Double Bait (Stone Blade Book 2)

by James Cox

  Ivan's superior entered and sat without ceremony.

  "A wise choice," he said, "We have several matters to discuss. First of all, I am Erik. You," he turned to Robin, "are Annette Robin Macy, yes?"

  "Yes."

  "As to the two of you," he turned to Micah and Ferrel, "your names are rather meaningless so I shall call you Carl and Robert.

  "First of all I have been authorized by the Federation Central Authority to charge the three of you with a host of crimes, from simple destruction of property up through treason."

  "But..."

  "Shh, Signora Macy. You are all guilty and I have ample evidence." He turned back to Micah and Ferrel. "The two of you will, with all due haste, depart Federation sovereignty and return to the League."

  Robin gasped. "Y-you... you work for the League?"

  Robert and Carl both nodded and her heart dropped.

  "I... I didn't know, sir! I didn't!" Robin's head spun. Collusion with League agents?!

  "That is irrelevant, Signora," said Erik, "It does not change your situation."

  Carl cleared his throat. "Seigneur Erik, I realize who, or what, you are. As one to another I assure you we did indeed keep Robin ignorant of our... allegiance. She is innocent."

  Erik shrugged. "For the worth of it I believe you. My options are limited, though. We shall discuss them presently. For now," he handed Carl a handful of chips, "this is information your superiors may find... useful."

  "Indeed," said Carl, "But by giving it to us you cast doubt upon it."

  This time Erik smiled. "Truth. It is ever the maze of mirrors we wander, yes? You will take it and you will check it. You will also find it valid."

  "When we do," said Carl, "the question will rise as to why you gave it to us."

  "Accurate to the heart of the matter. As you are aware there is a certain faction among us who do not like..."

  "The Consortium," supplied Robert, "We did some research."

  "Good, then. Did you perchance discover the diminution in majority of the progressive parties?"

  Robert shrugged. "Several newsmods mentioned it. We didn't delve too deeply into the details."

  "I see. Suffice it to say they favor stronger ties with the Consortium. Others believe this will lead to eventual annexation of the Federation by the Consortium."

  "It will," said Carl, "Bloodless won't mean squelch to them, either. They will conquer and control!"

  "So some believe. Regardless, any such must needs operate with great... discretion. Any actions or alliances must of necessity be tenuous and... out of the public view."

  Carl nodded. "I understand."

  "Six sigmas excellent!" He turned back to Robin. "Now for you, Signora Macy. Even though your solicitor filed for dismissal of charges due to evidenciary violations I do have the authority to reinstate all of them. This is in addition to the crimes you committed as Samantha Taw and Tracy Goldwine."

  Robin couldn't help the choked sound she made.

  "That is if you decide to stay. You may elect to leave with your friends. I am certain they can find you a place in the League."

  Robin's lip trembled. "B-but... This is my home. I... I don't want to leave. Why can't I just go back to work?"

  "That is not possible," said Erik, "Given the willingness and the skill you have developed toward breaking our financial and data-privacy laws it would only be a matter of time before you committed more crimes. Besides, even if you restore your original identity no company will hire you. Your record precludes that."

  Now Robin felt a hollowness unlike any she'd ever known before! Not since... Not since Aunt Lilly disappeared! Though she never doubted she'd leave Echo Bend she knew she would stay...

  "Phase down," said Robert, "She's a talent, all truth and no blather, but Carl and I are experienced. She isn't. Give her the carrot."

  Now Erik smiled and chuckled. "Very well. Signora Macy, I do have another option for you. Unlike them I know you are who you claim. It is six-sigmas truth that I cannot simply release you, especially knowing what you now know. I do, however, always have a position for a good burner and data technician. Especially one with... other skills and talents."

  "What," said Robin, "Y-you want me... to work for you?! The CA?!"

  "Yes. I will require a more complete debriefing," he glanced at Carl and Robert, "later but based only on my own observations I can assure you you will excel. So. Will you work for me?"

  Robin smiled. "Sirra, that is a non-choice. Yes!" She chuckled. "I always did want to advance my career."

