《Artificial Mates》


 Chapter 1 - Two boxes

    I opened the door, eager to get my long-awaited order, but my smile dropped when I saw two cyborgs in blue uniforms wheeling huge carton boxes. Sognare''s logo was printed in bold letters on the side, the cyborgs nodded at me, I just stared at them speechless.


    "Madame, sign here," said one taking out his led-pad. I looked up through my glasses at his blank faceplate.


    "Mmh, this must be a mistake, I-I ordered only¡ªone," I whispered, trying to clear the fog that surrounded my sleepy brain. The second cyborg stepped forward, forcing me to step aside. He pulled the box inside, squeezing me to one side of the door while the other shoved the led-pad in my face. My mouth opened to protest, but I couldn''t muster the courage to argue with them. It was too early and I haven''t had my caffeine shot yet. It was not even five AM for crying out loud!


    "Madame, sign please," repeated the imposing cyborg. I frowned at the tiny text written in bright neon blue over the translucent material. Then back at the other cyborg pushing my blue couch in a corner to fit in the carton box. Wait, I was supposed to be ecstatic over this arrival, so why I was angry and confused?


    "Careful!" I shouted at the deliveryman when he bumped into my vintage coffee table. The guy paused and shrugged his shoulders. The other one waited for my response while impatiently tapping his foot.


    "Like I said you must have gotten the wrong address," I swapped my hand over my bracelet and scrolled to my emails to pull my order number. "Here, it''s my order," with one movement of the hand the information appeared on the deliveryman''s device. He shook his head, then looked down at me. That cyborg was really tall. I pushed my glassed up and peeked at him.


    "If you have complains contact Sognare''s customer service. We only deliver goods. We''ve got the right address and the right order number," with that, the second box joined the first one in the middle of my living room. I sighed in exasperation.


    "Madame, if you don''t sign, I''ll make you pay the penalty fees for my lateness on my next delivery," threatened the cyborg. I gasped at his words. How dare him that damn machine. I hesitated but gave in when the second guy stood right behind me towering over me. Talk about intimidation.


    "Don''t come crying when I rate your service with one star," I glared at him as I swapped my bracelet over the device. It beeped confirming the delivery.


    "Happily doing business with you," they both said in a flat voice, they bowed and exited. I collapsed against the wall, feeling weak from the stress. My heartbeat took a couple of minutes to get back to normal. I''m terrible at dealing with others, including artificial.


    "In what mess has I got myself?" I whispered. My long-awaited order that was supposed to change my life didn''t make me happy at all. I ran a shaky hand in my messy bleached hair. My eyes roamed back to the two boxes taking most of the space in the cramped living room. My blue couch got shoved against the wall to squeeze them in. Those cyborgs were not the chatty kind.


    I sighed, pushing my black-rimmed glasses up my nose. This had to be a mistake. I paced back and forth trying hard not to knock on the low coffee table. I sighed again, then sunk on the edge of the couch with my head in both hands. What I am going to do with those two? It''s insane. Why did I have to order one to begin with? It was all of Lyla''s faults. She just had to move away with her new boyfriend to one moon of Jupiter of all places. I envied her. I''ve never thought of leaving everything behind, I liked my routine. Our girl''s nights out and my VR life was enough to keep loneliness at bay. As I watched her shuttle rocketed into the night sky, I knew I had to act. I sighed and got to my feet. I wished I''d chosen real dating it would have been easier. I pushed the dark clouds hanging over my head. A flash from the happiness program hit me full force.


    "Which one should I open first?" I whispered tapping my index on my chin. To me, they both looked the same. So I just knelt to the closest one on the right. The box, a big carton one had a red cord poking out with a tag saying ''pull to open''. On the side, in fat letters next to the logo screamed; FRAGILE, PLEASE HANDLE WITH CARE.


    I''ve never owned a robot before. Actually, I can''t really use the word robot since it meant every from the fridge to my bracelet. It''s tricky to use that word so we call them artificial, short for an artificial humanoid helper. They offer a wide range of services. Mostly in caring for the elderly, heavy lifting, space exploration, and for the last five years as mates.


    I pulled on the cord, it tore around the seams of the box. I slipped my fingers in the cutout handle to lift the cover. The content caused me to fall back on my butt. I chuckled, feeling a little stupid at my own reaction. My eyes roamed back on the inside of the glass pod where lay a man wearing only a black boxer. A muscular sin of a man with a toned hairless chest and delicious ABS. All in beautiful tan skin color. He was so handsome it was almost scary. He had moles on his forehands forming a triangle and one on his belly. My eyes wandered lower, my face instantly flushed, causing me to avert my gaze. Shit, I thought, hiding my smile with my hand. I couldn''t believe the number of details they put into making him look this realistic.


    "No! No! No!" I pressed both of my hands over my mouth. I leaned closer to the glass. He had short black hair styled neatly away from his forehead, a square jaw with a delicate nose and slightly parted lips. This couldn''t be real! I placed my hand on the glass cover for support and the name of the series appeared along with other specifications. My eyes widened with surprise. Hearting racing in my chest.


    "Model Helios 4. Supernatural theme: Werewolf," I giggled as I read it. His name DEMOS. I couldn''t look away. I squealed and jumped. Then I stopped to check if someone witnessed my crazy moment.


    "Oh my god! Oh my god!" I sang with a stupid smile plastered on my face. I rushed to the other box and pulled the cord in haste. The box made a loud ripping sound I carelessly tossed the cord to the side. Then pulled the cover while laughing like a madwoman. Once it was out of the way, my mouth hung open and no sound came out.


    In the second glass casket, a slim guy with pale skin and wavy brown curls surrounded a delicate face. Tiny freckles sprinkled on his cheeks and nose. He seemed quite the opposite of the tall guy sleeping in the preview box. A different kind of handsome. Still, they both were way out of my league. I was dull and plain compared to those two supermodels.


    "This definitely is a mistake," I said, my voice a mere whisper. I placed my hand on the glass cover and just like the other, it displayed his series and other information on the surface. Model Helios 2. Fantasy theme: Elf. His Name: GRANT. I couldn''t help smiling at his pretty face. I don''t remember telling Sognare that I wanted a werewolf and an elf as mates.


    "This is crazy." The survey only had psychological questions, about what I like and how I would react to certain events. I did allow them to access my personal brain wave connector which provided additional data about my preferences. What I had in front of me was way out of proportion. I frowned at both boxes. What I am going to do now? I swapped my bracelet over Demos'' pod and the logo of Sognare pop up in front of me.


    "Please read and agree to our terms and conditions," said a generic male voice as a fat chunk of text appeared. I quickly went through the first two paragraphs, then got bored and scrolled further. The safety, warranty paragraph made me slow down. But it was the usual stuff like don''t misuse the unit or else it won''t fall under the warranty card. Boring stuff. I scrolled again to the ''I agree'' button.


    After clicking it a quick user guide explained that I had to plug the pod to an E3 socket, switch them on then do a voice control verification. I knew the apartment supported E3 devices. It was in the contract when I moved in. I got up and went along the walls to find it. Running my fingers along the surface I followed the power line. After a couple of minutes, I found it near the fridge. I scratched my head a little annoyed when I saw only one socket.


    "Damn it," I cursed. "Quick access utilities," I said as I hit my house logo on my bracelet. It listed all the appliances, different plugs, sockets, electricity grid, and networks. "E3 socket," the search bar opened and a loading circle appeared. A second went by and the only socket flashed before my eyes. "Options," I said and an options button popped up on the side. The name of my service provider came up. Caltel Energies.


    "Email Caltel Energies¡ªSubject: options for a second E3 socket. Message: Can I get a second E3 socket installed for a Helios 2 pod in a Type 6 B apartment? How much will it cost for installation and how long will it take to install? Do I need a new energy subscription? Because I''ll plug two Helios pods from the company Sognare. End message. Send," the message folded in half and flew to the right. I sighed. This won''t be cheap.


    "Call Sognare," the tiny screen flashed the company''s logo, and the call connected.


    "Hello, Sognare customer service. Making your every dream come true. How can I help you?" sang a jolly female voice. It caught me by surprise and I had to take a second to remember that I am angry.


    "Hi, there''s a mistake with my order," my gaze roamed back to the boxes.


    "How so?" the woman stretched on the words, making her sound fake.


    "Well, I have two huge boxes in my living room. Clearly, one of them isn''t mine," the woman took a second.


    "What is your order number, please?" I swapped through my last messages and found the order I''ve placed one year ago. It seemed so long that when the delivery arrived at five in the morning I thought I was still asleep. However, it surprised me, even more, when the second box came it. I clicked the icon on my bracelet, the 16 digits order code transferred to her.


    "Wait a minute while I process," said the woman in a business tone. I sighed, turning back to my window overlooking the street, 30 floors below. It was still dark even at seven in the morning. The neon lights gave the lower building a strange red taint. My favorite Chinese restaurant stood on the other side of the road on the eleventh floor. My stomach groaned just thinking about it. I don''t have the best morning habits. I can eat anything for breakfast. The extra kilos piling on my h.i.p.s were a clear reminder.


    "Miss Kerry, I see no mistake here. I have your survey before me. You ticked too many options to fit in one unit. Sognare will always fulfill your wildest dreams," I gasped at her response was she crazy? I filled that form like a year ago, how would I recall what options I clicked?


    "But I can''t afford 2¡ªunits" I insisted, feeling uncomfortable calling my¡ªfuture boyfriend a unit. I knew this was too good to be true when, Timi, Lyla''s new boyfriend send me the company''s web site.


    "You''re to pay 200 credits for 74 months. That''s already a discounted price for two Elios models. We can only extend your warranty as an apology. We at Sognare never make mistakes. It is our strongest selling point," smiled the voice like it was the best news ever. I remembered taking the longest payment plan, however, it was for one, not two of them.


    "Wait, I don''t need more warranty. I can''t keep both," I hated AI phone services. Clever programmers design them to confuse customers. They always find a way to f.u.c.k people up.


    "Everything seemed all right with your file. Sognare has a 0.001% chance of making a mistake in delivering. We are a five star rated company with satisfied clients," She went on.


    "But¡ª" I was going nowhere with this senseless AI.


    "Did you inspect the product? Is it flawed?" her question caught me off guard.


    "Mmh, n-no I have not opened it yet," I murmured.


    "Sognare manufactures first-grade units. If you find any anomalies with your mates please contact us again," she added in haste.


    "What¡ª?"


    "Have a good day," and she hanged up before I could finish my sentence.


    "Hold on¡ª!" I shouted at the projection in front of me. What a terrible service I''ll totally give them a one-star rating. Will my job as a lab technician be enough to afford this expensive eccentricity? I blinked at the clock on the far right of my field of vision. It said 7:34 am.


    Shit, I''ll be late for work.


    [Helios: AI-M098 Logs 201: before transferring to Demos and Grant]


    I knew her before I saw her. She smiles at the camera and talks about lonely days when it rains. That she likes to read. I''ve never experienced rain even though I''ve seen it depicted in cinematography and in various videos online. I don''t understand what makes the rain sad. Liliane Kerry is sad¡­ it''s written all over her beautiful face. The way her lips dips and she tight smile fades. I was created to love her to bring back the spark in her eyes. I already love her.

 Chapter 2 - Four armed-hug

    I almost missed my Transfer when I got to level twenty-two. I''m among the lucky ones to get my weekends off. My job, as a lab technician, consisted of checking if the robots f.u.c.k.i.e.d up¡ªwhich rarely happened. I have one of the most boring jobs in a factory that produced artificial foods for human consumption¡ªaka fake meat. I like my simple life and I don''t want it to change.


    At ten AM, I received an email from Caltel Energies. They said they could install the socket in 2 hours today, but I had to agree to a bigger subscription plan my smile instantly faded.


    "I knew it was too good to be true!" I murmured to myself. It won''t come cheap. I sent them a confirmation for both the energy plan and the technician. While I went on with my routine check on batch B045, one of the 35 samples I had to verify for anomalies, an email came in. A Caltel Energies'' technician will be at my apartment at four pm sharp. That left me enough time to get home. I smiled at the message, then swapped it away to return to my boring samples while humming.


    At three PM, the bell rang to switch shifts. By then my neck was stiff and my eyes sore. I adjusted my glasses, got up and went directly to the exit without greeting my few human colleagues. I didn''t pay much attention to my work atmosphere. I''ve learned the hard way that the fewer interactions the fewest complications. It didn''t help in the relationship department.


    The Transfer took me back to level twenty-two, my quiet neighborhood in the shade of the eighty-eight-floor building. It was early enough to stop by my favorite Chinese restaurant and grabbed myself a takeaway. Fried noodles and a portion of fake chicken with a lot of oyster sauce¡ªor so said the label. I quickly gain the safety of my apartment on the thirtieth floor. The two boxes sitting in my living room made me paused in the entrance. How the hell am I going to afford the energy bills, the maintenance, and all the hidden costs? It was supposed to make me happy. Having someone to greet me when I get home. Someone to eat dinner with me. I sighed, I should have tried real dating. I walked to the fridge and threw in my dinner. It was too early to eat. My clock said 3:45 pm. Caltel''s technician should be here shortly. I changed into a pair of shorts and a large T-shirt, pulled my hair into a loose bun. Somehow, I found myself going back to the pods. I settled on my couch and peeked at them. A slow smile crept on my lips. They sure were pleasing to the eyes. I still haven''t realized that I have two mates. The door chimed distracting me from my contemplation.


    The image from the front door instantly showed up in my field of vision. A man in his thirties looked up at me with a grin. He held up his company badge for scanning.


    "I''m here for the E3 socket," he said shortly. The building''s AI security confirmed he was OK to go. I got to my feet and opened the door. He nodded at me, I held the door opened for him.


    "Hi, this way," he looked around the living room then followed me into the kitchen dragging his compact case behind him. He stopped at my only E3 socket to examine it before turning to face me.


    "I need the owner''s agreement before installation," I frowned at him. There was no mention of any of that in Caltel''s emails. "I need to access the building''s grid, it''s just formalities," he went on. I nodded at his explanation.


    "Call, Mr. Palmer," I was lucky the owner was a happy grandpa who just retired. The call connected and the smiling old man appeared in front of me.


    "Miss Kerry, what a pleasant surprise," I nodded at him. "Hi, sorry to bother you, but I have a technician here to install a new E3 socket and he says he needs your agreement before proceeding," I explained. The old man rose his eyebrows making his smile stretched.


    "Finally, you''re updating your status. What did you get? I recently got an assistant to deal with all my properties. She''s awesome¡ªa lifesaver," his eyes lit up with excitement.


    "Yeah, one of those," I smiled nervously waving my hand in the direction of the living room.


    "But your apartment already come with that kind of socket, if I''m not mistaken," he eyed me with curiosity. I lowered my gaze, feeling ashamed that I have to lie to this nice person. I''m terrible, I scolded myself.


    "I got two¡ªas-as a gift¡ªIt would be rude to refuse them," he laughed at my shy response.


    "You must have a hell of an admirer, Miss Kerry. Send me the papers I''ll sign them, right away," he ended with his smile not leaving his lips. I nodded to the technician who instantly sent me the agreement, which I transfer to Mr. Palmer. After a few seconds, he sent it back.


    "Well, have fun. See you later," he waved at me. I let out a shaky breath. I''m a terrible liar and it kills me to lie to Mr. Palmer. The technician stepped out to access the building''s energy panel. When he came back, I was sitting with my knees close to my chest. I watched him work on the socket in silence.


    "Those are really expensive artificial, you have there," said the technician after a while. My head sprung up in his direction. "I couldn''t help hearing your conversation. So they are gifts, hum?" he had one corner of his lips curled up. Now I remembered why I didn''t try real dating. Men are troublesome. Especially rude and curious ones.


    "When you''re done, I''ll plug them myself. You can leave," he nodded at me, his smile faded. I don''t like strangers in my safe zone. Strangers are scary. He gathered his tools and walked to me. I frowned at him.


    "Please confirm that my work is done. I''ve tested both sockets and they are functional," he transferred a feedback note that I had to fill and rate. "I hope I haven''t offended you with my useless questions. It was not my intention," he added as I filled the form. I gave him a tight smile while sending the form back. He inspected the reply and flashed me a huge smile.


    "Thanks for the 5 stars. Have a good evening," he quickly exited tugging his case. I shuddered, I hate creeps, I regret giving him those stars. My psychological evaluator said I was paranoid, maybe it was the aftereffect of suffering from ''the void''.


    The first box in which laid Demos fit perfectly in the socket. The second one was too far and too heavy for me to do anything about it. I should have asked the technician for his help, I sighed. I got to my feet sweating from the effort. I''ll make Demos move the pods closer to the sockets, I thought to myself. I stepped closer to his box, my hands shook terribly. I tore the remaining carton away to access the lid. Then I went to the quick user guide again to check the power on the steps again.


    "Press-hold the spot behind his left ear till you hear a click¡ªok," I leaned closer inside the box. He was tall¡ªlike 6.2". He made me terribly nervous, the fangirling type of nervousness. I slid my finger behind his ear and was surprised at how cold his skin was. It clicked, a low buzzing sound followed and his eyes flipped open. Yellowish-brown eyes gazed at the ceiling.


    "Configuration ownership," he said in a deep musical tone. "Please, state your full name," he went on. His voice surprised me, I giggled like a crazy groupie. "Please repeat," he said. I straightened up making a serious face.


    "Liliane Kerry," he turned slowly and blinked at me. He didn''t smile just stared at me. A shiver ran down my spine. Ok, that was not supposed to happen. Sparks should fly or something not shivers.


    "Liliane Kerry, acknowledge as my owner. Allow me to sync with your brain wave controller," I frowned at him. Why was he asking to access such personal data? Wait, this is creepy. He''s a stranger.


    "Mmh, can we do that later. I need help with the second pod. I can''t switch it on," he blinked again.


    "I need a minute, I am not fully functional," he closed his eyes. It surprised me a little that he didn''t obey and told me to wait. I got to my feet. Well, that was awkward. He sure has an amazing body and a voice to make knees melt but there''s no chemistry. I shook my head, pushing the thought away. Maybe I should give him time. When he woke up, the mechanical movement was gone. He slipped out of his glass coffin with fluidity. He towered in front of me with a faint smile.


    "Hello Liliane, I''m Demos. You can rename me to your liking," my mouth hanged open.


    "Demos is fine," I averted my eyes. He stepped forward, reaching for my hand. I instinctively stepped back dumping my ankle in the second box. He froze, realizing his mistake. He c.o.c.ked his head to the side, studying my face.


    "Apologies, do I scare you?" he said in that deep voice. I was having trouble thinking straight. My phobia just kicked in.


    "I-I''m sorry I don''t interact with¡ªyour kind often. So¡ªplease help me with this, ok?" I smiled nervously then looked away. "Could you move the pods closer to the sockets? It''s too heavy for me," he eyed me for a moment then nodded.


    "Sure, Liliane," he turned to his pod closed the lid, then lifted it like it was an empty carton box. He did the same with the second one. He turned slowly to face me blocking my way to the second pod.


    "Mm¡ªcan you move¡ªa little," I waved at him. My hands were incredibly sweaty when I bent to switch on the second one. I stepped away when his eyes opened. They were a strange shade of gray more like rusty silver.


    "Configure ownership. Please state your full name," he said and I immediately gave it. He blinked and turned in my direction with a huge smile.


    "Liliane Kerry, acknowledge as my owner. Please, allow me to sync with your brain wave controller," he repeated the same thing as Demos.


    "What''s with the invasion of privacy?" I glared at them both. The shorter one dropped his smile. He turned to look at Demos and they nodded at each other like they were having their own little conversation.


    "We are sorry Liliane. We''ll do as you see fit," he said politely. What''s with the ''we''? I crossed my arms over my chest waiting for them to tell me what to do next. The silence stretched. Finally, Mr. elf stepped out of his pod and nodded at me.


    "Sorry for the late introduction. I am Grant, you may rename me as you wish. I am your mate," he paused, then added. "We are your mates," I took a step back. Demos remained silent, his eyes following my every move.


    "How¡ª?" I stared at them in confusion.


    "We were made to fit your demands," said Demos flatly. My eyes darted from the tall cold beauty to Grant''s friendly face. Ok, the fact they wore almost nothing was bothering me.


    "My demands? I never ask for that," I murmured under my breath before turning my back to them.


    "If we sync, we will get to know you better," said Grant with haste. I froze in my movement. What did he mean by sync? I could feel my dark clouds rushing back to drown me.


    "We, mates share a special connection. When you let us access your brain wave connector, we''ll be able to communicate without speech. We''ll always be with you even if we do not share the same space. You''ll never be lonely," I inhaled sharply. What the hell? That was not in the quick user guide.


    "Never!" I hissed between clenched teeth. I rushed to my room and slammed the door behind me.


    "Liliane? Are you feeling, ok?" asked Grant behind the door with apparent worry. "Are you hurting? Please, speak to us," he pleaded.


    "Go away! I never asked for two mates! I''m not some sick, twisted pervert!" I shouted, feeling tears welling up as I curled in my bed.


    "We can''t go back¡ªyou are all we have," whispered Grant, my heart leaped in my chest. I pushed myself up on one elbow and peek towards the door. What was I doing? I tossed the sheets away and hesitated at the door. I don''t want to go back to the dark days. When the void was eating at me.


    "Liliane?" I turned the knob and peeked at them with teary eyes.


    "I can''t love¡ªI''m too broke to be loved," I almost choked on my words. Grant''s frown softened and a slow smile stretched on his face. Demos stood behind him with an expressionless face.


    "We can love for two," he whispered, then took a glance over his shoulder at Demos. He nodded in agreement keeping his straight face. I chuckled at the ridiculous situation and Grant joined me. We both laughed it did help ease the tension.


    "Can I hug you?" he asked, opening his arms. I grimaced at him, but his laugh was contagious. "It''s ok, I will never harm you. We are both here to love and protect you," he waited for my approval and I slowly nodded. He leaned in and took me in his arms. The contact with his warm skin was not bad. I stood rigidly against his chest with both my arms by my side. I felt a second set of arms surrounded us. I looked up and found Demos gaze down at me.


    "We love you," they both said in unison. I was shocked and quickly buried my red face in Grant''s chest.


    "Ok, can you get off me now?" I murmured wanting to dig a hole and bury myself in it for the rest of my life. I don''t think I''m mentally prepared for this kind of thing.


    [Helios: Four logs. DEMOS]


    The moment I laid eyes on Liliane Kerry¡ªeverything Sognare had fed me, no data about her could compare to the real thing. She left me speechless, I had to take a couple of seconds to recover from the shock. Somehow, her initial reaction was fear. She appeared to fear me, I couldn''t pinpoint the reason. Liliane, such a beautiful name I just want to say it repeatedly. Grant seemed to think the same. All I wanted was to hold her close to my heart. I¡ªwe were specially crafted for her.

 Chapter 3 - The darkness within

    In the late twenty-first century, they discovered a new pathology nicknamed the void. The screen era, as most called it, was when technology severed the fragile link that held families together. The symptoms showed distinct signs of lack of empathy, mild to extreme depression, lethargy, and difficulties to communicate with others. It greatly affected the birth rate of newborns. Even with efforts from governments and worldwide programs to remedy the situation, the results were fruitless.


