***Different format command string…something new…decryption required multiple processor cycles…command was to power up propulsors and exit containment***

  Winger said, “ANAD, that wasn’t me. Somehow, Symborg or whatever that bag of bugs was got into your config manager and main processor…run diagnostic self-checks now…full suite.”

  ANAD complied. Winger watched the results scrolling on the tiny screen on his wristpad. To see better, he ported the display to his eye viewer:

  Core memory—OK

  Buffers—OK

  Config translator—OK

  Power cells—OK

  Propulsors—OK

  Sensors—OK

  Actuators—OK

  Winger studied the results of the self-check. “Nothing out of the ordinary. ANAD, looks like you’re ready to rock and roll.”