Dragon Rider
This is another Astro Boy pastiche in an original setting with mostly original characters.
Astro Boy (aka Tetsuwan Atom) is the creation of Osmau Tezuka.
Chapter 10
The Pentagon, Washington D.C.
General Hayes wasn't exactly pleased with the news, but there wasn't anything he could do about it. POTUS had decided that at least part of the information regarding Atom was going to have to be declassified following the press announcement from NASA. At least information regarding the robot's weapons systems would remain classified (something that Atom himself would probably agree with as well). NASA's official news announcement concerning the International Space Station had been coordinated with the oval office's approval, however the general had been left completely out of the loop. POTUS's decision on Atom's future status was particularly disturbing. At least they still had #27 hidden in the Cheyenne Mountain complex.
NBC News
"Brian Williams reporting for NBC news. NASA has just released the latest information on the situation on board the International Space Station that has been unfolding over the past few days. We've previously reported about the robotic rescue and repair mission that was launched aboard the SpaceX Dragon spaceship in a 'Hollywood' like manor though the eye of Hurricane Adam. We have now learned the details of the mission, and this story is even more incredible than the launch was.
This is a case of science fiction becoming fact, as the robot in this story is right out of a recent CGI movie released a few years ago. Those of us who grew up in the 50's and 60's, and our friends in Japan, will recall the same story from the manga and anime of Japan's version of Walt Disney, Osmau Tezuka. Tezuka's robot was known in this country as "Astro Boy", in Japan he was called 'the Mighty Atom'. The real robot also goes by the name of Atom. Astro Boy was a humanoid robot in the form of a pre-teenage boy, with super powers. The real robot in the news is very similar to the fictional one, and has the same abilities of flight and physical strength. For the past three years, Atom has been hidden in plain sight, attending public school in Brooklyn. He is so human like in appearance, that his fellow students never knew that he was an android. Atom was an experimental offshoot of a military project to create a robotic soldier.
Atom flew up to the ISS in the non-man rated SpaceX rocket and spacecraft, to repair the space station which had been damaged by debris resulting from the recent North Korean missile test. After a further systems failure, that resulted in the destabilization of the space station's orbit and possible re-entry into the earth's atmosphere, Atom was able to lift the space station back into a stable orbit with his own built in rocket power, and several tanks of cryogenic gases used for experiments on the space station.
We've been told that Atom's artificial intelligence is based on that of a real live boy, which means that Atom is in many ways an artificial human life form. The President will give him a hero's welcome in Washington when he returns to earth, and a Ticker Tape parade will be held in NYC in his honor later in the week. Additionally the country of Japan has requested his presence for similar honors. It seems that a few years ago, Atom was sent secretly to Japan to help out in the Fukushima disaster. Japan would now like to bestow upon him their thanks, which they couldn't do then because of the secrecy they agreed to. We have more details on this story posted up on our NBC News website."
David A. Boody Middle School, Brooklyn NY
Mr. Williams ran the video from NBC news on the computer TV monitor screen for the science class. All of the students, except for Cora, were somewhat in shock by what they had just learned. Cora on the other hand was proud of her best friend, and her crush on him was now even deeper.
"I knew all along there was something weird and different about 'Adam the Atom'," Mike Finkle babbled.
Cora gave Mike the evil eye, and shook a fist in his face. Mike cowed away, the last time he had confronted Cora, she had put him in a Half Nelson hold, and nearly ripped his arm off.
"We now now live in a new age, Students," Mr. Williams told the class. "Technology has been expanding and enriching our lives for over a century now. For the past three years you've accepted Atom as one of you, never aware of him as anything but a fellow human being. I don't think we should change that. He's earned our respect and friendship."
The White House, Oval Office
The president had been briefed about Atom as soon as NASA had launched the SpaceX Falcon-9 from complex 39B. He had spend several hours on the phone talking with Dr. Tenamann long distance from Japan. It had taken him a few days to digest the information, and to come to a realization over what needed to be done. He wrote up the paperwork for a presidential order, but decided to wait to sign it until he had met Atom in person. However, he doubted that his initial instinct would be wrong. Atom was a sentient life form. Despite his man made, mechanical body and computer brain, he had a human soul and life force. The order that POTUS would sign would declare him to be a full citizen of the United States, with the rights of any human being. Atom was a person, not a device. General Hayes might blow a gasket, but if he did; to hell with him.
