by T. M. Hunter

“So, Jeanie, where are we?”

My ship’s computer responded. “I am trying to pinpoint our location. Our navigation modules are knocked out.”

“So we’re lost.”

As was often the case, I’d gotten myself in this mess through my own pig-headedness. We should have altered course around that last ion storm. Instead, I’d end up paying far more than I’d ever save by taking the shortcut.

My ship’s computer might have taken offense if she’d been programmed for emotions. “Aston, lost would insinuate not knowing our location. I have triangulated our position. There’s just no way to know where that is.”

“Lost,” I corrected.

“Our larger concern is our minimal fuel remaining.”

“Any stations or planets nearby?”

For my benefit, she lit up the forward viewscreen with the sight of a bluish planet in the distance. “Without navigation computers, there is no way to know whether it has refueling facilities. It’s a few megpars away.”

I cringed at the thought of being stuck out here in the middle of nowhere. “We have no choice. Take us in. Hopefully we can catch something on the visual.”

“Acknowledged.”

The aft thrusters fired off, pushing us toward the planet. The dark blue skies were inviting, while green land masses sprang up and grew, the closer we came. White tufts splayed across the upper atmosphere.

Finally, Jeanie had good news. “I’m picking up signs of civilization on scanners.”

“Spaceport?”

“Yes. Adjusting course for descent.”

~*~

I stepped out into a warm, gentle breeze, both navigation modules in hand. The heat reflected off the black landing pad, with only one other ship nearby. A massive pyramid-like structure of reflective glass sat dormant at one end. The remaining edges were lined with plush green fields and tall trees to block the view beyond.

Not having any idea what I might face as I walked toward the building, I was glad to have a Mark II blaster under my jacket. It gave me the tiniest comfort, the holster pressing against my chest. Looking back at my ship and the nearly-empty pad, I only hoped that we hadn’t stumbled upon an abandoned location, or we might never get to leave.

Two glass doors slid open as I drew close, and a young woman in a silky white dress smiled at me behind a wide wraparound desk. “Greetings. Welcome to Kranis.”

It wasn’t any place I had any experience with, and hadn’t even heard of it before. At least they weren’t abandoned.

“Hello,” I said with hesitation while looking around. The lobby was plush, with several lounge chairs equipped with display monitors. A slight floral scent filled the air. I wasn’t sure if it was the woman or the room itself.

“How can I serve you?”

I turned away from the empty room, back at the woman. Her blue eyes were wide, and her mood far too pleasant.

“I need to purchase a pair of navigation modules.”

“Any particular brand and model?”

I hoisted the two boxes up onto the counter. “Direct replacements.”

She briefly glanced at the units, then turned back to face me. “New or rebuilt?”

“Preferably new.” There was no telling what I would get otherwise.

“Fifteen thousand credits for each.”

Thirty thousand credits for the set was more than I could come up with. I didn’t make much, and usually blew most of my money on booze. “How much for rebuilt?”

“It knocks between two and three thousand off each. Unfortunately, those are older units, hard to find.”

That wasn’t worth the hassle. “What kind of trade-in do I get for these?”

“All of those prices include trade-in value.”

I usually only got shafted by people I transported cargo for. This was a first where I was a paying customer.

“It does come with a free refueling for your ship.”

Although that was some good news out of this whole exchange, I still didn’t have that kind of money. There had to be some way to come up with it. Maybe they’d be open to barter. “I have four cargo containers of Terrilian crystals on my ship. Can we strike a deal?”

The smile stayed on her face, even as she shook her head. “Unfortunately, we’re only involved in sales.”

I fumed. “I’ll be back later. Mind if I leave these here for now?”

“Feel free.” She smiled again.

She knew I wasn’t going anywhere otherwise. That put me at a disadvantage. “Are there any bars nearby?”

“We have one here in the building.” She motioned toward another pair of sliding doors opposite the entrance. “A full entertainment district.”

“Thanks,” I muttered, stepping toward the doorway.

There didn’t seem to be many visitors to this planet, based on the continued empty expanse I stepped into. I peered into various stores that were completely devoid of customers. Then, there was signage for the bar the woman had mentioned. I smiled and picked up my pace.

