Segment 15
Molly
learns about the GEN-6000 “Boss” computer
Jennifer
Starfield's ship has landed back at Rachel city in Century 31 and is
safely secured on the flight deck of the giant galaxy cruiser. They
are underway to Mars. Molly, who has been performing her duties on
the flight deck flawlessly thanks to the added knowledge chips in her
brain is very excited about the mission to Mars.
Jennifer
who has a day room office just off the flight deck summons Molly to
her day room. Molly arrives in about a minute. She knocks on the door
and enters the room. She looks around. There are several comfortable
chairs, a large conference table and the four walls are a relaxing
pale blue color. Jennifer says, “ Come in and take a seat Molly, I
want to talk to you. I've had excellent duty reports regarding your
job performance on the flight deck. This is a very serious mission
that we are undertaking and I have to get you up to speed on the
Gen-6000 Computer. We call it the “Boss” for short.”
Molly
asks, “What does it do?” Jennifer responds, “The Mars operation
is entirely robotic and we use the “Boss” computer to run all
such remote operations. There are no humans normally stationed there
for the sake of economy and efficiency. Humans need oxygen, food,
water, quarters, heat and waste disposal. This is very inefficient
and expensive. “We cannot be putting humans on planets where we
don't really need them just because some scientist wants to visit
there. We have robot explorer units for that. The “Boss” is the
main computer that controls the entire mining of the Blue Crystals,
the Diranium ore, the metal smelting operations and the electrical
power plant. It also controls the entire security of the planet.
“The “Boss” system is very efficient. And runs entirely without
humans.” Jeniffer paused and said, “Do you follow me so Far?”
Molly nodded, “Yes, I understand.” Jennifer continues, “The
problem is that several days ago the “Boss” went silent and so
did all its back ups. We have three of them there and none of them
are communicating. We have to find out what the problem is because
the output from the Mars operation is critical to our government.
Mars is our main source of the Blue Crystals and something could be
very wrong.” Jennifer continues, “I'm going to show you how to
operate the “Boss” computer so pay attention. Molly says, But I
don't see any computer.” Jennifer replies,”That's because it's
not here in the room. It's hidden in the ships hull for security.
There are several for added back up. They're fully self contained
using Blue Crystal power.
It's
voice activated, watch, I'll show you. Remember the commands that I
use.” Jennifer Speaks, “Boss, on screen.”
The
entire four pale blue walls light up into a giant display screen with
the whole galaxy on display. Molly is almost speechless.
Jennifer
smiles, “This is a little different from the smaller screens down
in the power room. Now I want to show you some things that you can do
with a “Boss” computer.” Jennifer turns to Molly and says, “I
have a surprise for you.” Molly replies excitedly, What is it?
Jennifer says, “We are going to visit Molly Android back on Earth
at your home this morning so pay attention.” Then she speaks to the
Boss computer again, “Boss, get Molly Android.”
Suddenly
the screen lights up and we see Molly Android sitting at the small
desk in her bedroom back on Earth. She looks into one of the hidden
micro cameras that she has placed in her room and says “Ah,
Commander Starfield and Cadet Stirling, how may I help you this
morning? I was just getting ready to do my morning chores before
walking to work at the mill.” Molly said “We'll I'll just watch
while you do your chores and eat breakfast with all the family. That
way I can see all of them together.” The Android replied, “That
would be fine.”
Jennifer
interrupted, “Molly, I have some things to attend to. I want you
to stay here with the “Boss” computer and Molly Android. Have a
visit with your family. It's a good way to get used to working with
the “Boss” computer. I'll check on you later.”
©2015
Walt Barrett
Molly Stirling's Farm
