The computer made no reply. The cursor winked as a million circuits fed the problem through to the memory banks, and nothing happened.

"I cannot continue with the exam until I have an answer," Turran typed.

""Please wait. I am computing.'" the cursor wrote back.

Turran began to type another question.

"What is life?"

"Please specify."

Turran specified.

"All matter is composed of chemicals, molecules and atoms. None of these things have intelligence. Combined into the shapes of organisms they form living things, yet they are not alive because they are made of non-living materials. Define life for me."

"Please wait. I am computing."

The screen began to dim as the computer conserved power. Turran smiled. It was working.

"If the computer is inadequate for answering student's questions, is it qualified to test the students?"

"Please wait. I am computing."

"Can an unstoppable force move an immovable object?"

"Please wait. I am computing."

"What is the sound of a forgotten laugh?"

"Please wait. Please wait."

The screen blinked off completely and the room was silent. A door hissed open behind Turran and two men came up to him.

"You interfering little wretch!" said one.

"Easy on him!" cautioned the other, "He was only trying to survive."

"Can I go now?" asked Turran.

"Might as well!" said the second man, "Not much point hanging around here. It'll take us weeks to repair the computer."

Turran walked quietly from the room. A small victory, but not the whole war.