Like most important places, the Govpub Office in Center Four was
underground. I could have taken a tunnelcar more quickly, but it seemed
pleasanter to travel topside. Or maybe I just wanted to put this off a
bit. Think about it. Compose myself.
At the entrance to the Govpub warren there was a big director cyb, a
plate with a speaker and switch. The sign on it said to switch it on
and get close to the speaker and I did.
The cyb's mechanical voice--they never seem to get the "th" sounds
right--said, "This is Branch Four of the Office of Government
Publications. Say, 'Publications,' and/or, 'Information desired,' as
thoroughly and concisely as possible. Use approved voice and standard
phraseology."
Well, simple enough so far. I had always rather prided myself on my
knack for approved voice, those flat, emotionless tones that indicate
efficiency. And I would never forget how to speak Statese. I said,
"Applicant desires all pertinent information relative assignment,
change or amendment of State Serial designations, otherwise generally
referred to as nomenclature."
There was a second's delay while the audio patterns tripped relays and
brought the memory tubes in.
Then the cyb said, "Proceed to Numbering and Identity section. Consult
alphabetical list and diagram on your left for location of same."
"Thanks," I said absent-mindedly.
I started to turn away and the cyb said, "Information on tanks is
military information and classified. State authorization for--"