Day 39

Doctor Francine tapped the display, expanding the section on neural response. "Your brain is fighting the treatment." He lied, and my jaw clenched so hard it creaked. "The pain you're experiencing is partially from the tumors, but also from your own neural pathways resisting the stabilizers."

I stared at the ceiling, processing the numbers that represented my diminishing future, knowing everything that came out of his mouth was fake. "In plain English, Doctor. How long before…?"

He hesitated, his professional detachment slipping for a moment. "At current progression rates, it is decreasing, four weeks." He cleared his throat. "Cognitive decline will accelerate rapidly."

<<He's still lying,>> Doli's voice whispered in my mind. <<My calculations based on your neural degradation patterns suggest 29 days until critical failure. Even the experimental compound we're treating you with is showing diminishing returns already.>>

<<Copy that, confirming your projection.>> I replied.

<<I'm continuing to explore other options.>>

"You'll need to increase the dosage of the pain management protocol," Doctor Hinada said, entering the room with a datapad in hand. Unlike Doctor Francine, her expression betrayed her concern. "The latest scan shows increased pressure on your occipital lobe. That explains the visual disturbances you reported yesterday. You really need surgery."

I nodded, wincing as a fresh wave of pain lanced through my skull. "You can't do the surgery here, can you?"

"We're quite capable of taking out most of the tumor causing issues."

<<He wants to knock you out to get access to my chip,>> Doli said.

"How soon do I need it?"

Doctor Francine looked at his datapad and nodded. "We can get you in tomorrow, if you are willing and the Academy signs off on the expense."

"And if I don't, when exactly will I stop functioning?"

Both doctors exchanged glances. "Piotr," Doctor Hinada began gently, "you shouldn't be thinking about—"

"When?" I insisted.

Doctor Francine sighed. "Mostly likely less than a week."

<<Your current physical state is at 37% optimal functionality,>> Doli observed. <<However, I understand your motivations are not based solely on self-preservation. My physical housing is now 66% complete. The transfer will be ready within 26 hours.>>

"Schedule the surgery," I said aloud, knowing my own lies were needed to boost his, it earned concerned looks from both doctors.

"You should rest till then," Doctor Hinada frowned. "The team printing Doli can function without you for a while, Cadet."

"But I can't function without purpose," I replied, pushing myself upright. The movement sent the room spinning, but I forced myself to stay steady. "I need to be useful with whatever time I have left."

"Very well," Doctor Francine said reluctantly, making a notation on his datapad. "We'll schedule you in now. Sit back and relax; this will take an hour."

"Thanks," I replied. <<Can you hack it, check what he's really planning?>>

<<Of course I can,>> she replied. <<What kind of super AI do you take me for?>>

<<The best,>>I praised. <<But every minute I spend in this bed is a minute wasted. We have too much to accomplish and not enough time.>>

<<Your determination is admirable but statistically unwise.>>

<<Since when have you cared about statistics over people?>>

A pause. <<Point taken, Captain. Though I should note that my concern for your well-being exceeds standard operational parameters.>>

Was she admitting she cared for me? I settled back against the pillows, studying the glowing numbers that quantified my remaining existence and waited for the medication to do something. Something other than pain relief.

***

I was out of the medical ward and soon working on the physical adjustments for Doli, she was different from anything else I'd done so far. With her old humanoid form powered down for maintenance and Doli-2's code displayed on one side, time seemed to blur. I adjusted parameters, rewired connections, tweaked algorithms, all trying to ensure both systems could operate in perfect harmony.

Hours passed with little progress. Every solution I tried either failed outright or created new problems. Frustration mounted with each unsuccessful attempt.

"Dammit," I muttered, sitting back and rubbing my eyes. "Nothing's working."

<<You have incoming messages,>> Doli's voice came through my neural implant rather than her physical form. <<From Rob.>>

Despite her physical body being dormant, our neural connection remained active, though at reduced intensity to minimize strain on my brain. I glanced at my HUD: three unread messages. Then I noticed the time – 17:44 PM.

Shit. Where had the day gone?

I opened the messages to read them.

Rob - We're making headway on everything Major Kuba has asked of us, how you doing?

Rob - An update would be good, or I'm sending Kerry over!

I messaged him back - Busy, we're getting there. I'll comm again soon.

Rob – Kerry said they've scheduled surgery for you, to mitigate some of the tumor and buy you more time. True?

I replied with.

Me – Yes, we will talk later.

<<You haven't looked at Doli-2's test results,>> Doli reminded me.

I glanced at the computer where the second AI was still running diagnostics.

