Program for a Puppet by Roland Perry Read Free Book Online Page B

of the biggest.”
    Graham nodded. “And,” he began, as he frowned and scratched his head, “one of the things I noticed was the rather strong contingent of guards around the palace, and even armed guards on the bus that brought me here. Why is that necessary?”
    Letovsky leaned forward and flicked ash into a tray. “We have top-secret assignments here,” he said.
    â€œLike what?”
    â€œWell, for example, right now we have two clients, both governments, looking for nuclear-power-plant locations. We work out progress on computer to calculate the best location in a country to avoid pollution.”
    Graham nodded as if he accepted the reply. “That leads me to the next question. Could you explain how IOSWOP functions?”
    The question seemed to have relaxed Letovsky. “We work at solving world problems, like the one I mentioned. To solve these important problems, our people need information to work on. Our computer people have devised an excellent system based on three big computers and two smaller ‘minis.’ It allows information to flow from important sources anywhere in the world. If we have a problem, and the data needed to solve it are in some far-off academy, say in Warsaw, our man here can request the data via a terminal connected to a satellite, which in turn is connected to a computer in Warsaw. The data can be bounced to us here.”
    â€œWho is linked into this system?”
    â€œAll major academies funding us.”
    â€œI see,” Graham said thoughtfully.
    The professor plowed on. “The real beauty of our operation is that we transcend national boundaries,” he said haughtily, “but of course, we only suggest solutions. If an institution such as the United Nations likes what we suggest, then pressure might be brought to bear on the problem in a practical way.”
    Graham decided to move on to the topic that would be sure to arouse Letovsky’s suspicions.
    â€œI’d like to change the subject, if I may,” he said. “It is rare that a Western journalist has such an opportunity.”
    â€œWell, I’m afraid we have not much time, Mr. Graham,” Letovsky said. “But please …”
    â€œThank you. At a recent Soviet Party Congress it was announced that the Soviet Union would produce a major new series of computers in a long-term plan. But at your last Congress, there was no mention of its progress. Has it been dropped?”
    There was an almost imperceptible flicker of uncertainty from the professor. But it was there. Leaning back in his chair, he said coldly, “I am not involved in this area, but it was endorsed by the Party. As far as I know, the plan went ahead.”
    â€œThen it is continuing?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œYou are manufacturing all your own equipment?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œHow many computers are involved?”
    Letovsky paused. Until now he had been arrogantly self-assured. Suddenly his manner changed. He shifted in his seat. “I have no idea,” he said slowly. “I said before, Mr. Graham, I am not involved in the planning.”
    Letovsky was on the defensive now, so Graham decided it would be prudent to stop. The Australian closed his notebook and switched off the tape. “Thank you very much, Professor,” he said evenly; “that about covers the questions I had.”
    â€œMay I ask you something, Mr. Graham?” Letovsky said. “Why are you so interested in Soviet computer production?”
    â€œAnything new the Soviet Union produces makes news in the West,” Graham replied nonchalantly.
    â€œI would expect that you will submit your writings to us before they go to press,” Hart said.
    â€œI have a policy, gentlemen,” Graham replied firmly as he stood up. “I always refer back to source if there is any doubt.”
    â€œI would like to see it, please,” Letovsky said firmly, “in any