Bored, Alexis wished she had her trumpet. She thought so much better when she was tinkling around on it. She'd make up short songs depending on her type of mood. An old habit of hers that grew stronger once she became president and had more to think about. Now she'd probably create a blues song based on this repetitious meeting.
They had all gathered at Cynthia's after work. Larry had that day retrieved the information on the house. Surprisingly the housing commission gave them more information than they had expected. Larry provided them not only with the biographical profile of a man named Paul Bane who owned the house, the address of the house, but also the basic blueprint used when the house was built.
After they had determined the most likely place Julion might be kept, Alexis's strategizing ability was put to the test as she placed their people in strategic spots on the blueprint. They needed to do this whether or not the underground movement would help them.
Shortly after, Jamil stood and motioned to Cynthia. "I must beg your forgiveness for it is time."
Cynthia nodded. Alexis exchanged looks with the others and as they Jamil and Audie left Cynthia offered, "They are going to meet with someone who might have more connections."
"Do you think that's wise at this juncture? You've already put yourself at risk." Sergio argued.
"This leaves us with an option in case my 'picnic' turns out to be unsuccessful.
"At least let me go and remain outside in case they need backup." Alexis proposed.
"Audie and I agreed that if there were more than the two of them they might scare off their contact who seemed nervous enough. I felt the need to keep this from you until they were gone for this reason."
So they sat waiting for the return of Jamil and Audie. Alexis concentrated on composing a song for trumpet to keep her mind off her anxiousness.
Even with all the input she's given, Alexis didn't feel comfortable with the plan. After a short time, she stored the short composition she computed in the back of her memory and went to the kitchen. She claimed to be thirsty when she really just needed to get away. After a few minutes Betsy walked into the kitchen behind her with a question on her face.
Alexis didn't particularly like Betsy, after all journalists were always a thorn in her side during her term. Both were silent until Alexis gave into Betsy's dark mother like eyes. Alexis sighed and put down the cup of untouched coffee.
"I don't like it." Alexis said. "I think we could get him out easier by negotiation. Besides, it's something Estevez isn't expecting. He is expecting a fight. We would throw him off if we just walked up to him and asked for Julion back."
"What would we have to offer in return?" Betsy asked.
Alexis thought hard. Somehow she knew there was nothing the Boss would accept. "There must be something. He may be a man that has everything he could possibly need, but no one can have everything that they want in their life."
Betsy shook her head. "All he wants is us. You know that it would be worse for him to have one of us, than Julion. He could disassemble us to get any information he wanted."
Alexis began to smile. "Negotiation may not be the way, but perhaps there is something else."
"What?" Betsy did not receive an answer. Alexis moved around her and out the door. She had a purpose now. She found Cynthia quickly.
"May I see you for a moment?" Cynthia pointed to the empty room to have more privacy.
Alexis outlined the plan as it formed in her head, with so much energy she seemed about to burst. Cynthia sat calmly as she listened and when Alexis finished Cynthia began shaking her head and some of her blonde hair fell into her face. "I can't have it. It's way too dangerous."
"Wouldn't it be more efficient if we could get Julion out without fighting?" Alexis argued but kept her voice level.
"Yes but-"
Alexis jumped in quickly. "I know the risks. To me there are fewer risks in this than your attack plan. After all since all of us would be going, there would be more of a chance for one of us to be captured. This way, with only one person-"
"I don't want to put more people at risk than we already have." Cynthia argued.
Exasperated, Alexis tried desperately to plead her case. "It's not as if that risk is going to make that much of a difference in the long run."
"And what if the Boss catches on? He has eyes everywhere."
"I can avoid him if I'm careful and time it correctly. Think of this as a reconnaissance mission."
Cynthia again shook her head. "I don't know."
"What if I was not alone? Sergio could come with me. He would be there for backup, just in case something does go wrong."
Alexis knew she made it hard for Cynthia to refuse. She knew Cynthia would rather rescue Julion without having to stage a full attack on the mansion.