I activated Doli-2's holographic interface and started running performance tests. The results slowly compiled as I fought exhaustion.

When the final numbers appeared, I had to check them twice.

Doli-2 was functioning at 99% capacity.

We'd done it. I stared at the diagnostic readings, a mix of excitement and strange unease washing over me, this was it. We'd really done it.

***

I woke my neck stiff from the awkward position on the lab's couch. I cleaned up my equipment and gathered my things. Then I messaged Rob saying I was heading to the gym.

The gym was brutally bright, the equipment too loud, every sound like a hammer against my skull. Sylvk took one look at me as I approached the weights and shook his head.

"What the hell are you doing here?" he demanded. "You look like death."

"Tired," I said, reaching for the lightest dumbbells. "Wanted to try, you know."

My arms trembled after three repetitions. I couldn't complete even the basic set, and a wave of nausea forced me to drop the weights.

"Feeling really rough," I admitted reluctantly.

Sylvk's expression hardened with concern. "Go home. Bed. Rest." He pointed to the door. "Now."

"That an order?" I tried to joke, but my voice came out weak.

"Yes," he replied without a hint of humor. "Scram."

"Thanks," I managed, grateful for his kindness.

I didn't argue. Back in my quarters, I collapsed into my bunk without even removing my boots. The last thought before unconsciousness claimed me was that I should set an alarm.

It was Doli that woke me. <<Captain, your vital signs are concerning. Your tumor pressure has increased by 12% since yesterday. I've notified Kerry, she's sending Doctor Ayer over discreetly.>>

Some time later, another ping broke through—someone had pulled rank.

"Doctor Ayer," a sharp voice announced as my door swung open without warning. "Coming in, Cadet Argassa."

The doctor strode in with the confidence of someone used to medical emergencies, showing no reaction to finding me half-dressed and feverish in bed.

She pressed her wrist to mine. "Pretty high fever," she pronounced. From her bag, she produced a hypodermic injector. "I'm guessing you don't want the hospital, right, due to Francine and Hinada?"

I nodded, then shook my head, the contradiction appropriate to my confused state.

"This will help get you through the day," she said, administering the injection swiftly. "Pills on your cabinet. Take them every few hours."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

She then drew a blood sample with brisk competence. "I'll keep a close eye on you now, don't worry about leaving your bed though. Understood?"

I just nodded and watched her leave. I curled back in on myself, enjoying the comfort of my bed.

***

When Ashley opened my door later that night, I was lying on the bed while Doli was quietly reading me reports from the upgrades we'd been testing on Doli-2. The gentle cadence of her voice was oddly comforting against the chaos in my mind.

Ashley sat on the end of my bed, her hand warm on my arm. "Doing okay?" Her voice was gentle, tinged with concern that made my chest tighten.

"A message would have sufficed," I said, though there was no real bite in my words.

"Wanted to see for myself. Mind if I listen in?"

"Sure," I said and shifted so she could sit beside me.

As Doli continued to read, Ashley's presence became a strange anchor, keeping me in place when everything else seemed to be slipping away.

I couldn't remember falling asleep, but I woke in the early hours of the morning to find Ashley nestled up against my back, her arms wrapped around my waist. Her steady breathing caressed the back of my neck, and each exhale reminded me that I wasn't alone.

For a minute, I laid there, taking in the strange comfort of her presence. The quiet vulnerability hit me, Major Kuba, who was normally composed and in charge, was now resting soundly against me with her guard completely down. I carefully placed my arms around hers and leaned back against her warmth. The loner I'd been for so long was collapsing under this unexpected connection, this human yearning.

When I awoke again, she had vanished, leaving the imprint of her body on the mattress as proof that she had ever existed.

<<She left approximately 43 minutes ago,>> Doli said. <<She appeared... reluctant to go.>>

Day 39

I found Ashley in the lab completely absorbed in her work.

"Hey," I said, approaching carefully.

Her head snapped up, a smile breaking across her face. "Piotr, this is... this is amazing. You did it!"

I moved closer, seeing the diagnostic results from Doli-2. A hundred percent functionality.

I scratched the back of my head, uncomfortable with taking the credit; most of this was all Ashley, after all.

The treatment was wearing off faster now, and the headaches were intensifying again, no matter when I took the pills.

<<My physical transfer is scheduled for 0400 hours tonight,>> Doli informed me. <<Major Kuba has authorized final preparations. The process will temporarily disconnect our neural link for approximately 47 minutes while my core consciousness transfers fully to the new housing.>>

<<Will it hurt?>> I asked, unsure why that question came to mind.

