Part 4 of some new science fiction. If you're just tuning in, consider starting with part 1. The image above was created with stable diffusion.
Taller. Stronger. More symmetrical. Night vision. Tails. Antennae. Considering how best to create a better human form, James initially found himself paralyzed by all of the options. He spent days just looking at the display terminal he was supposed to be working at. Finally, inspiration struck. His better person would be very much like a normal person, but with a slightly larger head and eyes.
The increased skull capacity would house a new part of the brain that would be able to read and integrate the unconscious signals of others, including signals embedded in the environment. The slightly larger surface of the eyes would be able to see an expanded range of the EM spectrum. For fun, James made it so the eyes could also emit visible light in some circumstances.
The point of these modifications was to create a person capable of superhuman social grace. Someone who could quite consciously read the room and respond appropriately. After designing this new human form, with a body based approximately on his own, James called for Coleer to see the new form materialize.
With Coleer observing, the new form materialized. Suddenly there was an otherworldly copy of James standing before them. But unlike the animals James had previously created, this creature wasn't animated. It just stood there, staring blankly.
"What's wrong?" asked James. "Why isn't he moving?"
"Your previous creations included animal behavior programming," said Coleer. "This one has no such programming. For lack of better terms, it lacks a soul."
"A soul?" asked James.
"A unique animating force," said Coleer. "But your work here appears sound. I have no doubt that one of our souls could live in a creature such as this."
"One of your souls?" asked James.
"We can adjust the appearance to preserve your uniqueness," said Coleer. "Perhaps add a few additional modifications. Then we'll see how well one of our souls integrates with the design."
"Wait, so you brought me here to build a new body for you?" asked James.
"Yes," said Coleer. "You are the least influential person we could find in this part of your world. And your design is perfectly nonthreatening. It is visibly different from the average human, but not in ways that you humans are likely to find alarming. A little silly, perhaps. This serves our purposes. Thank you. Our need for you is now satisfied. You may depart when you like."
"Are you saying you're done with me?" asked James.
"Yes, you may return to your home," said Coleer. "Thubu can direct you to the exit."
"But," said James. "But what about compensation? You owe me, right? I mean, do I even have a life after this? Can I even go home? What if the Army arrests me and dissects me or whatever."
"If it were all up to you, what would happen next?" asked Coleer.
"Well, I need to be kept safe from other humans," said James. "I want my stuff back from the Army. My door and anything else they broke fixed. And I'll want money. Enough so I never have to worry about it again. This insanely comfortable recliner. Puffins, the winged puppy. Probably other stuff it'll take me a minute to think of."
"With regard to your safety after returning to your people," said Coleer. "Would you prefer a diplomatic or a mechanical solution?"
"Uhh, what would both look like?" asked James.
"An adjustable protection bubble like the one Thubu used to bring you here," said Coleer. "A device to trigger sleep in those around you. Perhaps a Servant to simply dematerialize hostile persons."
James grinned. "And the diplomatic?" he asked. "Have your people even met with Earth's leaders yet?"
"There has been no need to meet with them," said Coleer. "But we could ask that they meet us, in the open, in public, and at that meeting request that they leave you alone."
"And the money?" asked James. "Do you have, like, bank accounts, or ... ?"
"With a Servant, you would want for nothing," said Coleer. "Unfortunately, you may not take Puffins, or use your Servant to create new biological organisms."
"But I can use it to dematerialize my enemies?" asked James.
"Yes, as that avoids interference with your evolution," said Coleer.
"Okay, but what about my broken door and confiscated stuff?" asked James.
"Your Servant can repair your door," said Coleer. "Would you like to change into your regular clothes before we go?"
"What, like right now?" asked James.
"Yes," said Thubu, who had appeared from the corridor.
"Okay, shit," said James. "Okay," he said, locating the pile of his folded clothes, which he changed deliberately into.
"There is one more thing we may provide to you," said Coleer. "A help beacon, for you to contact us in case of emergency."
"You have the Servant," said Thubu. "I have brought our other gifts. Your protection bubble and sleep charm."
In Thubu's hands were an amulet on a silver chain and a wooden twig with a dark blue crystal affixed to one end.
Shrugging, James put the necklace on and grabbed the wand. "So what?" he asked. "I just ..."
Before he could finish his question, James became dizzy and sat down. "You're already attuned to your Servant," said Coleer. "Now you're adjusting to your other items. Normal function should return momentarily."
Read my novels:
See my NFTs:
