She hid her disappointment that Harry had to leave so soon. It pleased her that they would be spending a lot of time together.
“Carmen, my fiancée Michelle will be here tomorrow for lunch. Would you like to join us?” Ronnie asked.
“Yes, Ronnie, very much, thanks.”
What a delight it will be to meet Michelle in person, she thought. I think it’s going to be so much fun. She’s such a hoot.
“Have you heard from Bill Hart?” Harry asked as he entered Marc’s office.
“Yes, he told me about your visit. Very disturbing news. We have a real mess on our hands. If the MOA gets their weapon operational, it’s only a matter of time before they attack the United States.”
“That’s what I want to talk about. The President directed us to refocus our team and come up with a counter weapon strategy as fast as possible. This has to be our top priority.”
“A black hole’s a terrible weapon. If I didn’t know better I’d think this was a horror film we were in,” Marc said. “Damn, when are we going to get a friggin’ break?”
“Never,” Harry replied. “You want easy?
“Is there such a thing on this project? Let’s assign Kimberly, Forrester and Carmen Stevens to our core strategy group. I’d also like to invite Tarnak. We can set up daily brainstorming sessions. Who do you want to serve as the team leader?”
“I want to assume that role. Do you have any problem with that?”
“Fine, I’d just as soon you did take that job. When are you going to kick it off?”
“Tomorrow afternoon.”
“I don’t mind telling you, I’m scared,” Marc said. “Not just for myself, but for my family and friends … not to mention our entire country. We’ve never faced anything like this. By the way, we haven’t seen or heard from Wanda in some time. The whole team is very upset about it. What happened to her?”
“I don’t know, Marc. I think Lars may have done something. I’ve searched every data base I could think of and even my mom is involved. She’s one of the best computer scientists in the world, and she hasn’t been able to uncover any clues as to what happened. We just don’t know. I’m very upset.”
“Well, security thinks we should change the access codes to the system just in case some foreign entity hacked her code.”
“I agree.”
That night Carmen went back to her quarters. She liked her new digs. It was so different from cyberspace. She didn’t need sleep, but got ready for bed anyway and lay down. She enjoyed the quiet time to think, mostly about relationships and emotions, which still mystified her. She still wasn’t sure how to deal with Harry and Carle Anne. She so missed the daily conversations with her mom. It had been a thrill to finally touch her big brother and think about a time when she could actually touch and hug Carle Anne. She wanted that more than anything.
After they exchanged introductions, Carmen accompanied Ronnie and Michelle to lunch. As they walked to the cafeteria, it struck him that the two girls were chatting and interacting as though they had known each other for a long time. It’s amazing how quickly they seemed to hit it off, he thought.
As they sat down, Michelle smiled. “Carmen, a couple other girls and I are going into Albuquerque this weekend to do a bit of shopping and tour the art galleries. Would you like to go with us?”
“Of course. I could use some new clothes, and I’d love to tour the galleries.”
“Hey, girl, we’ve got a date. I’ll let you know the time and other details.”
Ronnie good-heartedly piped up. “I’m not invited?”
Michelle gave him a sly grin. “Dude, this is a girl only deal. You guys will just have to sit home, watch football, drink beer, burp and fart, or do something else guys like to do when we girls aren’t around to supervise you.”
Ronnie tried not to laugh, but he couldn’t help himself. He loved Michelle’s quick wit.
“Has anyone heard about Pepper?” Carmen asked. “Scott told me about the terrible thing that happened to her.”
“Harry said she plans to return to work within a few days.”
“I can’t wait to meet her. I’ve heard so many good things about her.”
“You’ll like Pepper, everyone does,” Michelle said.
After they escorted Carmen, back to the MCC, Ronnie turned to Michelle and said, “Carmen seems strangely familiar to me. There’s something about her, but I can’t put my finger on it.”
