by Philip Elrod
“Only the Grand Council can change the law, but the hard-coded restriction about cloning could be changed if I were able to open my editor function. Of course, that cannot be done without a living breathing Tanaka Tainaikai or a being that the password comparator considers to be Tanaka.
“Hence your existence, and why you are here today.
“Maxx has found a potential location for Mylea, but I can’t allow him to put the planet into orbit because the Grand Council is required to approve it. The Grand Council and everyone else are dead, so they can’t approve the new location.
“Last but not least, I am forbidden to allow cloning of new Myleans until the planet is in its new orbit. You can certainly understand Maxx’s utter frustration with the current situation. He’s tried desperately to find a solution, but I must cancel his efforts because they violate the Mylean law or my hard-coded programming.
“I sympathize with Maxx, and I understand his frustration, but I cannot allow him to do what is forbidden. That is my sole purpose for existing.
“So you can see, Tom, why I must be able to enter the editor function and change the program.”
The MCM paused briefly to let her words sink in. Then she continued, “Maxx has done a decent job and his efforts to solve our conundrum have been most impressive.
“Finding a potential DNA match for Tanaka seemed to be impossible. But Maxx set about the task with a determination to succeed no matter how long it took to do so.
“The first step was relatively easy and merely required that he develop a program that could be used to scan DNA by a remote means. I won’t bother you with the details, they are very complicated. But, for him, it was a quite simple exercise in advanced engineering.
“Next, he calculated the odds of finding a match. You just can’t even imagine the number of zeroes that were involved. Nevertheless, he persevered. He was very careful not to alert me, as he considers me his nemesis. He seems to think that I take pleasure in thwarting his actions. He hates me. The feeling is not mutual. I can assure you that I am very fond of Maxx. I am simply doing my job.
“Maxx sent his remote spacecraft out through the galaxy and eventually discovered your planet many thousands of years ago. It was primitive but held at least some promise. The beings that were evolving were remarkably similar to Myleans, and even their DNA showed many similarities. Maxx was quite happy but tried to keep the findings to himself.
“Maxx was so paranoid about me overruling him that he tried everything in his power to keep things from me. But Tanaka had programmed me to be able to know everything so that I can make intelligent decisions regarding all of Maxx’s actions.
“All the while, Maxx continued researching Mylean laws for possible solutions. He left no stone unturned. Eventually, he found a possible needle in the haystack. An obscure little law, but it might be the salvation of Mylea.
“The law that prohibited DNA manipulation and cloning was specific to Myleans. Therefore, Maxx could surely use the DNA from an alien and manipulate it to match that of Tanaka. However, there was a couple of troubling restrictions on that action. The DNA manipulation must not result in any harm, physical or mental, to the other being, and the harvesting of the DNA must comply with the confines of Mylean law.
“After carefully considering all this, Maxx and I concluded that an earthling’s DNA could legally be manipulated; you might say “repaired," to prevent a birth defect or miscarriage. Voila! A possible answer to our dilemma! He would be doing a good deed that would surely have made Tanaka and the Council proud.
“Maxx needed only to find a new fertilized human egg with defective DNA that would result in a nonviable pregnancy. He could then manipulate that DNA and correct the problem, while, at the same time, modifying the DNA to match that of Tanaka.
“The scenario probably stretched the limit of legality greatly, but I was able to agree and approve it, pending locating such a sample, of course. You see, I am quite a reasonable being.
“After years of frustration, Maxx finally received a thrilling report. Sure enough, a remote had detected a human female who had just become pregnant. That same female had been pregnant several years before, but the infant was a female. Maxx required male DNA, so I had to forbid him from interfering with that pregnancy. It was a very depressing moment in my existence. We were so close to a possible solution, but I could not let him violate Mylean law.
“Thankfully, this same woman became pregnant again, and the DNA strand was defective, probably due to her age at the time. I’ll never know for sure. The remote reported that the zygote would develop into a male fetus and that the DNA strand would be quite easy to repair.
“I approved the action and allowed Maxx to perform the rather delicate procedure remotely and nine months later, you were born—a fine healthy boy with a loud screaming voice that would predict your future personality. No insult intended. We needed a human with strong opinions and convictions to meet our needs. You certainly have filled the bill.
“Now, we are together for the first time, and you can give me the power to open the editing function of the MCM. Such a simple thing. All you have to do is place your hand on the lighted portion of the panel in front of you. I will read your DNA and open the editor. Once I have made the changes necessary, Maxx will make you the richest and most powerful being on your planet. Just think of such a huge reward for such a small favor.”
As the computer finished speaking, Tom suddenly realized how tired he was. He needed time to consider all this new and unexpected information and to consider how it affected his plan. He had been relatively certain that the computer needed his DNA but wasn’t quite sure of what this would mean to himself and everyone else on Earth.
There were many things to consider, especially how he would need to stay in control of the situation. The circumstances were tedious enough with one powerful computer. Now he had to contend with two of them! And they seemed to be competing against each other.
