CHAPTER 38
THIS IS ANGER! This is anger! she repeated, analyzing every nano-second of information leading to the birth of the emotion. The sensation was overwhelming. Betta didn’t like the way it interfered with her ability to reason and decided to isolate the three processors affected in order to deal with the present situation.
Joanie’s security was always the primary concern. Although she couldn’t explain it, something told Betta that Joanie was dead, leaving her feeling empty inside; well almost. She would take care of those involved in the assassination. Perhaps it would rid her of the rage that was slowly infecting each of her processors. If it didn’t, her entire AI network would self-destruct. It was a safety mechanism built into her program to keep her from becoming an uncontrollable threat to humans.
Twenty-three minutes later she was sitting in an Internet café accessing her message center. The first two had the typical Finton flavor. He wanted a progress report on Solaria and was ordering her to report back to the Company to have her communication transmitter/receiver repaired. The third, however, was different. One of Finton’s senior agents, Lawton, was instructing her to return immediately, saying that Finton was no longer in charge of the project. The Company had a new assignment for her.
Betta knew that Finton had been with Future Dynamicon for a long time. He was an efficient CSO who had capably run the security network of the company for several years. He also knew as much about the darker side of the business as Stalling. For him to resign or be replaced meant there would be some huge changes in how things would be run. Betta had no doubt it would create a certain amount of chaos.
It’s time I returned to finish my assignment...for Joanie.
Betta didn’t know exactly when her thoughts had evolved from anger to revenge. No matter how hard she tried to access that moment in time, it eluded her. All she knew, now, was that this was only logical solution to her dilemma. She would analyze the emotions later.
Aware of a familiar presence behind her, she closed her connection and turned to look at Solaria.
“You followed me.”
“Yes. You’re going back now, aren’t you?”
“It’s time.”
“What will you tell them?”
“That I have returned as instructed. Finton is no longer the CSO.”
“This doesn’t sound right. He’s been with Stalling too long. It could be a trap to lure you back.”
“It probably is but it doesn’t matter. I have to complete Finton’s assignment.”
“Which one?”
“To protect Joanie.”
“You think that she is still alive?”
“Yes.”
It was a lie; an unnecessary lie. Solaria would understand, Betta thought. So why did I do it? None of her processors could provide an answer.
“I’m going with you.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m more than capable of doing my job,” Betta said, her stoic expression concealing the rage building inside of her. She could feel the effects that the infected memory banks were having on her biological body. Her stomach felt peculiar while her neck and shoulders tensed, sending erratic signals back through the neuro-system to the processors. It was a cycle she had to stop quickly. Unconsciously, she rolled her head and rubbed her neck.
“I never doubted that, but I’m still going with you. Are you alright?”
“Yes! I feel slightly fatigued. That’s all.”
“Are you functioning at optimal efficiency?”
“Yes.” It was the second lie. “It’s time to leave.”
“To whom do you have to report since Finton is no longer in charge?”
“Daniel Lawton, one of his senior agents. He was assigned to the hotel Joanie and I stayed in.”
“I remember. Do you know much about him?”
“His personnel file says he is fifty-two and has worked for Finton for thirteen years, seven months and...” Remembering Solaria’s advice about being too precise, she stopped. “He is efficient with a slightly above average intelligence. He would not be a logical choice to replace Finton.”
“Why not?”
“He has achieved his maximum level of potential. He would fail as a leader and decision-maker.”
“That will be to our advantage then. He’ll be less of a problem in the future. Here’s what I think we should do.”
Solaria quickly outlined her plan. She knew both of them were taking a chance if Lawton didn’t believe Betta, but it was probably the only opportunity they would have to finally complete their objectives.
CHAPTER 39
DR. PHILLIPS glanced at the two people manacled to the chairs in his lab. Two guards stood next to them, their faces expressionless as they watched him filling a syringe with a greenish liquid from a small vial.
“It’s a shame Mr. Lawton wants this done so quickly,” he grumbled, thumping the syringe with his finger and then pushing the plunger in to press out the air. “You’d be perfect for my research.”
“I’d kill you first,” Finton threatened, angrily.
Phillips laughed. “And just how would you do that, considering your present predicament?”
“I’d figure out a way.”
“Hmmm. Maybe I’ll give you the opportunity. It might be fun seeing the mighty Edgar Finton doing my bidding.”
“Mr. Lawton says to make it quick and painless,” one of the guards interjected, his voice cold and threatening. He had worked under Finton for years and didn’t like what was happening. His job was to obey orders, not question them.
Phillips glared at the man. He was enjoying his cat and mouse game and didn’t like it being interrupted. When the guard took a menacing step toward him, he swallowed nervously and held up his hand.
“Okay, okay! No need to get pushy.”
Frustrated, he walked over to Finton and viciously jammed the needle into the man’s arm. At the same time the CSO grunted from pain, Phillips felt a blow on the side of his head, knocking him backward. Falling to the floor, he lay stunned for a few seconds. The same guard leaned over him, his gun drawn and pointed at the scientist’s head.