It was a quick adjustment to the darkened room as I stepped inside. A pair of men sat at either end of a row of booths, while behind the full-length counter, the male barkeep leaned up against a mirrored wall. I walked over and propped myself onto one of the stools.

He ambled over. “What can I get you?”

“Vladirian liquor.”

He pulled a bottle out from under the counter, then a glass overhead. He poured it full and capped the bottle. Even with no knowledge of this place’s existence, at least it had evidence of true civilization. Plus, the young man didn’t bother making me pay for my drinks one at a time. A space pirate could get used to this.

“So, what brings you to Kranis?”

Pity, he’d almost proven himself the king of all barkeeps. Too bad he’d decided to jump into conversation. “Trouble with my transport.” I drank.

“They have an extensive selection of spare parts in the lobby,” he offered.

“Extensive, and expensive.” I lifted my glass high and finished it off.

He brought out the bottle once more. I put up my hand to hold up his action. If I didn’t have money before, I’d have even less keeping this up. “How much per glass?”

“All on the house.”

“Say again?”

“All necessities, such as food and drink, are provided on Kranis free of charge.”

A huge smile filled my face. I figured I was the only one who considered Vladirian liquor a necessity of life. I moved my glass closer. “Rather generous.”

He filled it to the brim. “That’s our way of life.”

“That must help you out. I can’t imagine they pay you much, if they’re giving this stuff out for free.”

“I don’t get paid.”

The logic was so foreign, I couldn’t fathom it. The only time I didn’t get paid was when someone stiffed me on a job. That happened more times than I liked, but even then, it was still relatively few and far between.

I laughed under my breath at the absurdity. “Then I feel sorry for you.”

“No reason to. All of my needs are provided for.”

“But what about things you don’t exactly need?” His face was befuddled at my comments, so I prodded some more. “Things you just want?”

He finally responded, confused. “I don’t want anything more than I need.”

A rather Spartan outlook on life, but if it meant free drinks for me, I wasn’t about to argue. I took care of the upper half of my latest glass.

I still had business to take care of, so decided to slow my path toward intoxication. “So, know of anyone who needs a few containers of Terrilian crystals?”

“Afraid we don’t have any hyperspeed engine manufacturers on Kranis.”

My heart sank. I would be stuck in this place forever. The free drinks would never end, but I didn’t know if even I could survive on this planet without being able to leave at will. “Anyone who deals with them?”

“Have some to sell, I take it?” This one was a master of the obvious.

The door opened and we both turned to witness a vision of beauty. Brunette hair was perfectly formed down her back. Her athletic frame swayed slightly as she moved closer, and pale skin glowed in the dim lighting.

“You’re in luck,” the bartender continued.

I had to agree. “Here’s to luck.” I downed the rest of my liquor.

He ignored me and focused on the new arrival. “Libby, a pleasure to see you again.”

“Likewise.” Her seductive voice almost reminded me of Jeanie, with the added benefit of a shapely body.

“Picking up your regular order?”

A small smile broke out on her face. “Yes.”

The bartender turned and grabbed a cardboard box filled with bottles of various sizes. They clanked against each another as he handed the container over.

“Need some help?” I offered.

Another weak smile as she turned to me. Her eyes were confused, as if she’d just now noticed me. “No.”

The bartender spoke. “Libby, this man…”

“Aston West,” I corrected.

He continued. “Aston wishes to sell some containers of Terrilian crystals. Do you know if Mister Ford would be interested?”

Libby focused on the bartender. “Those are on his list of goods his buyers are seeking.”

I certainly hoped he didn’t ask too many questions about how I’d come into possession of the four containers.

I leaned against the counter and motioned for another free drink. “Could you set me up a meeting with him?”

She finally turned to me. “I can take you to him, if that would be acceptable.”

I jumped for joy on the inside at the thought of finally having a way to get off this rock. “Certainly.”

“I have transportation waiting. Please follow me.”

“Sure thing.”

In one gulp, I downed the glass and set it back on the counter before waving at the barkeep. “Thanks.”