The president had made a second decision. He ordered that Air Force One would fly him to California, where Marine One would take him to the flight deck of the USS Enterprise. He would greet Atom in person when he stepped out of the Dragon Spacecraft.
Dragon
Atom felt the docking clamps release, and he watched though the forward view port as he drifted away from the space station. The vernier steering rockets then pushed the Dragon further from the ISS. Finally, as the space station became just a small dot in the view port, the Dragon's retro rockets fired, and the spacecraft started to fall from its orbit. Gradually the G forces increased as the spacecraft began its decent toward the earth. Atom sank deeper into the form fitting cot as the forces rose to 3 G's and more. The heat shield began to glow; first red, then orange, and now white hot. Hot plasma surrounded the spacecraft as the heat shield interacted with the upper regions of the atmosphere.
Atom was now in the 'black out' zone where radio communications with Houston was not possible. It would take about seven minutes for the Dragon to pass though the region of maximum heating, before radio communications would be restored. The spacecraft bucked like a wild horse as it fell thought the atmosphere. Finally as it reached denser air and slowed down, the ride became smoother. The first of the parachutes popped open, and the spacecraft slowed even more. As it entered the upper troposphere the main parachutes unfolded.
"Dragon rescue, this is Houston. Atom do you copy?"
"Houston, this is Atom. I have main parachute indication and we are in stable decent. How do we look on radar?
"Atom, this is Houston. We have you on target for splashdown in the Pacific recovery zone. The aircraft carrier Enterprise is waiting for you with some VIP's on board. Have fun!"
A few minutes later, the Dragon splashed down in the ocean just a few hundred yards to the starboard side of the USS Enterprise. A Navy helicopter dropped a line and hook down to a pair of frogmen already in the water, who connected it up to the spacecraft; and the Dragon was lifted out of the ocean and lowered down to the Enterprise's flight deck.
Aircraft Carrier, USS Enterprise
The SpaceX technicians opened the Dragon's hatch, and helped with Atom's egress from the space capsule. A red carpet had been rolled out from the capsule to a reviewing stand where the President was waiting. Atom was a bit embarrassed because he was about to appear in front of the President wearing nothing but his black briefs and red boots. The US commander in chief wasn't a bit put off by that though, and greeted Atom as if his current dress condition was totally normal.
The President made a very short speech as Atom was walked up to the reviewing stand by two Navy, and two Marine officers in full dress uniforms. The US Marine band played an obscure Sousa march, "Transit of Venus".
After being greeted and thanked by the President, Atom was handed a medal for his heroism. The medal was attached to a ribbon that was slipped over his head (Atom was grateful that no one expected to 'pin' a medal on him!).
"We'd like for you to be our honored guest at the White House in a few days, Atom", the president told him. "The first lady and I have planned a reception in your honor. I also understand that the mayor of New York, and the director of the New York Stock Exchange, have scheduled a ticker tape parade in your honor later this week as well."
Atom blushed. He buried his head between his shoulders and replied: "I was only doing what I was built to do. I might have been the only chance the astronauts had, and I knew I could help. I'm no hero, not really."
The Marines and Navy officers standing on the flight deck saluted Atom as he was escorted onto Marine one. Atom was flown back to Washington as the president's guest aboard Air Force One.
White House, State Dinning Room
Two days after landing back on earth, a formal dinner was held for Atom in the State Dinning Room of the White House. Accommodations for Atom to stay as the president's house guest had been made, and the president's official tailor measured Atom for a custom tuxedo for him to wear to the occasion. Simon Green and Robert Levinson were sent official invitations, as were Atom's foster parents; Ken'ichi and Sachiko Yamamoto.
