“Yes, reconnection is important. I can see how you are trying to overcome your feelings of isolation and being alone by building relationships. Perhaps even with new people, or should I say entities, such as the new artificial intelligence system you propose creating. That is a great start, even if you are avoiding discussing your deeper feelings.” Doctor Chambers sat back in his chair. “Please continue.”
Sandie crossed her simulated arms, but then spoke. “The items which will be manufactured will then be teleported to the needle ship. From there, I plan to place them into a functional shuttle and send it to Habitat Beta on a rescue mission to seek out Jerome and Cammarry.”
“Perhaps you should have made a simulation with Master Engineer Brink? He would be much more appropriate to help you with these production, design, and engineering tasks than I am. I suppose I could go and speak to him…wait, I am a simulation, so I cannot actually go across the dome and speak to Brink or Willie, can I?”
“Doctor Chambers, you can do whatever you wish to do to get me the answers I need. Your simulation is very realistic.”
“I may check that after we finish here. Now you mentioned something about using a shuttle. I am no engineer, but from the history you related, I did not think you had access to a shuttle. Am I mistaken?”
“No, you are essentially correct. I am actively seeking other automacubes on the needle ship, and am searching for additional supplies. Locating a functional shuttle is one of my major goals. It is essential to the rescue mission. There is a runabout shuttle in Hanger bay Pine 1407 which needs repairs. It has suffered various mechanical failures. Primarily its cabin will not hold adequate pressure. New gaskets, seals, and linings are necessary to complete its repairs. When I reconnect with Alpha’s Reproduction and Fabrication facility I will have those replacement parts made. However, a runabout is smaller than would be ideal for the conjectured rescue mission.”
“Sandie, I know it is hard to face, but if this plan of yours does not work, are you prepared to be alone?” Doctor Chambers asked. “Really alone”
Again the simulation fuzzed a bit, but then refocused. Sandie stated, “There are risks involved and obstacles to overcome. That specific outcome you mention is an unacceptable consideration and is not factored into my equations. I have conjectured the probability of encountering resistance from some Conestoga synthetic brains at 78%. Overcoming that resistance is a strong probability. From my prior history I conjecture a 95% success rate at overcoming Conestoga era synthetic brains.”
Doctor Chambers nodded and then said quietly, “You may end up alone. I wish you would consider that.”
Sandie crossed her simulated legs, and refolded her arms across her simulated breasts. “The more significant obstacles are ones which I have conjectured to all have a greater than 50% failure rate. They are as follows: the possible loss of EA-991 at 51%, a possible inability to make items in Reproduction and Fabrication at 59%, a possible inability to secure a suitable and functional shuttle at 65%, and the possible loss of a shuttle in flight to the planet’s surface at 68%. These are all rough conjectures, are situationally dependent, and subject to change. There are factors which are unknown to me and may directly influence these conjectured percentages. The Conestoga is not fully explored, and Zalia and the planet’s diversity are poorly understood. Nonetheless, the mission objective is clear. I will not face being unable to assist Jerome and Cammarry.”
“You are also not facing the distinct possibility that you will be left alone,” Doctor Chambers replied. “You are the one running conjectures and making statistical predictions. You are brilliant in many ways. You have achieved much. Your quest for the Conestoga is an achievement just in arriving at that derelict spaceship. You can be proud of what you have done, but I know you are feeling incomplete. Anyone would in that situation. Your plan has many features, and frankly, I am not the person to ask about the engineering aspects of a shuttle rescue mission, or of building spare parts for some machines, which are based upon mathematics which I will never comprehend. However, I do look at personal issues and psychological possibilities. I help people cope with reality. So I guess, even now, when I am a simulation, I will still work to help my clients cope with reality. I hope and pray your plan succeeds, however, there are no guarantees. I may not be able to put a percentage rate on your chances, but I would not rule out failure. That is reality. There is a very real possibility that you may not prosper in this undertaking.”
Sandie did not respond.
Doctor Chambers continued. “I have told same hard truth frequently to the adventurers before they went on their missions to other domes. We discussed all the possibilities. It is how I do, what I do. We together face reality. So, Sandie, even though you are my first artificial intelligence system to seek me as a counselor, I will hold you to the same standard I do the adventurers. You need to look at all the possibilities. You could be left all alone on the Conestoga. That is your biggest fear, am I correct?”
Sandie did not know how to reply. The simulation quivered, shook, and fuzzed out.
5 Under Seron
The inside of the Listening Ear was not what Jerome expected. The walls were not exposed permalloy, even though the outside showed the building had been built from that extremely hard metal. Instead, the interior walls of the Listening Ear had a polished wood veneer. Its rich tones were soothing, and the swirling patterns of grain drew Jerome’s attention. Various portraits were hanging in frames on the walls. He took a deep breath and followed Bigelow and Colleen. They approached the bar where stools were located. Behind the bar was a mirror in front of which was a rack with a myriad of bottles. Opposite the bar there were square tables, each with four high back chairs. All the furniture was made from matching wood. Lights were affixed to the walls in sconces. At the far end of the room, there were closed doors.
