The Advent Of Smouse - Chapter 16 - The Test
Welcome to chapter 16 of The Advent of Smouse, 'The Test'. In this chapter, Smouse, with Sam's help, tests his temporary solution for saving Martin Black's computers. This is a story, half-fantasy, half-reality, that uses non-violence as the solution and offers insights into creating a harmonious life.
Transcript
Yes,
We're back again with the Adventist mouse.
Chapter 16 The Test Next morning,
After much persuasion,
Perry and Ex convince their father to let them go to the office with him and Sam.
Sam arrives right on time,
His laptop and sound gear safely stowed in a backpack.
He tells them that Tamari has been working half the night,
Preparing the software,
And hopes to have it ready later in the morning.
It's decided that just Smouse will go with them.
He can communicate with Mentor if necessary.
She wants to return to the space orb to update Ag and Angelica.
When they arrive at the office,
All the regular Melbourne workers are back in place.
Those who had been ousted for the previous days are still disgruntled about their displacement.
They regard the odd collection of children and animals with annoyance and disparaging remarks.
They are surprised when their boss,
Instead of berating them as he usually would,
Appeals to them to indulge him and request that they get ready to test the computers.
They are to wait until he gives the go-ahead before they boot them up.
They drift off to join the rest of the team who are already standing by.
Ignoring them,
Smouse,
Perry and X watch as Sam sets up his equipment.
He manipulates the complex digital audio workstation program on his laptop,
Balancing his music and sounds of nature.
He places a small cylindrical Bluetooth speaker in a discreet central position.
When he's happy with the results,
He gives a nod to Martin Black,
Who signals to his operators to fire up.
Anxiously,
They sit back to watch.
As before,
Some computers work perfectly.
A few fade in and out.
The familiar red zigzag line is already appearing on the screens of the machines that are operated by the same guys as before.
Two computers crash,
A third fails,
And then a fourth and a fifth.
Angry voices start to rise as several more fail.
It's time to implement Smouse's plan.
He nods to Sam,
Who turns on the speaker.
The group listens intently.
At first,
There is no obvious sound,
But the more they focus,
The greater is their sense of music,
Of the sounds of nature.
The office atmosphere gradually begins to settle.
Operators look about them with bemused expressions as one computer reboots,
And then another,
Until all computers are back online.
Those that had been fading in and out are fully active.
Even the agro workers can feel the sense of calm that flows through the office.
Perry,
Anx,
And Sam exchange high fives.
Martin Black smiles and heaves a huge sigh of relief.
He can't hear anything,
And he doesn't understand how it works.
But it works,
And he accepts that.
He vigorously shakes Sam's hand and thanks him over and over again for rescuing his business.
Sam assures him that Tamari's silent installation software will simulate the same effect and will need to be incorporated within the computer's installation programs.
It will be hidden and silent and a temporary solution until other permanent changes are made.
It will be activated as soon as the computer is connected to the internet.
Until then,
They think it will be safe from Madrobe.
Sam promises to leave his gear in place in the office as long as it is needed,
And he'll now set up a similar system in the store so that the display models will work with anyone.
He'll also place a copy in Dropbox with instructions so that all the stores can download it and play it over their intercom systems.
Time is now of the essence.
Once Sam sets up his sound system in the store and Tamari finalizes the software,
Martin Black needs to ensure that his managers are informed and everything is in place before the Friday launch of his new computers.
It will require some time to implement,
And there's only a day to do it in.
After consulting with Daniel,
The group heads to the main store where Sam,
As a precaution,
Using his iPad and another Bluetooth speaker,
Sets up the same sound system.
There are only a few demonstration models,
And they seem to be working okay.
It is only when this is done and they are ready to leave that they realize Mouse is no longer with them.
None of the group remembers him leaving,
And Perry and X start to look for him.
But impatient to get back to see how Tamari is progressing,
Martin Black insists they get moving.
Perry and X hesitate for only a moment as they remember Mouse's ability to appear and disappear.
Either with Sam,
They dash after their father,
Who is already heading for the car.
Meanwhile,
Mouse is back in the space orb with Mentor.
He had left the office as soon as he knew his plan was successful.
After delivering the good news,
He and Mentor are in deep discussion with Ag and Angelica.
The concern now is how Madrobe,
Who can't break through the barrier of beauty,
Harmony and tranquility,
Will react when he discovers that he no longer has access to the black computer systems.
He'll be absolutely furious that he's been thwarted.
The retribution could be instant and physical,
Harnessing the damaging elements of nature,
Or slow and undermining,
Spreading corruption and disruption through the fear and greed of man.
Ag begs Mentor and Mouse to be on full alert after the launch.
He promises to enlist the help of the citizens of Imperium to counter any reaction.
Angelica has the communication network already in action.
Mouse and Mentor promise to update them as soon as anything new happens.
They sign off.
There's little they can do before Friday morning.
It's all up to Sam,
To Mari and Martin Black to set everything in place.
Mentor has a premonition that there could be really serious repercussions when the launch is a success.
So before leaving the space orb,
She suggests they take extra communications equipment and supplies with them.
They take their time and make sure the space orb is safe and secure before returning to the family room in the Black's home.
Where they find to Mari explaining to Martin Black in detail the necessary steps to incorporate her software into the installation programs.
Skilled as he is in computer programming and the internet,
Martin Black is blown away by the depth of her knowledge,
Inventiveness and technical expertise.
When she's sure he has absorbed it all,
She hands him a small super speed USB device.
He thanks her profusely,
Gives a nod of acknowledgement to Mouse and Mentor and hastily departs for his office,
Remembering to warn his wife who has just come into the room that he may be home very late.
Friday is looming closer and closer.
As her husband's car roars out of the drive,
Vera Black spontaneously embraces to Mari and pets Mentor before picking up Smouse and collapsing into the nearest chair.
Where would we be without you all?
She gives Smouse a huge kiss.
He blushes.
Mentor nestles into her legs,
Embarrassed by the display of affection to Mari laughs and sits opposite her.
It is going to be all right,
Isn't it?
Vera Black's voice betrays her doubt.
To Mari,
Mentor and Smouse assure her as one.
Of course,
They take turns in convincing her that all will be well.
In that case,
She declares,
On Saturday,
I'm inviting you all to dinner.
That's Smouse and Mentor and you and all your family to Mari.
Please extend the invitation to your parents,
Sam and Bubbles.
That'll be lovely,
Thank you.
As to Mari stands to take her leave,
Mentor nudges Vera Black in the knee.
She looks down at her quizzically before raising her eyebrows and adding,
And Raz,
Of course.
To Mari gives Mentor a quick smile and promises to bring Raz.
And once again,
That's the end of the chapter.
And I'll be back next time with Chapter 17.
5.0 (10)
Recent Reviews
Cathy
February 2, 2021
Music & nature have always been my happy place. Thank you for another wonderful chapter.