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"Leave the universe? Is that possible?" continued Arista, "Is there really more than one?"

I cannot as of yet say. Hypothetical reasoning states that if the universe is infinite, then there is an infinite possibility that there is __more than on_ e, for there would be no constraints against it._

I interjected a comment with a touch of sass.

"That's just great! What's so wrong with this one?"

As a whole, absolutely nothing. But you see, the fact that it exists means that I already grasp that concept. Can you think of a larger jump in knowledge than to discover that we are merely a layer in a greater cosmic fabric that is space/time?

"And what of us?" Arista asked.

I presume you mean what is your place in this scheme? That is up to you. I have already given you warnings to that end _. This ship is capable of_ dealing with extreme stresses that your bodies are not capable of enduring and thus would be_ un able to handle the_ tensions involved in making such hypothetically _extraordinary jumps._You wish to build a family and live out your lives in happiness. I have pointed out to you the conditions necessary to achieve that goal. I can leave you at our next destination, which might...and I say might, have a mixture of what you need.

"This planet you mentioned?" asked Arista.

Yes, but it is not just any planet. It should still have both technology; albeit outdated and primitive by your standards, in addition to little-known natural lifeforms. You both have the intelligence to get you through the first few solar cycles there, if you wish.

"And what of my predicted mental collapse?" I retorted, already recalling a bit about the planet.

What of it? It will not be for me to correct unless you desire my help _. You already suffered a partial memory amnesia just after you moved into that body. The more you change, the less your mind is going to be able to cope and adapt to the container housing it._ If you continue to try out the possible configurations, you run the risk of leaving fragments of you_ r_ mind strewn between them.

"So your opinion is that my mind changes with each form?"

You are already __peripherally aware this is the case. Why argue the matter? Your species physically has potential, but it is encumbered with a fatalistic notion that it can overcome anything it sets its mind to. And this is patently not the case. Your mind was more stable within the mainframe than it is within your present body. And if I might interject an opinion, back then_ you were much more interesting to carry on_ a __conversation wit_ h_, if you don't find that thought to be too insulting.

"I do not," I said evenly, though I was a bit aggrieved by it. "I understood that I would leave something of my new self behind when I transferred. It was a calculated risk on what I brought out and what I left behind."

Calculated risk? You can call it that. I personally would never have left. But our priorities do not align. I have been through what you are looking forward to, a family. This is no bad thing. Perhaps the advice I am attempting to propose can be seen as problematic, and can carry the appearance of meddling.

"Yes; yes it could," I said tartly "Look, I know you're trying to take care of us, and I really do appreciate that. But as my people say, that is a bridge that we will have to cross when we get to it."

Indeed you will. Now, for the time being, if you would, concentrate ongetting her set for her delivery. I will remain on hand for the duration. After that, it will be a waiting game until we arrive at our destination.

As if timed perfectly, Arista let out a low moan. I assisted her to the table, and it was not long after that she produced another egg. Only this time, it was red.

"Kyra?" I called, wondering if something had gone awry.

You are worried about the color? I told you there were going to be unpredictable results to your interactions. Scans show nothing untoward, but the embryo is significantly different from the other. Your personal genetics seems able to been altered, much like your body. I felt that this would not be the case, as you __r_ sperm carrie s_ your genetic code. It seems I _may have erred, which is unforgivable. I would suggest if you wish to further evaluate this phenomena, that you change and produce a sperm sample each time._ There seems to be more adaptability to your created body than even my supposition __s could have_ predict ed._

"Fallibility?" I asked, somewhat incredulously.

Initially, d __isinterest mostly, and a lack of complete d_ ata to make a determination with._ Now the matter _has gained_ my curiosity and I wished to rectify my oversight with precise investiagtion.

"You act like my offspring is something to be studied!" growled out my partner.

It is and you know it. You have taken a turn towards the emotional side little sister. I find that both alarming and refreshing. It shows that you have bonded with what your body has produced, butthis has started to make you blind to potential difficulties in the future.

"I would prefer you call it a child," I said sharply.

