Bear was influenced by Robert A. Heinlein 's self-aware computer Mycroft Holmes ( `` High-Optional , Logical , Multi-Evaluating Supervisor '' ) in The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress when creating Jill . This sequence also charts the historical development of self-awareness in AIs , with its continuing character , Jill , inspired in part by Robert A. Heinlein 's self-aware computer Mycroft Holmes ( `` High-Optional , Logical , Multi-Evaluating Supervisor '' ) in The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress .