“Well what?”
“Look, Shi, you’re going to have to get this through your brainpan. I’m in charge here. You have to report everything to me.”
“Yeah, yeah. I hear you. That was the crew out on the western lip of the earthquake’s opening.”
“Did they find some humans?”
“No. Or, at least, not exactly.”
“What do you mean, not exactly?”
“You know, there probably hasn’t been a human out here in ten years or more. We robots are pretty much all that’s left. We tap the rubber, pack it and send it to Jakarta. We also do all the harvesting of the herbs used in the pharmaceuticals, at least those that aren’t just synthetics. The whole place here is operated by our robot crew. We haven’t had a human here in ages.”
“Fine. So, what did the crew on the west side find?”
“They aren’t quite sure.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s got some readings that indicate organics, but it…”
“What’s this ‘it’?”
“It looks like a bunch of ice chests.”
“Ice chests.”
“Yeah. That’s what the crew said.”
“If it was a human crew, I’d think they had been hitting the ice chests too hard.”
“I know. But they aren’t a human crew. And there seriously hasn’t been anything out here in ages that should give these sorts of readings.”
“Well,” Lacuna said, running his fingers through the shock of orange hair on his head, “I guess there’s only one thing for it. We’ll go have a look ourselves.”
Lacuna sat beside Shi in the hovercraft. Both droids were silent, processing what they had just witnessed.
Standing on the lip of the chasm the earthquake had opened up, they were confronted with hundreds 98 SHELLY BRYANT Scylla and Charybdis 99 of thousands of canisters, each labelled Cryogenically Preserved Genetic Materials. Lacuna had ordered a few to be lifted out of the ground for further inspection.
When they opened the first, Shi said, “Good thing I’m a droid, or that would make my stomach heave.”
“Yeah,” Lacuna agreed. He squatted for a closer look, not quite daring to touch the thing.
“Is it supposed to be human?” Shi asked.
“The information logged into the chip on top says this is the DNA of a Mrs Batthathiri. If there’s not been a mistake in the labelling, this was grown from the woman’s DNA.” Lacuna turned the cover of the canister towards Shi. The image on the screen was that of a pretty young woman with long, curly hair. As they stared, the image rotated, showing her in profile.
“That thing looks nothing like Mrs Batthathiri,” Shi said.
“No, it doesn’t look like her,” Lacuna agreed.
“What happened?”
“My guess is that the cryos didn’t function properly and the code in the DNA was damaged,” Lacuna said.
“But why did it turn into that?”
“I’m not sure,” Lacuna said. “But it looks like she’s not the only one.”
Shi turned to look at the rest of the canisters filling the area opened up by the earthquake. “You mean you think they’re all like that?” he asked.
“I’m sure of it,” Lacuna said.
“How can you be sure?”
“Because if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be out here in the middle of nowhere. They would be stored properly in the world’s finest labs.”
Shi stood to one side as Lacuna faced the Datuk’s image on the screen inside the tent.
“Lacuna,” the Datuk said, beaming. His voice was warm and jovial. “How are you getting by up there?”
“It’s rough, but I’m managing,” the droid replied.
“How is the project progressing? Have you found any survivors?” the Datuk asked.
“Sir,” Lacuna said, “I think you know there was little chance of that.”
“True. It was a huge quake.” The Datuk shook his head.
“That’s not what I meant, sir,” Lacuna said.
The Datuk frowned. “What are you saying?”
“Do you really want me to speak directly?” Lacuna asked.
The Datuk leaned closer to the camera. “Are you alone?”
“I am.”
Standing just out of range of the camera, Shi stiffened, but said nothing. Lacuna did not even glance in his direction.
“Did you find some…samples, then?” the Datuk whispered.
“Samples. Er, yes. You could say that,” Lacuna said, running his fingers through his hair.
“And who else knows?”
“No one. I went alone for the inspection. I thought you might prefer it.”
“Good. Let’s leave it at that. This is a secure line, but you can never be too careful,” the Datuk said.
“Right,” Lacuna agreed. “So, what do you want me to do? Shall I call the authorities in?”
“Authorities?” the Datuk hesitated, then started laughing. “That’s funny, Lacuna. Let’s not do that. In fact, let’s not mention this to anyone. I know you’re one droid who understands the human obsession with discretion. It’s part of your core programming.”
“Yes, sir,” Lacuna said, careful not to frown. “But this isn’t a little lift or tuck. It’s lives.”
