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“You see, Mia, they would be our teachers, our guides . . . bringing us into the new technological era and greatly accelerating our natural progress. They would be heroes to all of humankind, their names revered for ages. They would help us cure cancer and other diseases, and give us ways of extending our lifespan.” His face was glowing with fervor. “Mia . . . they would be like gods here on Earth, after all the other Ks leave. Why wouldn’t they want that instead of leading the regular lives they’ve already led for thousands of years?”
Mia was reaching her own conclusion. “So they’re bored and looking to do something epic?”
“If you want to think about it that way. I believe they’re genuine in their desire to help our species evolve to a higher level.”
“Okay, so let’s go back for a second. If they can’t hack into the files, then what are you going to do? Sounds to me like Korum is winning the war before you even got a chance at a single battle.”
“Not quite,” said John, his eyes burning with excitement. “We can’t hack into the files – but we can steal the information anyway.”
Mia didn’t like where this was going. “Steal it how?” she asked slowly.
“Well, the rumor is that Korum keeps many of his particularly sensitive designs on him at all times. For instance, have you ever seen him doing anything like looking into his palm or at his forearm?”
“I’ve seen him looking into his palm,” said Mia reluctantly, starting to get a really bad feeling about this.
“Then that’s where he has one of their computers embedded. I use the term computer
loosely, of course. It has as little in common with human computers as our computers do with the original abacus. Still, he has information stored there – literally in the palm of his hand. We could never hope to get to it because even if we captured and immobilized him – which is a nearly impossible task – he would probably be able to wipe the data in a matter of seconds.”
“So what can you do then?” asked Mia in confusion.
“We can’t do anything . . . but you can. You’re the only one who gets close enough to him to be able to gain access to that information –”
“What? Are you insane? It’s in his palm – how would I get to it? It’s not like he’s just going to hand it over!”
“No, of course not,” sighed John. “But we do have this . . .”
He was holding a small silver ring.
“What is it?” asked Mia warily.
“It’s a device that scans data. The Keiths deliberately made it look like jewelry, so you could wear it without raising suspicions. If you could somehow hold it to Korum’s palm for about a minute, it should be able to access his files and get us the blueprints.”
“Hold it for a full minute against his palm? What, like he wouldn’t find it suspicious?”
“Not if he was otherwise distracted . . .” His voice trailed off suggestively.
“Oh my God, are you serious? You want me to steal data from him during sex?” Mia’s stomach turned over at that thought.
“Look, the when is up to you. He could be sleeping –”
“He only sleeps for a few hours, and I’m usually passed out during that time.”
“Okay, then, do you ever go anywhere with him when he just holds your hand?”
Mia thought about it. When they walked somewhere together, she would usually put her arm through the crook of his elbow. Or sometimes he would put his hand on the small of her back. If he ever held her hand, it was usually for a brief period of time only. “Not really.”
“Well then, it has to be when it wouldn’t be strange for you to be touching him . . .”
“So you do mean during sex?”
“If that’s the only time, then yes.”
Mia stared at John in shock, unable to believe he was asking her to do this. “John,” she said slowly, “I’m not some femme fatale who can just do stuff like this. The last time, when I thought that Korum had caught me, I was completely freaking out. I’m not cut out to be a spy, not even close. And Korum knows me by now – if I suddenly start acting weirdly, he’ll catch on right away –”
“Look, I understand that it’s not going to be easy. You’re right – you’re not a seasoned agent. But you’re literally our last hope. The Keiths believe that Korum is getting closer to figuring out who they are. He knows that we’re getting help from the inside, and the Keiths think that their ruling council will not look kindly on those who pose a threat to the Centers here. At best, they’re looking at forced deportation to Krina and some serious punishment there. At worst, well . . .”
“John,” said Mia wearily, feeling the beginnings of a headache, “I just can’t –”