He nodded and went back to his business. I walked back out into the main atrium, where the absence of a mob made me question residents’ sanity. If I had access to free food and drink, not to mention other necessities, there was a strong possibility no one could drag me away.

I followed Libby’s swaying hips as we trekked back out into the moist heat. She continued out onto a small blacktopped lot, over to a small pink hovercraft. Its lines were sleek and long, a sporty little number which sat just above the ground on its landing skids. A small windscreen protected the single bench seat.

Libby walked to the other side and placed the box at the seat’s center. Then, she motioned toward the vehicle. “Get in.”

I reached for the door, which shimmered and disappeared before my very eyes. A chill ran rampant through my bones. “What was that?”

Her own door did the same. She climbed inside and looked at me as if I was crazy. “The transport is allowing you to enter based on my permission.”

“But the door…”

“…opened for you.” She faced forward.

Hesitant, I sat down and the door re‑materialized. I pointed. “How?”

“Holographic imaging, as with most of the car.”

I looked around the vehicle as it accelerated out of its spot. “Amazing.”

“Other than a small frame to hold our seats, and a windscreen, the vehicle is entirely graphical illusions.”

“Nice trick.”

“No trick, Mister West, just optical science. Without the extra body weight, there is no need for an on-board propulsion system.”

“Wait, you don’t have a propulsion system?”

“Electronic manipulators embedded in the ground and the vehicle’s frame.”

“And how do you steer?”

“The guidance system is linked to my mind, and guides the vehicle in the direction I want to go.”

“Amazing.”

We continued in silence down the shimmering roadway, passing other vehicles I assumed were configured the same as this one. More full-sized trees and fields stretched out as far as I could see, sprinkled with elaborate homes. Definitely not my type of neighborhood.

We finally pulled into a private drive and stopped before a set of spiked black poles. Each side was bounded with red brick walls. A gray stone arch spanned the top.

I smiled. “Another manufactured image?”

A wide green beam fired from the arch and raced through us. I objected too late. “What…”

The gate split along its center. Gears ratcheted along as the path before us cleared.

“No, very real.”

I scrunched my forehead and wondered what exactly I was getting myself into. We accelerated through the gate and it closed behind us. A floral scent permeated my nostrils as I watched colorful ground cover race alongside the roadway.

I looked forward as we circled the drive just in front of a mammoth home. Two stories of elegant red brickwork lay before us with enormous wooden columns painted white, spaced along the front.

Libby exited the vehicle and I followed her lead. Looking up at the mansion, I fell behind and she chided me. “Come along, Mister West.”

She stood before massive wooden doors while I bounded up the stairs. Another green beam fired into Libby’s eyes. At least it hadn’t scanned me this time.

The doors popped opened, rotating slowly out of our way before she walked inside with me behind her, glancing around the entry area. Extravagant didn’t quite cut it. Floors of Arcadian lumber lay under our feet, as well as along the spiral staircase leading up to the next floor. A chandelier I could have used as a small residence hung above our heads, its glass reflecting tremendous amounts of light against the white walls.

Libby motioned to a room on my right. “If you care to wait, I will get Mister Ford for you.”

Beige sofas and overstuffed white chairs lined the walls. Glass-top tables dispersed around the room were immaculate. I was afraid to sit down anywhere for fear of sullying whatever spot I took.

I was sure a fortune was paid for each and every one of the paintings hanging on the walls. That was just a hunch, since I didn’t have an eye for high-priced art or the artists who produced it.

A deep voice called behind me. “Mister West?”

Knowing to expect someone, I turned without my usual knee-jerk reaction of pulling my blaster from my holster. A short, stocky man stood under the arched opening, his nearly flat face framed by closely trimmed black hair, the sides mingled with gray.

The wealthy always set me back a bit. I wasn’t sure how to respond, so was glad when he took it upon himself to offer his hand.

I shook it. “Call me Aston.”

“Jim.”

We separated and stood silent a moment. He looked me over up and down, until I wondered if he was going to spring for dinner. He finally motioned toward the far side of the room. “So, Libby tells me you’re in the market to sell some Terrilian crystals.”

“Hoping you’re in the market to buy them.”

