“We can’t be sure of that. You’ve got to trust me—Douglas and our connection in Austria swore to me that this plan will work. Just be patient. We have to do this right.”
Kim looked around and saw Táan circling the busy quarterdeck. Táan met his eyes and gestured in Kaleka’s direction. Kim squared his shoulders, “OK. Let’s go.”
The two men approached Kaleka, hoping to catch the CEO’s attention before security brushed them aside. Táan paused several feet from the group and waited. As Kaleka turned to leave, Táan stumbled, falling against one of the bodyguards. “Oh man! I’m really sorry—Sheesh, I should’ve stopped at that third drink…”
Kim slipped between the assistants. “Excuse me, Mr. Kaleka, my name is Chen—Kim Chen. It’s most urgent that I speak with you about...”
Raj shook the scientist’s hand and repeated his name. “Chen? Your name sounds familiar… Have we met before?”
“No… Sir, I have critical information that I must speak w…”
One of the assistants stepped between them and placed a business card in Kim’s hand, saying, “Mr. Kaleka can be reached at this number. We will make an appointment as soon as his schedule permits, Mr. Chen, was it?” The handlers escorted Raj toward the master stateroom.
“Sir—this is most urgent!” Kim tried to follow but was blocked by a security guard. “Mr. Kaleka, I have information you must see—please!” Kim found himself standing alone as the entourage moved toward the cabins. Jun ran forward and pushed his uncle, “Don’t give up. Try it again…”
Dot’s saw their attempt fail from her vantage point on the bridge. Clenching her fists, she silently urged Kim onward. Don’t let him get away—go after him! She searched through the crowd to determine where the two HighTower agents had gone. She spotted one of them crouched behind a port-side lifeboat. Following the direction of his gaze, she saw Táan standing alone. Kaleka’s security detail had withdrawn after his encounter and Táan watched them depart. Dot’s eyes darted from her friend back to the HighTower agent and she gasped. The man had unbuttoned his tuxedo and drawn a weapon. Dot leaned further over the rail and waved frantically. It was no good, Táan was focused on Kaleka’s receding party.
“Hey, you—we’re on!” the drummer yelled over as the bass and guitar players tuned their instruments. He added under his breath, “Vocalists… Such goddamned divas.” A loud screech reverberated from the feedback monitors, ringing across the main deck, and a crimson spotlight suddenly flooded the balcony where Dot stood. Guests looked up as the band began a prelude. Dot’s hand rose to her throat. Not now! Not now! Gripping the railing, she searched for Táan but the spotlight blinded her and figures below appeared only as silhouettes. Dot felt her heart pounding in her ears as she scanned the crowd and then, in the dim twilight, she spotted Táan. He was standing next to Jun as Kim angled his way through Raj’s entourage. But something was wrong: a red dot hovered on Táan’s shirt… What is that?
“Pssst—hey, it’s all you after the blue notes, hon’. Be ready.” Dot shook her head and scowled at the bass player. This cannot be happening. She looked down and noticed another red dot had appeared—this one on the back of Jun’s head. Both men were absorbed with Kim’s efforts, unaware they’d been targeted. The music built to a crescendo as the instrumentalists prepped for her solo. Dot spied both the HighTower agents. She pounded her fists on the railings, Look at me, dammit! Táan—look up! A sensation of despair filled her body, her lungs refused to inflate… She felt as if she were drowning. And then—movement—whooshing noises—a blur and rush of air as giant wings flapped in front of her—a glint of glossy blackness reflected the crimson spotlight as Monk’s wing tips brushed her face, blurring her vision. All at once, she saw a towering white wall on the horizon heard roiling water beneath her feet and felt a distant rumble. Evie’s voice inside her welled up and whispered, not again! No more—not this time… Dot’s body shook and she gulped for breath, clutching the rails for support. Evie’s voice grew stronger. A heavy knot in her throat built until she was unable to contain it any longer. “Táan! Get out!”
Stunned by the sound of her own voice, Dot froze, staring at the deck beneath her. A dark shape glided over the other passengers, obstructing her view of Táan and Jun. The spotlight’s gleam accentuated the raven’s wingspan; his feather-tips flashed vermilion. Monk’s shadow followed below him, bouncing off the upturned faces in the crowd. A brief spark and sharp hiss issued from where the HighTower agent had concealed himself. Monk veered towards Táan. The raven let out a gravely kraa and vanished into the mass of people on deck.
