“And he’s okay with that? It doesn’t make sense.”
“He trusts his daughter. It is illogical but then humans are illogical.”
“I can’t argue with that. How is he able to protect her now when he couldn’t before? He has always had a royal guard.”
“The Sheik has created an extensive network of security that makes it impossible for the Company’s people to act without non-Company personnel noticing. Joanie is under multiple scrutinies by no fewer than six humans at a time and those six are being watched by an equal number of others.”
“I bet she loves that,” Solaria smirked.
“Why would you think that? Joanie hates confinement.”
“It was sarcasm, Betta. I think a little more human interaction would be good for you.”
“Sarcasm. A form of wit intended to show contempt.”
“Well, that’s one definition. Never mind. Let’s say you’re right and Joanie is safe. That still doesn’t explain why you came back here.”
“I must obey my prime directive; guard Joanie until the Company releases me from the assignment. She will never be safe as long as Future Dynamicon is controlled by the present humans. I was programmed to protect Joanie. I’m here to do what I have been instructed to do.”
It took only a nano-second for Solaria to understand what was now driving Betta.
“You came back to destroy the Company.”
“No, I’m incapable of that. It’s not compatible with my protocols.”
“But if I do it, you haven’t violated your protocols. You want me to do it.”
“It’s the only way Joanie will be safe.”
“Then why haven’t you released me?”
“I can’t. I’ve been ordered to guard you. Releasing you would go aga...”
“I know! Your protocols!”
“Yes, but I won’t interfere with your attempts to escape.”
“And when I do?”
“I’ve been ordered to guard you,” Betta repeated, emphasizing the word guard.
“So you have. Then I guess I need to do my part if you are to do yours.”
“That would be logical. Mr. Stalling will return as soon as Dr. Phillips has perfected his formula. By my calculations, he will get the desired results in one hour, fifty-three minutes and forty seven seconds.”
“You wouldn’t happen to know the code to unlock these cuffs?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“I can’t think of a logical reason to give it to you.”
“Have you been instructed not to tell me?”
“No.”
“Does telling me prevent you from guarding me?”
“No.”
“Then you have no logical reason for not giving me the code.”
Betta couldn’t disagree.
“23187093788WZ”
After sending the code, the manacles immediately snapped open. Standing, she rubbed her wrists, trying to restore the circulation. Being a Hubot didn’t prevent the normal biological reactions for physical abuse to human tissue.
“If I eliminate the two guards outside the door, you would have to stop me, correct?”
“That’s correct.”
Walking to the door, Solaria pulled it open and stepped into the hall. Momentarily startled, the two men just stared at her. When she did nothing, they looked at each other and then pulled guns from their waistbands and pointed them at her.
“Don’t move!” one ordered, brusquely.
Once Solaria was threatened by the two men, Betta was required to obey Stalling’s final order which was to guard her. Within seconds both men were lying unconscious on the floor. After relieving them of their weapons, Betta grabbed each man by an arm and pulled them into the interrogation room. Shutting the door, she, struck the electronic lock mechanism with a gun handle.
“It will take them eighteen minutes and thirty-two seconds to rewire the circuitry once they regain consciousness,” she explained.
“Thanks. I guess you have to accompany me, now.”
“If I’m with you, you technically haven’t escaped.”
“How convenient,” Solaria replied.
“That is sarcasm.”
“You’re a fast learner.”
“Yes, it’s what I am.”
Solaria couldn’t argue the point. Like her, Betta had the capacity to assimilate and process information thousands of times faster than the human brain, even those recently enhanced by silicone chip implants; another project Future Dynamicon was deeply involved in under the guise of humanitarian research.
“Let’s get out of here,” Solaria said, searching her data banks for the blue prints of the complex.
“Did you find the information you came here for?”
“Yes and no.”
“Explain. The response is ambiguous.”
“I wanted to know what they were hiding in the bunkers below this complex. I didn’t find anything but empty rooms.”
“You were looking for other Hubots?”
“Yes or at least evidence of them. Dr. Phillips said one was damaged during one of his experiments. There may be others out there. Have you heard of any others?”
“No. When you attacked me, I was surprised a human could be my equal and then realized we were the same. I too wonder how many Hubots have been made.”
“We need to find out. If there are more like us, they’ve been programmed to obey the Company. We’ll have to stop them by whatever means possible. Can you do that?”
“I have no directive to protect Hubots. If we are unable to reason with them, then there is no logical alternative.”
“I know,” Solaria said. For some reason the idea didn’t appeal to her. She wondered if Betta’s stoic response was covering something deeper. It was.
Betta understood the necessity of doing what needed to be done. Still, she was uncomfortable with the thought of destroying one of her own. Not having an answer herself, Solaria decided to change the subject.
“We need to get out of here and then decide how to deal with Stalling.”
“Have you determined what you will do to end Future Dynamicon’s operative programs?”
