321 The next student, and so on… (1/2)
The first subject Remian wanted Alani to learn was language. This included speed reading and flash reading. He also had her start on memory exercises.
”The thing about your memory is that it can be cultivated, trained like your muscles.” Remian explained. ”There are also some tricks to memorization, like associating what you want to remember with something you couldn't forget if you tried. It all takes time, so be patient with it.”
The third thing he had her study was Observation. This focused on people, their mannerisms and identifying physical traits.
”What does all this have to do with starships, in the end?” Alani wanted to know.
”Nothing. It has to do with people.” Remian explained. ”Most especially your future classmates, or teammates, if you prefer.”
”There's going to be other students, then?”
”Other teachers, too.”
”Who do you have in mind?”
”You'll meet him tomorrow.”
***
Gary did not think he would get roped in on an intergenerational space project.
”You want me to do what?!” Gary gaped.
”Build a quantum computer and construction nanobots. Advanced Artificial Intelligence would be great.” Remian explained. ”But barring that, a microprocessing computer will do. Actually, before that, how about an electronic calculator?”
”How am I supposed to do that?!” Gary protested. ”I don't know what that is! I don't even know where to start!”
”You start with material sciences.” Remian said. ”And math.”
”B-but! Why me? Why not Jim or Arnold?!”
”Because you're scientifically minded, you're young, and you've never learned anything about their craft.” Remian sighed. ”It's easier to teach someone new things than to try to have them unlearn everything wrong they've mastered.”
This started what promised to be a very, very long discussion.
***
Gary met Alani the next morning and shook hands solemnly.
”We gonna save the world.” Alani told him in greeting. ”Or at least, the people in it.”
”Assuming we don't go crazy learning how.” He told her, just as solemnly. ”That's a very big assumption.”
”We're young.” Alani shrugged. ”Young people are crazy to begin with.”
***
After that, he brought Siti in.
”Hi. Is this where I learn medical skills?” Siti queried.
”M-medical?” Gary blinked. ”Shouldn't you be learning that at the hospital or something?”
”No, this is the place.” Remian cleared his throat.
Just then, Jamie showed up. ”Yo! I'm here for weapons class!”
”Weapons?!” Gary gaped.
”You're right on time.” Remian greeted her.
Knocking sounded on the door and Isabella poked her head in. ”Um… I'm here for math and logistics?”
”Come in!” Remian waved her in. ”Anyone seen Juni?”
”He's lined up outside the door.” Isabella jerked her thumb to one side.
”Call him in, please.”