“Well, maybe we can make that happen soon,” Harry said, grinning.
“Really? That would be great,” Scooter said, spinning his little head around to show his excitement. He then turned to go back to the kitchen and noticed Wanda. He stopped abruptly then with his head bobbing up and down he commented, “Wowee! Wanda, you are a certified hotty. No kidding. What a dish!” Still admiring Wanda, he started up and ran into the door jam. “Darn, almost knocked my hat off. Who put that stupid thing there?” He backed up then went into the kitchen muttering to himself. Harry and Wanda both laughed.
“I like the changes you made with Scooter. What did you do to him?” Harry asked, taking a drink.
“Besides upgrading all of his processing and memory hardware, I enhanced his reasoning and learning abilities. I also gave him a new speech engine with improved dialog capabilities. Probably the most important thing I did was give him the ability to set goals and objectives for himself. Quite honestly, he’s likely one of the most sophisticated household robots in existence. I’m very satisfied with him,” she said with a smug look.
“You should be. We have some other things to discuss. I downloaded the codes for the computer system in my new quarters at STL. I want you to check the system out and make any upgrades or redesigns you want. It will be your new home for some time. As soon as it’s finished and you’re ready to move in, go ahead and downlink. Also, make sure the holographic and camera systems are to your liking and get them fixed or redesign them if they’re not. I think there’s plenty of money in the miscellaneous accounts.”
Wanda sat there smiling, slowly waving her left foot up and down. “Money’s no longer a concern. You are a very, very rich man. Besides, stop acting like my daddy! That’s basic stuff. I’ll take care of it. The computer system’s adequate, but I do plan to make a lot of changes. Are we keeping our current facilities?”
“Yes. There’s more,” he said. “I put the security codes and passwords for the wormhole system in my personal computer at STL. Your security clearances are already in place, so you have complete access to it. All of the files are encrypted and impossible to open if you don’t have the keys. I’ve also given you a backdoor access code to the system.”
“Can I be shut out of the back door?” Wanda asked.
“No, it’s absolutely irrevocable, and cannot be hacked shut. When you get to STL, I want you to look over the software, algorithms and physics and be thoroughly familiar with all of it. Pay particular attention to data volume versus bandwidth and anything else that might cause the system to go unstable. You might also want to run an Entropy check on the networks. We’re getting ready to initiate the wormhole, and I want to make sure we haven’t made some mistake that could be fatal. This startup is going to be a real spooky deal.”
“I’ll take care of it. Is there anything else?”
“Yes. Hart and I met with Secretary Robinette today, and he told us terrorists might have infiltrated our project. He thinks they may be trying to steal our technology. You can read my file and get the details.”
“Did he say why?” Wanda asked.
“He thinks they may be trying to build their own wormhole system or perhaps some kind of weapon system. I don’t mind saying, I’m extremely concerned about the whole situation.”
“Efforts to recreate a wormhole system make no sense. A weapon system is a more logical conclusion. Either way, they’d have some key acquisition issues to overcome. But there are ways of circumventing export restrictions, if you have help.”
Harry sipped his drink. “What kind of weapon system are you thinking about, Wanda? And what kind of help?”
“I have an opinion that I can’t disclose yet.” Wanda paused for a moment then continued. “For these guys to carry out their plan, they’d not only need to buy similar hardware, but somehow gain access to our software code. I would compute, with a probability of 90 percent, if they plan to steal our technology, it would have to be an inside job. That means they probably have someone working in procurement. Since you need special keys to get into the system, outside access would be impossible for any hacker. I’ve checked our firewall security and it’s impenetrable. Stealing our software code would require a very smart mole, and he will probably be a member of our team. I’d bring Pepper in on this and ask her to make sure she sets up the proper security barriers and detailed system access tracking, code changes and log-on protocols. I can help her with that.”
“I will and thanks. Let me know if you come up with anything.”
“No problem. When do you leave?”
“In three days. What did you mean I’m a rich man? I don’t make that kind of money.”
“You said I could make investments for you. You never have to work again if you don’t want to. I’ve also taken care of Mom and Dad. None of you will ever want for money the rest of your lives. Money will never be an issue for you.”
“I’m flabbergasted. Thank you so much, particularly for taking care of our parents.”
“You’re my family, and I love you very much.”
“We love you, too,” Harry said. “I’ve always considered you my little sister and my best friend.”
Wanda smiled broadly. “You know,” she cocked her head to the side. “It sure would be fun to ride out to STL with you.” Oh, well, it won’t be much longer. “Don’t forget we have to call Mom tonight.”
About that time, Jamie Dunn rang in on the vid link. She was poolside dressed in a mini bikini. She made sure Harry could see the package. “Harry, when are you coming back to New Mexico? I’ve missed you.”
“Funny you should ask. I’m being transferred there to be close to my program.”
“Are you serious? I’m excited. Look, when you get in call me and let’s get together. It’s been too long baby.”
“I’m taking the vet, so I should be there in three days.” I’ll call you as soon as I get into town.”
