The Turing Option

“You certainly are!” Sven said. “But I hurry to make amends. Sir, madam, the sitting room is this way. Cool drinks, soft music, we are very hospitable when we but try.”

Sven’s hand flicked lightly in Brian’s direction, a slight movement that suggested apology — perhaps resignation.

Brian and Woody had soft drinks but Snaresbrook, who rarely drank save at social functions, felt the sudden need for something different.

“Bombay martini on the rocks with a twist — and no vermouth. Can you manage that, Sven?”

“Well within my powers, Doctor. A moment if you please.”

She sat in a deep and comfortable chair, folded her hands on her purse, and held her anger at bay. The martini would help. “How have you been keeping, Brian?”

“Very well. I work out when I can.”

“And your head? Any negative symptoms, pains, anything at all?”

“Perfectly fine.”

She nodded her thanks to Sven, sipped the drink. It did help. “It’s been a long time since we have had a session with the connection machine.”

“I know. I feel there is no need for that anymore. The CPU is integrated and I can access it at will. No problems.”

“That’s nice. Did you ever think of telling me about it? I never published more than a general description of the operation, since I was waiting for final results before I did.”

There was a cold edge to her voice now. Brian was aware of it, flushed slightly.

“That’s an oversight on my part. I’m sorry. Look, I’ll write up everything and get the material to you.”

“That would be nice. I’ve talked to Shelly a few times—”

“That is of no interest to me. Part of the past that I have forgotten.”

“Fine. But just on general humanitarian terms I thought that you would like to know that her father had the bypass operation and is doing fine. She didn’t take to civilian life and reenlisted.”

Brian sipped his drink, looked out of the window, said nothing.

They left a half hour later when Brian said that he had to go back to work. Snaresbrook drove in silence until they were through the gate.

“I don’t like it,” she said.

“He promised to come to the gym more regularly, didn’t he?”

“Wonderful. So that takes care of his social life. You heard his answers. Theaters, concerts — he has the best DAT and CD equipment here. Parties? Never was partying type. And girls, I was most unhappy at the way he slid away from that discussion at all. What do you think, Woody? You’re his friend.”

“I think — sometimes, looking at the two of them together. At times, if not all the time, it’s like you said. Sven is the more human of the two.”

ENVOI

The meeting of the board of directors of Megalobe began promptly at ten in the morning. Kyle Rohart was Chairman now, had grown with the years of responsibility that had been thrust upon nun. He motioned for silence.

“I think that we had better get started because there is a lot of ground to cover. Our annual report to the stockholders is due in a month and we are going to have difficulty in getting it together in time. The way production has grown on the new MI-directed assembly lines is almost unbelievable. But before we begin I would like you to all meet our new board member. Sven, I want to introduce you to the other members.”

“Thank you, Mr. Rohart, but that will not be necessary. I recognize them from their photographs, know them well from their histories and records. Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to serve beside you. Please call upon me for any specialized information you might need. Remember that I have been with machine intelligence from, you might truthfully say, the very beginning.”

There were murmurs of appreciation, even a few looks of blank astonishment from members not closely acquainted with MI. Rohart looked at his notes.

“We will begin with new products. Brian has something of importance to tell you. But before he does I must let you know that the first MI ship ever built has just sailed from Yokohama. The MI is both captain and crew, but at the insistence of the Japanese government a mechanic and an electrician will also be aboard. I know they will enjoy the voyage since they will have absolutely nothing to do.” There was an appreciative laugh.