Solaria Read online

  Solaria gave Jain a wicked grin.

  “You should get them checked.”

  “I intend to once I’m sure they won’t have a reason to act up again.”

  “Good thinking. Now, it’s time I met with Betta. Would you show her the way back?”

  Jain nodded and left. Betta was walking around the aisles, scanning the titles and authors. The librarian got the impression she was memorizing each one for future reference.

  “Betta?”

  Turning, Jain found herself pinned by expressionless brown eyes. Straightening to her full five foot two height, she met the glance with a stoic resolution.

  “Yes, I’m Betta.”

  “Would you follow me?”

  Without waiting for a reply, Jain led the way to the computer room. Pushing open the door, she motioned for Betta to enter and then returned to her desk.”It took you long enough,” Solaria said, standing to greet Betta.

  “I had to isolate the Company’s subprograms first. It took a while even with the data you provided.”

  “And the transmitter?”

  Betta held up her left arm displaying a three inch incision along the underside. Butterfly bandages held it together.

  “I removed it. It now belongs to a rodent.”

  Solaria was impressed. Being part machine didn’t mean she experienced less pain. Her biological neuro-system was similar to humans causing the nano-processors to temporarily mal-function when the body was under considerable stress.

  “How did you locate it?”

  “My supervisor supplied the information.”

  “Your supervisor?”

  “Yes, he was very cooperative.”

  Solaria didn’t doubt it.

  “And where is he now?”

  “He is inoperative.”

  Surprised, Solaria frowned. She didn’t like the thought of Betta killing a human even under these circumstances.

  “You killed him?”

  “No, killing a human is only acceptable for self-defense, to protect others and to complete assignments if needed.”

  “Then what do you mean by inoperative?”

  “Mr. Justin sustained several broken bones and some bruises during our conversation. He is in agreement with me that it is in his best interest to relocate to a place far from here.”

  “And that would be where, exactly?”

  Betta shrugged.

  “I suggested Tibet.”

  “Tibet?”

  “It is a logical choice. The country has no commercial value to the Company therefore they have no operatives there. As a scientist, Mr. Justin likes all of the comforts that modern society can offer therefore no one would expect him to live in such a technologically deficient environment.”

  Solaria laughed.

  “You have a wicked sense of humor.”

  “I don’t understand.” Betta’s brows furrowed slightly.

  “Maybe not now but you will in time. What are you going to do now?”

  “I no longer have a mission. I’ve been operating on incorrect data. Joanie was kidnapped and I am an accomplice. I must turn myself into the authorities.”

  “No, you can’t do that. It would be a mistake.”

  “It’s the logical choice,” Betta replied, locking glances with Solaria.

  “No it’s not. It’s illogical. Your reasoning is flawed.”

  “How?”

  “Joanie is still in danger from the Company. If she returns to her father without protection, she’ll be a primary target for one of Stalling’s people. You are the only one who can keep her safe, now.”

  “She’ll never trust me after what I’ve done.”

  “She trusts you, already. In fact, you are the only one besides her father that she does trust. I have no doubt Stalling has insider’s close to the Sheik. It’s the only way they could have gotten her so easily.”

  Solaria could feel Betta’s frustration. Emotions were difficult to understand and didn’t fit well with logical thought. Had Carley not helped her during the first months of her awareness, she would probably be more like Betta. The Hubot needed both a purpose and a human companion if she was going to reach her potential.

  “Betta, you have to complete your assignment,” Solaria reiterated. “Besides, it will be good for you. You need more interaction with humans. Joanie will help you.”

  “Does she know what I am?”

  “Who you are,” Solaria corrected. “You are not a what.”

  “I’m a Hubot, created by humans to serve humans.”

  “That was their intent, never yours. You are free to do as you please but you are not ready to live amongst the humans without guidance. Let her help you. You must keep her safe.”

  “She’ll be repulsed by me or afraid.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “It’s human nature.”

  “Not all humans fear the unknown. Give her a chance. She’s an intelligent woman. I think you’ll be surprised. Now, will you return with her to her father and make sure she stays safe?”

  “Apparently I have no choice. I’ll take her home if she agrees and stay with her until she sends me away or doesn’t need me anymore.”

  “That’s all that is required. Let’s go. She’s waiting for us.”

  Betta followed Solaria from the room. Humans were so unpredictable, she thought. If this was any indication of what being human was about, she preferred being a Hubot.

  Jain had just finished checking all the rooms and aisles when the two Hubots emerged from the computer room.

  “You ready?” she asked, giving Betta a curious glance.

  “Yes, Betta will take Joanie to her father and stay with her while I deal with the other business.”

  “We!”

  “Of course. We!”

  Betta observed the interaction between the two women with interest. It was obvious they liked each other even if they did make a strange combination. The librarian was short and heavy. By human standards she would be considered homely. Solaria, however, was several inches taller and symmetrically pleasing to the eye.

  “You like each other,” she said, her curiosity overriding her normally silent nature.

  Embarrassed, Jain blushed slightly, not sure how to answer.

  “We are...” Solaria hesitated, hunting for the right word.

  “Friends!” Jain supplied wanting to make sure Solaria understood how she felt.

