Isis Rising by Jean Stewart

Author:Jean Stewart [Stewart, Jean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781594932489
Amazon: B00BOXQ772
Publisher: Bella Books
Published: 2011-03-14T03:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

In a pair of baggy, blue shorts and one of Whit’s sleeveless gray warrior T-shirts, Kali sat before the computer wallscreen in her mother’s lab, trying to master the implications of an advanced mathematics lesson. Around her, the familiarity of the room gave a subtle comfort. Long, slate lab tables stood above a myriad of cupboards and drawers, but the high tech equipment that had once dominated this place had long ago been stored away. Now, the only reminder of Maat’s work was the complex computer Kali was using.

A warm voice called, “Okay if your tutor comes early today?”

Looking up, Kali found Arinna Sojourner pausing in the open doorway. From behind Kali, the bright mid-July sunlight poured through the lab window, casting a golden radiance on Arinna as she approached. The Systems Director looked outstanding in her summer weight canvas pants and a pink tank-top, her wavy hair gathered in a ponytail high on the back on her head. During the past few months of outdoor work, Arinna’s skin had tanned into a deeper shade of nut-brown, and she fairly glowed with sleek good health.

Noticing Kali’s discreet appraisal, Arinna smiled. She pulled up a lab stool near Kali’s compu-chair.

“Godel’s theorem,” Kali admitted, ruefully. “I’m trying to accept the idea that computers—even the ones with a thousand MIPS—can never be as intelligent as humans.”

“Ah yes,” Arinna chuckled, leaning closer to Kali conspiratorially. “A disappointing discovery for most computer scientists. It’s hard to concede that the computer’s knowledge will always be limited by that fixed set of axioms—the truths built into the machine by those who initially designed it. As thinking, evolving intellects, however, humans are beyond limitations. We can discover truths or concepts never imagined possible.” Arinna sighed thoughtfully. “Godel’s theorem is a great reassurance, sometimes.”

Cued by that slightly aggrieved response, Kali tucked her left arm against her sore ribs and turned to face Arinna. “Why are you so early? It’s only a little after one o’clock, isn’t it?”

Arinna smiled sadly. “Aren’t you glad to see me?”

“Yes, but you left work at the Leader’s House site. The weather is good and I know there’s plenty to do. If it weren’t for Neith insisting that I have to give these ribs a month to heal, I’d be there, myself. What’s going on?”

Smoothing a hand over her ponytail, Arinna commented, “Loy and Whit got into another argument. I left.”

Frowning, Kali sat back. “Oh, no. And Whit told me last night that she was being unfailingly diplomatic with Loy.”

Arinna linked her fingers together and contemplated them.

“Ever since late June, working with them has been maddening.”

“Whit tries,” Kali defended.

Arinna remarked, “Whit patronizes Loy and it makes Loy mad.”

Struggling to remain calm, Kali reasoned, “You must admit that Loy has trouble working as part of a team.”

Arinna tossed her head and the tail of hair swung over her shoulder. “Loy’s a natural leader. She needs to be in charge of something, that’s all.”

“She’s supposed to be in charge of developing a healthy economic base,” Kali retorted softly.

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