FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Tanyar followed Tinyrose though the complex till they reached the gymnasium where he stopped to look around. It was the biggest indoor space he had ever seen outside of a steel mill. In the center was a full track, its middle filled with different sectioned areas that Tanyar could only guess at the purpose, and along both walls were equipment, weights, exercise machines, mats, and even more things that Tanyar had never seen before.

"Come on let's go for a swim." Tinyrose said stepping out onto the track heading for the far side of the building. There were people scattered about the building most alone or coupled but there were also a few groups. Tanyar got a good look at one group they passed. Two men were sparring in the center with gloves surrounded by a group of onlookers. There was not any cheers or jeers that Tanyar expected just what seemed like a simple fight watched by silent onlookers.

On the far side Tinyrose led him though two sets of double doors. He was instantly enveloped by the warm damp chlorine scented air. The pools were also under a roof that had several heavy window overhead which showed a pitch black sky. The pool on the left side was a full olympic size stretching down the building while the second was much wider and sectioned off in three ways, one in half long way and once side bouyed off again, allowing room for people to jump off the diving boards with out worrying about who was below.

"This way." Tinyrose tried to lead him off to the right side towards the locker room. Tanyar looked over the rec pool at the dozen or so active people and the two people that were waiting to use the open lower diving board before he noticed several smaller pools beyond the rec pool. Tinyrose tapped him on the shoulder to catch his wondering attention. "Take off your shoes and jump in if you want." Tanyar looked at Tinyrose then his own clothing. "Don't worry there are more outfits inside but if you feel like changing, or want a swimsuit follow me."

She led Tanyar inside the locker room up front there were several open shower heads on the wall and benches separating four rows of lockers. On the other wall was a counter with several cubbie holes behind it. "Is this, co-ed?" Tanyar asked curious and blushing.

Lucky for him Tinyrose hadn't turned around when she rang the bell on the counter. "This is more of a wash off and waiting area really. You can change here if you like but the real lockers are back there." She pointed to the door against the back wall.

A female made her way around to the back side of the counter, recognizing Tinyrose she pulled a bag from a cubbie hole and smiled handing it over, "Hello lady Rose, anything new today?"

"Yes. A pair of swim trunks." Tinyrose pointed to Tanyar.

"Hhmmmm. A large should do." The female stated leaning down behind the counter and coming back up with sealed plastic bag. The attendant tore open the bag and picking up a black pen asking, "Name?"

"Tanyar." he answered.

She penned his name in the white rectangle beneath the T.A.N. Corp logo. "Please return the trunks here. We will have them washed and ready for you next visit." Tanyar nodded looking over to Tinyrose for instructions.

"The left side door." she stated. "I'll see you in the big pool in a bit." Tinyrose finished and headed though the right side door. He quickly changed and stashed his clothes in a locker as he headed back out. Tanyar was relaxing in the warm water against the wall by the time Tinyrose came back out. After hopping in the pool next to him she gave a big splash to his face before strongly swimming off the width of the pool under the bouys and then back.

Tinyrose swam one more lap before beckoning him away from the wall. Tanyar was not really one for a lot of water, he could of course swim and didn't mind being in the pool to relax. But there were dozens of other things he would prefer doing besides standing chest deep in warm water. Tanyar took several steps from the wall watching as Tinyrose dipped underwater. Tanyar gasped as his ankle was grabbed and he was dragged under. He fought against a second of panic before putting his feet down and pushing off the bottom of the pool and forcing his head out coughing up a mouth full of water.

Tinyrose slapped his back calling, "Spit it out your fine."

"Fine?" Tanyar gasped he leaped forward to try and grapple with Tinyrose uncaring that it was a female he faced. She easily evaded him tripping him up and sending him under again. Tinyrose moved with ease though the water laughing as Tanyar floundered and lunged with no success. The play went of for minutes Tanyar still unable to dunk Tinyrose while she had him under twice a minute. Finally he pulled away choking having actually breathed in some water on the last dunk and fully tired of the abuse. He made it to the wall trying to stop the explosive coughing so he could get a good breath. Tanyar looked back at Tinyrose while he huffed, she was slowly rolling back and forth in the water smiling. He choked again turning back to the wall he took a deep breath and tried to hold it several seconds later he coughed a few more times but it felt like the fit was ending.

Tanyar shoved with his legs and threw his chest out onto the concrete edge of the pool. He rolled pulling his legs free of the water laying flat out on the deck next to the pool. "Tanyar wait!" Tinyrose called out swimming to the edge. She literally launched herself out of the water having lifted one foot as high as the edge of the pool and pushed completely clear of the water to stand on the edge. Tanyar was only to his knees so she helped him to stand.

Tanyar pushed her away as he tried holding his breath suppressing the occasional cough. "Sorry I guess that was a bit much, you were so good in the Dream I though you would have a few moves to show me." Tinyrose said.

"What?" Tanyar tried asking.

Tinyrose paid careful attention to Tanyar as she questioned him, "Do you know any martial arts, kung fu or something?" Watching him shake his head she continued. "Get in to a lot of fights at school, wrestle, box?" Tinyrose saw him shake his head at all her questions. It wasn't that she though he was lying but she found it a bit to much to accept how he so easily beat Neworleans, someone who had quite a bit of hand to hand self defense training. "Come on let's go relax in the warm tubs."

