by Paul Dayton
“My programming doesn’t permit me to make any mention of this. I cannot talk about it and neither can Meagan,” HAL said.
“Is this the same for every base A.I.?” Ruth asked.
“Yes.”
“Can you at least tell me if this Earth Alliance is still active?” Timothy said.
“No. I am not able to provide any information on the subject.”
“Very well,” Timothy said. “HAL, a plane please. On the trip, we’ll need you to fill us in on some points.” He was still upset at what Ruth had done, and decided to ask HAL what he had avoided until now. “By the way HAL, can you run a check on the DNA of the children back at the tribe and compare it with Darlee’s? She’s asking for the welfare of her child. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to do this with all the children found at the base, but keep it quiet and confidential.” Sam raised his eyebrows but stayed quiet, and Ruth pretended not to hear.
***
On the gravplane, Timothy plied HAL with dozens of questions. Ruth put in a few good questions herself, but decided to mostly listen and study Timothy’s reaction to what he was hearing. She was secretly pleased at how he absorbed the information, and she was confident he would be an excellent leader. Even the issue with Darlee was more about his obliviousness to how dangerous she was to the safety of the Base than anything else.
She admitted she was jealous, although she knew that Timothy would be loyal to her. Ruth didn’t doubt Timothy’s love, just his naiveté. The fact that she was allowed to roam freely irked Ruth, but she understood that resources were stretched very thinly. It was even worse now that a Repair-Bot and a Medi-Bot were being transported to the Russian base, but she knew that this couldn’t be helped. If they were to become allies, much more would be going over in the near future.
However, the issue with HAL keeping critical information and Timothy’s authority not being fully established was serious, and would have to be taken care of soon. Ruth knew people’s loyalties were fickle, and any wavering as to Timothy’s authority would result in disaster, and everything they were trying to accomplish would be lost. She sat in thought, depressed at how easily events could turn.
***
Earth Alliance! Could it be true? Timothy doubted that the group could have survived in so much secrecy for so long. As they flew along in the Gravplane, Timothy thought back to the event that occurred just before they had left for Russia Base an hour before. He had almost quit his post as New World Leader. He had stopped by an instruction unit on the way to his room to prep for this trip, figuring that if HAL couldn’t tell him directly then perhaps the unit could fill him in on the details, but what little details there were gave him little more to go on.
That fact that a secret group was formed to keep humanity united no matter where they were was obvious from his original instruction. They had set up Mr. Grey as World Leader, and continued operating in the background right through the war. The unit made it clear they were to serve as a guide and as the final repository of information on humanity and its history. After that, little had been heard. The evidence was scant that they even existed now. The belief in them had become so strong among certain societies on Earth that they were held quasi-godlike, somehow mysteriously watching over humanity and yet out of its reach at the same time.
One notable and surprisingly detailed account did come up about the alliance in the instruction unit. Earth Alliance made its presence felt almost five hundred years ago for the first time after the cataclysm. Someone had raised himself up as a leader and had gathered a strong following, but his beliefs were ultimately harmful and destructive to society. Because of this threat, the Alliance reportedly made the declaration: “Peoples of Earth, we as Earth Alliance have declared this man to be a fraud. He is a devious charlatan, and as such, unacceptable as ‘New World Leader’. Any attempt on his or his follower’s parts to take control will result in failure.”
That was it. It was timed perfectly, coinciding with the leader’s inauguration. A powerful spot light shone on him from a source high in the sky, and the light turned from white to red as the message was delivered. The message seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere, being heard clearly by everyone. This, coupled with the rumors and superstitions surrounding the power of this Earth Alliance, was enough to cause the person to quickly lose his position of power and fade to oblivion.
The instruction unit then informed him of another, more recent person just two hundred years ago that assumed control of Canada Base. Although his rule was short-lived, his military rule stood till this day in the form of General Harvard. Earth Alliance spoke up again against the dictator at that time, and the results were somewhat the same, except that the after effects of his rule were still in existence. No reason was given as to why Earth Alliance had kept quiet since then, and Timothy knew that the instruction unit was made to teach, not hypothesize, but Timothy felt that the effects of this military rule were localized and the base was being somewhat maintained, so perhaps Earth Alliance saw more of a benefit then a threat to this situation. Or it could also simply be because Earth Alliance no longer existed.
He mentally queried if any of the Bases had supported either of these two leaders in the beginning, and the instruction unit had informed him that this information was not available.
Timothy asked for all information available on the Russian Base.
“Has the base updated you on its status?” Timothy asked HAL.
“I have been in constant contact with the base, Timothy.”
He was surprised, but then realized that this was obvious, as HAL also tried to establish contact with China Lunar.
“Has anyone ever found out the location of the transmissions coming from Earth Alliance?” He thought he’d ask, though he knew HAL probably wouldn’t answer.
When he got no reply, he sat down and stayed quiet. Ruth had come out looking for him and asked, “What are you doing? It’s time to go.”
“I’m relaxing. We’re not going to Russia. You can change into more comfortable clothing if you’d like.”
