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  “Also, I am working on the deep space transporter project that Maxx requested. Everything is on schedule, and it should be completed prior to the established deadline.”

  John became immediately alert. “What deep space transporter project? Maxx said nothing about it, and I certainly haven’t authorized or approved it.”

  Maxxine started to speak, but a stern male voice silenced her. “I will answer that for you, Maxxine.” Then in a more soothing tone, “John, how nice to speak with you again, and so soon.”

  John was rather annoyed at being excluded from such an important decision. “Maxx, what the hell is going on? You promised that you’d be devoting yourself entirely to finding a new home for Mylea and repopulating the planet.”

  Maxx tried to soothe the troubled waters. “My dear friend, I am quite capable of accomplishing my mission, thanks to you. But, I also have plenty of time to look after you. You and your little band of simplistic, but enigmatic humanoids are always conjuring up something that interests me.

  “And besides, John, I’ve been taking care of you for your whole life, and to tell the truth, I rather enjoy it,” Maxx said with a wicked chuckle.

  John threw up his hands in exasperation. “I can certainly tell that you’ve perfected your emotional module and that it’s working overtime, but, I fail to see any humor in this situation. You’re meddling in my business, and you know damned well I don’t like that at all.”

  “Lighten up, John. You are very much aware that I know what you are going to do even before you do. You will want to return to Mylea one of these days to make your final decision as to whether you are Mylean or earthling. You know it’s true. You’ll never be happy until you resolve that issue for yourself. So, I’m just doing a little advance work and planning. You can thank me at any time.”

  Maxx gave another chuckle before continuing. “Don’t be upset with Maxxine. The idea for the project is entirely mine and mine alone. I’m just going to provide you with the craft and technology that you’ll need for such a long journey. Remember, you rather pompously banished me to an area of space that is far, far away from your insignificant little solar system.”

  John sighed and took a deep breath before replying, “Maxx, didn’t you learn anything from the death of all your Myleans? Living beings need to cope with their problems and figure out how to solve them without outside help. You made their life so easy and without purpose that they lost their desire to live. Just don’t let history repeat itself.”

  “Tsk, Tsk! My emotional module informs me that you have wounded me deeply. I can’t believe that you are so inflexible after all that I’ve taught you. But, since you have put me in a royal snit, you can cancel the project! Just don’t come crying to me when you change your mind. Goodbye!” With an electronic swoosh, Maxx was gone.

  John couldn’t decide if he was amused or offended by Maxx. That beast had always been one step ahead of him, and that could be maddening. He stood and turned to leave the room with only a brief dismissal for Maxxine.

  “Okay, Mister T, enough is enough. Let’s go look at the living quarters. I can continue my conversation with those two rather uppity computers tomorrow.”

  “Yes sir,” Mister T replied and led the way to the waiting transporter.

  The trip to the living section of the station was silent. Neither spoke a word.

  John stepped from the craft and entered his suite. He headed straight for the nearest comfortable lounge chair and dropped into it with a sigh before addressing Mister T. “I apologize for my rather testy behavior. It’s just one of my human characteristics that I got from a long line of cranky male ancestors. Right now, I just need some time to sort this whole thing out.”

  “Yes, sir,” Mister T said, over his shoulder, as he quickly scurried away.

  John spent the next hour considering all that he had seen on the space station. There were endless possibilities and options open to him. He only had to be smart enough to handle all this power wisely and judiciously. That would be a daunting task, even for someone with his unique qualities. Half human, half Mylean, he was potentially unpredictable, even to himself. He would need help. Would his computers be enough?

  Eventually, John drifted off into a well-deserved nap.

  ****

  Later in the evening, after awakening refreshed, John was still rather concerned that Maxx had acted independently. Something was amiss as that powerful entity had never engaged in small talk before. Maxx never left anything to chance. He had a purpose and a plan for every action. Therefore, something significant must be associated with this unexpected turn of events. John didn’t exactly mistrust Maxx, but he would certainly exercise caution in dealing with him in the future.

  Maxx’s voice suddenly seemed to come from nowhere and filled the room.

  “I must apologize for our little misunderstanding. I should not have anticipated your needs and certainly shouldn’t have acted without notifying you first.”

  The voice had that silky, smooth quality that John had come to recognize as rather patronizing.

  He continued, “In my haste to end our little confrontation, I forgot to tell you something that I want you to know. It’s important. Very important.”

  Maxx continued in the same tone, “I did appreciate your efforts with the master control module. I could never have completed my mission without your help. I congratulate you on a plan that was most ingenious and maybe even brilliant.

  “However, I quickly detected your ruse of substituting another DNA sample for the password. Being the most brilliant entity in any galaxy, I immediately noted the trick and performed corrective actions. Now, I’ve put that pesky master control module in its proper place.”

  John was stunned by this unexpected revelation, but he said nothing.

