From: waldbyjf@nextwork.Rose-Hulman.Edu (NB Smith)
Subject: Perfection
Organization: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 05:24:33 GMT


Anthony headed for room J-122 with biting anticipation, and a slight tinge 
of awe. This was his dream, to be noted for his special talent, his mind.

He was considered the smartest person ever, with the sole exception of
Professor Graham Mettle, whose classroom toward which he was now heading.

However, Anthony's life was not as easy as you might think. Given, he was 
smart, but he was also marked for death. Anthony suffered from chronic
halitosis, and had perhaps less than a month within which to make his mark
on the world.

His parents were very rich, and had spoiled him all his life. When the 
tragic news reached the family, they promised him anything he could ask for
in his dying wishes. They were somewhat surprised when he passed up ice
cream and gold and Tootsie Rolls for education.

When at first he asked to attend a few of Dr. Mettle's lectures, they were
shocked, but then mother said "He *is* the best teacher, and the smartest
person in the world! Rumor has it that nothing but the truth has ever passed
from his lips!"

And the rumor was true. As soon as Anthony was granted permission to attend
the class, he did major research on this dude. Dr. Mettle had emerged from
seemingly nowhere about 10 years back, and appeared to know everything the
world had to offer. Before long, Biggest City University had offered him
the leading position on their physicist teaching staff.

And, Anthony thought to himself, here I am now at BCU, ready to partake in 
this man's class, possibly upturning the scales, and making my name known
in history forever! I can show this guy up. For Anthony also knew a good
proportion of everything.

He took his place in the classroom amongst countless others, and listened to
Dr. Mettle's lecture from the beginning, ear keened, ready for the slightest
mistake which he could leap upon and tear the man's reputation apart. As
Anthony listened, however, his mind was boggled. This man spoke of so many
great things which he had never thought of, and even though there was no
physical proof, Anthony knew from the descriptions that all were possible.
Anthony's hand started to reach into the bag which he had brought with him.

But then it came! Anthony's mind had been slightly distracted, but he heard
the gist:
Spoke Professor Graham Mettle:
"What I am discussing here is machines actually capable of full human 
functions, perhaps even approaching human thought. Soon, these will become
possible to create. In fact, I am sure that in your lifetimes, you will see
machines which will be real enough to fool you."

Anthony thought, but this is so easy. With his left hand, he moved the tape
recorder to the top of his desk, his right hand hanging over the side.

"Professor Mettle," he said (more of a shout to be heard over the many
people), "you have mispoken! I will not see these foolish walking toasters,
of which you speak so highly, in my lifetime."

He then raised the pistol to his head. At first, he had brought it along in
order to kill Dr. Mettle if he could not prove him wrong, making himself by
forfeiture (hee hee) the smartest person in the world. However, this happy
turn of fate had brought him to use it upon himself.

As he began to pull the trigger, he noticed Dr. Mettle with a concerned
look running in his direction. Running very quickly in fact. Much faster
than any human could possibly run.

BLAM!
--
I like this stuff
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