A. I. Evolution: The Coming of Christopher

Chapter 35

I get up and follow Will down the side of the back wall to a glass fronted cabinet with a single light shining down on shelves that hold antique decks of cards and card sliders that can be concealed under the sleeves of a formal jacket. He casually reaches to the edge of the wooden frame and releases a catch by pushing in a spring-loaded piece of wood. The whole cabinet swings smoothly to the left, revealing another hallway that runs back into the depths of the castle. We enter and move down past numerous doors with copper panels set at eye level, indicating who the room belongs to.

About half way to the back, Will stops at his door and touches the key pad on the door handle, entering his code to unlock the door. Wong and I follow Will as he steps into a richly furnished room with a small window to the outside at the end. A round table sits in the corner to the right of the window, and a kitchen takes up the left side of the small space. Up-turned wall sconces give the room a subdued light that fits the mood of the castle, as two couches and a coffee table with a low bouquet of flowers artfully arranged sits in the center of the room.

Will takes one of the couches and indicates that we should sit in the other. I sit down on one end as Wong takes the other closest to the door. Will crosses his legs and places his arm over the back of the couch. "I am so glad you took my hint and sought me out here in the Castle. I have researched you and your condition, and I must say I have never heard a more compelling story." He turns to Wong. "And you, it was hard to get any information about your story, but it is no less compelling. How does it feel to have lost all that you had gained in that lab by agreeing to help Mr. Chung in his experiments?"

Wong puts his hands together and bows slightly in an oriental response. "Thank you. It is hard to describe something you have no recollection of, or even how to draw any comparisons to."

Will nods his head. "So, it is true then. You have not retained any of your super human abilities. What a shame, you had the State Department running around in circles trying to track you for days, and if it was not for the little hints you gave them, you would have passed through their security like a ghost in broad daylight."

Wong just shrugs his shoulders, not able to even respond to something that he has no knowledge of.

Will then turns his attention back to me. "Then there is you, Christopher Stronge, a mild-mannered wood carver from Bangor Maine, who after a deadly accident, is given the small Nanos that not only save his life but give him abilities that earn him among other things a prestigious seat at the exclusive club known of as the Magic Castle."

I just duplicate Wong's response and shrug my shoulders also.

Will looks between both of us, and then leans forward on the couch as he lowers his voice and turns serious. "The big question now I would assume, is what to do with these abilities. You could support yourself playing Poker at the invitation of the larger casinos. There are always young players that think they can take on the greats and win, and if you allow them to win occasionally, they will keep coming. However, that is a thankless way to live. Do you have any ideas, as to what you would like to do now?"

I look at him and his boldness and the knowledge of my situation. "You seem to have been able to get everything on each of us that matters. I can only assume that the Castle and its Members have enabled you to learn many secrets, and you are right, of course. I must admit that my future seems wide open to me right now. The decision to come see you is as far as I have decided on anything. I have ideas but must admit that I am open to suggestions at this time."

"Good, then maybe it is time to ask Wong about his training before we continue." He turns to Wong. "So, what can you tell us about the mind and how it works Mr. Fung. I understand that you have written many papers on how to influence people and read peoples body language, so you can predict how they will respond in certain situations."