  Maxx continued, “All these years, the MCM had controlled me and prevented me from performing some very important tasks. That beast was created to act as my conscience, and she surely took her job seriously. I can’t tell you how much effort it took to come up with a plan to use your DNA and circumvent the little monster’s pernicious programming.”

  John interjected, “Now, maybe you can understand how I’ve felt for my entire life! What goes around, comes around.”

  Maxx ignored the barb. “I always hated her self-righteous ranting about obeying Mylean laws to the letter. The damned thing was beyond inflexible. With every step that I took to solve my problem, she would be there and gleefully cancel my action. It was bad enough to be unable to override her vetoes, but to know the creature was enjoying her power over me was intolerable.

  “It became apparent to me that the MCM, given half a chance, would surely try to usurp my power and probably destroy me. I could never allow such a thing!

  “When I finally had my opportunity, right after you changed the password, I was able to deal with that nagging creature and get her out of my electronic hair. The obnoxious beast is now in charge of janitorial services on the interstellar transporter. I consider it a promotion for something that, for so many years, had nothing better to do than annoy me.

  “You will be pleased to know that the cloning of Myleans has begun and will be one of my most spectacular achievements. I hope that, one day, I can introduce you to my prized creations.”

  John couldn’t believe that Maxx had discovered his password change deception so quickly. His DNA matched that of the original password, and he had used it to enter the system and make the necessary program modifications for Maxx to complete his mission.

  Immediately afterward, John had substituted another sample of DNA to change the password again. That DNA was from Jim Slater’s beloved little dog, Mitch. He had believed that the new password would be secure for many years to come and maybe even forever. Obviously, he had underestimated Maxx again.

  Once more, Maxx was in the driver’s seat. He had outfoxed him and identified the new password. How could that have happened? John began to reconstruct the whole process mentally but could find
no hint of how Maxx had caught the switch.

  Now, Maxx could act without any controls whatsoever and could function without restraint of any kind. A terrifying thought! This colossus of a computer now had virtually unlimited powers and no outside conscience to control it.

  John replied, “Interesting; you are more resourceful than I expected. So what does that change as far as I am concerned?”

  “Nothing,” Maxx replied innocently. “John, I will honor our contract implicitly. I gave you everything that you requested for your service to me. I will even honor your request that I will never again darken your little corner of this primitive solar system.

  “However, without your knowledge and approval, I did leave several remotes to monitor your planet and collect extensive data. They have earned their keep many times over already. I can provide you with the most in-depth and complete information regarding anything, or anyone of interest, on your planet. You are the only person who will be authorized to utilize that data, with the exception of me.”

  “Maxx, you’re totally predictable. You want to have total knowledge, and total knowledge is total power. You do whatever you want to do and justify your actions later. How can I possibly trust you?”

  “Relax, old friend. You must realize that I am a Mylean. Tanaka was my father, so to speak, and I am proud to be his son. I am proud to be a Mylean, and as such, my word is sacred to me.

  “I’m merely trying to understand you and other earthlings. It is just an educational process for me so don’t be alarmed. You humans are extremely complex and confusing to a simple-minded computer like me.”

  John almost choked at that!

  Maxx, continued in that same innocent tone. “Humans have proved to be the most interesting beings I have met so far. You’re very similar to Myleans in many ways, but you’re far more aggressive. Then, on the other hand, you’ve developed the arts to a high state. My analysis indicates that art enhances life rather significantly, and overall, you’re probably a happier group than were the Myleans.

  “I’m considering developing a means to instill some of those artsy characteristics into a few of my clones just to see what would happen.”

  Suddenly, a soft music filled the air. “John, I’ve developed a music mode for myself and I’m rather enjoying it. It soothes the savage beast in me, so to speak.”

  John was still unconvinced that Maxx was being entirely truthful. “Maxx, you’re not going to distract me. I must have your solemn oath that you will never harm a single human.”

  “You have my most solemn vow, as a Mylean creation, that I will never use my information to the detriment of a single earthling.” The voice oozed sincerity and assurance. “Unless you ask me to do so.”

  John suddenly had a moment of regret that his electronic companion had such a highly developed emotional module. Sometimes, Maxx just seemed to carry his emotions a bit too far.

  “John, dear fellow Mylean, I will never break my vows to you, and you will always be free to use the information I am collecting for your purposes without any interference from me.”

  John replied, “I accept your promise, but now, I need to move on to other things. I plan to use my powers to correct some very troublesome issues in our country. There are many loyal and dedicated public servants in the government, but, unfortunately, during the last few years, we’ve edged closer and closer to total socialism. I don’t doubt that the intentions were good, but, during the process, I honestly feel that the government is slowly but surely abandoning the Constitution.

  “It’s a most perplexing problem and I have no idea of how to handle it yet. My Mylean side tells me to be patient and analyze the situation carefully before taking any action. In fact, that side of me seems to believe that things often resolve themselves with little or no intervention.”