It was the usual Washington dinner party, with an assortment of Senators and Diplomats invited. There were two or three highlights, as far as Atom was concerned. The first was totally unexpected. The president had an announcement to make, and he made sure the press was ready to record the proclamation.
"Today we have witnessed a turning point in science, medicine and theology. The very question of being human has now been redefined in my opinion. A few days ago, the world discovered the existence of a person that was created by a scientific experiment that redefined the boundaries of our conception of our own existence. Atom here, has the self awareness and sentience of any flesh and blood human being. Yet, he is not flesh and blood, but the product of advanced technology that I hope is destined to benefit mankind. After meeting him a few days ago I am convinced that he is a unique individual, and not just a machine created for darker purposes. Therefore, I am issuing a presidential order that grants Atom all the rights of a human citizen of this country. He cannot be legally considered to be property owned by any entity. I am abolishing any possible claim that the military might think they have on him due to his creation being the end result of a military project. Atom is from this day forth, free to determine his own destiny, where ever it will lead him."
Atom didn't know what to say about this. He never gave a second thought to his status as a citizen, or even as a person. Simon and Robert both felt a certain sense of relief. While they had never voiced their concern, they had always felt that a threat had hung over Atom's head in the form of General Hayes.
The second thing that happened that evening to Atom's surprise, was the appearance of the Japanese Ambassador to the United States.
"Atom," the ambassador started, "several years ago you willingly gave your service to my country at great risk to yourself. If you hadn't helped out at Fukushima, the extent of that disaster would have been many times worse. At the time, your country's military considered your very existence a top secret and we had to hid your assistance from our people. Now that your existence has been declassified, Japan wants to honor you for your heroism. We'd like you to visit our country as our guest so we may introduce you to our people."
Atom had always felt a bit awkward about his presence in Japan. It was going to be weird enough in the US because of the "Astro Boy" connection. But in Japan where the manga / anime had originated, it would be mega weird. Somehow though, he figured that the ambassador already knew that, and would figure out how to keep his appearance from being an issue.
"I'd like to be able to bring a few of my close friends and family along with me," Atom asked the ambassador.
"Certainly," the ambassador replied. "Just name them."
"Well; Simon Green and Robert Levinson from the research lab where I was created, my foster parents the Yamamotos, and a good friend from school and her parents." Atom replied.
"They will be our guests as well, Atom. We've already invited your father, brother, and grandmother to the ceremonies of course."
The third moment of the evening that was significant to Atom was bumping into General Hayes. Atom had been a little fearful of the general due to Simon's own worries that he tried to keep to himself, but Atom felt anyway. The general offered his hand to Atom and saluted him.
"Congratulations Son," he said. "You've made us proud. This country needed a boost to its self esteem, and you've provided it."
Perhaps the general wasn't as bad a person as he had been led to believe.
David A. Boody Middle School, Brooklyn
Atom finally returned home. He wanted to be among his classmates and friends once again. He still had a full schedule ahead of him, but for one day at least, he would be back in familiar surroundings. Atom didn't know what kind of reception he would get when he returned to school. Would the kids treat him as some kind of leper now that they knew what he was? Or would they feel they were now beneath him, that he was some kind of a god? Atom didn't want anything to change.
For the most part, he needn't have worried. The principal was aware of the fact that he would be returning to school, and had made an announcement to the entire school the day before. The students were told to treat Atom just as they had before.
As Atom entered his home room class, he saw that even though he had made his usual early arrival, the classroom was already filled with his fellow schoolmates. There was a chorus of clapping hands and Atom had to run the gauntlet of his friends slapping him on the back, or showing him some other kind of affection. Cora was at the end of the line. She put her inhibitions aside and pulled Atom close to her to plant a long kiss on his lips. As she attended to Atom, several loud wolf whistles resonated in the room. The bell rang for their first class, and several of the larger boys lifted Atom up on their shoulders and carried him to Mr. Wilson's science class. Atom had to duck, as his head passed under several of the hanging ceiling light fixtures along the route.
As soon as the procession had made it to the classroom, the Principal made an announcement over the PA system.
