Chapter 3: The Alien

Part II

"The main objectives of the Data Integration Entity are chalked out by the head of the Entity. With the replacement of Eggheads with newer, more competitive individuals, our objectives shift focus according to the priorities of the newly elected Egghead. This is easily comparable to the current human political system."

Asakura paused and looked questioningly at Kyon, who nodded in understanding.

"24 Earth-hours earlier, the Data Integration Entity noted a sudden anomaly in the density reading of the Earth's magnetic field." Asakura continued.

"It also observed the absence of Earth from its last recorded 3D coordinates. In other words, the planet Earth disappeared for a fraction of a second in the history of the Universe. Accompanying the sudden disappearance was a time-jump, which can be described as a void in space where there is no time. Similar to a wormhole, except for its shape. While a wormhole is a space-time warp, the void of a time-jump is actually created by space sealing itself off. We call it 'closed space'."

The term made Kyon start.

"Closed space? Like the ones Haruhi creates?"

"Yes. After these events unfolded, the Data Integration Entity witnessed a 'passing of the baton'—the replacement of its Egghead—something that hadn't happened for the last 2000 Earthling-years. This was by no means a coincidence, an with the coming of the new Egghead, we received our newly updated objective: confirmation of the Dream Theory."

"Dream Theory? I can't say I've heard of that one before..."

"The Dream Theory was originally a mere hypothesis. It's not exactly a new idea, but no one's yet been able to prove that it's true. Also, it's incomplete and inaccurate at present. The basic premise of the Dream Theory is that the world is what an individual dreams it to be."

"Though the dream worlds of most people are created and fuelled by common sense, the world of each individual is unique, and have small "anomalies". These anomalies may take the form of supernatural phenomena or wish fulfilment and are characteristic of the creator of that particular world. Since none of the worlds are identical, there is also no such thing as reality. In other words, there are infinitely many different realities, which is essentially the same as saying that reality doesn't exist."

Kyon remained silent. He knew none of it made the least bit of sense, and that he'd rather have a headache than try to figure out what any of it meant.

"However, it is suspected that," Asakura resumed, "Haruhi Suzumiya is the first and only person who can control not only her dreams, but the dreams of other people as well. This is what gave rise to the first instance of absolute reality—and Miss Suzumiya, the individual responsible for it, came to have the stature of God."

Kyon shifted uneasily.

"Wait a minute. I've heard this before. 'Haruhi is God, and whatever she wishes becomes reality.' It's the same as what Koizumi thinks. But I thought that Nagato's beliefs were closer to Miss Asahina's?"

"As one of the more advanced Humanoid Interface models, I have been bestowed with independent decision-making and rationalising capabilities, the possession of which does not, however, entitle me to question the rationale or motives of my superiors.", Nagato replied.

"Blind loyalty, eh?"

"Yes."

Kyon sighed softly and leant back against the bench, resting on his elbows.

"I must say that the Dream Theory sounds very unconvincing to me. I mean, there are quite a few loopholes in that logic.", he said after sometime.

"That's why it used to be a mere hypothesis.", Asakura answered."The brief disappearance of Earth was what brought it in the limelight again."

"I still don't see how..."

"Let me explain.", Asakura interrupted.

"The sudden disappearance of planets is not an everyday phenomenon in any part of the Universe. In fact, it's the first time the Entity's witnessed something like this. And, as it turns out, no one can explain it without the help of the Dream Theory. Assuming the Theory's true is the only way to arrive at a plausible explanation."

"And what explanation does the Dream Theory provide?", asked Kyon rather skeptically. This conversation was getting weirder and weirder, he thought, and he was having a harder time trying to keep up with everything that he was being bombarded with.

But Ryoko Asakura didn't reply. Kyon turned his head slightly, and saw her looking up at the night sky thoughtfully.

"We should probably get going.", she said, "It looks like it'll rain soon. Why don't we all go to Yuki's place? It's just a block away!"

"What? Oh, okay then. You guys want a lift on my bike?", Kyon asked out of mere politeness. Carrying Haruhi and Nagato some 15000 times during summer had been quite enough for him.

"Thanks, but no thanks, Kyon-kun. We'll be fine by ourselves.", Asakura smiled.

Nagato had already gotten up and started walking. Kyon sighed, raised the stand and mounted his bicycle. It was getting late, and as Kyon pushed off, a big fat drop of water splashed across his wrist.

Author Speak: Finally! I can't say I'm too satisfied with this part, mainly because of my lack of substantial knowledge about scientific mumbo-jumbo. Yuki's dialogues are a pain to write, because it's extremely difficult to imitate her style, so I'm keeping them to a bare minimum. Anyway, hope you enjoy it. Part III will be uploaded soon. Look forward to it!