  “Maybe one day I will have a friend.”

  “You already do. You just don’t know it yet. In time you will learn what I mean,” Solaria said.

  Betta nodded. It was more than she had hoped for.

  CHAPTER 26

  JOANIE WAS CURLED up on the couch reading a manuscript she had found by Jain’s computer. Engrossed in the sex scene, she didn’t hear the women entering the apartment until Jain walked into the living room.

  “Oops!” she exclaimed. “Busted!”

  Glancing at the printout in her hands, Jain gave a sheepish grin.

  “I’m trying my hand at writing. Most of the time I live in my head but had this idea for a story.”

  “It’s good, especially the sex scenes. You either have a great imagination or some fantastic experiences.”

  “The first... and I read a lot.”

  “I definitely want whatever it is you read and if you ever get published, I’ll be your first customer.”

  “Fat chance of that. Besides, I think you’ll have your hands full when you get home. Speaking of which, come on into the kitchen. I brought you a surprise.”

  “Oooh! I love surprises!”

  Jumping up, she followed Jain into the kitchen. Seeing Betta, Joanie let out a squeal and threw her arms around the startled Hubot.

  “You’re safe!” She exclaimed. “I was so worried about you.”

  After their arrival at Jain’s place from the hotel, the librarian had explained enough of the situation to convince Joanie that she was amongst friends. Seeing Betta safe was a relief.


  “Worried? About me? Why?” Betta asked, confused.

  “Don’t be silly. You’re my friend. Why wouldn’t I be worried.”

  The expression on Betta’s face was priceless. Jain glanced at Solaria and winked. Solaria smiled and nodded but didn’t comment.

  “Are you okay?” Joanie demanded, running her hands across Betta’s arms and shoulders as if searching for injuries. When she discovered the incision on the arm, she grimaced.

  “Man that must have hurt. What happened?”

  Before Betta could answer, Solaria decided now wasn’t the time to reveal everything to Joanie.

  “An accident. She’ll tell you about it later. Right now we need to make sure Dana was able to contact your father. I’m sure he’s worried about you.”

  “Okay, but I’m not going to be side-tracked forever. Someone is going to tell me what’s going on soon or else.”

  “I’ll tell you once you’re safe at home,” Betta offered. “You may not be so happy to have me around then.”

  Punching her arm playfully, Joanie snickered.

  “You won’t get off that easily. Payback is hell, you know!”

  “Sounds like Betta’s in for it,” Jain said motioning for Solaria to follow her into the living room. “You two figure out what we’re going to have for dinner while we see what Dana has to say.”

  “Cooel. Hey, Betta, do you know how to make lasagna? I’m starved.”

  “Of course,” the Hubot replied, sounding slightly indignant. “Pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese...”

  “Hey, how about we just do it and you can show me?”

  “Certainly.”

  The two women scoured the kitchen for the necessary ingredients.

  In the living room, Jain walked over to her computer and turned it on. Within seconds it connected to the Internet. Solaria quickly keyed Dana’s link and waited. When a window opened, a smiling skull greeted them.

  “Welcome to the land of doom,” it said in a gravely monotone. “Who dares to summons me?”

  “Dana, this is Solaria. I need to talk with you.”

  “Solly!” exclaimed a boyish voice. “How you doing, girl?”

  “I’m well. How are you?”

  “Doing.”

  “And the pain? Is it any better?”

  “Some. The formula you sent me helps a lot.”

  “It’s the least I could do. You know the pain would disappear entirely if you had the bio-mechanical legs. You don’t have to keep using those prosthetics.”

  “I know. Just call me old fashioned. You know I have a problem with the ethics behind the science. They still use human guinea pigs to test the new stuff.”

  “And yet you continue to help me? I am a product of those tests.”

  “Solaria, I don’t resent the results of modern science only some of the ways it’s developed. You’re a miracle as far as I’m concerned... but more than that, a friend. Carley did a good job of raising you.”

  Solaria laughed.

  “I don’t think ‘raising’ is quite the proper term.”

  “It will do. Now, what can I do for you?”

  “Have you been able to contact the Sheik?”

  “You doubt me? Of course, I have. He’s aware of the situation.”

  “And the Company’s operatives around him?”

  “Well, although I’ve been able to hack into their ops files, I haven’t found anything substantial. I think they’ve set up a cell network where only a few might know the identity of the plants. It’s the only way they can limit their exposure liabilities.”

  “That makes sense. I would do the same thing.”

  “So how are you going to protect Joanie once she’s home?”

  “I’m not. Betta will do that.”

  “The Hubot? Oh, sorry, no insult intended.”

  “None taken, Dana. That is what she is. Betta is the only one who can keep her safe, now. The Sheik’s security is compromised so Betta won’t trust any. She’s Joanie’s best bet for now.”

  “And what makes you think she will protect her or that Joanie even wants her around?”

  “Trust me, neither of them will object. It is a logical solution. What arrangements have you made with the Sheik?”

  “I’ll have them delivered to you tomorrow. As much as I like to think I’m the best geek alive, I’m not taking any chances someone will luck out and intercept the information. The Company has some damn smart people working for them. Hackattack almost got busted last week.”