“I agree. I feel like I‘ve known her for a long time. It’s weird, but she reminds me of Wanda. I know one thing for sure, the two of us are going to be very good friends,” Michelle said.
“You know, I feel the same way. Their personalities do seem similar. She’s also very likable and quite pretty,” Ronnie said. “I think she’s going to be a valuable asset to our team. Scott said she’s unbelievably smart.”
After lunch, Carmen sat at her workstation thinking about the upcoming visit to Albuquerque and her new friends in general. It’s amazing just how important relationships and acceptance by others has become. The emotional interaction that goes with it is hard to deal with, and at times confusing. Logically, I don’t understand it, but perhaps in time I will. I do love it though. I’m still not sure what humor’s all about. I need to should study that emotion further and incorporate it in my emotional subroutines. It sure seems to be an important part of interpersonal relationships. I wonder what I should say if Harry talks about Wanda to me. I’ll have to be very careful how I respond if he mentions her.
Chapter 56
STL
Wormhole Development Facility
New Mexico
It had been three months since Pepper and the Grim Reaper were face-to-face. Her recovery from the shooting proved to be slow and tortuous. In actuality, the mental recovery had been far more difficult than the physical. She did not want to go back to STL, but she thought it was the only way she could recover from the emotional scars that still plagued her.
As she approached the STL elevator, perspiration popped out, and her body trembled. She was almost too terrified to push the button. She wanted to leave this place … to run away as fast as she could.
Pepper fought to control her anxiety and forced herself to walk into the elevator. To her it was like walking into a crypt. She selected level six, the MCC. As the door closed, it frightened her — it was like hearing the lid shut for the last time on one’s coffin. She shuddered at the thought.
As the elevator descended, her anxiety built with each level that registered on the panel. Finally, out of desperation, she panicked and pushed the stop button at level five. Trembling badly, she leaned against the wall to keep her knees from buckling.
The past events flooded her mind. Everything came back so vividly: the attempted murder in Albuquerque; the wormhole event that almost killed everyone; the sabotaged flights and the deaths; and finally, the shooting in Marc’s office that almost took her life. Her knees felt weak, and she started to hyperventilate. To make matters worse, her stomach threatened to yield its contents to the elevator floor. Her instincts screamed at her to leave, to get as far away from this place as possible. But, she knew she had to face her fears. This is not going to beat me.
It was probably the most difficult thing she had ever forced herself to do. With great effort, she overcame her anxiety and hit the go button. The ride to the next floor was a long one. When the elevator door opened, she steadied herself and then walked out. She subconsciously looked for Lars, and could almost feel those bullets ripping into her chest.
Ronnie quickly walked over and hugged her. “Pepper, it’s so good to see you. How are you feeling? We’ve missed you.”
“I’m okay. I’m still a bit weak and nervous. I missed you to. Where’s Harry?”
“In Marc’s office.”
Everyone stopped work and gathered around to welcome her back. Being with her friends and teammates comforted her — made her feel more secure. It felt good to be back. She knew she made the right deci
sion. This was where she belonged.
“Pepper, we have a new member of our staff,” Ronnie said. “She’s sitting at the relativistic console. Come on, and I’ll introduce you.”
“Carmen, take a break and meet someone,” Ronnie said.
She turned in her chair and rose immediately. Before Ronnie could speak, Carmen extended her hand. “Dr. Martin, I’ve heard so many good things about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m so happy you’re well and able to resume work.”
“Thank you, Carmen. I’m pleased to meet you also. Call me Pepper, please. Welcome to the project. Perhaps Michelle and I could have lunch with you today after I get settled in?”
“I’d like that very much. By the way, we girls have planned a shopping trip to Albuquerque this weekend — shopping, food, art galleries and other fun stuff. Would you like to join us?”
“I’d love to. Perhaps we can talk about it some more at lunch. Welcome to STL, Carmen.”
“Thank you,” she replied.
