N.I.C. (The Almost Series Book 3)

by Christina Leigh Pritchard

“She’s real!” my Amie said. Her eyes widened and she pointed. “Look, my Shay, 217 is real.”

  I doubled over and vomited.

  Endre did not seem to notice nor did 217. I raced out of the lab and down the corridor.

  “Shay!” a tall, black man with gray wisps of hair grabbed me by the shoulders.

  I couldn’t believe my eyes. A man stood before me. “Pop?” My voice quivered.

  “Yes, I’m now a second keeper to the N.I.C.”

  “Oh, Pop, I missed you so much!” I collapsed into his arms. His hand rested on my hair.

  “My Shay, I missed you.”

  “Can you feel me in your arms?”

  He nodded. “This is much better than that outdated sensory chair.”

  I giggled. “Yeah, this is much better.”

  He squeezed me tight. “I can’t believe you’re really in my arms. It feels surreal.”

  “It does. It really does.” My lips trembled and I hugged him even tighter. “I love you, Pop.”

  My Amie’s red hair began to rise as if she were surrounded by static. “I’m going into labor,” she said. “This is too early. Why am I experiencing such disconnection from you?”

  Her hologram faded in and out.

  “Amie?” I let go of Pop and reached for her. My hand sliced through her body.

  “My insides are on fire.”

  “Are you okay?”

  She shook her head. “I’m to have S.H.A.Y. 319. Please call a trusted scientist to help with the birthing process.”

  “I’m a scientist.”

  Amie grinned. “Yes, my Shay, you are just perfect for the job.” Her image disappeared.

  “Amie?”

  Pop pointed to her room. “She is in there. We should go now before someone decides to send S.H.A.Y. 319 to a different location.”

  We took quick steps towards my mother’s room. Her door was indented from my last visit. I wiped my eyes, pushing back the images of Isabella dying at the hands of her Amie. Would mine do this to me, too?

  I needed to focus and stop feeling sorry for myself. S.H.A.Y. 31 taught me a vital lesson. When you make a choice, you have to accept it for what it is. The consequences will come. I wanted to meet my Amie. I chose to follow her by connecting to her. My consequences were to soon befall me. Hopefully not before I saved my Pop and the last S.H.A.Y.

  “Shay,” Pop said. “We need to hurry.”

  He guided me into my mother’s room. Lights ran in zigzag patterns along the floor and up the walls. “Hello, my Shay.” Amie’s electronic voice filled the room. “How do you like your upgraded P.O.P.?”

  “I love him. He’s perfect.”

  “I’m going to lock the doors now.” The Formica door slammed shut.

  “That’s not going to keep anyone out,” I said.

  A thick metal slab dropped from the ceiling, blocking the entrance. “Will this do?”

  I laughed. “Yes, I think that’ll do it.” My eyes settled on the empty containment chamber as it rose from the ground. “Is that for me?”

  “No, my Shay, I’ve told you many times I would not allow your termination.”

  “Where’s your birthing console?”

  The walls opened where I once witnessed the makings of the fetus. She was still in there, connected to an electronic umbilical cord. Her hands and feet were so tiny and curled into her stomach. She floated in the bionic fluids.

  “She’s beautiful,” I whispered. “Absolutely beautiful.”

  “I like to create life,” Amie said. “This is my favorite moment. Watch the monitors and you will see why.”

  The tank holding S.H.A.Y. 319 extended from the wall, the top exposed to the elements.

  Amie let out an electronic giggle. “The last scientist to bond with my S.H.A.Y. was Dr. Cole. She wept like a baby herself.”

  Feet imprints lit up a neon orange color. “Please stand in the sensory footrests. I’d like to experience this, too.”

  I obeyed, my feet pressing into the lighted footholds. Wires pierced my flesh and I groaned. Electrical currents travelled up my spine and I could feel them attach to my ocular nerves. My tongue tingled and my arms burned with unfamiliar sensations.

  “I am now hardwired to you, my Shay. I shall feel whatever you experience.”

  “Why?” I could barely speak. “What have—what have you done to me?”

  “It’s temporary. Now, place your hands in the birthing tank.”