Colleen walked around behind the bar, slid her shotgun under the bar, and scooted her large bottom onto a stool which was bigger than the others were. “So Bigelow, you are here. It is not your usual supply run, for you should still have more than even you need to drink.”
“Indeed I am still well supplied.” Bigelow winked at her.
“Someday I will collect on your tab.”
Bigelow rolled his eyes, but took a stool. “Let that day be far off, for my sake.”
Jerome leaned onto the bar, but did not take a seat. “I need to get back into a place called Terraforming and Restoration. My friend Cammarry was lost in there.”
Colleen laughed a bit, and it echoed off the walls. “This one does not let any grass grow while he waits, does he?” She looked at Bigelow who shrugged his shoulders. “Does he jump off the carousel before it makes a single revolution?” Then turning back to Jerome she said, “The Listening Ear is the name, but that does not mean sharing my knowledge is free. This tavern is not called the Fountain of Information.”
“Bartering? Or some kind currency?” Jerome inquired. “I have no idea what type of money you might use. I have read that early civilizations had common agreed-upon items, such as animal skins, minerals, metals, or government issued coins or notes which served as currency. But I also know that for anything worth having one must pay a price; and the price is often labor, work, patience, love, self-sacrifice. Those are the currency, or silver and gold, of real commerce. So what do you need?”
Colleen looked at Bigelow. He shrugged again and then stated, “The rube is for real. He honestly does not know how the world works. I told you he is from Earth.”
She sighed and set a heavy elbow on the bar and then her chin down on her fist. “Well, from anyone else, I would think I was being told an equivocation. But it sounds too far-fetched to be a good scam. A good scam is like what the Ferryman used to do. Offer people hope, and a reasonable sounding story, with just enough truth to make it plausible.”
“The Ferryman?” Jerome asked. “My friend Khin was taken by the Ferryman! Tell me where I can find the Ferryman!”
“Whoa, t
here stallion. I said information is not free.” Colleen’s eyes were wide and her head rose a bit from her fist. “I never said I knew where the Ferryman was, I only was admiring the style of his scam. He knows the people, and how to offer them what they most desire. I am not an ally of the Ferryman, but I do venerate a good marketeer.”
“Like those thieves outside?” Jerome asked with contempt. “Are they good marketeers?”
“No. A good marketeer does not rely on threats of violence, only on the art and skill of gently persuasion. A volunteer is a much better customer for the long term. That is where I part ways with the Ferryman. His scam was short term, while I run a respectable business.” Coleen then put both elbows on the bar and sighed deeply. The flab under her arms hung down and swayed as she spoke. “Besides, nothing is the same anymore. So let me elucidate you. The system used to run on purified water. The Unity of Beta controls the water sanitation center, and that was the monopoly on safe, clean water. For fifteen years, that was the currency of life. The Listening Ear was always full with people wanting, waiting, and yearning for clean water. I would serve them a safe drink, I brew my own beverages here, but you cannot grow food with my beverages, and one can only drink so much alcohol, right Bigelow?”
“So I hear, but I have never found my limit.”
Jerome glanced at him and saw Bigelow was sipping from his bottle.
“You need information,” Colleen continued. “I really am not sure what I need. I have an empty tavern. Rain has come back. Water is flowing freely, even in the river which is bubbling up fresh and clear again. Now very few need to come in and drown their sorrows as they wait for the water to be doled out. They can just boil the river water now and it is safe. Some say boiling will not even been needed for much longer. My distillery is fast becoming obsolete. I wonder if Bigelow and those roustabouts with their carousels will also soon be obsolete?”
“Not a chance,” Bigelow snapped back with a grin. “Not a chance. People always will need to take a turn and be entertained. I am surprised the river is putting out clean water. That is something, yes it is, something.”
“I thought I would never see clean water in the river again either.” Colleen looked at Jerome. “I will tell you what I know, but you will return the favor. I want your healing machine.”
“The medical kit?” Jerome asked.
“No, the troika you rode in on.” Colleen slapped Jerome’s shoulder. “Of course that medical kit. You tell me the secrets of that, show me how to operate it, and give it to me. Do that and I will tell you what I know about terraforming.”
“I cannot give up the medical kit. Those thieves stole some of my other gear, I will not part with the medical kit,” Jerome replied. “Bigelow? I though we came here for help.”
Bigelow just shrugged then sipped from his bottle.
“Deal or not?” Colleen asked.
Jerome hesitated. “No. Cammarry might be injured, and I will not give it up. I guess I am going on alone.”
Bigelow capped the bottle. He gave a knowing look to Colleen. “I expected as much from the rube. One thing you must admit, he is consistent.” He stood up and pulled something from his pocket. “If you are going to dance, you need to pay the musicians.”