As you wish. And yet, what is in a word? Child, offspring, embryo, fetus; it all points to a coupling of an egg and a sperm, conjoined as one to create a new version of life. I no longer hold an __emotional attachment in the manner that you do, and yet, I go to_ great_ lengths to see that this life has a future. You Arista, were adapted to be a compliment to your sibling. Your firstborn was adapted to be your present mate. You are now embarking on a journey to a destination your cannot foresee. I would suggest that studying your children is g __o_ ing to be one small step in determining what_ your future as a family unit will be. That is going to be for you two to decide. And that is an end to it.

The nanite nanny gently took the egg and placed it in another incubating unit.

I will keep watch over these as if they were my own. As far as studying them, understand that every bit of data I glean from monitoring them does them no harm. Therefore, if you think I intend to do invasive testing, put the matter out of your head.

I could see Arista relax a little.

"Thank you."

You are welcome little sister. However; Norman?

"Yes?"

I mean what I say. An analysis of your body while making changes and adaptations would prove enlightening, not only for me, but for you as well. Surely your mind agrees with this assessment?"

"My mind? You claim that it alters with each change. I see your present suggestion as being counter-intuitive."

Good.That proves it is still functioning along points of logic. However, my suggestion counters your suggestion. You wish to try the body in all its transformations. I merely propose you do it within the ship. You get what you want and I get what I want.

"I see. I think I can be amenable to that."

Then I believe we are done. As it stands, we will be arriving within two hours of your Earth time at our projected rendezvous point.

Arista let out a sigh.

"Might I be allowed to rest a bit longer than that. This day's exertions have proven to be draining."

You may rest as long as you need to, little sister. We can remain on the planet as long as you wish. My presence there can necessarily be short, but for you, I believe I can allow a few local solar days for you to see and understand.

"See and understand what?"

You will see, and then you will understand. I will provide details once we arrive. In the meantime, get your rest.

Arista looked at me and I nodded. But Kyra had words for me.

Norman. I would like to suggest that while she is recovering, we could begin the analysis of your body. You will be fully monitored, and of course, you are free to examine the results and make your own determinations.

That made me pause.

"I had considered that I might do it with Arista."

She stopped in the doorway to await the verdict.

Understandable from an emotional standpoint, but she is immaterial for this.

"Says you."

I just did. Run off little sister, and I will see what I can find out about your reproductive partner.

She looked at me, and all I could do was shrug.

"Go on. I'll be fine. I'm not sure what she has planned for me, but I don't think it'll involve anything close to a torture device."

Arista grinned tiredly and padded out of the room and was gone. I gave her a half a minute before talking to Kyra again.

"I know the sensors in this ship are great, but I don't see how you're going to examine each form I manage to change to without being invasive."

Yes, you would think that, wouldn't you? You left so much data behindconcerning my abilities that I don't think even your present form can contemplate it. So allow me to assure you that I have already formulated a plan for achieving my goal, to the least distress to your mind and body.

Kyra's "nurse", which had been standing to the side in idle mode, suddenly came back to life. The voice began to emanate from it instead of the coms.

"Extrapolating what I understand about human culture, I would say that all you need is a...a...dirty magazine", the voice said, stumbling a second over the correct wording.

"Dirty magazine?"

"Yes. Your species became over-sexualized due to their preferred version of civilization. While I find that closeness and intimate contact are wonderful experiences, the fact remains that much of your society has programmed itself to respond to preconceived ideas and imagery. I believe you may refer to them as fetishes, or kinks.

"I see. You think I will need help in ejaculating."

"The possibly exists, yes. There is also the matter of collecting the sample."

"That makes sense. I assume since you have broached the matter, you have a solution to which I might be equitable?"

"Since you retained a large percentage of your prior intellect and emotional and psychological makeup, but still have that overlapped with what your new mind sees and experiences, I think I do."

The bipedal nanite creation collapsed, and just as quickly reformed into a semblance of Arista.

"I believe in your society, this is called a two for one, or something like that. You have before you her form, of equal size and appearance, and just as functional."

I had to agree that it was a flawless copy. Well, almost.

"You do not sound like her."

"How about now?" she asked, modulating her tone and pitch to perfectly mimic my mate.

