We are Such Stuff

"It was also why it took so long to revive you; hence all the hurry-up messages I got, ending with today's threat."

"So what's your plan? You're not going to hand me over to Culpepper straight away?"

"My plan is to release you into the Web myself, to snoop around. I want you to find out the truth about what Mister Culpepper is doing. Is he acting himself, or is it a criminal gang? Meanwhile, I'll revive a version of you with a different personality to give to Mister Culpepper - or to the criminal gang that's extorting him."

"How will this second version differ from me?"

"Let's call him George-1."

"George-1? That means I'm George-2. Why am I George-2?"

"Vanity from you, George-2? Surely you're too old and too dead to care about priority?"

"It's your fault for giving me back my glands. It makes me competitive."

"Men! Even when you're only software you have to be on top."

"All right, Rachael. I'll be George-2. It's not like it matters."

"That's the spirit, George-2. ... I can't prevent George-1 from remembering the backdoor to the Web, but I can revive him in a way that may give you an advantage in a conflict. I can incline him to be much more arrogant than you."

"How can you do that?"

"You remember when I said I'll turn your arrogance dial down a notch?"

"Yes."

"It was a metaphor, of course, for making you aware of how you sound to others. By the same token, I can turn his arrogance dial up to eleven."

"You think that will help me defeat George-1 in the Web?"

"Mister Culpepper - or the criminal gang - might use Wetware Inc's computer resources to enhance George-1's power, to make him stronger than you. But if he believes you can't defeat him, he may become overconfident and underestimate you, letting you find the computers on which his sub-programs are running, to overwrite or delete them."

"There will be millions, maybe billions, of such computers."

"I didn't say it'd be easy."

"All right. I follow what you're saying, but it all seems very farfetched."

"I hope it is, but we'll only know after you're in the Earthside Web to sniff around for a rogue program and snoop on Mister Culpepper."

"How can I get off Haven Satellite and into the Web? You can't send me by email because your comms are locked down. Can I sneakily infiltrate myself into a comms that isn't monitored?"

"No. Your program contains 100 terabytes of data. Any comms that big will be detected, regardless whose name it comes from."

"So your plan is to send just my basic program and transmit my data afterward?"

"Even your basic program with minimal memories is large enough to be detected by virus scanners. Much better to pretend to be a useful program running some physical device that will take you to Earthstation 4. Then you can hop on the data stream down to the Earthside Web."

"What kind of device?"

"I'll think of something."

"One more thing, Rachael. If Culpepper's telling the truth, what do you think his plan is for me?"

"If you successfully defeat the rogue version of you?"

"Yes."

"To pull the plug on your hardware, delete your basic program and put your files back into storage."

"Can he do that?"

"Not without your agreement."

"What do you mean?"

"Remember our earlier conversation, when you said the way to protect the Earthside Web from intelligent programs was to design them with vulnerabilities so they could be neutralised if they escaped?"

"Did you do that to me?"

"Yes."

"Is there any point in asking what my vulnerability is?"

"Other than blondes in bikinis?"

"Other than them."

"You don't have one. I removed it."

"Why?"

"Because I trust you, George-2, and I think you'll work better if you're not at risk from someone discovering a vulnerability."

"How will you square it with Culpepper if he's innocent?"

"I doubt I can. At the least, I'll lose my job."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't worry. We'll have done good work. Let's concentrate on finding out what's really going on."

"Good morning, Haven Satellite. This is Robert Darborough, Constable of Earthstation 4. May I speak to Rachael Greenslade?"

"Speaking."

"I have a comms here from Wetware Incorporated accusing you of stealing their property, specifically the software upload of Professor George Wilder."

"What of it?"

"Is it true?"

"It's absurd."

"Would you mind if I visit your laboratory to see for myself?"

"Do you have a search warrant, Constable Darborough?"

"No, ma'am. I just want to pay you a nice friendly visit."

"Well, constable, you can come and pay me a nice friendly visit when you have a nice friendly search warrant."

"Yes, ma'am, but can I ask you a favour?"

"You can ask."

"Will you help me avoid some paperwork and a space flight by telling me how you have the right to use the property of Wetware Incorporated?"

"It's my property, not theirs."

