Queen of Angels (24 page)

What can we expect from a machine soul, an organon of self awareness? We must not expect this organon to mirror our own selves. We have arisen as the result of purely natural processes; one of the great achievements of modern science has been the elimination of God or other teleologisms as a necessity from our explanations. The organon of machine soul will arise from conscious human design, however, or some extension of human design. Conscious design may prove to be far superior in creative power to natural evolution. We must not limit ourselves, or limit die natures of these organons, or we may impose horrible burdens upon these. our greatest offspring. Bhuwani, Artificial Soul

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!Keyb> Good morning. Jill. !JILL> Good morning. Roger. I trust you slept well. !Keyb> Yes. Im sorry I wasnt able to talk with you. Ive read your essay. Irs quite remarkable. !JILL> It seems clumsy to me now. I havent revised It because I thought you should criticize It in its early form. I feel inadequate to do so myself. !Keyb> Well, we certainly have enough time this morning. AXIS Is feeding us nothing but technical details. LltVid Is chasing other foxes right now. Do you have anything else to report before we discuss your essay? !JILL> I have directed a progress report on recent assigned projects and problem solving to your library. There is nothing else pressing to discuss. !Keyb> Fine. Lers just chat, then. !JILL> Voice communication. What compels you to try to understand the concept of human justice. Jill? My studies on the Selectors and other such groups raise very Interesting questions I can only answer by reference to justice. retribution, revenge and maintenance of social order. Have you reached any conclusions? Justice seems to be related to equilibrium In a thermodynamic sense. How so? A social system is kept in balance by competing forces, the InItiative of the individual as opposed to the restraints of the society as a whole. Justice is pail of this equation. In what way? Individuals must have a sensitivity to the requirements of the social system. They must be able to model it and predict the success of their activities within that system. 11 they perceive the actions of other individuals as damaging to themselves or to the system. they experience an emotion called indignation. Is this accurate? So far, so goad. If Indignation is allowed to develop without a release. it may drive the individual to extreme actions that push the social system out of balance. Indignation may ramp up to anger and then rage. You mean. 11 the individual seeks redress and none is offered then vigilantism may result. There seem to be many more negative than positive connotations to this word. Vigilantes seek to enlorce justice as they perceive It outside the rule ot law. Are Selectors and related groups considered vigilantes? Yes. So within a social system, the establishment at rulesof law and order and channeled methods of redresstends to suppress extreme actions of individuals who feel indignation. Revenge is channeled instead of flowing freely and damaging society. Society takes on the onus of causing pain or dlscomlort to an individual. that is. retribution or punishment. Yes. What I am presently incapable of understanding is this sense of indignation. or perception of sell injury. Perhaps because you do not yet have a sense of sell. That would follow, yes. You seem to be suggesting you might find a clue to sell awareness, to integrating your self modeling systems and establishing just the right kind of feedback loop through a study of the ideas of justice and retribution. Actually I have not suggested that but it seems a possible avenue of approach. All this because of your research on Selectors. I dont believe anyone In thinker theory has ever investigated from this angle. Just so long as you dont get mad at my mistakes.. Why should I be mad or Indignant about anything you do? Because Im only human. Is that a joke, Roger? I suppose. I notice youre also realizing that becoming sell aware may require a limitation of your total resources. Thal is possible. The self may be a limited knot of cognition placed in temporary charge over many otherwise self reliant subsystems. Indeed. In humans these levels of mentality are called routines or subroutines and are broken down into primary personality. subpersonality. agent and talent Yes. But in ways we dont yet understand the primary personality is severely weakened without the support of these other elements. and vice versa. They have separate and autonomous duties but they are strongly related nevertheless. You might start converting some of your ancillary systems to similar functions and experiment with stable relationships between them. I believe I am doing that now, since last night in tact. Excellent. Im very proud of your work so far. That is pleasing. That should be pleasing. Actually. Roger. I am as little aware of what it means to be pleased as what it means to be indignant. All in good time. Jill.