“Guys, I have to go upstairs and check in. I’ll see you later. I’m so glad to be back with my friends.” She was anxious to see Harry. Being with the team made her feel good and gave her more confidence about herself. I think I’m going to be all right, she thought, smiling to herself. Carmen seems like such a lovely person. Funny though, there’s something vaguely familiar about her. It’s almost like I’ve met her before.
~~
The following Monday evening, Harry arrived home just before the doorbell rang. Pepper stood there smiling. She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug and a kiss.
“I love you, Pepper. You sure know how to make a guy’s day.”
Hand in hand, they walked into the media room where Scooter welcomed her. The music was soft and the aquarium program was running. Scooter had added some more bass … big ones.
“Can I get you something?”
“I’ll take whatever Harry’s drinking. How’s the fishing?”
“Fantastic. I caught a ten-pounder today. Be right back.”
“Scooter’s the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen. He has such a marvelously infectious personality, and I just love the little Bass King Ball cap he wears.”
“I agree. Wanda sure made a difference in his programming. He seems almost human now.”
“How is Wanda?”
“Something’s wrong. She hasn’t been accessible for some time. I’m really worried. Scooter said he hasn’t interacted with her for several weeks. I’ve run all types of diagnostics, and I can’t find anything. My mom can’t find anything either. She’s almost hysterical. I’ve never seen her so upset. I think Lars may have done something. There is absolutely no trace of her, and I don’t know what to do.”
“I’ll run some diagnostic and tracer routines for you. Maybe I’ll be able to find something. I met Carmen today. I had the strangest feeling about her. Somehow, she reminds me of Wanda.”
“Really? I sort of get the same impression. I can’t figure out why. At least I don’t feel so paranoid now.”
“You’ve told me several times that Wanda hated to be confined to cyberspace. I know this sounds dumb, but it’s almost like Wanda found a way to escape cyberspace and became Carmen. Is it possible that Carmen is an artificial person?”
“Anything’s possible,” Harry said, “but Carmen’s a human being. The technology that would be required to create such an advanced gynoid is a hundred years ahead of anything we know of today. They seem to have a lot in common, but unfortunately I think it’s just a coincidence. Maybe it’s because they’re both so darn smart, and their personalities are similar.”
“Maybe so. What time are Ronnie and Michelle coming over?”
“They should be here any minute, but Michelle’s usually a few minutes late.”
“She’s a bit disorganized in her personal life. That is one of many reasons I like her so much. She’s so down to Earth and unassuming.”
“By the way, Pepper, Carmen’s also coming tonight.”
Pepper smiled. “Great, I’m looking forward to it. I really like her. We had a wonderful time in Albuquerque last weekend. I think she and I are going to be very good friends.”
“She’s always so serious at work. I can’t wait to see if she knows how to let her hair down.”
“You’ll be surprised. She’s very personable.”
Scooter brought them a drink. It was relaxing sitting in the middle of the holographic program while the fish swam around the room. It was always fun to see what changes Scooter made to the varieties of fish.
The doorbell rang and Scooter greeted Ronnie and Michelle. “Harry and Pepper are in the media room. Go on in. Michelle, you’re looking hot tonight. Love your new outfit, and those shoes are dynamite. You look more beautiful every time I see you. Do you guys want something?”
Michelle looked down at Scooter and smiled. “Thanks, Scooter. You always make a girl feel great. I’d like a Scotch and water, thank you. Is that a new bass hat? It’s sure cute.”
“Yeah, and it’s signed by my hero, Sam Waterman, the champion bass fisherman.” Ronnie and Michelle laughed.
“Ronnie, what would you like?”
“I think a cold beer will do it, dude.”
After their first drink, Ronnie spoke up. “Harry, you appear to be a bit down tonight. What’s wrong?”
“Don’t mean to dampen things. Everything seems to be coming down on us at once. The terrorist threat is a bit much to cope with.”
“Everything’s going to be just fine. We finally got that bastard. We’re all with you, and you have the whole teams support. You’re not in this by yourself.”
