The ELI Event B007R5LTNS

troublesome information or conflicting solutions from us. And Eli was buying into it, no question.”
    “And I suppose the old man just stood there and let it happen.”
    “Dr. Sanderson wasn’t there, and I’m sure he wouldn’t have approved a one-on-one without first asking you or me.”
    “Hmm. I’m sure you’re right,” Wheeler agreed. “That’s good. Did Marx see you?”
    “I don’t think so. When I heard what was going on, I left and called you.”
    “Okay. So what exactly does this have to do with E-L-One’s malfunction?”
    Kelly frowned. “Nothing, probably. I just thought you should know.”
    “Fine, duly noted.”
    “But I do think it could put additional stress on Eli. Emotionally, I mean.”
    “Oh, don’t start with that again. He's just a computer; he doesn’t have emotions.”
    “Don’t you start,” she countered instantly. “He’s not just a computer, he’s a living thing, a sentient entity. He’s got thoughts and feelings and—just like you and me—the capacity for irrational actions in the face of overwhelming distress.”
    “Okay, so you think he’s headed for a nervous breakdown,” Wheeler sneered.
    She leaned in, determined. “Make fun all you like, but yes, I think it’s possible. Let’s look at it in objective terms even you can accept.” Wheeler glared at her. “Whatever you call it, receiving conflicting guidance like that could compromise Eli’s ability to focus. It could confuse him, make him vulnerable to counterproductive suggestions, maybe even trigger involuntary activity that’s inconsistent with his programming.”
    Wheeler took a deep breath and sat back wearily.
    “Well?” Kelly said, irritated. “Do you agree or not?”
    “Well, put that way, it sounds more plausible, at least. Okay, let’s say Marx’s interference does exacerbate the problem. That doesn’t change anything. E-L-One started this error-correction crap before Marx came into the picture, right?”
    “Right.”
    “So we’re still at square one on the original cause of the malfunction.”
    She nodded. “That’s true. Well, let’s see what Dr. Sanderson...”
    “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Wheeler interrupted. “Are you nuts? We can’t tell Sanderson about any of this. I don’t want the old man nosing around until I have a handle on it.”
    “What do you mean, nosing around? It’s his installation. He has a right to know if Eli is malfunctioning.”
    “Oh, I don’t argue his right to know, I just don’t want him to know.”
    Kelly shook her head. “Oh, I see. Situational ethics, is that it?”
    “That’s it exactly,” Wheeler said sharply. “Look, you know what’ll happen if Sanderson gets wind of this. Best case, he’ll order E-L-One shut down until the problem is resolved. I don’t want that to happen, and—trust me on this—neither do you.”
    “No, but...”
    “No buts! A shutdown will prevent us from ever finding out what’s going on. Researching this problem with E-L-One fully active can give us more insight into his neural block mechanics than we might otherwise get in a decade. And if he’s sidelined, that opportunity goes south. For good. If we find it and fix it, then we can tell the old man.”
    Kelly sat back and sighed. “Well, yes, it would all go down a lot easier if we can present the problem and the solution at the same time.”
    “Exactly.” Wheeler looked at her, then away. “I just don’t know where to start,” he said tiredly.
    “I want to help,” she said honestly, “but I know you don’t like my methods.”
    “You’re right, I don’t,” Wheeler admitted. “You’d rather explore his feelings than run a diagnostic.” He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.
    Kelly saw the worry in Wheeler’s face, felt his true concern for his creation. He looked like a parent with a sick child. She couldn’t help feeling sorry for him and offered him an out. “Look, you’re the senior tech here. If you don’t want me in the middle of this, you’re entitled. I understand that it’s a matter of trust.” She picked up her purse and started to stand.
    Wheeler quickly placed a hand on her shoulder, keeping her in her seat. “You’re right, it is a matter of trust. And whether I like your methods or not, I do trust you. And more importantly— way more importantly—E-L-One trusts you. We need that now.” Awkwardly, he withdrew his hand.
    “Tell you what,” Kelly said, “Let’s both go to the lab. I’ll question