CHAPTER 37


 

SOLARIA AND Betta were reviewing the Beta file Jain had downloaded. There were several labs scattered around the world that had worked on the project. Some references hinted at the possibility that others may exist, but were too ambiguous to draw a clear conclusion. One reasonable interpretation was that several labs were involved in the development of the two Hubots or each lab could have been working on its own Hubot. If the latter was the case, then there were at least seventeen Hubots in various stages; possibly more depending on whether a lab was working on its own prototype or a second in the series. On the other hand, if it had taken all of the labs to develop Solaria and Betta, then the likelihood of more than one or two more fully operational Hubots was small.

"If there are others like us, we must find them," Solaria said. "We can't allow them to be used like you were used."

"No," Betta agreed. "What will we do if we find one?"

"The same thing I did with you. It will understand logic."

"It will be programmed to obey directives just as I was."

"If that were the case, you wouldn't be here now."

"I'm still obeying my original directives. Joanie has company operatives close by. I'm guarding you as Stalling instructed and reporting back to my contact as ordered."

"We both know you're manipulating the specifics of your instructions to function in a capacity that allows you to exercise your free will."

"A complicated way to say I have circumvented my orders."

"Yes. I see you are developing a sense of humor."

Betta was about to respond when her attention that was distracted by the television which had been running silently in the background. Picking up the remote, she hit the reverse button and turned up the sound while staring at a picture of Joanie and her father.

"ITV has just received the following breaking news! Sheik Amul Kahbrahn of the Arab Emirate Coalition has been assassinated. According to our report, one of his guards shot the Sheik and his daughter, Reina Kahbrahn, while they were leaving the Royal Palace. The assassin was killed by another guard. We switch now to Jake Boswell, our correspondent on assignment to that area. Jake, what can you tell us about this tragedy?"

"Well, Paula, according to my sources, Sheik Kahbrahn and his daughter, Reina, were on their way to meet with several visiting dignitaries from nearby Arab states when one of the guards pulled his gun and shot the Sheik. Witnesses say Ms. Kahbrahn then was shot as she threw herself between the shooter and her father. The other bodyguards returned fire killing the shooter. The assassin, who has been identified as Abdul Majiib, was shot and died at the scene."

"This is tragic news. Any word on how Ms. Kahbrahn is doing?"

"We've been unable to contact Sheik Amad Jazeer, the Sheik's brother, but sources close to the family have indicated that Ms. Kahbrahn was seriously injured. As soon as we learn anything new, I'll let you know."

"Thanks, Jake. Again, for those who have just tuned in, Sheik Kahbrahn of the Arab Emirate Coalition has just been assassinated and his daughter, Reina Kahbrahn has been shot. We'll update you as soon as we learn anything else."

"Stalling is behind this."

Betta nodded but didn't say anything. Her thoughts focused on Joanie and the possibility that she was possibly dead. A momentary malfunction in her processors jumbled her thoughts temporarily confusing her. It wasn't the first time.

When she returned Joanie to her father, she had felt a strange reluctance to leave the young woman. Several random appearances of the young woman's image overwhelmed her ability to logically process data. Now, hearing the news about her and her father was again producing moderate fluctuations in the continuity of the data flow, making Betta feel... vulnerable.

"Are you alright?" Solaria asked, not getting a response to her earlier statement.

"Yes, I had a slight malfunction. I'm doing a systems check to isolate the cause."

"Describe it to me. I may be able to help."

Betta described what had just happened and the steps she was taking to locate the anomaly.

"Has this happened before?"

Reluctantly, and not knowing why, she explained her similar reactions and when they occurred.

"It would appear you have bonded with Joanie. I have only experienced that once, when Carley wanted me to prepare the poison for her. It's an uncomfortable feeling."

"What did you do about it?"

"Nothing. Carley is dead and there have been no reoccurrences. I can't help you with this."

"It will go away," Betta replied, confidently. "It always does. I must report to my contact soon," she said, changing the subject.

Solaria frowned. Betta always left at the same time each morning to call Finton. She hadn't said anything earlier about a change in schedule. Of course, she wasn't obligated to tell Solaria her agenda. Betta was her own person even though she insisted she still followed the Company's directives.

"How much longer will you be able to avoid reporting to them in person?"

"I'll decide once I access my messages."

"You haven't spoken to anyone, yet, since you left?"

"No, there was no need."

"What about now?"

"Now, there is a need," Betta replied and left with no further explanation.

Solaria hoped Betta wouldn't do anything foolish. Her attachment to Joanie might cause her to do something illogical which could have disastrous results. Solaria knew she had no choice but to monitor her companion's activities.