Cynthia finally relented. "We will talk to the others about this and see what they think. If, and only if, someone volunteers to go with you, will I allow it. Even at that I want you to remember that I do this reluctantly."
"All I ask is that you consider it." Alexis was happy to see that Cynthia was indeed considering it, and if things turned out right, Julion may be home in time for the "picnic." Right about now she could use her trumpet. She felt the need to blast a charge and lead the others forward.
***
"So you think this guy is trustworthy?" Audie asked Jamil as they climbed the stairs.
"About as trustworthy as you." Jamil clipped.
"Hey, come on. I mean what do we really know about him?"
"He was a graduate of Central University of Brasilia with a Masters degree. He's worked for four different companies receiving a promotion with each transfer. There have been no negative remarks in his file."
"Okay, but what do we know about the guy he's introducing us to?"
Jamil didn't have an answer. "Do we even know his name?"
Again, silence from Jamil. "I'll tell you what I think. I think we should forget this whole thing. I think we should go back and restrategize and see if we can't take out Estevez. You know, just him. He's the source of all our problems."
"And then what?" Jamil asked.
"And then nothing. No more androids could be built and take over the jobs of the workers."
"Estevez is not the only one with knowledge of androids, nor will his removal stop them from being built. We must end the subjugation of the workers. No androids, nor bots to watch over the workers and new labor laws must be put into place. Perhaps then we will have a life worth living."
"Always the voice of reason aren't you?"
"Always."
They had finally reached the eighth floor. Following the numbers on the doors they found apartment 812. Cautiously Audie listened at the door. He heard the sound of eight people breathing but little else. One he noted was close to the door. As instructed he knocked three times and the door opened.
Audie was greeted by the open end of an ancient Winchester barrel in his face. "Search them," said a voice in the background. Audie could not see beyond the man holding the gun.
One of the three men at the door searched them. When finished he said. "They're clean."
"Good. We are people of mutual trust. If you show us that you trust us, we will come to trust you."
Pedro gestured to the living room and the few men seated there, who made the small room a little crowded. "Please come in. We have much to discuss." Audie led the way and took a place on the floor next to a table that held a large number of weapons.
There was a tall man with buzzed, blonde hair and dark black eyes staring at Audie and Jamil from across the room. When he spoke Audie recognized his voice as the one who ordered the search. He was obviously in charge here. "Tell me about yourselves -- why are you here?"
Jamil being the diplomat of the two, did all the talking, which was fine with Audie since he was a man of action.
"We both come from very different backgrounds. Mr. Fuchs comes from Germany and was on the development team for the computer system on the population transportation network before he was transferred to the research department at the Helping Hands Corporation. I was transferred to ABE after proving to be an excellent manufacturing engineer in India. Before that I worked with several companies all in the field of manufacturing around the world. We both, before and after, coming here to Brazil have seen the injustices done by our government and believe that it should be changed to a more democratic system."
Throughout Jamil's speech the thin man's expression did not change. He listened but seemed neutral. When it was clear that Jamil had finished he thought for a moment before he spoke.
"I am a bit disappointed that you were not honest with us."
Jamil was about to say something but the man stopped him, holding up a skinny frail looking right hand. Audie noticed how full and muscular his left was. He wondered why the difference.
"I do understand however that you are not sure about us and are wary about telling us the truth. Let me tell you what we have found out and allow you to fill in the gaps.
"And rather large gaps they are, for just a little less than a month ago you did not exist. You both started work on the same day all be it at two separate companies, that much of your story is true. Just about from the moment you started work, you both began asking strange questions that would make you appear to be less than friendly with our government. There was even something about you, Mr. Salim being wanted by security for questioning." He eyed the two with curiosity. "Now, what have you two done to warrant changing your identities, and what would make the UNS so interested in you?"
Apparently that wasn't just a rhetorical question. He really did want them to answer it. Audie and Jamil looked to each other. This was news to both of them. The United Nations Security agency was not someone they wanted looking for them. That would have to be dealt with later.
