Helen and Allistor spent the next few hours in the library.  Allistor began by reading all of the Citadel information available on his interface, then doing the same for Strongholds.   He spent a little time asking questions of the interface but soon grew tired of calling it by that name.  He pulled up the tab for it and found that he could make several adjustments.    He started by getting rid of the generic monotone voice.  Then he gave it a name.  After a few other adjustments, he spoke to it out loud.

“Interface, I’ve decided your name will be Nigel.  I hope you like that better than Sweetie.”

“I do indeed, Lord Allistor.  Thank you.”

Helen looked up from a book about xenobiology to see Allistor grinning upon hearing the response.  Nigel now spoke with a cultured accent she thought vaguely resembled an Australian, or maybe a New Zealander. “Nice!”

“You are most welcome, Nigel.  Now, I have more questions.  How far from the outer wall do your sensors extend?”

“An approximate radius of two miles around the citadel’s footprint, Lord Allistor.  In every direction, including above and below.”

“And can you monitor the sensors of the Strongholds and Outposts as well?”

“I can monitor any facility you have claimed and attached to this Citadel.  This includes the defensive measures, as well as other vital systems and statistics.”

“Great!  Please notify me of any intrusions at any of the facilities.  Also, what types of other systems?”

“For example, I can monitor the plant growth in the greenhouses, and adjust the sprinklers based on their need, or activate them on a given schedule.  I can open and close doors at your command, construct or deconstruct buildings, monitor population, even track the skills and abilities of your citizens for you.”

“Okay that last bit’s a little creepy,” Helen interjected, having abandoned her book to listen in. “Nigel, what do you know about me?”

“Designation: Ranger Helen Rogers.  Friend and advisor to Lord Allistor.  Level 8.  Current skills: Ranged weapon: Rifle – Level 5; Tracking – Level 3; Improvisation – Level 1; Animal Husbandry; Level 2;  Horseback riding – Level 2;  Title: Dragonslayer; Last remaining representative of organization known as U.S. National Park Service.  Authorized access to all areas of the Citadel, both Strongholds, and both Outposts, excepting personal quarters of Lord Allistor.”

Allistor grinned at her.  “That’s not creepy.  It’s not like Nigel told me what color undies you’re wearing or who you have a crush on.  Just useful information any Viscount should know about his people.”

Helen stared at him for a minute, her face completely blank.  When Allistor began to wonder what he’d said wrong, she asked, “Who says I’m wearing undies?”

“Ha!” He leaned back in his chair.  “Seriously, do you have a problem with Nigel having that information?  Are other people going to take issue with it?”