Tanyar had lost most of his irritation when she had mentioned the Dream but he was still a little upset as he followed behind her down the pool. Just beyond the diving boards were five small pools, four on the outside were odd shaped having several wide or short arcs along the edge the center one was a large circle.

"Hot tubs?" Tanyar asked.

"Kinda," Tinyrose answered, "we joke and call them warm tubs since most days they are around ninety five degrees or less." Tinyrose walked to the center pool and stepped down doing a belly flop as she submerged for a moment. As she surfaced she walked five feet or so to sit down at center on a raised circle seat in the middle of the hot tub. Tinyrose was greeted by the two other occupants as Tanyar made his way to the pool and slowly climbed in. The water was hot to Tanyar certainly hotter than a tub but it did not have the steamy heat that he had experience the few times he had felt in previous soakings. He stayed to the outer wall sitting down listening to Tinyrose talk with the other two.

After a few minutes she introduced Tanyar to Jason and Marissy. "Are you having fun your first few days? Marissy asked. Tanyar nodded keeping quiet, "I was told you did a rather impressive job today." she continued.

Tanyar nodded again closing his eyes and leaning back trying to fake enjoying himself. "Tanyar," Tinyrose said, "it's to late to try and hide now." He opened is eyes to look seeing she was pointing behind him. Tanyar nearly leaped back out of the small pool shocked at the two splashes that happened on each side of him as two bodies joined in the tub. "There's more." She kept pointing causing Tanyar to look over his shoulder. He saw at least six more people making their way towards him as both males who had jumped in beside him tried to introduce themselves.

Tanyar looked back at Tinyrose ignoring the offered hands. "Is he going to bolt?" Jason asked Tinyrose moving up next to her.

"I don't know, why don't you call him kid and find out." she answered.

There was a piercing whistle and all heads turned towards Marissy who had a thumb and finger in her mouth still blowing. "All right everyone stay on the outside. Tanyar I would like to ask you to please sit in the middle." Marissy said in a loud voice. Tanyar watched as both Jason and Tinyrose vacated the middle island moving to the outside.

"All the world is a stage." Tanyar heard someone quote from behind him, "Relax kid we won't bite." the voice said again as he moved to the center. Tanyar sat in the middle of the three foot flat circle, a table just two feet under the surface of the water.

Tanyar heard and then felt the splash of someone entering behind him, Tanyar turned around to see Hummer sitting down, "Not causing problems again are you young one?" Hummer asked. Tanyar just shrugged his shoulders unsure how to answer and totally unsure what exactly was going on.

Tinyrose had moved several steps back to the center, "It's okay Tanyar everyone is impressed with your actions today, even what you did on the field. They would like to say hello and ask a few questions if that is alright with you. Or if you want we can leave, maybe go watch a movie." she finished.

"I have a question for you Tinyrose. What does Kalrena plan to do with him?" A female asked.

"I don't know and I can't tell what I do know." Tinyrose answered the woman who had sat at the edge of the pool with just her legs in the water. "Besides I wouldn't want to overly prepare Tanyar in anyway after today. So," Tinyrose said looking back to Tanyar, "do you feel like talking? I promise no one here will call you kid anymore." Tanyar nodded as three more people approached all fully clothed and two carrying plastic chairs.

When the two were seated Tanyar said, "What do you want to know?"

"Well if you want to skip the intros that is fine, why don't you start with how you made the metal." Marissy stated. Tanyar first said it was steel not metal, then he explained how Occulus said he had to know something. Tanyar told them how when he was ten his father had been involved in a group that had bought a steel mill. He had taken both his sons on a full weeks tour starting at the mines in the hills all the way through to the molds in the mill.

In exchange for the story one of the programmers named, or nicknamed, Floppy told Tanyar to make sure the Dream wasn't a wild chaotic place where any stray thought or wild imagination could take root they had placed a system where anything created had to be understood on a more complex level. Many things were easy to create and took little work but complex or larger constructions required more knowledge of how things worked and what they were made of, sometimes several hours of study and then possibly several more hours of trial and error was needed to get a construct right. This prevented anyone from goofing off or random wishes from appearing. "It wasn't just that you created a steel ball was it though, you know how it was made what it looked and felt like right?" Floppy asked watching Tanyar nod, "The more though you put in to what you want size, shape, feel, weight, look, the easier it will come to be." Tanyar continued to nod realizing with out knowing he had created something because he not just knew how steel was made but how it would look and feel as well.

"So where did you learn to fight like that?" The next question was asked.

Tanyar looked for the speaker trying to figure out how to answer. "He has no formal or informal training." Tinyrose announced. Several people were looking around unsure if this was fact or not.

"Seems like there was a bit of T.V. flair and some natural talent, and don't forget he surprised the hell out of Neworleans." Hummer said. "Didn't you mention you had a brother too."

"Yes Martin." Tanyar answered.

"Ever dreamed about beating the crap out of him or anyone else." Hummer asked. Tanyar paused a moment before nodding. Hummer chuckled, "Most brothers do at some point. But your brain thinks right you willed it to happen so your avatar follows. Training always helps but sometimes if you want it bad enough it happens." Tanyar though back to the moment he agreed with Hummer explaining how he felt at the time. "That was bad what happened to you group, it wasn't right." Hummer stated, "But it's done with now."