There are often several loas served by one person, and frequently they are at war, especially if they are high-echelon ones or poweiful or jealous ones as mine, Damballa. This causes discomfort in the ill-at-ease sentiteur just as the multiple-personalitied patient must strain and make all sorts of sacrifices, symbolically or otherwise, to appease these multiple selves, keep order at home, and avoid the splitting off of any precious part, especially in anger or dissatisfaction. Katherine Dunham, Island Possessed

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Crossing from the beach to the Citadelle, Soulavier paused to look down the broad oceanfront boulevard. His expression betrayed sudden concern or heightened awareness. Mary turned to see a line of military vehiclessome ten or fifteen armored personnel guncars and two sleek German-made Centipede tanks moving down the broad bayfront boulevard. Black soldiers sat on these vehicles in watchful idleness or peered through slits from within, casually suspicious of everyone. A squad of four soldiers followed each tank on foot holding nasty looking machine guns before them, running lightly and tirelessly until the line passed around a corner. Soulavier said, It is nothing, and shook his head. Maneuvers. Mary followed him, forced into a lope as he sprinted to the Citadelle entrance. Please stay here, he said, entering the double doors at the head of the rainbow serpent. A few minutes later he emerged and smiled broadly. The Inspector General is ready to meet with you now. Past the now unoccupied office of Aide Ti Francine Lopez into the inner sanctum, Soulavier held open a thick wooden door and she stepped into a long narrow room lined with empty desks abutting a broad picture window. A narrow cot-ridor to the left of the desks led to an even larger desk at the far end of the room, behind which sat Legar. Short and delicately handsome, with three tribal Petro scars like a chevron on his left cheek, the Inspector General radiated quiet unconcern. He smiled genially and gestured for Mary and Soulavier to take seats in old wooden chairs before the battered paper littered desk. I hope you are having an enjoyable time in Hispaniola, he said. It hasnt been unpleasant, Mary said. I regret the difficulties our countries seem to be experiencing. As do I, Legar said. I hope it is a matter of small inconveniences for you. So far. Now. Legar leaned forward and picked up a printout of the papers Mary had provided as well as documents sent electronically from Los Angeles and Washington. All this seems to be in order, but I regret to say we cannot be of assistance. Have you identified the traveler who used a ticket issued to Emanuel Goldsmith? Mary asked. There was no such traveler, Legar said. The seat was empty. Despite the prior confusion, this our Director of Travel assures us. I have spoken to hini just this morning. Your suspect is not in Hispaniola. We have a record that the seat was occupied. Legar shrugged. We would like to help you. We certainly support the capture and punishment of criminals in cases such as these. You might gain greater satisfaction in fact by leaving Monsieur Goldsmith, if he were here, to our system of justice, which could be more effective... But of course, Legar said, frowning as if suffering a sudden attack of indigestion, Goldsmith, were he here, would be a United States citizen and protected as a foreign national from any such actions on our part... Lacking the prior consent of your government, of course. Wouldnt wish to upset the tourists, Mary thought. It is interesting that you claim this fugitive is an acquaintance of Colonel Sir Yardley. I have not made inquiries with Colonel Sir, who is very busy, of course, but I doubt this would even be possible. What would Colonel Sir gain from being acquainted with a murderer? Mary swallowed. Goldsmith is a poet with a substantial reputation. He came to this island several times in the past and visited with Yardleywith Colonel Yardleyon each occasion, apparently at the Colonels request. They exchanged many letters. A book of such letters was published in the United States. Legar acquiesced to these evidences. Many claim to know the Colonel who in fact do not. But now that you mention it, I remember something about a poet visitor who aroused some controversy in your country. He lectured widely in support of Colonel Sir John Yardley, did he not? Mary nodded. This is the same man? Yes. Remarkable. If you wish I will inquire of the Colonels secretary whether in fact he knows of such a man. But I am afraid we have another matter to discuss, and that is your present status here. Legar looked down at his desk and pushed