Man in a Sewing Machine
By L. J. STECHER, JR.
Illustrated by EMSH
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Galaxy Science Fiction February 1956.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
With the Solar Confederation being invaded,
all this exasperating computer could offer
for a defense was a ridiculous old proverb!
The mechanical voice spoke solemnly, as befitted the importance of itsmessage. There was no trace in its accent of its artificial origin. "AStitch in Time Saves Nine," it said and lapsed into silence.
Even through his overwhelming sense of frustration at the ambiguousanswer the computer had given to his question, John Bristol noticedwith satisfaction the success of his Voder installation. He wished thatall of his innovations with the machine were as satisfying.
Alone in the tremendous vaulted room that housed the giganticcalculator, Bristol clasped his hands behind his back and thrustforward a reasonably strong chin and a somewhat sensuous lower lipin the general direction of the computer's visual receptors. Aftera moment of silence, he scratched his chin and then shrugged hisshoulders slightly. "Well, Buster, I suppose I might try rephrasing thequestion," he said doubtfully.
Somewhere deep within the computer, a bank of relays chuckled briefly."That expedient is open to you, of course, although it is highlyunlikely that any clarification will result for you from my answers. Iam constrained, however, to answer any questions you may choose to ask."
Bristol hooked a chair toward himself with one foot, straddled it andfolded his arms over the back of it, without once removing his eyesfrom the computer. "All right, Buster. I'll give it a try, anyway. Whatdoes 'A Stitch in Time' mean, as applied to the question I asked you?"
The calculator hesitated, as if to ponder briefly, before it answered."In spite of the low probability of such an occurrence, the SolarConfederation has been invaded. My answer to your question is anexplanation of how that Confederation can be preserved in spite of itsweaknesses—at least for a sufficient length of time to permit thestaging of successful counter-measures of the proper nature and theproper strength."
Bristol nodded. "Sure. We've got to have time to get ready. But rightnow speed is necessary. That's why I tried to phrase the question soyou'd give me a clear and concise answer for once. I can't afford tospend weeks figuring out what you meant."
Bristol thought that the Voder voice of Buster sounded almost gleefulas it answered. "It was exceedingly clear and concise; a completeanswer to an enormously elaborate question boiled down to only sixwords!"
"I know," said John. "But now, how about elaborating on your answer? Itdidn't sound very complete to me."
All of the glowing lights that dotted Buster's massive front winkedsimultaneously. "The answer I gave you is an ancient saying whichsuggests that corrective action taken rapidly can save a great deal oftrouble later. The ancient saying also suggests the proper method oftaking this timely action. It should be done by stitching; if this isdone in time, nine will be saved. What could be clearer than that?"
"I made you myself," said Bristol plaintively. "I designed you with myown brain. I gloated over the neatness and compactness of your design.So help me, I was proud of you. I even installed some of your circuitrywith my ow