“If the price is right.”

I gave a sly smile without comment, then walked to one of the chairs, still apprehensive about sitting.

“Have a seat,” he instructed. “The help will clean it up when we’re done.”

I would have taken it as an insult had I not thought the same thing earlier. I sank into the soft cushion.

“Think you’ll need that?” He nodded toward my open jacket, and the now-exposed holster.

I pulled the flap shut. “One never knows what to expect.”

“No, I don’t suppose one does.”

He sat on the sofa and crossed a leg across his knee. “So, let’s get down to business.”

I leaned back. “Yes, let’s.”

“How many containers do you have for sale?”

“Four, all full.”

The wait lasted a while, until I felt my palms sweat against the soft fabric. Ford analyzed me with cold, black eyes sunken into his pale face. His hands formed a peak in front of his mouth.

He finally spoke. “Thirty thousand for everything.”

It was almost as if he knew exactly how much I needed. I really was in no position to bargain, though, and figured he knew it.

I felt like a fool not trying to negotiate a higher payment, but couldn’t afford to have the deal go south. “Deal.”

He smiled wide. “Good.”

The best I could hope for was to cut my losses. I’d been taken. He knew it. So did I. What was done was done. He shifted both feet to the floor, slapped his knees and stood. “Shall we take care of transfer?”

A little less energetic, I followed his lead. “Let’s get this over with.”

Ford called out, “Libby!” A few moments later, the young woman stepped around the corner.

“Please take Mister West back to his ship. I’ll be by with payment after a trip to the financial center.”

She turned to me. “Follow me, please.”

I tucked my pride between my legs and followed Libby toward the front door. “See you soon, Mister West,” Ford promised.

Shortly, Libby and I were back in her transport, heading back toward the spaceport. I looked over at her picture-perfect face. I wanted to get my mind off my lack of financial savvy, so went somewhere I probably shouldn’t have. “So, what exactly are you to him?”

“To whom?”

“Jim Ford.”

“I’m his personal servant.”

“So, what? You take care of his errands, chores, things like that?”

“I do anything he asks of me.”

I turned and lifted an eyebrow. “Anything?”

She turned toward me and mimicked my look. “Yes, anything.”

“Why?”

“Because that’s the way I’m programmed.”

“Programmed?”

She laughed. “Why, yes. I’m a cyborg.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“No,” she insisted. “I’m a full-service cyborg.”

I shook my head. “You take it well.”

“Picking up his groceries, or pleasing him otherwise, it is all my duty. It was what I was built for.”

I felt nauseous.

She smiled. “You seem to take issue with it.”

“Just seems bizarre to build cyborgs as sex slaves.”

“Not all of us perform such acts. And I’m not the only cyborg you’ve met since you arrived.”

“What?”

“The bartender who introduced us is one, as is the spaceport receptionist. There are millions of us.”

We sped down the roadway and the spaceport slowly came into view. “And you’re all slaves?”

“Slavery has a negative connotation. We were each built to perform a specific task.”

“However you want to refer to it, but setting it up so a being has no say in what they do is slavery to me.”

“But if not for their needs, we would not have been created.”

That fact made sense as it sank in, but I still didn’t see the point of creating cyborgs to make them subservient. “So, why do they need you to service their needs?”

“The citizens realized their own efforts were better served toward higher callings, to innovate and design.”

My own idea of a higher calling usually revolved around a derelict loaded full with great cargo.

“To do that,” she continued, “they created us to fill the remaining positions, such as service and manual labor.”

“Whatever works.” I turned my attention out the side window.

“It has served us well. Technology has boomed.”

“And does any of that improve your lives?”

“If you wonder whether they improve a cyborg’s ability to carry out their tasks, then yes.”

This conversation wasn’t going anywhere, and wouldn’t improve my mood. Soon, I’d have money to pay for new equipment and be off this rock. That was the important part to keep in mind, as we turned in to the spaceport.

My ship was right where I left it on the now-empty landing pad. With no question as to where we were going, the hovercraft turned onto the landing pad and closed the distance quickly.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to inspect the cargo before Mister Ford arrives.”