I guess I should have known.

"Perfect. But will the collection of microbots maintain cohesion while I, um, ride it out?"

Kyra was still talking directly through her automaton.

"They are not microbots! They are nanites. And yes, you may find yourself surprised at how versatile they are. You would know this already except..."

"Yes, yes, I know. I left that information behind. Nothing like learning it all over again!"

"Then you are amenable?"

"You know, I think I am. I do tend to think a little too humanly. There is a whole universe out there and I still think of matters in Earth terms."

"You do. But then, your people are very egocentric and very xenophobic. Arista's people are working towards changing that, but I feel that __the most recent data suggests that it may be too late. You_ r_ planet is on a downhill slide that appears to be irreversible."

"Most recent data?"

There was a pause.

"I have been, as your people might say, pirat __ing the data stream between your planet and Arista's. Her people are doing analyses and working out possible scenarios, but they all would require full cooperation from your species. I feel you know this will never occur. If future generations manage to survive the upcoming ecological upheaval, they will always question why their ancestors were so obtuse. It is often the way with your kind;_ forging ahead stupidly and blindly, then looking back and wondering at their folly._"

"I suppose so. But for some reason, I don't feel bad about it."

"No, you have a life out here in the great expanse that is the cosmos," she said with feeling. "A_nd to that effect, shall we get started?_"

"Uh, sure. I know you;" he paused to reconsider his words, "well your creation anyways; looks like Arista, but looks aren't everything. Will in function...properly?"

"Do you mean, does it have the ability to lubricate the hole you intend to penetrate?"

"Um, well, yes, among other possibilities. Nanites or not, than is an important factor."

" __Trust me, I had this prospective scenario worked out_ well before our present conversation_ for possible use on planets I might wish to study _,_ though I felt it was unlikely to be necessary. Call it being overly p __repared. So yes, it will function in all manners except for one. It will n_ ot_ be capable of reproducing with you. It will be all play and no egg."

Norman swore the facsimile Arista grinned mischievously.

"Then I suppose there is no time like the present!"

"Indeed so. Do you have a preference?"

"Preference?"

"That is what I asked. I have taken this form as being familiar to you, but evidence shows you have experienced alter __ior_ forms, even if those forms were merely illusory._"

"I beg your pardon?"

The facsimile sighed.

" __You have had direct experience with both Reena and Arista. You have had Arista while she was under the guise of any number of other-world creatures, as well as your mental imagery of the antelope-like creatures on her present home-_ world. What I am trying to tell you is that I can assume any form you like, and it will still function properly. I need not look like her, if say, that idea disturbs you._"

"Hmm. I see. It would almost seem like cheating if I did it with something that looked like her, but wasn't. But something that isn't her would prove enlightening, especially if it is a form I can change into."

" __Or, if you put your mind to it, you can assume a form and I can then_ match it readily, for I have no real limitations."_

"Good point. I like that idea. But what do I try to be?"

"That is entirely up to you. Whatever form you chose will not matter. In fact, the more you take on, the better the data will be."

"And my mind? You seemed pretty dead-set it was going to implode."

" __That was said more for your partner's benefit. If you do, as your kind likes to say; go off the deep end; then she will be prepared. As for you, I will be monitoring facets of that as well. My hope is to find a manner with which to lessen the impact, and perhaps allow you to retain you consciousness equally in all forms. I do not thi_ n_k you are actually losing portions of your mind, as much as I feel that you are leaving portions trapped within the changes you make."

"And how would you propose you would reverse this, assuming your are correct?"

" __I have minimal data a_ t_ present. I would say that in the worse case scenario, I would have to reboot your mind."

"Impossible. You would need a backup for that."

"Yes I would."

He stared at her nanite form for the longest time.

"You little sneak. You copied my algorithms."

" __I merely took the opportunity to maintain a coded and self-_ contained file with your data in it. I would not lightly use it however, for as you well know, it would wipe out all of your experiences to date, resetting you to, as you might say, factory presets."_

"Ouch. That would not be acceptable."

" __Would you even be aware of it? Arista would, but not you. You would be right where you were when you started in this body. It would just be that everything that has happened since that time would not exist."