“No!”
Dot’s scream reverberated throughout the ship. Táan spun around in time to see Monk dart overhead. He heard a heavy thud behind him and then a voice in the audience yelled, “Gun! They’ve got a gun!” The atmosphere on Monita’s main deck fell into chaos as guests ran toward the elevator, pushing and shoving to reach safety. Tables and drinks crashed to the deck. Táan looked over in time to see the security team push Kaleka toward the stateroom doors. Grabbing Jun’s arm, he shouted, “Now or never—help your uncle and make Kaleka listen to him!” Wide-eyed, Jun nodded and raced after his uncle. Táan looked up at the bridge and saw Dot, alone, arms at her sides. Darting between panicked passengers and crew, he raced toward the staircase.
Raj fell back against the door, surrounded by his security detail. “What’s just happened? Someone find out about that gun!” he shouted. As an assistant struggled to unlock the door, Jun elbowed his way into the circle. Thrusting his head between the bodyguards, he shouted, “Check your mobile, Mr. Kaleka! You need to see this message—right now! HighTower is here!” The guards fell on top of Jun, pinning him to the ground, one of the men drew a weapon, placing it inches from the young man’s chest. Jun pleaded, “Check your message—for Chrissake—please!”
Kaleka’s mobile vibrated. Within seconds, his staff’s devices buzzed as well. Eventually, notifications were heard throughout the ship. Members of the press stared at their screens as a universal message appeared from a blocked source. Raj scanned his device and held up his hand. “Wait—stop! What is a ‘Revelations Project’? Who’s Kim Chen? …Didn’t I just meet someone by that name?”
Kim appeared from behind the security guards and grabbed Jun, helping him to his feet. He bowed his head, and said, “Mr. Kaleka, my name is Dr. Kim Chen. I was a scientist with Huang Biotechnologies in Hong Kong. If you’ll permit, I have information to hand over to your organization. It involves a weaponized enzyme that HighTower has commissioned from my former employer.”
Kaleka looked at the message and the attached data file. Glancing back at the scientist he nodded grimly, waving his detail away. The bodyguards backed off, allowing Kim and Jun to enter the circle. Raj extended his hand and said, “It’s good to meet you, Mr. Chen. I remember now hearing something about Huang Biotechnologies… A fire in the high-security lab, correct? Come with me—we need to talk.” Kim clasped hands with Raj as both he and Jun were led into the master stateroom. The ATHENS entourage followed closely behind. Once the doors closed, Kaleka’s security guards posted themselves on opposite sides, legs apart and arms crossed.
The main deck was nearly deserted; most of the guests and staff had been escorted to safety. A few journalists lingered near the elevator doors, speaking with their editors or recording the breaking story. Christoph and Douglas had done their job well; Kim’s incriminating evidence went directly to all the major news outlets and the story was going viral in real time. ATHENS security team were scouring the ship for HighTower’s gunmen, but found no trace. Táan leapt up the staircase, taking the steps two at a time. He reached the railing and drew Dot into his arms. Kissing her cheek, he pressed her tightly to his chest. “Kijii…Kij’…” Dot closed her eyes and fell against him, she couldn’t bear to look down—it could wait. Eventually, Táan held her at arm’s length and looked into her eyes. “You spoke—you realize that, right? You warned me, Kij’. You sa
ved my life.”
Dot shook her head, her voice low as she spoke, “No, I didn’t—it wasn’t me. Monk saved your lives. See? …Down there.” She pointed toward the main deck where Monk’s crumpled body lay among the overturned chairs and broken glassware.
Táan shook his head and whispered, “No… Not him.”
Solemnly, they descended the spiral staircase. Illumination from an early ice moon gave an ethereal quality to the vacant surroundings. As they drew nearer, Táan reached for Dot’s hand and they stood quietly over their fallen companion for a moment. Dot cradled the raven in her arms, then carried him toward the transom, stroking his feathers as she walked. Táan followed behind, tears welling in his eyes as stared at moon’s reflection on the water. Then, with a sudden smile, he whispered, “Kij’, look—out there.” Dot looked up to see Saka’s dorsal fin parting the waves. The whale moved towards Monita’s stern and slowed, swimming alongside the anchored yacht. Táan placed his arm around Dot’s shoulders and together they watched as Saka dipped below the surface, leaving rings of pearl-like bubbles in his place. Looking down, Táan asked, “Would you like me to do it?”
