Solaria Page 19

  It’ll grow back, she thought and then wondered if she could excite the hair follicles enough to cause them to produce longer hair faster than the normal growth rate.

  Maybe I’ll try it after I’m done with all of this.

  Immediately, she filed the thought away and concentrated on her plan. Dr. Sonella was known for her eccentric irregular hours. It would be a gamble entering the complex as the doctor, but Solaria hadn’t been able to come up with anyone else who fit the requirements she needed to accomplish her goal. The woman had a high security clearance, was physically similar to Solaria and erratic enough to make her sudden reappearance in the same day accepted behavior. At least she hoped. She was about to find out.

  Parking her car in the shadows, she climbed out, straightened her lab coat and glanced at the security station several hundred feet away.

  When the security guard saw Dr. Sonella walking toward the gate, he nudged his partner.

  “The woman’s fuckin nuts. Why anyone wants to spend so much time at this place is beyond me.”

  Shaking his head, the other guard flipped the page on the porn magazine.

  “Just make sure you check her out good. We’re in a red alert here and I’m not about to lose my job because you screwed up.”

  “Yeah, yeah. If you’re so damned worried, you check her out.”

  Giving him the finger, the guard’s eyes never left the nude centerfold picture.

  “Good evening, Dr. Sonella. What brings you back here tonight?” the first guard asked, trying to sound pleasant. It wasn’t in his best interests to alienate someone with her clearance.

  Giving him an irritated look, the doctor pulled out her I.D. and handed it to him before he could ask for it.

  “My work,” she replied, curtly.

  “Of course. Could you place your palm on the screen and look into the optic scanner?”

  Dr. Sonella mumbled something unintelligible under her breath but did as she was asked. Two green lights appeared simultaneously on the security console.

  “Thanks. Sorry about this but orders are orders, doctor.”

  Handing back the I.D., he signaled her to go on in knowing she had three more gates to go through.

  “This place hires nothing but kooks as far as I’m concerned,” he muttered, looking at the other guard in disgust.

  “As long as I get paid I don’t care who they hire. It’s a cushy job with good benefits.”

  “I guess.”

  Picking up one of the magazines his partner had brought in, the guard sat down and relaxed. It was going to be another boring night.

  CHAPTER 31

  SOLARIA STRAINED against the titanium clamps but couldn’t budge them. Although her strength was greater than humans’, it wasn’t enough to break or loosen the hardened metal.

  “You’re wasting your time,” Phillips said as he inspected the vials in his briefcase. “Titanium has the tinsel strength of 150000 PSI... but then you know that, don’t you?”

  Solaria refused to answer the man. She didn’t know if he had a direct role in Carley’s death but she was sure he had played some part. In her mind, his future was assured. It was only a matter of time before she figured out the weaknesses in the clamps or the mechanism controlling it. Already she had isolated the network that operated the hydraulics that opened and shut them. The same sensors in the restraints that monitored her vitals provided her access to the security system controlling the locks. Finding the access code was the only obstacle left.

  “I’ve always wondered if injecting a fully functioning Hubot with certain drugs would have the same effect as on humans. Our race is so weak. It doesn’t take much to disrupt the neurons in the brain. Unfortunately, sometimes the effects are quite damaging but sacrifices are expected if we’re to make progress in our experiments.”

  Solaria continued to ignore Phillips and took satisfaction in his annoyed expression.

  “I really don’t care if you talk or not. I know what you’re thinking.”

  Even she couldn’t resist looking at him then.

  “I thought that would get your interest. You think your electronics are immune to chemicals. Well, maybe they are but they aren’t immune to the electrical impulses your body generates. This stuff will play havoc with every neuron in your body. You’ll tell me everything I want to know. In fact, you’ll do anything I want. At least, I hope you will. The last Hubot didn’t do so well with my first experiment.”

  The smirk on his face annoyed Solaria but she refused to let him know he had hit a nerve. It would also divert valuable processing resources from her real problem to a minor nuisance.

  “Have it your...”

  Phillips was interrupted by the lab door opening. Stalling walked in followed by two men dressed like old time mafia, black suits, shirts and ties.

  They watch too much television, she thought and this time let the smirk show.

  “Ah, I see Phillips has made you comfortable, Solaria. It is Solaria, right?”

  Solaria decided the question didn’t merit an answer.

  “So that’s the way it’s going to be. Well, no matter. I hope you’ve enjoyed your short period of freedom. I doubt if Future Dynamicon will be able to give you time off from any future assignments. A valuable asset like you needs to be utilized as much as possible. Speaking of which...” Turning to Phillips, he nodded at the briefcase of vials. “Are you ready?”

  “A few more minutes. I want to make sure I calculate the exact amount of drugs for the optimum affect. I misjudged the amount on the last beta and it self-destructed.”

  “So I heard. An expensive loss for the Company. I don’t think the investors are going to be pleased hearing about it.”

  “This isn’t an exact science, you know. Once I’ve perfected this drug, we’ll make billions of dollars. Imagine being able to control anyone you want and make them do anything you want. Combine that with the Hubot Project and you’ll have an army capable of defeating anyone that opposes them.”

