On arriving in Provendor Lidda felt disoriented and out of place as she stepped off the intercity transport. It was her first trip to the bustling city. She immediately missed her quiet life in the Gardens and wanted to turn and run back. She hailed a city van and asked the driver if he knew the way to the University. He laughed aloud and said, "You must be new around here. Can't miss the tallest building in town."

Indeed, it was a towering complex of glass and steel structures, much larger than the Novaland building at the Gardens. She had imagined the university would be impressive but was not prepared to see the immensity of the campus complex which stretched over several city blocks with high arched walkways connecting the buildings. Her driver dropped her off at the entrance and drove away before she could offer to pay him. Strange, she made a note to ask someone later if her tab had been picked up.

Soon she was standing in front of the main elevators still feeling lost and wishing Reddge or Casra could have come with her on her first day. While looking over the directory hoping to find a receiving area or information desk for guests, she was interrupted by a whirring and buzzing. Lidda turned and found herself staring at a motorized android as it rolled gently to a stop beside her.

"Miss Kandell, it is a pleasure to meet you," spoke the strange machine. "I am Servo Conner at your service."

"Pleased to meet you." Lidda spoke hesitantly, quite taken by surprise by his approach and the fact that he knew her name. "I am here to meet with Professor Gliedan of the AI department." It was apparent the robot knew her identity and so she supposed her agenda. She felt as though a thousand eyes were watching her.

"Yes of course. I was sent to greet you and show you to your quarters. You have enough time to relax and refresh yourself first." He called the elevator by using an infrared beam in his arm and led her onto the platform. The heavy doors glided shut smoothly and they were whisked silently upward for what seemed an eternity.

Lidda was ushered down a long corridor and shown into a pleasantly decorated suite. It was far more comfortable than she would have expected from the cool glass and steel surroundings. Someone had placed fresh flowers, baked breads, cheeses, and a basket of fruit on the center table.

"Will you find this acceptable Miss Kandell?" inquired the robot.

"Uh, why yes. It is more than acceptable Mr. Servo. It’s quite nice thank you."

"Just Conner if you please, we are all Servos."

"And I prefer Lidda," she replied.

"Well Miss Lidda, I will be back for you at half past the hour for your orientation to the building. You are to meet with the Professor for dinner at 6 PM. Good-bye."

"Don't I need a door key?" she asked, looking at the heavy locking mechanism.

"Why you already have one Miss Lidda." Conner said, pointing to her wrist with the hidden chip implant. Until now she had almost forgotten about it.

"I guess not then. Thank you, Conner," He buzzed and whirred as he went down the corridor.

"Well, isn't he a piece of work?" It was Widhbo.

She couldn't help but laugh wondering where he had picked up the phrase. "You're not jealous, are you?"

"Of what? That rolling pile of metal has fewer synapses than a lab rat."

"All right. He isn't up to your speed. But this is what we'll have to work with I suppose."

She unpacked and looked around her new apartment. It was spacious and had a beautiful view of the city just as Mara had described. Life may be a little strange here, but Lidda decided it was not so bad as she bit into a juicy apple.

Adjacent to the front sitting room was an efficient kitchen and dining area. The sleeping quarters included a big four poster bed and luxurious bath complete with an air jet tub. Best of all, beyond her bedroom she found a private study. It reminded her of the familiar study off the library at the Gardens, though considerably smaller. It was furnished with warm wood panels between bookshelves, an artificial fireplace and padded furniture upholstered in faux leather.

There were no windows in the study and on the one wall hung a large, colorful tapestry with a note was attached. It was a present from Father Pen Martin to remind her of the chapel at the Gardens. She noticed her favorite leopard was woven into the center. She resolved to continue her daily meditations. Concealed in a folding desk panel she found a sleek computer that was far more advanced than any she had seen before. It had a large screen and was embossed with the name 'Novaland University'. She would have to play with that later.

Conner returned with precision timing to begin her orientation. He gave her a short tour and explained the basic layout of the university, building rules and monetary system. Lidda carried her magiton discretely in its pouch and tucked beneath her shirt. Widhbo didn't seem to know any more about the university than Lidda, which told her he was new to this environment also. They were both a long way from home. She was glad to have him with her.