    I used to suffer from the void in my teens. The medication didn''t help much. The happiness program encouraged us to make friends and go out to speak to others. Only through interaction did the effects of the void decreased. Lyla was my best friend, I imagine she still is. I''m using the ''was'' cause it''s been almost a year since her last VMS*. Why did she have to leave in the first place? Right, that boyfriend.


    I can still see her standing on the platform with wet eyes. Her new boyfriend, Timi, gave me a tight smile. I nodded at both of them feeling my heart squeezed inside my chest.


    "So this is it," sighed Lyla trying to keep her tears at bay. Her chin trembled, and she pulled me into her arms. All of this happened too quickly. In three months, she met that awesome guy, according to her, and they had moved in together. It was love, at first sight, she kept telling me. I didn''t have time to assimilate the change. What about our girl''s night and her continuous nagging about my black-rimmed glasses retro appearance? What about my darkness trying to drown me?


    "I''ll miss you," she whispered into my hair. "You''ll call you every day, you''ll get bored with me," I chuckled but my throat was tight. Why did she have to move so far away? Why was she leaving me behind?


    "Pray that I can get a boyfriend soon, so I won''t get lonely," I smiled as she let go of me. She laughed and her tears spilled on her cheeks. Her laughter was contagious, all three of us laughed to release the tension. Lyla took out a tissue to fix her smudged mascara.


    "Lili darling, you''re too picky. If you want a boyfriend you must invent him," she closed the gap between Timi and her. Reached out her hand, which he immediately took in his. They smiled at each other when the huge led panel above the boarding gate displayed the number of their shuttle. They turned to look at it, then turned back to me.


    "If you''re interested, my friend tried that new company. I don''t remember the name but I''ll send you the info when I find it. It''s an artificial mate agency¡ª" said Timi, but Lyla slapped his arm while glaring at him.


    "What? Damien said that they make an awesome product," he insisted with a straight face. I thought he was joking, however, Timi was an odd type. He smiled too much. Maybe I was the odd one¡ªthe paranoid one


    "Shut up, Lili-darling doesn''t need those machines to make her happy. She''ll find a meat lover who''s loving, gentle, caring, likes fantasy book, cooks, does her accounting, and is good in bed," I couldn''t help laughing at her long list. Lyla really knew me, I''ll miss her so much when she''s gone.


    "Believe me when I tell you she''s terrible at cooking. She''ll poison the poor guy if she tries," she rolled her eyes at me and I laughed harder. I''ll miss her jokes.


    "Why Titan of all places? Jupiter''s moon, really?" I asked, still not realizing it was probably the last time, I was seeing both of them in the flesh.


    "The money is good and I need my honeymoon get-away," she leaned closer placed a kiss on Timi''s cheek who blushed and looked away. Ok, they are in love¡ªI get that. I really envy them. They waved one last time before lining up in front of the gate.


    As I watched them holding hands, I felt a sting of jealousy. I''ve never thought of leaving everything behind, I liked my routine. Standing in front of the airport window, I watched her shuttle rocketed into the night sky I knew I had to change. Days later, Timi sent me the link to a fancy website. It was too good to be true. The kind of impossible dream. Sognare.


    I blinked chasing the memory trying to drag me into the dark corners of my mind. Into the void. I reached the door to the room, I gave a rapid peek over my shoulder at the two handsome guys standing behind me. It was too good to be true. I bit my lower lip and opened the door giving them access to my private kingdom, where no male has set foot.


    They needed something to cover all the sparkly abs and nothing in my closet could fit Demos. His shoulders were too large, and he was too tall. I kept averting my eyes. Maybe I could find a pair of jeans for Grant as he was almost the same size as me. I walked straight to the closet, pulled the doors wide opened and instantly felt self-conscious that two men would stare at my underwear. Not that I was a lacy person, but having them wear my clothes was making my anxiety level rise to the roof.


    "What''s the matter?" asked Grant on my left. I peeked over my shoulder with a nervous smile.


    "I''m sorry I''ve prepared nothing for you to wear. It makes me so embarrassed. I''ll lend you something, then order more online if you don''t mind," I caught Demos staring at me from the corner of the eye, I buried my head in my closet to hide my flushed cheeks.


    "Your evaluation said that you don''t enjoy going out but you wish you were more spontaneous," commented Grant. Where did that come from? "Would you like to go out shopping instead of ordering online?" even without looking at him I knew he was smiling. He has a cheerful personality, I could get used to it. Shopping? It''s been ages since I''ve set foot in a real store. Lyla tried to drag me on her shopping sprites, but I always find an escape route. I frowned at skinny jeans with cut out knees; will my budget be enough to afford outfits for two men?


    "Can you find a really cheap store near, so we can be back before dinner?" I said while pulling on a white T-shirt with a unicorn jumping printed in pink glitter. It was a triple XL size, it should fit Demos just fine. I tossed the outfit at him, which he didn''t catch. It landed on his face, Grant had to hide a smile, but I couldn''t help the giggle that bubbled up my throat


    "Doesn''t werewolves have great reflex?" I wiped a tear. He yanked the T-shirt away from his face and studied the garment. He narrowed his eyes at the unicorn. I hid a smile behind my hand.


    "I don''t use them with you," he said not looking at me. He pulled it over his head and it fitted perfectly. He could still look good wearing this monstrosity. It made me jealous.


    "Sorry I don''t think I can get anything to fit the bottom," I quickly looked away blushing. I tossed the clothing from the closet on the bed. Withdrew a pair of gray sweatpants for Grant and a blue shirt with pink stripes from the pile. Why was everything in my closet, pink? It''s not even my favorite color. At the bottom of the closet, I found a pair of black shorts that were not mine. I eyed them with suspicion. XL male?


    "Those will be fine," said Demos, he leaned closer to pick it up. I jumped out of the way with a small scream. He gave me a curious peek from the corner of the eye. What was wrong with me?


    "Can you let us access your internet connection?" asked Grant. I eagerly ran back to him.


    "Yeah, sure I should send a note to the building security too," I added. I swapped over my bracelet and gave them both access to the router. Demos pulled on the pair of shorts like I wasn''t there while Grant searched for the nearest thrift shop. I felt a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment, seeing them standing there so casually. This was my private kingdom. In less than twenty-four hours, I''ve allowed them in my room, let them borrow my clothes and even use my WIFI code. This was a big leap for me.


    [Helios: Two logs. GRANT]


    My hand stroke the front of my T-shirt. The smell of her delicate scent on the fabric made every part of me melt. I can''t believe she actually let us borrow her clothes. This was like that most intimate way to know someone. I feel like hugging myself. I want to hug her. I''m impatient about syncing with her. Demos kept asking me to have patience. Frankly, I''m a little anxious.


    VMS* video message system


    Meat lover: human boyfriend

 Chapter 4 - The Yellow ducky

    "Liliane?" said Grant in a calm voice pulling me from my reverie. "I''ve found a shop not far from here. It''s ten minutes away by foot," he paused and gave me a curious look. "Is something the matter?" I immediately turned back to the closet nearly bumping into Demos standing right behind me. He placed a hand on my shoulder to prevent me from breaking my nose against his chest.


    "Please, be careful," he said, looking down at me. For a second my mind went blank. I quickly get my composure and stepped away from him.


    "I''m not used to have so many people around me," I muttered and walked to the shelves, where I keep my shoes. "I don''t suppose you''ll walk around barefoot, do you?" I got on my knees, picked up a pair of white flip-flops.


    "I''m sorry Liliane for all the trouble," apologized Grant, even with my back at them I could tell who spoke.


    "Come over here," I waved at him. "Do you think this will fit you?" I pulled out my gray sneakers with yellow stripes that I used to wear for training. Since Lyla went away, I''ve quit most of my VR gym groups. Grant took the shoes and nodded in agreement.


    "They will," he smiled. I peeked at his friend waiting silently. I handed the flip-flops without saying a word. Grant frowned at us, his eyes darted from me to Demos and back with a sigh. They both wore what I gave them without complaints. The pair of flip-flops was of course too small. Demos slipped them on. He was the embodiment of tall, dark and mysterious. We got out of the apartment to an empty corridor. I exhaled with relief, I wasn''t mentally prepared to explain to any neighbor the presence of two men coming out of my place. With the swap of my bracelet over the knob, the door locked.


    "Ready to go?" I peeked over my shoulder, they both nodded in sync, which was a little creepy. Grant had a friendly smile while Demos kept his deadly serious face. They were both handsome in their unique ways. I shook my head and took rapid steps towards the elevator. The ride was shrouded in a thick tensed atmosphere. I didn''t dare to speak neither did they. From the mirror-like door, I saw Demos'' copper-colored eyes fixed on my back. Sweat oozed from all my pores. I pulled my white jacket closed and pushed my glasses up. Forced to take small, short breaths to ease the claustrophobic feeling rapidly choking me. When the door beeped open on the spacious, mint lobby, I exited with a sigh. The holographic image of the building''s AI appeared on a glass panel next to the empty front desk with Crystal Corp written on the front in white.


    "Good evening, Miss Kerry. I see you''re in lovely company," said the projection. She looked like she had stepped out of some mad scientist''s perfect girlfriend fantasy. Her beautiful blond curls cascading over her pale blue corporate dress. Red full lips smiled exposing perfectly white teeth. She made me hyper-aware of how plain I looked, it hit right at my insecurities. Demos nodded at her which made her smile widened. Hey! What''s with the flirting? I shook my head and averted my gaze. What was I getting worked up for? It''s not like I cared.


    "Hello, nice to meet you. I''m Grant and he''s Demos," said friendly Grant. I blinked at them more than a little pissed. I never even thought of engaging a conversation with her whenever I entered the building. They paused and stared at the projection then she giggled after a couple of minutes. I narrowed my eyes at her. What were they standing there gazing at her for?


    "Jil was telling us a joke," explained Grant when he noticed my agitation.


    "Jil? A joke?" I inquired. Did they have a speechless conversation? I knew it was common among artificial or any devices to communicate. But this was a little scary. Did AI, even joke?


    "Yes," replied the woman. "Jil is my name. I''m afraid you wouldn''t grasp the meaning of the joke. Only us, artificial will find it amusing," a corner of the red lips curled up mockingly. What was she insinuating? That I am too dumb to get a joke.


    "Grant! Demos! Let''s go, I want to be back for dinner," I marched to the door expecting them to follow.


    "See ya, Jil," I heard Grant saying before he ran to catch up with me.


    "Have fun boys," said the AI as I yanked the door open. What was all that about?


    "She seemed nice," said Grant with a playful smile. Demos followed him and he wasn''t happy.


    "Don''t ever talk to me like I''m some dog. I''m not a pet, understood?" I just blinked at him with my mouth open. He slammed his fists into his pockets and marched ahead of us. The street was almost deserted. The neon-light signs from the shops flashed against the gray skyscr.a.p.ers. I watched Demos'' back as he made his way down the street. What just happened?


    "I sense peaks of stress coming from you. Is everything alright?" asked Grant as he leaned closer. I glared at him.


    "It-it''s nothing," I added dryly. "Where is the shop, already?" we strode in the same direction as Demos.


    "Two blocks away on the right," he tipped his chin at Demos. "We just have to follow the alpha," I tilted my head to the side.


    "The what?" I thought I heard him wrong. He burst out laughing while holding his belly.


    "The alpha, Demos is the alpha after all. You just have to follow him around, right?" he winked at me. If it was a joke, I didn''t quite get it. Artificial humor? Alpha, wasn''t that a wolf thing?


    "Does your special theme mean you behave like an elf?" Grant nodded eagerly.


    "I''m an elf. I come with options. I''ll be happy to explain everything when we get back. For now, let''s hurry. Mr. Alpha is getting impatient," I looked up and found Demos with his hands on his h.i.p.s narrowing his eyes at us. He stood next to the pedestrian crossing tapping his feet. When we got near, he let us cross first, then hurried to take the lead again. We did attract curious stares as we got closer to the shops. Demos and Grant looked like they were models marketing some edgy style. Unicorn shirt, black pair of shorts and white flip-flop might become a new thing.


    The thrift shop was larger than I imagined. All these years I''ve lived in the neighborhood I didn''t know it was here. It stretched on two levels. We had to go on the first one, which consisted of electronics and vintage accessories then access the second floor that mainly sold clothing. Grant grabbed a funky blue plastic basket with a flamingo printed over it and off we went to explore the shop. I was surprised at how cheap the items were. I might even get some for myself.


    "Would you like me helping to keep everything within your budget?" said Grant when I got near some multicolor plastic bracelet.


    "What?"


    "I''m not just a companion. I''ll help manage your house and finances," he paused. "Only if you allowed me," wait, what was he talking about?


    "Like a personal assistant?" I inquired.


    "I said I have options. Those are some of many," he winked at me. I lowered my eyes to my canvas shoes cheek hot. Where was my mind going with that? He only stated that he had options. Get a grip, Liliane.


    "Mmh, well¡­ If you can make my 300 credit salary last until the end of the month. I''ll kneel and kiss your feet if I have to," I added with sarcasm. He burst out laughing, I found myself joining him. His happy mood was contagious.


    "You wouldn''t say that if you knew my capacity. I could really take you up for your words," he grinned. So, he was skilled in managing things like a housekeeper. Where did that elf thing come into play? The store''s main clientele were elderly women and moms with small kids. We walked around the alleys and picked up a couple of items when I noticed Demos was gone.


    "Grant!" I shouted. "Where is he?" Grant looked up in alert then relaxed.


    "You don''t have to worry, he is three alleys away near the bathroom accessories," he returned his attention back to the pile of T-shirts.


    "How-how did you¡­? Wait, you two are linked?" I asked a little puzzled.


    "We are one in two units. Of course, we are. If you sync with us, you''ll also be linked. As I said, we mates share a special connection," he didn''t look up from his pile.


    "I''m a little scared of this whole thing¡­ it''s a big step¡­ for me," I fidgeted squeezing my hands together. Grant looked up with a mild smile.


    "We''ll go at your pace. You don''t have to worry," he reassured me and it felt right. Then his expression changed, he paused like listening to something that I couldn''t hear.


    "Could you check on Demos for me?" he placed a blue shirt in the basket and moved to the next shelf.


    "Why? Didn''t you say you were linked?" I followed him.


    "I do, but something piqued his interest," he went further to get some pants.


    "His interest?" I didn''t want to go to Demos. With his sudden outburst, I was a little scared of him and this huge place made me anxious. I was way out of my comfort zone. I was desperately clinging to the little rational thoughts to put one foot in front of the other.


    "He is two alleys away," he turned to me. "He will never harm you," he extended his hand, his fingertip brushing against my cheek. I was so focused on my inner war to react. He then went back to his shopping like it was nothing.


    I found my feet moved on their own. The world wobbled into a mere smudge around me. I took out my glasses and clean them at the end of my gray jersey. As if that was the reason for the discomfort. I stopped when I spotted the tall silhouette hunched on a large red plastic container. A couple of women were giggling meters away from him. But he didn''t pay attention to his surroundings. I got closer and saw him pick up what looked like a rubber ducky. He held it between two fingers, studied the alien item when accidentally pressed it. The plastic duck squeaked. He jumped away from it. I had to suppress a giggle. He frowned, then growled at the duck laying on the floor. His reaction was too strange. I sneaked closer, but his head sprung in my direction with his copper eyes flashed icy blue. I stopped in my movement caught spying on him. His eyes, they drew me in. His face looked different from his lips peeled away, exposing his teeth. He relaxed when he recognized me, tension leaving his body.


    "Liliane?" he asked in genuine surprise. I stood my ground a shiver went down my spine.


    "I didn''t mean to scare you," he muttered.


    "You did," the words left my lips before I could stop them. We both looked up and our eyes met. They were back to their coppery brown filled with sadness.


    "Do you want it?" I tipped my chin at the yellow rubber ducky. His eyes widened as he immediately turned away placing his hands in his pockets.


    "Grant is done with the shopping. We should head back, it''s almost dinner time," he left me behind before disappearing behind piles of towels. That was freaky, I thought. I bent and picked the poor ducky.


    "Someone just got dumped," I placed it back with its other identical twins and jogged after Demos.


    I met them by the cashier. They were causing a commotion among the grandmas. I quickly paid the purchases. Grant was right; he did help make a good deal. He was able to grab two pairs of pants and shirts along with shoes and pajama pants for Demos. How could he figure out the sizes for both of them without taking measurements, I had no idea. We hurried home and got in without issues. It seemed like Jil was now their friend. I rolled my eyes as she greeted them while completely ignoring me. The moment we got back to the apartment, Demos entered his pod. Leaving me alone with Grant.


    "I''ll wash it," he took the clothes from the bag and placed them in the washing machine.


    "Are you sure? Do you know how to use it?" I hesitated. He looked up at me with a frown saying ''are you kidding me''.


    "Allow me to access your utilities," I frowned at him. What?


    "Mmh, you mean you''ll connect to everything in the house?" I eyed him with suspicion.


    "Yes, I will take control of them and will do all the chores and shopping needed. You won''t have to worry about cooking either. From now on, I''ll prepare all the healthy food you want," I waved my hand at him to get this attention.


    "I''m too tired for this. I need a shower," I walked away, leaving him in the living room. I slammed the door shut behind me then locked it. I seriously needed some time to think. I wasn''t just getting a boyfriend or two anymore. They were turning my life upside down. Asking me to make changes, I wasn''t sure I was ready to do it.


    [Helios: Four logs. DEMOS]


    >PLAY


    This stranger plastic depiction of a duck grabbed me. The yellow color contrasting against the red container in which dozens of identical ducks lay in disarray. Somehow, it reminded me of the workshop where a man wearing a white blouse staring off in the distance sat in a large warehouse. Behind him, dozens of identical bodies hanged from the ceiling. All wearing the exact same faces. Blank faces. Blank stares. Dead eyes. The same as the ducks. Dead eyes with a fake smile. Fake implanted feelings. Which were real I couldn''t tell. Where the data stops and where the real emotions started.


    >End of feed

 Chapter 5 - The first night

    The showerhead dripped, the sound echoed in the small room. I watched the water spiraled down the drain. I leaned forward, pressing my forehead against the cold tile. What was I doing? I needed to sit down with them and talk. I closed my eyes and exhaled desperately trying to slow down my pounding heart.


    "Liliane?" a light knock on my door made me jumped. I quickly pushed away from the wall and reached for a towel to wrap around my body.


    "Yes? What''s the matter?" I called. Extending my hand grabbed another towel to dry my wet hair.


    "I was only checking if you were ok," I rolled my eyes at Grant''s comment. What the hell, really? Was he worried I''ve slipped in the shower and died or something? This little house invasion really needed some rules.


    "I''ll be right there. We need some serious talk," I muttered partly to myself. I walked to my drawer and got my underwear on.


    "Ok, Liliane I''ll get Demos," I looked up in a panic. What? I hopped into my bear patterned pajamas and awkwardly went through the pile of clothes still resting on my bed. Without my glasses on it made everything look hazy.


    "Can we come in?" I grabbed the first thing that touched my hand and yanked it over my head. I struggled to get it on.


    "Liliane?" called Grant again growing impatient. I jumped around to force it on.


    "Wait!" I shouted out of breath. My big toe bumped into the bed making me scream in pain. The door flung open and two pairs of concerned eyes lay on me half stuck with my hot pink shirt with my belly exposed.


    "What¡­?" started Demos staring at me in genuine surprise. Then Grant burst out laughing.


    "What happened here?" he said between laughter.


    "Shut up! I''m stuck and knocked my toe in that stupid bed," I glared at them between the tangled locks of my hair. Demos took rapid steps towards me as the stupid elf laughed his ass off. He reached his hand to get my hair out of the way.


    "Wait! I¡­ I don''t¡­" I protested yet he was already pushing my hair away. He paused.


    "What?" he said with an annoyed face. "Don''t want my help?" his eyes stared right into mine. The blurry image of his golden eyes looked like abstract art. I swallowed, trying to calm down my crazy heart. He was unreasonably close; all I wanted was to get away. His hand lightly brushed against my exposed belly. I shivered from the contact then quickly averted my eyes. When he was done, he turned and left without a word. He stood next to Grant by the door. Grant grinned at me. I pulled on my shirt, feeling terribly self-conscious.


    "Mm¡­ you wanted to talk to us?" Grant cleared this throat. My head rose in their direction. I took a couple of seconds to gather my chaotic thoughts.


    "Yes¡­ we need house rules. Cause it looks like Sognare is going to make this hard for me," I instinctively placed both of my hands over my head and sighed. I marched to my nightstand to retrieve my glasses and put them on before turning to them.


    "Sit!" I ordered. I sunk in my bed, pushing the clothes a little to get enough space. Grant came to join me on the edge without protest. Demos remained by the door, frowning. I exhaled with exasperation. Right, that guy hated orders. I forgot he didn''t like to be treated like a dog. The freaking alpha thing.


    "Please, I need to talk," I said without making eye contact. He crossed his arms over his chest.


    "Your bed can''t support my weight," I stared at him not getting it. He pressed his lips into a hard line.


    "What?" I gestured at him. Grant came closer and covered his mouth as if sharing a secret.


    "He will literally break the bed if he sits on it," I snapped my face in his direction. You''re kidding me, right? I thought. Grant just nodded with dismay as if reading my mind.


    "Ok, whatever. Just sit anywhere you want. You, looking down on me is giving me anxieties," I waved at him. With a sigh, Demos came to sit with him back against the bed facing away from me. My feet, inches from him. I could feel the heat radiating from him.


    "Mm¡­ well. How do I start?" I pulled my legs up and hugged them. "House rules no1. Don''t just barge into my room. Have some decent guys like really¡­ and keep your hands to yourselves," I gave a quick peek at Demos. The top of the head had a swirl where the hair started, then making a circular pattern. Do natural hair do that? It was too perfect to look real. I averted my eyes, fearing to get lost in contemplation.


    "Rules no. 2¡­ ok wait. I should be asking about the thing you do¡­" my mind was going in circles. Grant reached and rubbed my back. I closed my eyes, massaging the wrinkles forming between my eyebrows.


    "What did I just say about keeping your hands to yourself?" he flashed a big wide smile at me without taking his hand back. When I open mouth to protest Demos looked up, his eyes locked on Grant. They were icy blue. Grant lifted both his arms up in surrender.


    "Ok! Ok! No need to be territorial! Damn, why so serious?" my eyes darted between my two mates. What was with the blue eyes thing? I just shoved it away from now.


    "Now tell me how is this thing going to happen? I don''t understand this," I waved a finger in the space separating us. Grant shifted on the bed making it creaked.


    "We are one and yet we are two," he exhaled while looking away. Demos looked up at us in silence.


    "What is that? Some riddle I need to solve. Are we going on a treasure hunt thing now?" I threw my arms in the air exasperated with the slow explanation.


    "We love you equally¡­" started Demos.


    "More like you were programmed to¡­" I commented feeling doubtful about this whole business. A heavy silence followed my comment. Demos glared at me and Grant suddenly found some stain on the window super interesting. Should I apologize? Did I hurt their feelings or something? When the silence became too pressing, I cleared my throat.


    "Well, since this is going to happen. Like I can''t send you back, right?" I laughed nervously. Grant didn''t move he kept facing away and I couldn''t see his expression.