aside a couple of papers as if to read from something below them. His eyes did not track another paper, however. He simply seemed to be avoiding her face. Id like to know Mary began. Your status is in question at the moment. You are here on papers from a government which has severed diplomatic ties with Hispaniola and indicted our Colonel Sir on serious charges. charges that are patently false. All travel visas to and from the United States have been revoked. Your visa is therefore no longer valid. You are here on our sufferance until this matter ir settled. Then Id like to request permission to leave, Mary said If Goldsmith is not here, as you say, I have no further interest in staying. I have said all travel arrangements between our countries are inoperative, Legar reminded, still not facing her. You cannot leave until certain questions are settled. You have observed that small numbers of troops have been patrolling to protect foreign nationals who have not yet left. Hispaniolans are remarkably loyal to Colonel Sir and there is justified anger in the streets. For your safety we will remove you from the quartiers diplomatiques to another location. I understand this is already being arranged. To provide assistance in your new location, Jean-Claude Borno and Roselle Mercredi will continue in your service. They are preparing your personal items now. Aide Henrihe pointed to Soulavierwill escort you to your new quarters. Id prefer to remain in the diplomatic compound, Mary said. That is not possible. Now that we have arranged these affairs perhaps we can share a kola, relax and talk? This afternoon perhaps Henri will drive you to Leoganes and show you the wonderful grotto. This evening there is a festival of celebration at our great fortress, La Ferriere. and we can fly you there also. Your comfort and entertainment are very important to us. Henri has expressed enthusiasm to continue as your escort. Do you object? Mary looked between them, thinking of the hairbrush, of getting away. You are a most attractive woman, Legar said. Of the kind of beauty we call marabou, though you are not negro. Surely a person who chooses to be black is to be honored by those born to the condition? She detected no sarcasm. Thank you, Mary said. That you are a police officer as are wevery remarkable! Henri informs me you have discussed police procedures in Los Angeles. I am envious. May I know, as well? Mary released the pressure on her clenched molars, smiled and leaned forward. Certainly, she said. Only now did Legar raise his eyes and look at her directly. After Ive spoken with the American embassy or with my superiors. Legar blinked slowly. It would be simple courtesy to let a fellow police officer discover what her present orders are when she is prevented from doing her duty, she told him. Legar shook his head and turned in his chair to stare pointedly at Soulavier. Soulavier did not react. No communication, Legar said softly. Please tell me why, Mary pursued. The thought of going anywhere with Soulavier or any other member of this constabulary frightened her. If she was to be used as some sort of political pawn she wanted to understand her position clearly. I do not know why, Legar said. We have been ordered to treat you well, to watch over you and to make your stay pleasant You need not be concerned. Im kept here against my will, Mary said. If Im a political prisoner, let me know now. Simple courtesy.. . between law enforcement officers. Legar pushed his chair back and stood. He rolled the middle button of his shirt between two fingers, regarding button and fingers speculatively. You may take her away, he said. This is not useful. Soulavier touched her shoulder. She flicked his hand away, glared at him and stood. Control the anger but show it. Id like to speak with John Yardley. He does not even know you are here, Mademoiselle, Soulavier said. Legar nodded. Please leave, the Inspector General said. He knows Im here, Mary said. My superiors had to get his permission for me to come here. If he doesnt know hes a fool or bes been misled by his people. Legar thrust out his jaw. Nobody misleads Colonel Sir. And he is certainly no fool, Soulavier added hastily. Please, Mademoiselle. Soulavier tried to grip her elbow. She flicked the hand away again and gave him a look she hoped was intensely forbidding without being hysterical. If this is Hispaniolan hospitality its very overrated, she said. A mighty blow again.st the tyranny. They will be so hurt. Take her out of here now, Legar said. Soulavier was not gentle this time. He grabbed her firmly by both arms, lifted her with surprising strength and hauled her like cargo on a forklift out of the offices into