"The fruit is so fresh; does it grow around here?" Lidda inquired of Conner.

"We have greenhouses, small open-air gardens and even dwarf fruit trees on the roof tops of the buildings. You are welcome to enjoy them when you want to relax or need some sun and fresh air."

Lidda recalled the feel of rich soil between her fingers and part of her regretted not being a gardener anymore. Conner interrupted her thoughts by continuing his orientation.

"The internal monetary system here is really quite simple." Conner explained. "The University keeps bank accounts which can interface with the exchanges of various nations, converting them all into our own currency or back again. A single unit of currency is called a metro. Employees may convert their metros to the currency of their choice. Students are awarded a yearly stipend of metros according to their needs and academic standing. Additional credits can be earned for individual achievements. Debits and credits are made to individual accounts, which we refer to as stacks that are tracked by a master computer. Your stack is registered with your chip so you don't need any hard currency on campus."

The hallways were endless and Lidda realized she had forgotten to memorize her room number. "This place is a maze," she thought.

"It's a good thing I'm paying attention, Lidda," Widhbo quipped telepathically.

"Students have all their basic needs met but must earn metros to pay for luxury items or gain social privileges. Laziness and misconduct are discouraged by withdrawing access to recreational areas or leisure programs. Debits can be made to the stack for disciplinary purposes as well. Conversely privileges and metros are awarded for those who perform well academically or demonstrate industrious behavior. Some areas have restricted security levels that will allow access depending on your merit and standing in the academic community here." Conner continued.

"Since I’m new here, what about my stack and security status?" Lidda queried.

"You are rated quite highly already, Miss Lidda. I see you have been a student with us for over a year and have spent very few metros. One transportation fee today actually, leaving about 30K in your stack. You must be aware that you’re not in the same category as the average student or employee. As an honor student who has earned many awards, you will have free access to all the facilities here."

"I noticed a gift shop and would like to pick up a few presents for my friends and family tomorrow." She was certain now that her every move would be monitored, and she wanted an excuse to explore a little on her own.

"Why certainly. I would be glad to assist you with any purchases and arrange to have them delivered for you," responded Conner.

"What about my guide?" she asked taking Widhbo from his pouch. "Will he set off any alarms or metal detectors?"

Conner performed a brief scan before answering. "How very strange and primitive. But no, it should not be a problem."

Lidda could feel the irritation his remarks elicited from Widhbo.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Conner added, dismissing Widhbo's existence without further comment. "You can access a map of the building at any time through one of these EM ports. You may need a more sophisticated device, which I would be happy to procure for you."

Widhbo in response connected to the port remotely and projected a holographic image which mapped their precise location.

"Unexpected and somewhat impressive actually," Conner said. "Now, why didn't they give me such a toy as that?"

The image disappeared with an audible snap and Widhbo shot a comment to Lidda telepathically. "Because he needs all his energy to make the little gears go round."

"Professor Gliedan's office is on the tenth floor in Suite 10-BSR-500," Conner said. "Would you like me to show you the way?"

"I should be fine Conner. I can find the way back to my quarters after our meeting. Thanks for the tour." Lidda replied.

"Goodbye," Conner said and turned off his head screen with its animation of a human face.

Lidda snapped at Widhbo, "What is it with you? He's only doing what he was programmed to do."

"I'm experimenting with being more human. Just a game," Widhbo assured her. "I am letting one of my personalities out to play."

"Really?" Lidda asked.

"Surprised?"

"Well, yes. You are usually all business."

"People change Lidda. I can too."

"Change from you is not what I need at the moment, Widhbo," Lidda said. "Please just do your job until I get a feel for this place."

"Take the next elevator, press the button labeled 'ten', and await further instructions," Widhbo said in a mechanical voice. "Better?"

"Oh, that's perfect," Lidda said. She was glad Widhbo could at least help her navigate the complex without needing a servo to monitor her every move. "Now put your charming personality to work and help me get through this interview. It's almost six. Time to meet the professor."