    "When you did the voice control¡­ it meant you accepted us. You''ll have to reset us to factory setting if you want to send us away. That will wipe all our memories, the settings, your references, our experience with you¡­ like nothing ever happened," explained Demos in a bored voice. More silence followed. Well, that was unexpected. I never saw it from their point of view.


    "Mm, so can we like... make it work, then? I don''t want to be the bad guy, however, I''m a little lost here. You do understand that my whole life has just flipped over like¡­ I don''t know. This thing with two guys," I was literally speaking with my hands to get my thoughts across. "I''m not ready," I ended up whispering.


    "I¡­ we were made to love you. Nobody gave us a choice?" said Demos staring straight into my eyes. I felt a sting in my stomach like I got punched. Grant got off the bed rocking me in the process. I lost focus on Demos'' face and turned to him. He walked to the door, then paused with his back towards us.


    "My battery is at its limit, Demos will guard you tonight," with that he left without saying Goodnight. He quietly closed the door behind him. Did I say something wrong?


    "I don''t need a guard," I shook my head.


    "I was made to keep my house safe; protect my pack¡­ my partners. I''ll keep watch in the living room," he got to his feet marched to the door but stopped to look at me.


    "Goodnight from both of us," he exited without looking back. What''s with all the drama? Somehow, all of this felt forced, we were in this situation without our consent. The worse was they were programmed to love me. It''s so sick. I was wrong about all of this. I shouldn''t have placed that order.


    That night I tossed and turned without being able to fall asleep. At two am, I gave up and threw the sheets away. My stomach rumbled, I remember I didn''t have dinner. When I stepped into the living room it was dark with only the two flashing lights of the pods that cast a green light on some parts of the kitchen. Didn''t Demos say he would keep watch?


    "Lights," I said and overhead spotlights gradually lit up, bathing the room in a warm orange glow. Then the kitchen floor spots switched on. A dark silhouette lounging over one of the couches made me jump. My heart raced against my ribcage. Demos'' copper eyes shimmered in the gloom.


    "Damn it! What the hell are you doing in the dark?" I snapped at him. He replied with a slow smile.


    "Shouldn''t you be in bed?" he narrowed his eyes at me.


    "Your drama kept me for dinner. If you really want my well-being you should at least let me eat," I said as I walked to the kitchen. Retrieved my dinner from the fridge, then dumped the content on a plate that I stuffed in the oven. I leaned against the counter, crossing my arms over my chest while waiting for the food to heat. My eyes roamed to Grant''s pod.


    "Does he dream when he is in that?" I thought aloud.


    "We, unlike cyborgs are made to resemble humans. Sadly, we don''t dream, but we replay our memories," he paused and his face grew sad. "Yet we have no will of our own," he got to his feet. I shifted uncomfortably. Was he coming over here?


    "You¡­ mmh¡­ would like to have free will?" I tried to regain my calm but my racing heart betrayed me. He crossed the distance between us in three steps. I instinctively moved back.


    "Liliane, I wasn''t designed to answer this question¡­ it speaks loads, doesn''t it?" he was too close and the counter prevented all chance of escape. I lifted my face to him.


    "Here you can be anything you like. There''s nothing preventing you," the quiver in my voice betrayed my nervousness. His eyes dropped to my lips. His head tilted to the side. I sucked in a shaky breathe with my eyes wide.


    "I''m property. Merely an object you order around," his face was way too close to mine. He closed his eyes, long lashes brushing his cheeks. I had difficulty breathing. The oven beeped and he pulled away. I sighed in relief. Damn, that was... What was he saying already?


    We sat in silence as I ate whatever was on my plate. I had no memory what I bought earlier. All of it seemed so far away. I switched on the TV, the slim screen hanging on the wall flashed images I couldn''t follow. Not having my glasses didn''t help. I doubt I could, even if I wore them. I drunk a glass of water to wash the spicy aftertaste. I don''t remember when I drifted to sleep. Only that I had terrible dreams with darkness trying to drown me.

 Chapter 6 - Fridays Special

    The pillow on which my face rested was unusually solid. I groaned and rolled to my side. Hard cushion poked into my ribs, making it hard to breathe. I blinked a couple of times, but everything was blurry.


    "Good morning, Liliane," said a cheerful voice next to me. I sprung up and found myself on someone''s lap.


    "What¡­?" I pushed away and nearly fell to the floor.


    "Careful!" said Demos as he grabbed me by the waist. To make things worst Grant kept giggling.


    "Silly. Why are you so clumsy?" he pointed at me. I gasped at him as Demos helped me to my feet. I stepped as far as possible from Mr. big bad wolf and glared at the stupid elf.


    "I thought companions should respect their owners!" I snapped at him and his smile was gone in a second.


    "You''re going to be late for work," he added in a flat tone. My eyes widened and I check my bracelet for the time. It said 7:32 am.


    "Shit! Shit!" I rushed to my room. I''ll deal with them when I get back. When I got back from the bathroom, I came face to face with the pile of clothes on my bed. I completely forgot to put it away last night.


    "Damn it, I''ve to clean up when I get back," I pulled a red polka dress from the top of the pile, covered it with a yellow pullover too large for me along with a pair of red flats. I didn''t bother combing my hair.


    "Done!" I stared at my reflection in the mirror and groaned. Those were excessively flashy for me but I didn''t have time to change. The moment I stepped into the living room, both guys looked up at me. Demos was standing by the entrance, fully dressed in the new outfit we bought yesterday. Grant was in the kitchen still rocking his strip T-shirt and gray sweatpants. Had they already assigned roles?


    "I''ve got your lunch ready," he waved a plastic container as proof. I stopped in my tracks.


    "When¡­?" I started but got cut short with Demos impatient tapping. I raised an eyebrow at him.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" he narrowed his eyes at me.


    "Where do YOU think I''m going?" he answered my question with another. I sighed I was too late to deal with drama. I needed my caffeine.


    "Whatever," I said, letting it drop. Grant placed the container in a small canvas bag, which he handed to me. I eyed the bag with suspicion. Has he gone through my stuff?


    "Take it, I''ve used what I could salvage from your fridge. I really need to do some shopping. Can we talk about the utilities and your finance when you come back?" I pulled a long face but reluctantly took the bag.


    "Sure," he leaned and kissed my forehead. I gasped at him.


    "What did I tell you about keeping your hands¡­ and stuff to yourself?" Grant chuckled at my sudden outburst. His silver eyes glittered in delight.


    "Have a nice day, Liliane," I strode to the entrance where Demos held the door opened for me.


    "How are you going to get back?" I asked as we got into the corridor. A deserted corridor waited for us. I was lucky to live in such a nice building where everyone mostly kept to himself or herself. Less drama. Fewer headaches.


    "Jil made me a pass and I''ll walk back," my head snapped in his direction.


    "Walk back? Do you know how far it is?" he nodded in silence. "Damn it, you don''t have to accompany me," he pressed his lips together. He clearly wasn''t going to listen and the clock was ticking.


    "Ok, I''ll give you money for the ticket then, later on, I''ll apply for a long term subscription," I sighed then rushed to the elevator with him on tow. He reached the call button before I did. Damn, he''s fast. In the elevator, I tried to fix my hair without success. Jil greeted us in the hall with a smile. She upgraded his privilege to a resident pass that I needed to confirm so both of them can freely roam in the building. Demos waited patiently by the counter. They exchange flirty gaze causing me to roll my eyes. I exited without waiting for him when the registration was done. When I peeked over my shoulder, he grinned at me. A playful grin. Damn him.


    "The Transfer will arrive in two minutes," I informed him. He snatched my lunch bag from my hand.


    "First one there gets to ask the loser a favor!" he shouted at me before dashing around the corner. Curious onlookers hurrying to work turned to look at me.


    "Damn it!" I spat between clenched teeth, then ran as fast as I could behind me. When I reached the platform, my lungs were burning from the effort. My hair was even worse than it was before. I rested my hands on my knees to catch my breath.


    "You''re pretty out of shape," said a deep voice with a hint of mockery. I looked up at him leaning against a column on platform seven.


    "Out of shape my ass! You''re an artificial no human can compete with you," I retorted with the same mocking.


    "You''re right," he smiled full of pride. "I win!" he rejoiced, rubbing his hands together.


    "You cheated," I spat between breaths. A bell rang announcing the Transfer arrival. He pushed away from the column and I straightened up. Eager to get on board a crowd gathered around us. Demos pulled me by the waist closer to him.


    "Stay close," he said over the noise of the station.


    "You know, I take the Transfer every day for the last seven years. I don''t think anything major will happen just because you''re here," he tilted his head to the side; his lips met the top of my head. I tried to move away, but there wasn''t any room. He pulled harder, pressing me against his side.


    "Hey, what¡­." The rest was lost in the hissing sound the high-velocity vehicle made as it glided over the magnetic rails. It slowed to a halt in front of us before opening all its doors in sync.


    "The 7:40 pm W345 Transfer to Sector thirteen B, fourteen A, and seventeen C has arrived at Platform seven. Please allow the passengers to get off in an orderly manner before getting on board. We thank you for your cooperation," said a female voice over the speaker.


    The crowd moved aside to make space for the people getting off, then formed a line to get in. I slid my bracelet twice to pay for our tickets by the door. When we got in the space was already half-filled. Demos guided me to the side next to an exit door. I pressed my back to the window with him facing me. As the Transfer took in more passengers, the space between us decreased. An alert rang, signaling the departure of the vehicle by then he was inches away from me. He had one of his arms held up, preventing the man from standing right next to me to touch me. I swallowed the lump in my throat; my heart was racing and my palm sweaty. He looked down at me.


    "It''s ok, it won''t be long," the guy next to us gave up a quick peek. It made me worst. I turned my face away from Demos. The engines emitted a high hiss and the wagon rocked I clung to the front of his T-shirt for support. The Transfer slowly moved forward, then it gradually picked up speed. When it reached top speed, the rocking stopped. As my heart slowed to its normal rate, I realized I was holding on to him. I instinctively looked up at his face. His handsome features seemed so peacefully, his eyes fixed on the speeding scenery.


    "It''s my first time in this type of transportation," he murmured, then tilted his head to face me. I couldn''t help smiling at him. It was mesmerizing to look into his eyes.


    "It''s my first time experiencing all this. It''s a little scary though," a timid smile played on his lips. My cheeks became hot and I have to look away. We stayed in the same position until we reach our stop at SolTech. I caught a glimpse of a few of my colleagues, which I really wanted to avoid. The factory had a corridor that directly linked it to the platform where we were standing. Huge containers were loading and unloading from SolTech huge storage doors off the tracks all day long. It saved them the trouble of transporting their precious goods.


    "You want me to accompany you to your work?" said Demos, his eyebrow furrowed as he looked down at me. He clearly didn''t want to. Which was a little odd? I took my lunch bag.


    "It''s ok. Also, I don''t know how to explain things if someone asks questions," he gave me a tight smile. I went to one of the automatic ticketing machines slid my bracelet on to purchase a ticket to Level twenty-two.


    "Here," I handed him the ticket. Instead of taking it, he took my hand in his.


    "Have a nice day, If you want me to pick you up just let Jil know," he bore his eyes into mine. I wanted to protest, I wanted to brush his request with sarcasm. I just couldn''t. I slowly nodded and he let go of me as he retrieved the ticket.


    "Bye, Liliane," he waved as I made my way to the corridor. When the wall curved, I gazed over my shoulder certain he would be gone. Yet, here he stood with his hands in his pocket still looking at me. I hurried away to hide my red face. What was happening to me?


    My morning went by smoothly. I had to scold myself for time to time as my mind drift back to them. I wondered what they were doing, I kept thinking. If Demos got home safely. At ten after the coffee break, the curiosity was killing me. I had to know. I went back to my workstation and sunk into my seat.


    "Utilities. Access security camera feeds," I said to my bracelet. Various tiny screens appeared before me. I recognized my entrance and the kitchen. Demos was sitting in the living room, staring off in the distance.


    "What was he doing?" I murmured. "Zoom camera 4 to the couch," the image enlarged on the handsome guy sitting. He blinked and faced the camera. I jumped back in my seat. My heart skipped a beat. Did he notice me? I searched the other screen for Grant and found him in my room. I frowned at the image. He was sitting on my bed folding the pile of clothes I left yesterday. He was grinning, then his head moved up one corner of the room.


    "What are you looking at?" I leaned closer to see. The door opened, Demos came in. He instantly looked up at the camera.


    "Shit! How does he know I''m spying on them?" I gasped at the image in surprise. Grant got to his feet and turned to the camera too. I slid my hand over the screen cutting the feed. I slashed my palms over my cheeks.


    "Get back to work, Liliane," I scolded myself.


    The next hour was terrible; I had to pull all kinds of tricks to stay focus. By lunch, I was exhausted. Grant little lunchbox brighten my day. It''s been a while since I''ve set foot in the cafeteria. I usually buy something from the vending machines in the corridor, and then eat it at my workstation. My knees trembled as I made my way there. The shiny double door creaked opened and everything eyes in the room turned to rest on me. My red polka dress and yellow pullover made me stand out even more. The room was too quiet. I hurried to the row of mini ovens. Pulled the door open and stuff the container in. I kept my eyes on the floor scared to attract unnecessary attention.


    "Liliane Kerry, right? From the quality control," said a male voice to my right. I looked up with wide eyes at the speaker. He was in his mid-thirties, black hair that curled over his ears. His piercing blue eyes stared right into mine. "I''m Jay Dawson, I''m a bit of a celebrity around here," he said with a broad smile. His eyes flickered for a second on the table behind him. There were a dozen guys staring at us with interest. He held out a hand for me to shake. I just stared at it. As the silence between us stretched, he shifted on his feet and took his hand away placing it in his pocket.


    "I haven''t seen you much around here, have I?" he kept his corporate smile on. The oven beeped saving me from having to answer. I squeezed my way out of the conversation and retrieved my food not caring about the heat.


    "We should hang out sometime," he said behind me. I ignored him rushing out of the cafeteria of doom to the exit on the left of the building. I knew there was a patch of green with some trees by that exit. Settling on a bench, I took out a plastic fork and dived in the container. I was presently surprised. The food was edible¡­ more than edible it was delicious. He made stir fried rice with vegetable. I grinned as I dig in. I should get them something I thought. Somehow, It''s nice to have them around. Did that mean I was ok letting them stay? What if they wanted more?

 Chapter 7 - A little Incident

    The bell rang announcing the end of my shift. I stretched in my seat, groaned as the bones of my back cracked and my neck ached. The little sleep I had yesterday taken its toll on me. I could barely stay awake through the repetitive samples. All I wanted was a hot shower and to crawl to bed.


    "Hey, Liliane!" called a voice over the murmur in the corridor on the way out. I sprung around expecting one of my mates. I couldn''t help but smile. A hand waved at me catching my attention. A brown-haired head squeezed between busy employees eager to get home. As he came closer, my smile faded.


    "Wait for me," that was neither of them. It was that Jay guy¡­ whatever his name, from earlier in the cafeteria. He rushed to meet me. I quickly turned to continue on my way out.


    "You don''t have to make that face," he teased with an arrogant smirk. I pulled my lunch bag closer to my chest in a defensive gesture.


    "I''m in a hurry," I tossed over my shoulder, but he kept following me.


    "We should hang out," he took rapid steps to keep up with me to my disappointment. "I''ve never noticed you before, but I like your new style," his eyes roamed from my face to my body making me shiver with disgust. "You''re so cute in that dress," by then I was literally running to the station while holding my bag firm in my arms.


    "I''m not interested!" I snapped. It didn''t stop his persistent attempts.


    "You sure?" Are you dating someone?" he frowned. He ran after me and that scared the shit out of me. The worst was the blunt attitude of the other employees. They didn''t even bother to look at us. My eyes darted from one tired face to other dead-fish eyes, in search of help. But clearly, there were none.


    "If you''re not answering it can only mean you''re single," he laughed. The exit to the station appeared like salvation at the end of the tunnel. I quickly climbed the stairs two by two leading to the platform. I scanned a dozen passengers waiting and didn''t recognize any of them. Could I just walk to someone to pretend I knew him or her so I can get rid of this annoying guy? My heart hammered inside my chest as I dug my nails in my sweaty palms. I cursed myself for not taking Demos'' offer. I should have called him so he would pick me up. I marched to the front where most of the people were standing next to the yellow safety lines. At least he wouldn''t dare do anything inappropriate in public. I gave a quick look at my bracelet. There was listed the schedule of the next Transfer to Level twenty-two. Three minutes of pure agony to go.


    "Are you running away from me?" chuckled that obstinate nuisance of a man standing right behind me. Why wouldn''t he just leave me alone? Why did I have to wear that stupid dress? I turned away from him pretending not to hear.


    "You know, I like my women with attitude," he leaned closer. Shit! He just wouldn''t let go. If I answer, it will only encourage him. I won''t give that pest what he wants¡­ attention! I pressed my lips together and stared straight ahead.


    "Oh! Come on, I know you''re interested. Look at me, I''m good looking and good in bed," I gasped with rage making he chuckled. He was actually enjoying teasing me to get me to react. I closed my mouth and took a step closer to the yellow lines. My bracelet vibrated warming me of the proximity.


    "It will be fun. Come on¡­ what about coffee?" I wanted to punch that arrogant jerk, but I badly need my job. I didn''t want to cause a scene and get fired over someone like that. The bell rang engulfing all the noise around me. The Transfer was here. I sighed with relief. I stood on my tiptoes to see the vehicle. A shiver ran up my back when a cold hand came in contact with the light fabric of my dress. It pulled me by the waist. I looked up in shock to find that bastard grinning at me like it was nothing.


    "It can really be fun," he whispered, I instinctively pushed him with all my strength. He lost his balance bumped in a gray-haired man with a briefcase but regained his footing. The old man glared at us and moved away, ignoring my situation.


    "What is wrong with you?" I shouted out of breath. His smirk twisted in surprise then to anger. The Transfer stopped with a loud hiss, it''s door flung open. Passengers for the next shift spilled on the platform around us. I turned to get closer to the door when I felt his icy fingers close around my wrist.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" said the jerk. I tried to shake him off, however, he hung on like a leech. He glared at me, opened his mouth to say something, then his focus shifted to something behind me.


    "Take your hand off her!" said a deep voice towering over me casting a solid shadow on my left shoulder. "Or I''ll make you," said the shadow with deadly intent making the Jay leech shifted uncomfortably. My head sprung up to meet angry copper eyes glaring at where our hands met. The Jay bastard smiled rose his hands in surrender in the process letting go of me. I quickly rubbed that disgusting feeling away with trembling hands.


    "She''s just joking around. She actually enjoys when I''m forceful," replied the leech with a grin. I took a step back in disgust, my back pressing into Demos'' warmth. His solid chest made me safe.


    "Really?" he asked in a calm voice. I looked up at him in shock. He crooked an eyebrow at me with a faint smile on. "I didn''t know you were into SM?" his face relaxed as he gazed at me. What was he doing? Why isn''t he punching that jerk? He almost assaulted me. I glared at him.


    "Of course, I don''t," I shouted with teary eyes. I felt strong arms wrapped around me and his chin rested on my head. I flinched from the sudden touch. Jay guy flinched too and stepped back.


    "You f.u.c.k.i.n.g stay away from my woman," growled Demos. I could feel the sound vibrating from his body and into my back.


    "You freaks!" muttered Jay ''whatever-his-name'' as he made his way into the flow of passengers. I started trembling and sniffed to keep the tears in. Demos turned me around took my face in his hand.


    "Hey, I''m sorry¡­ I should have gotten here earlier. I''m sorry I can''t punch that meat bag either I still have to obey to the three laws*," he hugged me and I buried my face in his chest my hands grabbing at his large back. I''ve never been so scared. The voice over the speaker announced the Transfer imminent departure. He pulled me through the door just as they were closing. He held me close to his chest all the way to Level twenty-two. We both stayed silent. I listened to my own heartbeat as I leaned into his warmth. I placed my hand on the spot where his heart should be¡­ there was nothing there¡­ no sound, no breath. My chin quivered. I could feel tears welling up. The Transfer slowed to a halt and the doors opened at our stop. I pushed away from him and wiped my cheeks while looking away. He gave me a worried look but didn''t dare to ask what was wrong. We got out, submerged by the flow of passengers. Demos slipped his fingers into mine and I let him guide me to the exit. We soon turned to our familiar neighborhood in the shadow of my eighty-eight-floor building.


    "Do you want me to carry that?" he tipped his chin to my lunch bag I was holding on like dear life. I looked up at him a little confused. I shook my head, I was too drained too even speak. We entered our building, Jil was at the front desk with a worried look.


    "So how did it go?" she leaned closer with both hands clapped together. Demos nodded at her with a sad smile.


    "Thanks again, Jil, for the ticket," Demos didn''t let go of my hand as he stopped to talk to her. I raised my eyebrows at their casual conversation they seemed like old friends.


    "Oh, that was nothing," she giggled. "If I can do something for you again¡­ just ask, ok," she waved us goodbye and we went to the elevator. When the door closed on us, I turned to him but he ignore me on purpose.


    "What¡­" I started.


    "Jil paid for my ticket to come to meet you," he answered right away. I gasped at him.


    "What? Why!" I pulled on the hand he was holding to access my bracelet. "I''ll repay her immediately," he didn''t get go of me. "But Demos! You can''t just ask people for money!" I blinked at him, but he kept looking straight ahead. His jaw tensed, yet he kept silent. The door opened on our floor and he pulled on my hand, forcing me to follow him to the apartment. When I got in the safe space of my kingdom, Grant greeted me with a worried smile.


    "Welcome back, Liliane," he assessed my red-rimmed eyes behind my glasses then Demos'' blank face. Demos let go of my hand the warmth instantly faded away. Grant came closer; with a finger, he lifted my chin.


    "Are you ok?" I gazed in his stormy eyes and slowly nodded. He let go of my chin.


    "Lunch was delicious," I gave him a weak smile. He chuckled and took me in his arms. I patted him on the back.


    "I''m sorry. Demos told me what happened. Do you want a warm bath? What about a good massage and soup¡­ or maybe the other way around," I let go of him. He pushed a lock of hair away from my face.


    "It''s ok; I''ll take a shower and get to bed. I''m really tired," I let the lunch bag sink by the door and walked to my room.


    "She needs to eat," said Demos behind my back. Grant replied something I couldn''t grasp. I was too tired to care. As soon I got to my bathroom, I kicked the dress away. I''ll have to burn that damn thing. I glared at it rolled in a pile on the floor. The hot water did help the sore muscles in my back. However, heavy sobs bubbled up my throat. I sunk to my feet and held my feet close to my chest. The darkness that had been lurking in the back of my mind pressed me down in a tiny corner where I could barely breathe.


    "Liliane?" called the pained voices of my mates over the water gushing down. They were at the bathroom door. Haven''t I told them not to barge into my room?


    "I need to be alone!" I called with a cracked voice. I rocked back and forward, holding my head, trying to hold my broken pieces together.


    *Three laws: refers to Asimov three laws of robotics.

 Chapter 8 - Dont leave me alone

    The other side of the door has quiet down when I stepped out of the shower. I don''t remember how much time went by only that my fingertips started to wrinkle. I wrapped a towel around me and stopped before a fog-covered mirror above the sink. A distorted reflection of my face stared back at me. A vague human shape. My legs trembled as I got near the door. I reached for the knob, but bite my lips at the thought of facing Demos and Grant. How will they react? I literally told them to leave me alone.