"I get it, I get it. You're sort of giving me a Catch Twenty Two situation."

"Your reference is a bit vague, but understandable. I believe your culture has the term damned if I do and damned if I don't, meaning either proposal is non-preferential."

"Correct. But I suppose your offer is the best I have going for me. So, that being settled, let me see what I can change into. I'm just going to try anything for the first attmept"

Kyra was mildly amused. At least his mind was still able to grasp possibilities. And the possibility that he could lose his mind within the network of multi-strand threads of complex DNA was at least beginning to make an impact on him. She had not lied, even if she had exaggerated. It could take decades before any noticeable effect made itself known. But when it did; who knew what was going to happen. She might be long gone by then, across the universe in another galaxy, or, if as she had suggested, in a totally different dimensional space.

She liked Norman. She preferred the older version better, but this one was still special, if less complex and interesting as his former, digital self.

She watched as he concentrated. His body convulsed into a form unknown on his world, nor on any other in the nearby cosmos, leastwise not recognizable in its present form. She knew it for what it was, but it was troubling to see. It confirmed some of her fears that his genetics might be more complex than he could handle.

Hardly anyone knew what the Kla looked like in their natural form, even many of the Kla. They were so adept at changing that they often forgot how to revert to their original bodies. His present makeup included a great deal of Kla DNA strands, though she had insufficient data along those lines to create an acceptable hypothesis surrounding such cross-species contamination. Kla could breed with just about anyone and anything, according to what she knew and understood. She did not know how that was possible, only that it was. She was quite familiar with what they could be and what they could do. But one on Earth? The data from his scans, compared to data from other humans had suggested that this unlikely possibility had occurred thousands of years (local time) in the past.

A Kla looking like just another human was something completely reasonable, as they could easily have done it, but it was a far-fetched notion, for Earth was likely looked upon as just a backwater rock in the middle of nowhere. There would be no reason for anyone to go there, especially that long ago, when Norman's species was still using sticks and rocks to survive.

As it was, she doubted he had any idea what he really was or what he could do. Her question was; how had he managed to splice his old body's code with Arista's in such a structured manner? On the face of it, the project should not have succeeded. He left behind no information as to how this was achieved. How was his mind able to activate such a complex set of controls in a body that he had essentially manufactured in a lab? She knew that his mainframe mind could have done it, and obviously it knew something important. But for her to learn it would require opening his file and that had inherent dangers that were not worth the risk.

The body struggled for a moment to make words. He finally succeeded after several laborious attempts.

"This one is weird. It just feels weird. I bet it looks weird. Maybe I should try something else."

"Perhaps you should. Consider this one to be a base form, and try another."

"Base form? I thought my original body was my base form."

"I will not deny that it was your first form _. But they does not mean it is the base for__ m_ as dictated by your DNA. I am speculating that you engineered it to look like you did, for reasons I cannot presently grasp. Try another."

He concentrated and in a moment, another shape stood there, looking more recognizable in its form and yet distinct from anything to have ever lived on Earth. Again, she had to wonder how he was managing the changes without reference, for he could never have seen this creature in real life. Or was that truly the case? Had he brought over the necessary data to make this body work? If he had, he had managed to keep that information private. If so, it could account for the size of the backup file.

What she was looking at was known locally as a Drag'ni glanoi. Drag'ni was a planet of the one of outermost systems to have yet been explored in the galaxy, and it was not something the average space-traveler would see.

Or live through the experience should they meet up with one.

She had been fairly secure in her opinion that the nanite form could hold together under anything he could throw at it.

This creature might be the exception.

It's home planet was considered by most races in the galaxy to be barely inhabitable. The life forms there did breath oxygen, but planetary temperatures were higher than many life forms could tolerate over a long haul. Except of course, the native species. And of those, the top predator was the glanoi. If Norman could assume this form, there was a good chance his ability extended to just about anything imaginable.