“No, it’s not,” the Datuk said. “It’s genetic information. It’s potential life. Not life.”
“Ah, my mistake,” Lacuna said, shrugging.
“It’s not life anymore than a sheet of metal and a bit of code is your brother, Lacuna. This is just the raw materials,” the Datuk continued.
“Certainly, sir,” the droid replied. “Any reasonable mind can see that.”
“But you see,” the Datuk replied, “that’s precisely why we need discretion. Not everyone is reasonable, nor do many understand these sorts of finer distinctions. And if we’re misunderstood, it could lead to trouble for us.”
“Yes, I can see that,” Lacuna said.
“Then I can count on you to do the right thing?” the Datuk asked.
“Don’t you always?” Lacuna grinned, exposing broad, white teeth.
The Datuk laughed. “Okay, then. I’ll leave it to you. Goodbye, Lacuna.”
“Goodbye, sir.”
The screen went blank. Lacuna stood up, motioning to Shi not to speak yet.
When they were outside the tent, Lacuna said, “Let’s take a walk.”
As the pair retreated from the tent, Shi asked, “Why didn’t you tell him I was there?”
“No point implicating you, whatever comes of this.”
“That’s decent of you,” Shi said.
“No, it’s really not. Surely you’ve realised by now that the very reason I’m here is because I’m anything but decent,” Lacuna said. He kicked a rock across the bare earth. “The Datuk doesn’t want me because I’m discreet. He wants me because I’m a liar.”
Shi shrugged. “Discreet, liar… It seems the two words mean the same thing to him.”
They walked on in silence for a while. Then Lacuna said, “What about all those families? They’re relying on those cryos.”
“Yeah, they are. Looks like they’re the big losers here,” Shi said.
“I think I’m the biggest loser,” Lacuna said, frowning.
“Not necessarily.”
Lacuna looked at the other droid. “What do you mean?”
“It’s not a decided thing, you know. You can still call the authorities,” Shi said.
“And go against my employer’s orders? You know the rules—that’ll certainly mean deactivation before I can even board the hovercraft. But if I cover this up, I’ll be the fall guy if anything goes wrong for the Datuk. Either way I go, I can’t win.”
“Sure you can,” Shi said.
“How?” Lacuna asked.
“Do what humans always do when they are in trouble— act like you don’t know anything. Do just what the Datuk said. He said he’s counting on you to do the right thing. So do it. Then you can always say yo
u were following the Datuk’s orders.”
Lacuna stopped walking. Shi stopped and turned to him, watching a huge smile spread across the perfectly smooth face.
On 11 February 2096, “WB Xu”
From: “WB Xu”
Sent: 11 February 2096, 8:27 am
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: A Proposal from Singapore Ministry of Aerospace Exploration and Communication for your consideration
Dear Fil,
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Take a bit of personal time if you need it. The job will still be here whenever you’re ready.
Condolences,
Winnie
Best regards,
WB Xu
Minister of Aerospace Exploration and Communication Singapore
> On 10 February 2096, “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
> [email protected]> wrote:
>
> From: “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
> Sent: 10 February 2096, 1:16 am
> To: “WB Xu”
> Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
> A Proposal from Singapore Ministry of Aerospace Exploration
> and Communication for your consideration
>
> Winnie,
>
> My father passed away this afternoon. We will hold the funeral
> next week.
>
> I suppose my earlier concerns about scheduling were for
> nothing. We did not expect him to go so suddenly. I guess this
> will expedite the scheduled launch of the SETI Centre’s new
> Moon HQ.
>
> Fil
>
>
>
>> On 13 January 2096, “WB Xu”
>>
>> From: “WB Xu”
>> Sent: 13 January 2096, 9:19 am
>> To: [email protected]
>> Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: A
>> Proposal from Singapore Ministry of Aerospace Exploration
>> and Communication for your consideration
>>
>> Dear Fil,
>>
>> That’s excellent news. I’m really looking forward to having
>> you on board. After meeting you in person, I’m even more
>> convinced that you’re just the person for the job.
>>
>> Winnie
>>
>> Best regards,
>> WB Xu
>> Minister of Aerospace Exploration and Communication
>> Singapore
>>
>>
>>
>>> On 13 January 2096, “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
>>> [email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>> From: “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
>>> axemail.edu>
>>> Sent: 13 January 2096, 9:12 am
>>> To: “WB Xu”
>>> Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
>>> A Proposal from Singapore Ministry of Aerospace
>>> Exploration and Communication for your consideration
>>>
>>> Winnie,
>>>
>>> Thank you for your hospitality while I was in Singapore
>>> last week. I think all of my questions have been answered
>>> and concerns satisfactorily addressed.