Several people then asked about Tanyar's memory and how many people he knew. After throwing a dozen names at once he could admit at knowing only two, Tyetin and orange humanoid with overlarge ears, and Omnious another blood red like Tinyrose but with more dog like features. The talk continued and Tanyar had to stand a few times to cool off but he eagerly listened learning several useful things about the programs themselves and about the corporation.

After hearing a name mentioned several times in rather odd ways Tanyar finally asked, "Who is Arens?" The group was instantly silent with several people looking at each other, one person told Tanyar he didn't need to know that.

"ARENS is an artificial intelligence unit." Hummer spoke out over the mumbling of others arguing the previous statement, "You have already used and heard it you just don't know it yet. I would like it if you left it alone for know, ask again in a few days." Tanyar agreed and Hummer addressed everyone else, "He would likely just go back to the system and find out himself, one way or another, we can just leave this topic for a few days."

"Actually we can leave a lot of things for a few days." The only fully clothed standing male stated. Tanyar wasn't sure if his name had been given or spoken the whole time, "Some of us need to get busy."

With that the group started breaking up Tanyar thanked Tinyrose and tried to excuse himself but she stopped him, "I just wanted to tell you a few things. You remind me a lot of my little brother so I want to warn you to take it easy. You don't always have to jump forward. Take some time to think before you act, especially in the Dream. Also I have a four day break so I'm going to go visit my daughter but I will be back in a few days if your still here I want to meet you again."

Tanyar tried to think of something to say she was being far more kind and sincere than he expected anyone who he had just met to be. "Okay." He said, "I'll be here." Tinyrose stepped up next to him and gave a friendly hug.

"Just remember to take it easy. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone, you already did so much." Tanyar watched as she walked away then quickly followed behind her to the locker room.

('")

Tanyar knew he still had several hours left before he was called back to the cafeteria and he didn't feel like studying more names right now. He headed back to the main computer library deciding that maybe a movie would be a good way to pass the time. Now that he was actually standing at the back of the computer hall he could see all the end tables and coffee tables were actually small stands and cabinets with shelves holding laptops. On the tops of the tables were several small and slightly larger boxes with pictures of different style headsets on them a few were open and empty. Tanyar chose large noise blocking earmuffs and a easily recognizable brand name laptop hoping that would make it easy to use. He looked at the various seats and couches, some occupied, before he made his way to the wall where there were five recliners lined up. Tanyar chose the chair that left an open spot on each side before he sat down and turn on the computer. Looking at the pealing headphone sticker he plugged in the headset and waited for the computer to finish booting up.

The laptop was very easy with four icons stating Movies, Internet, Social, and Chats. Tanyar clicked on movies and was lead to a long list of hundreds of movies. He clicked on the action tab and watched as all kinds of movies popped up. Next he chose sort by popularity and the list jumped up with a multitude of movies he recognized. Tanyar was deciding to see a movie he hadn't seen before when he saw 'The Fifth Element' as a title and chose that movie. He had a friend who had bugged him several times to watch it since it had one of his favorite actors and a hot babe as well, he was told. There was a window up stating his movie would start in just a moment and in seconds the intro for the Columbia picture was up and the movie had started. As the first names flashed Tanyar put on the headset and leaned the recliner back and got comfortable.

Just over forty minutes later Tanyar paused the movie to stretch just after the taxi driver was describing the big fair that had dropped in to his lap. He moved his neck around and stretched his legs out, moving his body and making sure nothing had fallen asleep. He scanned the area seeing who had come and gone before going back to his movie.

Tanyar was nearing the end of the movie after all the big explosions and the hero's needle thread escape with Lelu and the five elements when a pop up window paused his movie. The message said "Hello was wondering if you were done with your movie. Would you like to come join us?" the box said it was from LT-P-6.

Tanyar looked up searching the hall, on the social side there was a circular table mostly full with a two people that were turned towards him smiling and waving. Tanyar typed in the reply box, "Still watching nearly done." Tanyar waited for a replay which came back, "Kay come over when your done." Tanyar had just closed the box and clicked on the play button when it stopped and the box popped up again. "Hurry up." Again Tanyar closed the box and restarted the movie. The next ten minutes were filled with suspense and jokes and saving the world but Tanyar was having a hard time now watching the movie skipping forward seeing the credits started in less than two minutes he skipped the celebration scene and closed the movie.

Tanyar left his laptop and headphones on the recliner and walked over to the table which was now packed but with one open spot left. There were six seats at the table with three more chairs crowded around the outside as Tanyar approached, "So your Tanyar right?" He was asked as he sat down.

"Yes I am." Tanyar stated, happy with the simple fact they were using his name now.

"You had some pretty neat moves in the capture the flag game." the lady to his right said, "But we were arguing over why you didn't play the same way at soccer."

Tanyar looked at several people in the group he wondered if he ever went back to studying the avatars if he shouldn't ask for a real picture to go alone with the names. It would be easier he though if he knew these people were part of the Dream project and where they were placed, the next moment he realized that might not help either there were people who worked here that weren't part of the study at all. "I didn't want to show off to much." Tanyar finally answered.

"Show off??" The man with thick glasses on the outside of the table stood up. "You showed off all day, making everyone think you're some superstar." He address the rest of the group, "This is a waste of my time, I have a great deal of programming to get done." he said walking away. Tanyar saw the embarrassment all around the table before asking a simple question, "Occulus?"

