susceptible to rejection of the interface, but we'll get good data from the seating, and implementation of the interface." Aya watched the details on her monitor.

"Those experiments with the collar have helped us to get to this point."  Tandy said softly.  "Shall I direct, or do you wish to do a computerized entry procedure?" Tandy asked.

"We'll let the computer simulate the procedure, but do the seating myself. Direct the procedure, doctor." She heard a slight grunt.

"You'll pay for that when I get my body back. Turn alignment screw B twenty three degrees clockwise. There. Turn alignment screw C ten degrees counter clockwise. It was a good idea to use finer controls for alignment. Three sets of fine tuning allow a lot of adjustment. Alignment looks good. Computer, verify alignment." Tandy spoke.

"Alignment verified."

"Nice work, Tandy. Monitor depth. Turning depth gauge clockwise ninety degrees. Alert me when we get fifty percent engaged, and every ten percent after." Aya looked through the new electronic glasses she used in order to enhance the visual aspects, and not rest her head against anything.

"Alignment is off by a degree. Turn screw C clockwise five degrees. Good. There was a little drift. We'll need to tighten the tolerances on the next engagement rack system." Tandy said quietly.

"Prototypes always need work. At least we have another ten specimens to work on." Tandy grunted at Aya's words, and continued to monitor the progress.

"Fifty percent engaged. Computer, how are the vitals?" Tandy asked.

"Minor fluctuations. Stress responsive."

"If he would remain calm, he might survive." Aya said for effect. Tandy snorted internally. She knew that was impossible, but it did give the specimen a false belief that he would survive.

"Eighty percent engaged. Vitals fluctuating. Ninety percent. Chip seated. Specimen redlining." Tandy sighed.

"Computer, transfer control of vitals over to artificial control. Calm the system down, and use the interface to adjust the specimen's stress responses." Aya gave the orders.

"Control initiated. Vitals stabilized. Host given small amounts of natural endorphins to stabilize mood. Interface stable." Aya grinned, and pointed to Tandy. Tandy smiled.

"Monitor specimen. Record all data feeds. Bring the chip online." The doctor was excited. This chip would interface directly to the human brain, and enhance its functions. The computer spoke immediately.

"Host's brain has red lined. No additional activity detected." Tandy pursed her lips.

"Computer, analyze the data collected. Send the information to my monitor." Tandy lifted her eyes. "You need to rest, baby. I'll analyze the data, and tell you if I see anything."

"Thank you, Tandy." Aya yawned delicately. "It was seated, doctor. It was seated." Tandy smiled as Aya crawled onto her cot and fell asleep.

"Yes, baby, it was seated. Now, was it the chip, the trauma, or the will?"