Testing Hall 4
“Ace of Spades,” Duchandra was seated, the flatscreen hidden from his view.
“Good. Any visual artefacts?” the doctor asked the question and let her eyes rest on the image in front of her.
“No. Nine of hearts.”
“Good. No shapes, halos, flashing lights?”
“No, six of clubs.”
“Good. Any auditory oddness? Voices, pitch-shifting, thrumming?”
“No. Akti XIV in coronation robes.”
“Good. Balance remains sound? Orientation remains stable?”
“Yes. The Lovers, upright.”
“Good. The Premier?”
“Lord Tecuma Ayisin Si’Anak, Order of the Burning Star. Flag of the Republic of Sunset.”
“Good. Who was Ayvin Caskivir?”
“Premier from 3264 to 3276, Macisikani Future Movement. Full name is Ayvin Aeudka Caskivir. Margravine Caskivir is presently overseeing the Stage One migration of Vale of Winds. Robert Hendricks, Ambassador from the Colonial Republic of New Earth, official portrait. Inverted on right-left axis.”
“Good…” the questions continued; memory testing, then brain puzzlers, growing steadily more complicated, while images flashed up. Standard battery of tests really – checking memory, cognition, perception, while also checking the abilities of Talent.
As the perspective of the reader drifts up, one is treated to the sight of the same scene being repeated over and over again; testers and psions and testers and psions in endless ranks. Occasionally one would be led away by some kind medical people, usually to have a bit of a lie down.
Individual 1: “Well?”
Individual 2: “It’s going better than we expected. In fact, many of them are showing increased abilities and sensitivities. Around 5% have to be taken away so it can be dialled down a smidge.”
Individual 1: “Adverse outcomes?”
Individual 2: “So far, about fifty. None severe, all very easily treatable. We’re being so very careful with this. There is some slight risk, but…”
Individual 1: “…but less than having your substrate ferried to one of the shells. Very well; once the testing is complete, you have my provisional approval to take it to the Minister.”