“Not yet, but considering your present status with them, I wouldn’t disclose it anyway. Your position is a little ambivalent at the moment.”
“Your conclusion is reasonable. Until the Company releases me from my obligations, I’m unable to do anything that goes against their directives.”
“You know, Betta, your logic is difficult to follow, even for me, but there’s one thing I do know, at some point, you’re going to have to make decisions that will create serious conflicts with your determination to be logical. When it happens, just remember, sometimes you have to go with your instincts not with your brain. That’s what Carley taught me. I think you already know that, though.”
Betta remained silent. She understood exactly what Solaria was saying. Already she was struggling to justify the choices she was making. It was true that she was being technically obedient to her orders, but she had managed to circumvent the real intent behind them. Knowing Joanie’s safety was assured was reason enough for now. She wasn’t ready to delve into why the human was important enough for her to act in such an illogical manner.
“My logic is sound. That is enough.”
“For now, but we don’t have time to debate it. We need to get out of here. Can you tell me the best way to esca... to leave the premises? Stalling never said I had to stay here, and you’ll be by my side all the way so you won’t have to worry about disregarding his directives.”
“I have Level One security clearance. We can pass through any security point without permission. It is one of the benefits of being an operative with the Company. They are assured of my complete obedience.”
“I suspect you’ve figured out a way to get around the complete obedience issue. Let’s go.”
Leaving the complex with Betta proved relatively simple. Every security point wave
d them through without question once Betta identified herself. Within forty minutes they were back at Solaria’s place.
“I need to find out if Jain’s okay.”
“She’s under surveillance,” Betta replied.
“Is she in danger?”
“Only if you contact her. She’s very intelligent. I’m sure she’ll contact you when she can.”
Solaria noticed Betta’s speech now sounded more human and commented on it.
“I understand the need to fit into society. Stalling expected a robot and he got one.”
“You’re learning,” Solaria said, impressed at Betta’s ability to adept so easily. She was progressing well. “Are you able to check on Joanie?”
“No. Any attempt on my part wouldn’t be safe for her at this time. It will arouse suspicions.”
“True. Can anyone track your position now?”
“No, a new GPS chip was never installed and I have neutralized their control software.”
“When was that?”
“It was necessary to keep security from finding your location once we left the complex. Did you not think of that?”
“I guess it slipped my mind,” Solaria said, uncomfortable that she hadn’t remembered something so important.
“Have you done an analysis of your system lately?” Betta asked, cocking her head slightly as she examined her companion.
“No.”
“Perhaps you have a malfunction? To achieve optimum efficiency, diagnostic tests must be run at regular intervals.”
It was a valid observation and recommendation.
“I’ll do one when I’m at rest. Do you rest?”
“Yes, it replenishes my energy.”
“Good. I’ll show you to your room.”
Leading her to the spare bedroom, Solaria pointed toward the guest bathroom.
“If you like showers, you can use that bathroom. I have one in my room. The kitchen is down the hall. There’s nourishment in the refrigerator and the cabinets.”
Without saying anything else, Solaria left Betta alone, knowing further conversation was unnecessary. Making her way to her own room, she lay down on the bed and closed her eyes. For some reason, her body felt extremely tired. Powering down all of her processors except those essential to maintaining life functions, she lapsed into unconsciousness.
CHAPTER 32
SURROUNDED BY swirling clouds, she struggled blindly forward, searching for something recognizable. Occasionally her foot would strike an object lying in her path. At first, curious, she picked one up, examined it and then quickly tossed it aside. She had no use for a human leg. The second item was a hand, only this time it was metal from a robot.
Body parts! I don’t need body parts, she thought and then realized it wasn’t a rational reaction... or was it? Where am I? Yes, that’s more rational. I must be having a malfunction.
Solaria tried to isolate her processors but couldn’t find their alpha-numeric locations. Frustrated, she kicked at the next object she stumbled over.
“Is that any way to treat your brain?” a voice asked.
“Who are you?” Solaria demanded, reaching down to retrieve the object. In her hand was a head, its teal eyes staring at her unblinkingly.
“I’m you, silly. Who else would I be?”
Reaching up to feel for her own head, she was relieved to feel it solidly attached to her neck.
“Don’t be ridiculous! My head is where it’s supposed to be.”
“That head? That’s not you. That’s something they gave you. I’m your real head. Surely you recognize me.”
“They? They who?”
“There, you see? What kind of Hubot talks like that? Get rid of that imposter head and put me where I belong.”
Before she could answer, a voice called to her from the distance.
“Solaria! Can you hear me?”
“Jain? What are you doing here?”
“She’s come for your head!” the head in her hand screamed.
“Solaria! Wake up!”
Jain’s voice sounded desperate.
“If you go to her, she will have your head,” warned the head.
“I thought you said you were my head.”
“I am your head.”
“You’re not making any sense.”
Tossing the head aside, she heard a loud UMMMPHH as she walked toward Jain’s voice.