"As you probably know by now, your fellow student and friend Adam Yamamoto, also known as Atom, will be in lower Manhattan tomorrow attending a ticker tape parade in his honor. Any students that wishes to attend the parade will be excused from school. I am declaring tomorrow a school holiday in Atom's honor."
Atom smiled at Cora. "Cora, I want you to sit in the Limo next to me during the parade."
Cora jumped up and down in excitement. "I wouldn't miss it for the world!"
Mr. Wilson realized that trying to teach a class that day would be futile. There was only a week left to the school year anyway, and then the senior class would attend their graduation. As the students were already buzzing about Atom asking questions, he decided that the day's session might best be handled by Atom telling his version of the past week's events.
Atom, stepped up to the front of the room and told his story. He left out the personal details that he new the class wouldn't understand (best not to even try to describe what is was like being an android). He concentrated on the space flight, his repairs to the station, and his interaction with the astronauts. Those were the details that the class wanted to hear any way.
For the rest of the school day, Atom was carried around from class to class and found he had to repeat the narration of his adventure over and over again.
Wall Street, lower Manhattan
The next day, Atom found himself sitting in a stretched convertible limo. He sat in the back seat with Cora by his side, his foster parents sat in front of him just behind the driver. The vehicle rolled slowly down the parade route as tons of ticker tape confetti dropped from the buildings lining the route. From time to time the automobile stopped, and Atom had to stand and wave to the crowd standing along the sidewalks. Cora clung to him during those moments, never letting go of Atom's free hand. The parade route ended at City Hall, where the Mayor handed Atom the key to the city. Every network had their television cameras pointed at Atom and Cora on the podium, as they stood beside his honor, the mayor. A microphone was pushed in front of Atom's face, and he was asked to say a few words.
"I'm embarrassed to even be here," Atom said. "I did what I was able to do, because it had to be done. I'm just glad I was able to help. All this," he waved his arms around, "wasn't necessary, but thank you anyway."
Sheepshead Bay IMAX Theater, Brooklyn
A week later, the graduating class of David A. Boody Middle School gathered with their parents and guests for their graduation ceremonies. Atom and Cora were among the top of their class, and sat on the stage in honor of their scholastic achievements. Atom had been a little worried that there might be some resentment toward him, now that the class knew what he was; however none of the students, not even Mike Finkle, ever made any remarks about it. He wished that his father and brother could have been in attendance; however he knew he would be seeing them in a few days in Japan, and that Dr. Tenamann was probably busy with the government officials that were arranging for his reception.
The awards ceremony preceded the handing out of the diplomas, and both Atom and Cora received honors for their straight 'A's. Cora also had a perfect attendance award; Atom would have received one, however he had been missing from school for a few days due to his recent adventure in space. He didn't complain about that however, the awards meant nothing to him as he had absolutely no ego to feed.
Finally, the names of the graduating class were read off in alphabetical order. Since Atom was currently using the family name of his foster parents, he was one of the very last to receive his diploma. Then to the tune of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance march, the students left the auditorium to wait in the lobby for their parents. Atom now had High School to look forward to.
American Airlines, Boeing 777 in route JFK-HND
As he had promised, the Japanese Ambassador to the US had procured travel arrangements for Atom, his two foster parents, and Cora Smith and her family. Simon Green and Robert Levinson had also been invited. Between them, plus the Ambassador's family, they had the entire first class cabin of the aircraft all to themselves. The first class seats were incredibly large and comfortable, as well as adjustable. Cora sat next to Atom and put their armrests in the up position so they could snuggle together. During the long flight she fell asleep with her head resting on a pillow in Atom's lap. Atom drifted off to sleep himself. He had made this same trip a few years ago; only then he flew under his own power at an altitude of about ten thousand feet higher than the 777 aircraft was currently at, and at over five times the speed. It had been a bit of an emergency, with lives at stake. This time, he could make the trip in comfort, at a more relaxed pace.
