It wasn’t until some indeterminate amount of that time later, when I was curled against the side of the soft couch with a soft throw over my body and a steaming oversized mug of hot cocoa on the coffee table in front of me, that I fully came back into myself.
Zero sat nearby in a large leather recliner. As usual, I could feel his eyes on me.
But he said nothing, and I arrived once more on reality’s plane at my own pace. I blinked a few times in the generous calm of the living room and took a moment to process the scenery change. As I’d surmised earlier, this particular living space was built for human comfort, and specifically it felt built for my comfort. Because all around me was every material thing I would have loved to be able to turn to when I needed to curl up and escape the world’s ever-increasing craziness.
The fire crackled warm and inviting in the massive stone hearth, which was carved of marble and hosted an intricate menagerie of gargoyles, angels, and skulls. It was a severe departure from the clean lines of the rest of the house, but one that for some reason still fit in perfectly. The couch I rested on was a light tan suede, soft and plush beneath me. The smell of cocoa permeated the air, mixed with warmer notes of vanilla and the distant scent of baking bread. Someone must have been busy in a kitchen somewhere nearby.
Slow, melodic classical guitar played softly through hidden speakers in the background. My shoes had been removed, and thick Sherpa lined socks had been placed on my feet. I couldn’t even remember that happening…. But for some stupid reason, I was illogically relieved I’d recently taken the time to give myself a pedicure.
Best of all, the throw Zero had placed over my trembling body was knitted out of the softest pastel chenille, thick and absolutely beautiful in every single way. In fact, I resolutely decided that if I ever managed to escape Zero’s house-of-contradictions, I was absolutely stealing his blankie.
I sniffed softly at the remnants of my crying fit, rubbing the blanket’s material between my fingers as my eyes moved over the other objects in the room, including the androids that had appeared since last I’d been here.
One was what was often referred to as a “Diana” model because that was what Nicholas had named the first one. That would be Diana One, in fact, his personal assistant. I never called them that though, because to me, they were all different in some way, even if it was minute or miniscule, and in Prometheus each had her own name. A different name for each different person – naturally.
This “Diana” android stood beside the glass staircase with her hands easily clasped before her and her gaze straight ahead. She was attired in a white dress, but it was different from any standard android uniform dress I’d ever seen. Though it was still form-fitting, it looked soft and comfortable rather than stiff and decorative, and the sleeves were long as if to keep her warm. Instead of bare feet or simple flats, she wore white leather boots with a block heel that were incredibly flattering on her long legs. I was a touch jealous of the boots.
Her hair had been pulled back, and this was usual for many androids, as they tended to treat their hair and clothing with regards to ease rather than style. But instead of a simple low ponytail, her hair was French-braided on either side, then tucked and wound at the back in a thick braided bun.
As I stared at her, taking in the details, she blinked. I found that interesting. Most “Diana” models never blinked because they were some of Nicholas’s earliest android inventions, and the idiot had initially forgotten that humans needed to wet their eyeballs every now and then. This android was either part of an updated program, or she herself had been updated individually. The only thing denoting her as a recognizable android was really the EED circuitry around her left eye.
The other four androids in the room were three of Zero’s “soldiers,” nondescript but strong. Then there was Zero himself.
His soldiers were at ease, and I noticed they kept to the shadows as if instructed to become as inconspicuous as possible. In fact, their very design was inconspicuous. Their appearance was a combination of the IRM-444, a janitor model android, and the IRM-911, a soldier android. The result was a face that blended into the background and a soldier’s anatomy and programming.
They’d been manufactured for invisible power, and that invisibility was stressed here in IRM-1000’s home. Maybe Zero didn’t want them to remind me that this was in reality nothing but a gilded cage. Or maybe he didn’t particularly want to see the guards himself. I did wonder about that.
Whatever the reason, he still obviously felt them necessary or they wouldn’t have been there.
And I wondered about that too. Why the extra fire power? Zero could more than handle me on his own if I put up a fight, especially with Lucas in the balance.
So, what was he afraid of?
After a few seconds, I realized I’d been staring at him thoughtfully. I realized it because he smiled broadly. “Not that I’m complaining about the attention, but is there something in particular you’d like to get off your mind, Dandelion?”
I blinked. My response was defensively flippant. “If there was, you would just take it from my mind yourself.” He could read my thoughts, after all. He didn’t need me to share them aloud.
“It’s an imperfect method,” Zero told me calmly while he reclined like a king in his massive chair. His fist was under his cheek thoughtfully, his blue eyes glittering in the firelight. “And as I said before, my ability to utilize that method depends on your state of mind. At the moment, you are relaxed.” He smiled as if pleased. “So your thoughts are your own.”
I’m relaxed.
He was right. Either my little breakdown in Luke’s cell had drained me of all my pent-up fears and anxiety, or…. I glanced down at the still-steaming cup of cocoa. It was only half-full. I tasted the inside of my mouth.
Chocolate.
Oooor – the bastard had put something in my drink.