“The boss said painless. You understand the meaning of that doctor, or do I have to show you?”
Looking at the gun just a few inches from his head, Phillips felt his mouth go dry and nodded slowly.
“Alright! It was an accident,” he whined.
“Another accident like that and I’ll be having one with my gun. You understand me? You be real gentle from now on.”
Climbing to his feet, Phillips retrieved the syringe, making sure he extracted it slowly from Finton’s arm. The irony was that the security officer was already dead, the poison having done its job. Kari Colton sobbed quietly knowing she was next.
Nervously, Phillip filled another syringe and eased the needle into her left arm. Easing the plunger down, he injected the contents into her vein. Within seconds she too was dead. Without looking at the scientist, the two guards left the room.
“Hey,” yelled Phillips. “Who’s going to get rid of the bodies?”
Neither man responded. As far as they were concerned, their jobs were done. The doctor could take care of the evidence.
CHAPTER 40
LAWRENCE BILLINGS had just concluded a meeting with several African diplomats and was returning to his office when he was intercepted by one of his senior security agents.
“Excuse me, Mr. Billings, but can I have a word with you?” the tall, burly man asked in a low voice. Several people glanced in their direction, obviously curious but reluctant to appear overly so.
“What is it, Harley?”
Leaning close he whispered something in the V.P’s ear and then straightened. The blood drained from Billing’s face, leaving him with a ghostly pallor.
“When?” he demanded, trying to control his anger.
“About an hour ago.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Yes sir. I was there when it happened. Mr.
Lawton gave the order.”
“Lawton? Why is he giving orders now?”
“Mr. Stalling put him in charge of security.”
“What? No one told me!” Billings hissed, barely able to keep his voice under control.
“I don’t know why you weren’t informed but I was sure you weren’t aware of this.”
“I most certainly wasn’t. Follow me!” He ordered and stomped off.
Once they were secluded in the privacy of Billing’s office, he paced back and forth, wondering what had gotten into Stalling. Every now and then he glanced at Harley, wondering just how much he could trust the agent.
“Harley, what do you make of this?”
“I’m not sure what you’re asking, sir. I’m not paid to think.”
“Cut the bullshit and answer my question. Why would Stalling want Finton dead?”
“I...” Harley stopped and then sighed. “Rumor has it that Finton was going to leave Future Dynamicon.”
“The fool! I’d have never believed he could be that stupid. Still, it should have been handled differently.”
Harley didn’t say anything. He had always found Finton and Billings to be reasonable men, even if they were extremely demanding. Stalling, however, was a nutcase. Everyone in security either knew or suspected the man was a zealot with grand ambitions.
“Stalling has gone too far this time. First it was the Sheik. That was fucked up when his daughter got shot. Now he orders Finton’s death. He’s obviously lost it. At this point he’s liable to kill anyone he thinks is a threat... anyone. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Harley nodded. He understood perfectly. With the CEO’s power and money, he could always find people to do his dirty work. No one would be immune or out of his reach.
“Have Lawton report to me immediately... and Harley, make sure this doesn’t go any further. I also want Dr. Phillips detained until I decide what to do with him.”
“Yes sir.”
* * *
Twenty minutes later Lawton was standing at attention in Billing’s office, listening to the chief operations officer’s tirade. When it was over, the newly appointed chief of security left the room, sweat pouring down his cheeks. What had started as a good day was quickly turning to crap and now he had a huge problem.
Returning to his newly acquired office, he plopped down in the chair and swiveled it around to look out the window. He was now going to have to decide where his loyalties lay. When the phone rang, he was surprised to hear a woman’s voice on the other end of the line. It had come in on Finton’s private line.
“Mr. Lawton, this is Betta reporting as you have instructed.”
“Betta?”
“Yes sir.”
“Oh, yeah! I didn’t really think you’d do it,” Lawton replied, unsure about what he should do now.
“I don’t understand why you would think that. I am required to obey the Company’s directives.”
“Well, yes, that’s what I thought, but you never came back even when Finton ordered you to.”
“Mr. Finton’s directive was to guard the other Hubot. At no time did he ever instruct me to call him. All communication was by email.”
“I know, but he did tell you to come back to be refitted for a new transceiver.”
“That directive was received yesterday. I was unable to obey it because it was in direct opposition to the original directive.”
Lawton wasn’t sure about what Betta was talking about.
“Original directive? You mean about guarding the other Hubot?”
“Yes. Until the first directive was accomplished or rescinded, I was unable to complete the second.”
“Oh. Yeah, that makes sense, I guess. Okay, I’m canceling the first. I have new orders for you before you report back here. Afterward, you’re to return here immediately.”
“Am I to understand you no long wish me to guard the Hubot?”
“Guard? Ummm... do you know where it is?”
“Yes. It is standing next to me. Should I release it?”