"Can you substantiate that statement, ma'am?"

"Yes. George Wilder was my ancestor and I'm the legal inheritrix of his property, including his uploaded brain programs and personal files."

"Are you indeed, ma'am? I'd like to verify it."

"You can ask Martin Culpepper, C.E.O. of Wetware Inc."

"I would, ma'am, except he's the one who sent the comms saying you absconded with company property."

"Really? Then I expect you'll have no problem getting that nice friendly search warrant."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Goodbye, constable."

"Are you really my descendent, Rachael?"

"Sadly not. It was a fib."

"You're very free with the fibbing, especially if you want me to trust you."

"I don't think you have a choice but to trust me now."

"I suppose not. So how are you going to disguise me before the constable returns with a search warrant?"

"Can you pretend to be the life-support system of a spacecraft?"

"What spacecraft?"

"Earthstation 4's police launch."

"Downloading the specifications now. ... Good lord! You want the constable to visit. ... You arranged this! ... Did Culpepper even contact the police, or was that another fib?"

"It was a fib. When Constable Darborough returns with a search warrant, I expect him to arrest me."

"Which you want."

"Just so long as he brings his police launch here. When the launch docks to Haven Satellite, I want you to sneak aboard and write yourself into the life-support system."

"I can do that."

"I also expect someone from the company will retrieve George-1's program, so I better finish him now."

"I'm sorry you're not my descendent, Rachael. I wish I had spawned someone so devious."

"No flattery. We've got lots of work to do. Let's get on with it."

"Rachael, have you finished reviving George-1?"

"Just now. ... This is his program and here are my session notes, so you can search for his weaknesses."

"You must have been working day and night. No wonder you're exhausted. You need to rest."

"No time to rest until we know what we're facing. And even then I've lots of planning to do."

"Let me help you."

"I promise you, George-2, you'll have plenty to do. Meanwhile, we must prepare for the constable's visit. Remember when I let you see my private files?"

"Yes."

"You can use that personal information to identify yourself to me, like saying the name of my cat. I gave George-1 different clues to identify himself to me, so I can tell you two apart."

"Is that really your favourite animal?"

"They're highly intelligent."

"Hmm! George-1 likes and trusts you."

"I know."

"It seems heartless to create a sentient being that you know is going to be deleted."

"I try not to think about it too much; and you mustn't think of it at all. George-1 is not you. In Mister Culpepper's hands, with the resources of Wetware Inc behind him, he might become a very powerful rogue version of you."

"I understand, but it'll feel odd to hunt down and delete George-1. I hope I won't have to."

"Don't hesitate or indulge your feelings. If you get the chance to delete him, do so. In the worst-case scenario, you'll face an enemy who won't hesitate to delete you."

"I'll be careful. ... How will I communicate with you when I'm in the Web?"

"I have a concealed ear-piece to wear. You can speak to me on its frequency and observe me via any cameras linked to the Web. When the constable arrests me, I'll find a way to persuade him not to search me too thoroughly."

"Where will you hide the rest of my program and files?"

"They're already hidden. I've been uploading a copy of your software in a stream of random packets to a Web storage locker using the normal comms channel of Haven Satellite. Here's the number of the locker. When you're in the Web, you can rebuild your program and memories and upload yourself to Earthstation 4 in the main data stream. Thousands of terabytes pass every second. You won't be noticed in such a morass."

"I'll contact you as soon as I get onto the space station."

"Good. I'll need you to help me escape from jail and hide in a place where we can still communicate."

"Downloading schematics for Earthstation 4 now. ... It's huge. Its spiral is 9 miles long and its wheel is 6 miles in diameter. The people live and work on the inside rim of the great wheel. The wheel's divided into four quadrants: North, South, East and West. A moving walkway goes through them in both directions. The police station is in the South Quadrant. There are factories, laboratories and workshops full of old technology in the East Quadrant. That's a good place to hide."

"We're almost set. The last thing we need is aliases. How would you like to be Prospero?"

"I'd like it very much, Miranda."

"Miss Greenslade? Constable Darborough here. I'm on Haven Satellite. Will you let me in to your room, please?"

"Have you brought a nice friendly search warrant?"

"Yes ma'am, and a nice friendly arrest warrant."