<<I... don't know. This will be my first experience with a complete neural matrix transfer. There are no precedents in my databases for how it might feel.>>

The uncertainty in her voice gave me pause. Was she scared? For all her capabilities, this was uncharted territory for her too.

<<I'll be with you the whole time,>> I promised.

<<Technically, that's impossible since I'll be transferring between systems,>> she replied, but I detected a note of appreciation beneath her literal interpretation.

"Then I have to go into surgery…" I said. "And I'll be the one that's scared."

<<Yes, you do. I'll be with you the whole time, too.>>

There was a ping on my HUD, and Ashley stood up. "Did you get that?" she asked.

I looked nervously at the message.

Cadet Piotr Argassa - Beta271 - End Term Results

"Exam results," I said and walked away, suddenly overwhelmed. At the other side of the room, I flung the emergency door open stepping outside into the days sun.

Ashley came in behind me. "What's wrong?"

"I—I never," I stuttered out.

She put a hand on my arm. "Breathe with me," she said.

I did exactly as she asked and mirrored her breathing.

"That's it, in and out."

I leaned into her, "I never expected to want this," I said.

"I know. Shall I look for you?"

<<I already have,>> Doli piped up.

"Please," I said.

Ashley went quiet, putting her wrist to mine, then she was nodding. "You did well on your tests," she said, "You should be proud of yourself."

"Really?"

"Yes, here look," she said. "Doli bring them up for him."

Doli complied.

Course Name

Score

Class Rank

Instructor Notes

Combat Analytics & Situational Awareness

97/100

1st of 60

Exemplary real-time decision-making and battlefield awareness. Demonstrates uncanny pattern recognition.

Xenobiology & Interstellar Diplomacy

95/100

2nd of 60

Balances scientific curiosity with cultural sensitivity. Particularly skilled at nonverbal communication tactics.

Advanced Cybernetics & Human Integration

96/100

1st of 60

Ingenious solutions to implant malfunctions under timed constraints. Quick at spotting code-level errors in neural devices.

Starship Systems Engineering

98/100

1st of 60

Flawless approach to reactor stabilization and advanced propulsion tuning. Leadership under crisis simulation was outstanding.

Espionage Techniques & Counterintelligence

92/100

3rd of 60

Consistently creative infiltration methods. Strong in decoding and counter-surveillance.

Zero-G Operations

84/100

12th of 60

Shows occasional disorientation and slower adaptation to microgravity tasks. Maintains good problem-solving, but physical performance is below top-tier.

Psychological Warfare & Influence

95/100

2nd of 60

Demonstrates high emotional intelligence and persuasive communication. Capable of defusing tense negotiations swiftly.

Ethical Dilemmas in Warfare

94/100

2nd of 60

Insightful moral arguments, strongly defends principled decisions. Highly reflective and thoughtful in debates.

Reconnaissance & Survival Training

90/100

5th of 60

Highly resourceful under pressure; excels at intel-gathering but stamina and endurance are only average compared to top field cadets.

Kuba's eyes moved methodically down the list of courses, her expression giving nothing away. The silence stretched uncomfortably as she reached the end of the document.

"See, really impressive," Ashley finally said, looking up at me. "Three first-place rankings, three second-place. Your overall performance is exceptional, Piotr."

I shifted from foot to foot, unsure how to respond to praise from her. "Thank you, Major."

"Especially in Cybernetics and Starship Systems," she continued, highlighting those rows on the display. "Your aptitude with complex systems is remarkable. Not surprising, given your work with Doli."

<<I believe proper protocol would be to inform her that 43% of your Cybernetics solutions were actually my suggestions. Though I suppose your implementation was... adequate.>>

I had to fight to keep my expression neutral. <<Doli, please.>>

"I had good motivation," I replied to Ashley.

A hint of a smile touched her lips. "Indeed." She scrolled back up to Zero-G Operations, the red of my lowest score standing out starkly against the others. "This is interesting, though."

<<Oh, this should be good. Shall I provide a detailed analysis of your inner ear malfunction during the spinning exercise?>>

I felt my shoulders tense. "The disorientation in Zero-G—"

"Is perfectly understandable," she interrupted, surprising me. "The fact that you still ranked 12th despite this physiological disadvantage is actually quite remarkable."

<<She's defending your inadequate physical performance. Relationship status now at 92.6%.>>

"I didn't think of it that way," I admitted to Ashley.

She leaned back in her chair, studying me. "You're too hard on yourself. Always focused on the one weakness instead of your numerous strengths."

