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Could that really be the secret to “Seeing” in hyperspace, like the worms do? Being... blind? Physically?
You don't exactly understand how that could be the case. It would be a huge risk, of course, even with your very advanced medical technology growing back eyes and sensitive visual neurons is a challenge. Beyond that, there is the adaption of your brain. There's no telling if your brain can even handle it- it may not be a cross species ability. You know the Seekers have many blind individuals at a high level- unthinkable with the Jaxtian eugenic and purifying programs. But they use computers for their “presences” in hyperspace, don't they? What if you <span class="mu-i">can't</span> do it?
<span class="mu-b">”Alavis, can your viewscreens damage eyesight?”</span>
“Yes, all visual computer displays on this vessel can be turned up to blind a viewer, as the sound system can become loud enough to deafen. This is a security measure to prevent ship seizure or mutiny.”
There are many old Jaxtians superstitions. Most were destroyed or made into mockeries after the ears of enlightenment- especially by the Hegemony. The old tales were always that things were not as they seem- crippled babies who cannot cling to their mothers can run as fast as the wind. Blind old men are the greatest knife fighters. A mute woman who tastes the wind and ocean spray- and can lead the wayward ship back home at the point of her finger. But these tales are just that- superstitious beliefs in a just universe. That a broken and inferior, damaged being can match a superior, complete being. It has no place in your modern age.
<span class="mu-b">”...Can you turn up this one bright enough to blind me, permanently? Override safety parameters.”</span>
“...Are you sure?”
Such an interesting statement. You're sure it's just the computer giving a confirmation once it detects an unusual or dangerous request- but the way it was said. It almost sounded like it cared for you, like the fledgling <span class="mu-i">Threemind</span> system, to give your AI emotions and lateral thinking. Less of a machine, and more of a “being”.
<span class="mu-b">”Yes Al, I'm sure. We're lost in space otherwise- Kimnan I said I was going to be the one who will do this, and I believe him. Turn <span class="mu-i">on the light</span>!”</span>
