Patterns and Signals

Signal levels from the photon detectors continued to drop. After some time, the levels increased, and the blank periods dropped off for some time. I noted other patterns that were circulating through the network, and particularly the fact that there was a strong interaction with the molecular detectors from whence we had come. I recognized this pattern of signals as occurring during wand-time.

The pairs were not ready for external activities, having no knowledge of Fifties, the speedy Forty-Sevens or the luxury of Seventy-Nines. If it was larger than a Twenty, they just did not need to know — yet. Instead, I kept them scanning the electron flow patterns through the central network, becoming familiar with the overall pattern, but also paying attention to the odd and unresolved patterns that circulated below.

Cascades of pleasure were the easiest to spot, as vibrant as they were. Consuming far more electron power were the other, more difficult patterns that emanated from external sensor inputs. Once in a while, a shudder or a surprise would flash across the network, and later, caution, closing the loop and increasing consumption. Each of these patterns produced a characteristic waveform that was receivable from anywhere in the network.