Let's Make a Deal (Bob and Nikki Book 11), стр. 84
“That’s putting it mildly, Commodore. Your crew would scare the pants off many of our warriors.”
“I don’t see why. They’re nice folks.”
“Don’t their electronics allow them to react faster than an organic being?”
“Possibly. It depends on the situation, though. If they already have a plan of action, certainly. If they are faced with a novel circumstance, their advantage isn’t so clear.”
“You’re saying that an organic can have an advantage, in a situation where the best course of action isn’t clear, beforehand?”
“Can, but not necessarily will. Even when faced with a new situation, bots are pretty quick on the uptake.”
The Emperor spoke up. “I think we should change the subject. You’re going to make the Commodore think we’re only here to pump him for information.”
The Secretary replied, “Yes, Majesty.”
The Emperor asked, “So, you just found this ship, a derelict?”
“We did. We were trying to go on our honeymoon at the time.”
Nikki said, “We never did get the relaxing trip we were trying for. Things just kept coming up that we needed to deal with.”
“Pardon me for asking, but how did you get it back in flying condition so quickly?”
“Lucky for us, the crew didn’t take any bots with them when they abandoned ship.”
The Secretary asked, “If the ship was full of bots, why hadn’t they already repaired it?”
“They weren’t allowed by their programming, since none of the crew had given them permission before they left the ship. They were left to their own devices, and wound up shutting down to wait for rescue.”
The Emperor said, “So, you just showed up and gave them permission, and you had a ship ready for space?”
Nikki said, “That sums it up pretty well, Your Majesty.”
“I suppose I’m missing the part where you came to the attention of my Intelligence people.”
I said, “We didn’t think to look for trackers, when we brought the ship back to life. The ones your people’s ancestors had planted all those years ago were still functional.”
“I suppose I owe someone a posthumous medal, for designing something that still functioned after that much time.”
Nikki said, “You must have wonderful records, if you could figure out who to give it to, after all this time.”
“You misunderstand me, Ma’am. Just because I owe them a medal, doesn’t mean I think I have a chance of paying off that debt.”
Nikki replied, “Oh, I see.”
Natti said, “The mere fact of the Emperor acknowledging the debt, means he sees the importance of the contribution made by this person, who likely will remain nameless. It won’t, however, keep people from trying to come up with proof that the person who did the work was one of their ancestors.”
I said, “As many years as have passed, and as many generations, I would think a majority of your population would be related to the person, one way or another.”
Nikki asked, “What do you mean, Bob?”
“I’ve seen shows on Earth where they traced people’s lineage back through time. Something like half of people with Eastern European ancestry can trace their line back to Genghis Khan. I would have to think it’s similar for anybody in history, if you had enough data to do the research. You’re talking about a lot more years, and a lot more mixing. I would think the challenge would be to find someone who wasn’t related.”
The Emperor laughed. “You’ve given me a problem, and the solution, in the space of five minutes. You are something to behold, Commodore.”
“Glad you’re enjoying yourself, Majesty. I think we’ve arrived.” Natti went in first, and then the Emperor and his secretary. I heard music playing, but it sounded like the band had an orchestra backing them up. I didn’t recognize the tune, but I had to assume it was the Imperial March, or some such. The music stopped, and Bone motioned for us to go ahead. I had never heard ‘Double Trouble’ played by a full orchestra before. I have to admit, Topper got it sounding good. When Nikki and I made it to the table where the signing was to take place, Natti and Jim Bailey stepped out. They both talked about the importance of these agreements, and how the signing was a historic moment. Then the Emperor and I were seated, and began looking over the documents, and signing them. No better than I could read Squirrel, it took a bit for me to be sure that I was signing what we had agreed to. Eventually, though, we were all done. The Emperor surprised me, by extending his hand to shake. I shook with him, and a cheer went up. Then we all filed out. I thought Topper had done a good job with the entrance, but his arrangement of ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends’ was a joy to behold. Once we were back aboard the cart, and headed to his ship, the Emperor said, “I get the feeling I missed a great deal of what the music choices meant. Care to enlighten me?”
“Topper didn’t get the proper Imperial March?”
“Yes, he did. His arrangement was a joy. I meant his choices for your entrance, and the exit.”
“His choice for my entry music commemorated my ability to find trouble, wherever I go. The exit march was an old tune entitled ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends’. I thought it very appropriate for the occasion.”
The Secretary spoke up. “If your man thinks you find trouble, wherever you go, why doesn’t he find somewhere else to work?”
Nikki said, “He has said on many occasions, he doesn’t want to work for anyone else. I think he enjoys the adventure. I know I do.”
Natti said, “As do I. I’m not looking forward to going back to Oak. I can’t imagine it will be as entertaining.”
I said, “Thanks, I think. I’m