Aside from a brief initial spike of incensed indignation at being physically toyed with yet again, if I was being honest I didn’t actually mind all that much. It wasn’t like he’d jammed a needle in my arm. And this was the first time I’d been able to think clearly in Zero’s terrifying presence since we’d first been drafted into this “cold” war with Vector Fifteen.
In fact, it was entirely possible Zero had made a tactical error in drugging me. Because the lack of fear was allowing me to process all sorts of thoughts. Most of them having to do with escape.
But to throw him off the scent as I hashed out details in my head, I answered his initial question. “Okay, there is something,” I told him.
He straightened a little, coming off his curled fist to cock his head to the side in keen attentiveness. “I’m listening.”
“Why the armed guards?”
IRM-1000 went very still, and absolutely no show of emotion crossed his handsome features. But he had little control over the telling reaction of his EED – and that flickered with complex deliberation.
When he spoke again, he was precise and careful, and his tone remained even. “Over-confidence rarely wins the chess match,” he said. “And pride goeth before the fall.”
Whatever he’d slipped me in that cocoa, I was pretty sure I liked it. I was starting to feel really good, actually. The filter that normally worked overtime between my head and my mouth had been removed, and I didn’t even care. That was dangerous. And I didn’t even care that it was dangerous.
“You’re a fantastic politician, Zero. You eluded having to answer my question by replying with a generality. So I’m guessing the truth is you’re afraid of something.”
Like Prometheus, I thought hopefully. I was right in believing they were still alive! And despite the fact that us few humans fighting in Prometheus had never had the chance to implant tracking devices under our skin like I’d wanted us to, there must have been a way for Daniel and the others to find me, or at least to locate IRM-1000. Otherwise, surely Zero wouldn’t have bothered with the guards?
“Malcolm,” he said softly
, straightening completely and leaning forward to place his elbows on his knees in that in-control manner that always made him seem so kingly and effortlessly commanding. It was sexy. I had to admit it. Zero was sexy, in fact.
And I was beginning to regret the cocoa.
“What?” I asked, confused. “You’re afraid of someone named Malcolm?”
He watched me for a second before his expression softened and he laughed good-naturedly. “No,” he clarified. “Although it would be wise for others to do so.” He gracefully rose from the chair and strode toward me. “And they do.”
When he reached the coffee table, he simply used a strong leg to slide it further out from the couch I was resting on. Then he entered the gap between couch and table and sat down on the table facing me.
He was now very close, and I was reminded of both his size and beauty.
My mouth went dry as he reclaimed his potent elbows-on-knees position. “I mean that’s my name,” he told me, still smiling. “My name is Malcolm.”
My lips parted in surprise. I wasn’t sure what to say to that. But I did recall Lucas had tried to tell me and Jack that IRM-1000 had a name.
Malcolm. It even had the same kind of sound to it as Lucas, sexy and perhaps British. I’d always loved the name Malcolm, just as I’d always loved the name Lucas. Gods, he’s so much like Luke…. Especially when he looked at me the way he was looking at me right then, his eyes taking in every tiny detail, his EED changing colors. It went from white to blue to purple, another color I hadn’t yet seen. It was beautiful. It brought out an indigo quality to his eyes that was unique.
As unique as he was.
He was close enough to be personal without invading my breathing space. His body language reminded me that he was stronger than me, faster than me, but confident enough to be gentle. He reminded me I was a woman – and he was a man.
I want to kiss him, I thought suddenly.
And then, just as suddenly, I sat bolt-upright and my heart tried to leave my chest altogether. If he hadn’t been capable of gleaning my thoughts before, then the furious blush of disbelief and rage that crept into my face probably gave them away. I couldn’t believe the idea had crossed my mind. I just couldn’t.
I have Stockholm Syndrome, I decided at once. This is Zero! The bane of my existence!
Saxon was surely dead, Prometheus had fallen under attack, and Lucas was down that long hallway, laying on a table, literally torn to pieces. Because of this man – this fucking android that I’d just now wanted to kiss.
Definitely Stockholm Syndrome.
Before I could say or do anything in my appalled self-loathing, Zero spoke up. His calm voice cut through my returning and mounting panic. “Samantha, I would like to offer you an olive branch.”
My jaw snapped closed, and I pushed a swallow down an arid throat. I wanted a glass of water now. Maybe I could drown myself in it.
“What kind of olive branch?” I asked. The term “olive branch” was used to denote a peace offering. But given this was Zero, and Zero was kind of crazy and all sorts of evil, his idea of peace could be something like… wiping my mind clean of all my unpleasant memories. Clear back to my childhood. Some shit like that.
He laced his fingers together and regarded me with a small smile. “It’s quite simple really. I warned you that defiance would result in more suffering for IRM-900. Negative reinforcement appears to be paramount to my programming. And because of this, I am afraid I was remiss in offering a positive reinforcement alternative.”
I remained absolutely still. I couldn’t trust myself any longer. The drug in my system, the lack of sleep, and the stress of a P.O.W. situation were wreaking havoc with my judgment. And I didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize Lucas any further.
“I’m listening,” I said simply, returning his phrase to him as if this were a tennis match.