Upon their arrival in Tokyo, they were greeted by the American ambassador, the prime minister, and Albert and Adam Tenamann. Atom shook hands with the ambassador and the prime minister before giving Adam, and then his father big hugs. His 'twin' brother was now almost a head taller than him, and had the 'peach fuzz' beginnings of the growth of facial hair. Adam's voice had also dropped about half an octave from the last time the two of them had seen each other. Albert Tenamann saw the look on Cora's face as she compared Atom to his flesh and blood brother. It only confirmed what he had already been thinking.
A Government limo brought the group to their hotel. Atom and his parents had an adjoining room next to Cora and her family. Simon and Bob had adjoining rooms across the hall. All were tired from the trip, and jet lag (except, maybe for Atom). Albert, Adam, and Elizabeth Tenamann had taken a pair of rooms down the hallway. The Tenamanns lived in the outskirts of Osaka, a fair distance from the capital. After a small snack provided by room service, the guests crawled into bed, they needed to be well rested for the morning's ceremonies.
National Diet Building , Tokyo Government center
Atom was dressed in the same tuxedo that he had worn at the White House, cleaned and pressed for the occasion. Cora wore a dress that she had picked out. The two of them walked into the Diet Building arm in arm, like a princess with her prince.
The first honor to be paid to Atom was in the Diet Chambers. The full legislative body, the prime minister, and the emperor were present to thank him officially for his assistance during the crisis at Fukushima.
News reporters from Japan's radio and television networks, as well as world wide networks such as CNN had set up their cameras in the isles.
The prime minister gave a speech describing how Atom had secretly entered the country, and had helped stabilize the most critical reactor at the damaged power plant, thus preventing a meltdown that could have left much of the area uninhabitable. He read a declaration that had been passed by the legislative body, granting Atom full citizenship in Japan.
That evening they attended a state dinner at the Edo Castle. It was a full Ball with a band playing dance music of various genres. The Emperor gave a speech honoring Atom, and placed a medal on a ribbon around his neck. The affair went on until the wee hours of the morning. Atom and Cora danced to a waltz, and later a tango. Once again, Albert saw from the look in their eyes that Atom was ready for what he had been planning for.
At one point in the evening, Albert and Atom were together talking when they were met by Makoto Tezuka, the son of the famous manga artist. Makoto asked for their presence at the Tezuka Osmau museum in a few days, for yet another ceremony to honor Atom. Atom and Albert accepted his invitation, and Atom wondered just how this was going to pan out.
Tezuka Osmau Manga Museum, Takarazuka
Dr. Tenamann and Adam led the way down the entrance path. Atom followed, hand in hand with Cora. Ken'ichi and Sachiko Yamamoto, Simon Green, and Mr. and Mrs Smith followed behind. Along the way they passed a statue of the Phoenix bird, which figured into a long line of Manga stories that the great artist had worked on throughout his career. As they approached the entrance they came up to a pair of foot and hand prints in concrete, along with Tetsuwan Atom's signature and image. Atom tried the prints on for size. His hands and feet were a bit too large for a perfect fit. Had he tried this two years ago, before he had been 'grown', he would have been exactly the right size. Atom was dressed in a pair of black short pants with a green belt and a plain white tee shirt. He also wore his usual metallic red boots. The outfit had been Makoto's suggestion, and Atom didn't refuse him.
The building was quite distinctive. It was a two story building with a large domed tower at the entrance. The top of this structure was rounded in striped bands, the top had a glass globe nestled halfway into the top of the tower. Along the wall of the second story were inlaid reliefs of some of the characters from Tezuka's "star system". As they entered and looked up, they saw many of the Manga characters painted in glass and illuminated, hanging from the ceiling. In the very center of the montage was Atom's cartoon face. Standing off to the side on a small pedestal, there was a statue of the 'mighty Atom' character. It all seemed too surreal, too incredible to be true. They were in the middle of the inspiration for Dr. Tenamann's whole career, as Albert would later confess to. Sometimes science fiction does become fact.
Makoto Tezuka, greeted the group as they walked in. "Welcome, Atom-san," he said.
