8 January 2013
Year 21o/675:4 (six years before chapter 1)
Susan Terr was lying in the hospital bed, smelling slightly old and sick. Her friends and relatives were around her, some shedding a tear, others staying strong. Her face was pale, and her limbs were thin, unnaturally thin. She had been battling Martian cholera for over a year now, but it had finally overcome her and the doctors had diagnosed her with days to live. This was her last. She looked to each family member, and quietly gave them her parting words and advice. Jon was upset beyond all others. His mother had always been there for him, guiding him, helping him. It was hard to conceive a world without her. He wondered what her last words to him would be. Would it be advice for the future? "Jon, my son." "Yes mother?" "Listen carefully, for I fear I can only repeat this once. As you well know, I have been working on project cerebrum for some time now. It is the best workplace I have ever had the privilege of working at. That is why my last gift to you is a position on test team 3C. I hope you find it enjoyable." Jon gasped. He had always wanted to be on cerebrum. It was incredible to finally realise this dream. "But, Jon, I have another request." "What is it?" "I want you to pursue its technology down the commercial route, if you know what I mean. If we could transform the ordinary public into these huge thinking behemoths, imagine how much money you would have! How happy you would be! You must do it Jon, you must!" Jon nodded his head violently. Anything for his mother. "Thank you" she said slowly "it will be beautiful..." And without another word, Jons mother had died.
Cerebrum Chapter II • Opuss № I