Jacob Burns and the Order of the Algorithm #Wattys2017

Chapter 13: A Light in the Darkness (Current)

"HALT; Unauthorized access detected. Present identification or face imminent destruction."

"Ilya Jane Astor, identification number 07734."

"Bzzzrt- Processing information..."

"Welcome ILYA ASTOR to the Boston Public Library. The library is now closed due to emergency protocols. Kindly return to the nearest exit or be vaporized under Federal Code M-108b."

"Now now, no need to be so rude my dear robot," Ilya chided as she pulled out the cable on her Pip-Boy. She dodged the Protectron's slow grasp and ducked around its back, plugging her computer into a port hidden beneath a panel. Before I knew it, the robot had powered down, completely at Ilya's mercy.

"How... did you do that?" I asked.

"I told you!" She said as she typed in a string of codes, bypassing the emergency protocols and resetting the personality systems.

"It's just a matter of knowing what you're doing," she said with a smile as the machine booted up once again.

"WELCOME to the Boston Public Library! I am your helpful guide to the world of knowledge. Please input your request."

I could hardly believe it as the robot stood before us, completely harmless and utterly obedient. Not only had she subdued the Protectron, but she had also managed to turn on the backup generator. A deep rumble shook the room as the power kicked on from somewhere deep below, and one by one, ancient lights flickered on around us.

Even so, I wasn't convinced.

"But what about the turrets hiding in the alcoves? Or any other security for that matter! There could be an assaultron just hiding around the corner and you wouldn't even know it!"

"Nope, not a problem. I've already hacked into the mainframe and reset the protocols to regular working hours. Ask him anything you want and he'll tell you the answer, I guarantee it!" She said with a pearly smile.

"Hmm, I still don't like it..." I grumbled as I looked the machine up and down. I certainly didn't trust the tin can any farther than I could throw it, but I supposed everything did seem to be in working order.

"Oh don't be silly, here let's give this a try... Ahem, Protectron? What is the Order of the Algorithm?"

"Processing request..." The mechanized voice chimed as his processors kicked into action, a whir of activity and computation humming through the air.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Information not found, please try again later," he said after several minutes of thinking. I scoffed.

"Hmm, I suppose that was a bit of a stretch... I mean, what kind of secret society would it be if you could just look it up at the library?" She conceded as she began to pace up and down the room.

"Okay, how about this... Protectron? What is the significance of "M8"? What does that mean?"

The humming filled the air once more.

"Clarification required," the robot chimed again, "Do you mean the M8 Armored Gun System first implemented in the U.S. Army in 2045, or the M8 class planets often explored in the popular children's program The Adventures of Captain Cosmos and Jangles the Moon Monkey?"

"Well, that was helpful," I snarked. "I think we should ask it about the Moon Monkey, how about you?"

"We're just not asking it the right questions, that's all!" Ilya insisted, "Perhaps something a little more tangible?" She said as she came over and grabbed the key out of my pocket.