CHAPTER 15

Manipulation

FRUSTRATION! Like a small, nagging headache, it drains energy until the person is too exhausted to think. For the first time, Primeris understood the emotion. She was deliberately disobeying a direct order by searching for Chantelle. Her attempts had failed miserably; the woman had disappeared without a trace. Both the government and civilian databases were conspicuously absent of information about the woman. Primeris had exhausted all her resources in the search and was now left with only one choice, one she was reluctant to pursue.

*  *  *

"Jain... Jain."

Rolling onto her side, Jain hugged her pillow tighter, hoping the persistent voice would go away.

"Go away," she mumbled.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but there is a person at your door," the voice said.

"What time is it, Phoebe?"

"It is seven o'clock."

"Damn! Who is it?" Jain asked, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

"She identified herself as Primeris Wone."

"Primeris? What the hell does she want at this hour?"

"She wishes to speak to you."

"Obviously. Let her in and I'll be out in a few minutes."

"Certainly, Jain."

*  *  *

Wrapping her robe tightly around her plump body, Jain ignored the new self-claspers and tied the belt the old fashion way. Some things weren't meant to be improved.

"Good morning, Primeris. Would you like a cup of Cafinet?" Jain asked, hoping the woman wouldn't be staying long.

"No, I'm here on business," Primeris replied.

"I didn't think it was a social call."

Motioning for Primeris to sit, Jain walked into the kitchen and made herself a hot drink.

You can just wait until I'm ready, she thought, stirring the liquid for a few seconds. Satisfied she had made her point, she rejoined Primeris in the living room.

"Okay, go for it," Jain said, sitting down in her favorite chair.

"Go for it?"

"Yes, why are you here? I didn't think I'd be seeing you again."

"I need to locate Chantelle. I haven't been able to find any trace of her."

"She probably doesn't want to be found, especially by you. You're not exactly her favorite person, I'd say."

"I didn't harm her, nor did we part on bad terms. There's no logical reason for her to avoid me," Primeris disagreed.

"You were involved in the unit that kidnapped her. That's reason enough. I have no idea where she went. I only met her once before those assholes jumped us. When she left Solaria's place, she didn't say a word."

"Where do you think she might have gone?"

"I don't know the woman, Primeris. Other than her healing powers, I haven't a clue about her. Hell, I don't even know her last name. Do you?"

"No."

"And here I thought you ops people knew everything."

"No one knows everything."

"I was being facetious."

"Oh. Of course," Primeris said. "Well, we would have no way of knowing whether you knew her or not since she isn't in any database."

"I guess you have a problem then. You really don't think I'd help you find her after what you put us through?" Jain stood up and walked to the front door with every intention of telling Primeris to leave. "I'd say you've done enough damage already."

"I had nothing to do with the kidnapping or the torture," Primeris said, sounding exasperated. "It's important that she believe that."

Intrigued by Primeris' uncharacteristic display of emotion, Jain hesitated.

"Why?"

When Primeris didn't answer, Jain returned to her chair and sat down. Leaning forward, she repeated the question.

"Why is it so important that she know that? Surely you don't care what she thinks."

Primeris shook her head.

"No..." she said hesitantly, and then changed her mind. "Yes. Not the way you mean. She needs to understand what I am so she can protect herself."

"From you?"

"I would never hurt her, but my commander thinks she may be a threat."

Wow, Jain thought. This is really getting interesting.

"Are you telling me you're willing to betray your unit for Chantelle's sake? That doesn't make sense... unless..." Jain stopped.

I'm reading too much into her uncertainty. She isn't capable of love. Then again, she's no different than Betta and I know Betta loves Joanie... or at least, is almost there. Wouldn't it be funny if Primeris loved Chantelle? Three out of three female Hubots, lesbians. No nurture/nature argument here. Jain chuckled softly. I'll have to talk to Solaria about this. Maybe she has an explanation.

Deciding now wasn't the time to dwell on Hubot sexuality, she turned her attention back to Primeris. The woman's concern intrigued her.

"Listen, I honestly don't know where she is. I'll consider helping you if you can convince me this isn't a trap."

"It's not a trap."

Several seconds passed without either woman speaking.

"That's it?" Jain asked.

"I don't understand the question," Primeris replied. "I said it's not a trap. Isn't that what you wanted to know?"

Are you really this naïve, or do you think I am, Jain thought.

"I said convince me. You'd tell me that even if you were lying."

"I don't lie," Primeris said.

"Right! You're an agent working for a special ops unit that's involved in who knows what, and you always tell the truth."

"I don't need to lie to be effective. If I were capable of lying, I'd be undependable, making me useless to the unit."

It made sense. Jain knew that group cohesion was necessary to be successful, especially in the Special Forces. For the members to accept Primeris, everyone had to believe in her without reservation.

"Okay, let's say I believe you. What about Solaria? Are you still trying to capture her?"

"Those are my orders."

"Then I'm definitely not helping you. Too bad — Solaria's your only chance to find Chantelle."

"My orders don't specify a time frame," Primeris said.

"Meaning, for the moment, you're willing to ignore them. Do you always manipulate your orders to suit your needs?"

"If by manipulate you mean alter or change... yes. Literal interpretations are restrictive and could prevent me from completing my assignments. My programming gives me a great deal of latitude when necessary."

"That's rather convenient. I need to think about this for a few days. Where can I contact you once I've decided what I'm going to do?" Jain asked.

"I'll contact you in two days."

Primeris stood and left without saying anything else.

"Well, goodbye to you too," Jain mumbled. "Phoebe, call ILU69 and leave a message to get in touch with me... and please make sure it's secured."

"Yes, Jain. Do you want to schedule a time for Solaria to call you back?"

"No, she knows the best times."

"The call is complete. Is there anything else you would like?" Phoebe asked.

"Oh yeah," Jain replied. "But nothing you can help me with. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Jain."

Pushing up from the chair, Jain headed to the bathroom. Thinking of Solaria always made her hot.

And wet!