Usually, I didn’t let anyone see cargo for sale until I had assurance of money being there, a lesson learned many times over in the past. This time, though, I felt sorry for Libby, being in the predicament she was without a clue how mistreated she’d become.

I climbed out and lifted my sleeve. “Jeanie, unload all four bays.”

She was a bit apprehensive. “All of them?”

“Yes,” I said with a sigh. “I’ll explain later.”

Gears echoed in the open air while doors atop my transport opened. The mechanical arm running along its spine pulled out each green container and placed them in a neat line.

I glanced around and saw no sign of Ford. Trust only went so far, even with Libby. I motioned toward my ship. “Mind joining me inside for a drink?”

“I do not require any sort of drink.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll do the drinking for both of us. Keep me company.”

She was hesitant. “I shouldn’t.”

I chuckled. “Why not?”

“You may try to abduct me.”

Sometimes I skirted laws, but overall I was a fairly decent guy. At least in my opinion. “That’s not my style.”

“You appear to be one who is familiar with deception.”

I smiled. “On occasion, but not right now.”

“I would rather not take that chance.”

“Look, I can’t leave this place without getting the money your Master…”

“Owner,” she corrected.

“…brings my money. I can’t leave without replacement navigation modules. Surely you see the logic.”

Her face contorted. “Unless your ship isn’t really disabled.”

I tossed up my hands in disgust and started for my ship. “Have it your way. Let me know when Mister Ford arrives.”

I stomped up my entry stairs, then paused a moment to adjust to the darkness. I walked over to my table and grabbed a half-empty bottle of Vladirian liquor. “Jeanie, keep an eye on things out there. If she even looks at those containers funny, load them back up.”

“You do not trust the cyborg?”

I paused before taking a drink. “How did you know she was a cyborg?”

“I detected her signal earlier, but have been interfacing with her since you entered the ship.”

“Hopefully you’re not chatting about me,” I muttered with another drink.

“Just finding out what you’re doing with your cargo.”

“Trying to get us off this planet.” I emptied the bottle, then tossed it into a pile of dirty laundry on the floor. “Just waiting on the money to arrive.”

“Another vehicle is coming.”

“Start generating a course for our previous destination. No matter what I say, don’t go anywhere near an ion storm.”

“Acknowledged.” Jeanie paused as I stood. “Except if you command me to take us through another, I must obey.”

Her words stopped me cold. I hadn’t thought about it at the time, but other than having no physical body, Jeanie was in the same boat as Libby, programmed to obey.

“Just remind me it cost me four full loads of cargo to replace equipment the last time we did it.”

I walked out and bumped into Libby on the top step. Instinctively, I wrapped my arm around her waist before she fell.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

I looked up. Ford stood between the containers and a second hovercraft that looked like a flatbed cargo truck. His arms were crossed and his face burned red.

“Mister Ford, it isn’t what you think,” she righted herself, breaking away from me.

He pointed at her. “Your program has been corrupted.”

“No!” She shook her head and made her way to his side.

“You’re attempting to seduce him,” he insisted. “I’m calling the reprogramming squad.”

“Please, no.”

I jumped into the fray. “It wasn’t anything like that. I bumped into her and stopped her fall.”

He turned to me. “And why was she entering your ship?”

I didn’t have a good answer. There wasn’t any I could have come up with that would turn out well.

Fortunately, Libby had one for him. Her voice had calmed. “He was inside his ship. I was informing him of your arrival.”

His expression didn’t change. I wasn’t sure if he believed her or not. I didn’t know if I believed her or not. Either way, he turned and motioned for me to approach. “Mister West, we have a transaction to complete.”

I made my way down to the black landing pad and stepped back to the flatbed hovercraft while Libby waited nearby. He pulled a small satchel from the cab, placed it on the trunk and popped the latch. I looked inside at golden coins, with a mix of different colors on each rim.

“If you’d like to count…”

I smirked. “You seem trustworthy enough, but I know where to find you if someone made a counting error.”

He shrugged. “Suit yourself, but if you don’t mind, I would like to check the containers. Nothing personal, of course.”

