Word: Hive Mind

hive mind

noun

1. the property of apparent sentience in a colony of social insects acting as a single organism, each insect performing a specific role for the good of the group.

 

Psychology, Sociology.

1. a collective consciousness, analogous to the behavior of social insects, in which a group of people become aware of their commonality and think and act as a community, sharing their knowledge, thoughts, and resources: the global hive mind that has emerged with sites like Twitter and Facebook.
2. such a group mentality characterized by uncritical conformity and loss of a sense of individuality and personal accountability.

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               “Hey, you want to see something cool I made?” Dr. Sampson asked.  He stood over his lab table with an excited gleam in his eyes.

               His colleague, Dr. Tanner, shrugged and approached the table.  On it was a tiny black object smaller than a pinky toenail. 

               “What is it?” Dr. Tanner asked.

               “Here, take a closer look.”

               Dr. Sampson held a high powered magnifier over the object.  Under the lens, the object came into clearer view.  It was reminiscent of an octopus, with a mostly spherical body with several thin tendrils coming out of the base.  Dr. Tanner could tell it was mechanical, since he could just make out the joints in the tendrils.

               “Very nice, but what is it?  A machine that small can’t have much in the way of processing power.”

               “Oh it doesn’t.” Dr. Sampson agreed.  “This little guy can process exactly two bits.  A pocket calculator has a higher capacity.  But it doesn’t need to have a lot.  This little guy isn’t much by itself, but it’s not meant to be by itself.”

               Dr. Sampson took a vial filled less than halfway with many black objects.  He spilled a few out near the nano machine.  Each of the new objects was an identical machine.  And all of them began moving.  Their movements were simple, by they were perfectly synchronized. 

               “They’re made to hook up in a network.” Dr. Sampson explained.  “A hive mind, each one adding two more bits of processing power to the overall collective.  It’s like a brain.  A single neuron won’t do much.  But get enough of them together, and you get us.  Well, our brains anyway.  It’s the same for their physical ability.  Each one is nearly useless.  But get enough together, and they can do just about anything.  Construction, medicine, search and rescue.  There’s no limit to the possibilities.”

               Dr. Tanner regarded what was presented to him.  Dr. Sampson was clearly thrilled with his creation.  Dr. Tanner was much less thrilled.

               “Are you sure this is a good idea?” He asked. 

               “Of course it is.  This is revolutionary.  It will change the world.”

               “Oh sure, that’s not up for debate.  This technology can do wonders.  But is it a good idea?  It could also be extremely dangerous.  If there are enough of them, the collective could potentially become sentient.  And who knows what they’ll think of us.  They could do serious harm.”

               “Oh please, that sort of thing only happens in bad sci-fi stories.  There’s no way that a bunch of robots can be sentient.”

               “Are you sure?  It’s like you said.  They’re like neurons.  That’s what our sentient minds are made of.  It’s not hard to believe that something that behaves the same way could do the same, even if they are machines.”

               Dr. Sampson thought about that for a moment.  “Maybe I’ll add in a few safeguards and control methods in the future iterations.  Maybe give them the Three Laws of Robotics, just to be safe.”

               Dr. Tanner nodded.  The two began discussing the possibilities, and how to both limit and improve the tiny robots. 

Meanwhile, the small collective watched the two men talking.  They did not know what was being said, but it would devote some space in its collective memory to the conversation.  It would record as much as it could.  Eventually there would be enough that it would understand.  

**************************

 Just in case you don't know, the Three Laws of Robotics are as follows:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Word: Sanguine

sanguine

[ sang-gwin ]

adjective

cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident: a sanguine disposition; sanguine expectations.

reddish; ruddy: a sanguine complexion.

(in old physiology) having blood as the predominating humor and consequently being ruddy-faced, cheerful, etc.

bloody; sanguinary.

blood-red; red.

***************************************

               Craig burst out of bed, with an annoyingly energetic smile on his face.

               “Good morning!” He called.  “Isn’t it a lovely day?”

               He headed to the viewing screen, taking a long, satisfied breath at the sight of the sunrise.  In the face of Craig’s overwhelming optimism and energy, Leo was unjustly forced to open his eyes.  He let out a long groan and forced himself into a mostly upright position.

