Chapter 9
Gabriel James sat at his desk in fifth period History and wondered what was happening to him. Dr. Franklin Terzini had created him to not feel human emotions of any kind.
He knew of their existence and was informed of their physical manifestations. But sentiments were not part of his design. He was well-versed in emotionality, its every nuance. He could readily discern each sensation inherent in human beings and mimic it when necessary. But he did not possess any of his own; until recently.
Gabriel recognized that genetic modifications made by Terzini endowed him with intelligence, strength, reflexes, agility and physical perfection unheard of in the general humanoid populace. He also knew that he utilized a larger portion of his brain for higher cognitive functioning because the portions of his brain that would be engaged in regulating emotions had been disconnected.
His maker had presented various materials aimed at generating an emotional response from him. Music, literature of every genre, movies and religious material all offered opportunities for a response. Yet, Gabriel remained detached, impassive. He never produced a physiologic, physical or psychological response.
Until several hours ago, Gabriel had been disengaged, emotionless. Things had changed for him, quickly, unexpectedly.
Today, he had been roused more than once. Feelings surged and swelled inside him without warning. But this odd reaction only occurred when he was near Melissa Martin.
She intrigued him.
But he knew that he had to abandon all thoughts of Melissa. If his maker were to detect the slightest hint of emotion, he would be terminated, his existence deemed a failure.
Dark Creations Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 13
