Dei seemed thoughtful for a moment. "Effectively, I can make considerable changes to
your local space-time. As you've seen, I was able to revert you to a younger (more open-
minded) state. I could make you smaller, older, or edit space/time in other ways."
Jessica blinked. "Edit space and time? Sorry Dei, that went right over my head."
Dei grinned. "No problem...let's see. You remember that tv show, Sliders, about alternate
worlds? Places where things went differently than in our world?"
Jessica sat down on her couch, amused at how her feet dangled off the floor. "I only
watched a few episodes, but yeah, kinda. Guess I wish I'd been more interested in Sci Fi
before now."
"Perfect." Dei gestured at the girl.
"Wait what are you..."
Dei accessed a probable universe where Jessica had been more interested in Science
Fiction and Fantasy from a young age, an avid reader and fan of such. That made for some
interesting changes to her mistress, but for now, she was only after certain data from the
other Jessica's life.
Instantly, Jessica had the memories of reading short stories, novels, watching tv and
movies, that she never had before. Asimov, Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, Niven, these and
many more author's works filled her mind. What's more, she could quote whole chapters
of various works...whole movies flashed into her mind...
She groaned, putting a hand to her head. "Oww...what a headache."
"Sorry Boss. A bit too much at once, huh?"
Jessica nodded. "Well I guess I should watch what I wish for. I mean, I could have just
said, I wish I was smarter..."
Dei beamed. "Granted!" This was easy. In the alternate universe she'd already accessed,
Jessica had been more academically inclined. But wait, that was just more knowledge,
really. She didn't want to overload the girl's brain again. So smarter, but not necessarily
more knowledgeable...hm...
Within nanoseconds she accessed another probable world. One where, due to a few
different choices in the past, Jessica ended up being born later. In fact, the alternate
Jessica was the exact physical age as her Mistress was currently.
And, as a result of some minor deviations in her biochemical makeup (different genes
becoming dominant and the like), this alternate Jessica was a prodigy, a brilliant child with
an impressive I.Q..
Removing the memories and life experiences of the other Jessica from the pattern, she
overwrote "Smart Jessica" over "Mistress Jessica".
There was a slight blurring of Jessica's form, but no visible changes.
Jessica blinked as her brain's ability to absorb, retain, and process information increased.
She remained silent for a long time.
"Um...Boss...are you...?" Dei finally queried, a bit worried.
Jessica looked at her new friend and beamed. It was the radiant smile of a young girl, and
Dei's digital heart melted.
"Yes. I'm...oh this is amazing. Everything makes so much more sense now! If you were
my size, I'd hug you."
Dei was about to say something, when glowing neon letters appeared in the air.
WARNING: SYSTEM RESOURCES LOW.
And just below that was a little [OK].
Jessica blinked...again. "Dei, is something wrong?"
The Djinn girl sighed. "I have pre-programmed limits on how much I can do each day,
based on available system resources and power. Your computer is nice, but not the best,
it could use some upgrades, and well, I have to admit, I'm going to do horrible things to
your electric bills, especially when I generate an avatar. I better switch back to text-only."
Dei vanished, and printed text appeared on the monitor. SORRY ABOUT THIS.
Jessica frowned. Then shivered a bit. She was still naked, and her younger body was more
sensitive. "Right. Time for a warm shower, then find something to wear. And then I'll
figure out how to fix this mess."
After taking a long (and pleasant) shower, Jessica slipped into an old t-shirt that, at her
current size, went down to her knees. Drying her ridiculously long hair, she climbed into
her computer chair and started to type.
OK, I THINK I KNOW WHAT TO DO. HERE IS MY PLAN....