CHAPTER 35
Frustration far beyondthat of a merely sexual nature gripped Dariux as he strode into the London corporate offices of ChronoSynthetics. The behemoth building, a towering structure of glass and steel, stood as a testament to both the city’s history and its future. The façade, a mix of classical elegance and modern innovation, hinted at the dichotomy within. Their slogan, Engineering the Future of Humanity, seemed to mock him from the bold red letters of the sign. There was no humanity left inside these walls. And if they kept on their ‘engineering’, there would be no future either.
Damn it, but Kalli’s ideas seemed to have rubbed off on him. He was on edge, uneasy. And every attempt at understanding his feelings only led to more uncertainty. Something momentous was about to happen. He felt it in his bones. Or maybe it had already happened, and he was about to find out the consequences.
As he entered through the sleek, automated doors, a chill settled in the air—a sterile atmosphere that echoed the efficiency of a well-oiled machine. The minimalist design spoke of power and authority, and it had suited him in the past. Now he was aware that beneath the polished surface, a touch of cold detachment pervaded. As cold as the spotless white marble floors.
He stalked through the lobby, eyes in the distance, avoiding eye contact. With any luck, he would make it to the lifts with no one approaching him. No such luck. He had not yet taken a dozen steps when one of their bots intercepted him. The pretty brunette looked in every way like a woman, and were he not aware of her nature (or lack thereof), he would have thought her a real woman. Before, the distinction wouldn’t have registered in his mind. Blurred by years of conditioning. Now, the differences were obvious and getting more conspicuous by the minute.
“Mr. Kincaid! A pleasure to see you, sir. I’m Angelyna. If you would be so kind as to accompany me to the laboratory? We need to run some tests,” she said with a pleasant voice that somehow grated on his already tense nerves. Did all bots sound the same?
“I would like to go see Mr. Greer first.”
“This won’t take but a minute, sir. Mr. Greer was the one who ordered us to perform the test as soon as you arrived.”
“Why? Can’t it wait until after I’ve met with him?”
“I’m afraid not, sir. Mr. Greer expressed great upset we did not test you and Dr. Brooks upon arrival. We have been trying to contact her as well.”
That caught his attention. “Trying? You have been unsuccessful at contacting her?”
Angelyna blinked twice and remained silent for a few seconds. “I’m not sure, sir.” She prevaricated. “I’m not in charge of contacting her.”
“But you know who is. And you know whether they have been successful. Is she coming today?” The idea of seeing Kalli, maybe as soon as a few minutes from now, caused his heartbeat to accelerate.
“I’m afraid I don’t know, sir,” the bot said as she continued to lead the way through the sterile corridors.
Didn’t know or could not say? Either way, she seemed unwilling to disclose that information. Even to him, who had been Kalli’s partner in this mission. Dumb bot.
They had arrived at the testing room annexed to the laboratory, which was nothing more than a small, windowless office with a testing bed in the center. Another bot looked up from her workstation. This one was blond, with shoulder length straight hair. She smiled at their entrance. With the same solicitous expression Angelyna had used.
As Angelyna slipped away and closed the door behind her, she came to him, her hand extended in greeting.
“Mr. Kinkaid! I’m Sandri. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir. I’ve long been a fan of your work.”
He frowned, confused, and she correctly interpreted his expression. “No, I’m not a robot,” she said, not seeming to take offense.
“Sorry. I thought I was becoming better at spotting the difference.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I’ve lived among parbots for so long, it wouldn’t surprise me if I adopted some of their mannerisms.”
“Right.” He didn’t know if the knowledge that she was human pleased or alarmed him. He would have to disrobe for this scan. Two months ago, he wouldn’t have thought twice about it. Hell, he had showered with Kalli without a twinge of discomfort. Now, the idea of being naked in front of her made him vulnerable.