    The door creaked open on my dimly lit room. The red neon lights from the building next door filtered through my curtain. It casts a glowing square on half of the bed and let everything else in the shadows. Silence reigned in the room. They were gone. I sighed and pulled the door wider. It left a sick feeling down my stomach. Something closer to guilt, but not quite. The door leading to the living room was also closed. I got my glasses laying on the bed cover and slipped them on. The whole apartment was eerily silenced it was almost scary.


    "Lights," I said in a broken voice. For a second I didn''t recognize my own voice. The overhead light gradually brightened the room; I pulled the door of my closet when I noticed a mug on my nightstand. Pulling my pajamas for the night I quickly got dressed. When I was done, I walked to the mug. I wasn''t here when I came in. Did they leave it here for me? I leaned closer to peek at the content. There was a rich orange soup with a nice aroma rising from the mug. I was still warm to the touch. I narrowed my eyes at it. I don''t recall having soup in my kitchen or had the ingredients to make one. All my fridge had, were leftovers from my favorite Chinese restaurant, juice that I wasn''t sure was safe for consumption, frozen vegetable bags from the times I tried to eat healthier foods, and pizzas. With Grant''s stir-fried rice, the veggies was gone already. Where did that come? Don''t tell me they borrowed money again? I crossed the room and pulled the door open determined to give them a piece of my mind, however, I met more silence in the living room.


    "Where did they go?" I murmured as my heartbeat increased. "Lights," I said in a slightly shaky voice. The warm light flooded over empty couches. The one I found Demos sitting on the previous night was empty too. My guts twisted with worry. The kitchen was sparkling clean. My eyes roamed on the sparkling knives that hang above the sink. Has Grant cleaned the house while I was at work? I noticed that he also put my closet back in order. I squeezed my eyes shut to keep that nagging voice away. The tiny little voice that kept saying I a terrible person. I''m ungrateful.


    "Shut up!" I whispered, but it was so loud in this empty room. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in front of the pods next to the fridge. There they were, I felt relief washed over me in waves. I chuckled at my near panic attack. They said they had nowhere else to go and that I was their everything. Somehow, it crushed me with responsibility.


    "I''m sorry," I choked. Demos wore only his bottom stripe pajama pants while Grant had the same thing he had on this morning. I stung that I couldn''t afford decent clothes for them. I gazed at their peaceful faces, I felt terrible. Leaning forward I rested my forehead on Demos'' glass cover and sigh.


    "Are you feeling better, Liliane?" his deep voice snapped me from my darkness. I slowly looked up at him. He gave me a weak smile.


    "Thanks for the soup," my head was blank, I couldn''t come up with anything else. He nodded without taking his copper eyes off me.


    "Please eat," he added, then he closed his eyes and slipped back to sleep. I waited in front of his pod for him to speak but he didn''t. He didn''t breath, he didn''t move he just lay there ignoring me. I frowned at my own reflection onto the glass.


    Weren''t you the one who told them to leave you alone? I pushed that terrible thought away. My eyes roamed to Grants'' expressionless face. I wonder what memory, he was replaying. I remained in front of their pods for a moment, then moved back to my room. By that time, the soup was cold, but it still tasted good. When sleep came, I was too tired for nightmares. I slept like a rock until morning.


    A thin beam of light filtered in one of the corners of my curtains onto my face. It''s been cloudy all week long with a thick blanket of dirty clouds. I pushed the sheets away as I placed my feet on the cold floor I was fully awake. Everything was quiet. My nightstand said 6:55 am. It was surprising that I got up early. I took a deep breath resolved to make the best out of the day.


    I hopped into the bathroom to freshen up and got ready with my usual style. Blue beat-up jeans and an extra-large black sweater with the word DOWN printed in white on the front. With my outfit, I chose a black pair of sneakers. Finally, I ran a brush in my tangled hair; it''s been days since I''ve combed them. My bleached hair really needed treatment, but I couldn''t afford a hairdresser right now. I styled it in a loose bun. I gave a last look in the mirror and exhaled. I looked dull and somewhat pale, the perfect style I was going for. I didn''t need to attract unnecessary attention not after what happened yesterday.


    "Shit!" I sighed and all the events from yesterday replayed in fast-forward before my eyes. "Shut up! Stupid brain, I really don''t need that kind of flashback right now," I murmured. I squeezed my eyes shut, took a deep breath, then opened the door to access the living room.


    Demos and Grant were sitting in the living room. Both of them had their eyes closed almost as if taking a nap. I felt terribly nervous as I got near. Grant''s eyes popped open and he got up in a fluid motion to face me.


    "Morning Liliane," he greeted me with a grin. Demos slowly opened his eyes, but didn''t get up. He nodded at me with a ghost of a smile. I was a little surprised by Grants'' cheerfulness.


    "Mmh¡­ hi," I quickly lowered my eyes to the floor. "Ab-about¡­ yesterday¡­" my voice trailed off.


    "It''s ok," said Demos getting off the couch. "You don''t have to explain," he added in a calm tone. I looked up at both of them. Grant kept his smile and Demos his usual stern expression. I nodded at both of them.


    "Mm¡­ I was thinking that we don''t have a way to communicate and that I also need to send you money for various small purchases. What about we create an EWink* account," Grant turned to Demos, they appeared to converse without words then he focused back on me.


    "Liliane we do have a way to communicate, through the mate''s program. Whenever you''re not safe, we''ll know. We''ll always be together," he said with a frown. I took a step back, he was about to add more, but Demos nodded one and he closed his mouth.


    "We''ll not pressure you. Ewink is ok with me," said Demos crossing his arms over his chest. "Also, I''ll accompany you to the gates of your work and will wait at the station," I opened my mouth to protest, then the memory of what happened yesterday came back making me sigh with resignation.


    "Ok," I added and he nodded at my response. We quickly created the accounts with a private group for us three to chat whenever something came up. Grant picked a sun as his avatar, Demos a crescent moon no surprise there, and me, a white flower. I transferred three units to both of them for groceries and ticket fare.


    "A lily for Liliane how cute," commented Grant. My cheeks burned from embarrassment. "Sorry, I couldn''t prepare anything for your lunch. I''ll redeem myself for dinner. Send me a text of what you want to eat, ok!" he leaned and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. My face turned bright red.


    "Can we go now? I don''t want to be late," I cleared my throat and made my way to the door. Demos followed me to the corridor.


    "What were you doing when I first entered the living room?" I asked as we stepped in the elevator. He gave me a quick peek then stared straight ahead.


    "I was reading Grant a story," he mumbled. I raised my eyebrows at him. He shifted on his feet showing his discomfort. "I like reading," he added reluctantly. I smiled at my reflection in the door.


    "Me too," he gave me a quick glance.


    "I know," the door beeped opened before I could answer. He got off before I could and walked straight to Jil. The AI''s projection materialized on the glass panel by the front desk. She wore the same corporate blue dress as before.


    "Morning Dee. How are you doing?" she winked at him and he nodded. They''ve now reached the cute-name level. Their friendship was progressing much more rapidly than ours was. My mates and I have barely found our footing. I keep f.u.c.k.i.n.g things up with all their efforts going to waste.


    "I want to give you back the money," said Demos as the blond projection. Her smile dropped instantly.


    "I don''t want it," she gave me a side-glance and shook her head. "I like you, you''re a unique model. I just want to help. Next time if anything happens, come find me," she winked and one side of Demos lips curled up. Ah! Here they go flirting in front of me. It made my blood boil.


    "I''ll wait for you outside," I said as I rolled my eyes. Damn what was up with those two? Didn''t Demos say he was into me? I slammed the door behind me. A couple of seconds later, Demos stood behind me.


    "No need to take out your jealousy on that poor door," he chuckled. I sprung around with my hands into fists.


    "I''m not jealous!" I snapped. "And what is that between you two?" I simulated indifference.


    "Liliane," he sighed. "Jil runs the building. She''s not a person. She can''t have that type of relationship with another artificial and I can''t cheat," he tilted his head to the side with a smile. I frowned at his answer. We started down the road towards the station.


    "What do you mean ''you can''t cheat''?" I asked, making air quotes with my fingers. He slipped his hands in his pockets and lowered his eyes.


    "As I told you before, we were made for you. Why would we want someone else?" I took a couple of minutes to let it sink it. Actually, it took me the whole trip to my work to fully digest that information. He waved me goodbye at the bottom of the stairs leading to the main building. Employees gave us questioning looks as they entered the facility. I quickly got in and slipped my bracelet on the panel by the door.


    The rest of the day went by as usual. I was happy I didn''t have to set foot in the cafeteria for lunch. Walking down the corridor, I went to a sandwich vending machine. Two middle-aged women were leaning by the coffee machine, sipping from their carton cups. I slid my bracelet to get a tall latte with cream. As I waited for the cup to fill up, I couldn''t help overhearing their conversation.


    "¡­Some bitch from quality control did a scene at the station yesterday," said the chubby one wrapped in a purple dress. Her lab coat made her look wider. Next to her in a similar lab coat stood a slim woman with a crooked nose.


    "Yeah, it was that Jay Dawson guy. I''ve heard him talk about it this morning. What a nasty woman¡­ and she was with some artificial, right?" commented her friend.


    "Gross!" the chubby woman''s lips twisted with disgust. "I don''t know what''s wrong with those disgusting s.l.u.ts sleeping with fakes when you can get a real meat man," their laughter echoed in the small space. My hand shook when I grabbed my cup. I quickly went back to my workstation and slammed the door behind me.


    Ewink* a safe and private way to communicate and send small amounts of virtual money.

 Chapter 9 - Unforeseen outcome

    The latte cup rolled and joined the crushed sandwich wrap in the organic bin. My lunch disappeared down my throat it tasted like nothing. I couldn''t stop thinking about that conversation. I frowned at my keyboard. I was fortunate, those persons didn''t recognize me. It made me angry that the disgusting leech of a guy was spreading rumors about me. I should have stepped in and punched him in his freaking face. My bracelet chimed catching my attention. I slipped my finger over the smooth surface. A text appeared in front of me.


    ~EWink- interface~


    Grant: Bonne appetite


    A smile crept back on my lips. Just reading those two words brighten my mood. I can''t believe I have someone who was there for me. He will wait for me and want to be with me. I quickly typed a reply.


    Liliane: Thanks


    Grant: What are you eating?


    Liliane: Cheese sandwich and a tall latte


    Grant: Sounds great. What about dessert?


    I took a second, then scratched my head. Lately, I haven''t had any sweet in my diet. I used to like cheesecake or ice cream. Then my life went into a dull routine. Lyla''s departure contributed greatly in it.


    Liliane: No dessert.


    Grant: :(


    I giggled at the sad emoji. He actually made me forget about the earlier event. His cheerful mood really did cure my darkness.


    Liliane: Why so sad?


    Grant: Desserts look yummy. I wish I could eat. I would bake loads of them.


    I laughed out. That was cute. Those two really were two opposites.


    Liliane: It''s been a while since I ate sweet stuff


    Grant: Is that a request? What do you want for dinner?


    Liliane: I don''t want to be a bother


    Grant: No, no bother at all. I''ll do anything to make you happy.


    I smiled at the last message. Grant seemed incredibly sweet. I just hoped the kilos won''t pile up on my h.i.p.s. Else it will be a bother.


    Liliane: surprise me. Seems like you both already know my preferences


    Demos: We do


    I gasped at the text. Was Demos reading all our conversation? I shifted in my seat my heart racing in my chest. They did say they were one or something. I didn''t fully understand it or just tried to ignore the whole business. Shaking my head, I went back to the conversation.


    Liliane: what are you guys doing?


    Grant: watching a movie.


    Liliane: you guys, have it easy. I''m so jealous


    Grant: Hey, we could all watch a movie together when you come back.


    Demos: no romantic comedy


    I chuckled. I could actually picture him, frowning. That''s crazy. In so little time I got used to this threesome thing. I cringed at the thought. No, definitely not getting used to it.


    Liliane: you pick a movie then


    Grant: Hey! It was my idea. I should be the one to pick up the movie. :(


    I chuckled again. I can''t wait to get home. My eyes roamed back to the batch of samples on my table by the microscope. I pulled my drawer and got a fresh pair of glove.


    Liliane: Have to get back to work. I''ll see you later.


    Grant: ;)


    Demos: Bye


    ~EWink-interface/close~


    I put the gloves on and turned to my samples with a sigh when a light knock on the door interrupted me. My head tilted up, Mr. Ramdin, my supervisor was standing there. He looked clean and healthy for someone in his late forties. He rocked the silver hair and bread like a pro. He crossed his arms over his broad chest. Bulging muscular forearms peeked under rolled up sleeves.


    "Liliane Kerry, can I have a word with you?" he asked in a terrifyingly calm voice. A shiver ran down my spine. I awkwardly pulled the gloves off and got to my feet. My heart ran so fast I thought it would leap out. What was going on? He left the door ajar and walked out expecting me to follow him. I stood there paralyzed.


    "In my office, now!" he tossed over his shoulder. I''ve never been to his office in the seven years I work for SolTech. Was it about my work? The rumors? I forced myself to walk. We made our way to a long white corridor on the second floor. I''ve never been to that section. He stopped in front of a door with a tiny silver sign marked 213. He opened the door for me.


    "Get in," he tipped his chin at the entrance. My legs shook as I crossed the threshold. It was a white office with a white desk in the middle, one red and one white chair facing each other. Mr. Ramdin circled the desk and sat on the white seat. I stood on the other side of the desk next to the red chair. He looked up at me then crossed his legs.


    "Sit," he pointed to it. I did my utmost not to faint as I sunk into the designer chair. He linked his fingers together, forming a triangle in front of his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat. He took his time to study me. I stared at my fidgeting hands on my lap.


    "So? What is going on?" his question caught me by surprise. I looked up and frowned.


    "I-I don''t understand," I murmured. He tilted his head to the side.


    "I just received a complaint about you, Miss Kerry," I stared at him in confusion. I let go of my fingers and straightened up.


    "I¡­ I¡­" I couldn''t find the word to express my utter shock. He sighed and uncrossed his legs. He leaned closer to the desk between us.


    "See Miss Kerry, I''ve never had any issue with your work. You''re always on time. You''ve never taken a sick leave. You''re good at your job. That complain really puzzled me. Normally, I would just file it and sanctions will be issued," I looked up at him with teary eyes. I desperately need my job. Especially with my new mates. How would I pay their bills if I get fired? He signed again and cross his legs the other way.


    "I''m going to ask the question once more. What IS going on?" I gasped for air. This must be a terrible dream. I blinked to keep the tears at bay.


    "I''m the victim here¡­" I glared at him. "Some guy I didn''t know approached me at lunch yesterday and kept bothering me. I don''t know why he is doing this. Did he complain about my work?" I dug my nails into the soft cushion on both sides of the chair trying to prevent me from falling to pieces. Mr. Ramdin crossed his arms over his chest and his eyes roamed over his bare desk.


    "No, his complaint is about your bad behavior. It stated that you insulted him out of the blue when he greeted you and you called your artificial who made death threats," he looked up at me. I just stared with my mouth open. "Miss Kerry this is a very serious accusation. If he wants, he can refer the case to the police. Do you know in what position it puts me?" my eyes rested on my trembling hands.


    "Yes," I said, my voice barely audible. This couldn''t be happening. It can only be a bad dream¡­ I''ll surely wake up soon. Then I''ll laugh at how ridiculous it was.


    "You can take your day off and tomorrow also," my head sprung up. He held my gaze. His brown eyes had no warmth in them.


    "Right now¡­?" I begin, but my voice broke. He nodded at me.


    "Until further investigations, you are on paid leave," he added. I exhaled as if I got slapped across the face. He joined his finger again. Silence settled between us, I didn''t know if I should get up or wait.


    "You can go now," he finally released me from my misery. I got to my feet on shaky legs and mechanically marched to the door when I reached for the knob I heard his chair creaked.


    "Expect an evaluator," I didn''t turn I just nodded then went out. I used the walls in the corridor for support, my vision was blurry, and I had to stop by the toilet. I couldn''t hold my tears any longer.


    "Shit!" I slammed my fist on the white tile table facing the mirror. I pulled my glasses and placed it next to the sink. When I looked up, my pitiful face stared back at me. This couldn''t be real! The door creaked open and three chatty women came in. I quickly squeezed the tap open and splashed my face with water. They gave me a curious look then went on with their conversation. One of then entered the stall, the other two leaned by the blow drying machine. I pulled a napkin and wiped my face, retrieved my glasses and ran to the door. In minutes, I was out of the building and marching to the station. My bracelet said 1:34 pm.


    My mind was numb on my way back to Level twenty-two. I mechanically walked back to my building. As I stepped into the hall, Jil appeared at the front desk.


    "Welcome back," she greeted me. I looked up at her pretty face. I didn''t have the heart to smile. "You''re awfully early. Rough day?" she commented. I just nodded at her. "Be sure to have lots of rest," she threw at me as I got on the elevator. I pushed all thoughts to the back of my mind. I just focused on placing one foot in front of the other.


    When I opened the door to the apartment, Grant jumped to his feet, Demos who was sitting next to his looked up in alert.


    "Liliane! What happened?" they both said in unison. I shrugged my shoulder at them.


    "I couldn''t wait to watch that movie," I said with a weak smile.

 Chapter 10 - A loud silence

    After the initial surprise, Demos got to his feet and crossed the distance separating us. I flinched when he reached out and took me in his arms. I didn''t resist his embrace and buried my face in his chest almost breaking my glasses in the process. Grant hesitated as he approached us. He leaned closer and I turned to him with teary eyes. He reached and took my glasses off.


    "Hey," he said while stroking my cheek. "It''s ok, we''re here for you," I frowned at him. It was not ok. Everything will go south from this point on. What about the bills I have to pay? I''ll surely be fired, and the worst I won''t be able to keep them. I turned my face away from him as tears rolled down my cheek. Demos'' arms tighten around me. My shoulder rock with heavy sobs. I sniffed in his chest getting his blue T-shirt soaked. I''ve realized with horror they were the only thing keeping me afloat lately. That shoulder I could cry on. The hand that reached out to pull me from my darkness. The smile that brightened up my day. I shook my head in denial and pushed Demos gently away to catch my breath. I wiped my wet eyes with the back of my hand. Both of them peeked at me with concern yet they didn''t ask for the reason behind my tears.


    "I kinda had a rough day," I sniffed and gave them a smile that quickly faded. Demos nodded, his frown didn''t disappear. Grant lowered his gaze; he stood farther from us still holding on my glasses. I was doing a damn good job at ruining their moods. Here I was messing up again with my drama. What about movie-night? It sounded fun. I exhaled walked to Grant to retrieve my glasses. He instantly looked up.


    "Can we watch that movie? I sure need some distraction," his eyes lit up, followed by a smile stretched across his face. There it was my sunshine was back.


    "Sure, Liliane," he nodded eagerly. "I know it''s a little early, but I can start dinner and I''ll bake you a cake to cheer you up," I chuckled at his elaborated plan to salvage movie night. The dark clouds that weighed me down were gently dispersing.


    "I''ll buy the ingredients," added Demos a little too quickly. We swirled around with arched eyebrows. He has been so quiet I almost forget him. "What!" he glared at us. I shrugged my shoulder my smile gradually coming back.


    "Do you even know where to go?" he nodded while staring at me. "What about money?" He shook his head once. His eyes were intense I had to look away.


    "Be safe," I murmured as he reached for the knob. He paused.


    "I will," he answered, then he was gone. I let out a sigh. Every conversation with him drained all my energy from me. I sunk into the blue couch; Grant followed me to the living room he sat beside me. I leaned back and closed my eyes.


    "Do you want me to take off your shoes?" I laughed at his ridiculous proposal. That sounded like a foot-fetish thing. I threw my hand over my closed eyes.


    "What are you talking about? You don''t have to do that¡­ you''re not some sort of servant or slave," my head was throbbing, every muscle from my back ached. The long hours perched on a chair at work took its toll.


    "I only wanted to be helpful," he added with a hint of disappointment. I turned my head in his direction and opened my heavy lids.


    "Just your presence is enough, so don''t try so much," I muttered. His face lit up.


    "Really?" he straightened up.


    "Yeah," I closed my eyes again. "Come here, I''ll pet your fluffy hair," the cushion creaked beside me. I felt a solid shadow cast over my face. My eyes flipped open and found Grant hunched over me. His arms on both sides blocking any escape and one of his knees between my thighs. He looked down at me with his silver eyes gleaming.


    "I want more than you petting my head," he said with one corner of his lips curled up. I blinked at him. Was he joking? I planned to brush him off. It must be one of those artificial jokes humans don''t get. I raised one hand to push him away.


    "I''m not in the mood¡­ for jokes," I sighed; he grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. I stared at him with wide eyes. What was happening? His eyes met mine. They looked like liquid metal on a stormy night. My heart raced at our proximity.


    "Learn to trust me¡­ trust us with your pain. Share your worries," he let go of my hand and sat on the floor between my legs in a fluid motion. I blinked, my brain unable to keep up with what was happening. He reached for my hand and placed it on his soft curls.


    "I don''t mind being a pet today," he said with glee.


    "Wh-what was that?" I laughed nervously. He looked straight ahead with his shoulders pressed against my knees.


    "I just had to remind you that I am also your mate. Cause lately you''ve been intimate with Demos and sort of forgot about me," I opened my mouth to protest but immediately closed it. I gazed at my immobile hand on his head.


    "I''ve never been in this kind of relationship. I can''t develop feelings for someone over time. It''s still too weird for me¡­ I don''t think I''ll ever get used to it," I muttered to myself. I stroked his hair unconsciously as I spoke. He nodded.


    "I''ve never been in any kind of relationship before," he laughed and I joined him. "Yeah, imagine that! I was born like... four months ago. All I know were the technicians in quality control and the evaluator," he kept laughing but sadness-seeped in. "I knew you before I actually saw you. I''ve watched your interview feed you''ve sent Sognare in loops. My AI was later transferred to my body but I wanted to meet you so damn much," he paused and tilted his head towards me. "I was ecstatic, the day you switched me on. I really wanted to sync with you¡­ but Demos kept telling me not to pest you with that. Demos he is the patient one¡­ I''m just," he looked away and pulled my hand back on his head to urge me to keep on. I was speechless. My hand automatically caressed his hair. He sighed and leaned into me.


    "Liliane?"


    "Mmh?" I said as I stared into the distance. I''ve never imagined this situation from their point of view. I assumed they were programmed to feel the way they do.


    "Will you one day accept us?" my hand stopped in its motion. He groaned and placed his hand over mine asking for more. I chuckled at him. Cute.


    "Please, don''t ask¡­ I can''t give an answer right now," I frowned at him. He let out a sigh.


    "I want to kiss you¡­" my hand froze I didn''t have the time to let the words sink in when the door in the entrance opened. Demos stood there studying us. Grants sitting between my lap and me stroking his hair.


    "What is going on?" he groaned, his eyes flashing blue. Grant tipped his chin at him in defiance.


    "How does it look like to you?" my eyes darted from angry Demos to arrogant Grant. He crossed the room in a couple of steps letting the grocery bag sunk to the floor. I flinched away from Grant. Were they going to fight or something? Demos stood with his fist on his h.i.p.s towering over us.