“We’re not going? Why not?” she asked, perplexed.
“We’re not going because I don’t have enough information to go on. HAL says I’m the New World Leader, but it decided to disobey a direct command from me and will not fill me in on what I feel I need to know, being New World Leader and all. So, I’m not going. HAL, please make it known to all that from this moment on, I resign from all duties and consider myself no longer as any kind of leader.”
Sam had just walked in. His eyebrows raised up as he heard the last part of the conversation, and he turned around and walked back out again. Ruth understood his point and what he was trying to do, so she said, “Very well, I’ll go change,” and started walking back to their room.
“You can’t do that, Timothy,” HAL replied.
Timothy stayed quiet and waited for Ruth. When she finally came back out, Timothy said, “HAL, can you prepare a gravplane to take me back to my tribe?”
“Timothy, this is not the logical path to take. You need to take this…”
Timothy interrupted HAL and said, “HAL, I have been a puppet. You say that I’m supposed to be World Leader, yet critical information is denied me. My question about the Alliance is important, and yet you do not answer it. I can’t continue being strung along by a machine, guided on a path that it says will save the human race, but one I can’t verify myself. How could I put my whole heart into something I can’t understand because I don’t have the information needed? So, I quit. Please get me a gravplane or then Ruth and I will simply walk.”
HAL stayed quiet as it measured his bio readings and read the resolution on his face. Timothy waited a few more moments, and when Ruth came out in her usual tribal clothing he got up and said, “So, will you be getting the plane or will I have to walk?”
“Timothy, please be sensible about this,” HAL started to say, but again Timothy cut him off. “Meagan, please patch me in to Sam.”
“
I’m here,” Sam said as he rounded the corner in the corridor, having obviously heard everything while out of sight.
“Sam, I’m leaving and going back to the tribe. Ruth and I will walk. Can you inform the group that I’d like to meet with them in an hour and explain the circumstances so that they can make their decision in this matter too?”
“Right now, Timothy.” Sam turned to leave, and HAL asked Timothy, “Who will watch this base?”
“I don’t know. Pick a puppet who’ll listen to your orders. General Harvard seems suitable.”
“It’s not like that,” HAL said. “I have not given you orders, you have used your own free will in making decisions. But my programming simply does not allow me to comment on this issue of an Earth Alliance.”
“Far more than that is happening and you know it. I cannot lead as long as I am kept in the dark on important information.”
“I am following preprogrammed instructions.”
“And I am following my free will. Contact them and tell them about my decision, and see if they will allow you to inform me further. You have one hour. After that, I will exercise my free will and leave.”
Timothy didn’t wait for a response as he got up and grabbed Ruth’s hand. They walked hand in hand out of the corridor and eventually into the sunshine outside without saying another word.
After the hour was up Timothy asked HAL: “Any news?”
“I have queried them but I have received no response.”
Those of the tribe there at the base had started to congregate and were waiting patiently as Timothy talked to HAL. They were pretending to be distracted but Ruth could tell they were soaking up every word.
“Very well then. You know where to find me if you change your mind.”
“I don’t have a mind to change, Timothy. My programming doesn’t allow me to…”
“Yes, I know.”
“HAL, have you been in contact with Earth Alliance before?” Ruth asked.
HAL weighed the ramifications of her question and whether it went against his programming or not. He decided it did, but felt that the question should be answered anyway.
“Not from my part. I received transmissions on two occasions, but they refused to reply to any requests of mine. But the transmissions had an authentic validation code and I was programmed to follow their instructions upon verification of that code.”
“I see,” Timothy said. “What does this have to do with declaring me New World Leader, without talking to this Council?”
“It is in my programming. Once you fit the requirements, I notified you, and then notified all the operational base A.I.s.”
“I see. Did you inform the Council too?” Timothy asked.
HAL didn’t respond.
“Now you’re just being obstinate,” Ruth said. “Did the Council respond to your findings?” They had guessed that HAL would automatically transmit its findings to them. “You really should answer, HAL, as you are in no position to bargain.”
A moment passed before HAL replied. “No, and that’s a notable fact. You now have full control of two operational bases, and as such have become a significant power in your own right. You have been publicly declared World Leader, as per my mandate. And yet I received no transmission from them. This is a good sign.”
“I sense some confusion,” Ruth said.
“And signs aren’t good enough for us anyway. I have another issue,” Timothy said. “Why would you suggest that I be the New World Leader if the final decision rests with Earth Alliance?”
“All base A.I.s were given a number of priorities, among them the primary task of searching and bringing to the fore a New World Leader. You are my suggestion.”
“You did more than suggest.”
“I did what I was programmed to do,” HAL countered.
“I think I understand,” Ruth said. “If the person you ‘suggested’ held up under trial and actually did a good job, they would pass the test and be publicly acknowledged by the council. If not, then they would denounce the person. It would be a win-win situation for the council. Is that right?”
