Page 35 - Extraterrestrials, Foreign and Domestic

Globe Rentals

planets, including ours. In that case, the outer layer of the holon,
about a third of its storage, is a three-dimensional map of a larger
spherical shell, about fourteen zombillion bits of data. The map is
obtained by long-range scanners on probe vessels hired by the
holon makers. Inside it is a smaller sphere, containing all the
software necessary to make sense of the outer shell: search
modules, logical reconstructors, the raw computing power to
present the holon user with any conceivable view of the data he
could ever desire, answer any question, examine alternative
outcomes, construct new entities from basic building blocks, and
so on.”
Kithlumer lumbered over to a holon unit and dropped the globe
into its receptacle. Instantly the image of a scholarly individual
appeared in the space between the viewer and the device.
“Science Globe Productions welcomes you, my cohort,” came a
disembodied voice synchronized with the hologram; “may your
nest be free of vermin. Please indicate your preference: basic laws
of physics; advanced topics in nuclear fusion; sub-atomic particles
and solar genesis; stochastic analysis of galactic—”
The hologram vanished as Felnox ejected the globe. “Yes, it’s all
there: cycles and cycles of education, entertainment, and
edification. Would you like to take another globe, too?”
“Hold on, there,” growled Kithlumer. “How much does it
cost?”
The salesperson gave the impression of performing mental
calculations. “Well, as I said, with our special offer, only fifteen
ninety-five. A very clean price. And you can keep the globe for
three cycles.”
Kithlumer bounced on his pedal extremities. “That’s more than
I had in mind to spend. I thought these things were much cheaper
to rent; what can it cost to mass-produce a holon?”
Felnox spoke as if this objection had been raised by previous
customers. “Ah, the manufacture is not expensive, my cohort; it’s
the sophisticated equipment and highly-skilled labor required to
scan and analyze a complete sphere of activity that makes the
globe an object worthy of the most discriminating taste in the
most hygienic nests.”

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