After walking through yet another door, the blind folds were removed, and they found themselves in an office with paneled walls and the only window was the one on the door with a view into the room adjacent to it. Maynard drew the blinds. Then he stepped behind a large oak desk. And as he sat down he said, rather cordially.
“Take a seat gentlemen, we have a lot to discuss.”
Dale and Professor Bierce each took a seat on the only two other chairs in the room, as if they had been placed there just for them. The Professor sat closest to the desk almost perpendicular to it. While Dale sat facing it.
“Where’s Holloway?” Professor Bierce, demanded.
“Not to worry professor, in good time you’ll see him. Albeit, a little roughed up and a bit groggy from the sedative I’ve been administering. Your friend by the way is a difficult man. More simply put, a pain in the ass.” he said mockingly, with a shallow grin.
“Why are you holding him here? He has no involvement with the research, other than his financial input.” Dale said, angrily.
“Is that so.” Maynard said. “Well it just may be that he’s more involved than you realise. Much more. Wouldn’t you agree Professor?” he said, now looking at Professor Bierce. “So then,” Maynard continued, “I see it appears there’s more going on than you’ve been led to believe.” Dale now wondered what other secrets his father was holding.
“Tell me, are you aware of the extent to which your fathers research has progressed in recent years?”
“Yes of course” Dale snapped.
“Then I take it you know the details of the of the procedure regarding his latest breakthrough.”
“Not by detail, no.”
“Well then, perhaps a quick run down will help paint a clearer picture for you. Trust me, it will help with what you’re about to learn today.”
“What I’m about to learn today? And what would that be?”
“Listen and learn, and the rest will come later. You see,” Maynard began, “the Professor, your father, has discovered the method for transplanting the brain, and human cloned organs into an humanoid structure that functions entirely as human, via the brain’s very own neurotransmitters and brain waves…
“Yes, I’m aware of that!” Dale interrupted, annoyance in his voice. ” What’s your point?”
“Well then let’s go over a few details shall we. Perhaps a visual will help you understand exactly what we’re dealing with here. It’s well worth knowing. As I said, considering what else you’ll soon be learning here today.” Dale’s eyes narrowed at the mysterious tone in Maynard’s voice as he watched him stand up, and turn around to place his finger on a digital screen displaying an x ray view of the body structure of an humanoid cyborg, brain, and organs.
“You see, it all starts with a computer chip about the the size of the button on your shirt. Implanted into the frontal cortex, specifically devised and connected to a component attached to electrodes placed deep within the brain, helping to regulate body temperature necessary for fluidity of movement among other things. The electrodes are attached to electric stimulater’s embedded into bio printed nerve and tissue, beneath genetically modified skin. And as is necessary,” Maynard continued, his eyes gleaming as he spoke, “the brain is preserved by cryo preservation, preceding the process of nano warming before it’s transplantation into a partially, technologically cloned synthetic body structure. And “voila” perfect in human form and dimension.
Dale listened and watched as Maynard explained in detail the process of his fathers research.
“How do you know all this?”
“You might be surprised to know I’ve been following your fathers work for many years.”
“To say the least. Spying would better describe it, wouldn’t it.”
“I have my ways of acquiring information.”
“Right, as in stealing information.” Dale said snidely.
“As you can see,” Maynard retorted, ignoring Dales blatancy. “What your father has done here is beyond the scope of artificial intelligence and robotics technology. And the specifics, every minute detail is in the data chip.”
Dale looked at the Professor, then back at Maynard,
“But the procedure has never been tested using an actual human brain.” Dale said. “And until it has, no one knows, least of all you, what the outcome would be. No one can say it’s foolproof.” And it could take you years, probably the rest of your life to perfect it.” he lied, knowing the Professors certainty.
“Hasn’t it been tested though? Apparently the professor and Holloway have kept you in the dark.”
“Holloway? What has he got to do with it? And are you implying that the procedure has already been done?” he asked Maynard, then turned and looked at the professor.
“I never intended to go that far.” Professor Bierce said. “I washed my hands of it and swore never again. I saw no reason for you to know.”Dale couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“How? How could such a procedure be conducted without my knowledge? I’m aware of all research and testing conducted at “Raai Labs.”And then it clicked. His suspicions were correct. “So this is the research Jake had been funding all along? And in secret. Why? Why the secrecy? What’s his stake in this? Someone who claims to have left it all behind because it’s not what he’s about.” He looked at the Professor, waiting for his response.
“Oh he has a very high stake in this.” Maynard said. Dale looked at Maynard. “So high that he felt it necessary to find me, and kill me for fear it would be brought to light. And if it weren’t for Simon here,” he said, looking at the young man standing guard by the door, “he might very well have accomplished what he came for.”
“Why would he jeopardize his own life for murder. And over scum like you. Although at the moment I can’t say I’d blame him if he tried.”
“Careful there” Maynard said, in a somber tone. “Maybe it’s time you were caught up as to the extent of what’s been going on between your father and Holloway.”
