“What’s that?”
“That,” replied the gynoid, “is the CPU.” It was a simplification, but KAREN didn’t really think Ranma would be able to appreciate a more detailed description at his age—at least not without some more knowledge in the use of computers.
Suddenly a large monitor on the slab blinked to life, and several English words that Ranma couldn’t read appeared on the screen.
Approaching— Unit YR-57Z (K.A.R.E.N.) and unidentified human lifeform. Please confirm.
“What’s that say?” said Ranma, who couldn’t speak or read anything other than Japanese.
“The CPU has noticed that we’re here,” replied KAREN. “I’m going to explain a few things to it.” Again, it was a somewhat innacurate personification (the CPU’s AI had very few humanlike qualities), but it would suffice for the time being. “Also, since the CPU’s programmed in English, it can’t speak Japanese, so I’ll be translating for you.” In addition to this, she’d also provide the CPU with her analysis of Ranma’s emotional responses, since that would likely be an important factor as it made its decisions about the boy.
After typing some commands onto a keyboard, KAREN opened a small compartment near her elbow and pulled out a retractable cable, which she plugged into a socket on the CPU. Once that was done, she downloaded all of the data she’d collected thus far on Ranma Saotome—his identity, history, personality, and so on. Just as importantly, KAREN informed the CPU of what was known of Ranma’s task while on Golgotha II.
All of this took less than thirty seconds, but to an impatient little boy, thirty seconds of relative silence can seem like a very long time. “KAREN?” he said to the motionless gynoid. “Are you okay?” Ranma was starting to get a little bit worried when the robot’s posture finally took on a more relaxed quality.
“I’m sorry I had to blank out on you, Ranma, but I had to tell the CPU about you.”
“But… I didn’t hear you talking…”
“Well, robots don’t always need to speak out loud to talk to each other—I was doing it over this cable.” She motioned to the cord that she had attached to the really big black slab earlier.
“Oh.” Any further comments were cut off as the CPU sprang to life again.
Initial analysis complete. Subject file created.
Subject: Ranma Saotome
Age: 6
Sex: Male
Hair: Black
Eyes: Blue
Country of origin: Japan
Status: Temporary residentSubject has been sent to Facility EK93517 by parent for personal improvement.
Timeframe: Unknown – long-term stay expected.Decision: Subject to reside in primary unit under care of Unit YR-57Z (K.A.R.E.N.) until further notice. Hydroponics to adjust output to allow for nourishment of one (1) juvenile human. Arrangements to be made for subject’s education. Details to be provided as needed.
KAREN explained to Ranma what was going on. Needless to say, the boy was glad to hear he that he would be staying with his new friend (though technically, KAREN would be staying with him since Ranma was going to be living in an apartment that was much roomier than the gynoid’s storage facility). This done, the robot turned back to the CPU.
Further inquiries? Y/N
“Is there anything else you’d like to know, Ranma?”
“Um, Mr. CPU? What about my training?”
After KAREN relayed this, there was another whirring of cooling fans as the computer attempted to come up with an adequate response to the boy’s request. After about a minute, the following readout appeared:
Processing request… Stand by for analysis…Subject’s request for combat training is anomalous.
Facility EK93517 not specifically designed for that purpose.
Analyzing feasibility…Analysis complete. Request is feasible.
Recommendation: Subject to improve combat skills with assistance from Neurally Intelligent Networked Jitsu Androids. Supplementary information to be found in public information database.
Important: statutes concerning education require subject to demonstrate satisfactory level skill in traditional pursuits as a condition for supplemental pursuits.
Please confirm Y/N
“Um, KAREN-san, what does all that say?”
“The CPU says that you should be able to train, but that your first priority is going to have to be a more traditional education.”
“Um…”
“You can train, but only if you do well in school.”
“Really? Pops always said trainin’ was more important than school.”
If KAREN had had sweat glands, they would have gone into overdrive at this point. “Well, your father’s not here for right now, so we’ll just have to go with what the CPU says—as soon as you give the authorization.”
“Huh?”
“As a human, you have to give us permission before we can set up any programs to help you.”
“Oh, well, then OK.”
Authorization accepted. Updating data.
Subject: Ranma Saotome
Age: 6
Sex: Male
Hair: Black
Eyes: Blue
Country of origin: Japan
Status: Permanent resident/operator
* * * * *
Welcome to Golgotha II, Ranma Saotome.
“What’s it saying now?”
“It’s welcoming you to the colony. Congratulations, Ranma. You’re officially a resident of Golgotha II.”
“Wow.” The boy looked stunned at this news, and then he suddenly screwed up his face and turned to KAREN again. “Um, that’s a good thing, right?”
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(Posted Tue, 31 Jan 2006 23:12)
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