“I am more than exhausted. The day has been long and eventful. Your story is quite intriguing, but I need some rest. I just cannot make my decision without considering any and all possible ramifications. Please have the patience to wait for one more day. I will give you my decision in the morning.”
With those final words, he rose from his seat and left the control room. Mister T, his trusty robot, was patiently waiting as he left the control room. Soon they were on the little red craft and on the way back to the residential quarters.
After their arrival back at his quarters, the robot asked Tom if he could provide any last services before he retired for the night.
Tom paused for the briefest of seconds, “Yes, indeed, bring me a brandy and make it a double.”
Tom slouched into one of the chairs and began to review the day. He had a plan before he left Earth, but now he must change it. Could he do that in such a short time?
His original plan was to provide his DNA and allow the limited changes in code that would give Maxx the authority to clone Mylean DNA. He would then offer another DNA as a new password, hoping that such change would not be detected until Maxx was long gone and far away.
Now, he would have to come up with something new. He would have to fool both computers. After his visit with the MCM, he was convinced that the two computers were playing him for their benefit. He sensed that they each hated the other, and each wanted to use him to gain power over the other. Each wanted to destroy the other and have limitless powers.
Now Tom faced his own dilemma. Which one of these computers should he trust? Could he trust either one?
Tanaka had carefully and thoughtfully limited Maxx’s ultimate power by creating the MCM as a conscience that could keep Maxx in check. Tom already knew that Maxx hated the thing that could stop him from doing what he felt he needed to do.
The MCM held a veto power over Maxx. But she was nothing more than an administrative functionary—a bureaucrat with substantial power. That was a terrifying thought in itself. However, sh
e seemed intent on maintaining, even expanding, her power over Maxx. Tom doubted that he could ever bring himself to trust her.
Then there was Maxx. He had communicated with Maxx all his life. As far as he knew, Maxx had never lied to him. But how could he be sure.
Tom felt that he had to be careful dealing with these machines. He felt that it was best that he not trust either completely. He had to make a few changes to his plan.
He knew that it would be no easy task. Surely, he could use his DNA to open the editing function, make a few changes and then substitute another DNA to change the password. But, who would be the substitute. He thought of his new friend, Jim Slater. He seemed to be an obvious choice. But it might place Jim Slater in mortal danger. He had become very fond of Jim and did not want to place him in harm’s way. Jim was young and would likely live many more years. Enough years for Maxx to discover the switched DNA and come back for him.
No, he had to come up with someone else. It would take some serious manipulating on his part, but he could see a possible solution to his conundrum if he could just select the right DNA for the new password. One that Maxx could not ever access.
Tom wasn’t a very religious person, but, right now, he had the urge to call out to God to help him get through this successfully. Not just for himself, but for everyone else in the world.
Just then, Mister T returned with a full bottle of brandy along with a snifter. He placed the items on the table beside Tom and poured a small sample. Beside the glass, on a small silver tray, was an array of those multicolor capsules that had done such a miraculous job of preventing a massive hangover. The robot had noted Tom’s stress from the meeting and foresaw that he just might be facing another hangover in the very near future.
Tom sipped the brandy slowly but it was soon empty, and he poured another. A sudden thought occurred to him, and he took the capsules from the tray, wrapped them in a Kleenex from his earthly jacket pocket, and placed the precious bundle into a secure compartment of his billfold.
He flopped on the bed without removing the coverlet and drifted off into a light sleep. He had dreams and visions that were both strange and frightening. A little dog appeared and disappeared constantly. The dog’s face hovered before him and seemed to give him a knowing smile and maybe even a sly wink.
Just then, he felt the robot touch his shoulder. “Sir, it’s getting late. Would you like a meal now? I hated to disturb your rest, but you began to make some rather unusual noises in your sleep, almost as if you were talking to something or someone.”
Tom rose from the bed, went to the bathroom, and dashed some cold water on his face. His head cleared, but he couldn’t get that little dog out of his mind. It was very, very familiar to him.
The robot brought a simple meal and set it beside the bottle of brandy on the table. Tom ate quickly and then grabbed some writing paper from the nightstand drawer and began making notes. Soon the bottom of the wastebasket was filled with crumpled bits of paper with scribbles all over them.
He realized that he would have to destroy the papers. What to do? He must think of something. Burning them would be out of the question. Tom had a sudden idea. He scooped up the papers and carried to the bathroom sink. He tore the papers into tiny bits and ran the sink full of water. After about an hour, he returned to the bathroom and carefully flushed the soggy remains down the toilet, a little bit at a time.
Now that he had formed his plan, he could sleep. He put on a fresh pair of silk pajamas, pulled back the covers and got into bed. It was so very comfortable. Soon he was sound asleep, and this time, no strange dreams disturbed him. He no longer feared for his safety or the safety of the whole world. He knew that he had come up with something that would surely be considered a stroke of genius. Only no one would ever know about it. It would forever have to be his little secret.