Cynthia had not advised them about what to do if they were accused of not being who they claimed to be. Audie stood and looked down at the man who he assumed was the leader of this group. He approached the man cautiously and knelt down beside him. Speaking conspiratorially, he said, "We have recently escaped a small sweat shop factory in Egypt. We also took out a few guards and a middle class citizen on our way out if you know what I mean. We came to South America to get away, far away but had no idea the government was even more strict here.
"We had to change our identities and get a job."
Audie hoped to fool this man, so mentioned a country that's in the middle of rebuilding after the last war so it would take a while to research their story. He hoped it would stall them long enough to let Audie and Jamil get a look at this group. He also didn't want to tell him the truth about themselves for Cynthia's sake. He wouldn't tell anyone unless she ordered it.
The man seemed to be deep in thought and he watched Audie to see if Audie would give him any indication that he was lying. Since Audie's face was unwavering, he turned to Jamil. He too had no expression on his face. Finally the leader looked to Pedro. Pedro also looked unsure of what to make of the newcomers' story.
"I will have to confer with the others." He told Audie. They moved off into the bedroom of the small apartment.
Jamil attempted to eavesdrop but even his superior hearing could not pierce into the other room. So he and Audie waited. Audie sat staring at the array of weapons on the table wanting to finger them all. Jamil just shook his head at the notion and watched the door.
It only took a few minutes for the door to open again and Audie stood at attention waiting for them to file out of the room. The leader towered above Audie who was already two meters. Dwarfed he felt very vulnerable, especially considering the withering look the taller man was giving him. "We have decided to admit you, provisionally."
Jamil now stood. "What are the conditions?"
"You will be allowed to attend the meeting this weekend. However, you are not to bring weapons and will be accompanied by at least two of our people at all times. We will have no trouble from you."
"Agreed." Audie stuck out his right hand to confirm the agreement in a handshake. The man made no move to extend his own hand. Behind him Jamil cleared his throat, and Audie caught and exchanged his right for his left hand.
The man smiled now and allowed Audie to shake his left hand, both men noting the other's intense grip. "Pedro will be your sponsor and will give you all the information you need for meeting etiquette."
Jamil stepped forward. "There is one thing. We have a friend who has been captured by Estevez. We need help with rescuing him."
"Would he not have been killed? That is the way the Boss's works, no?" Pedro asked.
"He would have been killed but Estevez wants us too. If he knew who we are." Audie explained.
"Our friend does. The Boss is holding him until we come forward, or our friend gives up our names. Either way he will be dead soon if we do not act."
"It may already be too late if Estevez put out the warrant for you." The leader said.
"Where is your friend being held? At the UNS? It's impossible to get in there." Asked one of the men who had been listening to the conversation.
"At Paul Bane's mansion. It is very secure from what I have heard." Audie provided.
"I see." The leader stroked his chin with his good hand. "That also proves to be a problem. However, at the moment we do not have the resources. We will discuss this in more detail at the meeting. I will see you Saturday, gentlemen." With that he picked up a large weapon that looked like a grenade launcher, stuck it under the coat that he just put on and left the apartment.
Pedro smiled at the two androids. "That went rather well senhors. I'm proud of you."
Audie and Jamil just looked at each other. Audie worried that Julion would not make it until Saturday.
After the meeting, Jamil and Audie joined the others, and told them of the development. Cynthia was not at all surprised to hear that the meeting was the same day as the picnic. They decided to go separately. In return for their information, Cynthia told them about Helen's plan. If everything went right, then tomorrow would be the last day any of them would return to work. As it was, Alexis and Sergio would have their hands full. The other androids would sit and wait at Cynthia's house.
***
Sergio's sole duty this day was to get Alexis into the lab. He found excuses to take trips around the building that intentionally took him by the elevator. On one pass Sergio heard the doors whoosh open. He quickly hid himself and watched as Sally casually walked out through the foyer and out the main door. Sergio almost yelped out in excitement but kept his control when he realized where he was. On the run he moved to a side window and signaled Alexis to enter the building that she did with false credentials.