"Yes. Sorry my names Harrit, I asked Occulus to come so he could talk with you if he wanted since he got in trouble." Harrit spoke.

"Trouble?" Tanyar asked. Again he had done something and seemed to upset people with out meaning to.

"No no nothing bad or anything, he and Tinyrose were told to be more careful in the future." Harrit answered him.

"It probably would have matter more if they weren't trashing the group." one of the men said.

"Nathaniel that is not true!" someone called. Tanyars mind jumped hearing his name staring intently at the man who spoke, he was slightly heavyset and maybe just thirty.

"It's not what is happening Tanyar." Harrit said as she reached out touching his shoulder startling him.

"What?" Tanyar reacted to the touch and seconds later the words he had heard Nathaniel spoke sank in. "Trash the group?" he asked hesitantly.

"They are not stopping the group." Harrit said firmly, "They have only decided not to use the information gathered as part of the statistics."

Tanyar felt a slight twist in his stomach, "It's because of me isn't it." The group was quiet till a young female in a dress who had been using her laptop during most of the the discussion.

"That is not totally true." she stated. "We have been working on a new and more advanced candidate selection since yesterday, that is entirely your fault. But the rest Kalrena, Tinyrose, Occulus, Neworleans, even everyone who was operating the vidballs is responsible for altering the groups data output." She finished going back to typing on her laptop.

"It wasn't just you Tanyar, the entire group lept forward today they took your cue and exploded faster than any group before." Nathaniel spoke.

"It happens but usually after the fourth or fifth day. And its usually one or two, then a few more, then the rest." Harrit explained. "It is something that Lisa," she gestured to the lady in the dress, "and other didn't take into account for the program. We have always had people eager to test programs and items. Many researching before they come so they know what to expect or want. No one realized how much better an eager educated person could perform in the Dream." She finished rubbing his shoulder again.

"What's going to happen?" Tanyar asked.

"That is entirely up to Kalrena and her support. I can't see her ending the group there is still a great deal of information you group can offer even if they wont use it as part of the study." Tanyar sat trying to think about how the others would react when they heard. V-12 was surely going blame him and probably quit because of it running out to the world insisting T.A.N. Corp. had made huge mistakes allowing children to participate.

"We are sorry Tanyar." He looked up at the female who spoke, "Your supposed to be relaxing not stressing over stuff."

"Well how about a game?" some one suggested.

"The Labyrinth and don't you dare groan Nathaniel." Harrit said. Tanyar went and retrieved his laptop by the time he had returned they had squeezed seven chairs in around the table allowing for everyone who wanted in to play. Lisa backed out saying she still had a good deal of work to do but would watch. The others quickly linked Tanyars computer in with the others explaining how each laptop had a designation on the hood, Tanyars was LT-D-3 or in long terms 'laptop-dell-number 3. Each designation was set so it was easily seen from several feet away allowing people to send messages sometimes from across the room with out having to get up and go over to check the laptop.

"Now the game is simple." Harrit told him, "move around and look carefully, every item maybe needed, sometimes by another player and some clues could be small." She told him how the halls yesterday he went though were based on this game but the game required them to move usually as individuals helping each other along the way. Harrit suddenly grinned, "You might be really good at this."

The first floor was easy each person started alone and worked their way to the center and to the others. The floors that followed progressed quickly in difficulty, most times Tanyar started alone and twice with someone else. Several times he had to backtrack missing some small clue that was simply hidden. There was a floor switch for a door under a box and a rope attached to a torch holder that lowered a key, also there were six metal ring hooked to the back of a door he went though that needed to be passed off to other players. Playing with a large group allowed several brains to tackle a problem that would likely have taken hours for just one or two.

After two hours and the group just starting to progress into the twelfth floor, Tanyar received a pop up screen alerting him he only had sixty minutes left and would be required in the cafeteria as soon as possible. Tanyar leaned back and rubbed his dry eyes surprised at how far the game had drawn him in. It was deviously tricky and required constant concentration and serious consideration for each item you found. Tanyar was told several people played with notebooks open trying to track each item and possible uses and where they were found.

Tanyar got the names and thanked each person who was playing before he left. It turned out they were all workers of some kind for the corporation. All of them had played in the Dream but besides Harrit and another called Reavers they all had regular names and were rarely allowed more than minimal access to the Dream.

('")

It only took Tanyar ten minutes to make it to the cafeteria. He gathered a large plate of breakfast with a pile of eggs, bacon, and small fried potato pieces which he covered with ketchup. As he sat down Kalrena stood up, "Ok that is everyone." Looking around at the somewhat emptier tables she spoke before anyone could ask questions, "Fried, Diamond, V-12, and Pathona are no longer participating in the study. Now we.."

"Why?" Tanyar saw Chopper speak out across the table interrupting her.

"Each one was a different reason which I will not go in to now." Kalrena paused for another objection which didn't come. "Now we will be proceeding but in a different way." Tanyar waited for the bomb to drop as Kalrena spoke, "I want to make sure each of you wants to continue. Training is going to be very different now, more personalized, and less group time. However I do not want anyone to return to the Dream with out being serious about working. I now expect you to work and try to improve as much as you can."