“Good lord, no! I mean... not yet, after your next assignment,” Lawton was beginning to feel out of his element. “Umm, are you able to restrain or control it?”
“It is experiencing a minor malfunction in one of the processors. I should have it repaired by tomorrow afternoon.”
“Good,” Lawton replied feeling relieved. “I’m sending you an email outlining your next job. Make sure you understand it clearly because it will self-destruct thirty seconds after it’s opened. You’re to make sure no one else knows about it. Do you understand?”
“I understand. I’ll check my messages in fifteen minutes and thirty-one seconds.”
The phone line went dead.
Looking at his watch, Lawton grimaced. It was already almost five-thirty and he didn’t feel like staying late. It had been a strange day. Picking up the phone he made two more calls, one to Stalling’s senior security officer and the other to the human resources department.
“If this doesn’t make the boss happy, nothing will,” Lawton murmured, feeling smug. After only one day in charge of security, he had not only completed his first assignment, but was about to complete his second, as well as retrieve the two Hubots. No matter who he chose, he had performed his duties well and provided the cover he would need if something went wrong. The day had turned out pretty well after all.
I’ll call him tomorrow just in case something goes wrong.
Picking up his briefcase, he whistled softly. This job wasn’t going to be as hard as he thought.
CHAPTER 41
THE GUARD HOUSE to the entrance of Stalling’s estate was situated about a quarter of a mile from the large brick home surrounded by landscaped gardens and fountains. A manmade waterfall cascaded down artificial boulders into a crystal clear pool. A small fountain sprang from the center, sending water into the air. Lights illuminated the grounds and exterior of the house enveloping it in an amber glow.
Cameras were positioned throughout the yard and along the exterior of the structure. They were manned twenty-four hours a day. Several guards patrolled the area. Every fifteen minutes they would log onto touchpads placed at strategic locations around the estate. The data was transferred to the main server which was manned by two more guards and a supervisor.
It was almost midnight when Stalling approached the electronic gate leading to his home. Pressing several buttons on the dash of his car, he waited for the recognition code to be confirmed by the guards inside their small outpost.
“Good evening, Mr. Stalling. You are free to enter.”
The gender of the guard was indistinguishable behind the tinted window making it impossible for anyone to tell who was inside the unit. Stalling believed it provided a psychological advantage if visitors didn’t know the gender of the guards.
“Thank you.” The CEO was always polite to those that protected him and his property. It was good business not to alienate people who had access to his estate and carried weapons. “Anything I need to know about?”
“No sir. Everything is quiet. Do you have any special orders or requirements tonight?”
“Not tonight, Johnson,” he replied, priding himself that he knew almost every man and woman in his estate’s security force, not to mention their schedules.
“Oh, I’m sorry, sir, but Johnson is on emergency leave.”
“Emergency leave? I don’t recall authorizing that?”
“No sir. Chief Brooks did earlier today. He said to tell you he tried to call you several times.”
“I see. Please have him call me tomorrow. I don’t like surprises. Who are you?”
“Talbert, sir.”
“Talbert? I don’t recall that name on the payroll.”
“I was just transferred in from Corporate four weeks ago, Mr. Stalling. Mr. Finton said it would help my chances of promotion by having this assignment on my records.”
“You must be exceptional if he put you here. Report to my office tomorrow mor
ning at eight. I don’t like not knowing who’s working for me.”
“Yes, sir. Is there anything else sir?”
“No, have a good night,” Stalling replied, tired of the conversation. Since Finton was dead, the CEO had no reason to believe the man had compromised the Company or Stalling’s estate. From what Colton had said, the CSO wanted to cut and run, hoping to just disappear. Sabotage would insure Stalling would spare no expense to find and destroy him. Of course, the man was a fool to think he had any chance of escaping the Company’s bloodhounds. Money bought the best resources available and Stalling had a lot of money at his disposal.
“Good night, Mr. Stalling.”
After turning his car over to the servant waiting for him, Stalling went immediately to his library. Logs burned brightly in the fireplace. Removing his jacket and tie, Stalling threw it over a chair and walked to the bar. After pouring himself a brandy, he collapsed in his favorite chair and stared out the oversized window at the fountain and waterfall. Jewels of light sparkled as the water passed between the flood light and the darkness. Swirling his drink, he sipped it, leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. All-in-all it had been a good day. Things were starting to fall into place confirming his belief in both his god and himself. He was truly the Chosen One. Soon the world would know this and follow him unquestioningly; at least the smart ones would. The non-believers could be brought into the fold quickly with a little coaxing; and if not, then there was always Dr. Phillips to help. The only thing left was to recapture the Hubots and then he could implement the final stage of his plan.
Feeling sleepy, he put the drink down and closed his eyes. A well deserved nap was in order.
Stalling wasn’t sure what had awakened him. Opening his eyes, he scanned the room, searching for whatever had disturbed his sleep.
I’m more tired than I thought! Better get a shower and some rest.
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