Sergio looked over his shoulder as he approached the control panel for the elevator. "I'm going to reprogram the elevator now. Give me a minute. We'll be able to use this control device to operate the elevator. Blue to open the doors, red to go up, and green to come down. Got it?"
Alexis nodded and asked, "Yes, but where did you get this?" She was referring to the small device he handed her.
"Same place I got these." He lifted several engineering tools. "I borrowed them from my department." He started to unscrew the panel.
There were still many people in the lobby that meant they would have good cover from the spying eyes of the bots. Of course any tampering with the panel may set off alarms and this made Sergio very nervous. At least the Boss was not in today to see them with his ever present security cameras.
When Sergio nodded, Alexis pressed the blue button. Quickly the doors slid open. With one more look behind them Sergio practically pushed her inside and jumped inside himself.
Walking out of the elevator Alexis spied six bots working about the room. Sergio noticed she tensed, ready for a fight. These were not security bots, but they would notify security given the chance. Sergio knew they wouldn't be much trouble as he fingered a switch on a small box he carried. All six bots powered down.
"What'd you do?"
Sergio just smiled. "They're out of commission now. I have an intimate knowledge of bots remember? It's a remote off switch."
Alexis moved forward and examined one a computer panel. "Sally didn't get very far since we left. Only one is just a little over half finished."
Sergio didn't like it. It would still take a couple of hours to activate it. "Wouldn't it be easier if we just redid one of us?"
Alexis shook his head. "Unfortunately no. Our main memory is not erasable. We can add to it, but we can't change it, unless we wholly removed all the circuitry. Then we'd be just about where this poor fellow is now."
Alexis searched the computer and with the information Cynthia had given her. She was able to access it. Sergio stood impatiently while she read the data. He glanced around the room. "Can't we destroy some of this? It will set them back a lot longer."
"Cynthia said to just to get the android. We'll have a chance to destroy this place later."
Sergio watched the door, for at any moment Sally could come walking into the room. He disabled the elevator from anyone's access but their own. He knew though that he wasn't the only one in the building with engineering skills.
Finally, Alexis finished and she started reading off numbers. Sergio started working quickly over the android. It only took them an hour to get the circuitry working with some improvements, that was a record so far. While the facial mold was setting, Sergio went down to the storage room to get some clothes. After all, this scheme wouldn't work if their new android wore the same worker uniform as they did. When he returned, Sergio nearly dropped his bundle. Given the look on his face, Alexis smiled and said, "This plan had a chance of working after all."
Sally never returned so they waited to leave until after closing to insure that no human would recognize them. However, avoiding the bots would be impossible. The security bots in the halls paid them no heed. Only the doorman said two words to them and that was "Good night."
They walked all the way to Cynthia's house. Cynthia looked to them approvingly after she examined her watch and noticed they were an hour early. Without introductions or preamble she said, "Good. Now get in the flit."
"Flit?" Sergio asked.
"Oh, no one told you, huh?" Audie looked down sheepishly. "While you were playing with the androids we 'borrowed' it. You can't expect us to walk to Bane's house do you?" After Alexis looked at him disapprovingly he quickly added in his defense, "It was Jamil's idea."
"No matter come on." Cynthia pushed Sergio towards the flit with the new android in tow. The small vehicle would only hold four people. Out of her six fellow androids she had to choose who would go on this all important mission. Naturally, the newcomer would go. He was pivotal in the mission. Alexis would go since it was her idea. She also chose Sergio and, Audie. If plan A didn't work they would need some good fighters and they were the best she could think of. In a matter of minutes, the flit took off. Cynthia wished she could go with them but knew her place was here. If she was the leader she couldn't risk herself on dangerous missions just because she had personal feelings for those involved.