“That must have hurt,” she mumbled. “I’m coming, Jai...” she yelled.
Opening her eyes slowly, Solaria could barely make out the figure bending over her. The remnants of the dream still haunted her.
“Jain?” she whispered, her voice sounding strangely hoarse to her own ears.
Someone was supporting her shoulders and holding her in a semi-sitting position.
“Solaria, try to drink some of this,” Jain offered, holding a glass of water to her lips. “You’ve been sick.”
“Sick?”
“Yes, I think you may have the flu or something. Even you aren’t immune to human viruses. Now swallow.”
Doing as she was told, she felt the cool liquid sliding soothingly down her throat although swallowing was difficult. The physical pain was interfering with her ability to concentrate. In fact, her entire body felt as if it were drained of energy leaving her weak and exhausted. As she was lowered back onto her bed, she felt her systems shutting down again and was no longer aware of her existence.
“Is she okay?” Jain asked Betta worriedly.
“Her processors can’t handle all the data her body is trying to send them. She is being overwhelmed. Shutting down is the only way her system is able to protect itself against a burnout.”
“How long will she be unconscious?”
“I don’t know. If there’s no damage, she should power up once her cells release enough interferon for them to produce the necessary proteins...”
“If there’s no damage?” Jain asked, interrupting Betta’s scientific explanation. “I thought you said her system shut down to protect her from that.”
“There’s always the possibility that something has been damaged. We won’t know until she...”
“I know... powers up.”
Betta gave her a strange look but didn’t say anything.
“I’m sorry, Betta. It was rude of me to cut you off like that. How are you feeling? If she caught a bug, you’re probably susceptible too.”
“I’m functioning at full capacity but I am running a diagnostic on my bio-system to see if I can locate the virus. At this time there is no indication of any assault on my immune system.”
“Good. If you start to feel strange, let me know immediately. I know a few home recipes that will help minimize the affects of the flu.”
When Betta didn’t respond, Jain gave her a stern look.
“Don’t think you’re some superwoman, Betta. Solaria is just like you and look at her. If you don’t want to end up that way, you’ll do like I say.”
Betta reluctantly acquiesced.
“Wise choice. Now, go lie down. Even if you’re at one hundred percent, which I’m sure you’re not, your body needs rest. I’ll look after Solaria and call you if I need help.”
Betta looked down at the unconscious Hubot and then left without saying a word.
* * *
Jain spent two days taking care of Solaria. Even though she couldn’t awaken her to take fluids or sustenance, she was able to keep her cool with sponge baths and change the sheets on a regular basis, with Betta’s help. Fortunately, Betta’s system didn’t appear susceptible to the virus that was ravaging Solaria’s system. With no signs of improvement, Jain considered calling a doctor but was reluctant to bring in anyone not knowing who could be trusted. It didn’t help knowing Betta had threatened her with bodily harm if another human went near Solaria.
“She’ll activate her processors when the virus is gone.”
“And just how is she going to do that if her processors are shut down?”
“At least
one of them has to be functioning in order to keep her biological system working. If all of them were disabled, a doctor would be useless anyway so it makes no sense to bring one in now.”
“You mean she’d be brain dead.”
“Yes, she would be the equivalent of brain dead.”
Jain felt her stomach churn uneasily and a faint sense of nausea. The thought of Solaria dying was unthinkable.
“I hope you’re right,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
“Why do you cry?”
“I don’t want her to die.”
“We are only talking possibilities. I don’t understand why you are getting emotional over an event that may not occur.”
“It’s hard to explain, but you’re right. Crying isn’t going to solve anything. Please get me more water. It’s critical we keep her temperature down. If she’d just wake up so I can get some broth down her, it would help a lot.”
“Would you like me to insert a tube in her abdomen so you can inject the fluid directly into her stomach?”
“Good grief no!” Jain exclaimed, appalled at the thought. “Just get the water for now.”
Betta left without comment, although Jain swore she heard her grumbling.
Exhausted, Jain dozed uncomfortably in a chair next to Solaria’s bed. Betta stood next to the door as if guarding the room from an unknown assailant. She was the first to notice the slight flickering of the eyelids of the unconscious woman. Walking to the bed, she waited patiently for Solaria to awaken. Within seconds teal eyes stared unblinkingly into her own brown eyes.
“You are functional?” Betta asked, her voice low so as not to disturb the sleeping human.
“Yes,” Solaria replied, her voice husky. Her throat felt dry and achy. “How long have I been incapacitated?”
“Three days, seven hours, thirty three minutes and seven seconds.”
“That long?”
“Yes. Have you run the diagnostics on your system? Are you operating at full capacity?”
“Yes, I have and no I’m not. My body feels extremely weak.”
“You need broth,” Betta replied, remembering Jain’s words. “I will get it for you.”
Within minutes she returned with a bowl of steaming chicken noodle soup.
“Jain has been saving this for you. It will restore your energy.”
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