  "Polar," said Erik, "In that case our business is finished. I see no untended details."

  Robert cleared his throat. "There is one. We did promise Robin we'd help her find her aunt. I'd hate to begin such an... auspicious friendship... on a sour note."

  "That is easily handled," said Erik, "Your Aunt Lilly is in protective custody. She is most displeased with it, very vehement about it and she will not be disappointed to be rid of it."

  "You have her," asked Robin.

  "Yes. When your situation first came to my attention I realized the danger to her. I do not like Federation citizens, or any others, being killed or kidnapped. I ordered her under protection until we found you and eliminated the danger to you both."

  Robin nodded. "Thank you."

  ***

  Robin stood at the starport with Carl and Robert beside her. She had a ticket to Echo Bend and they had tickets... elsewhere. That thought stirred a pang of sadness.

  "We probably won't see each other again," she said.

  "Not likely," said Carl.

  A thousand things flashed through Robin's head but she couldn't seem to say any of them. Finally she threw her arms around Carl and hugged him hard.

  "Thank you! For... everything."

  "Welcome."

  She hugged Robert too. Before she let go he leaned over, kissed her cheek and grinned.

  "You take care of yourself, luv. Remember, bright beautiful lady, to set your goals high and focus on the good stuff. Otherwise we will be back!"

  She couldn't help giggling at that, despite the tears trying to form in her eyes. The two of them shouldered their bags and walked toward their concourse. She stood there watching until they vanished into the crowds.

  Erik and Ivan waited not far away. Erik rubbed what chin he had, a far-away look in his eyes. Ivan was finishing a package of nibblers and being totally uncomfortable not-looking at all the people bustling around him.

  Robin took Ivan's arm and tucked it under hers. He squawked and tried to pull away.

  "Polarize, spiker," she said gently, "I just lost two best friends and I'd sure like to make another one before they're gone."

  Though it cost him a blush he met her eyes for half a second. "K."

  ***

  Robin sat at the terminal and examined her just-composed message critically. The CA officers hustling around her and going about their business still made her nervous but Erik had given her an ID. The rest, he said, was up to her.

  'Lorna:

  'This is to let you know I'm doing well. I heard from R and C that you are too, and I'm really, plus-plus glad to hear that. I'm working for Ivan's boss now, so life is really looking good for me. I hope it does for you too. Claud left and he won't be back. Permanently. Neither will his friends. I won't be able to take you through chat but I know my friends will. I've registered the name "KittyBird" for you on MegNet. The password is the same as my full name.

  'I probably won't see you again so I wish you a full, successful and happy life that's everything you want and more. And a cup of chocolate chog!

  'Sammi Taw

  Robin wanted to say more but didn't. Lorna could fill in the gaps. She sent the message and downloaded the chat module.

  '[system]KittyBird is in +UptownCafe+'

  Robin looked at the room. The list of people there hadn't changed much. MoldyGrape and the twins were up, and FuzzyFeet with them! She smiled to herself but didn't post anything. They all w
elcomed her as they would any newt, with offers of help and conversation. She sent Grape a DCHAT.

  'DCHAT [MoldyGrape +accept+] Hi stranger! Did you mean to do this or are you just new? *grapegrin*'

  'Grape, shhhh pls. This is FoxBird.'

  '?!?!? x 100000!! *bighumongousgrapehuggle* Foxy! It's great to see you, lovely lady! How doing, what happening and where been?!'

  Robin smiled. 'Long story. Life got complicated. Wish I could talk more, tho. I prolly won't be back any time soon. New opportunities and new places. Lots of both.'

  'Aww... Glad to hear about the good stuff tho! We'll be missing you plus-plus awful!'

  'I know. Me too all of you. Not why I messaged, tho. The next time you see this name it will be a friend of mine. Lorna G. Take care of her?'

  'Six-sigmas solid! Any friend of yours is cryonic with me. And the rest of us, of course.'

  'Of course. *grin* One favor, too.'

  'Name it!'

  'My nick will expire soon. Would you grab it and hold for me, just in case?'

