Page 17 - Unlikely Stories 1

Perils of Scanference

tiny differences can result in larger effects as world lines proceed: the
so-called Butterfly Effect.

Dr. Lovenitz: I feel very nervous. I hope you have prepared the
general for what is next?

Dr. Silberfisch: As much as possible, Frank. Please try to remain
calm. Now, General, the unfortunately obvious application of
Scanference in our context today is in intelligence. Suppose I am
trying to solve a problem. Perhaps it is in cryptography, perhaps
weapons design or strategic planning. I arrive at a point where I
cannot come up with the answer I seek. But maybe I am coming up
with it in an exoverse. Or I can ask someone who might know the
solution but is unable or unwilling to come up with it in this
endoverse—but might be, so to speak, spilling the beans, elsewhere.
This device, properly developed, could do just that: find out what is
happening in alternate present cases of an inquirer’s endoverse.
Gen. Esel: Very interesting! This next sheet you gave me: is that the
cost estimate?
Dr. Silberfisch: Yes, for the first two years. We should be well
enough along in the development cycle to show progress to you and
your superiors, and to justify funding for the remaining work.
Gen Esel: But what is wrong with Doctor Lovenitz? He is going pale.

Doctor Silberfisch: I’m afraid that we have just started an arms race,
General—and this is why Scanference is a wasting asset, useless if we
don’t use it first. Doctor Lovenitz cannot really predict what will
happen to a person whose knowledge—actual neurological states—
are picked up via Scanference. Brain damage may result, or extreme
psychological trauma—whatever sent Gibbons around the bend. An
infinity of Lovenitzes will be working on this, those for whom the
project has been approved. And any of those exoverse scientists, if
they get stumped or frustrated, will be tempted to try the device
themselves ahead of final approval just to find out if it works, or they

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