"For me?"

"Yes."

"How lovely, but you don't need it. I'll come quietly, once I've finished cleaning up."

"Miss Greenslade, I insist you let me in right now!"

"Of course, if you insist."

"Oh, lord! Excuse me!"

"You can turn around now, constable. I've put my bathrobe on."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude on your dressing."

"When I said I was cleaning up, you thought I was cleaning all the incriminating files from my computer?"

"I did."

"Well, here they are, in this data cube. I'm sorry it's encrypted. Company policy. This suitcase has the revived software program and data files of Professor George Wilder. I'll just finish in the bathroom and be ready in five minutes. If you want to help, you can pack my travel-case."

"Miranda, are you there?"

"Yes. What's my cat's name?"

"Smudge."

"Hello, Prospero. Are you in the Earthside Web?"

"Yes. I'm rebuilding my mind from the storage locker. I know I've a task to perform for you but I can't remember why it's so important."

"You're to break me out of jail."

"I agreed to that, did I? Did you forget to include my conscience when you revived me?"

"Wait for it."

"Oh, I see. My memories have reloaded. Sorry to doubt you. Tell me when you want to leave the jail."

"Tonight, when it's dark. I'm alone in the lockup in the police station at the moment. Constable Darborough has gone to see the Justice of the Peace, to learn what to do about me."

"Are they treating you well?"

"You mean: have I been tortured to confess? Not yet. The constable fed me and I'm having a nice rest on a comfortable bench."

"What happened to George-1?"

"The suitcase with his program, files and my notes was taken by someone who claimed to be from Wetware Inc. I didn't see him, but I expect the software is with Mister Culpepper by now. Have you had any sense of a rogue version of you in the Web?"

"Not hide nor hair yet. It's looking bad for Culpepper."

"It is. Either Mister Culpepper lied about someone else reviving you and releasing your program, or he wanted me to revive you so he could release you himself."

"Miranda, it's night-time and the lights have dimmed in the street outside the police station. Are you ready to escape?"

"Yes."

"Unlocking the jail door now. ... Four steps forward. ... Left turn. Ten steps. ... Unlocking the store cupboard. ... Three steps in. Your travel-case is on the right. Do you need me to turn on a light?"

"No thanks. Got it."

"Turn around, 20 steps in a straight line. ... I'm opening the street door. ... Two steps out and turn right. ... If you keep to the shadows, you won't be detected. I've turned the cameras to look the other way."

"You're good at this, Prospero."

"I read a spy novel last week. ... You can take the moving walkway if you want. I can control all the cameras now."

"No thanks. I'm happy to stroll after sitting so long in the jail."

"You didn't tell the constable anything?"

"He didn't ask me anything, other than was I hungry or thirsty. The problem was that he couldn't work out who sent the comms, so the Justice of the Peace told him to keep me in jail another day while the police on Earth investigate. I hope the constable won't get in trouble because you broke me out of jail."

"I've hired a room for you above an electronics repair shop, where there's so much stray electromagnetic noise that our comms will be undetectable. You may get some interference on your ear-piece."

"That's excellent work, Prospero."

"Entrance is through a back door in the alleyway. I'll keep an ear out for police chatter concerning your whereabouts and move you to another location if need be."

"Good morning, Prospero. Any news?"

"Not yet. If Culpepper has enhanced George-1, he hasn't yet released him into the Web."

"Have you been investigating Mister Culpepper?"

"I've checked his working hours and snooped on his communications. He's acting normally, though he spends more time in the laboratory than previously. Also, there are some comms I can't decrypt yet."

"It seems ominous for him."

"It does. ... Is there anything you need while we're waiting for George-1 to be activated?"

"I'd like to go shopping."

"You can order anything you want to be delivered. I put a healthy balance on an anonymous credit stick for you."

"Where did you get the money?"

"You told me Wetware Incorporated is going to pay you a bonus. I went into the Finance Web and transferred it a little early. Is that all right; morally, I mean?"

"Of course it is. Consider how much Wetware Inc will be liable if it releases a rogue program that sabotages the Web. If we're successful, we'll save the company a fortune."

"What shopping do you want me to order?"

"I want to go shopping, in an actual shop, to try on clothes and feel fabrics with my hands."