  'Will do! Hey! Grab a pen.' A name and comm combo appeared on the screen. 'Listen. If you do make it back come visit! IRL!! I'll even buy *you* lunch! Canya beat that?'

  'Deal! Luv, hugglz and smoochies all around!'

  'Bye sweetness!'

  '[system]KittyBird@pubcj.cac217.414s2.cau.net has left +UptownCafe+'

  ***

  Robin walked into the restaurant, looked around and sat at the table with Ivan. He'd finished one basket of nibblers and started on another. He looked up briefly and shoved the plate toward Robin. She shook her head and took out a new pack of 'sticks. When the waitress brought him a refill she ordered tea. He managed most of a smile at her then went back to fidgeting.

  "Ivan," said Robin softly, "I can see you when you look at me."

  He blushed and turned away. "Sorry."

  "But why?"

  "I d-don't want you to kill me or b-break my neck."

  "I won't. I promise. But tell me why you keep looking at me."

  "B-because." He shoved a handful of nibblers in his mouth. "Y-you're plus-plus pyro on the net. You popped some b-brilliant moves. You're smart." He mumbled something else.

  "What was that last part?"

  "I said you're also b-beautiful. You're double-thermal drooly on a sunspot." He blushed when he finished.

  "You really think so?"

  "Plus-plus to orbit! J-just look at you!" He couldn't, though. He dropped his eyes.

  Just as well. The simple honesty with which he spoke stunned Robin. She looked down at her arm and the scars on it, then back at Ivan.

  "Ivan, hon, listen to me." She took a moment to consider her words. "Listen. It... it's polar if you want to look at me. Truth. What you said... that makes me feel good. Everett made me feel... slimy. Dirty."

  "It's good he's dead," mumbled Ivan vehemently. Then he looked up.

  "Truth," she said softly. Then smiled. "You're pretty pyro on the net too, spiker. Will we be working together?"

  "I dunno," shrugged Ivan, "That's on Erik."

  "I hope we do." She put out her 'stick and lit another one.

  A man and woman walked through the door. Robin felt swarms of flutterwings hatching in her stomach. She took a last draw off the 'stick, put it out and headed for the ladies' fresher. Erik sat with Ivan and Lilly followed Robin, her face set in an all-too-familiar scowl.

  "Robin, what..."

  Robin hugged her as hard as she could.

  "Well," said Lilly when Robin let go, "I told you we needed to see each other more often, child."

  Lilly brushed Robin's hair out of her face. Though she didn't voice it Robin could sense her disapproval.

  "I suppose you'll tell me why I was in prison."

  "It... it was protection, Aunt Lilly. Not prison."

  "So why was I there? That dreadful man told me it was something to do with your arrest and that I'd best not mention it to you."

  Robin heard the "... but I know better," tinging her aunt's voice.

  "I guess he was wrong about that." Robin took a breath. "I was arrested for data theft. I was framed and the man who did it is the one who kidnapped me later. He made me burn into systems for him and if I failed he'd whip me with a neurolash. I was rescued by two people who work for the League and I helped them catch him. H-he was working against the Federation government. H-he tried to take me offplanet and I killed him."

  As Robin spoke a look of disbelief crept across Lilly's face. Then, slowly, it turned to horror.

  "You're not making this up, are you," asked Lilly.

  Robin sniffled. "I wish I was." She turned away, not wanting to face the aversion on her aunt's face. "Th-the CA took you into protection to k-keep you safe. The man who took me, he killed two friends, one of them right in front of me. H-he tortured another one to keep me working and he would have... He would... You. He'd have..."

  Robin bit back on her tears. What she did to Lilly went far beyond disappointment. She waited for the acid torrent to fall, knowing the full truth of how much she deserved it. She felt her failures more sharply than she ever had before. Even now she could feel Lilly's condemnation...

  Arms around her, holding her hard. A softness enfolding her. The tears came and Robin wept hard with Lilly holding her gently. Gently. After Robin's emotion spent itself Lilly wiped her eyes and brushed back an errant hair.

  "Oh Robin, child... I'm sorry. I wish I could kiss it and make it better." She spoke with a soft tenderness Robin hadn't heard in a long time. "I let your mother down so badly."

