The Buccaneer Chronicles:
Vampire Mutations
By Karen Dunn (Despite Interference by Keith Dunn, Andy Simpkins, Adam J Purcell and Tony Gallichan)
Chapter Fourteen - The Computer
“Password”
"I have seen Macfadyan argue with the Ship when it fails to live up to his expectations. I have seen Captain Curtis thump the food machine when it serves him egg salad instead of the requested tea and crumpets. I have seen Blanche glare at the console when it beeps at her and makes her jump. I have seen all these things and heard them all say the same thing with varying degrees of venom but this is the first time I have ever understood what 'bloody machine' means.”
* You are familiar with me - a password is unnecessary. *
“Password”
Cre'at sighed and wasted a valuable second meeting the machine's request.
“Greetings, Cre'at”
* Greetings. I require your assistance. *
“Ready.”
* Three point seven two kilometres to the east is a Ship. You must make contact. *
“Done.”
* Excellent. *
“It is a very rude machine.”
* I am aware of this. *
“Why would a construction of such high quality use a term such as 'butt out'?”
* My apologies - Blanche has become fond of American soap operas and some of the terms have corrupted the Ship's vocal systems *
“You should repair it - it is most unbecoming.”
* I shall endeavour to do so. *
“Acceptable.”
* Are you able to access the Ship's defence systems? *
“A password is required.”
Cre'at sighed: * The password is 'fluffy'. *
“In what way?”
* You misunderstand. The password is 'fluffy'. *
“But...”
* Just tell it 'fluffy'! *
“Access granted. You should also repair the password generator. Such misunderstandings could prove troublesome.”
* I am aware of this, also. I shall suggest changes. *
“Also acceptable. Instructions?”
* A forcefield is required. It must cover the area from the Ship to include the town. It must exceed the height of the trees. Maximum strength. *
“Done.”
* Excellent. Maintain the forcefield until otherwise instructed. *
“Naturally.”
* Bloody machine... *
Leaving the Psych-comp to its task, Cre'at left the house and zipped back through the trees towards the town.
***