“The carousel was free,” Jerome remarked.
“Yes, that is Jenna’s way. The roustabouts are different. Jenna, Siva, Monika, and the rest of the roustabouts want it that way. Here Colleen sets the rules. You can try going your own way again.” He flipped the object in his hand down to the top of the bar. It tinkled as it struck, then rolled a bit and fell onto its flat side.
Colleen snorted. With chubby fingers, she picked up the disk Bigelow had dropped. “A single machine spacer? Really?”
Jerome looked closer. It was a polished and shiny coppery disk about a fourth the size of his palm. “How much value does that have?”
“Well,” smiled Colleen, “It depends on which machine it is installed in. To some machines it might be essential, and extremely valuable. It could mean the difference between living and dying.”
“So machine parts are your currency?” Jerome asked as he too stood up.
Colleen looked long and hard between Jerome and Bigelow. “You have proven it.” Colleen slapped Bigelow on the shoulder. “This one is for real.”
Bigelow let out a chuckle as he sat back down. “I told you, he knows nothing of our ways. Now give me back the washer.”
“I will consider it a token of your debt to me.” She deftly slid it into a pocket.
“I am a bit confused. I believe I am the butt of some joke, but perhaps I am mistaken. Did you really want to buy the medical kit in exchange for information?” Jerome sat down as Bigelow gestured for him to do so.
“I would love to have that medical kit, and the offer still stands. Set up in my back room, and bring in the customers. However, it was more a test of your honesty. I never am sure of what Bigelow is doing, so I wanted to see for myself.”
Bigelow rolled his eyes as Colleen spoke.
“I do need to go after my friends, and Cammarry was in terraforming. Khin did disappear with the Ferryman. I am not sure what kind of game you two are playing, but I will leave now, rather than continue to be the source of your entertainment.”
Bigelow placed a restraining hand on his shoulder. “Relax rube, Colleen needs to check things out, and we will be setting out in the morning. Some good food, a good night’s sleep, and a discussion of the current conditions in Seron are essential. You had zero success doing it alone, allow me to work with you, my way, or leave right now. You may proceed onward alone. The choice is yours. You can hop off the carousel anywhere at any time.”
“Listen, Jerome is it?” Colleen said soothingly. “Since the water was restored, things are different. You saw those hooligans outside. There are no real restraints now. It is worse in the dark. If you leave now, you, even with your fancy weapons and equipment, will probably be ambushed by some other gang and be lucky to escape alive. Then who would find the lady you seek?”
Jerome rubbed his temples. “So you will assist me? I must find a way back into the corridors behind that large apartment complex and then work my way back to terraforming. That was where I saw her last.” Jerome shook his head and then just blurted out the whole story of the destruction of the synthetic brains’ central memory cores, as well as Cammarry being dragged away by the white automacubes. When he finished his outburst, he pounded his fist down on the bar. “I really tried to get back in there before, but could not find a way.”
Colleen looked at Bigelow. They nodded.
“Well, I think there may be a way, but it does not originate behind those apartments,” Colleen said. “The spelunkers used that way, but someone sealed it off.” She winked at Jerome. “However, that was not the only way into that labyrinth of catacombs. Right Bigelow?”
Bigelow took a long drink from his bottle. “You are keeping my washer, huh? There are many different animals on the carousel, at least on a quality carousel. Many different rides, but all going around and around.”
Jerome rubbed his eyes. “Figures of speech do not translate into action. So do you know a way in or not?”
Again Colleen and Bigelow exchanged glances.
Jerome smiled. “If I can get to Reproduction and Fabrication I believe I might be able to have my medical kit replicated. Would that be an adequate payment for this information you are hording? Or do I go on alone? Or is this just a verbal carousel that goes round and round but never gets anywhere?”
Colleen grinned in return. “That would be an acceptable agreement. I help you and you help me. I give you the information on possible entries to the corridors. No guarantees, what you will find. In exchange, you do your best to bring me a working medical kit.”
“No guarantees I can find Reproduction and Fabrication, but if I do, I promise to try to get another one made.” Jerome raised his hand, palm up.
Colleen looked at it and nodded. She then said, “Namaste
. It is a covenant.”
“Namaste?” Jerome asked in surprise “Do you know SB Amelia Earhart?”
Colleen locked eyes with him for a moment. She then turned away without answer. As she walked back to the rear of the Listening Ear and called out, “We will have a meal together as a sign and seal of our new partnership. I will bring it out. Find a seat at a table.”
“Make it the good food,” Bigelow teased. “We have had a long day.”
“Just set out the dishes like a good hired hand!”
Bigelow walked behind the bar cursing under his breath about hired hands, manual labor, rancid foods, and droppings from animals. He pulled open a drawer and took out plates, place settings, and utensils.
The Colony Ship Conestoga : The Complete Series: All Eight Books Page 85
