For Lilian and the Indigos - Above Top Secret

I sent a thought to the wardie – the wardrobe ’bottie – to create my garb for the day. The
wardie used my images and produced (ala the replicator in the kitchen) the rugged khaki
pants, replete with pockets, and the lavender blouse I had in mind. Taking pleasure in the
dressing ritual, I sent a message to the valet ’bottie to stay put. I really don’t know why I
keep it around – I seldom need the speed it offers, and rarely use it.
The last bit of my attire was my Witness Necklace, of which I had several to match my
outfits, all of which were artisan crafted. I selected a striking purple one from the
collection and slipped it around my neck, settling the camera piece on my right shoulder,
and closing the clasp. I always wore a Witness Necklace in public – most everybody
chooses to do so, of course.
I reflected on the advantages the development of the Datacube technology offered (the
technology which allowed plenty of storage to record every moment of one’s life, and
keep Calendar and other records of important data, such as who had created that lovely
table I had seen at Programmer Art’s place when Lee and I were there for Art’s
secondary skill, culinary requests from the replicator. Somehow Art had the knack of
combining ingredients into gustatorial feats of magic).
Every individual could record their perspective in their personal Datacube, and no one
had the right to the data recorded but the individual Itself.
Datacubes, of course, are unassailable. Amelia Ringer, bless her, I say, was instrumental
in ensuring this for each one of us. She fought to make sure that it was understood in
society that each individual owned their own perspective, outright and ultimately. She
argued that if there is a dispute over any issue, anyone may release any part of the data
they, themselves, have collected, and also cannot be forced to suppress what they know.
Amazingly, with that dual dam of data flow, where one cannot be forced to release one’s
data, yet could also not be forced to keep silent, incidents of dispute dropped as the
practice of wearing some form of Personal Witness took hold, either overtly (as I wear)
or covertly, as many chose in the beginnings of Datacube use. Most now wear their
recording devices blatantly as a courtesy to inform others that their perspective is being
recorded.
I choose to record what I do out and about; it is our right – or really, our protection – and
I have captured some hilarious moments that I have shared at parties, making it all
worthwhile. And besides, when I connect to the camera I can look through its lens,
seeing where it points – even behind me – without turning around. Most people choose
to wear Witness devices, and one presumed always that there were recording devices
going everywhere in public.
My Datacube not only recorded my perspective, it gave my instructions to the various
’botties, and in general was the heart of my house. On top of that, I could communicate
with it from anywhere on the planet.