Slowly a crowd of people entered front part of the museum where Atom and guests had been standing. They surrounded Atom and one by one touched him out of curiosity. Cameras appeared and Atom stood next to the 'might Atom' statue to pose for the crowd.
Makoto Tezuka still didn't quite seem to believe Atom's presence in the museum. "Forgive me Atom. I've read the reports released from our ministry of science and technology, and the NASA press releases, but I still feel overwhelmed by the idea of my father's story ideas suddenly becoming today's technology."
Atom smiled at him, "Do you need proof? Would you like to see it first hand?"
Makoto asked "What do you mean?"
"Let's step outside," Atom said.
The two of them walked into the court yard at the front of the museum. Atom stepped behind Makoto and put his arms around the man, under his arms. He held him tightly against his chest.
"Don't be afraid. I won't drop you."
The two of them rose slowly upward. Atom flew slowly over the museum and circled around the block before landing in the same spot where they had left the ground a few minutes ago.
Makoto smiled at Atom. "I wish my father had lived to see you Atom. I think he secretly wished that some of his visions would one day come true."
Japanese Science and Technology Ministry, Takodanobaba
The next day Atom, Cora and her parents, and Atom's foster parents: Ken'ichi and Sachiko, visited Dr. Tenamann and Adam; at the Japanese Science and Technology. Albert Tenamann had taken up a position at the Ministry after returning to the country following his retirement from the Museum think tank. His laboratory in the S&T Ministry was set up for working with advanced metallurgy, and stem cell research. These, strangely enough, went hand in hand with his current work, the development of new prosthetic devices.
"Hello Ken'ichi-san, Sachiko-chan," Albert said. "It's been a long time since we've seen each other. I'm sorry I missed you before leaving for Japan. I also need to thank you for agreeing to take care of Atom in my absence."
"We're very glad to see you again too, Albert-san," Ken'ichi replied. "Atom has filled a void in our lives, and we both were very happy to foster him."
Albert then explained his present position. "Although I've said that I would retire, the Japanese government made me an offer I couldn't refuse when I emigrated here. In return for my work on certain projects that we both hope will help the aging population of this country, I've been granted access to other technology for my own purposes. It was here that Atom's body was modified two years ago so he would appear to have grown about a half foot taller and three years older. I used the metallurgical properties of the alloy that Atom was built from, and the equipment that was provided for me here, to perform the required mods on Atom." He said.
Cora and Atom were standing together, holding hands. Albert turned to them.
"Cora, do you have feelings for Atom?"
"DAD!" Atom blurted out.
"I have my reasons for asking, Atom. Please indulge me here," Albert said. "Cora?"
"Yes, Dr. Tenamann. I sorta had a crush on Atom the first day I met him at school. He was so much shorter than the other kids and seemed so vulnerable. Then one day I had a terrible experience during which I would have fallen to my death, but Atom came to my rescue. Ever since then I've had this feeling that I couldn't live without him."
"But what about the future. You are growing into a young woman Cora. What will happen between you and Atom in the future?"
"What do you mean, Dad," Atom again interrupted.
"I think Cora might know what I mean, Atom," Albert replied.
"I don't know..." Cora said, though from the sound of her voice it was clear that she did.
"Atom," Cora began. "I think your father is asking me if I think there is a future for us. I don't know. I mean, I thought I loved you. I still think I do. But, will we grow apart, or at least will I while you stand still...?"
"Cora, I think I have the answer to that. But it will have to be Atom's decision. Will you wait here for a bit while I talk to Atom and his foster parents alone?
Albert, Atom and the Yamamoto's walked into Albert's laboratory, Cora stayed behind with her parents.
Albert then began to explain what he had been trying to lead on to.
"When I first constructed you Atom, the purpose was to serve as a body for Adam's mind and soul when we thought that he wasn't going to survive his near fatal accident. I had the means to preserve everything that made Adam what he is, and I wanted to create a body for him to enable him to live out his natural life as if nothing had ever happened to him. I designed a way to do that within the constraints of an android body. Atom, I now want to give you that ability. I've seen that you've formed a caring bond with Cora, and she with you. I want you to have to the opportunity for that kind of relationship to fully blossom, and to experience the full emotional bonds, and the physical pleasures of such a pairing, should it go its full course. In addition, I want Cora to be able to reciprocate her feelings toward you, as if you were a real flesh and blood human being."