  "What?!"

  "You were so young. When she died. I promised I'd take care of you but I never had children. I didn't know what to do. I promised her so much and I failed at it."

  The tone of Lilly's voice shocked Robin. She actually believed that!

  "N-no, Aunt Lilly. You were wonderful! I... I'm the failure. I let both of you down."

  "Robin! No! Child... I am proud of everything you ever did. With so much that happened to you? You grew up better than I ever could have raised you!"

  Robin sniffled. Lilly wiped her own eyes. Robin steeled herself.

  "Aunt Lilly, I'll be leaving Echo Bend soon. I don't know where I'm going but it won't be here. I'm going to work for the CA."

  Lilly's eyebrows rose at this.

  "I want you to come with me."

  "What?"

  "I... I want you to come with me. You're all I've got, Aunt Lilly. I love you and I don't want you hurt because of me. P-please?"

  Lilly didn't answer. She straightened Robin's shirt and brushed back her hair. Again.

  "You need to wash your face, child," she said softly. Then she left the fresher.

  Robin's heart fell.

  When she walked out Robin saw Lilly standing at the table staring at Erik. She stood beside her aunt, not trusting herself to speak. Lilly picked up the drugsticks disapprovingly, then handed them to Robin.

  "I expect my possessions moved and intact," said Lilly, "I am familiar with everything I own. You will also find me a nice house in a decent neighborhood. It will not be within any large city because I detest them! If Robin is to work in one then my house will be outside of it."

  Robin felt her heart lightening. Lilly turned to her and smiled.

  "Robin, dear, will you visit me more than once every three years?"

  "Yes. Yes! Of course I will, Aunt Lilly!"

  "Good. That's settled, then." She looked back at Erik. "Well? Why are you still sitting?!"

  Erik visibly weighed his options then rose, bowed to Lilly and offered her his arm.

  "A nice house," he said, "decent neighborhood, no cities and visits from Robin. I'll see to that personally. Signora, will you accompany me?"

  As Erik left Robin heard her aunt instructing him in every detail she expected. For herself Robin felt like singing! She took the last few of Ivan's nibblers. He scowled but she had no room for that!

  "Unplug," she said, taking out a 'stick, "You and I are going
to have a very nice meal at a very nice restaurant!"

  She shuffled out enough unicreds for the nibblers, tea and a generous tip. When Ivan rose she took his arm again.

  "Polarize, spiker," she said, "Before the night is done you're getting a hug, too!"

  As they walked out into the street Robin once again saw the lights of the city, sitting still and moving and flashing in all their different colors, all sparkling and net-like.

  Now she would own it!

  *** The End ***

  Chapter G. Glossary

  "Gentle Readers: The definitions presented here consist of both technically accurate terms used by professionals in the fields of computer technology and slang terms employed by hobbyists and burners. Proper terms are noted in boldface and slang in bold italic. Please note: serious burners configure and customize their software, or 'warez' to an incredible extent so the slang terms presented here are accurate in only the most general sense." --F. R. Kincaid, PhD, ArG.

  acid probe - A low-slow attack program. It appears as a simple probe but contains routines designed to attack and erode the structure of the node(s) where it is deployed.

  AIdaptive - Artificial-intelligence-adaptive. AIdaptive programs use AI to self-configure and -optimize to their environment while they are working. This requires incredible resources in order to work effectively in burntime.

  bloody sneeze - A defense program used mostly by amateurs. It is effective through sheer, overwhelming power but allows for no subtlety or follow-up work. It tends to blast away anything even close to where it is deployed and has been known to blast its own user off the net.

  briar patch - A firewall-type defense program designed with trap and capture options. Unlike most wallz it can be deployed by an intruder, albeit with a lower chance of success.

  burntime - Burner-speak for realtime. It comprises anything from nanoseconds to microseconds; burntime scales to the effective action-time of the system in which activity takes place.

  codefog - A defensive program that, when deployed, clutters an area around it with random bits of code, active or passive, designed to obfuscate and delay other burners or warez.