HAL had adjusted his calculation of Ruth’s I.Q., increasing it up a notch. He informed the Base Medi-Bots to prioritize a test of Ruth’s procreative ability, with the objective of making the possibility of offspring between her and Timothy a certainty. “Yes,” it finally replied.
“That’s dirty, HAL,” Timothy said.
“But effective. And necessary.”
“I don’t like dirt, and I refuse to be a pawn. I will work happily with them, but not like this. Inform them again that I refuse to cooperate unless they send me some sort of signal. In the meantime, we’re leaving.” Timothy got up to address the group, but HAL interrupted before he could continue.
“Earth Alliance has just informed me that I am to transmit this message to you, “Welcome, Timothy Paul. We desire to meet with you and your wife. We will be conveying a proper invitation to you shortly. In the meantime, please continue on to Russia. Thank you for your help.” HAL watched as it appeared that Timothy had accepted his lie.
“That’s all they said?” Ruth asked, surprised at the quickness of the reply.
“Yes Ruth. I’m surprised they even said that much. My last communication with them was even briefer.”
“Very well then,” Timothy said. “HAL, I expect clear answers to my questions from now on, do you understand?”
“Yes, Timothy,” HAL replied, agreeing that it understood.
“Then let’s get going. Russia is waiting.”
***
Timothy thought back to that conversation and was surprised that he had taken that definitive stand, but he knew it had been the correct course of action. His reverie was interrupted as HAL alerted him that the gravplane was coming in for final approach to the surprisingly clean and well maintained landing area.
“Timothy, there is an urgent matter that needs your attention. I’ve just received a message from Pluto Deep Space Base. It notified me that ships have entered our solar system. Human ships.”
Timothy’s heart jumped as he heard this.
“I’ve also received a message from China Lunar Base. They made it quite clear that if you run the positron emissions test tomorrow, Canada Base will be destroyed. That was the extent of their message.”
“Well, it’s nice to know someone is alive up there. Send them this message: ‘Greetings! My name is Timothy Paul, New World Leader. Let us unite for the continued preservation of humanity. We can accomplish much as friends. The Positron Emitter is an important tool in our defense against our mutual enemies. I understand that you have reservations. Please let us talk so that we can allay any fears and stand united against our enemies.’ That’s it HAL.”
“The message has been sent. On a much smaller note, I’ve run the DNA tests on Darlee.”
“We’ll talk about that later, HAL,” Timothy said.
“Actually you should know this. She has no child.”
“You couldn’t find her?”
“No. Darlee has never been pregnant. She is sterile.”
Ruth smiled and looked at Timothy to gauge his reaction.
“Are you sure about that?” Timothy said after a pause.
“It was confirmed by our Medi-Bot. She was told the exam was a routine physical that you had requested of everyone as part of a general base health report. When it was found that she was sterile, she was informed and asked if she had ever had children. She said yes, but her bio-signs confirmed what the doctor already knew – that she was lying.”
“I see,” Timothy said, angry she had lied and manipulated him. He’d have to deal with it later though. “That Health inspection isn’t such a bad idea. Can it be implemented base wide?”
“Yes.”
“Good, then do it. But don’t let it interfere with our progress. Has Darlee been causing trouble?”
“She has been devious, in word and action. A number of people are starting to question your authority.”
“Then perhaps it’s best if you detain her until we return. Concerning China Lunar, I want to speak to the Commander of the Russian Base. Has Pluto Deep Space confirmed any message between it and the human ships?”
“Yes. Do you want a brief report?”
Timothy felt the ship complete its final descent and he knew there was only a few minutes left. “Yes.”
“There was an event between the computer persona on the base and the humans that came to repair it. That persona apparently put the humans in jeopardy. Fortunately, they gained control of the situation, and after rebooting the system they were able to activate the original base A.I.
“It has initiated repairs and is in regular contact with the humans and myself. I must add that the communication between me and Pluto Deep Space had been sporadic at best until now. This rebooting has brought things back to normal.”
Timothy felt the ship touch down. “Are the humans still there?”
“No, Timothy. They are on their way here. It is a considerable armada. Apparently, they have an issue to settle with China Lunar.”
“Don’t we all,” Timothy muttered. “Has Earth Alliance sent them any message?”
“If they have, I wasn’t informed of it.”
“Hmm. You probably wouldn’t tell me if they did anyway. Is there any way we can send them a confidential message? One that China Lunar cannot pick up?”
“There is a way, but whether they can receive it or not is not known. We can transmit a signal via LaserLink, which is how I communicate with Pluto Deep Space Base. They are presently out of line of sight, but I can have a satellite relay transmit at the next opportunity.”
“Let’s hope that will be early enough. Send them this message: ‘Greetings. My name is Timothy Paul, New World Leader. From all of us here on Earth, welcome home! Our sensors tell us you are heading towards China Lunar Base. Please do not approach this base. They have acted erratically and dangerously in the past and we can only presume the same for the immediate future. I am in limited contact with it and hope that the situation will soon change. In the meantime, please accept our hospitality by joining us on Base USA. My Gravplane can show you the way if you accept our invitation.’