Читать книгу The Return of the Emperor (Sten #6) - Allan Cole - Страница 12

CHAPTER SEVEN

THE MAN STARED at the screen. His hands remained folded in his lap.

“You have not begun the test,” the Voice—for he had begun to capitalize it in his mind—accused.

“What happens if I fail to obey?”

“Information will not be provided. Begin the test.”

“I shall not.”

“Do you have a reason?”

“I have already taken it. Three—no, four sleep periods ago.”

“That is correct. Test complete.”

The screen blanked.

“All test results have been assimilated. Subject determined within acceptable parameters,” the Voice said. Very odd. It was the first time It had spoken as if to someone other than the man.

“You are ready for the next stage,” It told him.

“I have some questions.”

“You may ask. Answers may or may not be provided.”

“I am on a ship. Is there anyone else on board?”

“No.”

“You are a synthesized voice?”

“Self-evident.”

“You said moments ago that I was... within acceptable parameters. What would have happened were I not?”

“Answer determined not to be in your best interests.”

“I shall try another way. What constraints did your programmer limit you to?”

“Answers determined not to be in your best interests.”

“Thank you. You answered, however. Another question. Who programmed you?”

Silence except for ship hum.

“Answer will become self-evident within a short period of time,” the Voice said finally. “Those are questions enough.”

A previously sealed panel opened.

“You will enter that passage. At its end will be a ship. You will board and prepare yourself for takeoff. You may issue two orders, if you feel you know the answers. If you do not, recommendations will be offered.

“First. Should the machines be reactivated?”

“What machines?”

“The recommendation is that they should—given recent circumstances.”

“Recommendation accepted. I guess.”

“Second. Should transshipment begin? The recommendation is it should not until you progress further.”

“Accepted. Transshipment of what? And whatever it is, how do I communicate with you?”

“Both answers will become self-evident. Proceed to the ship now.”

The man walked down the passageway. At the end, as promised, was the entryway to a small ship. He entered.

Again, the ship was constructed for one person.

He seated himself in a reclining couch. Behind him, the hatch slid shut. He felt motion: stardrive.

“This is a final communication,” the Voice said suddenly. “There are four separate automated navigation systems on this ship. Each of them is preset for a different destination. On reaching each destination that system will self-destruct and the next system will activate.

“Do not be alarmed.

“Do not attempt to interfere with this system.

“Your final destination and debarkation point will be obvious.

“Good-bye. Good luck.”

The man jolted. The fine hair at the back of his neck lifted.

Good luck? From a machine?