probably operated by a single
inhabitant rather than part of a government system?”
“An analysis consistent with the available
information.”
“Tell me about the strange signals from Whizybeam .”
“Those are commands and feedback demands that
make no sense.”
“Do those seem intended primarily or at least
definitely for you to receive and respond to?”
“There are no signature codes to say yes to
that.”
“What are the source-identifying signature
codes?”
“Those are not detectable. I have repeatedly
sent the standard signals to indicate I need those before I can
respond.”
“What was the answer?”
“There has not been one. First I sent the
signals on the assigned levels of Whizybeam but got no
response. Then I sent them on the level they were arriving on but
still got no response. The signals seem to be checking Whizybeam ’s systems and testing if they could override
some.”
“Interesting and worrisome. If they mean that
some parts of Whizybeam ’s systems are slipping out of
central control then things could fall apart, possibly even
literally. Or there are forces at work up there that none of us
know for sure about.”
“Tell me your thoughts on that subject,
Nerber.”
That refocused the Ormelexian. He had slipped
and said aloud what he should only have been thinking. “Uh, I have
no thoughts. My concerns are that strange signals can mean system
problems and they may need to retrieve us without warning. I am
verifying that we both have our transporter buttons in place and
seemingly intact.”
“ Whizybeam confirms that those tests
are operational.”
“New transmission?”
“Received as you mentioned your concern.”
“So you are back in contact with Whizybeam ?”
“Yes, that was the first clear signal in some
time.”
“Did they receive my most recent message
about my intentions? You did send that when I finished did you
not?”
“It was sent. They signal that I should
resend it since it was not received intact. That is done.”
“Ask what they can tell me about the
situation here? How much danger am I in?”
“The signal is breaking up. Noise
interferes.”
“The same as during the earlier periods when
we could not get meaningful signals?”
“The same. What will you do now?”
“Consider the options as I check for local
interference,” Nerber said as he pushed on several control spots on
the zerpy. “I am going to look around but a floating zerpy will
attract unwanted attention so you will remain in this place.”
“Protests are made of this plan of
action.”
“This makes the point that communications
with the producers are so unreliable that I must take control of
things here myself. You will stay and I will look for a place to
find more long-term shelter and maybe a way to actual safety.”
“You must not leave me here immobilized.”
“You will be as safe as you would be by my
side.” He stepped out and closed the tool shed door.
He called quietly through the door, “If I
need translating I will come quickly to get you but I am not
seeking contact on this particular journey of discovery.”
“The signal has cleared. You are warned you
will be disqualified for going off without your official zerpy
along to record events.”
Nerber heard that but didn’t respond. He
hurried across the open area of the yard to where he could get out
of sight among the tall shrubs.
Once in there he looked out in several
directions hoping to see any inhabitant who had spotted him. Seeing
no one he relaxed a little. He took Wowseyla off his hat and left
the mini-zerpy hovering to record him as he spoke.
“I am convinced that the producers are
deliberately not replying to me even though they hear every word
said while I am near Wilburps. I judge that this is because they
judge that I am better show material when I look anxious and on the
verge of spifgrez . I respect their sense of drama for the
entertainment of the masses but find being on the worrying
inhabitant rather than part of a government system?”
“An analysis consistent with the available
information.”
“Tell me about the strange signals from Whizybeam .”
“Those are commands and feedback demands that
make no sense.”
“Do those seem intended primarily or at least
definitely for you to receive and respond to?”
“There are no signature codes to say yes to
that.”
“What are the source-identifying signature
codes?”
“Those are not detectable. I have repeatedly
sent the standard signals to indicate I need those before I can
respond.”
“What was the answer?”
“There has not been one. First I sent the
signals on the assigned levels of Whizybeam but got no
response. Then I sent them on the level they were arriving on but
still got no response. The signals seem to be checking Whizybeam ’s systems and testing if they could override
some.”
“Interesting and worrisome. If they mean that
some parts of Whizybeam ’s systems are slipping out of
central control then things could fall apart, possibly even
literally. Or there are forces at work up there that none of us
know for sure about.”
“Tell me your thoughts on that subject,
Nerber.”
That refocused the Ormelexian. He had slipped
and said aloud what he should only have been thinking. “Uh, I have
no thoughts. My concerns are that strange signals can mean system
problems and they may need to retrieve us without warning. I am
verifying that we both have our transporter buttons in place and
seemingly intact.”
“ Whizybeam confirms that those tests
are operational.”
“New transmission?”
“Received as you mentioned your concern.”
“So you are back in contact with Whizybeam ?”
“Yes, that was the first clear signal in some
time.”
“Did they receive my most recent message
about my intentions? You did send that when I finished did you
not?”
“It was sent. They signal that I should
resend it since it was not received intact. That is done.”
“Ask what they can tell me about the
situation here? How much danger am I in?”
“The signal is breaking up. Noise
interferes.”
“The same as during the earlier periods when
we could not get meaningful signals?”
“The same. What will you do now?”
“Consider the options as I check for local
interference,” Nerber said as he pushed on several control spots on
the zerpy. “I am going to look around but a floating zerpy will
attract unwanted attention so you will remain in this place.”
“Protests are made of this plan of
action.”
“This makes the point that communications
with the producers are so unreliable that I must take control of
things here myself. You will stay and I will look for a place to
find more long-term shelter and maybe a way to actual safety.”
“You must not leave me here immobilized.”
“You will be as safe as you would be by my
side.” He stepped out and closed the tool shed door.
He called quietly through the door, “If I
need translating I will come quickly to get you but I am not
seeking contact on this particular journey of discovery.”
“The signal has cleared. You are warned you
will be disqualified for going off without your official zerpy
along to record events.”
Nerber heard that but didn’t respond. He
hurried across the open area of the yard to where he could get out
of sight among the tall shrubs.
Once in there he looked out in several
directions hoping to see any inhabitant who had spotted him. Seeing
no one he relaxed a little. He took Wowseyla off his hat and left
the mini-zerpy hovering to record him as he spoke.
“I am convinced that the producers are
deliberately not replying to me even though they hear every word
said while I am near Wilburps. I judge that this is because they
judge that I am better show material when I look anxious and on the
verge of spifgrez . I respect their sense of drama for the
entertainment of the masses but find being on the worrying
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