  “I’m not interested in armies. Too unstable, but if we can infiltrate companies and governments, we can take control of their wealth and their leaders. I will be the power behind all of those thrones. No one in human history has ever been able to unite all of the superpowers.”

  “It’s almost like being a god,” Finton said, mentally calculating how he could take advantage of his role in the process.

  Second or third from the top isn’t too bad and a lot safer. Let Stalling be the target for anyone who wants to try and stop him.

  Solaria realized she would never escape from the manacles before Phillips injected her with his concoction.

  “I must say you’ve given me quite a bit of heartburn since your escape,” Stalling said, walking over to get a closer look at the Hubot. “You look familiar. Have we met before?”

  When Solaria didn’t answer, he shrugged indifferently. Picking up the altered I.D., he flipped it over and looked at the picture.

  “It’s a fairly good likeness to Dr. Sonella but I’m more curious about how you got this pass and where you’ve been hiding. Did you think it would get you off the complex? Our bio-scans would have detected the difference instantly.”

  Solaria realized Stalling thought she had been hiding somewhere inside of the installation. As long as he believed that, Jain would be safe.

  Leaning close, he examined the teal eyes and smooth complexion and stiffened slightly.

  “You’re Dr. Branson’s assistant! We met in the cafeteria.”

  When Solaria realized she had set off the motion sensors entering a highly restricted area, she had immediately changed back to her natural form. It was better to be captured as herself than have anyone discover her chameleon skills. Besides, security would think she had been hiding somewhere on the premises, providing some security for everyone who had been helping her. Realizing that resistance would only prolong the inevitable, she decided to give up without fighting rather than take the chance of injuring herself during a scuffle.
She would need all of her resources to escape when the time was right.

  “I want this checked,” Stalling ordered, handing the pass to Finton. “If it’s Dr. Branson’s then you may have made a mistake in thinking she had something to do with this Hubot’s disappearance.”

  “I never said that she did,” Finton replied defensively. “You thought that. Besides, why would she commit suicide if she wasn’t involved?”

  Stalling glared at his chief security officer.

  “She’s a woman for God’s sake. That’s enough to make her unstable.”

  Realizing he had overstepped himself, Finton decided challenging Stalling over a resolved issue wasn’t in his best interests.

  “Perhaps your right,” he acceded. “I’ll check this out.”

  “Good. You can also find out how this thing managed to alter the I.D. if it is forged. Someone inside must have gained access to our personnel records and security system to get Dr. Sonella’s clearance codes.”

  Turning to Dr. Phillips he glared accusingly.

  “Not my field of expertise, Mr. Stalling,” Phillips quickly replied. “Sounds like there’s another leak in the Company. If I were you, I’d be looking for a new Chief of Security.”

  “Don’t tell me my job!” Stalling growled angrily and then re-focused on Solaria.

  “I don’t know who’s been hiding you but I can assure you, I’m going to find out soon.”

  Stalling’s smile held the hint of a sneer. He was a man who enjoyed making others squirm. The CEO’s arrogance and smugness grated on her. It was a human emotion she could have done without. Still, knowing that she would soon wipe the smile from his face was satisfying even if she wouldn’t be around to appreciate it.

  The clock was ticking! It was an appropriate cliché.

  “Do you really believe I will let you use me for your own purposes?” she asked, calmly concentrating on both him and the final codes that would unlock the manacles.

  “So, you do speak!” Stalling exclaimed, pleased that he had gotten a reaction.

  “You state the obvious. Surely you didn’t expect otherwise. You’re not a stupid man.”

  “From you I’ll take that as a compliment, and yes I’m quite sure you’ll be everything I hoped for.”

  “Then I’ve changed my opinion. You are stupid.”

  Solaria caught the faint surprised look on Stalling’s face and something else; nervousness.

  You aren’t so confident after all!

  “Maybe you need a little example of exactly how smart I really am? I’m sure Dr. Phillips has introduced himself.”

  “I know who he is.”

  “Then you know what he specializes in. His latest experiment should be quite interesting. I understand it’s extremely effective on humans.”

  “Which I am not! As Dr. Phillips has stated, it’s already failed on one Hubot. I assure you it won’t work on me either,” Solaria said calmly.

  Stalling frowned. Something didn’t feel right. He thought about Dr. Branson’s suicide. She had cheated him of the satisfaction of making her talk. He wasn’t about to repeat the experience. Motioning to one of the men near the door, everyone watched him leave the room. Seconds later he reappeared.

  Solaria stiffened. Following close behind was Betta. Her movements were stiff and jerky, robot-like.

  “I understand you’ve already met Betta,” Stalling said with satisfaction. He hadn’t missed her reaction when the Hubot first entered the room.

  “Betta? What have they done to you?”

  The Hubot’s face remained expressionless as she looked at Solaria and then turned back to Stalling.

  “Is there something you need, Mr. Stalling?” she asked emotionlessly.

  “Yes, Betta, Solaria seems to doubt my ability to control her. You’ve been in contact with her. Would there be a reason for the lack of concern?”

