by Neely Dobbs
CHAPTER 42: Cronul
"Do you require additional information prior to making your decision?" Memnon asked.
“You have stated that you can provide the proof of Admiral Ozier's safety. Can you provide that proof now?”
Memnon nodded curtly. “I shall provide you with undeniable proof that the Admiral is safe and well cared for. One-way com-screen link C/HC/JO; observation only, visual and sound. Activate.”
A nearby holo-screen sprang to life, clearly identified as a real time observation. As ADIZ watched, Jazon paced slowly around a small comfortable bedroom for a few moments, his shoes and jacket off, then lay down on the bed. A few minutes later he rolled onto his side, apparently to go to sleep. The images faded.
ADIZ said, “That is sufficient."
Despite the lingering effects of his encounters with Hoga, he still lacked any capacity for true imagination. Although he considered the implications of the options presented to him, his final decision was based solely on logic. Memnon, clearly superior in capability, had approached ADIZ with an unarguably logical proposition. Using the mathematical process of “greater than,” “less than” and “equal to,” he weighed his existing capacities against the potential enhancements and the relative risks involved.
His programming logically dictated acceptance of Memnon's offer, for the clear expediency of gaining enhancement of his duty-performance abilities. Fortunately— a remembered shadow of imagination urged— the enhancement would also allow true desire, pleasure, and joy.
The issue of which activation method to choose also was decided through a process of logical. Whatever nebulous sense of urgency argued for immediate development of full sentient capabilities, the core robotic laws dictated caution. If the process resulted in permanent damage, ADIZ's choice would have violated his directive for self-preservation. It also would negate the utility of undergoing the enhancement process. If it was to be done at all, it must be done carefully, to assure maximum continued functionality.
“Does remaining off-line for a longer duration reduce the probability of successful reactivation?”
“No. Complete reactivation success is assured.”
"The issue is decided. Proceed with risk-free enhancement.”
They immediately began to move even further down the spiraling path to another part of the facility. There, in a relatively open space surrounded by walkways and massive banks of instruments, was a deeply recessed well which exuded swirling vapors from its misty depths. A rectangular platform slowly rose from its depths and tilted vertically. At the platform's base was a short horizontal plate. A low retainer rail extended out approximately one hand-span all around the platform's border. ADIZ stepped directly to the platform, turned and stepped backward onto the plate, grasped the retaining rail and leaned against the platform. It slowly tilted back down until horizontal, placing him in a reclining position. The entire platform then quickly dropped down through the depths of the swirling vapors.
Memnon moved to a panel, extended a finger and made a connection. The process began, and the duration of the process was meaningless to the robot. Hours, days, years…all were little more than minor variances to be noted within Memnon's awareness, which recalled the past hundred thousand years with ease. He focused instead on the excitement and wonder at the miracle that was occurring: his own vital essence would be replicated and enmeshed to become a constituent part of ADIZ’s newly living consciousness.
