The Slabs: Going Live

As we proceed with Rome's review of the contents of the slabs in the beginning of The Ark Lords, we find that the content of each slab shapes Rome's reaction. It starts with definitive proof that MINIMCOM can decode the slabs. Rome thinks she understands the concept of what is on them but seeing them for the first time has a profound impact:

     The onboard display snapped into place with an outline of English terms. Rome was able to read Paleobotany, Paleozoology and Paleontology on the screen. Within each term was a series of notations describing the eras in which the data was collected.
     “I can read that,” Rome said happily. “I think you have it.”
     “Yes,” replied OMCOM. “You can download the contents now. I will integrate and organize after getting the raw data dump.”
     “Downloading,” MINIMCOM said. The onboard screen started flashing with words, diagrams, images, charts, virtually any and every way data could be organized.
     “There is a large quantity of data here,” MINIMCOM observed. “Even for a mind as great as OMCOM’s, it will actually take a measurable interval to download it all.”
     “Take your time,” Rome said. “We are in no hurry. It is only important that he receives the data intact and in a systematic fashion.”
     The download took about five minutes. “I am ready for the next one,” OMCOM said. His statement was underscored by the screen going dark.
     Rome carefully removed the first slab and set it on the floor. She picked up the next one, labeled “Volume 2 – Cosmology, Astronomy, Astro-geophysics.” She slid it into the rectangular reader and instantly, MINIMCOM’s central display lit up. Stunning photographs of the stars and distant galaxies appeared. Charts, white papers, animations, all flashed by at dazzling speed. Even though Rome was no longer connected to the Overmind, she remembered enough to know that this volume dwarfed the information the Vuduri had acquired regarding the construction of the universe, solar systems and so on. Her eyes widened and she sat back in her seat. Something was happening in her brain, something she could not explain. Suddenly random facts about the universe were fitting together like pieces in a puzzle.
     “OMCOM, can you talk while you are downloading?” Rome directed to the grille. Her voice was raspy.

Tomorrow, Rome's Revelation. Hey, that sounds like it could be a book in this series, huh?