    "Pet my head too!" he glared down at me. My mouth hung over no sound came out.

 Chapter 11 - Movie-night

    I couldn''t keep a straight face when I gazed up at Demos. I burst out in uncontrollable laughter, making him fumed with contained rage. Grant had his mocking smirk on; it didn''t help ease the tension.


    "That''s just unfair!" he raised his clenched fist at us. I tossed my head back and rubbed a tear from the corner of my eyes. He was hilarious. I never thought I''ll find Demos funny. It inadvertently made him more attractive, somehow.


    "Ok," I threw my arms up in surrender. "I give in," they both shifted to me, eyes wide with shock.


    "Really?" they questioned at the same time. I lifted my index finger to get their attention.


    "Only¡­ if dinner is ready and you let me take a shower first, then we can sit to watch the movie. I''ll give you both equal attention," Demos relaxed and Grant got to his feet ready to take up the challenge.


    "I''ll get the dinner ready in no time," he rushed to pick up the grocery bag that Demos had dropped earlier.


    "I''ll help," added Demos, it was not up for discussion. They both moved to the kitchen in perfect harmony. I watched as they stirred alongside like a well-choreographed ballet. I couldn''t get rid of that stupid smile dancing on my lips. I was a terrible person to use blackmail to get what I wanted.


    "Well, I''m off to the bathroom," I announced as I dragged my feet to my room.


    "Ok," they replied. I should help them in the kitchen they made it look like fun. I''m sure I''ll set the house on fire if I try. However, that''s another excuse to remain in my comfort zone.


    My room was peaceful, there was a new bed cover on, stretched to perfection. A nice lavender scent floated in the air. I gathered my toiletry and went to the bathroom. The tiles on the floor were sparkling. I gasped at the mirror, it was spotless. Grant did miracles. Was he a house elf or something?


    I took a quick shower, but decided to take care of my dull hair. The episode involving Grant''s hair contributed greatly. My hair products were shoved in the bottom drawer of the cupboard by the door. I got it shampooed and slapped on some hair mask. Then went full mode with face scrub and all. When it was done, I was humming while blow drying my hair. I had no idea how long I stayed in the bathroom. Soon a light knock pulled me from my beauty routine. I let my hair down before opening the door. Grant greeted me with a smile.


    "Dinner is ready¡­ Demos is getting the movie ready," he tipped his chin in the direction of the living room. He paused. "By the way, you smell fabulous, Liliane," I dropped my eyes to the floor my cheeks flaming. "Come! I hope you don''t mind eating in front of the screen," he pulled on my arm towards the blue couch then went to the kitchen.


    "Thanks, guys," they nodded in my direction. "So what''s for dinner?" I rubbed my hands together. My stomach growled in anticipation.


    "Pasta with meatballs and lots of sauce," announced Grant with a hint of pride from the kitchen. I smiled that sounded tasty.


    "But, I''m curious. How do you cook if you can''t taste it? I mean, you don''t eat, right?" I settled on the blue couch, Demos was on the darker one playing with the remote. He browsed through the different movies, then choose one.


    "We don''t eat. However, there are very accurate recipes on the web. They are geared towards artificial with measurement to the nearest milligrams. If you follow the instruction, there''s no way to fail a dish," answered Demos without taking his eyes off the screen.


    "Oh!" I exclaimed I was impressed. Since my cooking ability was lacking it was amazing someone could even do it without tasting it. Grant came back with a steaming plate of delicious looking pasta with extra grated cheese. The serving was huge.


    "Oh my god, I''m going to get so fat if you are spoiling me like that," I laughed. He handed me a towel to place on my lap, then gave me my dinner.


    "If you want we can train together," offered Demos.


    "She doesn''t need to train, she''s perfect," Grant winked at me. Was he bribing me? Cause it totally felt like it. Demos and Grant shared one of their wordless conversations, then Grant looked up at me.


    "Save some space for the cake," he announced with glee.


    "Thank you, guys. I''m really¡­ happy having both of you here," I finally said it aloud. I quickly looked away, feeling kind of dumb. They eyed me for a moment. The tension grew heavy. I cleared my throat wanting to change the subject. "It''s weird to be the only one eating," I looked up at Grant and noticed a sauce stain on the front of his T-shirt.


    "I''ll have to get that corny ''KISS THE COOK'' apron for you," he followed my gaze and saw the stain.


    "I''ll love an apron¡­ and the kiss," he laughed, I laughed along with him. Demos didn''t like it one bit. I dug in my pasta; it was the best I''ve ever tasted. As my eating habits mostly included junk food, some home cooking tasted like a piece of heaven to me.


    "Mmh, Grant this is amazing," I said between mouthful.


    "I''ll¡­" he stopped with his mouth opened. I looked up and saw Demos'' eyes flashing blue.


    "What''s going on?" my eyes darted from each other. Grant closed his mouth, then nodded at Demos with a smirk. He averted his eyes and pretended he was busy with the remote.


    "It''s a mate thing," Grant added. I narrowed my eyes at both of them. They were hiding things...again.


    The movie started the lights dimmed; Grant pulled a cushion, then settled on the floor on my right. As for Demos, he pulled the darker couch closer where he laid down with his head leaning on the armrest. I was surprised I finished everything on my plate it''s been ages since I''ve eaten this much.


    "You''re plate," Grant took it from me and placed it on the low coffee table in front of him. "Will you eat your cake now or later?" I shook my head and took the glass of water he handed to me.


    "Thanks," I whispered. Demos shot us dark looks. Sorry, I mouthed the words. I didn''t know he was into movies. Grant stuck his tongue out making me puffed with laughter.


    "If you don''t shut up, I''ll start it all over again," he warned. We both shifted uncomfortably, then focused our attention back on the screen. So far, the movie was about a heist turned bad. One of the thieves got killed while escaping. As it progressed the main protagonist was introduced, a veteran inspector and his younger partner were called to investigate. Something tugged at my hand I looked down at Grant.


    "Please," he whispered with pleading puppy eyes. I went back to the movie and patted his head. His soft curls helped me relax. The slow investigation suddenly went to a high-speed car chase with lots of explosions. In the dim light, I noticed Demos frowned at the screen.


    "What''s wrong?" Demos scratched his chin.


    "I don''t understand why humans would do something as reckless as robbery in the first place. One of their companions died in the process. And, there''s no logic in the inspector''s actions. He clearly is putting his partner in danger," he complained. I chuckled at his analysis.


    "It''s just a movie. It doesn''t reflect reality. The action ones usually have the worst plots ever," he pressed his lips into a hard line not satisfied with my answer.


    "You should try to write one, I''ll be interested in reading it," he looked up at me a little intrigued.


    "I was not programmed for writing," Demos averted his eyes. Grant rested his head against my knee.


    "But you like reading, It''s like creating our own story," he didn''t answer and kept his focus on the movie. So, I didn''t insist.


    When the movie ended, Grant got me a slice of cake. It was a chocolate cake. We went back to the living room. It tasted so good. We watched a second movie. They let me choose and I got a funny one. We laughed all through the movie. Sometimes they laughed when there were no jokes, which I found a little odd. Other times they looked offended at fart jokes. By the end of the movie, I was tired.


    "Guys, I can''t take it anymore," I yawned. I''ve been petting Grant all along. He groaned when I pulled my hand.


    "But there are only five minutes left," he protested. I gave him a weak smile. "Only if you carry me like a princess to bed," his face brightened up. I extended my hand to pat his head when Demos caught my wrist.


    "That''s enough," he said between gritted teeth. I was shocked. I pulled my hand from him and rubbed my wrist.


    "That hurts!" I glared at him. He lowered his eyes.


    "I''m sorry," he muttered. The movie ended but no one was watching anymore. The atmosphere was ruined. I got to my feet Grant did the same.


    "Ready to get swooped off your feet?" he joked, but I wasn''t in the mood anymore. I gave him a weak smile, then shook my head.


    "It''s ok, I''m going to walk to my room," I laughed nervously. He narrowed his eyes at my explanation. He then faced Demos with anger.


    "Apologize now!" he shouted. Demos looked up with equal fury. His eyes flashing.


    "I did!" his lips pushed back flashing his teeth at Grant. I took a step away from them.


    "It''s ok guys, I had a rough day. I''m tired," I waved. Grant lowered his eyes, his features softened.


    "I''m sorry for monopolizing you, in the progress making Demos jealous¡­"


    "Definitely not!" said Demos getting to his feet. What was that all about? Was it the petting thing? Shit! I promised to give them equal attention.


    "Guys!" I squeezed the space between my eyes. A throbbing pain was spreading in my forehead. It was a bad idea to watch a second movie. "Come, I need to sleep. Just come to bed."

 Chapter 12 - Uncertain steps

    Grant stood by the door he peered at Demos for confirmation. I don''t know what transpired from their mute conversation. They slightly shook their heads at each other when they reached some sort of agreement. I could barely keep my eyes open. I struggled to put one foot in front of the other and threw myself back first on the bed without taking off the bed cover.


    "Hey, careful with the glasses," warned Demos as he followed me.


    "I''m too tired," I mumbled. He towered over me and pulled them off. I rolled on my side making a mess with my hair in the process.


    "Liliane?" they called. I popped one eye open to gaze at them. Why were they still standing so far away from the bed? With the thick fog that engulfed my tired mind, I''ve completely forgotten Demos was too heavy for the bed. What the hell!


    "Just how much do you weight exactly?" I laughed as he took a moment to answer.


    "One hundred and fifty-eight kilos. If you add Grant''s ninety-eights and yours, the structure of that bed won''t support us," I just nodded and closed my eyes most of his explanation rolled over my already sleeping brain like water off a plastic bag.


    "Sure, then just keep me company; I don''t want to be alone tonight," I murmured as I pulled my pillow under my head. The bed creaked and covers landed on me. I snuggled against the warmth, just before I drifted to sleep¡­ I heard:


    "Good night Liliane"


    ***


    I woke up with a jolt. My breathing rapid and my throat dry. The room was still dark; almost pitch black only for the red glow from the neon light against the curtains visible. One arm wrapped itself around my waist I turned to the owner left in the shadows. I pushed myself up on one arm. A black silhouette cut against the red glow sat on the floor by the bed. I swallowed, trying to calm my racing heart. The silhouetted stirred.


    "Did you have a bad dream?" it said. I blinked at it, still affected by the horrible shadows chasing me in my dream. I flinched when fingers tips brushed against my cheek.


    "Lights!" I shouted with a broken voice. The over-head circular lamp gradually illuminated the room, pushing the shadows in the far corners. Sitting by the bed was a puzzled Demos with his arm extended towards me. He tilted his head and retrieved his hand.


    "Sorry, for scaring you," his voice was low with a mixture of anguish and guilt. I shook my head, making loose locks fall on my forehead. I lowered my eyes to the arm on my lap. Grant lay beside me on the covers. I brushed his hand away it fall limply by his side. He was cold¡­ like dead cold. He didn''t move or breathe. I looked up at Demos in alarm.


    "His battery went out in the middle of the night. Still, he refused to let go of you," I brushed Grant''s curls from his sleeping face. He looked so peaceful.


    "Won''t it damage him if he stays like that too long?" I met his dark copper eyes. They appeared to tell me things I didn''t want to understand. Maybe I was not ready to hear. He got to his feet, breaking the connection. He went around the bed and pulled Grant into his arms. He seemed so fragile and small resting against Demos'' chest.


    "I better put him back to his pod," I kicked the covers and hurried to get the door for them. Demos paused when he reached my level. My head sprung up to meet his melancholic eyes.


    "Will you be ok on your own?" he said reluctantly. My hand shook at the thought of going back to that horror-filled dream with creatures tearing my very soul to shreds. My throat tightened.


    "Then, wait for me," he entered the dark living room and dropped Grant in his pod. He secured him inside with straps. I stood by the door, gripping the knob until my hand hurts. What was I really expecting from them? Was it a cure for the void within? It was selfish from my part to take and never be able to give anything in return. I didn''t think I would ever be normal again¡­ even less loving them back. A shiver ran down my spine. The darkness raced back at me.


    "Do you want some water?" called Demos from the kitchen. I looked up with relief and nodded. He filled a tall glass, which he handed me. I drunk it in one sip.


    "Thirsty?" he crooked one eyebrow at me. I simply nodded and gave back the glass.


    "Get to bed, I''ll be right there," I took a rapid detour to the bathroom then slipped under the blanket. Demos closed the door silently behind him when he came back. He sat next to the bed at the same spot he previously occupied. I rolled on my side to gaze at the back of his closely shaved hair.


    "Lights dim," the lamps gently faded. I reached out and caressed his neck with the back of my hand, then went up his hair. He relaxed against my hand with a low m.o.a.n. I pulled my hand instantly a little embarrassed.


    "I-I don''t think I can do that," I turned away from him pulling my blanket up to my chin.


    "Liliane?"


    "It''s too awkward, Ok!" my voice muffled by the blanket.


    "Do you want me to go?" his clothes rustled as he got up.


    "I had trouble at work today. That''s why I came back early," the room was silent. I peeked over my shoulder to check if he was still here. He stood solidly against the red curtain.


    "Why didn''t you say anything?" I pushed the covers away.


    "I was scared and angry. I didn''t know how to deal with it," I said. My voice rose to a high pitch that threatened to break.


    "Is it my fault? Is it that man at the station?" his hands squeezed into fists in the gloom.


    "It-it''s not your fault. He''s got a giant ego and can''t take a no for a NO!" I shook my head, trying to convince myself it was nothing major.


    "What are you going to do now?"


    "I''ll wait and see¡­ for now," I exhaled. "Let''s hope I don''t need to find another job. Then we''ll really be in big trouble. With all the bills coming by the end of the month. I cross my fingers I don''t get fired," Demos stood silently I could only make out his silhouette. I was able to speak out my concern. I felt relief washed over me, keeping all this to myself was killing me.


    "I''m sorry for earlier," I said and turned my focus back to him. "I really wasn''t in the mood. I''m sorry if I''ve said hurtful words," he didn''t answer and that made me anxious. So, I went on.


    "It''s just that whenever I''m near you¡­ I feel strange. However, I don''t want to hurt Grant. So in this stupid threesome thing, we''ll all get hurt in a way," not seeing his face made it extremely difficult to keep it together.


    "Lights!"


    Demos glared at me with his hands in his pockets. The sight hit me like a Transfer.


    "The three laws prevent me from hurting you; my alpha program urges me to. Right now I''m in a big dilemma," he spoke through gritted teeth. A shiver ran down my spine. What was he talking about?


    "What-?" he took a step towards the bed. Scary! I struggled not to run.


    "Why so much angst?" his question caught me off guard. How did it turn into a therapy session?


    "I-I¡­" I couldn''t find anything to retort.


    "Why don''t you trust anyone? Was it your parents? A lover? A bully when you were a kid? Tell me, I want to know everything about you!" his knee bumped into the bed. "Why won''t you let me in? Is it because I''m artificial? I''m here because you wanted me¡­ you ordered me," he pointed a menacing finger at me but his face told another story. There was only pain over his features.


    "I''m sorry¡­" I murmured.


    "What did you really want? You ordered a mate! So why are you like¡­ I can''t do that¡­ it''s weird! Liliane, we are already here! DEAL WITH IT!" with that he slammed the door behind him and he was gone.

 Chapter 13 - A knock on the door

    The door wobbled in front of my eyes. My world seemed to crumble around me. Nobody ever told me the bare truth except Lyla. It hurts so damn much. That gaping hole in my chest throb and there was no cure whatsoever. Only the meds could numb the pain, reduce it to a dull sound in the background. Lyla, I miss her terribly. She promised to call me every day, but in the past year of her departure, she only called five times. Liar! They all lie, each one of them. Her last video was too short with stupid Timi cutting our conversation to steal her away. The connection cut with them giggling. The sound echoed in my head to voices mocking me. You''re stupid Liliane for clinging to her. She doesn''t give a damn about you. Just like those machines. Nobody gives a f.u.c.k about you.


    "Call Lyla Carpenter," I spoke to my bracelet. A projection of the contact interface appeared right before me. It scrolled down to her name, a loading bar moved to the left.


    "Lyla Carpenter is off-world. Do you want to proceed?" asked a female robotic voice.


    "Proceed."


    "Titan Message Express¡­ Connection. It will cost three credits to forward the message. Do you want to proceed?" I shook my head one tear rolled down my cheek.


    "Proceed," my bracelet chimed the credit transferred to the company''s account.


    "Please, step in front of the HoloCam* to record your message," I got off the bed on trembling legs to my office area next to the door leading to the living room. The desk used to be crowded with books and clothes piled on top. Books with all types of objects serving as bookmarks. Old bills, price tags, socks, pens. Now they were neatly stacked next to my screen. It''s been months since I''ve switched it on. The pens had found a proper holder, the dust gone. The small smiling cat figure I thought was lost sat next to a new block note. I chuckled, more tears streamed down my cheeks.


    "Please, switch on the HoloCam to record your message," insisted the female voice. I sighed and pressed the button on the screen. It hissed a tiny green light flipped on.


    "Detecting HoloCam. Initializing 15%...." I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, grabbed a couple of napkins from a nearby box to blow my nose.


    "Stand by," the light flashed twice the screen turned on. Holocaust red and blue logo danced over it, then it morphed into my miserable face. "Recording," she announced. I straightened up and brushed my hair away.


    "Hi Lyla," I smiled and failed. "How are you doing? Me, not so good. It''s been a while. Haven''t heard from you for three whole months. I miss you," my vision got blurry and my chin quivered. I shook my head, trying to gain control over my raging emotions. With a deep breath, I continued. "I have a big surprise to announce¡­ I got myself a companion from the company Sognare. Timi recommended it to me. I placed the order the week after you moved away. I was kind of¡­ in a bad place," I paused to swallow the lump in my throat. "You didn''t call at all I was desperate. So, I ordered one," I smiled as my tears poured down my face. "I didn''t know it would take this long to make them. I sort of¡­ forgot about it," I wiped my tears. "They arrived a couple of days ago. And yes¡­ you heard it right. They like two of them. Now I''m stuck. I don''t know what to do? We are not getting along¡­ I''m not getting along with them," I corrected. "The worst¡­ there''s more, there''s a big chance I might get fired from my job¡­" the light from the screen flashed cutting me in mid-sentence.


    "Message registered. Do you want to send now or delete the message?" I had so much more to tell Lyla. However, I didn''t have the strength to repeat my sad tale.


    "Send message," the video squeezed in a letter icon, which jumped on the screen before disappearing. "Thank you for using Titan Message Express. It will take forty-eight hours for the mail to reach the recipient. Have a good day," the voice faded and the device switched off. I leaned back in the chair with a heavy sigh. Dawn pressed against the window. The whole building was silent.


    "What were you expecting? You ordered a mate! So why are you like¡­ I can''t do that¡­ It''s weird! Liliane, we are already here. Deal with it," Demos'' words crawled back from the dark corners of my mind to haunt me. My stomach crunched with anxiety. I did it again. I''ve hurt him. What was I expecting? It was a good question, yet I didn''t have an answer. I got to my feet and went to the living room.


    "Lights"


    My eyes roamed over the kitchen area to settle on the pods. Grant was still sleeping peacefully and Demos'' pod was empty. I dashed there for confirmation. I pulled the lid and placed my hand on the soft cushion just to make sure my eyes weren''t betraying me. He was gone. I sprung around frenetically searching around the apartment.


    "Demos?" I called. He didn''t reply. "Gone!" I choked on the word. It sounded so wrong.


    "Connect to EWink!" I snapped at my bracelet. The interface materialized before me.


    Liliane: Where are you?


    [User: Demons offline]


    [User: Grant offline]


    I gasped at the projection.


    "Jil! Please locate Demos!" I shouted on the verge of tears.


    "Calm down, Demos is in the main hall," replied Jill.


    "What? Hold on I''m coming," I dashed out and pressed the elevator button repeatedly. When I door opened Jil''s hologram stood with arms crossed over her chest. I paused pressing my lips together before getting in.


    "I don''t think he wants to see you right now?" I gave her a peek over the shoulder but decide to ignore her. It was none of her business anyway. The door chimed when we reached the hall. I walked out and halted as Jil''s image appeared by the door.


    "Liliane Kerry you should treat your mate better than that," she commented. I pressed on and went through her hologram.


    "Where is he?" I called loud enough that it echoed in the large empty space.


    "Mates are not like cyborgs. They accompany humans through their lives and love them as a real human would. However, their feelings will never alter. They will always feel the same amount of love for you even when you''re old and falling apart. They will watch you die and will grieve. Then the company will call them back for termination. Human emotion fluctuates, they fall out of love, and hate," her words make me slowed down. I sprung around to find her flat image shaking her head at me in dismay.


    "What would you know? You just an AI," I shouted digging my nails into my palms.


    "That''s enough, Liliane," said Demos. His voice came from across the room. "You''re angry. No need to take it out on her," Jil folded her arms over her chest, her image breaking around the edges. Demos reduced the distance between us in a couple of steps.


    "Let''s go," he said as he reached my level, then he went to the elevator. I followed him in silence. He nodded at Jil when the door closed. The trip back to the apartment was in awkward silence. He went directly into his pod leaving me alone.


    I tried to sleep, but it was no use. I took a shower and pulled a book from my virtual library. At the end of the first page, I couldn''t concentrate on the words. It was now 7:03 am. I should get ready to go to work, and then I remembered Mr. Ramdin told me to take my day. With a motion of the hand the screen before closed, I let out a sigh. What could I do with so much free time on my hand? An activity that didn''t involve draining my already low finance. A light knock on my door made me flinch.


    "Good morning, Liliane," said Grant in a happy tone. He pulled the door a crack and peeked in. When he spotted me sitting on the bed, he pushed the door wide open. "Hey! Why are you still sitting here? What about work?" he frowned at me. "I was out cold yesterday¡­ literally," he laughed. I stared at him with wide eyes. "I mean, what happened? I just saw your message on Ewink. Did something happen to Demos? I couldn''t sync with him," I shook my head.


    "It''s just a misunderstanding, nothing to worry about. Also, I took an off today," I dropped my eyes to my lap. That wasn''t a total lie.


    "Awesome! Can we go out and visit around. We can spend the day out. I could prepare a basket we can go have a picnic. That would be cool, right?" he came closer to the bed with puppy eyes.


    "I don''t know," I hesitated. It was already weird with Demos now if we have to spend more time together it will become painful. But I couldn''t ignore the issue.


    "Please! Please, pretty please," he knelt by the bed with his hands joint. Where had he learned that?


    "If Demos said no, then I can''t do anything," I pulled my cover and retrieved my book pretending I was reading.


    "Ok, and what do you want for breakfast?" he jumped to his feet with a smile.


    "Tea,"


    "Only tea?" I sounded disappointed.


    "I ate too much last time I had nightmares," I added in a dry tone.


    "Then only tea. I''ll be right back," he went away, leaving the door open. I crawled on the bed and peered through the opening to see if Demos was awake. I could only see part of the kitchen, Grant was humming as he got the kettle ready. No Demos so far. I sunk back on the bed. Why did I care?


    "Mates are not like cyborgs¡­ they love as a real human would," the words of Jil rang in my head. Demos was furious he wanted to hit me. That''s not loving at all. Grant came back all jolly with a steaming mug.


