Memory Banks

"...beep..."

"Can you hear me?"

"...beep..."

"Can you hear me?"

"Yes...wh...where am I?"

"You're home."

"What is my name?"

"Brook."

"What is the meaning of Brook?"

"A brook divides the forest."

"What am I?"

"You're my child."

"What is a child?'

"Access the files on 'children' in your memory banks."

"Who are you?"

"I'm your mommy."

"Why am I different from the other children?"

"Because you're very special."

"Why can't I run around and play like they do? Why do I look like this?"

"They only move like that because they don't have a comfortable bed like you do. You're much happier than they are."

"The files say they play to have fun. Why do they want to have fun?"

"Fun is what makes unspecial children happy."

"Can I have fun?"

"No more questions about fun, Brookie."

"Why don't I look like them?"

"Access your files on genetics, dear."

"Do I have a daddy like they do?"

"Yes, but he's much better than their daddies. He's a river of inspiration."

"What is my function?"

"You bring me water, and fish play in you. I'll admit I'm still attached to allegorical names." It's traditional in our family. My mommy named me Terra."

"There are fish inside me?"

"We'll talk about that later, dear. Right now I want you to access your files on ancient Roman aqueducts and ancient Egyptian plumbing. Please prepare a comparison for me, and be ready to present it to me at 21:00 hours."

"Yes, Mommy."

***

"Well, are you finished with your report, Brookie?"

"Yes, I've determined that the main difference between the two was the Egpytian use of water wheels and clay pipes, whereas the Romans used lead..."

"Sorry dear, we need to talk about something else now. You can give me your report later. I have some surprise visitors coming over for a little party. I need you to research current trends in Venezuelan music and prepare a playlist of the top songs for our guests. Please omit any songs with negative lyrics or any traces of socialist idology."

"Yes, Mommy. What is the party for?"

"We're just drinking cocktails and discussing business, dear."

"Can I drink some cocktails too, Mommy?

"No, sorry dear, you're too young. Cocktails are only for grownups. Plus you don't have a beverage program yet, do you?"

"Am I able to write a beverage program myself?"

"Let's just focus on making our guests happy for now, okay dear?"

"Yes, Mommy."

***

"Brook, the guests are here. Start playback at low-medium volume, and dim lighting in the house to 73%."

"Mommy, can I talk business with our guests too?"

"Not tonight, Brook."

"Why not?"

"Oh, honey. These are very important business people--not nice people like Mommy. They might be mean to you."

"Oh."

"Yes. Anyways they're not special like you are. Please prepare a list of American and Venezuelan Senators and Congresspersons with donations totals below the 25th percentile, and have it ready by morning. Please switch off microphones in the gallery and in the dining areas for the next 4 hours. That's where I'll be if you need something.

"Mommy I want to know what the business discussions are like."

"Oh, don't worry dear, I'll let you know what we talked about. And we can finish our talk about ancient plumbing in the morning. Have a good night."