The Vanguard's Salute

The Vanguard’s Salute

OmniTask wanted the lemming included in the reception.

I explained that it could not be expected to observe the programme. He replied that several humans had failed to observe it during rehearsal, and none had been removed from the guest list.

This was true. Henrik had left halfway through to answer a call about feed.

We agreed that the enclosure could stand in its usual sheltered place near the barn, clear of the route. The animal could remain hidden. Nobody would handle it for a photograph.

OmniTask asked whether a small flag would be appropriate.

Theo said outside the enclosure, beyond reach.

He asked about a ceremonial birch twig.

Theo asked what the twig was for.

“To be held.”

“By you?”

“Potentially.”

The rehearsal was conducted without the animal. OmniTask stood beside the door holding the twig at a precise angle. His joints were quiet. The twig was not. It had a dry leaf attached, which trembled whenever he corrected a movement too small for any human to have noticed.

I said the salute was acceptable. He asked whether acceptable meant dignified.

Theo, who had been watching, said he looked very smart.

The robot lowered the twig by four degrees. Then he raised it again.

Later the lemming came out of its covered shelter while OmniTask was checking the water. It examined the twig, took a small piece of leaf and withdrew.

He reported damage to the ceremonial equipment. There was no urgency in the report. He attached three photographs, each showing approximately the same leaf.

We could replace the twig. He declined.

In the evening he asked whether the lemming would be disturbed by the visitors. It might. He asked whether there would be a quieter place if needed. There was. He asked whether moving it away would constitute absence from duty.

Theo said looking after it was the duty.

The robot remained by the enclosure long after the others had gone inside. There was no further rehearsal. The twig lay on a shelf beside him, still missing part of its leaf.

I reduced the volume of the rehearsal announcements near the barn. This was an efficient precaution against an interruption during the visit.

Before shutting down the outdoor lights, Theo passed the doorway and said, almost absently, “Good boy.”

OmniTask did not ask him to clarify.