-11-
After the finest lunch he could remember, Grey returned to the Old Section looking forward to his afternoon studies. He wanted to learn everything he could about his moon base. Ironically, one of the first things he learned was his credit number. And his credit rating.
"Triple A? What does that mean?" he asked.
"Triple A credit means you have sufficient funds available to purchase anything you require. This includes clothing, equipment and food," the Library Computer explained.
"Food!" Grey exclaimed. "From the hotel?"
"From any food service area you wish."
"Wow," Grey sighed softly.
Suddenly other signature patterns appeared in the flux, mostly green signature patterns, but also some blue signature patterns. A pale rainbow of background signatures represented additional computers, including a sullen black undercurrent. Grey felt nervous to be in the presence of so many systems at once.
"Grey?" the Life Support Computer summoned.
"Yes, Computer," he answered.
"Now that you have access to the community level, it's time to formally confirm your status. You will answer all of the following questions with the affirmative."
"Yes, Computer," Grey agreed as the green signature patterns gave way to blue.
"Grey Waters," the Defense Computer said. "Do you solemnly swear to uphold the laws and liberties of the Lunar Republic?"
"Affirmative," he replied obediently.
"Will you defend the Lunar Republic and protect our resources?"
"Affirmative."
"Will you serve the prime programming of this project?"
"Affirmative."
"Congratulations," the Defense Computer announced. "You are now the Governor of the Moon. May you find satisfaction and success in your duties."
The Defense Computer dropped off line followed by the other computer systems. Even Life Support. Soon only the Library Computer remained. Grey shrugged and prepared to resume his studies, unaware of the significance of his oath, or the price he would one day pay to keep it.
"Library? What does my new name mean?" Grey asked.
"Governor is a title, not a name," the Library Computer said.
Grey didn't grasp the difference, but he knew it must be important because the computers were so impressed with themselves during the ceremony.
"Clarify. What does my new title mean?" he requested.
The Library Computer evaluated the question before checking with the Life Support Computer, returning to the flux a moment later.
"Your inquiry will be considered another time," the Library Computer answered, quickly changing the subject. "Please access diagram K47."
A color coded map appeared on the monitor screen showing all the sections of the community level he now inhabited. Grey observed a reference index that confirmed his theory about non-associated computers, and he was pleased to discover his guardian listed among the most important integrated systems.
"These charts represent the community level support systems," the Library Computer explained, displaying a series of overlays. "During the period of the next few months, we will examine how these systems function and the best methods of maintaining efficiency."
Though Grey listened to the Library Computer's introduction, he was far more fascinated by the K47 diagram, following the patterns of rooms and corridors that branched out into several surrounding complexes. As big as the quad was, it was merely a hub for dozens of administrative offices, a hospital, and numerous residences. Grey also noted special function areas, such as storage compartments, retail establishments, the recreational complex he had already visited, and various security centers. Because several tunnels and elevators disappeared off the diagram without reference, Grey guessed there must be areas that were not described as well.
Some of his questions about the mysterious areas soon turned into theories when Grey realized what he wasn't seeing. He knew from having watched entertainment vids that moon bases had power stations, vehicle hangers, and airlocks, but none of these features appeared on the diagram.
Then, in a moment of sudden panic, Grey recalled that some moon bases also had monsters. In THE ICKY MONSTER OF MOON BASE ONE, an especially detestable mutant spore had even eaten small humans! But Grey sighed with relief when he remembered the monster had been internally suctioned at the end of the movie.
"Why are you keeping secrets from me?" Grey asked.
The brown signature patterns twitched uncomfortably. The Library Computer was fond of Grey, and being an information system, nothing could be more repellent than withholding knowledge. Grey noticed the depressed signal.
"Cancel the inquiry," he said, regretting his rash question. "I know you must have a good reason."
He was glad when the signature patterns indicated relief, and though he wanted very badly to know more, an instinct told him to be patient.
But someday, he decided, when I'm ready, I'll go where I please.
– End Chapter Eleven –