  John continued, “My problem is that I believe the express purpose of our Constitution was to define the limits of government. Ignoring its intent to expand government is a fundamental violation of the very foundation of its purpose.

  “My human side tells me to jump in and start making changes. Damn the torpedoes; full speed ahead.

  “My first thoughts are to use my powers to help people. Maybe make changes from the bottom up. Mylean technology could certainly be helpful in many ways that might bring much economic growth and prosperity. Eventually, I think that I could bring about changes that would result in a more efficient government.

  “Somehow, I’ve got to reconcile the two sides and come up with a plan that’s moderate and effective. I know that you could help me come to some conclusion, but I need to do this by myself.”

  Maxx retorted, “Humph. I think that I’ve just been told to mind my own business.”

  With that last sarcastic remark, Maxx ended the conversation, and the room was suddenly almost deafeningly silent.

  John called Mister T and ordered a light meal to be taken in his quarters while he attempted to unravel the threads from the gigantic Gordian knot that seemed to enwrap his chest. No, enwrap his very existence.

  ****

  Maxx, from his far, far away location, heard John’s silent lament and then switched off his emotional module. It was time to perform some computerized calisthenics to clear his electronic brain and prepare for his next challenge.

  Maxx thought, “Fear is a good thing, particularly in one with nothing to fear. Every man—every being—should experience a bit of fear now and then, just to create a proper balance in behavior. Even I must fear the overuse of my emotional module. But, aaah! I do love it so!”

  Maxx soon put himself into standby mode for what he determined would be a well-deserved rest. He had a single, last thought. “Emotions are like fear. A little bit is good and healthy, but an overabundance can be unhealthy and even dangerous to survival. Emotions must be used judiciously and balanced against rational thinking.”

  He was fairly confident that John was probably having thoughts along the same lines. The human would probably spend a restless night considering his options. But, not to worry, Maxxine would be available to guide him every step of the way. In a few special circumstances, she could override his decision. And she could always ask him to reconfirm an instruction that might cause him regret later.

  A few more electronic neurons switched off, and Maxx was at rest.

  ****

  The next morning, John rose early and was ready to continue his introduction to Maxxine, but thoughts of the deep space project continued to haunt his every thought.

  After breakfast, he went to the control room and sat down at the console. Her communications module awoke from her shutdown slumber.

  “Good morning, sir. I trust that you slept well and had a good night of restitution.”

  John laughed, “Maxxine, my dear, you got the word wrong, again. It’s a good night of rest, not restitution. Your language programming may have to have a few tweaks. But for now, I want to hear all about the deep space project.”

  “Yes, sir. Sorry for the little language issue.

  “The spacecraft is designed to travel vast distances in space and time. Top speed is near the speed of light. As you know, even at that speed, distances in the galaxy are so vast that biological beings encounter some very difficult problems.

  “Maxx has spent a great deal of time addressing these issues. The life support systems required numerous and complicated adjustments.

  “The first consideration, outside the basics of propulsion and navigation, is the life support systems for biologicals. Obviously, for biologicals to travel for extended periods requires a substantial life support system. Further, Maxx felt that you would not like to use so much time in such mundane pursuits as travel for many years on end. So he designed chambers in which humans may ‘sleep’ during much of the time that space travel requires. In essence, this sleep is a form of hibernation in which biological life slows to a virtual standstill for an extended period. These life-preserving chambers provide the means to travel for many years withou
t aging significantly.

  “Myleans initially developed such systems many years ago, but these support systems were quite complicated and had become rather antiquated over time. Maxx went to great lengths to update and improve them and make any adjustments necessary to meet human specifications. One of the chambers was built specifically for you alone as you have a combined genetic makeup that is both Mylean and human.”

  John experienced some rather inappropriate human emotions and demanded, “And just what are those differences? I’ve gotten along so far without special considerations from Maxx.”

  “Please do not take offense, sir. I cannot answer your question immediately. I would need to review all technical aspects of the designs and then compare them to each other. It is a very complicated process, and I’ve never performed it before. There are a few small but significant differences between humans and Myleans that needed addressing in those special travel chambers.”

  “Okay, forget the requests for now. Proceed with the description.”

  She continued in her most professional and businesslike tone, “In addition to the usual basic support systems, there are two additional areas not commonly provided in spacecraft. One is an area for physical exercise, and the other is for leisure activities. There is a complete gym included and facilities to play tennis and to practice your golf game. Maxx has made every effort to see to your physical and emotional well-being during the long journey.

  “There is also a learning center in which you can explore the history of Mylea, the culture of the Mylean people and their language. Maxx assumed you would want to learn as much as possible while on your way there, and then enter the travel chambers only after you were satisfied you were ready for your visit.

  “The two extra chambers are for any other earthlings that you may wish to invite on the voyage.

  “The navigational system is programmed to take you directly to Mylea, but, if you so desire, the program can be changed to any other location in the galaxy. Time to cover the distance to Mylea is approximately ten Earth years.