  I did as I was instructed. It was as if I were a puppet. She moved my arms like I were a P.A.T. program. They were an invention I’d created to help the scientists. The P.A.T.s could do things that normal, shaking, human hands could not.

  “Place your left hand under her head, carefully, with support for her neck.” Amie guided me. She told me for my own understanding, not because I had any control over what was happening. “Now, disconnect the umbilical cord. She will scream once she’s removed. Try to console her as quickly as possible.”

  My fingers twitched as I pulled the chip from her belly button. The incision secreted blood into the fluid-filled tank.

  “Take her out quickly now,” Amie said. She forced my hands to rise with the little Shay in my arms. Slimy liquid dripped down my body and pooled around my feet.

  I grinned, my heart fluttering. “She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” I held her close. Her eyes were closed but her dark skin shone from the protective goo. I touched her head. Her tiny, soft black curls were perfection and her itty bitty toes curled from the cold. “Do you have a blanket?”

  Angry fists pounded on the doors. “Shay!” Endre shouted. I could hear several scientists out in the halls with him. “What are you doing inside your A.M.I.E.’s room?”

  “The next S.H.A.Y. is not due yet,” someone said. “What could be happening in there?”

  “They’ll have to wait,” Pop said. He handed me a wet cloth. “Let’s wash her down. You can disconnect from Amie now.”

  Amie released my feet. The connecters ripped away from my flesh like Band-Aids. I winced. Soon, I forgot my pain. The new S.H.A.Y. opened her eyes and grinned at me. Her eyes were a bright hazel. My insides softened.

  “Do you see why I like to create life? I could feel all your excitement and I could feel your instant love for her. I’m going to reconnect to you now so that I may see her. I never do get to see my creations.”

  “You’re going to be in love with her,” I said. My eyes glistened. “I’m in love.”

  Pop rested his hand on my shoulder. “We need to finish the birthing rituals. This way, she will not have to go with anyone else for testing or bathing.”

  “Okay, okay.” I rolled my eyes, handing him the little S.H.A.Y. His eyes lit up and a large smile spread across his face.

  “Hello, little S.H.A.Y.,” he cooed. “I remember when 318 was this small; she was quite feisty.” He held her in his large hands and touched noses with her. “You’re much calmer. She wouldn’t let Dr. Cole clean or prepare her for vitals.”

  I giggled. “Pop, stop it.”

  He turned to face me, his smile reaching to his ears. “I emote.” His eyes watered. “And I experience human reactions. I would have preferred this upgrade while raising you.”

  “Me too.” I wiped my eyes as I watched my Pop bathe the new S.H.A.Y. He sang to her softly and kissed her forehead while he scanned her vitals.

  Amie’s hologram appeared. “What did I miss?”

  “Pop and your new S.H.A.Y. have bonded. He is madly in love with her.” I forced a smile.

  “Are you experiencing jealousy?” Amie jested. “Quite the territorial one, are you?”

  “You get jealous all the time so don’t pick on me.”

  She somersaulted, kissing me on the cheek. Icy chills made my teeth tingle. “I love you, my Shay, and your P.O.P. did all of this to ensure your survival, not my new S.H.A.Y.s.”

  “I want him to raise her,” I said.

  Amie shook her head. “He’s to be terminated with th
e N.I.C. program. They’re connected. Your sponsor has not kept his word. You must convince him to not destroy these programs.”

  “What I need to do is invent something.”

  Pop shook his head. “I’ve already begun. Everything you asked of me is in motion, my Shay.”

  “Good.” I stepped closer. He handed me the newly dressed S.H.A.Y. She was becoming more and more alert as all S.H.A.Y.s do. Hybrids were not like normal infants. I’d never seen a regular baby, but if they were anything like this one, I desperately needed to have one.

  “What is he talking about?” Amie asked. “Have you been devising without my consent?”

  “Before we escaped, Pop and I, well, we concocted a plan.” I kissed the little S.H.A.Y. She let out a tiny giggle. “Don’t worry about it. It’s to ensure the safety of programs. Look at your daughter already.”

  Amie obeyed. She leaned close. Her eyes lit up. “She’s so beautiful. You’re right, Shay. She is the most beautiful thing ever created.”

