Solaria Series: Solaria Part 31

"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.

CHAPTER 38.

THIS IS ANGER! This is anger! she repeated, a.n.a.lyzing every nano-second of information leading to the birth of the emotion. The sensation was overwhelming. Betta didn't like the way it interfered with her ability to reason and decided to isolate the three processors affected in order to deal with the present situation.

Joanie's security was always the primary concern. Although she couldn't explain it, something told Betta that Joanie was dead, leaving her feeling empty inside; well almost. She would take care of those involved in the a.s.sa.s.sination. Perhaps it would rid her of the rage that was slowly infecting each of her processors. If it didn't, her entire AI network would self-destruct. It was a safety mechanism built into her program to keep her from becoming an uncontrollable threat to humans.

Twenty-three minutes later she was sitting in an Internet cafe accessing her message center. The first two had the typical Finton flavor. He wanted a progress report on Solaria and was ordering her to report back to the Company to have her communication transmitter/receiver repaired. The third, however, was different. One of Finton's senior agents, Lawton, was instructing her to return immediately, saying that Finton was no longer in charge of the project. The Company had a new a.s.signment for her.

Betta knew that Finton had been with Future Dynamicon for a long time. He was an efficient CSO who had capably run the security network of the company for several years. He also knew as much about the darker side of the business as Stalling. For him to resign or be replaced meant there would be some huge changes in how things would be run. Betta had no doubt it would create a certain amount of chaos.

It's time I returned to finish my a.s.signment... for Joanie.

Betta didn't know exactly when her thoughts had evolved from anger to revenge. No matter how hard she tried to access that moment in time, it eluded her. All she knew, now, was that this was only logical solution to her dilemma. She would a.n.a.lyze the emotions later.

Aware of a familiar presence behind her, she closed her connection and turned to look at Solaria.

"You followed me."

"Yes. You're going back now, aren't you?"

"It's time."

"What will you tell them?"

"That I have returned as instructed. Finton is no longer the CSO."

"This doesn't sound right. He's been with Stalling too long. It could be a trap to lure you back."

"It probably is but it doesn't matter. I have to complete Finton's a.s.signment."

"Which one?"

"To protect Joanie."

"You think that she is still alive?"

"Yes."

It was a lie; an unnecessary lie. Solaria would understand, Betta thought. So why did I do it? None of her processors could provide an answer.

"I'm going with you."

"That's not necessary. I'm more than capable of doing my job," Betta said, her stoic expression concealing the rage building inside of her. She could feel the effects that the infected memory banks were having on her biological body. Her stomach felt peculiar while her neck and shoulders tensed, sending erratic signals back through the neuro-system to the processors. It was a cycle she had to stop quickly. Unconsciously, she rolled her head and rubbed her neck.

"I never doubted that, but I'm still going with you. Are you alright?"

"Yes! I feel slightly fatigued. That's all."

"Are you functioning at optimal efficiency?"

"Yes." It was the second lie. "It's time to leave."

"To whom do you have to report since Finton is no longer in charge?"

"Daniel Lawton, one of his senior agents. He was a.s.signed to the hotel Joanie and I stayed in."

"I remember. Do you know much about him?"

"His personnel file says he is fifty-two and has worked for Finton for thirteen years, seven months and..." Remembering Solaria's advice about being too precise, she stopped. "He is efficient with a slightly above average intelligence. He would not be a logical choice to replace Finton."

"Why not?"

"He has achieved his maximum level of potential. He would fail as a leader and decision-maker."

"That will be to our advantage then. He'll be less of a problem in the future. Here's what I think we should do."

Solaria quickly outlined her plan. She knew both of them were taking a chance if Lawton didn't believe Betta, but it was probably the only opportunity they would have to finally complete their objectives.

CHAPTER 39.

DR. PHILLIPS glanced at the two people manacled to the chairs in his lab. Two guards stood next to them, their faces expressionless as they watched him filling a syringe with a greenish liquid from a small vial.

"It's a shame Mr. Lawton wants this done so quickly," he grumbled, thumping the syringe with his finger and then pushing the plunger in to press out the air. "You'd be perfect for my research."

"I'd kill you first," Finton threatened, angrily.

Phillips laughed. "And just how would you do that, considering your present predicament?"

"I'd figure out a way."

"Hmmm. Maybe I'll give you the opportunity. It might be fun seeing the mighty Edgar Finton doing my bidding."

"Mr. Lawton says to make it quick and painless," one of the guards interjected, his voice cold and threatening. He had worked under Finton for years and didn't like what was happening. His job was to obey orders, not question them.

Phillips glared at the man. He was enjoying his cat and mouse game and didn't like it being interrupted. When the guard took a menacing step toward him, he swallowed nervously and held up his hand.

"Okay, okay! No need to get pushy."

Frustrated, he walked over to Finton and viciously jammed the needle into the man's arm. At the same time the CSO grunted from pain, Phillips felt a blow on the side of his head, knocking him backward. Falling to the floor, he lay stunned for a few seconds. The same guard leaned over him, his gun drawn and pointed at the scientist's head.

"The boss said painless. You understand the meaning of that doctor, or do I have to show you?"

Looking at the gun just a few inches from his head, Phillips felt his mouth go dry and nodded slowly.

"Alright! It was an accident," he whined.

"Another accident like that and I'll be having one with my gun. You understand me? You be real gentle from now on."

Climbing to his feet, Phillips retrieved the syringe, making sure he extracted it slowly from Finton's arm. The irony was that the security officer was already dead, the poison having done its job. Kari Colton sobbed quietly knowing she was next.

Nervously, Phillip filled another syringe and eased the needle into her left arm. Easing the plunger down, he injected the contents into her vein. Within seconds she too was dead. Without looking at the scientist, the two guards left the room.

"Hey," yelled Phillips. "Who's going to get rid of the bodies?"

Neither man responded. As far as they were concerned, their jobs were done. The doctor could take care of the evidence.

CHAPTER 40.

LAWRENCE BILLINGS had just concluded a meeting with several African diplomats and was returning to his office when he was intercepted by one of his senior security agents.

"Excuse me, Mr. Billings, but can I have a word with you?" the tall, burly man asked in a low voice. Several people glanced in their direction, obviously curious but reluctant to appear overly so.

"What is it, Harley?"

Leaning close he whispered something in the V.P's ear and then straightened. The blood drained from Billing's face, leaving him with a ghostly pallor.

"When?" he demanded, trying to control his anger.

"About an hour ago."

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes sir. I was there when it happened. Mr. Lawton gave the order."

"Lawton? Why is he giving orders now?"

"Mr. Stalling put him in charge of security."

"What? No one told me!" Billings hissed, barely able to keep his voice under control.

"I don't know why you weren't informed but I was sure you weren't aware of this."

"I most certainly wasn't. Follow me!" He ordered and stomped off.

Once they were secluded in the privacy of Billing's office, he paced back and forth, wondering what had gotten into Stalling. Every now and then he glanced at Harley, wondering just how much he could trust the agent.

"Harley, what do you make of this?"

"I'm not sure what you're asking, sir. I'm not paid to think."

"Cut the bulls.h.i.t and answer my question. Why would Stalling want Finton dead?"

"I..." Harley stopped and then sighed. "Rumor has it that Finton was going to leave Future Dynamicon."