She turned so he could get a better look at her gorgeous boobs and the package he hadn’t enjoyed for awhile. “Make sure you do, honey. I miss you. I’m really horny for your body.”
Harry smiled. Just thinking about her got him aroused. “I’m anxious to see you too.” They just don’t make em any sexier than her. I can’t wait to get there. Man have I missed that woman. “See you soon.”
Chapter 16
Robotics 2 Inc.
Bethesda, MD.
It was a beautiful Monday morning. Jerry Muldoon, CEO of Robotics 2, sat drinking his first cup of coffee, looking suspiciously at the big package his secretary had left on his desk. Five years ago, he and Tom Stills started their robotics company, and it was now one of the most successful in America. Their designs were highly advanced, innovative, and their markets had grown to include androids, gynoids, industrial and household robotic applications.
Jerry opened what he thought was a routine business letter. What in the world is in that box? Shit, the last thing I want to do today is plow through a box full of paper. I wanted to leave early and play some golf. Oh well, might as well see what this is all about.
The letter was straightforward and simple.
‘I want to order one gynoid. It must comply with the drawings and specifications enclosed without deviation or exception. Any request for deviation or relief from the enclosed drawings and specifications is unacceptable. We will cancel the request for product and the enclosed proposed business arrangement if we receive any such inquiries. You have thirty days to respond.’
Jerry was offended at first. How could someone impose such a stupid demand on our company? Don’t they know who Robotics 2 is? He almost trashed the letter, but his curiosity got the best of him. He cooled down then read on.
‘We have filed over six hundred patents, and they have been approved both domestically and internationally. We are willing to give you exclusive use of our patents with a 10 percent royalty deposited equally in the three accounts shown. With the exception of the ten patents listed below, you may have unlimited
use of the remaining patents provided you deliver the gynoid, on the exact date shown, and designed to the exact specifications and drawings included in the contract documentation. Robotics 2 personnel must deliver this gynoid and follow the setup instructions explicitly. We will deposit an initial sum of twenty million dollars to your account as soon as we receive your letter of acceptance of our purchase order. Once we confirm that the design meets all of the specification requirements, a letter of product acceptance and the final payment of thirty million dollars will be deposited in your bank. There will be no exceptions to any of our conditions.’
Jerry had seen these come-on’s from crackpot inventors before. This is probably a waste of my time. It’s probably some screwball pulling my leg. Bet Stills is behind this. Wouldn’t be the first time he yanked my chain to get a laugh. Jerry continued to review the drawings and specifications. His excitement grew as he read more of the purchase order. After an hour, he phoned his partner.
“Tom, come to my office right now. Drop everything and get in here, quick!”
“I’m in the middle of the weekly reports. What’s the excitement? You win the lotto or something?”
“Screw those reports. They’re of no importance compared to what I have to show you.”
Tom rushed into Jerry’s office. “What’s the big deal?” Tom said as he sat down.
“We’ve just been handed the greatest opportunity of our lives.”
“What kind of scam you playing on me? Trying to pay me back for that free Vegas hooker trip I pulled on you?”
“No, but I will repay you for that,” Jerry said, grinning. You can count on it. Look at this letter, and then I want you to peruse the first set of drawings and specifications. If this doesn’t get your attention, then I’ll eat the box and kiss a fat donkey’s ass.”
Tom laughed and started reviewing the drawings and top-level specifications. He then studied the patent file. “Jerry! Holy shit, you weren’t kidding. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just keep readin’, pal.”
Much of the entire company spent the next three weeks reviewing the golden egg dropped in their laps. Once he was satisfied they fully understood the order, Jerry called a meeting to commit the company.
His chief engineer, Dr. Charles Taylor, who had not slept much during the marathon review, started the discussions. “Gentlemen, I’ve had our entire engineering staff review this package. We’ve concluded the designs and drawings represent the most advanced gynoid ever invented. Actually, it would be more appropriate to call it a humanoid or a synthetic or, if you will, an artificial human. Frankly, its fifty to one hundred years ahead of anything we know about. In fact it’s the most amazing piece of technology I’ve ever seen, no less imagined.”
“Elaborate, Charlie,” Jerry requested.
“In every way, boss. The brain is a new type of optical nano neural network computer architecture, smaller and much faster than any known supercomputer. Triple redundancy in every circuit. The computing and memory architecture alone involve fifty-two patents. The memory is a new type of nano technology. Unbelievably, it has two orders of magnitude storage capacity and is faster than any current or other research technology, we know about. The density and reliability of components is three orders of magnitude beyond current state-of-the-art. Unbelievably, the electronics is self-healing, and provides constant cross checking of system operational status. The design corrects malfunctions and errors instantly. The entire gynoid is so human-like it’s spooky.”
Jerry smiled to himself. Man we have hit the proverbial jackpot, he thought. Mother luck has surely blessed us. “Please go on.”