It was Starbit who raised his hand before Kalrena nodded to let him speak, "Why the change? Isn't there a program your following, the point of this test group is to see how reactions differ from one group to the next by introducing ideas and variations, but the base program stays the same."

Kalrena nodded deciding what to say when Tanyar blurted out, "We aren't a test group anymore. They won't use the data we gathered." There was no muttering just simple silence as more of the group turned from Tanyar to Kalrena.

"I see you have been doing more homework Tanyar, anything else you have learned?" Kalrena asked while moving over to stand behind him. Tanyar had kept his head down since speaking, "Well?" she probed again.

"We went beyond what was expected or thought, because of me." Tanyar spoke quietly.

"I asked you what else you know Tanyar. I assume you were talking with someone else." Kalrena put her hands on his shoulders, "It wasn't you most of the fault is mine. I am the one in control of the group. I should have pulled you out of the group before yesterday at the very least after the first game. Instead I broke protocol. I should never have told any of you that it was impossible to cheat or that your bodies had no meaning when it came to sports. It was something you were supposed to figure out on your own. When I supported Tanyar it let the rest of you know what he was doing was right or maybe what I wanted, as Starbit pointed out that is against the base program. Because of that each of you performed exceedingly well and with Tanyars extra knowledge gained from what Occulus said it was evident the groups data could not be allowed in to the study."

"Well what are we going to do then?" Vash asked.

"Simple you each have a choice. Do you want to work for the rest of the week, that means you will be given to to other people helping them out. We will still have some training and we will allow you to explore the Dream as a group, the data we gather will still be kept and used, but not as part of the statistical study. The other option is you can leave now. That goes for everyone except Tanyar." Tanyar shivered as Kalrena gripped his shoulders tighter. "You already agreed to medical testing this week and we have set up a special test for you this morning. I hope your not planning on backing out of either and will fulfill the agreements you made." Tanyar nodded.

"Good then keep eating you need to finish your meal, you all do before I can show you to your new tanks." Kalrena stated.

"Again?" Sunandsky muttered.

"Yes again." Kalrena responded, "The tanks you were in are specially made to keep track of group interactions, seeing Tanyars actions yesterday altered each of your own. Those tanks are linked to a system able to analyze data in real time as it happens and how its affecting others." Kalrena walked back between the two tables, "I was told to move you so they can speed up the next group. They may start with in a few days rather than in a week or two."

Starbit was the first to speak, "I will not be continuing then. I see no reason to keep going if it isn't part of the study. I have other things I can attend to."

"Very well." Kalrena said, "Anyone else?"

Velva raised her hand to speak, "What if we don't like what your having us do. What do you mean by work?"

"I have been given a great deal of leeway right now. The company admits that it did not anticipate or even have any precautions set up for an event like Tanyar, even though they have one for other programs." Kalrena informed the group. "All of you performed well beyond any prior group and the board has ordered a advanced program set up for the future. We would like to set up personal data files with each of you for any comparison in the future. So Velva it is all voluntary, now you may leave at any time. Also if you don't like what your doing or you get board we can surely find something else for you to work on."

"So," Loory said, "do we have to leave now if we don't want to go back." Kalrena waited obviously expecting her to keep speaking, "It's just that I wanted to look around more, maybe use the pool I saw."

"Well I can arrange for a tour and a room you may leave tomorrow if you wish." Kalrena offered.

Loory answered quietly, "I would like that, please."

"For now you only have to ask to leave. I would appreciate a verbal experience log just stating what was enjoyable and what you felt was wrong or just rant if you need to. We would appreciate all input you are willing to give about how you felt yesterday and what you were thinking." Kalrena looked to the group. "Finish eating, I will be back in a few moments and those of you who wish to return to the Dream I will take you to the other tanks."

('")

Tanyar had apologized after Kalrena left out of the whole group he was most surprised when Sunandsky spoke telling him not to sweat it, they were still getting paid and maybe there still might be some fun. He was still felt bad though as Kalrena lead the sixteen down a new hallway and into a vast room full of sleep tanks.

"The first four rows have been allocated for your use." Kalrena started, "There are always two technicians working here to help you get in and out. Your hours now are what you make them with the exception of a fifteen hour limit each day. There will be four hours or so you will spend together as a group with me, other than that you will be given projects to help with. I would like everyone here to watch how to power up and shut down a tank."

The tech then explained the basic operation of the tank including the settings they would have to use just in case it was altered. "Of course it goes with out saying you are not allowed to touch any occupied tank." The technician said, "Now there are five tanks in the front line, you're allowed to choose any in the first four rows. Please do not go beyond the front line or past the fourth row. Any reason you give us or any problem you cause, will require us to eject you from the room and you won't come back."

"Thank you." Kalrena said to the tech, "Now everyone please pick a tank and power it up. We will get you in as soon as we can." Kalrena tapped Tanyar shoulder and pointed to the tech who waved a had to make him follow. He took Tanyar to the last tank at the end of the first row. Tanyar could easily see over the isle into next line that was as long as this one and it seemed like there was at least another line beyond that. He took a quick glance down the isle while the technician opened the tank, he guessed there were probably ten rows. That meant likely one hundred fifty tanks in this room alone, Tanyar was interrupted by a tap on his shoulder.

