Michael fired up his computer again and pulled up his word processor. He quickly loaded up a proposal template and sketched out his plans. Some of the more complex networking components of the proposal he'd only read references to, so he would need to do more research if the project were approved. He incorporated that research time into his estimate. He also added on a clause for ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the systems, in order to allow for an open ended contract. If Ben and Jeremy decided that this was acceptable, he'd have another ongoing client apart from his ad-hoc work with his parents. Considering his rapidly increasing expenses, more work was a good thing.
Satisfied with the layout of the proposal, he printed it off and put it with his work for tomorrow. He could hand it over to Jeremy before Algebra class. He then went upstairs to make himself his end-of-day protein drink, check in with his parents, and say good night to his sisters. His parents were still going over the work, and said that they'd leave it with their feedback on the table when they were done. Michael looked at the time, saw that he had about an hour before bed, he decided to spend it in the same breathing meditation he had performed the night before. Soon enough, it was once again 10pm.
---
4:00am, September 8th, 2000 CE
Michael woke up and reviewed the overnight notifications, his eyes resting with particular glee on the [Mission: Road to a Healthy Body (6/7)]. Today would finally be the day he wrapped up this mission! He hurriedly made his way over to the exercise mat to complete the calisthenics component. He noticed that it was significantly easier today than the previous week. He wasn't sure if one would normally adjust this quickly, but he was quite grateful for the System nonetheless. Wrapping up that portion of the list, he checked the time, and paused.
He now had a decision to make. It was almost 4:30am, and he could either go for a run now, and finish the whole thing, or have to wait until after his return home this evening for the end of the walking portion to trigger. His impatience got the better of him and he changed into his running gear before heading outside. He decided to run to, around, and back from the park in order to get his hour in. The sky was still dark, and it was only when he was leaving the park that the edge of the sky started to turn. He imagined that it would be quite beautiful, and decided to keep walk/running around the park so that he could witness it happen. Soon, he saw the notification he'd been hoping for.
<<[Mission: Road to a Healthy Body] complete. Awarding Basic Enhancement Module (2/4).
Subject has unlocked a Basic Enhancement Module. Listing available modules.
- System-Subject Integration (LVL 1)
- System-Subject Interaction (LVL 1)
- System Personality Enhancement (LVL 1)
- Lucid Dream Module (LVL 1)
Module unlock available upon request.>>
Michael frowned. "Can you give me a brief description of the modules, system?"
< System-Subject Integration: Enhance the connection between the System's data store and subjects memory. Subject will be able to recall information System has scanned through the Subject as though the Subject had personally memorized it. This does not provide access to information System has access to from before integration with Subject. System-Subject Interaction: Voice Module unlocked. System will be able to connect directly into Subject's auditory nerve and communicate with Subject. System Personality Enhancement: Data Unknown. Lucid Dream Module: Subject will be able to enter into a Lucid State during rest periods. Level 1 Lucid Space maintains a 1-1 relationship with external time.>> Michael's frown quickly turned into a stunned expression. While the personality enhancement option was a little odd, the others were extremely appealing. The integration and interaction options were pretty clear, but he still had questions about the Lucid Dream module, so he inquired further. "So does that mean I'll sort of be awake even while I'm asleep? Is that going to impact my rest and recovery? What can I do while I'm in that Lucid State?" < Michael was in deep thought over this. "Does that mean I could, say, read a book?" < Michael's eyes gleamed at this. "Understood. While the enhanced integration sounds like a bit of a cheat, and not having to read our communications sounds pretty useful, this Lucid Dream function is just too useful. As for the Personality enhancement... I just don't know enough about it. Besides, you're kind of growing on me, System." <<...>> "Yeah, that was another joke. Though I am becoming quite fond of you." <<...Confirming Subject wishes to unlock the Lucid Dream Module?>> "Ok, yeah. Yeah, confirmed." <<...Module unlock will require minor modifications to theta-wave receptors. It is recommended Subject enable this module when Subject is able to be unconscious for several hours.>> "Ah, yeah. Doing that in the middle of the park would probably be bad. Let's do it tonight, then." < "Alright, now that that's settled, let's go home." <<...System would like to remind Subject that sunrise is in 5 minutes.>> "Oh, right! Thanks, System. Let's watch that first." <<...Confirmed.>> --- After a quick shower, his morning shake, and a breakfast of cheese, hardboiled eggs, and nuts, Michael grabbed the English assignment his parents had reviewed and put it into his bag with the rest of his work. Since he'd already done a morning run, he decided to take a more leisurely walk to school. Arriving at 7:30, he made his way to the library. Mr. Maddox gave him a smile and continued with his shelving work, while Michael sat down and started to review the feedback from his parents. While it was largely positive, there were a few instances of grammatical errors or scenarios where the auto-correct feature had replaced a word incorrectly, some of the other entries were broader comments on the scope or approach he'd taken. He thought about those and decided to leave them as-is for the time being, while looking for some other reviewers and feedback to see if the comments were repeated by others. Considering this, he approached Mr. Maddox. "Excuse me, Mr. Maddox?", Michael asked tentatively. "Yes, what can I do for you, Mr. Prout?", Mr. Maddox replied, a bemused smile on his face. Michael took a deep breath and decided to go for it. "I was wondering if you knew if the school offered any homework assistance or mentoring. It's for my English assignment." "I see," Mr. Maddox replied, frowning slightly. "Was the syntopic approach too challenging? If so, it's understandable - I'd recommend that you focus on the primary novel, then. If there's time before the end of the semester, maybe you can tackle this approach later. Besides, it's normal not to deal with this for a few years still." Though he tried to cover it up, Michael could still hear slight disappointment in his voice. Michael hurried to explain the situation. "No, Sir. I'm just looking for someone else to review my draft. I've already gotten my parents to review it, but I thought more viewpoints would be helpful." Mr. Maddox was shocked. "Your draft? Does this mean you've already finished the books?" Michael nodded. Mr. Maddox's frown quickly transformed into a grin. "Well then. As a matter of fact, part of the services the library offers is homework assistance. This is normally geared towards students needed remedial help, but... if you leave me with a copy of your essay, I can review it." Michael nodded excitedly. "Thank you, sir! Erm... can I use one of the computers in the library to type it up now?" Mr. Maddox shook his head. "I'm already bending the rules letting you sit in here. The computer services aren't available until regular school hours begin." Michael nodded a bit glumly and returned to the table, not seeing the wide grin on the librarian's face behind his back. Once he got back to his table, he reflected on what he could work on at the moment. He'd left the archery books he borrowed from Jeremy at home, and he knew he couldn't pull out any of the other books on the foundational reading list at the moment. Ultimately he decided to work ahead a bit on Algebra, and pulled out his textbook. For some reason, an image of Ms. Blackice flashed through his head when he did so, though he wasn't sure why.