Maynard picked up his cell phone, “Come to my office will you.” he said.
Less than a minute later Cummings walked in, a bit surprised to see Professor Bierce, and Dale, who weren’t at all surprised now to see him colluding with Maynard.
“You can thank your dear friend Cummings here Professor. If it weren’t for him, we never would have found it. Why I never would have known it existed for that matter.”
“Are you saying you know where it is?” Dale asked.
“Correct, Maynard replied.”
Professor Bierce was certain now that Maynard had Ronda.
Dale looked at Cummings.
“Why? he said furiously.“Father treated you like family, and you turn around and betray him! You might as well have just put a knife in his back and anyone associated with the company.”
“There was a time when the feeling was mutual Dale. You and your father were like family to me also. So I believed. Foolish of me. I’ve been at your fathers side for years. I took care of everything concerning the company. I know “Raii labs” inside and out, even better than he. I confronted Maynard with knowledge of the data chip long after I learned the truth of the research it holds. I knew your father was on to something big. All I asked was a fifty fifty share in “Raai labs.” A partnership. I think he owed me that much. I trusted he would stand by me. But he stopped me. I’d been there with him through it all. You might say I betrayed your father, but from where I stand, after all was said and done, it was he who betrayed me.” Cummings replied indignantly as he looked at Professor Bierce.
“After all these years Cummings, I never would have thought you to be capable of this. The one person I entrusted all my business dealings to.” Professor Bierce said. “I had hoped there was no truth to my suspicions. But now that I see what your capable of, I wonder how it is I didn’t see it sooner.”
“Ahem.” Maynard interrupted, “Yes, well gentlemen, perhaps you can work on your trust issues another
time. As it is we have far more important things to discuss than who did what to who. Interesting though it may be. So then,” he continued, “as it happened, when your father was hospitalized Cummings here took advantage of his situation and offered to sell the data chip. For a hefty sum I might add.”
“So you’ve known where it was all along?” Dale asked Cummings.
“No, I had no idea. Nor did I know of the research on the data. I became suspicious that something was going on after overhearing several of your fathers phone conversations. Of course, I came to learn it was Holloway he was conversing with only after I discovered the files. I had to put two and two together before I realized what they were actually conversing about. You see, before I could learn where the chip was located, I had to discover something first. They were hiding something. A secret. Needless to say my curiosity got the best of me. It wasn’t easy, it took some digging and hacking into your fathers “personal” files. Files that were mentioned during their talks. Still, I really wasn’t sure exactly what it was I was looking for. But I knew once I found it. And I have to say, I was absolutely stunned with what I found in those files. In any event, I knew Maynard would be interested in this information I had discovered. And if he was willing to pay what I was asking, I would let him know where the data chip was located. And moreover, I would bring the data chip to him personally. Well in a manner of speaking.” Dale frowned curiously.
“That explains a lot. But it doesn’t explain why you’ve been stalking Ronda. What has any of this got to do with her? Dale demanded. “She never even knew the data chip existed before that day at “Raai labs.” Dale was almost certain now that his father had entrusted the chip with he, somehow without her knowledge
“Cummings here was to deliver her to me himself.” Maynard answered before Cummings could respond. “But as it turned out, he lacked the balls to take care of it. And if it weren’t for his lack of back bone, I would have had the chip sooner.”
“Ahem.” Cummings cleared his throat, suddenly feeling visibly uncomfortable.
“And why should he bring her to you. She’s innocent in all of this.”
“That may be true. Nevertheless, she’s an integral part of of what’s going on here.”
“And how in gods name do you figure that?” Dale asked, frowning, curious.
“Perhaps that’s a question you should ask your father. I’m sure he can tell you far more than I can. What I can tell you, is that this woman, who’s been working as your executive secretary, is not who you think she is.”
“What are you getting at?” Dale asked, “You know nothing about her.”
“It’s true Dale.” Cummings said, “She’s not who you think she is.”
“What are you implying?” Dale asked, quickly losing his patience. “Somebody get to the point.”
“Would you care to explain Professor?” Maynard asked. Professor Bierce stared at Maynard with contempt in his eyes then turned to Dale.
“You see Dale, the Professor began, but couldn’t find the words.
“What’s wrong Professor, cat caught your tongue?” Maynard said. “I have a brilliant idea. “Lets allow your good friend Holloway to explain, shall we.” he said, as he gave a quick nod to Simon who was standing quietly by the door listening to the exchange of words between the men, and so far intrigued by what he had heard .
“After all,” Maynard continued, “It seems the fair thing to do, considering. Don’t you agree Professor?” Professor Bierce frowned at the tone in Maynard’s voice, filled with malicious intent.
Dale felt so out of the loop with what was going on. Something was happening here. He could feel it in his bones,and he wasn’t sure he wanted to know any more.
15
Disbelief
After a few minutes Simon returned with Jake looking a little worse for wear, with his hands tied behind his back, a large wound across his face and some bruises. As if taken down in a brawl. Which happened to be the case. Jake looked at the Professor and Dale, and seeing Ronda nowhere in sight he feared the worst.