***
Horacio Estevez, the Boss, walked down the hall to the examination room. He wasn't sure what he would find there, but he supposed that the guards would be standing watch loyally over Julion Montclair. Montclair would be helpless and whimpering strapped down to the chair. He would beg the Boss for mercy at the sight of him, give him all the information he ever wanted or needed, including the location of Cynthia Aldin and any possible revolutionary movement.
Several bots passed on their usual patrol scanned him as they passed but otherwise left him alone. He noted the security system was quite strong and aware of his presence. He knew if Aldin ever tried to bypass the security, it would never work and she would be caught instantaneously.
He rounded the corner and found the guard outside the door right where he was supposed to be. The guard stiffened when Estevez approached. If it were anyone else, even his superior security officer, he would ask for ID. But this was the Boss, it would be an insult to even look at him. He stepped aside quickly and allowed Estevez to pass through the door.
Inside, he was not surprised at what he saw. Bots whirled around the room, Julion was asleep in the chair, and the security chief came to attention as he saw Estevez walk in. Estevez ignored him and moved to examine Julion. He was suffering. Even for being confined for only a couple of days he was skinny, pale and weak. If he did not die from trying to escape the chair, he would certainly die from losing the weight that would activate the chair. However, Estevez had no worry of this happening. He turned to the security guard and motioned to Julion. "Wake him."
The short, slightly muscular man approached Julion and very carefully, so as not to touch any of the electrodes, slapped Julion in the face several times.
Julion woke up ready for a fight but then seemed to remember that he was still unable to move. "Oh, it's you. You come to see if I would confess anything?" He did not seem as weak and whimpering, or even begging, as Estevez had imagined. That was good -- he liked strong men.
"I realize you may never confess, but I know that at this moment Cynthia is trying to organize a rescue mission." The inflection in his voice appeared to trigger something in Julion. He sat straight up perhaps realizing Cynthia's rescue was closer than the Boss was letting on.
"I have come to move you to a more secure area. All you bots are to search the house. They may already be inside." The bots moved out on his order. Once the last one left, Estevez looked to the security chief. "Release him!"
The chief's brow furrowed. "You said this was the most secure place."
A dangerous move for the man. Estevez moved in on him and the security chief moved reflexively for his holster. "I gave you an order."
The chief's back was against the wall and the Boss was in his face. "I can't! You have the device."
It was Estevez's turn to be confused. "Device?"
"The one that turns off the chair." Julion supplied.
Estevez smiled. "Ah yes, that device. I… left it at home."
It was too late though the security chief probably didn't fully understand what was going on, he obviously knew something was wrong. He drew his pistol. Quickly, the Boss knocked the gun out of his hand and in a second quick swipe knocked him to the floor, unconscious. He turned to Julion.
"This is an unfortunate turn of events. I was hoping to get you out without compromising my identity. However, I will try to free you without the remote."
"Who are you?" Julion asked as he got down on one knee to pry open a panel on the floor next to the chair.
"I am an android. I was created to impersonate Estevez in hopes of freeing you." He worked as he talked knowing every second counted. Julion began to speak but was interrupted by the opening of the door. Estevez too took the valuable time to look up to the door.
***
The crackling sound of pure energy came over the receiver straight into their ears. Sergio cringed from the sudden burst of energy.
"What's happening?" Sergio asked again. They had heard the sound of the android breathing and walking through the halls. They picked up conversation between the android, Julion, and the security chief. Now they heard laser fire. "Should we attack?"
"No, they are not aware of our presence yet." Alexis said over the transmitter. "He is still alive, so we are not to attack until we ourselves were spotted."
"I have everything under control, gentlemen, and lady. Do not fret." They heard the android's voice over their receiver. "I will have Mr. Montclair out momentarily given no further interruptions." Then they heard the laser fire again, and this time the line was silent.
I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please send me any comments you might have, good or bad. Copyrighted 2008 by Christine Schnell. Go ahead and share it with others just keep my name with it.
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