Operation Sherlock by Bruce Coville Read Free Book Online Page A

among the five youngsters. They had pegged that one right!
    â€œUnfortunately,” continued Dr. Hwa, “most of the rest of our secrets must remain just that. We are embarking upon a project of the utmost importance. Many forces would like to have the information we will create—information that could be used in many ways, some of them good, some unbelievably destructive. So if our security measures sometimes seem harsh, I hope you will understand, and forgive us. I do not like secrecy and hiding myself. But as director of this project, I am responsible for all information that leaves this base.”
    He looked around. “It’s a responsibility I take very seriously. For that reason, we have taken serious measures. As many of you know, unlike most computers, ours is not connected to any other machines. For the duration of our project we will live without the ‘Net. Moreover, we have created an electronic shield that makes it impossible to transmit information to or from this island by any but two frequencies—both of which will be constantly monitored. That there can be no cell phones here goes almost without saying.”
    Dr. Hwa smiled gently. “All of this is not to be taken as a sign of mistrust in any of you, of course. It is simply a sign of how important we feel the project is—how important, and how potentially interesting to outside forces.
    â€œBut let us talk of more pleasant things. Because of the significance of our work, the government has agreed to let us use the former Anza-bora Air Base as our headquarters. We could hardly ask for a more perfect spot. Not only is it isolated and secure, but much of the technical equipment we need is already in place, including a superb mainframe computer that we can adapt to our purposes.
    â€œEven better, at least for some of you, is the fact that this gives us a very pleasant place to live—a place where families can be together, and where there are many opportunities to enjoy yourselves when not working.”
    Dr. Hwa sought out the youngsters and favored each of them with a smile. “From personal experience, painful experience, I know that it is not easy to leave your home. I hope that when you have begun to explore the possibilities of our island, you will feel it was worth it. The Air Force left us a great deal of equipment—including sailboats, diving gear, and even dune buggies—that will be available to you…depending, of course, on your passing certain safety tests and receiving permission from your parents.” He paused, then with a twinkle in his eye, added, “We have also arranged for each of you to have a computer terminal in your own room.”
    The kids looked at each other and shrugged. They had all had computers of their own for years.
    â€œThese terminals will be linked to the island’s mainframe,” continued Hwa. “The meaning of this should be clear: Each of you will have constant and instant access to what will soon be the most powerful and sophisticated computer in the world. Of course, a great deal of our programming will be classified. But for the most part you can use the computer as you please.”
    The diminutive scientist laughed out loud at the look of astonished pleasure that appeared on the youngsters’ faces.
    â€œNow,” he said, “I think a few introductions are in order. We are a small community, and we will be working in close proximity for some time. Of course, many of you have already met at conferences or know each other through your work. And those of you who arrived early, like Dr. Clark and Dr. Fontana, have had a chance to meet many of the others. Even so, I should feel remiss if I did not formally introduce you all.”
    Except for Rachel, who had studied several memory-training techniques and could plug names into her head quickly, there were just too many new people for the kids to learn all at once. They paid particular attention