"I know it's big but don't wander around. This tank is set up for you lesson today, get in please." the technician said. Tanyar was quickly in, gassed, and asleep opening his eyes to a track field, a near replica of the real world one he had walked though hours ago. The only difference was the center infield of the track was just grass. After several minutes and only Alross and Mantoo showing up Tanyar laid on the grass and relaxed taking his tail in hand and stroking it. He couldn't feel anything from the appendage but there were moments when he though he sensed something just an odd touch in his mind.

It took nearly twenty minutes for everyone to get to the field, unlike the automated system before which was checked by a system and detected any problems, these tank had to each be check and double checked by a tech before they pressed the button to release the gas. "Everyone," Kalrena spoke when the final avatar made it in, "today you get to explore your avatar. We are still in the admin complex so all the major rules apply. I want you to try and learn how fast and how strong and flexible your own avatar is at it's base. We will start with the track, you each know how to call up a watch." Kalrena said while demonstrating. "Now all you have to do is flip it like this and it becomes a stop watch." Several of the group follow her example. "There are meters and miles marked out on the track until my other helpers arrive I want you each to time yourself at a normal pace then try to see how fast you can go."

There was at first a jumbled bunch, some waiting their turn others just starting out at random till Kalrena informed them they should spread out. The track would adjust their starting and ending spots for each avatar and keep them in a lane that would not interfere with others. By the time the other instructors arrived several of the group was more interested in continuing with challenging themselves and others rather than doing other exercises. Kalrena split them in to groups and rotated them so that everyone was able to do each section more than once.

After more than two hours Kalrena finally called a halt. "Now I would like all of you to follow Bolt and the rest they will lead you to the other facility where you can try testing the limits of your will." As the group gathered to leave she called to Tanyar. "Tanyar over here for a moment." When the group had enough distance she spoke, "I have approval to give you the accelerated test. This wont be easy since you haven't yet been trained in all you need to know, in fact some of it will be quite hard. Do your best and try to do whatever they want." Kalrena paused checking over Tanyar, "Forget everything else for now, if you do well we can move you to a participant." She stopped to watch his excited grin seeing him twitch with excitement.

"Am I allowed to do whatever I want?" Tanyar asked.

"Yes, just make sure you do not destroy the place." she grinned at him. "Head out that door and follow the yellow line. It will lead you back through the administration area and outside to a building where Radder waits for you." Tanyar took off as soon as she finished nearly bouncing across the race track to the door. Kalrena was still smiling at his exuberance, she had wanted to wish him luck and give him a few more warnings but she had no wish to try and chase him down just for that.

Kalrena started back to her group, "Sheriah I want the results the instant he is done."

"Of course." the answer was given next to her ear. "Do you want the results of each area or can you wait till he's totally finished."

"I am sure I can handle waiting until he is done." Kalrena replied. Part of her though wanted to be there watching Tanyars every move, she paused for a moment, realizing her own rule to not allow any vidorbs would mean she could not peak either. "Sheriah I want a full copy of the enitre test."

There was a pause before Sheriah answered, "Of course, how many copies do you need?" their was just a pinch of sarcasm that came though in the comment.

"That is enough Sheriah just have the information when I am done today." Kalrena spoke harshly.

Sheriah answer was tactful yet reminding, "Very well just remember you are only supposed to be teaching and training. Keep your emotions where they should be."

Tanyar was following the yellow line he had slowed down to avoid running into anyone as the line took him back through the center of the cross shaped administration building and out the west wing. Tanyar opened a door and leaped off the small set of steps landing rather heavily. He was still in the admins rules he realized stepping out on the line feeling a breeze blow past his face. Tanyar stopped, for the first time he was outdoors in the Dream.

The sky was a perfect pale blue allowing several small white cloud to hang in it and a yellow sun beamed some where before midmorning mark. The building in front of him were warehouse types but what looked like several streets beyond were other building reaching several stories and looking office like. Tanyar knew there was an entire city to explore, most of it empty, but that didn't stop his curiosity or the intense yearning to explore. "One test." Tanyar said to himself taking a step forward again.

There was a blur of red that passed him and Tanyar stopped gasping in pain, only he wasn't hurt. For just a moment Tanyar had the same feeling like you do when you slice you finger or hand open yet no blood comes, the moment you know you hurt yourself but have no clue how bad. There was a second red blur that passed before Tanyar and this time he did feel a horrible stab of pain that made his entire body stiff. The pain was gone the second after it came but something was seriously wrong, Tanyar couldn't move, and now he couldn't feel either. Tanyar saw for just a moment what he could only think of as his body coming apart breaking up as everything went black.

('")

Tanyar waited, and waited, why was everything still black? If something happened weren't you supposed to reboot, or at least wake up? But this was black. He wasn't touching anything or maybe he wasn't feeling his body he though confused. It wasn't until Tanyar blinked his eyes that he realized he did have or should have a body.

He began concentrating on each part starting with his head and moving down. Tanyar slowly recalled muscles to move, tendons to stretch, arms, hands, fingers. He worked to reclaim a body, he had nothing until he thought of it. Tanyar now had feet to which he could feel a solid floor beneath and weight which told him his body was upright. Still it was dark. Tanyar stepped forward moving with both mind and will, it felt like being under water only worse. Every part that moved had resistance, a force that he worked against the whole time he tried moving. Tanyar's mind was the only thing that moved unhindered. If this was a bug it was one hell of a big one. Tanyar believed he must have been dropped somewhere between dieing and being reformed. 'First things first' he though forcing his limbs to move using his hands to call up a tablet.

