Back to Zeb..

“Here is the CPU you wanted.” Zeb says, handing you a device the size of an audio cassette box. “The parts you procured were a big help.”

“That was fast.” You remark accepting the device and examining the various connectors.

“You realize that our pursuers are going to trace the parts.” Zeb says.

“They already know we’re here.” you say. “That puts us at a disadvantage. It’s hard to get a lock on any of the minds within the installation, but I can sort of ride with someone just as they’re going in and switch to someone else already in the installation if the one I’m with maintains eye contact long enough. I can’t actually DO anything from there, except watch, but it’s more than they’re giving me credit for. I’ve learned that they know you’re here and on our side, and their engineers are scanning your schematics for a weakness they can turn into a weapon.”

“I figured they’d catch up to me eventually.” Zeb sighs. “If there are any mechanical weaknesses in my design to be exploited, however, I fail to see them.”

“That may be the problem.” You say, extending your consciousness to scan Zebulon’s programming. “I thought so. Your programming is set up to maintain a schizophrenic separation between your digital consciousness and your built-in self-diagnostic subroutines. They’re set up to warn you of damage, but prevent you from examining yourself and correcting built-in weaknesses.”

“I still cannot fathom how you know this.” Zebulon says.

“I’ll explain it some time. Right now though...” You furrow your brow. Zeb’s body twitches convulsively as detrimental aspects of his program are altered. When the young machine finally picks himself up off the ground, he feels more...self-aware, than before. “There, now. Physician, heal thyself. I’ve got work to do.”

“Thank you.” Zebulon says, beaming with joy. “You have no idea what a gift you’ve just given me!”

“Go on, kid.” You grumble, levitating the disassembled/reassembled helicopters across the little lot until they are sitting next to Marie’s car.