Cognitive juggling
01 Jun 2023Ryuko Ntsikana
Cognitive juggling
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The two airless moons we were in orbit of, made for the perfect training grounds, for the clan’s members. The largest of the maintained respectable gravity due to its mass. The smaller twin could only sustain a micro-gravity environment. Due to the gravitational interaction between two celestial bodies, the smaller moon made up for its lack of gravity through pronounced tectonic movement. It was like bouncing around on a trampoline during an earthquake.
As Targitai, it was my duty to ensure the well-being, prosperity, and preparedness of our clan members. I was fully aware that keeping Avery out of my innermost decision-making processes had resulted in recalculations within their AI matrix. Although I had forgiven the dream incursion and manipulations of the past, recognizing their benevolent intent, I still felt a certain discomfort about fully opening myself up.
I was surprised no one attempted to contact or chat with me when I made it back to the carrier. I wondered if I looked as exhausted as I felt? Avery did not move from the recharging receptacle, nor greet me when I entered. It was for the best, as my only thoughts were my mattress, as I collapsed onto it, still wearing my flight suit.
By the time I woke, Avery was nowhere to be seen. Where an android runs off too is anyone’s guess. The only thought on my mind was in getting myself cleaned up and ready for the new day, or whatever time it was. Thankfully my processor allowed me to perform true multitasking, which took me more than a year to get comfortable with.
This isn’t a simple case of hearing a second voice or having more than one personality at the same time, no. While a regular brain uses a rapid task-switching process, taking in multiple sensory inputs while juggling cognitive processes, my neural processor could handle multiple separate tasks in parallel. Let that concept sink in while contrasting the two performing their own operations, and communicating with one another. Yes, you can get comfortable with it but never used to it. My advice to first-time recipients would be to avoid attempting to chew bubble gum while walking or talking—it's simply not going to happen.
While showering I went about humming a catchy tune I had listened to while flying, as my neural processor downloaded the latest available news, sent a request to Chief Bowen to get the Python business liner prepared for departure, and a message to the chief steward to make sure the Python had a plentiful stock of amenities onboard. I knew the best way to get the pulse of the region was liquored up business passengers.
Picking out my best flight suit I downloaded the current regional index and influence standings of the various factions. I was allied with each, so any customers would be top paying, it all depended on the routes, and the status of each system would determine what routes could potentially be available. With the source system selected, and my magnetic boots on and clamped, it was time to make my way to the hangar and get busy making my clan some profit.