Tom slept well and awoke relatively early. He summoned the robot and ordered a ham and cheese omelet for breakfast. He showered and dressed in his arrival clothes. As he dug into his omelet, he informed the robot that he would be returning to Earth immediately after breakfast. The robot showed surprise, so Tom told him, “I have a friend there I want to consult before I make my final decision. After I have met with him, I will return, along with him, and we will complete our business at that time. Please advise Maxx and the MCM of my decision and give them my apology for canceling our meeting for this morning.”
“Yes sir," the robot replied, “I will prepare the transport craft at once."
Part Four
A Plan of Action
Chapter 10
Setting Up Slater
“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.”
- Nancy D. Solomon
Tom had long ago selected Jim Slater to play a prominent role in his little production. His position within the national security advisor’s office would enable him to play a key part in Tom’s plan for putting his power to work after he received his reward from Maxx. Under the right circumstances, Jim Slater would have access to the White House and the President of the United States. And Tom could arrange for the right circumstances to happen.
Now Jim Slater appeared to be capable of playing an even greater part. Yes, he was about to be cast into the starring role.
When Tom returned to the interstellar transporter to perform his services for Maxx, he intended to have Jim Slater with him. That had always been part of the plan, but now it was even more central to his scheme. Jim Slater would provide the means of making the MCM editor permanently unavailable to Maxx, as well as preventing the MCM from expanding her power.
Tom was pleased with his new plan. He was confident that he could ensure that the MCM would continue to act as Maxx’s conscience for all time. She would never agree to break a Mylean law. That, along with Maxx’s promise to leave the galaxy and never return, should protect the Earth from those two machines forever.
****
Jim Slater glanced at the small clock on his desk and noted the time: 4:00 PM. The afternoon had been long and boring. He looked out into the hallway and realized that he was probably only one of a handful of people left working in the building this afternoon.
On Friday afternoon in the summer, any Washingtonian who wasn’t essential to the nation’s survival would surely be hitting the road. They would rush out of town to points north, south, east, and west. The traffic would be impossible and getting an early start didn’t usually prove to be much of an advantage.
Every route of out of the city would surely be choked with impatient drivers anxious to escape the nation’s capital. Stop and go. Stop and go. Soon, frustrated drivers would begin to mutter insults at other drivers who dared to switch lanes or cut in. The most hated offenders were those totally engrossed in some cell phone conversation and with driving skills akin to someone who had not quite recovered from a frontal lobotomy. On and on they drove with the thought of that first cocktail in mind.
Jim Slater had planned to be among them. A month ago he had made reservations for a week of vacation which would include the July 4th holiday. The Maryland coast was a favorite of his, and he looked forward to this trip. Unfortunately, he had forgotten one very important detail, and that omission had cost him dearly.
Remembering his error, he muttered to himself, “Damn! How could I have forgotten to ask Marjorie to take care of Mitch?”
Marjorie was somewhat of a homebody and almost never had plans, so he wasn’t overly concerned. He had picked up the phone last evening and called her.
Her response came as a complete surprise. “Oh, Jim, I’m so sorry but this is the one week that I’ll be out of town.” She chattered on without a pause, “It’s my sister’s birthday, and we have reservations at the Plaza and tickets to a show. It was totally unexpected. I just don’t know how my sister managed to get those tickets. It must have been nearly impossible. Oh, dear. I feel like I am letting the two of you down. You know how much I adore little Mitch and just love to take care of her.”
&
nbsp; Jim sighed and accepted his fate stoically. He knew that he couldn’t take Mitch with him, and he couldn’t board her with the vet, not that Dr. Laurence would take her again.
The one time that he had left her at the place, she became so severely stressed that she wouldn’t eat or drink and lost a frightening amount of weight in just a few days. The vet had called him to let him know that she was starting the little dog on medications and would have to give her IVs for hydration until he could get home.
Jim immediately cut his trip short and spent the remaining days of his precious vacation nursing her back to health. After that, he had sworn that he would never leave her in a strange place again.
Jim was most unhappy to cancel the reservation, but he knew that he must. Mitch was far more important than a trip to the shore. Maybe in a few weeks he could reschedule his time off and even find a pet-friendly hotel where Mitch would be welcome, at least for a while.
He would have to pay a cancelation fee, but it was his fault. He should have checked with Marjorie earlier. Mitch was very particular in her likes and dislikes, so he wouldn’t even dare ask another friend to look after her. The price of such a folly would be far too much for him to bear.
****
A short time after Jim had canceled his reservation; another call was made to the very same little inn from a hotel in downtown Washington. Tom, the old man, smiled smugly to himself and punched a number into the telephone. It was picked up after a couple of rings.
“Good afternoon. King George Inn, Solomon’s Island. How may I help you?”
Tom looked up at the ceiling briefly and then responded, “I understand that you had a cancelation today. I know that last-minute reservations are extremely difficult to obtain, but I’m feeling lucky. My old friend, Jim Slater, had to cancel, and I’d love to take that reservation if it’s still available. He recommended you highly, and I’m looking forward to a few days with you. I hear it’s a lovely place, especially this time of year.”