He addressed a message to Kalrena; Tanyar: Help me, I think I died, I am trapped.

Tanyar waited for a reply which seemed a long time in coming, enough time that he tried to start looking around with the week light off the tablet. He could see nothing even his own body and hands were no more than dark shadows as he waved them in front of the screen. He closed his eyes and concentrated on his avatar. It was supposed to respond to will there was no need to understand bones, blood, or organs because the avatar had none he remembered. Tanyar opened his eyes to the same darkness, the same dim shadowed body. He didn't have time to keep exploring as a reply finally came though.

Kalrena: Died? Where are you now?

Tanyar: Nowhere, trapped, everything is black. Kalrena something is wrong.

Kalrena: Do not Panic! Relax and look around.

Tanyar: Black and black, I can barely move like underwater.

Kalrena: Stay still we are tracing you.

Tanyar would have given a shiver of relief mind feeling instantly better sadly though his neck barely twitched in response. He felt the pressure steadily seem to increase and the good feelings vanished in to the blackness.

Tanyar: Why won't my avatar move right? Can they be broken?

Tanyar was again left waiting till he finally called up a watch and ticked off nearly two more minutes before a reply came

Kalrena: Please stay still do not move from your spot.

Tanyar: I have not moved!

Tanyar felt funny his fingertips feeling tingly as he tried to type, he moved his hands in front of the screen inspecting them. They were fuzzy or blurry he couldn't decide from the dim glow, Tanyar gripped the tablet tighter feeling it start to slide in his hand. Again he closed his eyes thinking hard about firm straight fingers and simple clean lines and curves. When he opened his eyes they seemed straighter and the tingling had stopped. He quickly typed out again.

Tanyar: Kalrena please hurry. (he waited another minute then typed) Where are you??

Tanyar worried he had somehow lost the connection, there was no one else his mind could think of besides Occulus at the moment. He was supposed to be a programmer on the Dream wasn't he. He had little choice trying to go though the motions to call up a second tablet he worked to address the new message to Occulus choosing his words as best he could.

Tanyar: Please Occulus. I am trapped, it's dark. Kalrena isn't responding. Hard to move, I AM SCARED.

Unlike Kalrenas reply Occulus came less than a moment later.

Occulus: What did you do. Where are you at?

Tanyar: I am not sure I think I died. hard to type or move. I dont thik I have abody anymore

Tanyar typed out adding the last part realizing he no longer felt his legs or anything around him beyond his chest, head, and hands. He kept all his mind focused on his hands and the two tablets before him realizing they were his only hope for help. Tanyar kept staring at both silently begging for one to reply.

Occulus: Kalrena is out of the dream will respond shortly. I have your data log and checking it now. Tanyar relax, the worst thing that can happen is that we will wake you up.

To Tanyar that wasn't at all reassuring.

('")

Kalrena hurried into the main control room for the dream study and nearly threw herself in to a chair calling up the programs to her console in front of her. "Where is he?"

"We don't know." The response was given.

"What??" Kalrena nearly shouted.

"We just finished a fourth tracking program with three separate starting points the ends keep jumping." The other female in the room replied.

"Keep trying Peg. Nick, Adam get the vidballs to those points and check each one. He said it was dark what about some of the undeveloped areas?" Kalena asked.

"We tried that." Nick answered, "I am trying now to get as many people as I can out of the Dream. Then we scan and pinpoint each user, but the more the people the longer it is going to take."

Kalrena felt better latching on to the idea and altering it, "Don't get them out move everyone you can to admin and huddle the rest in to groups then we just have to tag anyone who is alone." Kalrena had already typed out two replies to Tanyar trying to reassure him when he typed back something she wasn't ready to accept.

Tanyar: Im not im the dreamm

Kalrena: What do you mean

Tanyar: I cantmove dissapering will not helpng. hurry I dont wantto die

"Adam" Kalrena was almost yelling again, "GET him out Now!!"

"What?" he asked. Kalrena chose her own action sliding over shoving him out of the way flipping a switch below a speaker. "ARENS." she spoke. Kalrena paused for several second before speaking again, "ARENS respond!"

"Here" a static voice responded.

"Remove the applicant Tanyar from the dream now." Kalrena ordered.

There was again several seconds pause, "Unable to comply." ARENS replied.

"What?" Kalrena said stunned. The other three occupants looked equally surprised as well. "Subject Tanyar maybe injured do to removal now. I am unable to cause harm."

"Someone get techs to that tank now!! I don't care if you have to rip it apart, GET HIM OUT NOW!!"

Kalrena yelled sliding back to her console she typed out :Tanyar I am coming, WE WILL get you out.

Kalrena stood and nearly knocked Sheriah over as she hurried out.

"Wait." Sheriah said as Kalrena was still pushing past.

"WHAT!" she said sharply.

"Relax, you shouldn't be so worked up." Sheriah told her.

"Something is very wrong! ARENS will not pull him out." Kalrena took a breath, "I am responsible for their heath and well being I have to go." Kalrena finished rushing down the hall at a near run.