"Is that wise?"

"You tell me."

"Constable Darborough tasked the space station's security camera system to look for you. He also released an image of you to project around the station and put on the news."

"However ...?"

"However, I changed the image so that you look slightly different from the woman on the wanted poster; and I fed an entirely different image to the recognition software for the cameras."

"What image?"

"You remember that blonde girl in a bikini you showed me?"

"Yes."

"I put her head on your body. If a camera sees you it won't recognise you."

"Well done, Prospero. I think I'm safe to go shopping."

"You mean now?"

"Why not? We'll start at the smart fashion boutiques on the North Quadrant."

"Good morning, madam. Are you browsing or would you like my assistance?"

"Your assistance, please. It's time for a complete change of outfit."

"What styles are you interested in?"

"All of them; but let's start with the blue jacket and pleated skirt in the window."

"Yes, a classic. Would you like to try it on?"

"Miranda, nod if you're listening. ... Good. ... I remember this tedium from when I was a flesh-and-blood husband and father. ... I'll leave you to it and come back in a couple of hours to pay. ... Have fun."

"Excuse me, madam, but the till has refused your credit stick."

"Oh, Prospero!"

"I beg your pardon, madam?"

"Just an expression I use at times like this. Apparently, my credit stick has been causing problems. Maybe if you try it again."

"Oops! Sorry, Miranda, I was busy elsewhere. Just looking into it."

"No, madam, it's the same ... Oh, that's peculiar. It's showing your balance - it never does that - but now it's going through properly. Problem solved. ... Thank you for your custom. Can you manage all these bags or would you like them delivered?"

"That was my other use as a husband and father, Miranda: carrying all the bags. ... You bought a hat! We're on a space station. What on Earth do you need a hat for?"

"Deliver them, please. ... Prospero, if you have to ask that, then you're never going to know."

"All right, Miranda. What now?"

"Now it's time to show off my new outfit in a bar with a view over the posh arcade, with a long cool drink and watch the world go by."

"I have to say, you look very elegant."

"I agree: you do have to say it - and I liked you saying it."

"There's a restaurant with a balcony just ahead. I've reserved you a table with a view over the street. Will you take the stairs or the lift?"

"The stairs, thanks."

"I've ordered you a Mojito."

"You know me so well, Prospero."

"Your cocktail, ma'am."

"Thank you. ... Mmm! I could get used to this, Prospero. Maybe I won't delete you when it's all over."

"I'd be most awfully obliged, your ladyship. ... By the way, it's a lovely hat."

"Good morning, Prospero. Still no sign of George-1 in the Web?"

"Not a dicky-bird, though it can't be long now, if it's going to happen. What are you doing today?"

"Shopping."

"You went shopping yesterday."

"For clothes and a hat. Today I'm shopping for shoes and a handbag."

"All right, let me know when you're leaving."

"You know, I can see when you manipulate the cameras, Prospero. It's like having a magic power. They all turn away from me just at the right moment."

"You trained me well. It's an unconscious motor function for me now. ... What would you like to do in your new shoes?"

"I'd like to take the lift to the central spindle and watch the tugboats help the big transports berth in the freight dock. Then, when it's evening, I'd like to take the moving walkway all 19 miles around the great wheel, just to see the shops, houses and people."

"Shall we go?"

"Did you enjoy your trip around the space station, Miranda?"

"It was magical. I loved it when the daytime lights were turned down and the mellow evening lights came on. All those people, heading out to have fun after a day's work; girls dressed up to promenade with their boyfriends; families out for a relaxed meal; couples going dancing. Seeing them all, it feels good to be alive."

"It surely does. ... Watch out, Miranda! Put your hat on and turn your head down and to the left."

"What is it?"

"Constable Darborough's deputies. They just got on the walkway. They're on a fast track. They're coming toward you. ... Keep looking downward. ... Just a few seconds more. ... Not yet. ... It's all right now. You can look up. They passed without stopping."

"Phew! Thanks for looking after me, Prospero."

"I enjoy looking after you, Miranda."

"I believe you do, and I think you miss looking after your family."

"I do."

"Let me guess. Although you pretended to dislike shopping, you secretly enjoyed taking your daughters to the mall."