“No,” Dot murmured, “This is something I must do.” She extended her arms and held Monk’s body over the water. “Kíl 'láa, friend. You were my guide, you were… my family.” With those words, she let go and the raven slipped into the sea. A sudden splash heralded Saka’s presence as the orca breached. For a moment, they watched the moonlight shimmer along the entire length of the whale’s body. Bioluminescence sparkled beneath him until at last, he arched backward, spraying crystalline droplets into the night sky.
The couple stared into the silent water for some time until Táan pulled Dot closer and, resting his cheek against her forehead, murmured, “C’mon Kij’, we’ve done our part. Let’s find the others.”
42 Requiem for a Robot
Broadway New York. Aug. 27. 2033
40°46'21.4"N 73°59'02.1"W
“Really Nelson, can’t you sit quietly?”
Nelson Banks grumbled and fidgeted in his seat. He disliked the opera and detested Verdi. With HighTower’s escalating bad press, Bank’s mind lay elsewhere. The plan to appease his wife and keep up appearances wasn’t working as he’d hoped and now the lead soprano was trilling her way through the interminable Caro Nome. “That’s it. I’m going outside for a cigar,” he grumbled, leaving their private box before Mrs. Banks could raise an objection. As he stepped onto the mezzanine, Nelson was met by two men. They moved toward him, their hands clasped together in front of their suit jackets. A grey-haired man in a charcoal trench coat approached and reached behind Nelson to shut the door. “Mr. Banks, if you’d be so kind as to follow me, we have some questions for you.”
“What do you mean, ‘follow you’—do you realize who you’re speaking to?”
“Yes sir, I do. My name is Special Agent Armitage, FBI. My orders are to escort you, with the assistance of Special Agents Fuller and Michaels from the State Department.” Armitage gestured with his head toward the two men on either side as he spoke, “…To our headquarters downtown. Would you come with us please?”
Nelson pointed his finger in Agent Armitage’s face and muttered, “You’re operating way above your paygrade, I’m the CEO of HighTower Security Authority—I effectively own you. Now, get the hell out of my way.” He attempted to push past the agent but was manhandled into an arm lock by the two men from the State Department. “That’s it—goddammit! I am contacting Secretary Gorton about this. Now, get your hands off…”
“Sir, Madame Secretary issued the order for your detainment. I think it would be best if you came along quietly.”
“Maureen… did what?” Nelson looked baffled as the men dragged him across the balcony level. They pushed him into the elevator and as the door began to slide closed, he shook his head, stammering, “My wife—she’s… I should go back and tell my…”
“I wouldn’t worry, Mr. Banks. We have an agent taking care of that matter as we speak.” The lift doors opened onto the opulent main floor and Banks blinked as the floodlights from cameras flared all around him. The lobby’s burgundy carpeted atrium was packed with media and crowds of angry citizens who burst into frenzied questions and catcalls as the HighTower CEO was led into their midst. “Mr. Banks—CEO Banks! Can you comment on the leaked files showing that your company paid for designer genetic weapons?” “Did HighTower unleash a bioweapon of some kind on populations in Africa and the South Pacific? Sir!” ...“Mr. Banks?” What is your response to Mr. Kaleka’s charge that you should be tried for war crimes?” …”How many dead, Mr. Banks?”…”Murderer!”
Nelson ducked his head and muttered, “Get me the hell out of here—And place a call to my attorney. Now!”
HighTower-West Corporate. New Seattle WA. Aug 28 2033
47°32'59.7"N 122°02'38.7"W
Amanda bent over her keyboard, furiously entering commands. The bluish tint from the screen cast a spectral glow on her features, her hair hung in strands around her face. The rest of the office remained dark; the window shades were drawn. “Come on… Hurry up and delete, you bitch!” The sharp click of a latch announced the automated assistant’s arrival.
Flora glided into the room. “Good evening, Director Terrance. I was not made aware that you would be present at this hour.”
Amanda pursed her lips as she glanced up from her computer. “Why are you here, Flora? I distinctly forbade you to activate your overtime compliancy—distinctly!”