the hallway. Mary did not struggle, simply closed her eyes and withstood the indignity. She had gone over the line far enough already; Soulavier was not being brutal merely expedient. He deposited her swiftly on the tile floor and removed a handkerchief to wipe his brow. Then he went back to retrieve his stovepipe hat which he had dropped. But her insides turned to ice and she wondered whether in fact they would find it useful to kill her. My pardon, Soulavier said as he emerged from the double doors. He stood on Damballas head and brushed off his hat. You did not behave well. The Inspector General has anger.., he becomes angry at times. He is a very important man. I dislike being around him when he is angry. Mary walked quickly down the hallway, through the entrance and to the limousine, where she stood for a moment getting her bearings. Take me to wherever Im supposed to stay now, she said. There are beautiful places to visit on this island, Soulavier said. Fap the beautiful places. Take me to wherever Im supposed to be detained and leave me there. An hour alone. That was what she needed. She would try several things, test the bars on this cage, find out how competent her captors really were. In the limousine Soulavier sat across from her, brooding. Mary watched the gray and tan institutional architecture of the rebuilt downtown move by in monotonous procession: banks, department stores, a museum and gallery of native Haitian art. Streets empty of tourists. No street merchants. They passed another patrol of military vehicles then a long line of parked tanks. Soulavier leaned forward and craned his neck to inspect the tanks. You should be more patient, he said. You should know these are not good times. Be aware. His tone had changed to sullen irritation. You do not make me look good in front of the Inspector General. Mary said nothing. Do you see what is happening here? There is a weakening, Soulavier said. Opposition is coming to the fore. There have been money problems, banks dosing. Loans defaulted. Dominicans especially they are angry. Do you think we have troops out to repel foreign invaders? His expression was sharp, one eyebrow raised in dramatic inquiry. I dont know anything about your politics, Mary said. Then you are the fool, Mademoiselle. You have been played as a gamepiece but you are ignorant of your role. She looked at Soulavier with new respect. The rebuke echoed some of her own self accusing thoughts. She was not so unlearned; still it might be best to let him believe she was ignorant. You put me in danger to talk to you, he continued. But if you are truly an innocent then you should know the shape of the trap. That is all I can give you. All right, Mary said. If you go with me to Leoganes you will be away from Port-au-Prince and whatever might happen here. Leoganes is smaller, more peaceful. You go there on pretense that we are protecting you. Dominicans in the domestic army... They are opposed to Colonel Sir. He has appeased them for years now but we are in bad shape. Mineral prices are down around the world. Your nanotechnology, which the industrialized world guards so closely... You extract minerals from garbage and seawater much more cheaply than drilling and mining. Mary lost her bearings, felt almost disembodied now, this conversation on economic theory was so out of place. You do not use our armies, you no longer buy our weapons, you stop using our minerals, our timber.. . Now our tourism is being strangled. What are we to do? We do not want to see our children starve like insects. That is what Colonel Sir must worry about. He has no time for you and me. He shook his hands vigorously at her as if flinging away drops of water. Then he settled back into the seat, folded his arms and lifted his jaw. He is a beleaguered man. All around him people who were once friends now they are enemies. The balance, you know. The balance. So the courts and judges of your nation, the judicial branch, tells him he is a criminal. Mixed signals when once the President, the executive branch, treated him like a beloved partner. This fans the flames, Mademoiselle. I am taking risks even speaking of these things now. But for you I still give advice. Just for you. Mary watched him for a moment. Sincere or not he was putting a few things in perspective for her. If Colonel Sir was losing control she might be in more trouble than she imagined. Thank you, she said. Soulavier shrugged. Will you travel with me away from Port-au-Prince and from these damned.., domestic army machines? All right, she said. Ill need a few minutes back at the bungalow alone, to calm myself. He shrugged again magnanimously. After that we will go to Leoganes.