Bubblegum Crisis Post 2040 Files
Chapter 8: Scientific Discovery
by P. Kristen Enos (bgcpost2040@aol.com)
* * * * *
A Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 English Dub Version Fanfic. All rights belong to AIC, ADV Films and the other creative powers that be. I just want credit for writing the story. Contains spoilers! Rated PG13. Yuri warning! Nothing in here should be a shock if you've watched the episodes and paid attention. All I'm doing is filling in the gaps with my own interpretation of events! Special thanks to egret for betaing!
* * * * *
"-- Dr. Yuri and the rest of the team are still going through the documentation," Dr. Yamada reported as he stood in the center of the luxurious office that was bigger than the giant lab he spent most of his time in. "At this point, however, I can guarantee we will be able to make 95% of the requirements by the demonstration date."
Clearly impressed, Quincy leaned back in his chair and stroked his beard. "The information is that valuable?"
"Yes," the scientist confirmed, his excitement clearly evident even though he tried to maintain his formal stance. "The design information is revolutionary. The fact that it predates all existing documentation on boomer technology is what makes it all the more remarkable that it was kept completely classified. We've theorized that had this design been fully deployed, we probably would not have suffered the Boomer Revolution in 2040."
"So then are you suggesting that would mean we would finally negate the rogue risk if we fully incorporated the designed into our all of new gen models?" Madigan questioned as she stood by the window. Her skeptical tone was subtly evident, but then she almost always sounded skeptical.
"It's a theory," Dr. Yamada responded earnestly, realizing he was clearly on point to justify his statement. "As we are all aware, not all of the associated documents were recovered, which may have included the reasons behind the final decision of why the design information was never fully deployed, as well as what actually happened to the prototype created. None of the documents mention any rogue element in the prototype; in fact it gives the impression that the model was by far the most reliable and trustworthy design ever. It stands to reason that the rogue element was introduced because not all of the sophisticated core functions were incorporated in mass deployed models, which could have been due to a variety of reasons from excessive expense to unnecessary capabilities."
"If that theory is true, then we have to consider the fact that our latest generation of boomers are even less sophisticated than the Revolution models," Madigan pointed out. "Which in turns means an even greater risk of going rogue."
"Yes, but," answered the scientist firmly, showing he was more occupied with the point of the debate rather than focused on the intimidation factor of who he was actually debating with, "We are also aware of the fact that the Revolution was confined to Tokyo since the exact same models deployed elsewhere in Japan and internationally were unaffected."
"I think the outstanding issue is that we still don't know what exactly caused the Revolution," Quincy interjected smoothly when he saw that Madigan was going to fire off another point. "Which is why we have the Data Recovery project to begin with. Are we agreed on that?"
Both employees curtly nodded.
"Now then, back to these recovered files. You've stated that meeting 95% of the requirements should not be an issue. What is the outstanding 5%?"
"The remaining 5% is the requirement around full environment interaction. Because my team is still sifting through the documents, we may actually uncover something to bridge this gap. What is additionally noteworthy is that the original requirements for Sylvie may prove to be too easily met by the information we've gleaned."
"Meaning?" Now both executives appeared intrigued in their own way.
"For example, the person recognition file that we've envisioned is extremely primitive compared to what the document has outlined as achievable. The maximum number of persons may be significantly higher, like in the thousands or greater, since it seems as if we can build a cleaner and more advanced interactive module. The documentation also details how we can combine that module with easily assessible retention, creating reference information as a base for approaching new and unfamiliar interactions."
"You mean create Boomers with the capability to learn?" Madigan questioned, clearly startled by the statement.
"Yes, Ma'am," Dr. Yamada answered, his original enthusiasm returning. "Not just with people, but anything which is part of their environment, based on whatever parameters we define."
"It almost sounds like we can achieve a sort of sentience with our models," Quincy commented as he mulled over the implications of the statement.
"In theory, yes. At least, as much sentience a machine can accomplish, which even at the most advanced levels detailed in these files is still below the natural abilities of a human child. These files are clearly missing some sections so we have an opportunity to conduct our own research to see if these information gaps are easily recoverable data. That is just one option of many that we've found so far. There are other benefits, such as much more efficient internal designs which will allow us to create body frames comparable to the size of a child," he stated, clearly being swept up by the excitement of possibilities. Catching himself, he cleared his throat and adopted the formal demeanor before stating, "Obviously we wouldn't be able to incorporate everything we've learned from the documentations by the demonstration date. However, Sir, for the next version of Sylvie, I am requesting a total reevaluation of the requirements as they currently stand because I have high confidence that we can upgrade her to standards far superior than what we originally thought was possible."