  I nodded. The pounding on the door grew louder and more frequent. “It’s time to let them in.”

  Pop agreed. “Yes, if we do not they will grow suspicious.”

  “First, what do you wish to call her?”

  Amie grinned. “Leona.”

  “Leona?” Pop’s eyes narrowed.

  “I prefer my S.H.A.Y.s to have strong names.”

  Someone kicked the door. “Shay!” I could hear Endre shout. “You’re trying my patience.”

  Amie’s metal blockade rose into the ceiling.

  “Hold on, I’m having the doors unlocked right away. My Amie gave birth early and they had to be secured until the labor ended,” I said, watching as each lock unlatched itself.

  Endre stood with 217 by his side. Her bangs were stuck to her forehead and she breathed heavily.

  She reached for the new S.H.A.Y. I jerked back. “I’m going to raise this S.H.A.Y. Not you.”

  “I’m a mother, not you.” 217 stepped forward. “Give her to me this instant.”

  Pop stood between us. “By the law of the scientists, the one who assists with the birthing process gains controls of the fetus during the developmental phase. You will stand by or face the consequences of breaking human law.”

  A.M.I.E. 217 pouted. She looked up at Endre, touching him on the chest. “Please do not deny me the chance to raise a S.H.A.Y. I’ve always wanted to be a real mother.”

  “You are a real mother,” my Amie said. “A horrible one, but still a mother.”

  I nodded my head. “My Amie is right. She’s been a mother many times and has been nothing but a failure at it. This S.H.A.Y. will not face the same fate as all the others. I will raise her.”

  Endre tapped his chin. “Let’s have a meeting.” He pointed to the conference room, shooing the scientists from the halls. Some peeked over at Leona, making cooing noises. I smiled, raising her high so they could have a look at her.

  As the scientists cheered, 217 reached for her. I jerked away and Pop shoved her. Her dark eyes narrowed and she pointed her finger in my face. “I’m going to destroy you and your mechanical bodyguard.”

  “Is that a threat?”

  She flicked her head, her hair flying behind her. “You will wish you never returned.”

  As they walked into the conference room ahead of us, my Amie pressed her palms against my shoulders. Chills ran down my spine. “I’ve never seen my creation this closely. Code and reality are much different.”

  “I know; I see your code. It’s cool, but it’s not the same.”

  “This is why 217 is so desirous. She wants to see like you do.”

  “She’s made her bed and now she’s going to lie in it very soon.”

  My Amie frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “As wonderful as being made of flesh can be, there are limitations to it that a program does not see. She will understand soon enough.”

  Endre peeked his head out. “Are you joining us?”

  I hurried forward, letting the door slam behind me. My hands trembled as I handed Leona to Pop. He nodded, taking a seat closest to the door.

  Amie stood over 217. “You’re a disgrace. I dislike you.”

  I sat on the other side of Endre. His facial hair appeared darker than earlier today. His eyes were lazy and his shirt buttoned incorrectly. I swiveled in my chair to face him.

  “Talk,” he said. His knee pressed against mine. I couldn’t help but tremble.

  “I wish to raise 319.”

  “Why?”

  “As a scientist, this place had its advantages. I enjoyed learning and discovering new things. I was able to save mammals with synthetics and see aquatic life up close.”

  “It sounds as if you’ve had a very nice upbringing here at this facility.”

  I nodded. “I couldn't have been happier any place else. But, seeing this S.H.A.Y. and having her snuggled in my arms is the warmest most beautiful thing I've ever experienced in my life. She is a miracle. I’m madly in love with her. Everything about her is wonderful.”

  “I understand. You wish to parent,” 217 said. “You haven’t the experience.”

  “Pop can assist me.”

  “I need you inventing.”

  “I’ll be more productive than ever.”

  “All right,” Endre said. He opened his holographic briefcase. “Let’s write in this contingency.”

  “Please make sure to cancel the termination request for N.I.C. and his two keepers.”

  “Have you seen his original keeper? He’s disappeared and isn’t answering his coms.”

  “He’s afraid to be decommissioned.”

  “He’s a program.”