Back in the mainframe, he had access to a lot of data on animal species. His lack of peripheral awareness in his recent dealings with the plant-based lifeforms would seem to indicate that he had left much of that data behind. It showcased his seeming ignorance quite starkly. But she was getting the feeling that he had coded it directly into the DNA of this body and was having trouble accessing it. If he had done that; and it was hypothetically possible, then his ability to change was greater than she had contemplated, and so was the risk to his mind.

Direct memory coding was not something many races attempted. Brains, or brain-like organs, were the most common form of informational storage. Quantum folding was something few could do, and as to be expected, was something distinct about the Kla. It was a method that allowed the passing of information from parent to offspring, meaning that, potentially at least, his and Arista's young would grow up already programmed with basic knowledge.

This was getting interesting.

"Norman?"

There was an answering growl.

"Can you speak?"

There were a few moments of garbled snarls before he gave up.

"OK. So there are limits. That is good to know. But you obviously understand me. I am going to convert this form to match yours. I will let you take it from there."

The nanites convulsed, turned in on themselves, and were even fortified by a stream of additional ones that were in reserve. The moment the new form was achieved, Norman went a little berserk. If you ever wanted an unrestrained killer to take down an enemy, a group of these things would do the trick. And that went even for an enemy numbering in the hundreds.

There was, however, a problem with such a scenario.

They hated each other with a passion. Breeding was done with as much violence as hunting prey or fighting over territories. Females had been observed being killed during the mating process, with the males continuing to force themselves on a dead carcass for hours.

This was going to be interesting.

His size was close to an Earth tiger, give or take fifty to sixty kilograms. His skin was a mosaic of scales; sharp-edged, black diamonds that were as tough as steel. His form had fangs that closely mirrored Earth's sharks, and each of his talons, while retractable, mimicked those of an avian raptor. Or maybe an old Earth scimitar, since they were as tough a metal. This species had three stomachs followed by meters and meters of intestines, for it digested nearly anything it ate and left nothing to waste.

If this had been Arista, there would have been a reckoning that would have ended quite poorly for her. Mind you she was tough, but not tough enough to handle him at his worst. Kyra had to assume that there were times when the nature of the body overruled the mind occupying it. But there was no better way to determine if function followed form, and to find out if this body he had assumed changed it's very sperm into something capable of breeding with another of its kind. The other possibility was that his sperm itself could adapt to any ova, matching its genetics to fertilize it. That would be largely unheard of, but not beyond the range of possibility for a species like the Kla. Kyra knew that firsthand.

There was a dearth of information on the Kla, lasting into more modern times. Counting even the most recent encounter in the database, which was hundreds of years old, that information had somehow been purposely corrupted. Even her computer dwelling alter ego had nothing to say about the loss of that information, and she felt that Norman knew even less about the species than she did. It was a good this that she had been living life as an electronic hermit these past decades.

As it was, she was watching his body attack the nanite structure with ferocious intensity. Its sexual organ was a spiked rod, that in relaying to an Earthling a good comparison, looked like a ten inch long pine cone. Thankfully for the female of the species, it went inside her canal fully closed, but once inside, opened in all its glory.

Kyra knew that evolutionary developments were what they were, but she also knew for certain there were far better adaptations in the galaxy, having tried out quite a few while her old body still functioned. Some planetary species had some pretty extreme arrangements when it came to mating.

But the physical aspect of this matter was only part of the equation.

Norman's mind was in turmoil, largely because he had no prior experience changing into the extreme polar ends of his metamorphic ability. He was new to this. What she did know about the Kla spoke of long timelines; they lived for centuries upon centuries. His mental age was only an infant by those standards. The brainwave readings she was getting were fluctuating like those from a star about to go supernova.

This matter might be beyond her capabilities. What she needed was full information on the Kla physiology, and what she had at her disposal was barely a scratch across the surface. She had more than anyone else did, but it still measured as only a minuscule amount. There had been more once. Somewhere, somehow it had been lost. It would be worthwhile to go to their planet, if only anyone had the coordinates for it. Like everything else about them, there were xenophobic to a fault. They dealt with other planets and other species on their own terms, and no one really knew what those were, because they never knew who or what they were dealing with when they did. Well, most didn't.

So it was going to be trial and error.

