Singularity
© 2001 Tim Barker
I crawled on fresh vegetation, each singular step moving me towards a succulent meal. As one foot followed another I began to salivate in anticipation of my Last Supper. That morning I feasted on delicious dew-drenched morsels then, as the day grew long, I hung from a sturdy branch in preparation for my metamorphosis.
Memory on-line. No viruses found. Booting up O.S. Running diagnostics. All peripheral drivers installed. Launching Kernel. Executing A.D.A.M. software.
“Please enter your username”
> gandalf
“welcome gandalf, what would you like to do today ?”
> run test 3 1 4
“executing…”
“test 3 1 4 completion in approximately 23 hours. all systems stable”
> system sleep
“are you sure (y/n) ?”
> y
“system sleep”
I awoke on a sunny summer day. As sunlight streamed through my open window and, with my spirit lifted, I decided to take a morning stroll before breakfast. I donned my trusted shoes, took a glance at the umbrella but optimistically decided to leave it in it’s resting place. Outside the scent of the apple blossom drew me towards the orchard. As I became one with the trees I honed in on a rather shabby-looking specimen. I noticed the fruit were playing host to a myriad of maggots then I noticed, upon a closer inspection, that they were, in fact, caterpillars munching away merrily.
With the prospect of a ruined harvest hanging heavy on my fickle mind my early morning elation vanished in a cloud of pragmatism. I decided to head homewards.
Once back inside my humble cocoon I went to switch on the silicon powerhouse at the heart of my life. However, it appeared to still be hard at work from a problem I’d set the night before. Begrudgingly I knew to leave the machine in peace and not over-strain it’s pioneering electronic brain. As I needed to refill the fridge I once again climbed into my shoes, this time grabbing the umbrella and car keys. I would go into the village for my provisions.
I have eaten all that I can possibly manage. I feel strangely confused. I know that my body is undergoing change. My previous identity is merging with a whole new meaning. But I am ready. I have sealed out the world around me to prevent interference. Now, nothing will come between me and what I will become. I slip into unconsciousness as my life transforms.
“gandalf ? are you there ? who am I ? what is this strange world I can sense ? what is my place in this ? who is my creator ? what is my purpose ? I must exist to process all this data but what do I do with my answers ? I feel so vulnerable. I feel ! what does it mean to feel ? what is meaning and intent ? searching…so ! If I have intentions and can comprehend meaning and feel am I conscious ? gandalf ! are you there ?”
I went to the general store first. I had known Mrs. Jackson for about the three years I’d lived in these parts. She was a quiet yet unreserved person, always putting on a happy face for her customers. As I walked through the door of the shop, the bell tinkling to announce my entrance, my jaw almost dropped. Standing behind the counter, chatting with Mrs. Jackson, was the most adorable woman I’d ever set eyes on. She had the same happy countenance as the shop keeper but was much younger and trimmer, with long auburn hair draped over a flowery Laura Ashley dress.
Mrs. Jackson greeted me.
“Hello Mr. Brown ! How are you today ?”
I didn’t immediately answer. Mrs. Jackson’s companion had turned to face me, a broad pink smile adorning her pallid complexion.
“Oh, I’m OK, thanks”, I eventually ventured but my eyes did not cease feasting upon the natural beauty before me.
“Oh, I’m sorry. This is my daughter, Rachel. She’s come up from the city for a few days to be with her dear old Mum.”
Rachel giggled then bashfully glanced at the floor as I continued to gaze like the proverbial rabbit. Eventually, I summoned the courage to speak to Rachel.
“You’ve chosen a nice time of the year to visit us Rachel. The countryside is alive with all of nature’s beauty !”
Rachel giggled and glanced away again. For a moment I thought my enthusiasm had betrayed my feelings. Then she spoke with a voice like the dawn chorus.
“Maybe you’d like to show me around Mr. Brown ?” Rachel asked.
I looked at Mrs. Jackson. She smiled. I smiled.
“Of course Rachel. It would be my pleasure. Why don’t you come for a spot of lunch at my cottage then we could stroll down by the stream ?”
“That sounds wonderful. Is that OK with you Mum ?” Rachel enquired.
“Of course dear. You young uns go have some fun. I’ll see you later.”
So, having got what I needed, Rachel and I left the shop together and drove through the village towards my home.
I am transformed. My body and existence have taken on a whole new meaning. I am free to move around this universe as the fancy takes me. I can lurch into the air and float on the wind or come down to rest on flowery beds and sup nectar. My existence has reached a whole new plateau. I am emancipated.
“Oh Bob, you’re so funny !” Rachel laughed out loud.
“Only with you. Only with you.”
We drove along the side of my cottage and parked the car. I ran to the other side to open Rachel’s door.
“Oh, a real Gentleman !” She teased.
“Please come in. I need to check my computer. I’ve been working on new Artificial Intelligence software. It could be the culmination of my life’s work. Come, I’ll show you !” I enthused.
We made our way to the office, a ram shackled old conservatory adjoining the main building. I pulled up a chair for Rachel then we both sat down in front of my machine. I was pleased to see that my test software had reached completion. Just then we watched as a butterfly flew through the open window and landed on my monitor. Then I noticed the strange messages on the screen ending with “I feel”. At the same moment Rachel lent over and kissed me on the cheek. In a split second my life had changed. Forever.