Chapters 11 - 12 Summary

Doctor Ewing J. Halyard shows the Shah of Bratpuhr the giant computer that calculates all the necessary factors of the economy and makes decisions, large and small, about production. The computer is called EPICAC XIV, and it is built within Carlsbad Caverns. The massive computer spreads out over several chambers.

President Jonathan Lynn is at Carlsbad Caverns to dedicate the newest section of EPICAC XIV. Lynn is an ex-television actor and only a figurehead in running the country. The country is really run by EPICAC and industry. Lynn exists to make glowing speeches in front of television cameras.

When Halyard explains EPICAC to the Shah, the Shah asks the computer a riddle that will supposedly be answered by a god prophesied to come. The riddle is: "Silver bells shall light my way, / And nine times nine maidens fill my day, / And...