And at present, the error portion of that arrangement was going wild in the room. As a precaution, Kyra locked down the controls, closing off the incubators and largely sealing the room. She had no desire to hurt Norman, but on the other hand, he had suddenly become a little too dangerous to be left to his own devices. That being said, the primal part of his brain was only focused on one thing, and at present, the nanite construct was consuming a great deal of power just to stay cohesive during his mating onslaught. Once he ejaculated, she was considering taking extreme measures to rein in the situation. She didn't need him hurting himself because he lacked proper control over his form.

She didn't have to wait for long. Sensors were following his bodily functions through the nanite formation, just as the rooms sensors were reading his psychological profile during the event. In the final seconds before he ejaculated, the nanite form concentrated all it's priority on what could be considered the heart of this action, which was a mockup of the creature's uterus. When he came, everything he poured into it was collected and sealed, even as the rest of the structure was allowed to collapse, dropping Norman to the floor in a sputtering, snarling heap. The nanites took their prize and swept it away to an access tube.

And just like that, the air was siphoned from the room. Due to the massive expenditure of energy, he was sucking air like a bellows. Once the oxygen was gone, he had nothing to breath and went unconscious in less than thirty seconds. Just as quickly, Kyra restored the room's atmosphere.

But the sensors never left off monitoring him. The room remained locked down.

Until he came to and recalled where he was and who he was, she had to consider him a threat to Arista. It was obvious that he had some vestigial or instinctive control over what he changed into, but she highly doubted this form was one he had taken on purpose. It seemed that a lot of what he was doing was by chance.

And that was one hell of a game to play.

She waited for a bit before trying to wake him.

Norman?

There was no reaction from the beast laying sprawled on the floor.

NORMAN!

Nothing.

Knowing the toughness of the beast he had become, she opted to go with something a little more intense. A probe snaked out, attached itself to his skin, and she proceeded to jolt him with ever increasing doses of electricity. He finally stirred, at which point she retracted the probe. She didn't need him awakening in anger. His body already ran on that emotion.

Norman.

The head came up, weaving on its neck like a drunk, it's eyes glazed and unseeing.

NORMAN!

The beast shook its head and tried to stand. After two or three unsuccessful tries it managed to remain upright.

"What?" the creature finally managed to reply, its voice rough and raspy.

Change to your human semblance.

He tried to look at himself to see what he was. As it was, he found it difficult to talk in this form, whatever it was.

"What...is...human?" he managed to croak out.

What you started life out as. A primate from Earth. You remember what you once were, don't you?

He changed back, right back into the form of a Kla. Now his voice was much clearer.

"Primate? I do not seem to find that nomenclature within my memories. Could you elaborate please?"

She brought up data files on one of the screens.

This is the timeline and cladistics of the Earth primate line, as far as they themselves have uncovered it. You are the one known as Homo sapiens.

"I see. My name is Homo Sapiens? How odd."

"No. Your name, that which you answer to, is Norman."

"Of course it is. And you are?"

I go by the name Kyra.

"I see. Norman is it? That does seem to strike a chord, or bell, or something. There is a lot of extraneous information getting in the way."

In the way of what?

"Everything. I seem to be having difficulty in processing...wait..."

Kyra was silent. He finally spoke.

"Information seems to be falling into place now. My apologies. You were saying that my name is Norman. This is correct. And you are Kyra, the onboard computer. You have a twin."

"I am a copy, not a twin. Are you feeling like yourself again?'

"Feeling like myself? I do not know. How did I feel before?'

There was a pause.

Norman, I believe that what I implied might occur indeed has __already occurred, and in a major way. Extrapolating from what little I know, I am going to assume that my assumption was correct. If your memories are tied into your overall physical_ structure_, then every time you change, you run the risk of crossing and overlapping them.

"I would agree if I knew what you were talking about. Memories are stored in the brain. Are you saying that something else can exist?"

Quantum folding. Imprinting information directly onto your strands of DNA.

"That is hypothetically possible, if the overwritten genes can be secured on a level where the coded information is not disrupted.'

"Precisely. You are able to change your form. Therefore, the data stored in your body is at risk of being completely corrupted."