  “1A526 has created a protocol to self-destruct thirty seconds after she is injected with any foreign substance that would compromise its ability to logically process data. The program will cause its neuro-network to short-circuit causing its entire system to malfunction. It is the equivalent of human suicide.”

  “Fuck! Is there any way to stop her?” Stalling demanded, glancing at Solaria nervously. His Board members wouldn’t be happy losing another Hubot.

  “No, under the present circumstances it is failsafe.”

  “Shit! Why hasn’t she activated this protocol yet?”

  “The protocol will only be initialized if it is injected or believes it has no way of escaping. As long as it believes it can escape, it cannot activate the protocols. At this time, it’s logical to assume it still believes escape is possible.”

  “Hmmm... an interesting dilemma. Phillips, how long does that stuff take to act?”

  “Not that quick!”

  “I asked how long it would take, you idiot!” the CEO screamed. The reaction was so out of character for Stalling, Phillips blanched.

  “Uh... give me a little time and I may be able to speed it up.”

  “How much, man?”

  “A... few hours.”

  “A few? Two? Three?”

  “Two, no more than three. My computer should be able analyze the data with a few adjustments to Branson’s program.”

  Trying to regain control, Stalling reached up to adjust his tie and then checked his cufflinks. For a moment he felt his dream slipping away and panicked.

  “Two or three? That’s not quick enough. I want something in an hour. One hour, do you hear me?”

  Phillips nodded even though he knew it wasn’t likely. Agreeing was easier than arguing.

  Crazy bastard!

  Solaria listened to the discussion with interest. Betta was right about everything she had told Stalling but Solaria knew the Hubot couldn’t have actually known what she had done with such precision. Of course, she must have calculated all of the possibilities and made a lucky guess. It was, after all, one of many choices. Solaria could have just as easy isolated several sections of her nano-processors and designed small programs to intercept all unauthorized external stimuli. Then she could eventually regain complete control of her processors. Or, she could simply have self-destructed once she had been captured. That would actually have been the best decision. Giving the Company any opportunity to defeat her defenses was taking an illogical risk.

  “It looks like you have a slight reprieve. Make the most of it,” Stalling said, interrupting her thoughts. Snapping his fingers at the two security officers, he motioned for them to leave. “You two wait outside. No one comes in or leaves. It’s not like you could stop her if she did get lose. Phillips, don’t you have work to do?” he barked.

  The mousy scientist snapped his briefcase shut and scurried from the room.

  “Betta, make sure she behaves herself.”

  “By behave you wish me to guard her?”

  “Yes, that’s exactly what I mean. If she tries anything unusual do what you need to contain the situation, but don’t damage her beyond repair. She’s extremely valuable.”

  “I will do my job, Mr. Stalling.”

  “You had better,” he threatened.

  Giving Solaria a final glance, he left the room and headed to his office. A stiff drink would help to control his nerves.

  Stalling wasn’t used to things not going his way and lately, it seemed nothing was going right.

  Once the door shut, Betta positioned herself in front of it and crossed her arms.

  “Betta, how did they capture you?”

  When the Hubot looked at the hidden camera in the corner, Solaria realized Betta wouldn’t respond as long as there was a chance they were being monitored.

  “That was deactivated when Stalling came in. I doubt that he wants any record of his role in this should he ever be questioned. Now, how did you get captured?”

  “I didn’t. I returned voluntarily.”

  “Why would you do that? What about Joanie?”

  “She is safe
with her father. The Sheik has assigned royal guards to protect her. No one can get near her without special clearance. I’ve fulfilled my duties.”

  “Your duty was to stay with her. His wealth can’t buy the protection you can give her.”

  “I fulfilled my duty,” Betta repeated, stoically.

  “Then why return to the Company knowing what you know? It isn’t logical.”

  “Logical conclusions can only be reached if all the pertinent facts are known. You don’t have all the facts.”

  “I know what the Company is and I know what they want to do with us. I know the Sheik’s refusal to cooperate with them threatens Stalling’s ambitions. Joanie is his weakness and Stalling’s best chance for controlling him. Now, they may get her back because you abandoned her.”

  “Like I said, you don’t have all the facts. It’s obvious your continued close interaction with humans is affecting your ability to process data correctly.”

  “Really! Then enlighten me. What data am I missing?”

  “First, if the Sheik is a real threat to the Company, then he must have the intelligence and resources to withstand any tactics they might try. He knows what they are after therefore he can make counter plans. If he can’t stop them, then his failure will prove he isn’t a threat but merely a minor obstacle. Second, if he can protect his daughter, he doesn’t need me. That releases me from my obligation to guard her.”

  “And you’re saying he has found all of the Company operatives within his inner circle?”

  “No, you know that’s an illogical deduction. Removing all the operatives, which is highly improbable at this time, would prohibit me from leaving. My program forbids me from leaving her alone unless a Company operative is nearby. The Sheik has been informed of this stipulation. He presently has two operatives in a holding cell and incommunicado. My obligation to Future Dynamicon is fulfilled.”

  “Does he know you’re a Hubot?”

  “No, that information isn’t pertinent to his plans. He understands I am a Company operative. Joanie has explained my role in her detainment and my position now.”