“Forgive me, Director Terrence, my programming is designed to auto-engage when departmental security protocols are breached. I am unable to override this function.” The robot stopped in the center of the room. “May I inquire why you have removed certain Revelations files and phone logs dating back to…”
“Damn it, Flora, I need you to hear what I am about to say… This is critically important. Are you listening? Do I have your complete attention?”
“Affirmative, Director.”
“I need you not to be here right now. In fact, I instruct you to… No, I order you to turn yourself off—right this second, Flora.”
“Regrettably Director, that is a command that I am unable to comply with. My circuits will not allow for discontinuation once the HSA security clearance has been compromised. I must request that you cease deletion of these sensitive…”
Amanda sighed, closed her eyes briefly and then walked to the bookshelf on the east wall. She removed a heavy trophy from the bottom shelf and presented it her assistant. “What can you tell me about this?”
“This is the 2029 HighTower award for ‘Achievement in Management,’ presented to you as a regional director. Records indicate that you were the youngest woman to receive such recognition in the corporation’s history.”
“Yes Flora—but, no…Tell me what it’s made of, please.”
“My external sensors denote granite, with metal components of…”
“How dense is granite?’
“The potential value of granite falls between 165 and 171.5 kilos per square foot.”
“Does that make it strong enough to withstand a series of blows to a hard object made from, say… titanium and carbon fibers?”
“Specify. Your parameters should be more clearly refined in order…”
Amanda brought the trophy down hard on top of Flora. The assistant toppled backwards onto the carpet. Small pieces of metal, fiber and synthetics flew across the floor. Amanda fell to her knees, crying out between repeated blows, “I’m sorry, I never wanted to hurt you.” At last, the robot’s systems went dark and Amanda removed a translucent chip from the integrated circuitry. Returning to her desk, she straightening her skirt, drew a jagged breath and whispered, “Damn it, Flora… damn you.” A staccato bleep brought her attention back to the current situation; her screen flashed “deletion sequence complete” and switched off. Amanda grabbed her attaché from the floor and stuffed a stack of electronic files into its pleated f
olders. Sweeping the hair out of her eyes, she checked the time; her mobile read 0120. Security drones would be executing their routine sweep of the executive floor soon. She fastened the hasp on her case and moved toward the door, carefully stepping over Flora’s carcass. Her mobile buzzed. Startled, Amanda fumbled for the device, swiped the screen and muttered, “This is Terrence—what is it?”
“Director Terrence, this is Lieutenant Martinez at HSA command center bravo. Your MQ-47C drone is in position over the coordinates of Graham Island, Haida Gwaii. Since this mission has been designated ‘for your eyes only’, I’ll need you to key in authorization before we deploy the payload.”
“Hang on, will you please?”
“Excuse me, Ma’am?”
“Just… Wait a god damned minute.”
Amanda clutched the attaché to her chest and pinned the mobile between chin and shoulder as she wrestled with the door. She pulled back on the handle and was astonished when the door opened of its own accord. Thrown off balance, Amanda dropped her shoulder and the mobile slid to the floor. A voice on the other end of the line repeated, “Hullo ma’am—Director Terrence? …Ma’am, are you able to confirm your authorization?” She picked up the device and glanced at the screen as she barreled through the doorway. “Yes, I’m still here. I need you to just hold on a second for confirmation.” At that moment, she collided directly into Adili’s broad chest. Jumping backwards, Amanda stifled a scream. She raised her hand over her chest. “Wh—who are you? What the hell are you doing inside this building in the middle of the night?” Adili stood in the center of the doorway and glared. “Move away, whoever you are—really, I don’t care, alright? I need to get past you. Right now—just…go!” She tried to wave him away, fighting to keep her voice steady. The disconnected voice on her mobile asked, “Director Terrence. I repeat, we cannot deploy the missile without your authorization. Are you able to authorize? Can you hear me?” Ignoring the voice, Amanda gulped, straightened her shoulders and hissed, “The security drones are on their way. I can have you shot on sight. I’m going to ask you one more time: Get the hell out of my way.” She was relieved to see the big man step aside. Amanda moved to brush past him but halted in her steps, her jaw dropped open. Several paces behind the imposing man was Trip Ashfield, sitting on the edge of Flora’s desk. He tossed a small electronic sensor up and down in his hand.
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