Preface

Chilly. Numbing. Numb from cold. Dark. Lost. Graying, less dark. I’m ... I AM. Odd thought. Hard and uncomfortable lying here. Here? I’m here wherever that is. I wasn’t here a moment ago. Where was I before? Blank. Foggy. Thoughts coalescing. Let me think. I am thinking. That’s wonderful, to think, I couldn’t think a moment ago. Only feel. Unpleasant sensations of being chilled and lying on a cold hard surface. I am uncomfortable. I want to get up. Stupid to just lay here uncomfortable. Can’t move. I can hear. Sea surf. Murmur of waves. I am near a shore. Fog growing lighter. Murmuring louder. Becoming more distinct. Resolving into voices. Not the sea shore, I’m surrounded by people. Talking. I sense I’m the center of attention. They seem to be talking about me. Words are indistinct.

Gruncle Iron?

That was distinct, but I didn’t exactly hear it. Not part of the external chatter. It’s like an inner voice similar to my own thoughts, but not generated by me.

Gruncle Iron? Good morning again, sir. Welcome again to the first day of the rest of your life.

“What?”

You are still in process, please be patient. You’re fine, perfectly safe. Soon you will feel yourself again. Awaken gradually. Relax.

“Who are you?”

I am your AI assistant. You haven’t yet assigned a title to address me. Would you like to assign one now?

“Name you?”

Very good sir. In the future I will respond to Naimu.

“Are you awake, darling?”

I know that voice. Marshall, my wife. I want to see her. I want to open my eyes.

Hope it’s enjoyable and thought provoking.

Yob

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