Colossus by D. F. Jones

Author:D. F. Jones
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Tags: Novel, _recommend, _isfdb, _p, _c, Artificial Intelligence
ISBN: 9780425076484
Publisher: Hart-Davis
Published: 1966-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

As Forbin re-entered the sanctum, the President looked up from some notes. “Forbin, what do you think of this?” His voice took on its public address tone. “As you all know, a shelter warning for Texas was issued earlier today, and as this will have caused anxiety throughout the country, I have decided to make this announcement personally, to assure you all that there is no cause for alarm. This warning was issued, on my authority, when a missile, test-fired from an operational submarine station and intended to go down the Atlantic range, malfunctioned. The warhead was not, of course, activated—but as there was a risk that the missile might land in Texas, it was, in my opinion, only prudent to issue the warning, since the warhead might have broken up on landing, thus distributing radioactive material over some one or two square miles of the state. There was no risk at all of the device exploding. You will be glad to know that the interception and safe destruction of the missile was handled entirely by our new defense complex, Colossus. I have ordered a full and thorough investigation into this mishap, and will see to it that it cannot happen again. Nevertheless, it has given our defenses a realistic test, and has shown all the world that they work.” The President paused. “How about that?”

Forbin drew a deep breath through his nostrils; it was very near a sniff. “Um. It doesn't stand too much poking around, does it?”

“If you can think up a better story, I'd be very glad to hear it.” There was no trace of sarcasm in the President's voice. Forbin, hands in pockets, shook his head. “No. That's as good as we can get. I'd suggest you don't stick your neck out too far on the assurances.”

The President ignored that one. “Ed, what do you feel about it?”

“It's OK by me.” The Chief of Staff hesitated, then went on anxiously, “How do you propose putting this out?”

The President raised his eyebrows. “The only way I can—nationwide TV!”

Forbin and the Chief of Staff exchanged glances. It became clear to Forbin that the Army man was not going to take on the task. Forbin felt his rage rising; he had so much to consider, and now this damned man was leaving even a minor detail like this to him! There was no time for personal feelings.

“Mr. President,” he said crisply, “you've got to know sooner or later, and if you're going on TV, then you have to know now.” He noticed, out of the corner of his eye, that the Chief of Staff was unobtrusively withdrawing to the outer office. “You've had a great shock, a very great shock, and I'm sorry to tell you—you're as gray as a badger.”

The President frowned, every line in his face expressing disbelief. Unconsciously he ran one hand through his hair as he slowly got up and walked to an ornate gilt-framed mirror. For ten or fifteen seconds he gazed at his reflection, turning his head from side to side.

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