"Wait a minute, are we talking about what I think we are talking about? Is that even possible?" Ken'ichi stepped in to the conversation.
"I've taken some of Adam's DNA, and inserted it into stem cells that I created from other cells harvested from his tissues. It was a mostly painless procedure that Adam had agreed to, knowing it was for his brother's benefit. Stem cells can be induced to morph into any kind of body tissue, they hold the key to making replacement parts for the human body. I found a way to create a living nursery of these magic cells, and induce them to replicate human reproductive cells. I then grew a single biomass for this purpose that also performs the function of the prostate. For this living prosthesis, I created an incubator that keeps the biomass nourished and oxygenated without the need for blood circulation."
Albert then showed them the completed prosthesis device. It was a small metal sphere with connections for several tubing lines, and and electrical connections to tie into Atom's body.
"This prosthesis has connections to Atom's systems for nutrients and oxygen to keep the internal biomass alive. Atom already has a primitive digestive system that can provide the simple sugars required from the foods that he already eats. He also breathes air, and I will add a small tank of compressed oxygen for those times that he can't, such as his recent space adventure, or under water activities. Finally, I do have another modification for Atom's body that will have him grow a bit more than another half foot, broaden his shoulders, and change his body profile to one of a male entering puberty. There will also be a small, but import change in his anatomy to add something that I'd overlooked until now."
Atom looked a bit perplexed. Ken'ichi smiled.
"Who is going to explain it to Cora?" he asked.
"I think she will discover all in good time," Albert said. If Atom agrees, I'll perform the modifications in a few days before everyone goes back home. Atom will start school looking like a proper adolescent his age. When he is ready for it, and the time is correct, the new systems will come on line and what is destined to happen, will."
"There is one more thing..."
Albert then produced a small device, a multi faceted crystal cylinder sitting on top of a small metal base. The crystal glowed with a soft dim light.
"The He3 nuclear reactor that powers you has performed very well Atom, but the fuel it uses is quite rare, and you've been using it up at a much higher rate than I originally calculated for. While I do have enough stockpiled for you, to last many years, something a bit better has become available."
"What is that?" Ken'ichi asked.
"Something that the Japanese military obtained from the US Air Force. They have a secret lab deep under the Cheyenne mountain. This little module taps directly into the fabric of the universe to reach energy left over from the big bang."
"Zero point, vacuum energy?" Ken'ichi gasped.
"Exactly!" Albert replied. Once this module is installed in Atom he won't ever need to be refueled again for hundreds of thousands of years."
They returned to the lobby where Cora and her parents waited. Atom looked at her.
"Cora, my dad can modify me so I will again grow. I won't remain a kid, I'll grow up with you. We can be together, if you want"
Cora looked pleased. "I'd like that."
"Cora," Albert looked at her. "Atom will be exactly like any other boy when I've finished the promised modifications."
Cora smiled as if she might have understood the full meaning of what he had just said.
"Promise?" she asked.
"Promise." Albert answered.
Atom looked up at his father. "OK, Dad. I'm ready."
Author's notes:
This was the longest chapter I've written for a story so far. I considered splitting this one into two, but I really couldn't find a good spot to break it up without making one part too short.
I decided to add a controversial idea to the end, because I never did like the idea of Atom remaining a child for the rest of his life. My vision for Atom is more like that of R. Daneel Olivaw (Asimov, "The Positronic Man"). I'd already figured out that he could be made to 'grow' via a bit of robot surgery. Now I've figured that he could become a bit more than he was, to become what he is destined to become. I'm sure April7 will be pleased. Future Atom stories will exploit my idea of an 'older' Atom.
POTUS This is a government / military acronym meaning "President of the United States"
The ZPM module idea came from "Stargate SG-1".