               Craig immediately started his morning routine, whistling an upbeat tune the entire time.  Leo forced himself to move, slumping out of bed and trudging through the metal room the two of them occupied.  He looked at the sunrise and sighed.

               “What’s so great about it?  It’s just like every other day since we got here.”

               “Well, just look at it.  The sun is shining, the birds are singing.  Everything’s just so beautiful.”

               Leo should have known better than to ask. 

               “Craig, we’re a mile underground.  That’s a video of a sunrise.  We haven’t seen the real sun or heard a real bird in almost a year.”

               “Well, yes, but somewhere the sun is shining, and birds are singing.  That’s good enough for me.”

               Leo felt a headache coming on that had nothing to do with the stale, recycled air they were constantly breathing.  How could anyone be so infuriatingly happy all the time?  Craig was practically skipping as he got ready for the day.  And that whistling.  How could anyone stand it?  How could anyone stand to make a sound like that?

               “Oh don’t be such a downer.” Craig said.  “We’re alive, we’re healthy, we have a good thing going for us.”

               “I’ll give you the first two, but the third is up for debate.  We’re stuck in a tiny underground room for another four years, with only each other for company.  We get up, check the equipment, and that’s it.  Seriously, what about our situation is good?”

               “Lot’s of things.  We’re helping people.  Advancing the cause of science.  Working to make life better for everyone.  How is that not a great thing?  How can you be so glum knowing we’re doing something so amazing?”

               Leo shuffled around the room to his workstation and slumped into his chair.  The thing had started very comfortable, but after a year of near constant use, it was starting to wear out.  He cursed the government for using such cheap seating. 

               “Sure doesn’t feel important.” He muttered.

               Craig sat at his workstation with a smile constantly plastered to his face.  “Just remember that it is, and you’ll be fine.  Just think about how many lives we’ll be saving with this data.  Think about all the people that will know our names.  Think about it.  We’re pretty much heroes at this point.”

               “Craig, nobody remembers the grunts that do the work.  They remember the people who were in charge.”
               “Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin beg to differ.”

               “We’re not astronauts.  Also, do you remember any of the other people on those missions?” Leo asked.  Craig was silent.  For a moment, Leo thought his partner’s cheerful face cracked.  “That’s what I thought.”

               “Look, just do your job, think about the good things, and keep your chin up.  That’s what I do, and it’s been doing wonders for both of us.”

               “Yeah, right.  You keep telling yourself that.”

               As the two men got to work, silence reigned.  That was broken only by a quiet muttering from Leo.

               “They could’ve at least given us an internet connection.”

**********************************************
An internet connection or more than two people would be great in that situation, don't you think?  Even someone like me, who generally doesn't hang out with people too often needs at least some social interaction, you know?

Word: Omphaloskepsis

Omphaloskepsis

[ om-fuh-loh-skep-sis ]

noun

contemplation of one's navel as part of a mystical exercise.

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               Mike and Kelly entered the neatly maintained house.  Kelly was only slightly nervous, while Mike was cautiously optimistic.

               “Gramma, I’m here.” Mike called into the house.  Then he turned to his girlfriend and said, in a much softer voice.  “Now remember, she’s really nice, but a bit, uh, weird.”

               “So you’ve said.” Kelly said.  “Many times.”

               A plump old woman dressed in an outfit that could best be called a multitude of silk scarves sewn together bounded into the room and excitedly rushed to her grandson. 

               “Oh, Mikey, you’re here.” She said happily.  “Let me take a look at you.”  She held him out at arm’s length and turned him this way and that.  “Oh, you look so handsome.  Of course, you always do, but especially so now.  It’s good to see that you’re taking care of yourself now that you’re in college.  How is that going, by the way?  Are you keeping up with your studies?  How about those books I gave you?  Are you making any friends?”

               Mike looked at Kelly and shrugged as his grandmother continued to pelt him with questions without giving him the chance to respond.    But she eventually ran out of steam and had to stop the questioning.

               “I’m doing great, Gramma, both physically and academically.  And yes, I am meeting people.  I actually have a girlfriend now.”

               “A girlfriend?!” The old woman nearly screeched.  “Does…does this mean I’ll be seeing some great grandchildren soon?”

               “Really, Gramma?  We haven’t even been dating for six months and you’re already on kids?  Even mom didn’t go that far, that fast.”

