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Robots working on those levels were already struggling to seal off the leak. Others all over the city were coordinating evacuation efforts for the humans. MC Governor was about to request the details of those efforts when he was interrupted from outside the simulation program.

“City computer calling Mojave Center Governor with a Priority 8 emergency.”

MC Governor shut off the simulation and inserted his finger into the wall jack again to shield his communication. “MC Governor here. Report the emergency.”

“Flooding is reported on the main level over Antelope Valley Boulevard. At this time, the Priority 8 emergency is estimated to be thirty-seven minutes from reaching a Priority 9 level without additional measures.”

“What is the cause of the flooding?”

“The circulation of water was routed incorrectly through the city. Too much water was directed to the problem area, and the increased pressure burst two main valves simultaneously.”

“Why was the water routed incorrectly?”

“The orders came from you.”

“Are all standard emergency procedures under way?”

“Affirmative. The most critical is that all drainage systems are open to the maximum.”

MC Governor quickly broke the connection and ran outside. The scene was similar to that of the simulation, though not identical. Not as much water was running down the boulevard; it was only half a meter deep, but many more people were running for the escalators and sliding ramps, yelling to each other. MC Governor was horrified; somehow, he had allowed his involvement with the simulation to influence his multi-tasking ability. Unwittingly, he had begun to create the flood in the simulation, putting humans at risk in violation of the First Law of Robotics.

He waded into the water, snatched up two children who had been knocked off their feet by the current, and carried them to the nearest rising slide ramp.

“City computer,” he radioed. “What is the status of the broken valves now?”

“A robot maintenance team has shut off the water flow manually at the preceding valves. The broken valves are not yet under replacement.”

Around MC Governor, people were still in danger. The shallow water would not drown anyone in the areas where it had flowed into gentle backwaters, but the current was powerful enough to knock people down. If they were injured, they might drown even in shallow water. Other robots were already wading through the water, carrying people to safety.

A short, balding man with frizzy gray hair had lost his footing. Though sitting in water that was not over his head, he was clinging to the bumper of a small utility vehicle, unable to pull himself up against the force of the current. He pulled himself toward the bumper, tried to gain traction with his feet, and was knocked down again. This time he lost his grip and was rolled roughly down the boulevard.

MC Governor waded quickly to the man and lifted him up. He was an engineer named Max Eisen, to whom MC Governor had spoken briefly before. As MC Governor carried him, Eisen coughed and wheezed, but was breathing. In several long strides, MC Governor returned to the ramp, where he set the man down in a sitting position. Then he looked around again.

“Over there,” Max wheezed, pointing.

A young woman with curly orange hair had jumped up onto the pedestal next to an abstract stone sculpture. She was looking doubtfully at the water swirling around the base of the pedestal. As MC Governor hurried toward her, the pedestal tilted from the imbalance her weight caused. Water flowed under its raised edge, pushing it over.

The young woman gasped as she was thrown through the air. The stone sculpture began to slide off its pedestal in the same direction. Before she hit the water, however, MC Governor managed to catch her and swing her out of the way. In the spot where she would have struck the water, the stone sculpture splashed and then cracked against the hard floor beneath it.

“You are safe now,” said MC Governor, carrying her back to the ramp to join Max.

The water was slowing down quickly now. With the broken pipes turned off and the drainage open to the maximum, the emergency was passing. Up and down the boulevard, robots were helping humans to safety and seeing to their injuries if they had sustained any.

“Elaine,” said Max. “I would like to introduce you to Mojave Center Governor, the robot who runs our city.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Elaine smiled gratefully, brushing her orange hair out of her face. “And thank you.”

“I may not deserve thanks,” MC Governor said grimly. “I should never have allowed this to happen.”

Internally, he radioed the water system monitors again. They all reported good drainage. Then he called the city computer. “Are you aware of any immediate First Law imperatives that are not being addressed?”

“No.”

“Compile total damage estimates, including human casualties, and relay them to me as soon as they are reasonably complete. Prioritize repairs according to safety factors.” He was very worried that his lapse had caused humans to be injured or worse.

“Acknowledged,” said the city computer.

Then MC Governor reviewed the power monitors and turned the electricity back on in all the branches of the system that were undamaged.

“Elaine just moved here,” said Max. “I’m afraid this wasn’t a very good introduction, Elaine, but Mojave Center really promises to be a good place to live.”

MC Governor towered over Max as he looked down at him. “Do you need medical care? Either of you?”

“I’m okay,” said Elaine, looking up at him with wide-eyed wonder. “Thanks to you and the First Law of Robotics.”

“I twisted my ankle,” said Max, shifting his weight. “I don’t think it’s too serious, but maybe it should be looked at.”

“Of course.”

“We shouldn’t keep you,” said Elaine. “I’m sure you should be in contact with all your subordinates.”

“I am,” said MC Governor. “My multi-tasking ability allows me to make contacts and decisions even as we speak.” He lifted Max gently and began walking up the ramp. “Max, I will take you to the nearest first aid station.”

“Okay.”

Elaine walked with them. “Can I ask you another question? Why are you so gigantic?”

Max laughed.

“Actually, I am a gestalt robot. I am comprised of six robots, both in body and in mind.”

“What?” She cocked her head to one side, puzzled. “You mean you can divide into six smaller robots?”

“Yes, that is right.” MC Governor smiled. “The reason I am this big is that I can divide into six robots of rather small human stature, slender and short.”

“But what for? Why not just make one big one, like you are, if that’s what the city needs?”

“In the event of certain types of large-scale emergencies, I can divide into my component robots so that each can move directly to a different site to manage damage control.”

“Makes sense to me,” said Max. “Right, Elaine?”

“Yes, I see. But what about your brain, Governor? Does it segment somehow?”

“No, not physically.” MC Governor was amused at the thought. “Their positronic brains are physically distinct from mine, of course, but right now all six are merging data with mine to create my own personality. In order to divide, I will have to allow each latent personality to separate and take control over its data as well as its own body.”

“I’m impressed,” said Elaine. “And a little confused. I never heard of anything like this-that is, a robot like you.”

“He represents the new cutting edge in municipal robotics,” said Max. “I read all about him. And this very moment, even as he speaks to us, he’s also monitoring all the energy consumption, security matters, engineering functions, and anything else you can think of regarding the city.”