I moved into one of the bedrooms on the second level and began trying to fathom what the owner--or his electronic replica--wanted of me? After rising, showering, and dressing, I followed U-121 to a large commercial kitchen. I opened a humongous freezer and found all sorts of frozen meat. A walk-in refrigerator contained shelves full of eggs, milk and fresh fruit. I grabbed two eggs and found a skittle hanging from a rack. The gas stove worked and I made a breakfast of scrambled eggs. I also drank a glass of milk. What didn’t make sense is how they keep this food stocked when no one is around to consume it. Do they throw it away and replace it with fresh stuff?

After breakfast, U-121 led me down to the lower area and a large lab where the robotic body for George’s brain was being assembled. 

By examining a dated newspaper article sealed under glass, I discovered that the owner’s name is George Talbot. George is the son of a wealthy coal baron, Alfred W. Talbot, who had become eccentric which is what they call a crazy person with money, after he had inherited his father’s fortune,. I couldn’t fathom how George had managed to save his brain in a computer. Maybe all of this advanced technology is the product of a demented mind.

“Where is this computer that you’re memories are stored in?”

“Follow U-121, please.”

It was soon obvious that none of these robotic devices were actually operating independently. They were simply radio-controlled machines that George’s computer brain was controlling.

U-121 escorted me to a huge cavern under the house. Inside the cavern was a humongous computer. Row after row of electronic cabinets seven feet high went almost as far as I could see. This had to have cost a bundle.

“This is my brain, Jack Siefert.”

“How is all of this powered?”

“The generator units are capable of powering a city, and there are two backups.” 

This was too much for me to comprehend. The technology was too advanced for me to understand.

“I assume that your brain will control the robotic body using radio transmissions.”

“Yes, Jack Siefert. The body’s sensors will enable me to live a virtual life.”

I see what he meant. His brain is in this computer and it needed the artificial body to mingle with the living, except I am the only living person.

“Why do you need me? You could assemble the robotic body yourself by using your machines.”

“That is true, Jack Siefert, but then I would have no one to talk to.” 

That’s crazy; he wants me to babysit a computer brain.

“I think we had better consider the circumstance we’re in. I have been traveling all over the place in my motorhome and have found no one alive. I visited Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Youngstown, Erie, Pittsburg, Philadelphia and New York. I am the only person alive. I don’t know what happened, but I can’t see what good an automated farm is with no one to appreciate it.”

“You will appreciate it, Jack Siefert.”

“What if this is an invasion? How do we know that the Russians didn’t launch a biological weapon on the United States?”

“If they had, they would have been here by now.”

“Not if they had to wait until the germ they introduced had dissipated.”

“What do you want, Jack Siefert?”

“I want to see if anyone else is alive.”

“I have detected movement in the city.”

“What city? Pittsburg?”

“Yes, Jack Siefert.”

“How did you detect motion?”

“I have sent robot devices there.”

“How long ago?”

“Three days ago.”

“Do you mind if I take a look for myself?" 

“I don’t want you to leave this place, Jack Siefert.”

“I’m not going to leave. This is the only safe haven for thousands of miles. I just want to see if there is anyone else alive . . . and, I also need some supplies.”

“Take the large van, Jack Siefert.”

I was relieved, but I realized that I would be monitored the entire time. I didn’t care.  I had to see for myself.