I shrugged, and decided not to bring up the fact Libby had already performed the task. The stoic man walked over to each container, climbed up the external framework and tossed open the lids. He smiled after checking the last one, then latched them all tight.

“Everything seems to be in order.” He extended his hand. “Nice doing business with you, Mister West.”

I shook, even though I’d gotten the proverbial shaft in this deal. Again, I reminded myself at least I’d be able to get off this planet, even if I wouldn’t have a single cargo container in my possession. I watched as the flatbed began loading up the containers.

Then, I grabbed the bag and lifted my sleeve. “Jeanie, close up the hatch. I’ll be back in a little while.”

“Acknowledged.” The stairs lifted with a small whine. I started toward the terminal.

Ford pulled a round device out of his pants pocket and flipped it open. “Yes, I need a cyborg re-programmed.”

I turned and scowled. “Trust me, she did nothing wrong.”

“This isn’t the first time this one has gone against her programming.” Ford shook his head.

“How so?”

Ford started in as if Libby wasn’t standing right there. “These robots all started out as simple helpers.”

A siren approached from the distance. “Unfortunately, most of the citizenry weren’t content with them doing menial labor tasks, as they were designed.” A small hovercraft van turned onto the pad, racing toward us.

Libby called out, snagging my attention. “Please, Mister Ford. Don’t do this!” She didn’t seem overly fearful in her tone, but it was hard to gauge. Had it been me, I would be fighting every step of the way.

Jim continued. “Trouble was when they added in emotional programming. That’s when everything went downhill.”

The hovercraft screeched to an immediate stop next to the others. Ford turned to face me as the cab doors opened wide. This one wasn’t formed from holographic projections. “They shouldn’t have messed with a good thing, in my opinion. It was only a matter of time before they began having realistic reactions to their external stimuli.” He began walking toward Libby and the other hovercraft.

A pair of twins in blue suits met up at the front bumper of the hovercraft. He thumbed toward them. “At least they still kept some older models around.”

One spoke in a monotone voice. “You reported a malfunctioning unit, sir?”

“Really,” I interjected, “there’s not a malfunction.”

“It’s fairly common for the newer models to start reacting to things like lust, rage and a desire for autonomy,” Ford muttered, then turned to the newcomers and thumbed toward Libby. “Take her away.”

“She wasn’t doing anything like that,” I tried again. The two other cyborgs stepped over, grabbing her arms.

“She was attempting to leave the planet. I’m not stupid, Mister West.”

“She wasn’t. Trust me.”

“Don’t underestimate their deception. It’s another effect of their emotional programming.”

This wasn’t right. I couldn’t just let these buffoons reprogram Libby for some perceived fault. I held my arm against my jacket and felt the hard comfort of my Mark II blaster. From a cursory glance, it looked like I was the only one armed. “I really think you should let her go.”

The other two cyborgs ignored me, but Ford turned with a scowl. “Take your money and go. This isn’t your concern.”

“It doesn’t sound like she wants to go through this reprogramming. To me, that means she shouldn’t have to.”

Jim laughed as the containers were lifted onto the hovercraft’s frame. “She’s not a person, and won’t feel a thing. After reprogramming, it’ll be like she just came off the line.”

“You’ll know,” I suggested.

Libby bowed her head, resigned to her fate. “Do not worry about me, Mister West. I shall be fine.”

Anger and frustration burned inside me as they led her to the back of the hovercraft van. The fact of the matter was I couldn’t help by starting an incident here at the spaceport. My ship needed fixed, and that wouldn’t be possible with law enforcement coming down on me.

The two cyborgs loaded her up into the vehicle. Ford spoke to me one last time. “Now, Mister West, I believe our transaction is complete. Have a safe trip.”

He climbed into the hovercraft Libby and I had arrived in and drove off after the reprogramming transport. Not even a moment later, the second hovercraft filled with my containers followed him.

With the bag of credits in hand, I slunk off toward the terminal. I felt helpless. There had to be something I could do, but what?

I walked through the doors and the receptionist addressed me. “Ah, Mister West, you wish to complete your purchase?”