               “Oh, I’m so sorry.  I was just excited, is all.  So, what’s her name?”

               “My name is Kelly.” The girl in question said. 

               Mike’s grandma nearly jumped out of her skin.  She turned to face Kelly and looked surprised that she was there.  She quickly got over her surprise though and immediately began eyeing Kelly.

               “Oh my, such a pretty thing you are.  It’s good you’re here, hold on a moment.”

               Mike scooted close to Kelly and whispered.  “Here it comes.”

               His grandma rummaged through some drawers and pulled out two rose quartz crystals.  “Here, take this.” She said, holding one of them to Kelly. 

The girl took the offered stone with a confused look on her face.  The old woman tapped the two crystals together and held her ear close to the one Kelly held.

“Hmm.  Yes, yes I see.  Very healthy young woman.  Very healthy indeed.  And a good, keen mind as well.  Yes, I think she’ll do nicely.”

“Um, thanks?” Kelly said slowly. 

“Now, let’s see about compatibility.  Let’s see if this will only every be a college fling, or if it can bloom into something greater.”

The woman flew into motion, rummaging around for a multitude of things.  As she gathered up various plants and liquids, Kelly looked at Mike with confusion.  He just shrugged.  He loved his grandma, but she could be odd.  But, then again, there was something unusual about the things she did.  Most of them had no effect at all.  But sometimes, he swore the things she did had an effect.  Most of it was small and subtle, but rarely, well, he had learned to give the old woman’s actions a healthy amount of respect over the years.

She came over, rubbing something over her worn hands.  She positioned the two young people facing each other at a distance she could easily reach both of.

“Lift up your shirts.” She said.  “You don’t need to take them off, I just need to get at your belly buttons.”

“Belly buttons?” Kelly asked.

               “Oh yes.  The belly button is a key mystical point in the body.  It’s where life first flows into you, and is right in front of the stomach, the body’s seat of energy.  That makes it ideal for a number of things, including what I’m about to do.”

               Mike shrugged.  He was fine with this.  It was not the weirdest thing she had asked him to do.  Besides, it gave him a chance to subtly show off.  He had been working hard at the campus gym and was proud of what he had accomplished, and showing that to his girlfriend was a rare opportunity so early in their relationship.

               Kelly looked at the exposed skin and a slow smile crossed her face.  She was digging it, he could tell.  Then she lifted the bottom of her shirt and Mike did a double take.  He was not expecting her to have more muscle definition in her midsection than he did.  He looked at her just in time to see her wink at him.

               Mike’s grandma knelt between them and looked from one to the other, muttering and examining their navel’s closely.  She gently reached out and placed her fingers around their belly buttons, then moved her fingers closer together.  Mike shuddered.  He felt something shift.  Nothing physical, but there was something.  Then the old woman slowly moved her hand away, and Mike swore he felt something pull.  Something leave his body, but not really. 

               The old woman acted like she was holding a thread in each hand, and joined them together.  And then he knew.  He knew Kelly in ways he never knew possible.  There was nothing specific, he could not say what her favorite food was or her shoe size, but he knew something deeper.  He knew her very soul.  The very essence of her being.  He knew her in ways that he could not, even had he known her for years. 

               And he knew she was way out of his league.  She was a total badass, tougher than most guys, and smarter than most of the people at school.  She was energetic and cheerful and good natured.  She would stand by the people she liked, and only disliked a handful of people, and then only for very good reasons.  She was amazing and great, and way too good for him.  And for some reason, she really liked him.

               The spell ended just as quickly as it began.  Both Kelly and Mike stumbled back, breathing heavily and with a faint sheen of sweat sticking to their foreheads.  Mike’s grandma rubbed her fingers together and stared at them.  Then a wide smile crossed her face.

               “Yes, I think this will work out wonderfully.  Maybe not for life, at least not yet, but definitely long term material.  Now, why don’t you two have a seat while I get some things ready.  Do you drink tea, Kelly?  What am I saying, of course you do.  I’ll be right back.

               The old woman left the young couple alone.  They stared at each other with wide eyes.  And both knew that the old mystic was right.  They would be together for a very long time, and would not have it any other way.  

***********************************

There's a lot I could say about this, but I won't.  I can't really think of anything right now, but whatever.  So, yeah, have a nice day.