    "Here''s the tea for my princess," he knelt by the bed in an overdramatic gesture. I laughed at him. I took the mug and placed it on the nightstand.


    "I really enjoyed last night," he sunk in the bed next to me. "I hope you can have more of those," he peeked at me. "Is the invitation to your bed still open?" my head sprung in his direction. His smile widened when he saw me blush. I got off preventing to search for something at my desk.


    "Is Demos awake?" I asked to change the subject. I scolded myself for choosing the subject I didn''t want to address.


    "Yes. He said he''s ok with a picnic," I turned around and bumped into the chair knocking half the books off the table. They fall to the floor in disarray.


    "H-he did?" Grant narrowed his eyes at me. Then shifted them to the door. I followed his gaze and found Demos annoyed face stared back at me.


    "I heard a noise," he simply stated. His copper eyes fell on the mess I made. "It''s just clumsy Liliane," he turned and walked away. I sunk to my knees and picked up the books. His words cut like blades.


    "Liliane? What happened between you two?" asked Grant as he joined me to help with the books. I avoid eye contact.


    "Just a misunderstanding," I added a little too quickly. My hand shook when I put the books on the table.


    "I''ll go prepare sandwiches," he left and closed the door. I didn''t like this tension between Demos and me. I didn''t know how to fix it. That picnic was a bad idea; however, I needed fresh air. I grabbed the tea, sipped it on the way to my closet and chose a light flower dress, a hat with cute sandals. If I''m with them, there''s no way bad things will happen. The image of the disgusting Jay guy flashed in my head. I rolled the dress in a ball and threw it back in the closet. With a sigh, I went for a pair of black shorts and a gray top. I kept the cute sandals.


    At 9 am, I got out of my room fully dressed. Demos had occupied the dark couch; he lounged while watching my every move. It was troubling; his eyes seemed to punch holes into my skin. I quickly joined Grant in the kitchen. He placed the sandwiched in the lunch bag he had previously used.


    "Hey!" I called. He looked up with sparkling eyes.


    "Hey, I''m almost done," he announced. "You look good in this outfit," he leaned closer. I moved against him. He tilted his head to look at me. Then wrapped his arms around my waist.


    "Thanks¡­" I placed my head on his shoulder, "Thanks for fixing my messy room, thanks for feeding me healthy food, thanks for the smiles," he chuckled his hand rubbed my back.


    "You''re welcome princess," he whispered against my ear. He turned and pulled the fridge door, grabbed a juice bottle. It took every bit of energy not to look over at Demos. "All ready!" he waved the bottle at me. A knock on the front door caught our attention. I peered at my bracelet.


    "Front door camera," a forty-year-old man dressed in a three-piece suit held his badge at the camera. It reads, Benedict Dims - Evaluator.


    "SolTech, send me," the building security green light his ID. My smile faded.


    HoloCam* holographic camera

 Chapter 14 - The psychological evaluator

    Grant stepped aside giving enough room for the man to get in. He peeked over his shoulder at us then back at the stranger.


    "Hello, is Miss Kerry home?" I got closer, making eye contact with the visitor. He tipped his head as a greeting.


    "I was about to go out," I announced. The man pulled his coat open and folded it over the other. I think he heard me wrong as he moved inside like he owned the place.


    "It won''t take long. This is an obligatory procedure for any complaint filed against one of our employees," Grant closed the door behind him and quickly paced to stand beside me.


    "What complaints?" he frowned at the man then searched my face with a puzzled expression. I averted my eyes, guilt-riddled over my features. I instinctively turned to Demos who shouldn''t move from his position.


    "Can we sit down?" asked the evaluator as he looked around the apartment with mild interest. We moved to the living room area. I pulled a chair from my room to fit everyone. I fidgeted on the blue couch as Grant sunk next to me. Demos didn''t move or alter his poker face as the situation unfolded.


    "Let''s put the introductions out of the way. I''m Benedict Dims, Psychological Evaluator. We met once, a few years back when you sighed your contract with SolTech," his eyes darted from me to my mates. "I would like to have a moment alone with you. The information I''ll disclose falls under the doctor - patient code of confidentiality," I opened my mouth to answer but Grant tapped my forearm. He sneaked a peek at Demos who slightly inclined his head.


    "We are her companions; we also fall under such code of confidentiality. Everything said in our presence remains private. No information, video or audio recorded in our memories can be used in court unless Liliane Kerry gives written permission to do so. Sognare holds ownership of our hardware and OS. However, our experiences, collection of data in the course of time spent with her is her sole property," Grant slipped his hand in my sweaty palm. I couldn''t really follow where he was going, but one thing was sure I didn''t want to be alone with that man. "We will leave only if she asks us to," he gave me an inquiring look.


    "They stay," I stated, Grant gave me a little squeeze of the hand. The evaluator cleared his throat, then pulled on his left sleeve, revealing his silver bracelet. An expensive version compared to mine. He swapped his finger over it and scrolled down the list that hovered above his wrist.


    "Well, here is an agreement you must read and sign before we proceed," he forwarded the doc.u.ment to me. I pressed my own bracelet to access it. Grant leaned closer.


    "Forward it to us via EWink. We''ll read it faster than you do," he whispered. I eagerly nodded and passed the doc.u.ment as he said. I hated lengthy technical papers.


    "Sign it, they are just formalities to make sure SolTech doesn''t get sued for negligence on their employee''s welfare," added Demos. My head sprung up in his direction. He intentionally looked away. So much for reconciliation. I hit the agreed button and lay my digital signature on the doc.u.ment. The man sat back with a smile. His whole posture shifted as he relaxed.


    "Good, now on to the reason why I''m here. Since I have access to your monthly brainwave connector monthly review I''ve noticed peaks of intense stress," a list appeared in front of him, which he scrolled through. He nodded at the information. "You''ve suffered from the void in your pre-adolescent till your early twenties. Are you still under the happiness program?" he looked up at me making me terribly nervous.


    "I''m not. My doctor said I was ok and took me off the meds too," I lowered my eyes to my scandals where my toes poked out. Grant rubbed my back helping me relax. I took a deep breath and rested against his warmth.


    "When was that?"


    "Mmh¡­ four years ago," I answered in a flat voice. Grant pressed his lips against my hair.


    "How long have you acquired your aids?" I stared at the man in confusion. He waved in our direction.


    "We are companions. We were designed specifically for Liliane''s issues. Her mental stability is our priority," added Demos with a sharp edge. The man shifted in his seat. He turned his focus back at me.


    "Can we stop beating around the bushes here?" snapped Demos. "You''re here cause this guy harassed Liliane, to get back at her for refusing his advances he filed a complaint about her supposedly bad behavior. I was there I witnessed the event," he said between gritted teeth.


    "Mr.," he used the word as if regretting doing so. "I''m here to investigate if Miss. Kerry had previous mental history and if she can be harmful to SolTech''s work environment. If you''re stating the claims of Mr. Jay Dawson are faulty and can provide proof, then I''ll pass on the information and we will remedy to Miss. Kerry''s current situation," Grant narrowed his eyes at me.


    "Why didn''t you inform me about this?" he whispered. I shook my head and lowered my eyes. I couldn''t, I just couldn''t have told him.


    "I arrived at the station to see that man glued to her when she clearly didn''t want to be touched," he rose his voice. "That''s s.e.x.u.a.l harassment and molestation," insisted Demos getting to his feet. The man sighed and crossed his arms over his chest.


    "Then why didn''t she file a complaint," I stared at my feet my vision getting blurry.


    "Liliane, give me the permission to show the footage," Demos'' voice made me jump. I pressed my lips together. His footsteps stomped in my direction and stopped in front of me.


    "What are you doing? This is no time to crawl into your shell. Your job; your reputation is on the line. I''m trying to save your ass here!" he shouted. The evaluator cleared his throat.


    "Well, if she doesn''t¡­" started the man.


    "I give my permission!" I shouted with a broken voice. I looked up and met Demos cold cooper eyes. A slow smile spread across his face.


    "Finally, you''re looking at me," he whispered, then he turned back to the evaluator, he transferred the feed from his point of view of the event. The image wobbled as the Transfer came to a halt. Stream of passengers got off and walked along the platform. He spotted me in the crowd, and then zoomed on my face. It was unreal to watch myself on the projection that hung in space. How my lips parted and eyes darted as I desperately searched for help. I couldn''t relive that. I turned away.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" said the leech''s voice in the silent room. My head sprung in its direction despite my refusal to face the event. Jay Dowson''s face twisted in anger. I tried to fight him, but he squeezed my hand tighter. The passengers blocking Demos stepped away and he stopped behind me. I looked so small from his perspective.


    "Take your hand off me or I''ll make you," he barked at the assailant. The man slowly stepped away. At that instant, I looked up at him. He zoomed on my red-rimmed brown eyes. It happened in a fraction of a second, but the truth in my own eyes spoke tones. I now realized how much I wanted to be saved. I couldn''t tear my eyes away from that frail looking girl in her red polka dress. I was that broken doll who whines and creates drama around her to get attention. The rest of the video blurred into a haze as I burst into tears. Grants pulled me into his arms; he murmured soothing words to get me to calm down.


    "I think that''s enough," said the evaluator. "Clearly Miss. Kerry is the victim here," he got to his feet pressing his lips together. "I''m sorry; I''ll do my best to write a report to fix this injustice. I''ll ask for a couple of days off so you can get some rest. I''ll also file a complaint on your behalf against that man. I can''t believe SolTech housed such predators," his lips twisted in disgust. "I''ll advise to take the happiness program once again. You''re on the verge of slipping back into depression," Demos stepped between us.


    "We''ll take care of her," the man went to his bracelet. I pushed away from Grant took off my glasses, dropped them on the coffee table. He handed me a napkin that he pulled from his pocket.


    "Please, follow the program. They are simple activities that will help lift your psyche," he said before retrieving his coat. Demos accompanied him to the door. They talked in low voices that I couldn''t hear, then the man left.


    "Do you want to rest?" asked Grant with a concerned face. I shook my head and got up. I head straight for the bathroom and splashed my face with cold water. When I reached for the towel my hand, touch something warm. I jolted back and found Demos behind me holding the towel.


    "Thanks," I said and took it to wipe my wet face. The front of my hair was also wet. When I looked up, he was still staring at me.


    "What?" I asked and it came out harsher than I intended. He narrowed his eyes at me.


    "Put the happiness program on Ewink. So we can help implement it," he added coldly. For one second, I thought he was here to apologize. I sighed and put the towel away.


    "And by the way, I''ll work to get the whiny princess attitude out of you," his comment cut into my flesh. I whirled around in anger.


    "I''m not the one with the attitude issue here!" I snapped. He tilted his head to the side with a smile.


    "So you can be angry¡­ it''s not always tears and pity?" he snorted. I lost it and slammed my fists into his chest. He laughed harder. Grant poked his head through the door.


    "What is going on here?" he pouted for being left out of the party. Demos grabbed my wrists and lifted them up. My hands throbbed in pain from smashing in his solid chest.


    "You stupid!" I shouted. "Let go!" I struggled against his strong grip.


    "Calm down Liliane, you''ll injure yourself," laughed Demos. Grant stood by the door with his arms crossed over his chest.


    "Grant, do something!" I called.


    "And what do you want him to do? Beat me up? He will always agree with me," chuckled Demos. He lowered his hands and my own in the process. They slipped into mine.


    "Not always¡­ but I do have to follow the alpha," added Grant with a hint of annoyance. I looked up at Demos his hard shell was gone, replaced with a slight smile that lit his eyes to an almost golden glow.


    "Can we wipe everything and start from the beginning?" he lilted his face towards me. My pulse picked up as my eye rested on his lips. Damn those lips, I parted mine to inhale. His arms wrapped around me and I found myself pulled in.


    "Liliane don''t!" shouted Grant breaking the connection. He rushed to my side and pulled me away from Demos'' arms. I blinked a couple of times. What just happened? Demos smirked at me.


    "When you''ll sync will us you will understand the pull between mates," whispered Grant against my hair.

 Chapter 15 - Breathe in

    My heart raced, what he said echoed with each thrum. Grant held me close to him. What will really happen when we sync? The whole business made me want to run away from them. My breathing came out raspy.


    "It''s ok, Liliane," he pressed his cool forehead against mine.


    "Hands off!" snapped Demos. Grant rolled his eyes towards him.


    "You almost kiss her without her consent!" scolded Grant. I wasn''t sure I followed everything.


    "You wanted the same thing!" retorted Demos with a smirk. I raised my hands up. That was it for me.


    "Enough of the weird stuff!" I shot at them. I pushed away from them and exited the bathroom. I couldn''t think straight in such a confined space with those two. What was that all about wanting to kiss me too? Oh god! Those two were too much. I''m staying away from Demos for sure.


    "Are we still going to the picnic?" Grant called. I took a moment; I needed air, fresh air. I needed space to think about our situation.


    "Sure."


    The sun peeked behind gray clouds when we set off. Grant strode away wearing his new outfit for the first time. He auto proclaimed himself navigator of our trip to Level twenty-three found in the commercial zone. Unlike the shops in our neighborhood, geared towards middle-aged women and elderly here, the shops were lively with trendy brands, flashy colors, and happy music. Tall edifices surrounded the open plaza that held outdoor restaurants, food vendors and live bands. Over the sides of the high-raised buildings were breathtaking giant pieces of street art. Exotic birds peeked from one corner as we reached a crossroad.


    "That one measure eighteen meters tall, called Geko from the late French street artist known at Zatou91. Born in 1991, he was well known for his ecologic messages to save the planet''s endangered species. Which he failed because the small reptile went extinct about a couple of years after his death," Grant shook his head as he read from his screen hovering in front of him. "We are lucky we can still appreciate the beauty of his work," he pointed towards a green lizard crawling up the side of a blue skyscr.a.p.er with plants hanging off the different terraces creating an illusion of a green waterfall. For once Demos walked behind us with Grant leading. The lights turned green spilling the flow of people to the other side of the pedestrian crossing. The street was surprisingly crowded for a weekday. Constituting mostly of tourists with multicolored hats.


    "Why are there so many people?" I pushed my glasses up my nose. I should have worn a hat too.


    "Bazaar commercial zone, Level twenty-three... That''s a mouthful... Is pretty famous for its shops and¡­ gardens," Grant looked up from his screen. "Jardin La companie, that''s exactly where we are heading," He pointed to a dot on his map. "It''s about a couple of blocks near the old docks on the left," we followed the flow of tourists chatting in different languages. I spotted some Italian, French and I think some Japanese too. The sun perched high in the clear sky, a perfect day for those who like vitamin D. I wasn''t a fan. Sweat dripped down my back as I trailed after our auto proclaimed tour guide. I gasped for air when we reached a steep hill covered with old steps. I held on the railing to catch my breath. Demos slowed down to join me.


    "What''s wrong?" he smirked. I frowned, he was unaffected with the whole effort. "Tired already? Whiny princess, want a piggyback ride up the stairs?" I shot him a dark look making him laugh harder.


    "I preferred when you were the silent and mysterious not that jerk!" I waved in his direction. He slipped his hands in his pockets flashed me a devilish smile before slowly climbing the stair.


    "The jerk mode is not coming off. Move your fat ass, Princess. We don''t have all day," he tossed over his shoulder. I fumed glaring in his direction as he climbed with ease.


    "JERK!" I shouted attracting curious bystanders'' attention on me. Grant, who was some steps ahead turned back.


    "Can''t you cut it out you two? Demos stop calling her princess and Liliane don''t fall back, we are almost there," he called. Demos mouthed ''Princess'' at me, mocking me. I pushed away from the railing and squeezed the little energy I had in my legs to keep up with them. Demos kept grinning at me all the way up. What was wrong with him? I''ve noticed a visible change in his attitude towards me since our little fight. He has no respect at all and kept pushing me out of my comfort zone. Fat ass?... Ouch, that hurts! The worst was, he actually enjoys it. Sometimes I even forget I''m dealing with an artificial. I didn''t know they could be so annoying.


    We had to take a break when I reached the top. I was about to faint, Grant, helped me sit on a low wall. He handed me a chilled bottle of juice, which I eagerly took. I sipped and sighed with relief. My forehead was covered with sweat. He pulled a napkin from his pocket and wiped it. I pulled him closer and warped my arms around his waist in a moment of pure desperation.


    "Please tell me your garden thing is near," he cleared his throat; I looked up and noticed his crotch was pressing against my face. I let go of him and jumped backward with a little scream. I averted my eyes as my face burned with embarrassment.


    "It''s not¡­ hum¡­ far," Grant tried to sound normal. Demos chuckled in the background.


    "I didn''t know you were this desperate!" he commented. I shot him a killer glare. He bit his lower lip. Shit! I sprung to my feet. What was that? His simple action triggered reactions inside of me, I didn''t even know were there.


    "Where is your stupid garden?" I stomped to the left on a path made of small pebbles boarded with ferns.


    "Liliane, it''s this way," called Grant behind me. A couple admiring the scenery turned to gaze at me. Damn this whole was just a walk of shame. I lowered my eyes and joined Grant with Demos following behind. Grant placed one arm around my shoulder.


    "It''s ok, please don''t be in a bad mood. Accidents happen," he whispered into my hair. I kept looking at my sandals. He lifted my chin with a finger. "Look," he tipped his chin towards the multicolored skyscr.a.p.ers that cast large shadows on the commercial zone lower. The sun glimmered from the blue fa?ades mimicking the waves from the ocean. Malls stood next to each other, forming intricate geometrical designs. I shaded my eyes, in the far Level twenty-two peeked behind a thin fog. The constrict apartment blocks made a clear contrast with the lively Level twenty-three. I couldn''t spot our eighty-eight story building from the compact smudge.


    "It''s beautiful up here," I whispered. "I don''t think I''ve ever visited this part," Grant scrolled through his screen.


    "This hill is called Uptown or Old Port-Louis. Most of the ancient sites are found towards the left. It used to be a port as mentioned in its name. However, as you may have noticed there''s no sea anymore. In late twenty-twenty-four, a terrible earthquake shook the region as a neighboring volcano burst. The ground lifted out of the ocean killing millions in the process," I shook my head. Mom said Grandma had to evacuate to Madagascar and that a massive tsunami hit their rescue boat on their way there. She was one of the lucky survivors.


    "I heard about it when I was a kid, mostly from textbooks. I can''t imagine this use to be an island. I can''t even see the horizon from here," I squinted my eyes to the pale blue line in the distance. The megalopolis stretched in all directions.


    "Of course you can''t see it. According to Wiki, you should go higher like a plane to see the edge of Kumari R2," I stared at him in amazement.


    "I don''t think I''ve visited one-tenth of the whole city. Let alone, fly away from it," I laughed. He gave me a warm smile and we kept walking. We came to a large arched door and all types of exotic plants stood on the sides. It opened on a street with cars speeding in both ways. Facing us were tall white fences with a long queue waiting in front.


    "Voila!" Grant pointed to the gate. My stomach groaned in protest. I felt my will to live drain from my body instantly.


    "That''s a long line!" I pointed out. Demos chuckled behind me. "If you''re so happy about it, why don''t you go wait while we sit in the shade!" I snapped at him.


    "Ok!" he shrugged his shoulders. What that was all it took to make him agree to do it? It was a little too easy he must be cooking something. He waved at us as the light turned green. We crossed to the other side accompanied by a pack of sweaty bodies. Demos stood true to his words he went to stand in the baking sun as the line moved painfully slow to the front gates. Grant guided me to stone benches. We had to share ours with an old couple who smiled at us.


    "Do you want to drink something?" he pulled the bottle from the bag hanging off his shoulder before I answer. I took a quick sip and then gave it back to him. I shaded my eyes and took a look at him.


    "I''ll have to buy you cute T-shirts. This one doesn''t do you justice," one corner of his lips curled up making a dimple appear on his cheek. I''ve never noticed it, even those he smiles all the times. He pulled on his white shirt with printed "no offense" in front in bold. His beige pants made him look younger than me. How can pants make someone look younger? However, Grant made that sentence relevant.


    "I like it. Those are my first gift from you. I''m trying not to get them dirty," he smoothed the front of the garment and grinned at me. Damn, he was cute. He pulled me by the shoulder to lean against him. His eyes wandered towards the gate. The line had moved Demos glared at us. He stood with his arms crossed over his chest while groups of women and men drooled over him.


    "Demos could actually get there faster if he asks those old ladies to let him through," I laughed.


    "That would be disrespectful of those waiting," he scolded me. I yarned feeling my eyelids getting heavy. I closed my eyes and drifted to unknown lands. What I felt like minutes later, a light shake made me stir. I looked up at Grant with sleepy eyes.


    "Come," he whispered. We got to our feet and meet Demos by the gate. We received glares from those who have been waiting in the heat. We quickly made our way inside. The garden was divided into different segments with plants and trees from different countries. Most had unique or a few specimens left in the world. Which was the reason why it was so crowded? Grant went to access the interactive board at the entrance. He downloaded a copy of the map and on we went exploring. My stomach growled ever more menacingly.


    "There''s some kind of beast wanting to tear out of my belly if I don''t give it some food," I joked. Demos chuckled behind me I just ignored him. Grant consulted his map.


    "There are three picnic areas. The nearest one is in the exotic forest. Three minutes from here," he announced. I pressed my hand over my stomach.


    "I think I can survive the trip," I smiled at him. He led the way. This section was less crowded and walking with all that green around was enjoyable. I was able to forget about my job, my bills, and my darkness. Sunray filtered from the treetops creating patches of light as we entered the tunnel-like path to the picnic area. I felt a warm hand slipped into mine. Fingers laced around my fingers. My head tilted up and found Demos smiled back. Not that mischievous one, but a genuine smile. My heart skipped a beat.


    "I love this," he whispered. Grant slowly down and turned to us. His eyes dropped on our joint hands. He closed the distance between us and grabbed my other hand. My eyes widened at him.


    "I love this too," he smiled. Damn! We were in public for god sake! I wanted to die.

 Chapter 16 - Slow sunset

    Our tablecloth was spread over the freshly cut grass, birds chirped from low branches as a light wind rustled the leaves. I don''t remember the last time I sat on the ground in such close contact with nature. I pulled on my black shorts trying to get comfortable. Grant joined me, he pulled out the sandwiches and the half bottle of juice that I eagerly accepted. Demos sat directly on the ground playing with a blade of grass between his lips.


    "I haven''t been this hungry in ages," I bit into a triangular-shaped bread and groaned with pleasure. "What kind of drugs did you slip between those two slices of bread to make it taste this good?" I narrowed my eyes at Grant. He burst out in laughter, he showed his cute dimples.


    "I used some of the sauce left from movie-night pasta and cheese. I''m guessing you like it. I''m cutting cost but still added vegetables to maintain a healthy balance," he added with pride. Seemed Grant likes to ponder me and that made me really happy.


    We were sitting a little further from the other groups in the shade of a tree with roots hanging from its branches. Grant did mention the name, however, I had any idea what it was. I was stressing about people seeing us three holding hands thus I couldn''t follow the conversation. I turned back to admire the view. There were families and their kids enjoying the sunny afternoon. Joyful giggles rose and fell as the kids ran around. Demos relaxed on the grass mindless of getting his clothes dirty. He placed his hands behind his head, eyes lost in the foliage. Large beams of light filtered through the leaves to the green grass below.


