The Turing Option

“We have cross-checked their evidence and they all appear to be in the clear. None of them were hired before April of this year. By that time Dr. Bociort had produced a prototype control unit which they put into production.”

“Do you think that the so-called control unit is my AI?” Brian asked. “Probably stripped of a number of unneeded features, then programmed only for the insect destruction function.”

“I have no way of telling that, Mr. Delaney — you would certainly know more about mat than anyone here. But we are operating on that assumption. In any case you will have to discuss that possibility with Ben. We are wrapping up the criminal side of this investigation. Copies of all the stolen information and files are being returned to you there at Megalobe for identification and disposal. We are treating the murders as unsolved and will keep the file open on them. We are also continuing the search for Mr. Beckworth and Dr. Bociort. Any questions?”

There was some cross-chat about details and records which Brian ignored. He would match the original files up with his notes, but it seemed obvious what they were. He was intrigued to find out what old Dr. Bociort had done with his AI. The drill instructor voice cut through his thoughts: General Schorcht was speaking for the first time.

“The criminal investigation undertaken by the FBI is now winding up. Only the search for the two named individuals will continue. What about your investigation, Mr. Benicoff?”

“I am now preparing a final report for the commission that instigated the investigation, General. My work will be completed as soon as that is done. The stolen items have been recovered. I have an ongoing interest in who the perpetrators of the crime are, and I will formally request the security services to report any future discoveries to me. But the investigation itself will be terminated after I have made the report. May I make a suggestion, General?”

Ben waited — then took the continuing silence as assent. “With the investigation wound up, both by me and the FBI, there is no longer any need for the overwhelming military presence here. New and improved civilian security will suffice. You will recall that the military security was moved in because of the continued attempts on Brian’s life. However the information that only he possessed is now widespread, the knowledge already put to use in a manufacturing process which has been recovered. Therefore I request that the army guards be removed.”

They all looked at the General as his silence lengthened. Then he spoke.

“I will take your suggestion under advisement.”

“But, General, you can’t—” General Schorcht cut Ben off with a sharp chop of his hand.

“But I can. This is my decision. Military security will continue because this is a military matter. This is not a matter of personal freedom but one of national security. I have been entrusted with this young man’s safety, which in my eyes is cognate with the security of our nation. There is nothing more that can be said. This has been, and remains, a military matter.”

“I’m not in the military!” Brian said. “I am a civilian and a free man. You can’t simply imprison me.”

“Any other questions?” General Schorcht asked, completely ignoring Brian. “If not, this meeting is over.”

The meeting ended with that and the desert view returned. Ben was not happy at Brian’s dark silence.

“I’ll get back to Foggy Bottom,” he said. “Get onto the President’s commission at once — get through to him if I have to. That military dinosaur can’t get away with this.”

“Looks like he has,” Brian said, trying to struggle free of the black depression that overwhelmed him. “I’m going to the lab. Let me know when you hear anything.”

They were silent when he left; there was nothing anyone could say.

Brian let the laboratory door seal behind him. Was glad to be alone. He should not have been so enthusiastic, so sure he would be out of here. Rising to the heights had made falling back into the depths that much worse. He went and sat at Shelly’s workstation, wondered if he should phone her yet at the number she had given him. No, it was still too early. There was a rustle in the hallway and Sven’s telerobot appeared in the doorway.

“Buna dimineata. Cum te simti azi?” it said.

“What?”

“That is Rumanian for ‘Good morning, how are you today?’ ”

“All of a sudden you speak Rumanian?”

“I am studying it. Very interesting language. But of course I can read it with ease having stored the vocabulary and procedures for grammar in my memory banks.”

“Let me guess — you did this because the FBI has transferred the stolen records — plus Dr. Bociort’s records and files as well.”

“Your assumption is correct. I have also been implementing the measures we discussed in reference to the use of molecular memory in MI—”

“What may I ask is MI?”