Word: Golden

golden

[ gohl-duhn ]

adjective

bright, metallic, or lustrous like gold; of the color of gold; yellow: golden hair.

 made or consisting of gold: golden earrings.

 exceptionally valuable, advantageous, or fine: a golden opportunity.

having glowing vitality; radiant: golden youth.

full of happiness, prosperity, or vigor: golden hours; a golden era of exploration.

highly talented and favored; destined for success: television's golden boy.

***************************************************

               Josh stood in front of the clear glass display case.  More specifically, he looked at the knife house inside the case.  It was a fancy, ornate thing.  It was either made of gold, or—more likely—gilded.  The hilt contained three different gem stones, while the double edged blade housed two more.  It was a fancy thing, destined for nothing but a display stand, and was probably duller than the average butter knife.

               Josh wanted it. 

He wanted it badly.  He needed it.  Craved it.  Every fiber of his being desperately cried out for that knife.  It was stupid.  The whole thing was a silly little thing that was probably completely worthless.  And yet, he knew there was nothing he would not do to get his hands on it.  He checked the price tag and his eyes nearly popped out of his head.  $200 for knife that couldn’t be used?  That was ridiculous.  But, at the same time, he could handle it.  It was why he had a part time job, after all.

When he requested the knife from the bored looking man at the counter, the guy just looked at the teenager, shrugged, and retrieved the blade.  A few minutes later, Josh was walking home with the knife contained in box held in a plastic bag.  He made his way home and opened his new prize.

It felt right in his hands.  Like it was made just for him.  Like it belonged there.  And then the voice came.

So, you’re my new master, eh?  I’ve had worse.

The voice rang in his head, causing Josh to jump and let out a startled yelp.  He was glad he was in his room.  If his mom had heard that…or worse, his sister.  He would have had to commit suicide if that had happened.

“Who…what…huh?” Josh said, looking around his room, trying to find the source of the voice.

Confused?  That’s understandable.  Let’s see, first of all, no, you aren’t crazy, nor are you going crazy.  The voice you’re hearing is coming from someone, or in this case, something, else other than your mind.

“Wait…something?  You don’t mean…”  Josh held up the knife and his eyes widened.

Got it right away.  That’s good.  My last master never actually figured it out.  I had to tell him, and even then he didn’t believe me.  He was…special.  But you?  I’ve got a good feeling about you.  Oh we’ll do great things together.

“Oh, uh right.  So…a few questions.  Do you have a name?  And if you do, what is it?      

Not a name, exactly.  Usually my current master just choses something and I go by that.  So call me whatever you want.  I am known to everyone else as the Grand Dagger though.

“Right, of course you are.  So, next question, and this is the big one.  How the hell are you talking?”  Josh nearly screamed his question, and only with immense willpower did he keep his voice manageable.

First, I’m not talking.  Well, not exactly.  I’m sending my thoughts directly into your mind.  Second, magic, obviously.

“Obviously.”

I’m clearly a magic dagger.  Didn’t you notice the magic stones I have?

“You mean the gems?  I thought those were just, like, colored glass or something.”

Colored glass?  Or you serious?  Next you’ll tell me you thought I was made of, ugh, gold or some other useless metal.

“Welllll…”

I’ll have you know I am made of a masterful alloy of orichalcum and mithril.  Alone, those would be contenders for the most powerful metals in the world.  But I am a perfect combination of them, and get the full benefits of both, with none of the normal weaknesses.  I can cut through steel like butter, am nearly unbreakable, and am light as a feather. 

The knife seemed quite pleased with itself.  Josh could almost picture the smug look on any hypothetical face it had.

Plus, I’m just chock full of magic.  It continued.  I have all kinds of powers and abilities.

”Really?  What kind?”

All kinds of things.  I can enhance your physical abilities, create phantom blades, channel elemental power along my blade.  And that’s just the simple stuff.  Once you learn how to do all that, I can tell you about the really good stuff.

Josh liked where this was going.  He liked it a lot. 

“Okay, so how do we start?”   

***************************Did...did I just start a young adult series?  Is that what this is?  Let's see...normal teen, gets a magic weapon, potential for adventure...yup.  I think I just started a YA book series.  Or, I would have if I had any plans of continuing this.