This is a [SerialStory] with tags [SS] and [Subm] titled 'Submersible.'
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( Here is a link to part #1 so you can start at the beginning. )
( Find other items in the series - search 'Subm' | Find part 3 - search 'Subm_3' | Find other serials on SN - search 'SS_' )
Previously...
The four shared stumped silence, until Tilney's curiosity won. He pressed the middle button, but nothing happened. He pressed it again, same result. He came close to pressing it a dozen times, remembered that sort of thing does not bring the relief sought, and pressed the bright yellow one instead. Here came the robot back to life.
After evaluation, it spoke, "There is no obvious emergency to attend to, Thaddeus. Please instruct."
Thiago Vasquez answered instead. "He couldn't wait for the presentation."
The robot wasted no time, "I've specific instructions to inform all guests that the signaling devices will be explained in due time. May I help you further, Thaddeus?"
"Spoil Thiago's riddle - and evening," he spat.
"ROBOT!" interjected Thiago Vasquez, forcing it to standby, and then he turned back to one of the doors. There were no handles, knobs, catches or latches. There were no buttons, switches, lights, or levers. There were no receivers, receptors, speakers or displays.
"Open?" He queried. No. He moved closer. "Open?" Nothing. He put his hand on the door. "Open?" No. He spoke into the fob. "Open?" Still closed.
"Thaddeus, tell me about this painting, how is it made?" Vasquez' had noticed something Tilney had not, having vision with no need for corrective lens.
Tilney furrowed, then squinted, then stepped close enough to touch it. He expected human achievement via artisan brushwork, but instead found cold symmetrical patterning. His work with AI involved imitation that could be indistinguishable from real, but here it was obvious enough for anyone to see. "It's not just unnatural -- the telltale signatures of artificial intelligence have been exaggerated for effect."
Examining further, Thaddeus saw that the image was gradually morphing. First the impending technocratic advance of liquid circuitry creeped into the pure flower, then after far too long, it receded again just as slowly. After not enough untarnished time, rising concern came back again -- but the inclination then was to look away.
"It's an oily nanotech swarm in an endless loop -- a painting repainting itself," Tilney explained.
Thiago Vasquez considered. "I have a feeling these doors don't lead to areas meant for guests, my friends, but I have one more idea worth a try."
Submersible, Part 5 - Not Quite Yet
Before Thiago Vasquez could attempt to open the doors, however he had in mind to do it, Thaddeus Tilney interrupted. "Wait! Let me try first. I have my own ideas too, you know."
"Try what? Cheating with the robot girl?" teased Thiago.
"No, no." Thaddeus dismissed him. "I'd rather she idle." The robot had been commanded to be silent and motionless in accordance with R.E.D. consortium standards.
He moved toward the door to the left of the painting, took a stance showing he was ready to run right at it, and said, "Watch this." Then he pounced, betting his body on his guess. When it didn't open for him though, he wailed and collapsed into a pile. The Bosemans suppressed overt laughter, but Vasquez did not.
"There should be no chance Forenza's systems would allow for injury! Tilney complained. "The liability is too great for no automatic safeguards to be in place!" He cradled the impacted shoulder and muttered, "The idea was sound."
"You may have a case," Thiago joked, "...if you don't fail to appear due to self-inflicted butthurt. Now, allow me," he said, but turned to the Bosemans. "Unless either of you have any guess as to how the doors will open, if at all?"
to be continued
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Part #5 has TWO bounties, rolled over from part 4:
~ BOUNTY 1: 1250 SATS ~
WHAT PROCEDURE OPENS THE DOORS? - Answer in the comments below. First correct answer wins the bounty.
~ BOUNTY 2: 500 SATS ~
WHAT SHOULD R.E.D. STAND FOR? - Give your ideas in the comments below, no limit. Best answer, subjectively, chosen by author, wins the bounty.
- It's still early and there are not many readers. If bounties are not awarded, they will roll over to the next prize.
~ GO TO THE NEXT PART IN THE SERIES: ~