I wonder if the University of California has room for a magician in its Interrelation of Conceptual Structures program?" Karen carried the tureen to the table, serving the soup piping hot.I wonder if the University of California has room for a magician in its Interrelation of Conceptual Structures program?" Karen carried the tureen to the table, serving the soup piping hot. Drew lit the candle and they seated themselves. By long convention the two observed a companionable silence as they dined. After dinner Drew revealed the dessert that he'd gotten while at the Thai market. Sticky rice, coconut milk, and banana strips were wrapped within banana leaves. Instead of steaming the delights, Drew 'waved them while he and Karen carried the dishes from the small dining area to the sink. Drew considered how to breach the subject of the impending upgrade to their interface metaphors as the fragrant Khaw Tom Pud cooled. Karen had benefited greatly from personal control of her cognitive faculties as if they were software. She was naturally reluctant to share that control; even with the people who had made it possible. "Are you ready for the shrink shop?" asked Drew jocularly. He wasn't fond of the unbecoming appelation for the wetware techs, but aimed to draw Karen out. "No. I'm really uncertain about it. It doesn't sound like such a good idea to me." "What's the hangup?" "Their hands on my reins." "Does loyalty influence you? Have they given you reason for mistrust?" Karen quoted Thomas Paine. "Let them call me rebel and welcome, I feel no concern from it; but I should suffer the misery of devils, were I to make a whore of my soul..." "It's not like you haven't been through this before." "Can we be sure that after this upgrade we'll be inclined toward the same selfish perspective in considering future upgrades?" "Have you considered favorable aspects?" Drew asked. "Frankly, no. Maybe Madge and Tar can fill that area in." Drew dropped the subject and concentrated on washing the dishes and tidying the kitchen while Karen got stoned and watched headline news. Karen and Drew, according to a fond habit, read in bed until sleepy. |