This is episode twelve of the novel, From Here To 1137.
If you would like to purchase From Here To 1137, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback. Chatting With Brain
After Tom placed the phone down, he went to the back porch, slipped into his work coat, and put on his work boots. He walked out the back door and faced blistering snow and wind. He reached the spot where he last saw the pod.
“I hope nobody has taken her,” Tom said with his head ducked into his coat. “Pod, open the door.”
A door opened to an invisible spacecraft. He stepped inside, and the door closed.
He walked forward and sat in the captain’s chair.
“Brain, can you hear me?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know how much you can read my mind,” Tom said, “but I’m in quite a pickle. And from what Gordon told me, I may have the power to get my brother out of a jam. I tried to read between the lines what Gordon told me. Is it wrong for me to use the powers of you and the pod for my personal problems?”
Brain immediately replied, “Gordon gave to you, me, and the pod to use for good. He did not intend for you to be burdened by problems. You were selected because you would not use it to gather power. You can use it in any way you wish.”
“Suppose I tell you the problem I’m facing, and you can help me,” Tom said.
“Before you begin,” Brain said, “your judgement on this matter will be your judgement. Brain is confident that you will make the right decision without my assistance or advice. However, Brain and all the systems of the pod are available to you.”
Tom told Brain everything he knew. And when finished, he asked, “What do you think, can I use what advantages are available to me to help my brother? Is it fully justified?”
“It is, and I’m ready to assist.”
“Is there any way you can verify my brother's story?”
“A moment, please,” Brain said.
Tom ran his finger through his hair and scratched the back of his head.
In that time, Brain answered. “The story your brother told you is verified. Your brother is in grave danger.
“I want to talk with Frank Grasso, personally,” Tom said.
“My research of Frank Grasso indicates face to face-to-face meetings are admired by him. However, there are dangers.”
“What are they?”
“He is irrational and may order your execution immediately.”
“I’m sure you could calculate the probability…”
Brain interrupted, “He’s irrational. However, the best way to reach him appears to be face-to-face. Additionally, if you were to tell me what you have in mind, I can provide what is needed to carry it out successfully.”
“What is the ultimate successful procedure to successfully assure my brother’s release from his gambling debt?” Tom asked.
“We could arrange for the entire criminal network to be eliminated,” Brain said.
“You mean having them arrested and convicted, all of them, right?” Tom asked.
“Well, that’s one way,” Brain said. “The assured solution I calculated was killing all of them.”
“I can’t have that done,” Tom said.
“I am aware,” Brain said. “I wanted to let you know the full extent of the capabilities available to you.”
“I’m not out to clean up crime in New York City,” Tom said. “Getting involved with the police will only bring attention to me and maybe this pod and you. That may do exactly what Gordon warned against: sending a disturbance that will reverberate beyond this galaxy. And I only want to get my brother out of a jam.”
“If we put our heads together, we can effectively rescue your brother from his dire situation,” Brain said.
“Brain,” Tom said.
“What?”
“You don’t have a head,” Tom informed.
“Of that, I am aware,” Brain said. “I use expressions and idioms to appeal to your folksy Midwest vernacular.”
“Thanks for condescendingly explaining that to me,” Tom said.
“I seem to have hurt your feelings,” Brain said.
“I’m messin’ with you,” Tom said.
“And I with you,” Brain said. “I’ve been programmed for humor. Humor sometimes eases tension and allows for clearer thinking. However, it must be monitored and curbed as needed.”
“I’m sure you’ll sprinkle in just enough and keep me in check,” Tom said.
“It’s what I do,” Brain said.
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