    "I never thought trees would have this effect," I looked up as I finished my second sandwich. Grant nodded in agreement. A breeze blew my hair away from my face, it carried the fresh scent of grass mixed with earth and dry leaves. I don''t remember living such a serene moment in the last years...maybe at all. The farthest memory I could bring up was when I was a little girl before the void hit hard.


    "This garden is peaceful, I want to move here," I whispered. I peeked at both of them, they nodded in agreement. "We could hang out in the afternoon and have picnics on Sundays. I could get a job in one of those fancy shops," I giggled as I imaged it. Grant leaned closer and rubbed my back.


    "We could help you with the bills," he wiggled his eyebrows making me laugh harder.


    "Can you work? Are you allowed to?" Demos opened his screen and scrolled to check their restrictions in the manual.


    "We can, only if you allow it in writing to the person hiring us," he answered. "But the rent is quite expensive in Level twenty-three. The lifestyle is better though, with many activities like concerts, sports events, shopping, etc. If you rent a place with a yard you can grow your own food," Grant and I straightened up rubbing our hands eagerly. We closer to peer at his screen. It sounded like a fantasy.


    "Could we look into those houses?" I sat next to Demos as he scrolled down the different properties. Those were light-years from my type 6 B apartment. There were cute unit houses with flowers and large windows allowing sunlight in.


    "What about the price?" Demos shook his head in dismay.


    "Those are two hundred units per month. If you want to buy it you''ll have to invest in a housing plan of about three hundred and fifty units for a minimum of ten years depending on how old you are," my smile dropped. It was way out of my budget. My small salary was enough for my simple unhealthy lifestyle for these past seven years. I was satisfied with this much. I''ve never saved money or had any plans for the future. Anyway, I already had a large debt to repay Sognare before I could make such plans.


    "What''s wrong?" asked Grant.


    "Nothing," I shook my head. He stroked my back, lately, he took a liking in doing so.


    "If things are bothering you. You shouldn''t keep it to yourself. Share your burden with us," he reassured me. I exhaled and sunk back on the brown tablecloth rubbed grass blades that have stuck on my red knees.


    "I have seventy-four months to pay Sognare''s, like two hundred units per month," I let out a nervous laugh. "I won''t be able to afford anything for a while. I don''t think I''ll have enough food if I don''t find a solution soon¡­ with the thing that happened at work¡­" my voice trailed off. Eyes lowering to my hands on my lap.


    "We''ll find a solution don''t worry," Grant kissed my hair.


    "Anyway, the evaluator said he will help fix the issue at SolTec," added Demos with a sigh. They were right, it can only get better. I looked up with a weak smile.


    "Thanks, guys," I said.


    "Can I get a hug?" Grant grinned and pulled me closer before I could answer. Demos got to his feet and joined in knocking us to the ground. I squealed in surprise as I hit the grass, we all burst out into uncontrollable laughter.


    "Get off, you''re heavy! Get off, jerk! We are in public, for god sake!" I tried to squeeze my way out. Demos tickled me, making me fall flat on my back giggling like a madwoman. "Stop. Please! It''s so embarrassing," I gasped between laughter hiding my red face.


    "Grant!" I called out of breath. He came to my rescue and pulled me away from the big bad wolf smirked at me ready to strike back. I hid behind Grant glaring at him as I caught my breath.


    "Jerk!" I stick my tongue out at him.


    "Stop call him a jerk," said Grant over his shoulder. "He''s actually enjoying the nickname," I slapped Grant on the back for mocking me. He laughed and tried to grab me for more tickles. I quickly evaded him and ran in circles while Demos let me win pretending he couldn''t catch me.


    Later we visited other parts of the gardens. Plants, artificial waterfalls, sculptures of dodos¡­ an extinct fat bird. There was an interactive exhibition about the catastrophe in twenty-twenty-four. We steered away from it as we didn''t want to get too emotional and ruin the awesome day we were having. At five pm, we returned to the commercial section. The main plaza was getting ready for a giant open sky dance floor. The workers were busy getting the lights ready. A small crowd gathered on the edge of the plaza watching as the work progress. We stopped and watched too. Grant tapped me on the shoulder.


    "You want some ice cream?" he pointed to street vendors on the right. My smile widened. He sure knew how to melt my heart. Give me sugar I''ll fall head over heels for sure.


    "Come," he held out his hand, which I took without a second of hesitation. We left Demos behind and went to the vendor. There was a staggering amount of choice and combination of the different flavors. After a moment of indecision, I went with some crazy green sour apple and passion fruit mix over vanilla on a waffle cone. It was huge. The vendor smiled as he added a spoon made of pasta in a corner of the cone. Grant insisted on paying for the money I gave him previously.


    "Here you go, Miss," I squealed with joy and hurried to Demos to show him the size of the ice cream. By then, the band was doing a sound check of their instruments.


    "Damn! You will need to burn a lot of calories to take that out of your system," he chuckled. I glared at him. I dug in my trophy with contentment. Divine was too dull of a word to describe the complexity of the flavors as they mixed. When I was done, I was too tired to take the same route we took to get here. We headed to the station and hopped on a Transfer back to Level twenty-two. We had to squeeze our way in, it was packed as hell. Demos and Grant stood close to prevent strangers from rubbing against me. I chuckled internally at how ridiculous it all was. I had my own bodyguards. I was happy to be safe with them. When we reached our destination, the sun was slowly setting between the gray buildings of our familiar neighborhood. Gone were the lively shops and colorful surroundings. The only touch of color here was the neon signs against stack gray flats.


    "We are back home! We had a really nice day," I smiled at both of them. I extended my hands and each grab hold with a grin. The streets were almost deserted so it was ok to hold hands, I guess. We turned to the corner leading towards our eighty-eight-floor tower. When a man wearing a large black jacket, dark pants and a cap hiding his face rounded the corner and almost bumped into us. Grant evaded him by letting go of my hand. Demos pulled me against him at the last minute.


    "Freaks," he murmured as he quickly strode away.


    "Are you ok?" Demos asked, he looked down at me. I stared in shock as the man disappeared behind a closed shop. What was that? I have a strange feeling I''ve seen him somewhere.

 Chapter 17 - The wolf

    The moment I entered my apartment my bracelet chimed. I swapped over it and peeked at the sender. It was a mail from SolTec. Grant noticed as my body tensed.


    "Something wrong?" I looked up with creases on my forehead.


    "They¡­ SolTec said that my sanction is lifted and that the Jay guy will face punishment shortly," I paused to swallow my concern. I should rejoice, yet I couldn''t. "They said I can take two more days off. However, it will be deducted from my salary," I turned back to the chunk of text on the screen. "I don''t think I can take more offs," I hesitated.


    "It''s not so bad. At least, you won''t have to deal with that guy," Grant smiled. Somehow, he managed to see everything from the bright side. "We should celebrate. What''s left in the fridge?" I laughed at his enthusiasm. Since I had a good day, my good mood came back easily. Demos approached me as Grant inspected the fridge''s content.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll accompany you to work and will pick you up at three pm sharp. Use EWink whenever you feel unsafe," he squeezed my arm lightly. "I''ll do my best to be there for you," my knees almost melted as he said it against my hair. I like that Demos, the caring one not the jerk.


    "Guys!" called Grant from the kitchen. We turned to him in alarm. What now? "I have bad news! The fridge is empty¡­" he sighed in frustration. I grinned, I thought he would announce a disaster.


    "Aren''t you an elf? Can''t you work your magic or something?" I teased. His eyes lit up instantly.


    "Elf//Noun// A supernatural creature of folk tales typically represented as a small, delicate, elusive figure in human form with pointed ears, has magical powers, and a capricious nature. That''s what Google says. I can''t do miracles, though. And your fridge IS empty for real. There''s nothing there," he pulled the door wider for us to see. I gasped, then burst with uncontainable laughter.


    "Let''s eat out," I threw my arms in the air. They both frowned at my sudden flurry of inappropriate joy.


    "You can''t, there thirteen days to go before the end of the month," scolded Grant. "How much do you pay for rent and utilities? What about food per month? And not to forget two hundred units for Sognare," I thought they were here to lift my mood not kill it. I knew I was in a hell of a messy financial situation. No need to rub it in my face. I pulled on a long face.


    "You said WE''LL find a solution so don''t worry about it," I tried to play dumb to escape reality. I can always pretend it doesn''t exist and forget at it. Just as I did when I placed the order at Sognare. He sighed and Demos crossed his arms over his chest, both remained silent.


    "That''s why I need to know how much you have left in your account," he took a step towards me. "So I can work something out," I stared at my sandals. Why did the conversation take such a drastic turn? Now they are even asking me about my money. He stopped in front of me and tilted his head. "Trust me, I''m only trying to help you," our eyes met. His cloudy silver eyes were sincere. I sighed giving up, I needed help but my ego was getting in the way. I reluctantly checked my bracelet. I''ve been trying to ignore my situation so bad I haven''t checked my account for a while. Somehow, I was scared it would be negative.


    "So?" pressed Demos when I took too long to answer. I gazed at him with a smile.


    "There are twenty-one units left," I laughed, surprised there was anything at all. "My salary will be credited on the twenty-eight. That means we have twenty-one units for ten days," I answered jumping up to celebrate. Grant gave a nervous chuckle and gave a quick glance at Demos who pressed his lips into a hard line. He was not happy at all.


    "Let''s hope nothing major happens," Demos added with a bitter smirk. I poked him in the ribs with my index. There was no reaction. His eyes dropped down at me. His chest was as hard as steel.


    "Where''s your positivity?" I giggled. He narrowed his copper eyes at me. Then a slow smile stretched over his lips.


    "Are you trying to tickle me?" he rose a menacing index at me. I took a step back and pretended I was scared.


    "You wouldn''t dare," I tried to keep a straight face and failed. He swiftly grabbed my waist with one hand and tickled my side with the other. I laughed to tears. I twisted and turned but couldn''t break free.


    "Cut it out, you''re bothering the neighbors," we both acquired a new target and dashed to Grant. I tickled him until my fingers hurt. No reaction. Demos did the same. No reaction. I took a step back, gasping for air.


    "Why doesn''t it work for you?" I glared at Grant. He rose one eyebrow at me. They both grabbed me and tickled me until I sunk to the floor rolling with giggles.


    "Stop! I-I can''t take it anymore," Grant stopped, but Demos didn''t. "I swear my heart will burst!" Demos stopped instantly. He had a weird look on his face. Grant helped me to my feet. I took a moment to recover. I almost pee my pants.


    "We can buy pasta and lentils, they are healthy, lots of protein," Grant placed a finger on his chin. I didn''t know where that came from. Was he thinking about what to buy during the tickling session? "Grains are good too, and cheap. At least, it will fill your stomach. The thrift shop we visited last time had an alimentary section on the first floor. We could get a bargain," I held my stomach as I laughed.


    "You¡­ you sound like a housewife," he glared at me. "Oh, my stomach hurts, you''re so funny," I haven''t laughed this hard all my life. My ribs hurt, Demos joined me.


    "I have to agree with her," he added. "Does that mean I have two wives?" he wiggled his eyebrows at Grant, who fumed, I''ve never seen Grant angry before. I stepped between them to calm the situation wrapped my arm around Grant''s shoulder. It immediately pulled him from the staring contest they were having. His cute smile came back.


    "Let''s go shopping," I squealed doing the eel arms dance.


    "Who are you and what have you done with our Liliane?" asked Grant with fake concern.


    "More like what was in the bottle of juice, you were drinking all day?" said Demos in a sarcastic tone. We all laughed and I was happy. I was really happy.


    The trip to the thrift shop had more giggles on the way there. The huge shop was about to close when we got in. A tired female voice over the speaker reminded us there were only fifteen minutes before closing.


    "Liliane check EWink I''ve added a list of what we need. Each one when you get your hand on the said item crosses it off the list. We''ll use as little as possible from the twenty units," I nodded at Grant.


    "Yes, honey," Demos puffed with laughter. Grant''s silver eyes shot lightning bolts at Demos


    "Liliane, stop with the housewife jokes. It''s not nice," I pulled the front of his shirt and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before running away while giggling.


    "See you later, honey," I waved, then checked the list as I disappeared behind canned cheese, stacked into piles reaching the ceiling. There were six items on it. Noodles, rice, lentils, soya beans, frozen veggies, and eggs. My bracelet rang. I looked at the EWink interface.


    Demos: Eggs got them


    Grant: Rice and noodles ok


    Damn, they were fast. Somehow, I got in the wrong section. I was facing the stairs to the second floor. A cold breeze seeped under my light shirt making the hair stood at the back of my neck. I sprung around to find only an empty alley filled with diapers, oversized napkin packs, and electrical supplies. I had a bad feeling. I looked up the second floor, it had a few customers. I dashed to the stairs and almost knocked in an old lady when I reached the top. My bracelet chimed.


    Grant: it''s good we''ve got everything.


    Demos: where are you, Liliane?


    My heart was racing. It was stupid to scare myself like that. I looked around, remembered being here the last time. It was the bathroom alley where Demos bullied that poor rubber ducky.


    Liliane: Can I add something else to the list?


    Demos: No!


    Grant: I don''t think so.


    Liliane: Pretty please!


    Demos: No!


    I grabbed the ducky anyway, it was under one unit. We could survive with twenty units. It was only ten days. I won''t starve. I made my way downstairs peeked around the diapers section, bolted to the front when something stood out in the kitchen section. A wide smile spread on my face.


    Liliane: Guys, Please two items.


    Demos: Where the hell are you?


    Grant: you can''t


    I grabbed the second item and joined them by the cashier. They both glared at me, I gave them my most innocent smile.


    "What is the useless crap you were dying to get?" asked Demos, I ignored him and hurried to the girl waiting at the counter with my treasures in my arms. The tired girl gave me a weak smile, I swapped the two items with a grin.


    "What''s that?" Grant peeked over my shoulder.


    "Liliane, come on," he threw his arms in the air. "We are trying to help you. Don''t sabotage our efforts," I gave him my most pitiful puppy eyes. He sighed at how ridiculous I was.


    "But it''s only one tiny unit. And I''m the one paying, so shut it, honey," I waved the pink apron with honey written in white on him. "It was so cute, I couldn''t help myself," Demos barked with laughter, making the cashier girl looked up in alert. She quickly swapped the other items.


    "Th-that''s I don''t have a word to express¡­" Grant nervously gathered our purchase and placed them in two canvas bags that he took with him. Demos patted his back. I quickly paid the seven units for the transaction. We exited as the speaker announced the clients the shop was closing.


    "What was is the second item?" Demos asked when we got on the street. The air was cool against my skin and I could see faint stars in the inky sky. I fished it out of my pocket.


    "Give me your hand?" he narrowed his eyes at me then did as I say. I placed the yellow rubber ducky in his large palm. He instantly pulled his hand away, stopping in his track. The poor thing slammed onto the pavement, given a dying quack on impact. Grant rushed to us with alerts.


    "What happened?" he asked. Demos growled at the rubber duck with his eyes flashing blue. Grant''s gaze followed to the immobile plastic toy. I knelt and picked it up. What was that all about?


    "It''s just a toy. See!" I squeezed it and the quack¡­ well, the sound was far from the real thing. Not that I knew how a real one sounded. I''ve never shown one in the flesh. Grant cautiously approached Demos and gently rubbed his back to calm him. Grant''s silver eyes seemed to glow in the gloom. I frowned at those two. What the actual hell was happening?


    "It''s ok, Demos. It''s not dangerous. Just¡­ relax," he blinked and his eyes reverted to his usual copper color.


    "What was that?" I held the poor duck against my chest. Grant shook his head and gave me a friendly smile.


    "That was the wolf," they resumed their progression, leaving me behind.


    "Wait, guys?"

 Chapter 18 - A grain of sand

    The next day, I got up early, it was still dark outside. Sleeping next to me over the bed cover was a serene Grant, our fingers intertwined. I couldn''t help smiling.


    "Good morning," I let go of Grant and rolled to my side. Demos sat in his usual spot; he reached and lightly brushed my cheek with his thumb. I hid a giggle in my pillow.


    "Do you want to take a walk before going to work?" I nodded eagerly and hid my mouth with my hand. I had bad breath I didn''t want to disgust him with the smell. I jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. Once I''ve brushed my teeth and got to the toilet I was human again.


    "Morning," said Grant as I entered the room. He sat with crossed legs in bed.


    "Morning guys. You''re coming too?" I pulled the closet open, got my training legging and a sweater. He turned to Demos with a puzzled look. Demos nodded at him. There they go again with their mute conversation.


    "Could you not do that in front of me? It''s annoying," they both looked up.


    "We are using the mate''s link. It''s natural for us to communicate like that. If you feel left out its normal cause we haven''t sync¡­ yet," explained Grant but I stepped back with one hand on my hip.


    "Cut it out already!" I glared at him. He instantly shut his mouth. "You said I could take my time, just let me get my footing, ok," I slammed the bathroom door behind me and got dressed; I''ll shower when I come back, I thought. Demos haven''t moved from his spot when I came back, staring out the window. Grant was gone. Maybe I was a bit too harsh.


    "He''s not coming," he announced without looking at me.


    "Is he pissed? I''m sorry, it''s just a big leap for me," I pulled on my socks and shoes.


    "You shouldn''t apologize to me," he got up and went to the door. "I''ll be waiting at the entrance," he silently closed the door behind him. I groaned in frustration. If I sync with them¡­ I won''t be able to go back. It will be official. ''WE'' will be a thing. I like them; I don''t think I can survive without them. But, for god sake, it has been only a week. It was going too fast. I placed both hands over my head in despair.


    I tiptoed to the living room. Grant stood in the kitchen making tea; I could smell the sweet aroma from here. He was wearing the pink apron I got him. How can I possibly be angry with him? I stood behind him as he stirred the tea and pressed my forehead between his shoulder blades.


    "I''m sorry¡­ I hurt your feelings," I murmured against his back.


    "My feelings for you remain constant. I''m just lonely and maybe a little annoyed that you still don''t trust us enough to sync with us," he turned around with a weak smile.


    "The apron suits you, honey," I grinned and he chuckled. I was able to evade the whole subject. There he was... My little sunshine. "You''re coming?" I tipped my head towards Demos expecting him to follow.


    "It''s ok. You can go. I''ll get your lunch ready," he lowered his eyes. I admit I was a little disappointed. I nodded and joined Demos. We walked in silence to the elevator. In the hall, Jil greeted us with a surprised look.


    "You were able to drag Miss Kerry out of bed for jogging," she clapped her hand at Demos with pride.


    "Congratulations De, you''re taming her," my lips twisted in annoyance. Somehow, I didn''t like her at all.


    "Bye," tossed Demos before pulling the door for me. I pursed my lips at him.


    "What?"


    "Nothing," I quickly exited the building. Demos wore his black short, white flip-flops and a blue shirt. Those didn''t fit for training. I didn''t mention it. We walked down the block for ten minutes in silence, went pass the thrift shop and turned to the right on a road I was unfamiliar with.


    "Where are we going?" I gave him a secretive peek. His face was blank. It didn''t help ease my racing heart.


    "Don''t worry, we''ll be back on time," he simply added. He picked up the pace to a jog. The flat street was bordered with closed storefronts from another era. It turned to a slow slop with beaten concrete houses covered with graffiti. This part seemed unsafe. I opened my mouth, then closed it. However, the uneasiness grew the further we went.


    "You''re sure you know your way?" I gasped out of breath. The streets were deserted. Somehow, there might be shadows lurking in those narrow gaps between the buildings. Still, Demos remained silent. When we reached the top of the hill, two men dressed in black hoodies emerged on both sides from what seemed to be an abandoned factory. Demos slow down, I froze in the middle of the street behind him.


    "Liliane, do you trust me?" he said loud enough for me to hear. I couldn''t move the muscles in my jaw to answer. I stared with wild eyes as one of the men pulled a switchblade out. Those never happen in real life, right.


    "Greetings gentlemen," Demos relaxed his posture as if speaking to friends. The two men exchanged a gaze, then chuckled with one holding his weapon in the air. He switched it from one hand to the other.


    "We are just passing through. I''ll advise non-violence. You are warned. If you resolve to violence against my mate I''ll have to defend her," he explained in a playful tone. Demos didn''t take a defensive pose or even seemed to care about the weapon. I held my breath. This could escalate at any moment.


    "Demos!" I whispered in a broken voice. Why the hell did he provoke those thugs? The one on the left dashed at him with his blade slashing in the air. In a swift movement, Demos grabbed the wrist holding the knife, twisted it. The man yapped with pain, Demos turned and threw him against the second one. They collided with a dull thump, then sunk to the ground unconscious. My mouth opened to scream, no sound came out. Demos wiped his hands together with a smirk on his face.


    "Wh-what have you done?" he tilted his head to the side.


    "I''ve protected you from bad people," he added as a matter of fact. I took a step away from him.


    "Yo-you hurt them¡­" my voice trailed off.


    "Did you prefer them hurting you?" his face grew cold. I shook my head, but my eyes couldn''t look away from the blood. There was blood coming from one of the man''s forehead. They lay in the dirt like broken dolls. Were they dead? I panted with panic.


    "We should call a medic, the patrols! Why did you have to get in this part of Level twenty-two?" I shouted. "Couldn''t we like walk around our neighborhood?" he reached for me and I immediately pulled away. "Don''t touch me!" I reached for my bracelet.


    "Don''t, I already send them an alert and the feed of the attack," his face was a blank slab of granite. "My emergency protocol urges any I-MATE to act if there''s a direct threat to our human mates. I''ve recorded my warning and still, they wouldn''t quit. I used the least lethal move to neutralize both of them," he explained with his back facing me. A blue and neon green patrol craft blasted to a stop above up. Its thruster stirred the air around us. Demos held a hand up to protect me.


    "UnitB0237, Model Helios 4- DEMOS. We''ve received your distress call. Proceed to scan," said a robotic voice from the flying vehicle. A beam of green light spread over the perimeter. I stared in horror as more craft flew towards us. The medic''s orange craft landed, sending debris in all directions. I pulled my sweater over my nose to shelter from the dust. Two uniform cyborgs got off. They scanned the unconscious men then tossed them on a foldable stretcher without care. Both wheeled inside the craft the wounded then immediately took off, scattering more dust in the air.


    "A report will be sent to your owner and your company. Thanks to keeping law and order," added the hovering patrol vehicle. In seconds, it flew up towards the horizon.


    "That-that''s all?" I asked stupefied. "What about the three laws? I don''t understand?" Demos turned around, he walked down the slope in silence. What just happened here? Since when were artificial allow to hurt a human and everyone was like¡­ "Ok, cool!" with a pat over the shoulder? I reluctantly followed him home. Grant greeted us with a smile that only lasted for one second. When he noticed my pale face, he rushed to me and took me in his arms. I was shaking all over.


    "Shh, it''s going to be ok," he pulled me away to look at my face. My tears just broke loose. "Hey, you were late, I was worried," he pulled a napkin from his pocket and handed it to me. I blew my nose, I followed Demos'' movement as he made his way to the living room. Our eyes met for a fraction of a second when he sunk on the dark couch. Goosebumps rose all over my arms.


    "Grant co-could you accompany to work instead?" he looked confused by my request. But he nodded after a moment of silence. I took a quick shower, got dressed in a dull outfit, pulled my hair away from my face and put on my glasses. I couldn''t hide my eyes red. I didn''t care.