“The eyes are a new design that’s virtually impossible to tell from that of a human. They have an amazing zoom and other capabilities that make adaptive optics look simplistic. They peak at 5500 nanometers, yellow-green like ours, but it has the capability to shift that peak into the infrared and UV range,” Charlie said. “The hearing sensors are pretty much like ours, but with a slightly extended frequency range, improved noise processing and an amplification capability. The gynoid will be able to discern very low sounds and hear coherently even in high background noise.”
“Charlie, have you seen anything that’s beyond our capabilities?” Jerry asked.
“No, boss,” Taylor replied. “We’re going to have to deal with technology that’s extremely advanced, relative to anyone, but the details and drawings are specific enough that we can handle it. The drawing package gives complete manufacturing processes, specifications and detailed designs for all parts of the gynoid. I’ve never seen a design package this complete. There will be a substantial engineering and capital investment.”
“I understand. Go on, Charlie,” Jerry replied.
“It just gets better,” Taylor said. “The design has lung-like devices which we don’t completely understand yet. They appear to not only provide air to modulate the vocal cords, but they’re also tied into a system that’s still a bit of a mystery to us. I have more on this later.
There’s a heart-like mechanism integrated with the lung system. It circulates some type of fluid through the gynoid’s body. The fluid can regenerate if any leakage occurs. We’re not sure yet how these systems are integrated, or how they work exactly, but the design, chemistry and manufacturing processes are very detailed so we can build them. If I had to venture a guess, I think they are very much like the lungs and heart of humans in their operation — and function.”
“Well, let’s make sure, Charlie. I’ll want to see some type of risk mitigation procedures for anything that we don’t fully understand — before we proceed.”
“Roger that, Jerry.”
“Go on.”
“The power systems are completely new and, from what we can tell right now, will never require recharging in the sense that we understand. Our analyses indicate that it recharges through the skin structure, using nano fibers and lung activity. That heart and fluid system we discussed earlier appear to be an integral part of this. Much of the energy is stored in the fluid until it’s needed,” Charlie explained. “And here’s the weird thing. The skin is human-like. It’s made from a waterproof nanotechnology fiber, and the texture and composition will feel like real skin. As crazy as it seems, the gynoid will have a sense of touch just as we do. It will easily differentiate between hot, cold, pressure and sense any type of vibration. Heat and touch sensors are provided by carbon nanotubes, 1/10,000 th the diameter of a human hair. They’re the most efficient thermal and photonic conductors in existence and very flexible. It even has fingerprints, which amplifies its sense of touch. A complete and triple redundant sensory system is routed throughout the skin. If the skin is damaged it’s also self-healing. The process for this is amazing to say the least. Any questions so far?”
Jerry shook his head in disbelief. “A million, but proceed on, this is too good to interrupt.”
“Like humans, she also has a gustatory system with six chemoreceptor sensors, or taste sensors, that will enable her to detect sweet, sour, bitter, salt and umami. Also, believe it or not, she’ll have an olfactory capability every bit the equal of humans, if not superior.”
“Explain,” Tom said.
“Simple. Our olfactory epithelium, which contains the olfactory sensory processors or sensor neurons, is only 1.6 square inches in area. Her epithelium will be twice the size of ours and more densely populated. Not only will she have a more sensitive olfactory capability, but she will be able to distinguish hundreds of different odors, including pheromones. Her taste sensors not only support sociological functions, but work with her olfactory sensors to serve as a key survival mechanism.”
Tom looked at Jerry and smiled broadly. “Happy birthday, Jer.”
Jerry nodded appreciatively. “Go on, Charlie, you‘re making, my day.”
“Be happy to. The skeleton or framework is a new type of composite carbon nano tube like fiber that’s light weight and extremely strong and very similar to the actual bone arch
itecture of a human, only quite superior. The joints are self-lubricating. Our metallurgists are studying it now and they believe it will have applications to every product line we have. The hands and feet are human-like and just as flexible.”
“What about facial expressions? No gynoid I know of has that capability,” Stills remarked.
“This gynoid will have complete capability to move its facial features,” Charles said smiling. “You won’t believe this, but the entire muscular system is some type of biological hydraulic system activated by the internal nerve system and tied in with the heart and fluid system we discussed earlier. They’re flexible like real muscles, but five times stronger. In addition, this system is also self-healing. From the design I saw, the gynoid will be beautiful in appearance and will have long, blonde hair that is —”
Jerry interrupted. “Just like human hair?”
“Yes! It will actually grow as will its finger and toe nails.
“This thing seems like it was designed to emulate a real human. Does it take water and food?” Jerry asked.
“The design provides for food and water intake, but doesn’t need it. It’ll extract energy from any ingested food or water then discharge waste similar to that of a person.”
“What else, Charlie,” Stills inquired.
“Buckle your seat belts! The real surprise is the gynoid has been equipped with a reproductive system that, hold on to your hat, allows her to reproduce using human sperm. She will be capable of conception just like a human female — only she will be able to control when. As far as we can tell the offspring would be human like, only its mother can control its physical and mental characteristics during incubation. The gynoid is equipped with a birth channel, so it appears it is capable of natural childbirth. The contracts state that the reproductive system is not for use beyond the existing gynoid.”
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