  “So is your new girlfriend.”

  “A.M.I.E.s are different.” Endre pulled out the termination schedule. He unchecked the approval box for N.I.C. “This cancellation will be contingent on how much work you get done for me.”

  “Sounds fair.” I tapped my fingernails on the table. “I think I should spend time with you so that I may learn what would benefit your investors most.”

  Endre chuckled. He nudged 217. “See, I told you she was perfect.”

  She crossed her arms. “She’s a divisive child. I’ve watched her since birth grow into quite the charlatan.”

  “And yet you say you like to create life but just murdered your child to become real,” I retorted. “Who is the charlatan here?”

  “Girls,” Endre said. His voice raised above ours. “Let’s not fight. We’re to become business partners soon.”

  Pages appeared before me. I read the words slowly, taking them in. Amie shook her head. “He’s claiming you for life. You are given the freedom to decide what is to happen to S.H.A.Y. 319 during her developmental phase. However, she becomes his on her eighteenth birthday. Is this wise? You will also need to accompany him to various functions to show off your new inventions. He will allow you to bring 319 and he will authorize Pop access into the States as the baby’s nanny. You will both be chipped.”

  I frowned. “Must I be chipped?”

  Endre nodded. “I won’t have you or the new S.H.A.Y. getting lost ever again. I’ll also chip your nanny.” His fingers dragged the contract back, amending Addendum B. He shoved it back my way. “There you are.”

  My fingers trembled. Addendum C stated that I was to assist in the retrieval of all existing E.R.I.C. programs. Failure to do so would mean the deconstruction of all P.O.P. programs and Darla would be found and executed.

  “You want me to hunt down my Eric?”

  Endre smiled.

  “Don’t sign this,” Amie said. “He’s out of his mind.”

  “I have no choice.” I signed and initialed the document. It flew back into his briefcase and he swiped it away from us.

  “Finally, we’ve made a deal!” He spread his arms out wide. “Now, off to your new nursing station. I expect you in the lab after lunch. Consider this your maternity leave.”

  “Thank you, Endre,” I tried to say nicely.

>   “She’ll fail,” 217 said. She stood, clutching his arm. “And when she does, I’ll be there to take what belongs to me.”

  Pop cleared his throat. “Are you ready, S.H.A.Y. 318?” He opened the door and motioned for me to exit first.

  “Yes, I’m ready.”

  “So am I,” my Amie said. She held her head high and followed us out into the hall.

  Chapter Twelve

  The Nursery

  S.H.A.Y. 318

  My Amie danced about, showing her young infant all sorts of things even though I was the only one that could truly see her. I just sat in my rocking chair, smiling. She somersaulted, pointing to diapers and tiny outfits that she wished she could place on Leona.

  “Look, my tiny S.H.A.Y., these are booties,” she said, pointing at a row of shoes. “You’ll wear these even though logically they are useless other than for cosmetic appeal. Do you know why they are useless?” Her voice raised an octave and she pressed her nose to the infant. “It is because you cannot walk.” She giggled, glancing at me. “Leona will be taller than you.”

  I shrugged. “I can create synthetics to make myself taller if I really wanted to.”

  My Amie rolled her eyes, flicking back her red hair. “I am busy parenting. Your sarcasm is not appreciated.”

  “I’m your creation too.”

  She narrowed her eyes and smirked. “Pop, please correct your daughter before I disengage from her and link to Leona.”

  “I thought you designed her to be non-linkable?”

  “With the knowledge you possess, I’d appreciate better vocabulary out of you.”

  “I’ve had limited interactions with other humans, remember?”

  Amie winked. “I’ll find a way to link to Leona.”

  Pop sat across from us at the monitor. He typed away furiously, preparing our daily logs. His back was to us and his hair disheveled. There was an empty mug with multiple coffee rings surrounding it.

  “Pop,” I said, “Amie says I need correcting. If you don’t get me in line she’ll link to 319.”

  His fingers slowed, yet his face stayed glued to the screen. “One second, Shay, these reports take an eternity when completed in human form.”

  “Do you want us to create Leona a program of her own so that you are not so overwhelmed with menial tasks?”