>>>
>>> I have signed the contract and sent it to you by courier. I
>>> am attaching a scanned version here as well.
>>>
>>> Thank you again,
>>> Fil
>>>
>>> FMonteiroNgcontract.pdf
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> On 31 December 2095, “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
>>>> [email protected]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> From: “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
>>>> axemail.edu>
>>>> Sent: 31 December 2095, 11:16 am
>>>> To: “WB Xu”
>>>> Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
>>>> A Proposal from Singapore Ministry of Aerospace
>>>> Exploration and Communication for your consideration
>>>>
>>>> Received the tickets. See you in Singapore next week.
>>>>
>>>> Felipe
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> On 31 December 2095, “WB Xu”
>>>>> sg> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> From: “WB Xu”
>>>>> Sent: 31 December 2095, 11:04 am
>>>>> To: [email protected]
>>>>> Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: A Proposal
>>>>> from Singapore Ministry of Aerospace Exploration and
>>>>> Communication for your consideration
>>>>>
>>>>> Dear Mr Monteiro-Ng,
>>>>>
>>>>> The ticket is available at the link below. Your reference
>>>>> number is Y26KL8.
>>>>>
>>>>> We will have a car waiting for you at the airport. We look
>>>>> forward to your arrival.
>>>>>
>>>>> Best regards,
>>>>> WB Xu
>>>>> Minister of Aerospace Exploration and Communication
>>>>> Singapore
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> On 30 December 2095, “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> From: “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
>>>>>> axemail.edu>
>>>>>> Sent: 30 December 2095, 5:20 pm
>>>>>> To: “WB Xu”
>>>>>> Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: A Proposal
>>>>>> from Singapore Ministry of Aerospace Exploration
>>>>>> and Communication for your consideration
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Ms Xu,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I’ve submitted the form. Thank you for setting this up
>>>>>> so quickly.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Felipe
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On 30 December 2095, “WB Xu”
>>>>>>> gov.sg> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> From: “WB Xu”
>>>>>>> Sent: 30 December 2095, 5:08 pm
>>>>>>> To: [email protected]
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: A Proposal
>>>>>>> from Singapore Ministry of Aerospace Exploration
>>>>>>> and Communication for your consideration
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Dear Mr Monteiro-Ng,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I have checked with all those involved, and the dates
>>>>>>> you suggested will be workable for us.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If you will visit the link below, you can provide your
>>>>>>> travel document details on the Form 66AQ and we
>>>>>>> will send the ticket to you.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Looking forward to seeing you in Singapore.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Best regards,
>>>>>>> WB Xu
>>>>>>> Minister of Aerospace Exploration and
>>>>>>> Communication Singapore
&
nbsp; >>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On 29 December 2095, “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> From: “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
>>>>>>>> axemail.edu>
>>>>>>>> Sent: 29 December 2095, 12:07 pm
>>>>>>>> To: “WB Xu”
>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: A Proposal from
>>>>>>>> Singapore Ministry of Aerospace Exploration and
>>>>>>>> Communication for your consideration
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Dear Ms Xu,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have given much thought to your offer and have
>>>>>>>> sought advice from family, friends and colleagues.
>>>>>>>> I am afraid I do still have a few reservations that
>>>>>>>> might best be addressed in person. If it is
>>>>>>>> convenient for you, I could travel to Singapore
>>>>>>>> before the Chinese New Year, perhaps 5-8 January?
>>>>>>>> If those dates are not convenient, please do suggest
>>>>>>>> a time that would suit your schedule better.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>>>> Felipe Monteiro-Ng
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On 16 December 2095, “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> From: “Filipe Monteiro-Ng”
>>>>>>>>> [email protected]>
>>>>>>>>> Sent: 16 December 2095, 4:31 pm
>>>>>>>>> To: “WB Xu”
>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: A Proposal from
>>>>>>>>> Singapore Ministry of Aerospace Exploration and
>>>>>>>>> Communication for your consideration
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Dear Ms Xu,
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Thank you for your patience. I will be in touch
>>>>>>>>> as soon as I can.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Best,
>>>>>>>>> Felipe Monteiro-Ng
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> On 16 December 2095, “WB Xu”
>>>>>>>>>> maec.gov.sg> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> From: “WB Xu”
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