“Tell me what’s going on Jake?” Dale demanded. “How’s Ronda involved in this?”
“Go ahead.” Maynard cajoled. “After all it only seems fair that you be the one to fill him in. I’m sure you agree.”
“Fill him in on what?”
“Not what, who. Tell him “who” Ronda is.”
Dale stared at Jake, waiting for him to speak, hoping he could help him make sense of it all. Realizing Maynard ‘s intent Jake looked at Professor Bierce. With pain in his eyes Professor Bierce nodded. Jake looked at Dale. And as was Jake’s way, he got straight to the point.
“If you remember Dale,” he began slowly, “I told you I came back to get away from something. To find solace. “Well — three years ago,” he began slowly, “My wife and my daughter, Sarah, were in a car accident. Killing my wife, and leaving my daughter in a coma, and later fighting for her life from an infection in her kidney’s that had spread to her blood. Her doctor said there was no hope. Everyone tried to convince me to let her go, they said it would be in her best interest to let her die. Needless to say I couldn’t bare seeing it happen. But even more, I couldn’t see living without her. She was all I had to live for. She was my life. And so young, with so much living still ahead of her. But her body was shutting down due to the infection. And I was desperate. So I went to your father and I begged for his for help.”
Professor Bierce lowered his head as he remembered.
“I begged him to let her, my Sarah, be his first human brain transplant.”
Dales eyes narrowed as he listened
“He had perfected his research so far. All he needed was a subject.
“Wait!” Dale said. “Stop! Are you telling me that— that Ronda, is your daughter —Sarah? That Ronda is the test subject?”
Neither men responded. All they could do was look at him. Conveying the answer with their silence.
Cummings sat quietly listening. Though he had seen the files, hearing her story made it somehow more real.
“Am I supposed to believe this. Did Maynard brainwash you into saying this as part of his sick scheme to get the data chip?“.”
“Listen to me Dale.” Jake continued.
After I went to your father, he refused of course. He wasn’t yet willing to perform the transplant. Least of all on Sarah. He said he didn’t feel right about it. But, something inside me wouldn’t heed his words. I wouldn’t take no for an answer, I couldn’t. Not when I knew he could save her. I tried to convince him that refusing to help her was just as wrong. That letting her die would be killing her, when he had the means to save her.
And seeing that she was already at deaths door, I wouldn’t hold him responsible if it failed.
Dale was stunned. “No — it’s not true. It can’t be true.” He couldn’t accept Jake’s words. “This can’t really be happening,” he said. His breathing became heavy and his palms clammy as they began to shake nervously. He rolled his fist and clutched it with his other hand, as his eyes welled up with tears, and his heart sank. After a moment he looked at Jake, and seeing the pain that was so transparent on his face, he understood the truth.
Now turning towards the Professor. “Why! Why did you keep this from me!” he said with anger.“I should have known what was happening, you should have told me what was happening!” With anguish, he leaned forward now, resting his elbows on his knees with his head in his hands, as he pulled at his hair, thinking and wondering how it could all be real. He didn’t want to believe it.
Professor Bierce watched Dale, realizing now what he should have seen all along, but the very idea of it never entered his mind. “I’m sorry son,” he said, “I had no idea.” Knowing well now, that Dale was in love with Ronda.
“Well then,” Maynard said, “now that you understand who, and what Ronda is, we can move on. Now let’s get to the heart of the matter shall we. The reason we’re all here. The data chip.”
Dale, with his h
ead in his hands, listened to Maynard as he spoke, wishing he’d had him alone.
“…you see,” Maynard went on, “Ronda has the chip that holds everything I need.” Dale looked up, his stare, intense.
“She swears she doesn’t know a thing about it.!” Dale said, angrily.
“Correct, she never knew. The truth is, your father had the brilliant idea of embedding the chip at the base of her neck. Who would ever suspect it? Had I known it even existed before this I never would have guessed.” Cummings listened, with the slightest tinge of doubt about what he had done. Exposing a secret, while profiting in the process.
“What!” Is this true?” Dale exclaimed.
“Yes Dale— it’s true.“ Professor Bierce replied.
“And you plan to remove it?” He scowled at Maynard. I’ll kill you before that happens.”
“Lets not get carried away.” Maynard said. “The Professor can perform the removal. No harm will come to her I assure you. It’s as easy as a tooth extraction. And less painful. Isn’t that right Professor Bierce. And when it’s all over and the chip is in my hands, and it’s my research to expand on however I see fit, then your all free to go.”
“He spent years perfecting his research.” Jake said angrily. “It was his sweat and hard work that went into it. And you would steal it and take the credit. A snake couldn’t crawl any lower. You’re a fraud!”
“I’ve no doubt what it cost the Professor to come as far as he has in his research. But let’s admit it,” Maynard scowled, “apparently the Professor doesn’t have the balls to take his research further. I can take every last bit of information on the data and do wonders to the likes of which science hasn’t yet witnessed. Now, moving things along gentlemen.”
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