<<Listen to the wise Major, Captain. However, I must point out that you have at least seventeen weaknesses I've catalogued, not just one. Would you like me to enumerate them in descending order of embarrassment potential?>>

"Weaknesses get people killed in the field," I said reflexively, partly in response to both Ashley and Doli.

"So does failing to recognize your strengths," Kuba countered. "Your problem-solving abilities under pressure are consistently exceptional across all courses. That's far more valuable than perfect physical performance in Zero-G."

I nodded, though not entirely convinced.

<<Your body temperature increased by 0.4 degrees. At this rate, you'll be visibly blushing in approximately 32 seconds.>>

<<Doli, I'm trying to have a serious conversation here!>>

<<I'm merely providing helpful physiological management, Captain. Your human mating rituals are so inefficient.>>

<<This is NOT a mating ritual!>>

Kuba moved us back inside and tapped her main display, switching it to show my overall ranking. "First in your class overall, Piotr. Do you know how rare that is for someone who entered mid-term?"

"I had help," I said quietly.

<<Finally, some acknowledgment! Though 'help' is understating it. 'Brilliant AI companion who saved your neural circuits on multiple occasions' would be more accurate.>>

"Everyone has help," she replied. "The difference is what you do with it." She paused, her expression softening slightly. "These results would qualify you for the advanced tactical command track, should you choose to pursue it."

The implication hung in the air between us—a future I hadn't allowed myself to consider. A future that, according to my doctors, I might not live to see.

<<Advanced tactical command? With your tendency to walk into walls while lost in thought? That should be entertaining.>>

I struggled not to react to Doli's running commentary. "I hadn't thought that far ahead," I said honestly.

"Perhaps you should." She closed the file with a gesture. "With your combination of technical expertise and leadership qualities, you could go much further than just completing Doli's programming."

<<'Just' completing my programming? I'm detecting mild offense. Should I decrease the room temperature by two degrees to express your disapproval?>>

I felt a strange tightness in my chest. The idea of a future beyond my current mission was both tempting and terrifying. "One step at a time, Major."

She studied me for a moment longer, then nodded. "Fair enough." She stood, closing my file.

There was a cough behind us, Tara, "Next treatment," I said.

"I'll finish off here," Kuba said. She leaned into me. "Graduation, then dinner, meet up with your team afterwards and then we'll come back here for Doli's transfer?"

"Dinner for all of us would be—" I paused. "Meet the team afterwards?"

"I want it to be us," she said. "Just once, one real date."

<<Captain—>>

<<Doli, I swear if you finish that sentence…>>

As I made to leave, she added, "And Argassa?"

I turned back. "Yes, Major?"

"The note on your Ethical Dilemmas course, about defending principled decisions even when unpopular?" A genuine smile touched her lips. "That's who you are. Don't lose that, regardless of what comes for us."

<<Your dopamine levels spiked. Should I compile a list of appropriate romantic responses? I've analyzed 47,283 historical romance novels and can pro—.>>

<<No, Doli. I can handle this one.>>

I left the lab with Kuba's words echoing in my mind and I allowed myself to imagine a future beyond my current mission, beyond the academy, beyond even Doli.

<<Captain, your neurochemical readings suggest you're experiencing an emotion humans call 'hope.'>>

<<Doli...>> I warned silently.

<<Fine. But for the record, your face during that meeting was approximately 72% more expressive than optimal for maintaining professional appearances. Next time, may I suggest wearing a paper bag? I have designs.>>

Despite everything, I couldn't help but smile.

On the walk back to the medical wing for the next infusion, I thought about how things were developing between Ashley and I, once I was settled and staring out the window once more, Doli piped up.

<<Captain, I'm sorry for all the joking.>>

<<I had noticed an increase in the behavior. Is it something you want me to look at?>>

<<I'm trying to make you feel better,>> she said.

That hit me hard. <<Noted,>> I replied. <<Thank you.>>

<<When my consciousness transfers to the physical housing tonight, our connection will change. The neural interface strain will decrease significantly, but...>>

<<But what?>> I prompted when she didn't continue.

<<I'm nervous. I may not be the same. The physical housing includes advanced emotional processing matrices that my current system lacks. I... may experience sensations I cannot currently comprehend. I find this... concerning.>>

Doli sounded truly vulnerable. Not calculating, not logical, but afraid—afraid of who she might become when her consciousness expanded into a physical form.

"You'll still be you," I said aloud, no longer caring if anyone heard me talking to myself in the empty corridor. "Just... more."

<<I hope you're right, Captain.>>

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