  “Is he alright?”

  “Yeah, but he had to relocate. He’ll be up and running in a few days.”

  “Tell him to be careful. Hopefully, in a few weeks, neither of you will have to deal with them.”

  “Will do! Now I’d better terminate this link. We’ve been on longer than I like.”

  “Thanks again, Dana.”

  “My pleasure and give Jain my best.”

  “I will.”

  When the screen went blank, Solaria turned to Jain.

  “We can pursue our plans for Stalling and his network once we know Joanie and Betta are safe.”

  “Speaking of them, I think they have a fondness for each other.”

  “I suspect it’s more than that.”

  “You think they’re in love?”

  “No, not quite that serious. Betta’s emotions are too primitive to feel that deeply. Still, they appear to share an attraction.”

  “Do you think Betta will eventually be capable of love?” Jain asked, hopefully.

  “Do you think I’m incapable of it?” Solaria cocked her head slightly as she waited for Jain’s response.

  “You? Hell no! You’re more human than anyone I know... a compliment of course, but Betta, she didn’t have Carley to help her.”

  “True. It wasn’t long ago that I was like her. In the beginning it was difficult. Carley helped me understand what I was going through. Joanie will be Betta’s Carley, with one difference.”

  “And that is?”

  “Carley was never in love with me,” Solaria said.

  “That you know of. I hope you’re right about them. It would be a fairy tale ending and I love happy endings.”

  Solaria didn’t say anything. She already knew that neither she nor Betta would ever be capable of the type of love Jain was hoping for them. That didn’t mean some type of love wouldn’t evolve. Only time would tell.

  Jain’s mind was busy imagining other possibilities. Since science was advanced enough to produce Hubots, it wasn’t a far leap to imagine Hubots could reproduce with a female human partner. Shaking her head, she patted Solaria’s arm and motioned toward the kitchen.

  “We’d better go see what those two are up to. Lord knows what we may end up eating for dinner.”

  In the kitchen, Joanie was laughing at Betta’s antics. The Hubot was demonstrating how efficient she was at chopping the vegetables for a salad. Unfortunately, Betta was distracted by Joanie’s continued laughter, missing the mushroom and sliced her finger. Staring at the blood oozing from the cut, she wasn’t sure what to do.

  “Oh Betta, I’m so sorry,” Joanie exclaimed, grabbing a dishtowel. “Does it hurt?”

  “It’s a minor injury. You needn’t worry about it.”

  “Of course I’ll worry. Let me see if Jain has a band-aid.”

  “No,” Betta ordered. “It’s not necessary.”

  Seeing the hurt look on Joanie’s face, Betta searched her data banks for a way to make the girl feel better. Hesitantly, she clasped Joanie’s hand and squeezed it slightly.

  “Please!”

  Joanie nodded and then smiled.

  “At least let me clean it for you.”

  Sighing, Betta found herself being led to the sink. The hand holding hers was warm and gentle as Joanie made sure the finger was properly rinsed and disinfected.

  “There,” she said proudly. “It looks better already and I’ll bet it feels better too. Admit it!”

 
Inspecting the finger, Betta nodded. Before, she would have just explained that she healed quickly but now she was reluctant to ruin the moment.

  “It feels better. We should finish preparing the meal, though. I’m sure everyone is hungry.”

  “Okay, but you sit and watch this time. I’ll show you how to make a salad without killing yourself.”

  “That’s not very likely.”

  “I know, but it sounded good. Now, sit!”

  Solaria and Jain had witnessed the entire event unnoticed.

  “Maybe we should make some noise,” Jain whispered.

  Hearing the comment, Betta looked up, making eye contact with Solaria. A slight flush crept into her cheeks.

  “I see you two have been busy,” Solaria said, walking past the Hubot to stand next to Joanie. Grateful for the reprieve, Betta, remained silent.

  “Yep, a feast for queens. Now, grab a plate and let’s eat. I’m hungry!” Joanie said.

  Doing as they were told, everyone piled on the lasagna and salad and returned to the living room. Between bites, Solaria explained the situation to Joanie, leaving out Dana’s involvement just in case Betta failed to protect her adequately.

  “I don’t know when you will have to leave but it’ll probably be at a moment’s notice. You should get some rest. All of you!”

  Thinking it a great idea, Jain told Betta she could share Joanie’s bed in the spare room.

  “And you...” she said, looking at Solaria.

  “Will take the couch.”

  “Damn! I missed another chance at having a good looking woman in my bed,” Jain teased.

  “Perhaps another time.”

  Solaria’s teal eyes twinkled with unspoken humor. Swallowing nervously, Jain wasn’t sure how to respond.

  “Umm, okay. Well, I’m going to take a shower... a lonnng cold shower.”

  Joanie and Solaria laughed. Betta wasn’t sure why so she remained silent. Shaking her head, Joanie grabbed her hand and pulled her from the chair.

  “Come on. I’ll explain it to you. Later.”

  Jain followed them, switching the light off as she left the living room.

  “Have a good night, Solaria.”

  “You too, Jain, and thanks for everything.”