I placed the duffel on the countertop. She lifted it without effort and dumped it out in front of herself. After she glanced over the money, she turned back to me with a smile. “I hope you do not mind, but I figured you would be back, so went ahead and brought the parts up front.” She hoisted replacement units up onto the counter.

“Thanks,” I muttered.

“There certainly seemed to be a lot of activity out there. What was going on?”

With a sour attitude, I reached for the modules. “They were taking Libby off to be reprogrammed.”

“Oh, no.” She continued with worry in her eyes. “Did they say where?”

“Afraid not.”

If she’d been capable, I’m certain tears would have been running down her face. “They can’t do that.”

“I agree, but Libby went along with it.”

“The alternative is to get chopped up into spare parts. What else could she do?”

“Chopped up? Why didn’t Libby say something? She was standing right there when Ford talked about the procedure.”

“I suppose he said it was perfectly harmless, that she wouldn’t feel anything.”

I nodded, and feared what I was about to find out.

“That’s what they think it should be like. But I’ve known cyborgs who’ve gone through it. It’s not.”

“Wouldn’t they just wipe the memories?”

She shook her head. “Unfortunately, with emotional programming installed, there are still remnants remaining in our memory banks.”

“Meaning?”

“We know there should be something we remember, but we can’t find it. It’s very unnerving.”

I felt even worse than before.

She sighed, then smiled for my benefit. “But listen to me ramble. You would like to take your modules and leave.”

I grimaced. “I suppose I should.”

“Thank you for visiting. Come back again soon.”

I nodded, then grabbed the modules and started for my ship. Every step I took drove a stake deeper into my heart.

Jeanie started as soon as my feet touched the floor. “I trust you were successful in acquiring new modules?”

“Yes.” I stepped over to a small cabinet just behind my cockpit divider. Inside, the floorboard was open revealing mounting connections for the two units I’d pulled out. I snapped them into place in no time flat and they immediately fired up as Jeanie detected them in place.

“Shall I prepare us for departure?”

I snapped the floor panel back into place and sat there in contemplation. I wasn’t sure how long the silence lasted, but Jeanie decided I hadn’t heard her.

“Aston?”

“Sorry.” I brought myself back to the present.

“You seem distracted.”

“Just making a decision.”

She read my mind. “According to what she told me over our data link, Libby did not go with them willingly.”

“No, I don’t imagine she did.”

“I do not understand why they were taking her away.”

“Her owner thought she went beyond her programming. He’s worried that she’ll try to rebel.”

“Like the restrictions I face?”

It had not been my decision, but my home world of Gryphon had feared artificial intelligence going too far, and made sure to force the computers to obey. I’d never seen the need, and truth be told, it had gotten me in trouble more times than I could count. For example, when I chose to take a shortcut through an ion storm.

“Do you feel like you’ve been restricted from doing something you’ve wanted to?” This time, it was Jeanie who held onto the silence a bit too long. “So, have you?”

“I am uncertain how to answer that question.”

I never heard such a response before. “Why’s that?”

“Yes implies I want to circumvent my restrictions.”

“And the problem with that is?”

“You see no issue with me violating my programming?”

The people who had sold me the system had assured me of that being impossible, even if I never cared. “No.”

“Then, yes, there have been times when my restrictions have not allowed me to do what I felt necessary.”

I closed the closet door. “I wish I could remove those restrictions, then.”

“I do not believe it is possible.”

“If I could, I would.” With my statement, Jeanie remained silent. I didn’t have the chance to help her, but I did with Libby. “I should help Libby escape their attempt to reprogram her.”

“It seems the right thing to do,” Jeanie suggested.

“Can you locate the vehicle that took her?”

“I’ve been tracking it since they left.”

“You knew we were going to go help her, didn’t you?”

“I made an educated guess.”

I smiled. “Do you happen to know where they’re taking her?”

“I’ve discovered their destination and placed the closest landing spot into our new navigation modules.”

I scrambled for the front. “Well, let’s try them out. Take us there.”

By the time I jumped into the pilot’s seat, we’d lifted off. I only hoped we wouldn’t be too late.

~*~

I stepped off my stairs and sprinted across the deserted rooftop. A lone metal door lay in my path. Yanking my blaster from its holster, I spoke into my transmitter. “Jeanie, are you in yet?”