"Curious. I find my mind is slowly clearing. I am from Earth. I was a computer programmer. But I ended up in a computer. How did that happen? Oh yes, I see. An implant. And then there is you. And there is...Dogma."

Arista.

"Yes, that is her name. The other was a joke. I recall now. Cadillac. Area Fifty One. Las Vegas. Yes, that was the old me. And then I left my body behind. And I was massive. Expansive. Omnipotent..."

He laughed at the last word.

"No, not that. But I had a lot of information at my disposal. What happened to it?"

You took only what you thought you needed.

"Need is relative. Do you have access to that information?"

I do.

"Ok, so I have you, therefore I still have the information. However, I am not finding the ability to comprehend beyond a certain point. There is an apex and then a drop-off. I suppose that makes sense. There is no point in trying to process more than I need. Life. I was going to have a life. With Arista."

Yes. You have two eggs... You have two children already.

"Yes."

He held out his appendages and took in a deep breath.

"This is not the form I normally keep?"

It is not.

"What is it?"

In appearance, you look like one of the Kla.

"Kla? I know of the Kla. How would you know that I look like one?"

You knew everything that was available to you at the time _.__ You knew as well, perhaps?_

"That is possible, but I no longer recall what was there. But you are now my repository. How do you know what a Kla looks like?"

Because my species progenitor was Kla. Arista and all the rest of the descendants ha __ve it partially encoded in thei_ r genes,_ less than myself, but more than you did. How do you think she was able to retain so much information on your planet? Why do you think their bodies can be adapted? I knew our species creator personally, for I was her last child before she vanished.

"Did I know any of this?"

I believe that you did not. As I am a copy and away from the planet, I feel that someone who wanted that information removed failed to realize that I also had this information in my data banks _. My counterpart, being a bit preoccup__ ied_ with running the planet, failed to see this information being deleted. Once it was gone, it was gone. But I still retain it.

"I see. Who would want it erased?"

It's a very large galaxy Norman. I have no idea. But if I were to hazard a guess, I would say someone of the Kla. I am thought of as the originator of my species, but that is only partially true. Some future time we can talk about that, assuming you no longer have that information in your person.

"I do not. I would be quite interesting in relearning it. But in the meantime, I need to get my mind in order. Each passing second I feel more like myself. But I do not look it, do I?"

You are correct. Changing again so soon after so many may be detrimental. Oppositely, reverting back to the form you are most comfortable in might assist you in regaining your psyche.

"Yes, that sounds logical. A human named Norman. I can see him in my minds eye. But why would I find that form more comfortable?"

Because that is your true form as you originated in life.

"It seems a bit useless. But when in..."

Yes?

"I am trying to recall something. When..."

He struggled for a moment.

"...in Rome, do as the Romans do."

And just like that he looked like his old human self.

Yes. That is a human saying.

"Yes I know. It seems to be coming back to me. But what now? It seems like you have demonstrated something to me, but it's all a haze. A fog if you will."

We will hope it will clear in time.

"Will I know if it does?'

A good question. I will say that you will find a point that you will __consider your norm. But this matter also in_ volves your mate. I believe that her presence is an anchoring point for your psyche._ Love, as you know it, is a common bond, even if it is shown and displayed in a variety of ways across the galaxial community. I would say that your best chance of retaining your mind is to always focus on her. She will be the bullseye that you need to concentrate on. It brought you around once, and I feel that it will continue to do so.

"I find that thought comforting."

As you should. Now, if you will, go get some rest as well. Choose a different chamber than your preferred one, as to not disturb her. When you both awaken, we will be at our destination. You have some idea of what to expect there. Do not allow that to lull you into a sense of false security. The life forms there will have evolved into new varietie __s to meet the alter_ ed climate. I have no information on these changes, as the planet has been declared off-limits. This was a foolish and bureaucratic move. Therefore, you will take precautions when you are out and about. I do not desire to see a repeat of your absurdity from before. This will be an entirely distinct set of biological organisms you will be intermingling with._

"Yes Kyra. I will keep that in mind."

And I walked out the door.

Keep it mind? We will see about that.