10 Prelude 4: Refined Psionic Energy

"I don't understand this world network you want to build with the new computers," the liaison complained. "It seems like a huge waste of resources. No one except the government even has computers."

"As production increases, ideally everyone will have one. Think of it as a library people can access on the network."

"But why?"

"We have no time to train everyone. We need to set up incentives for people to train themselves."

"It would be better if only the government have access to this."

"We won't do that."

"But..."

"I have been given the final power of decision. I am going to have to use it here."

"I don't understand why they would allow that."

Salthuin knew why. He had made it clear that if they didn't, he would take his knowledge and go to their rival country. Presently there was a cold war going on and they didn't like this at all. There wasn't a thing that any armed force could do to him if he decided to leave. His entire team could bring this world to its knees within a week. As a General his power dwarfed his entire team. Although each of the Emperor's soldiers had a kill switch, it hadn't really been needed.

"What's this mystic mumbo jumbo you want to put on the database?" The soldier was still upset about being overruled. "I can understand the science and technology but this is just nonsense."

"The primary opposition to the Emperor is the Confederation of Mages. Although the Empire doesn't have that much expertise in regards to magic, we have fought enough to have captured some basic knowledge. I am hoping that with a population of several billion there will be some exceptional people that can take our basic knowledge and develop it. Whether this is the case or not we will include it in the final simulations."

"What is this crap you're trying to sell me about magic? Everyone knows magic doesn't exist!"

"No unaltered human can use magic," I corrected. "I had to go into the restricted science sections to alter the retrovirus to add this potential to the human genome." If he hadn't already been planning to rebel he would have doubtlessly been under placed arrest despite his status.

"But magic isn't real."

Salthuin gestured at the table, it abruptly rose into the air, circled the room before gently settling down. The liaison stared at the table as if it had been possessed.

"Was that magic?"

"No, that was merely a bit of telekinesis. My knowledge of the art is minimal. They are very loosely related. Although not completely true, you can consider magic as refined psionic energy."

"I need to think about this. Do whatever you want with that network thing. Can't see it working but whatever." Obviously, in a daze, the man left the room.

"Refined psionic energy," a skeptical voice boomed out in the air.

"I didn't want to explain it," Salthuin said shortly. "It's not their fault but it is pretty frustrating. I suppose it will be easier to work with them once they have the foundation needed."

"Yes. In twenty years."

The rebel General didn't reply. All that could be heard was the grinding of nigh-indestructible teeth.