“Thanks, Ronnie. Hey, Scooter,” Harry yelled. “Hurry up with those drinks ... you sleeping or something?”
“I’m working faster than a one arm paper hanger. Keep your shirt on.”
Everyone laughed as Scooter brought their drinks. “Hey, Ronnie, if we get the time, I may have to challenge you to a casting bout,” Scooter quipped.
“Anytime you want, dude, just name your poison.” Ronnie lifted his glass as an acceptance to the challenge then took a sip.
Michelle turned to Pepper. “When is Carmen supposed to be here?”
“I think she’s due right now.” The doorbell chimed. “Right on the minute,” Pepper remarked, with a chuckle.
Carmen brought a bottle of wine with her. Scooter’s little head popped up and down a few times with excitement. “What a babe! Girl, you are nothing but top shelf. You put the “B” in beautiful. Great outfit you’re wearing. Love your shoes. Who are you, anyway?”
“My name is Carmen Anne Stevens and yours?” Carmen replied, giggling.
“They call me Scooter. I’m so excited to have finally met you in person. I’ve heard so much about you. Please come in. You’re even more beautiful than I heard. Wow! Harry, Pepper, Ronnie and Michelle are in the media room. Please follow me.”
“Lead the way.” Carmen was amused and flattered. Scooter had that effect on women, thanks to Wanda.
As they entered, everyone rose to meet their guest.
“I’m so pleased you invited me tonight,” Carmen said. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week. Please accept this wine.”
“It’s my favorite,” Harry said. “How did you know?”
“Just a guess, but I’m glad you like it.”
“Please sit down. Would you like something?”
“Not right now, thank you.”
“Harry, the aquarium program is fantastic. Did you design it?”
“No, Ronnie, its Wanda’s work. She also created a virtual reality program for Scooter. Now he can fish any pond, lake or stream in the world anytime he pleases. Don’t be surprised if he asks you to go fishing with him tonight — right after the casting contest.”
“Thanks for the warning. Speaking of Wanda, have you found out why you can’t access her program?”
“You know, it’s as if someone deleted it. We suspect Lars was somehow invol
ved, but we can’t prove it or confirm it. There’s absolutely no way to resurrect the program. It took my mom thirty years to develop Wanda, and for the last ten of those years, Wanda took over her own development. My mom’s almost crazy with grief and has worked day and night to try and find her. I guess she’s just gone. I can’t believe anyone or anything would have had the capability to delete her program. She told me more than once she had the best anti hacker capability in existence, numerous backups and foolproof recovery procedures.”
“What about a virus?” Ronnie asked.
“A virus couldn’t attack her program. It breaks my heart to lose her. I think something’s going on that we don’t know about. What? Who knows, but maybe we’ll find out someday. I just don’t believe she’s been eliminated. I’d give anything to find out.”
Carmen nearly burst out in tears, but managed to look away to hide her sorrow. For the first time she felt even more alone than when she had been in cyberspace. She so wanted to reach out to Harry, to talk to her mom, but she just wasn’t sure what to do. She remained silent. Being human did have its drawbacks — emotions and the uncertainty of relationships.
After dinner, everyone went back into the media room to relax. Scooter beat Ronnie in their much-advertised casting bout, and then persuaded a reluctant Carmen to try her luck. After he showed her the technique, Harry remarked, “Hey Scooter, what about desert?”
“Okay, okay, keep your shirt on. I’m going,” Scooter replied, mumbling, as he headed for the kitchen.
Just as he reentered the room, Carmen let out a wild cast, and the sensor flew out of her hand hitting the desert tray. The tray and the deserts flew up into the air and fell on the carpet — all except one that landed on Scooter.
Scooter stood there with ice cream running down his head, and a piece of pie precariously perched on the top of his Bass King cap. He placed his little arm against his torso and just stared at Carmen.
Wanda Page 38