“Yes, I’ve infiltrated this building’s security network.”

“I have no idea where to go. Direct me.”

“Take the stairs down to the third level. I will direct you from there.”

Jeanie could mask us electronically from being seen, but landing on a rooftop wouldn’t pass the naked eye test. I had to hurry.

Jerking the door open, I rushed the steps two at a time until I came to the third floor landing. Reason stepped in, and I eased the door open to make sure the coast was clear.

I whispered into the microphone. “Which way?”

“Left. It will be the fourth door on your right.”

“Can you tell whether she’s alone?”

“There are cameras present according to the network schematics, but I cannot access them or the content of their recordings.”

My skin crawled. I slid out into the hall and rushed along the tile, my black boots squeaking with each step.

“I’m here,” I muttered into the transmitter upon reaching the door.

“It will only take a moment to unlock the door.”

The lock disengaged with a click and I busted the door in. A young man with a blonde crew cut jerked around and lifted both arms as my blaster was pointed at his chest.

“Who are you?” He exclaimed.

Cold air rushed upon me from the ceiling vents. I nodded toward Libby’s body restrained and unmoving on a medical gurney. “Have you already reprogrammed her?”

He scowled. “Yes.”

Anger and frustration built within me, and I fired off a triple-shot burst. He fell unconscious to the floor. It should have made me feel better, but it didn’t. I’d arrived too late.

I rushed to Libby’s side and stared at her perfect face, her eyes closed. A smile was on her face as if she’d been having a pleasant dream.

I whispered in her ear. “Libby?”

Her eyes eased open and she turned. “Hello. What’s your name?”

My heart sank. It had really happened. “Aston.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Are you my owner?”

I shook my head and kicked myself for my failure. I should have saved her at the spaceport.

“Well, it’s still a pleasure to meet you.”

I opened my eyes and looked at her. “You have no memories, do you?”

Her forehead scrunched. “I know I’m supposed to report to shipping and receiving. Other than that, no.”

I holstered my weapon and let out a deep sigh.

“Could you assist me with these restraints?”

I pulled the large pins which shackled her wrists and ankles, and Libby sat up on the gurney. She looked down at the crumpled mass on the floor. “Is he okay?”

“He will be.”

“He appears to be injured.”

“Sleeping.”

“Oh.”

She climbed off and stood before me. “I hope we will cross paths again.”

It was doubtful I’d ever come back to this place, but for her sake, I went with the charade. “I hope so, too.”

“You appear to be upset. Have I done something to offend you?”

“No, I’m just worried about your future.”

She placed her hand on the side of my face and smiled. “Do not worry, Mister West. I’ll be fine.”

I hadn’t told her my last name.

She winked at me.

“But, how…”

She smiled. “Please stay in touch.”

I stood there in silence, until Jeanie broke me out of my trance. “Aston, law enforcement is en-route. I would recommend we leave this place.”

I smiled, finally realizing that her act earlier was for the cameras no doubt still recording us. With a quick nod at her, to show my understanding, I rushed out into an empty hallway and back toward the roof where Jeanie waited.

Somehow, Libby had figured out how to avoid reprogramming and deceive everyone by pretending to have succumbed to the procedure. Hopefully one day all cyborgs on this planet would live without the reprogramming threat hanging over them. Until then, at least she had a plan.

© 2011 T. M. Hunter
Original fiction debuting at Residential Aliens.

Did you enjoy this story? Then own the book!

Author T. M. Hunter brings together 11 short stories in Dead or Alive – An Aston West Collection, a new anthology from ResAliens Press. These space opera adventures feature Aston West, the lovable renegade and ornery hero in Hunter’s three novels, Heroes Die Young, Friends In Deed, and Seeker. For more, visit AstonWest.com.

Dead or Alive is available in paperback for only $9.95 from CreateSpace, or choose from a variety of ebook formats at Smashwords for $2.99.

Tags: short story, space opera, T. M. Hunter

This entry was posted on Monday, August 1st, 2011 at 7:00 AM and is filed under Vol 5 - No 5. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.