Part 26 (1/2)
Solaria listened to the discussion with interest. Betta was right about everything she had told Stalling but Solaria knew the Hubot couldn't have actually known what she had done with such precision. Of course, she must have calculated all of the possibilities and made a lucky guess. It was, after all, one of many choices. Solaria could have just as easy isolated several sections of her nano-processors and designed small programs to intercept all unauthorized external stimuli. Then she could eventually regain complete control of her processors. Or, she could simply have self-destructed once she had been captured. That would actually have been the best decision. Giving the Company any opportunity to defeat her defenses was taking an illogical risk.
”It looks like you have a slight reprieve. Make the most of it,” Stalling said, interrupting her thoughts. Snapping his fingers at the two security officers, he motioned for them to leave. ”You two wait outside. No one comes in or leaves. It's not like you could stop her if she did get lose. Phillips, don't you have work to do?” he barked.
The mousy scientist snapped his briefcase shut and scurried from the room.
”Betta, make sure she behaves herself.”
”By behave you wish me to guard her?”
”Yes, that's exactly what I mean. If she tries anything unusual do what you need to contain the situation, but don't damage her beyond repair. She's extremely valuable.”
”I will do my job, Mr. Stalling.”
”You had better,” he threatened.
Giving Solaria a final glance, he left the room and headed to his office. A stiff drink would help to control his nerves. Stalling wasn't used to things not going his way and lately, it seemed nothing was going right.
Once the door shut, Betta positioned herself in front of it and crossed her arms.
”Betta, how did they capture you?”
When the Hubot looked at the hidden camera in the corner, Solaria realized Betta wouldn't respond as long as there was a chance they were being monitored.
”That was deactivated when Stalling came in. I doubt that he wants any record of his role in this should he ever be questioned. Now, how did you get captured?”
”I didn't. I returned voluntarily.”
”Why would you do that? What about Joanie?”
”She is safe with her father. The Sheik has a.s.signed royal guards to protect her. No one can get near her without special clearance. I've fulfilled my duties.”
”Your duty was to stay with her. His wealth can't buy the protection you can give her.”
”I fulfilled my duty,” Betta repeated, stoically.
”Then why return to the Company knowing what you know? It isn't logical.”
”Logical conclusions can only be reached if all the pertinent facts are known. You don't have all the facts.”
”I know what the Company is and I know what they want to do with us. I know the Sheik's refusal to cooperate with them threatens Stalling's ambitions. Joanie is his weakness and Stalling's best chance for controlling him. Now, they may get her back because you abandoned her.”
”Like I said, you don't have all the facts. It's obvious your continued close interaction with humans is affecting your ability to process data correctly.”
”Really! Then enlighten me. What data am I missing?”
”First, if the Sheik is a real threat to the Company, then he must have the intelligence and resources to withstand any tactics they might try. He knows what they are after therefore he can make counter plans. If he can't stop them, then his failure will prove he isn't a threat but merely a minor obstacle. Second, if he can protect his daughter, he doesn't need me. That releases me from my obligation to guard her.”
”And you're saying he has found all of the Company operatives within his inner circle?”
”No, you know that's an illogical deduction. Removing all the operatives, which is highly improbable at this time, would prohibit me from leaving. My program forbids me from leaving her alone unless a Company operative is nearby. The Sheik has been informed of this stipulation. He presently has two operatives in a holding cell and incommunicado. My obligation to Future Dynamicon is fulfilled.”
”Does he know you're a Hubot?”
”No, that information isn't pertinent to his plans. He understands I am a Company operative. Joanie has explained my role in her detainment and my position now.”
”And he's okay with that? It doesn't make sense.”
”He trusts his daughter. It is illogical but then humans are illogical.”
”I can't argue with that. How is he able to protect her now when he couldn't before? He has always had a royal guard.”
”The Sheik has created an extensive network of security that makes it impossible for the Company's people to act without non-Company personnel noticing. Joanie is under multiple scrutinies by no fewer than six humans at a time and those six are being watched by an equal number of others.”
”I bet she loves that,” Solaria smirked.
”Why would you think that? Joanie hates confinement.”
”It was sarcasm, Betta. I think a little more human interaction would be good for you.”
”Sarcasm. A form of wit intended to show contempt.”
”Well, that's one definition. Never mind. Let's say you're right and Joanie is safe. That still doesn't explain why you came back here.”
”I must obey my prime directive; guard Joanie until the Company releases me from the a.s.signment. She will never be safe as long as Future Dynamicon is controlled by the present humans. I was programmed to protect Joanie. I'm here to do what I have been instructed to do.”
It took only a nano-second for Solaria to understand what was now driving Betta.
”You came back to destroy the Company.”
”No, I'm incapable of that. It's not compatible with my protocols.”
”But if I do it, you haven't violated your protocols. You want me to do it.”
”It's the only way Joanie will be safe.”
”Then why haven't you released me?”
”I can't. I've been ordered to guard you. Releasing you would go aga...”
”I know! Your protocols!”
”Yes, but I won't interfere with your attempts to escape.”
”And when I do?”
”I've been ordered to guard you,” Betta repeated, emphasizing the word guard.
”So you have. Then I guess I need to do my part if you are to do yours.”
”That would be logical. Mr. Stalling will return as soon as Dr. Phillips has perfected his formula. By my calculations, he will get the desired results in one hour, fifty-three minutes and forty seven seconds.”