"Of course." Sheriah replied quietly as she watched Kalrena turn a corner, there was little she could do to support the team leader when she was out of the tank. Sheriah went inside the control room and sat in the seat Kalrena had vacated. She rolled though the logs reading up on what had gone between the two, by the time she got to the bottom a new message had been typed out from Tanyar but she couldn't understand the mesh of letter he had sent. "Hey can you guys look at this?" She called to the programmers.

('")

Tanyar kept staring at the tablet which seemed blurrier each time he tried to read it. Kalrena was coming but he wasn't sure how long he could last. Tanyar closed his eyes and felt or was it heard a presence whisper to his mind. 'Let go, relax I have you.' Tanyar wavered 'Let go, you are mine' the presence insisted. Tanyar had a small flash of thought Kalrena was coming.

"NO!" Tanyar's mind screamed, Tanyar struggled with the entire will of his soul. Like a person who fights to break the surface of water to gain life. The presence intensified squeezing Tanyar crushing him from every possible angle. Tanyar was lost slowly being compressed in to nothing, till he felt his self torn and ripped slowly coming apart.

('")

Screaming was all Tanyar could do as he thrashed around. "OOWWW, SHIT. Son of a... Grab his fucking legs and hold him down." Yelled the technician who had nearly been knocked senseless by the arm he was trying to restrain. The four techs that had answered the emergency call had just yanked Tanyar out and manually opened the top. They had been taken off guard by the strength and fear of the occupant inside. Tanyar had stopped screaming and was only moaning and growling as he thrashed trying to break free. "Open you eyes stupid!" the tech shouted to Tanyar.

"What are you doing let him go!" Kalrena yelled as she entered running down the line.

"Ya right so he can punch and kick us some more?" the tech complained.

"Let him go and step back NOW!! Tanyar it's Kalrena can you hear me." Tanyar continued his struggles till he was finally set free of the hands grabbing him. Tanyar drew his knees up and planted his palms into his eyes and let out a choked sob followed my a moaning 'noooo'. Kalrena snapped her fingers drawing the technicians attention and placed a finger on her lips demanding silence. Reaching the console at the head of the tank she simply turned it off cutting the power. The lid jerked up slightly but the lights cut out on the humming of the unit stopped.

"Tanyar," Kalrena spoke quietly, "can you tell me what is wrong?"

"Head." Tanyar mumbled.

Using a finger Kalrena issued orders, "You go turn out the overhead lights. You call the medical wing get them here, and you get the full tank readout for the last hour and transfer it to the medical computers." Kalrena directed her attention back to Tanyar who was now shaking. "Do we have a blanket around here?" she asked of the last tech. 'Uuhhh', "Find something hurry up." she said a bit upset with what she thought was a lack of intelligence displayed so far. Kalrena carefully touching Tanyar's hair slowly began stroking his head, "Your out of the Dream Tanyar, and help is coming." Kalrena could think of little else to offer besides quiet words and gentle hands. By the time the medical team arrived Tanyar was already unconscious.

('")

They ran full scans and gave every medical test they felt necessary to Tanyar's body while he was out. There was no medical damage or problems resulting from the incident and the manual ejection from the dream. All Occulus and several other programmers could find was that Tanyars avatar had been killed the data deconstructed, but he was neither reconstructed at his starting point nor was he awakened from the dream. According to some of the data his shadow or echo should still be standing outside the administration building waiting to be transferred, yet there was no trace there. There also wasn't any data suggesting any form of attack or violence that would cause the avatars death.

The board immediately suspended Dream activity ordering a investigation requiring the death of all the avatars currently working including Tanyars. The next two hours were a massive carnage spree, avatars were operated and slaughtered in masses at random points and in a multitude of ways. Tanyars avatar got special attention being subject to every though the programmers could come up with never once in the two hour bombardment did any anomaly appear. There was a few minutes, when a halt was finally called to the killing, that many had suggested maybe the operator Tanyar was to blame. Upon hearing this Kalrena had leaped on to the communications from the medical building trying to gather information and support for Tanyar that was unneeded. Occulus stopped that with two facts he simply pulled out the data logs showing the action/reaction times which showed nothing more than walking and a rather high level of excitement and then showed the system logs which according to them Tanyars avatar was deconstructed but never moved. "Simple facts you can't kill yourself and then cause an unknown system error. That doesn't includes the fact he was untraceable."

From there the board used ARENS ready to draw on the information the A.I. had gathered only to find out there was none. ARENS explained there was no reason or request to monitor Tanyar until he started the testing. The event that happened ARENS viewed in real time so there was no logs, by the time he had been ordered to remove the applicant he was unsure of the safety of Tanyar do to lowering brain levels and a ninety percent drop in reactions. The A.I. also felt there was errors in the tracking program used because Tanyar was in the Dream otherwise there would have been no data to collect from Tanyar.

The board after three hours allowed full function to resume for the Dream with instructions to ARENS that he was to remove an avatar who appeared to end up in the same place immediately. And second to record all instances out of the ordinary especially any that turn up data not previously entered. Several of the programmers still worked though scenarios and ideas but most agreed little could be done with out first hand accounts from Tanyar. The medical staff had cleared him but insisted he was to sleep until he woke himself and was not to be pestered until they were sure of mental stability. Kalrena was the only one allowed beyond medical staff insisting that her responsibility required her presence to help calm and reassure Tanyar when he woke, and with copies of their messages and his reaction that was recorded in the tank room after he woke she was allowed to stay by his side.