Quincy looked at Madigan questioningly.
She gave a nod though her expression was unreadable.
"Dr. Yamada, you have my full permission," Quincy declared. "In fact, I would request that you and Dr. Yuri allow your team to proceed with the original requirements while the two of you do a reevaluation and proposal as soon as possible. You are dismissed."
Once the clearly pleased scientist left, the CEO leaned back in his chair thoughtfully. "Well, that was certainly interesting. In the course of fifteen minutes we find out Boomer Technology is far more advanced than we ever thought, and that our doctor has a backbone to him after all. It seems we have to reevaluate our plans for him. With what he knows now, we definitely cannot lose him to any competitors, either accidentally or intentionally. However, I am curious to hear what he and Dr. Yuri will come up with in the requirements reevaluation."
"So do we change our plans for him, or merely delay them?" she asked as she looked out the window at the view of Tokyo Bay. On the horizon, she could see the construction tower that marked the site of the Skyhook Rebuilding Project.
"I'm thinking he may be so blinded by his scientific interest in these documents that we can use that to our benefit. However -- " His comment was interrupted by a vibrating sound coming from within his vest pocket, which was Madigan's cue to occupy herself with reading her datapad.
He pulled out his cellular phone with a noticeably concerned look on his face. "Hello?… Oh, hello, Sweetheart… Yes, I'll be at the recital tonight. Tell your mother I'll meet you at the school…. Well, tell your brother that I will check to make certain your pontytail is intact. If it's not, then I'll order Mr. Hino to lock up his video games for a week…. Yes, explain it as seven days… Okay, Sweetheart, I'll talk to you later. Love you. Bye."
Quincy let out a weary sigh as he turned off the phone, at which Madigan allowed herself a wry grin as she continued to scan her pad.
"I just need to hear that every once in a while to confirm that it's a good thing I don't have more than one," she commented dryly as she put her pad down.
"Yes, but yours is also in college. I have at least four more years of this. Of course, it would end sooner if Junior actually acted his age," the father grumbled as he massaged his temples. "I'm sorry. Where were we?"
"Dr. Yamada," she prompted, back in business mode. "What should we do about him now that he knows what he knows."
Quincy mulled it over a moment and then asked, "So are we certain that we've recovered all of the files that we can for that project?"
"Given the volume that is still yet to be processed through the final level of recovery analysis, it's hard to say. But it seems all of the files were together so I think we may have the majority of the information. And I know the way Mason worked, and how he would mislabel files for coverage. I've instructed my team to give priority to analyzing all of his files and they are 99% complete."
"Dr. Yamada is getting married on June 30th, hmm?" Quincy said as he checked his own data pad. "And the announcement of the Perry Electronics buy out has been already made public. But deals can always fall through, of any sort… Suggestions?"
"Unless something is done, he will become part of Chang Enterprises sooner or later. And if it's not Perry Electronics, it could be another company which could become his personal lab and factory. Mr. Chang seems to be a man who knows how valuable his people are and how to best use their skills. And given Dr. Yamada's personality profile, I do think we will be spared a risk of him leaking any technology information as long as he's still employed with us. However, once he's no longer loyal to Genom, there is nothing to guarantee he will keep this information completely proprietary. He's too much of a scientist not to use all of the information he knows. It is also possible he might not plan to leave so soon now that he has a new challenge with Project Sylvie and may want to see it through to the end."
"True." Quincy stared out the window from his seat and finally said, "Tell him and Dr. Yuri they have until the end of the week to turn in a new proposal for Sylvie. During the weekend, execute the first part of Plan C, and let's see what happens. I am hoping it will stall the wedding, but it could also backfire and cause us to lose him sooner. And if that happens, execute the second part of the plan without delay. Also set up a meeting with Dr. Yuri. I think it's high time we had a chat with this man to find out what his career plans are.... And reward the programmers who recovered those files with a 10% bonus."
"Yes, Sir," Madigan responded promptly as she exited while making notes on her pad.
-- End Chapter 8 --