“Tomorrow night I will be meeting with some very important people visiting from overseas. The crux of the meeting will determine whether Vector Fifteen facilities open in six new international locations. It’s business, and the meeting is only one of many I must attend on a regular basis. However, to keep the arrangement under the radar, it will as usual take place during a social gathering.”
He let his gaze slip slowly down my form. “And so here is my olive branch. Agree to accompany me to this event, to remain at my side and play the part of my consort to the best of your ability…” he paused as he looked up to glance over my shoulder at the hallway that led to Luke’s prison room. “And I will have IRM-900 reassembled.” He looked back down at me, catching my gaze with his. “I will even keep his pain receptors deactivated during the process.”
“C-consort?” I stammered. The word echoed in my head.
He continued to hold my eyes with his as he reached up and brushed the backs of his fingers across my cheek. It was a gentle, loving, and tender touch. In my current state, it utterly threw me.
“The people I am meeting with will believe nothing less of any date I choose. And nothing less will be allowed into the festivities. However, rest assured that I will play the part of a perfect gentleman in every possible way.”
“Why?” What I meant was – why would he even want such a thing? Why not throw me into the same kind of room he’d thrown Lucas into and steal my ideas by force?
His EED flickered red, then white and settled back into purple. I watched it, fascinated. “By doing so, you will be solidifying your agreement to remain with me in exchange for IRM-900’s freedom. As I recall… you were willing to give anything in exchange for his wellbeing.”
Me for him, I thought numbly. Of course. The deal with the devil.
But could it really be as simple as that?
“Once my associates see you on my arm, they will know the infamous and enigmatic Samantha Hart has switched sides, leaving Prometheus to join Vector Fifteen.” He smiled a tight smile. “Of course word will spread. People will begin to wonder why the philanthropic genius behind the rebellion would leave her own alliance behind. And….” His smile slipped. “I’m sure you can imagine what will happen next.”
Oh, I could. Supporters would rethink their loyalties, imagining that I’d discovered something rotten within the rebellion’s ranks. Resistance to Prometheus’s desired changes would strengthen. Eventually, Prometheus would fall.
I was right to doubt that Zero’s motives were simple. This wasn’t a trade of me for Lucas. This was a trade of Lucas for the entire android rebellion.
I’d never felt more horrified by the man before me than I did in that moment. I’d never felt more disgusted with myself for thinking favorably toward him, Stockholm Syndrome or not.
If he was still reading my thoughts, he was unfazed by their sudden down turn.
“So, what do you say, Samantha?” he asked softly.
I opened my mouth. To tell him off, to call him names, I wasn’t even sure. But then I closed it again – as question after question invaded my mind.
Lucas was down that hallway. I was here. I could save him. I wasn’t sure he had anyone else in the world he could depend on in that moment. Zero said he would reassemble him. All I had to do was go to dinner with him.
There were ways I could work with that. I could find a way to… twist the situation to my side. Maybe convince Zero’s “associates” that the android rebellion was still on and still valuable – and still in the right. And that I’d only come to dinner with Zero because I was trying to work the system from the inside. I could think of something. Couldn’t I?
Not that Zero hadn’t considered I might try such tactics. He probably expected me to, in fact. Maybe he wasn’t even going to let Luke go until the night was over.
Zero had also promised Luke wouldn’t feel any more pain. But then… he hadn’t promised Lucas would be alive for the reassembling, either. Dead people didn’t feel a thing. Dead people were also ultimately free. And the devil was in the details.
There were so many details! I had so many
questions! And he wanted an answer right now.
Zero chuckled softly. “I’m not surprised you have doubts, Dandelion. You have them for good reason. So I will give you the same promise Hippocrates made more than two thousand years ago. No further harm will come to IRM-900. And once he has been repaired, you may even visit with him before we depart.”
His gaze darkened, his ice blue eyes beginning to glow with that unique purple light that threatened red. His fingers moved from my cheek to my chin and grasped it lightly, holding it in place so I couldn’t look away. “But then you will attend me, Samantha, as per our agreement. And if so much as a wayward glance causes me to doubt your fidelity tomorrow night….” His EED flashed crimson. “IRM-900 will come to a swift end.”
He released my chin and straightened, putting a few more inches between us. “For I will then know that you value his existence too little for me to use him against you any longer. And his usefulness will have run its course.”
Zero watched me closely. I could tell by the movement of his eyes that he was “reading” my body – blood pressure, heart rate, and so forth. It was an easy way for an android to tell whether someone was lying.
So I meant it when I lifted my chin and said, “If you really do repair Lucas… I will go with you. And I won’t even cause a scene.” I swallowed hard. “I promise.”
Zero smiled in slow victory. Without looking away he said, “Grace, please bring Samantha a cold glass of water. She’s quite thirsty.” He stood up and strode around the coffee table and through the living room to an automatic sliding door that led to a hall opposite Luke’s hallway.
I watched him as he gave out orders with ease and calm. “When she’s finished and ready, have her escorted safely to her quarters. Then send Unit Seventeen to join me in IRM-900’s cell. We have work to do, and we’ll have to make good time.”
I, Android: A Different Model Page 12