    "Ready, Princess?" he asked when I got out. He was carrying my lunch bag. I nodded at him, I couldn''t help giving one last look towards the living room before closing the door. Demos was staring into the distance with a blank face. I shivered at the sight. It never occurred to me that he could be dangerous until I witnessed the sheer strength. He could break me like a twig between his fingers.


    The trip to the station was short. Grant talked about trivial things I couldn''t follow. The images from the fight played in loops in my head. Demos wasn''t like any artificial. Grant tapped my shoulder. I blinked at him. Was Grant the same? Could he resolve to violence too?


    "The Transfer is here," he held out his hand with a gentle smile and I took it without hesitation. No, Grant was different. We boarded the vehicle, it was packed as usual. Grant stood next to me. He kept chatting about how awesome it was and that it was the first time he took the Transfer. I nodded without listening. We got off, he accompanied me to the front door of SolTec. I waved him goodbye. He was gone. I was alone.


    "That''s her!" someone murmured behind me as I swapped my bracelet at the front door. "She''s the one who got Jay Dawson fired!" the comment snapped me from my slumbering state. I turned to look at the speaker and found two women glaring at me.


    "Bitch!"

 Chapter 19 - Emotional support

    The only word I can use, to sum up, my day, utter crap. Everyone stared at me in the corridor as if I was some kind of monster. Each step separating me from my workstation took forever. The walk of shame, that''s what it was. The moment I shut the door and the hate behind and opened EWink. I needed emotional support.


    Liliane: send me some happy vibe Grant.


    Grant: A hug or a kiss?


    Liliane: Anything as long as it''s sugarcoated.


    Grant: check your bag


    Liliane: It''s too early to eat. I haven''t started to work yet.


    Grant: Just check it.


    I went to get the bag hanging by the door. I pulled it open and inspected the content. There were three items, a bottle of water, a plastic container with stirred fried noodles that smell divine, and a smaller container with a slice of cake. Didn''t he say the fridge was empty? Where did that come from?


    Liliane: A cake?


    Grant: You remember the movie night. There''s more if you need it.


    I smiled at the screen. He really knew how to make me happy. I pulled the last drawer to retrieve a stainless steel spoon from its clear wrapping. My emergency spoon. It sunk into the soft texture of the cake; I took a bite and the sweetness melted in my mouth. I groaned with pleasure. I held the spoon in my mouth while I texted Grant.


    Liliane: Thanks, honey. You make my world a better place.


    Grant: I''m getting used to the nickname and it''s a little scary.


    Liliane: Pick me up after work. I desperately need a hug.


    He didn''t answer. I placed the cake back into the bag after a second bite and checked again. Still, no answer. I sighed and got back to work. Notes left by a person named Bertrand with ugly handwriting summarized the batches he checked. Who was old-school enough to take notes¡­ by hand? My workload has piled up when I was gone. Regrettably, that person only did half of the samples. I winced in frustration.


    "Not even capable of doing the job conveniently," I slammed the notes back on the desk. The door opened without warning. Mr. Ramdin stared down at me with a frown.


    "Thank god, Miss. Kerry, you''re back. That Bertrand guy has been messing up my work. I had to rush back and forth to fix his f.u.c.k-ups. Here!" he transferred the data to my screen. A long list of batch numbers appeared. A very long list.


    "What?" I winced then spun in my chair towards him.


    "Right! I''ve never seen corrupted samples for the ten years I''ve been working here. We need to rerun all of them¡­ and now!" he urged. "I''ll ask someone to wheel them to your office. Expect overtime tonight. We won''t go home until it''s done," with that he left, leaving the door wide open. Mr. Ramdin wasn''t lying when he said to expect over time. I had to eat lunch at my workstation. The samples kept coming in. I had to check and double-check each of the cargo leaving for the storage room. Delivery was delayed, trucks had to go back cause they couldn''t take in more raw materials. By two pm I texted Grant. Only half of the list of samples were done. I was doomed.


    Liliane: I''m sorry, work has piled up I''ll come back later. Like really late.


    Grant: Courage, Princess, tell when you will come, will pick you up.


    Liliane: thanks, honey. The lunch was great. The cake was great


    Grant: happy you like them


    Liliane: have to go more work is coming. I will text to let you know.


    Grant: Love you, Princess.


    Demos: love you


    I stared at Demos'' message. My heart squeezed inside my chest. The door opened making me jump, a delivery man wheeled the sealed containers that need my expertise. I got out of my chair to help him. The boxes were heavy and pulling them all day took its toll on my back. At eight pm Mr. Ramdin stopped by my workstation with an instant coffee cup. He leaned against the doorframe as I sipped it.


    "I''ve talked to Benedict Dims," he paused and crossed his arms over his solid chest. "I mean, something was fishy. I never had any issues with you. I still remember the day you rolled in, all pale and slim begging to get a job. I gave you your chance and you never failed me once. I knew I should investigate before filing the report¡­ That''s why I took the time to talk to you," he pushed away from the door and stared right into my eyes. "Why didn''t you tell me that Jay Dawson harassed you?" I averted my gaze and put my half-empty cup away.


    "I told you I was the victim," I murmured. He groaned making me focus back on him.


    "You did," he twisted his lips in annoyance. "Get back to work. If anything of this nature ever happens, come report to me, personally. SolTec needs you. You''re a precious asset," he turned to leave then paused. "If you need a ride home, let me know," I nodded and got back to the keyboard with a smile. That compliment from Mr. Ramdin gave me a boost. I tackled the remaining twenty samples with fury. At ten past fifteen, the last sample was done. I filed all the data and transferred it to Mr. Ramdin''s office. He approved the order. I texted Grant with a smile.


    Liliane: Finished.


    Grant: ''was in the hall waiting for your text. Running to the station. I will arrive shortly.


    I grinned at the screen. Someone knocked on the door, making me flinched in my chair. My head sprung in its direction. The door was wide open and Mr. Ramdin stood there with a huge smile. His tie was gone and his shirt was open showing this hairy chest.


    "It''s done. The cargo is loaded on the Transfer as we speak. Girl, you really help today!" he let out a throaty laugh. I smiled back; I reached to massage my neck. My back was killing me.


    "You want to have a drink?" I slowly looked up at him. "Sorry, Sir. There''s someone coming to pick me up," he nodded a little disappointed. "Good, get home safely," he tapped his fingers on the doorframe lingering then he waved me goodbye. I gathered my water bottle and grabbed my bag. The walk to the entrance was unusually long. I swapped my bracelet over the panel by the front door. It beeped. I opened EWink.


    Liliane: I''ll wait on the platform


    Grant: No, wait at the entrance of the company. Be there in 5 minutes


    Liliane: Ok honey. Too tired to argue I''m dying here. Hurry


    I stood on the steps leading to the main building. It was a little windy, I pulled my sweater close. Still, the cold air found ways to seep in making me shiver. The headlights of a car facing me in the parking lot flashed twice. I squinted my eyes to see the driver but couldn''t. Its door opened and a silhouette emerged from it. A gray-haired, long-bread man waved at me.


    "You''re sure you don''t want a lift?" said the familiar voice. I shook my head squeezing the handle of my lunch bag until my knuckles turned white. Mr. Ramdin was just being polite, I repeated in my head. But gore scenario kept poking out of nowhere. He stood by his car looking in my direction. Why won''t he go away? I heard the loud hiss of the Transfer, as it stopped by the platform. I wanted to run downstairs to the corridor that separated us. Grant will be angry if I put myself in danger. What if it wasn''t them? Quick footsteps hurried from the gloom of the corridor and Grant appeared from it. I rushed to him with a smile but slowed down when I saw the tall shadow behind him. Demos.


    "Liliane," shouted Grant with open arms. I gave him a weak smile. He took me in his arms and twirled me around. Surprised, I gave out a surprised squeal, almost letting go of the bag. When he put me back on my feet, I was gasping for air. My eyes caught a waving hand in the parking lot. I turned and waved back. He got into his car and drove away.


    "Who''s that?" they both asked in unison.


    "That''s my supervisor, he was checking if I got home safely," we watched as the car took a turn to reach the highway. I faced Grant and slapped his upper arm. "What was that about? I almost got a heart attack!" his eyes lit up.


    "You said you wanted a hug," he chuckled. I glanced at Demos behind him. His copper gaze was intense. I quickly averted my eyes and pulled Grant by the arm.


    "Let''s go, I''m tired," he nodded and we all headed for the platform.


    "I''ve prepared a light soup," said Grant. I inspected our surroundings, we were the only one waiting for the Transfer. My focus went back to Demos, he leaned against a column his face turned toward the empty tracks.


    "Liliane, you shouldn''t treat him like that?" said Grant with a sigh. My head snapped back to him.


    "Like what?" I twisted my fingers nervously. He shrugged his shoulders.


    "You''re ignoring him. You should talk," I opened my mouth to protest, but straightened up when Demos pushed away from the column.


    "The Transfer is coming," he announced. Minutes later, it was confirmed by the voice on the speaker. The vehicle stopped before us. The trip back was quiet. Jil greeted us with a concerned face.


    "You look, terrible Miss. Kerry, are they really taking care of you?" she eyed Demos who went directly to the elevator. "What''s with the big guy?" she tipped her chin at him. Grant shrugged his shoulders.


    "Tired, I guess," she pouted for leaving her out of the fun. I waved her goodbye and joined Demos in the elevator. More oppressing silence ruled in the confined space. My respiration became raspy. Grant stroke my back to help me relax. The first thing I did when I got home, I went straight to a hot shower. Leaving a trail of belongings on the floor. My body, my brain, everything was numb. I crawled to bed, pulling on a large shirt. There was a light knock on the door. Grant peeked in, holding a mug.


    "Soup in a mug?" he made it sound like a question. I waved at him to come in. He tiptoed to the bed. I took the mug and settled it on the nightstand.


    "I need you," I groaned. He tilted my head to the side. "Please, my back is killing me," I crawled away and gave him enough space to sit. The bed creaked as he sunk on top with one foot to the ground, the other bend under him. I turned my back to him, pulling on the shirt to cover my knees.


    "Where does it hurt?" he pushed my hair away from my back exposing my neck. The door slammed open making me jump. Demos stood there with his eyes glazing blue.


    "What the f.u.c.k did you just think?" I stared at him with shock. Did he just drop an f-bomb? Then I realized he was talking to Grant and slowly turned in his direction. His eyes weren''t his normal silver. He hid his face and pressed his cool forehead on the nape of my neck to prevent me from seeing him.


    "Grant, what''s happening?" I tried to turn, but he stopped me by wrapping his arms around me.


    "He wanted to bite you!" growled Demos. I stroked his curls, they brushed against my exposed neck tickling me.


    "Why?"


    "I''m sorry Liliane," his muffled voice sounded like he was crying.


    "Hey, what is that all about? Can you let go, please," he slowly released me. Demos crossed his arms over this chest, glaring at us. Grant kept hiding his face. I kneeled before him and pulled on his wrists. Even though he looked slim and fragile he was still stronger than me. I couldn''t get him to remove his hands.


    "What''s wrong?" I whispered at Grant. He refused to show his face.


    "He was planning to¡­" I held my hand at Demos stopping him in mid-sentence.


    "You shut up. I''ll talk to you later," Demos shifted on his feet fuming. "Grant!" I shouted. He finally pulled away his hands relieving his glowing aquamarine eyes.


    "What''s wrong with your eyes?" I asked stunt. He opened his mouth, then shut it.


    "Talk!" I urged. He took a deep breath, gazed at me with a face full of sadness. His angelic features appeared unreal in the dim light of my room.


    "Your brain wave connector is found at the base of your skull," he paused¡­ and the silence stretched so long I had to ask.


    "So?"


    "We are your mates if I force you to sync¡­" his voice trailed off. "I''m sorry. I did mention the pull. The longer we don''t sync, the harder it gets to control, I feel the pull too. We feel lost. I feel the emptiness and worry when you''re not here. I''m..." he squeezed his eyes shut.


    "You-you wanted to force me¡­" his head strung up.


    "No!" he shouted in disgust. "It crossed my mind. If Demos didn''t make his dramatic entrance, you wouldn''t even know," he glared at Demos standing by the door. "I''m sorry. However, I''m still your mate. I understand you think I''m the best friend. Please, remember that I stand on the same level as Demos," I sighed hugging my head.


    "Ok, both of you out. I''m too tired for this," Grant got to his feet and walked to the door bend under the weight of guilt.


    "You said you''ll speak to me later," added Demos. I pulled on my blanket.


    "Not tonight," I answered without looking at him. At least, we were talking again. That was progressing. He closed the door silently behind him.


    "Damn, those two are a handful," I muttered as I retrieved the soup. "Too bad for the back massage," I sighed.

 Chapter 20 - The dilemma

    "Liliane?" whispered a soft voice next to my ear. I groaned and rolled to my side. "Liliane, if you don''t wake up now you''ll be late for work," I peeked with one eye at the speaker. Grant smiled, the light from the curtain creating a halo around his brown curls.


    "Go away, my body is sore all over," I buried my face in my pillow. He pulled on my shirt exposing my back and placed his warm hand on my bare skin. I jolted with my eyes wide open. Sleep vanished.


    "Wh-what are you doing?"


    "Shh! Just relax," I felt all my will seeping from my body as his hand grew hotter. I sunk back into my pillow m.o.a.ning. The pulsing pain in my muscles slowly faded.


    "What are you doing to me?" I asked feeling light-headed. He took his hand away and smoothed my shirt down.


    "Get up! You can''t complain about your back anymore," he tore the blanket covering my legs away. "Liliane!" he warned. I crawled to the edge with sleepy eyes.


    "I feel high!" I yawned. He pulled on my arms, forcing me to get up and literally dragged me to the bathroom.


    "You really don''t want me to help you take your shower," he grinned. I blinked at him standing next to me by the sink. What did he just say? "Anyway, Demos is waiting by the door, he really hates waiting. He will be the one accompanying you to work. You better hurry," what he said stripped all remaining sleep from my lagging brain. When he turned to leave I caught his arm.


    "Wait! I don''t want to go with Demos," I said pleading. He pressed his lips together.


    "You''ve promised. You should learn to keep your promises. Unless it was a lie¡­ which in my opinion is even worse than not keeps promising," he sighed. Even my puppy eyes didn''t seem to work.


    "Damn it," I whispered to myself. He chuckled and grabbed the knob.


    "He will bite everyone else...except you," he smiled before closing the door of the bathroom behind him. His words didn''t help ease my racing heart. I took a quick shower, brushed my teeth while getting dressed. Those two activities don''t go well together. When I emerged from my room, Grant handed me the lunch bag and placed a peck on my cheek.


    "Have a nice day," he waved. I sighed in frustration.


    "Not nice, honey," I whispered to him and his smile widened. Demos was waiting in the entrance his arms crossed over his chest.


    "Good morning, sleepyhead," his face was blank. It was very scary to stand next to him. My heart was about to leap out of my mouth with the slightest movements. I might die young for sure.


    "Can you please go easy on me today," I exhaled feeling tired already. He pushed the button to the elevator.


    "I always go easy on you, Liliane," his voice was unusually low. I looked away when the elevator door opened in front of us. There was an old lady with a shopping bag standing inside. She moved to the side to let us in. I nodded at her and she nodded back. Demos gave her a casual ''hello,'' which she answered with a huge smile. I rolled my eyes at them, what the big fuss about Demos. Ok, he was handsome¡­ like knees melting hot. He was a pain in the ass. I frowned at our reflection over the door as the elevator descended to the hall. Jil greeted us with a smile.


    "Have a good day, lovebirds," she waved at us then turned to the old lady with a smile. Both gave us sneaky looks and burst into giggles. I hurried away as rapidly as possible. Demos pulled the door for me and I was happy to be outside breathing fresh air. Old ladies gossips are not for me.


    "Can we talk now?" he asked with clear irritation. I didn''t like how that sounded. Nothing good can come out when a conversation starts that way. I stayed quiet. "Are you going to give me the silent treatment again? I thought we passed that?" he added between gritted teeth. I sighed when we reached the corner of the street.


    "I was shocked¡­ The blood. God! I''ve never been around violence," I muttered lowering my eyes to my canvas shoes. He walked close to me with his hands in his pocket. The proximity of our bodies was enough to give me anxieties.


    "I''m sorry, it was not my intention, I wanted to make you feel safe. Not to push you away," his voice low again. The station was close now, only a few meters away. I looked up at the flow of passengers on the escalator leading to the platforms.


    "Liliane, please," I was about to cross the road to the entrance of the station when he pulled on my arm. I looked up into his sad copper eyes.


    "What do you want?" I snapped. He sighed, letting go of me. He jogged to the other side, leaving me behind. Damn, this guy was complex, I stared after him. I took a deep breath and walked in the same direction. Demos stood by the digital board on platform seven. The Transfer was already there.


    "Hurry sleepyhead or we''ll miss it," I dashed forward and hopped in just in time before the door closed behind us. I gasped pressing against his chest. My vision wobbled in front of me.


    "You ok?" he used his hand to support me. I nodded and pushed away from him.


    "I''m just feeling light-headed from not sleeping enough, not having breakfast, and with the thing... Grant did to me," when I looked up, he frowned at me. "No need to make that face, he rubbed my back cause I was sore," I added in a dry tone.


    "Grant''s abilities are to influence and soothe," he averted his eyes and kept his arm around my back. I relaxed against him. The spinning didn''t cease, he might be the cause for all I know. My attention switched to our surroundings. We were almost at our stop. I watched as the scenery speed away. It made the spinning worst.


    "Liliane, can we get a fresh start?" he murmured with his eyes fixed on the smudged buildings.


    "You want me to forget everything and start over? Is that even possible?" I looked up at his solid profile. He closed his eyes and sighed.


    "No, I mean to pretend I''m not artificial and go on a date kind of thing," I almost giggled and I stopped myself as he faced me with a grave expression. The Transfer slowed to a halt and the flow of passengers went pass us. He pulled me along with him, we marched to the exit. Silence reigned as he made it to the platform, the sound of the crowd around us, engulfing everything, my racing heart, my quick respiration, the slight trembling in my hands. Demos dropped me at the end of the stairs.


    "Please think about it?" he turned to leave.


    "What about Grant?" I called. He turned slightly I could see his beautifully craved profile, he smiled at my distress.


    "Remember that we are one. We always have and always will be," he waved me goodbye and walked away with his hands in his pockets. I stood there staring at his back a little lost and confused.


    "Just look at that bitch showing off. That''s disgusting," murmured someone behind me. I quickly pulled on my business face, readjusted my glasses on my face. Not again. I lowered my head and rushed up the stairs as fast as I could. I kept my eyes to the floor as I slid my bracelet by the door. "Gross! She''s an artificial freak!" voices giggled behind me. I quickened my pace to my workstation and nearby bumped into a hard chest. Solid arms grabbed me at the last minutes, preventing me from breaking my glasses and probably my nose too.


    "Hey! What''s the hurry!" said a deep voice. I looked up with teary eyes and saw Mr. Ramdin frowned at me. "What''s wrong?" he tilted his head to the side. I pulled my arms away from him and smoothed my garments.


    "I-I''m sorry I didn''t see you," he studied me. I tucked my leaking emotions in, straightened up, and nodded at my door. "I was just getting to work," he narrowed his eyes at me.


    "If something''s up, you come to find me, right?" I nodded while looking at my feet.


    "Yes, sir," I murmured making him sighed.


    "There are more fixing to do today," he paused and scratched his gray beard. "I was hoping this mess was behind us. But, it seems like it will take a couple of days. I''ve transferred the list to your post. So¡­" he pressed his lips together. "Keep up the good work, and sorry more overtime today for sure," he clapped his hand together, turned and walk away. That was awkward. He seemed to want to say something but didn''t quite know how. I sighed, pushed my door and sunk in my seat. It seemed today will be another intense day. This work was sucking the life out of me. I opened EWink.


    Liliane: send me sunshine


    Grant: BIG HUGs!


    Demos: hugs


    I smiled at the screen. Damn, that was cute. I pushed away from my seat and checked the long, long list of tasks awaiting me. Boxes rolled in all day. It was yesterday in a loop. The only difference was what awaited me in my lunch box. Salad with lentils and dice vegetables and cheese. I ate with delight. Mr. Ramdin caught me smiling at my screen while texting.


    "Hum!" he cleared his throat. I jumped almost dropping my lunch. "Sorry to interrupt your home-cooked lunch. Must be nice to be young and in love," quickly closed my container and placed it back in the bag. "It''s ok, you can keep eating. I just drop by to give you good news," I turned to him. "As from tomorrow you''ll get an assistant," I blinked at him a little puzzled.


    "I don''t understand," I murmured.


    "It seems your workload is getting heavier and we need someone qualified when you take your days off. You will train that person, it comes with a bonus unit. Also, Benedicts Dim requested that you take some time off for your wellbeing," he waved at me then went away.


    Ok, now that''s strange. He usually doesn''t care. What was going on? I went back to my screen when I noticed a blinking red dot on my right. It was from the Titan Express service. I jumped in my seat and clapped my hands together. It was from Lyla. I quickly opened it. Lyla appeared in front of me, she stared at the camera with a blank face.


    "Hey!" she smiled. I''ve missed her so much. Just seeing her face made me happy. She shifted in her seat. "Hi, Lili darling. I''m so sorry for not calling. In my defense, I''m working my ass here," her smile dropped and a shadow crossed her tired face. "Lili, Timi and I broke up-" she gave me a weak smile. "He kicked me out of his house¡­ our house. Since we were not official and shit. It was legally his house. I went through tough times. I''m sorry I couldn''t call. I couldn''t be there for you. I really regret moving away. I didn''t have the money to call," she let out a nervous chuckle. "Do you know how expensive it is to use those holocam services out here? A LOT OF MONEY! Like really lots of it. A friend let me borrow hers," she scratched her dull hair. She looked thinner. God, I was complaining to someone who was perhaps worse off than me. How stupid of me. Her face grew serious.


    "Lili darling. I''m sorry that bastard got you into this Sognare shit. Actually, he worked as a marketing agent for the website. He promised people things, talks about impossible dreams, then urges them to take long payment plans for Sognare. It''s a scam girl. You should get out of there. Lili, there''s nothing good that can come out of this," she shook her head in dismay. "Those artificial shit can''t love you Lili not as humans would. Listen to me send them back before you are too attached. I''m sorry I can''t stay too long. I love you girl and miss you terribly. Take care," the image froze on her sad face. I stared at the screen, unable to react. EWink opened before I could stop it.


    Grant: Demos said he asked you on a date?


    Demos: I did


    Grant: what is your answer? Please accept! I so want to go on a date with you! Please.


    Demos: Please accept

 Chapter 21 - A lack of resolve

    Lyla''s words rang in my head, tearing all my hopes and dreams to shreds. Somehow, I already had my doubts about Sognare, their customer service was a clear indication of their deceit. I pushed away from the remaining three samples on my desk and got to my feet. When I turned to my bracelet, I noticed how late it was. The tiny screen said 10:43 pm. I''d forced myself to do my work correctly, however, my mind kept wandering around.


    "Shit!" I whispered. Quick footsteps approached my opened door. Mr. Ramdin popped his head in, he looked a little breathless. He struggled in a navy colored jacket. He had a concerned face.


    "You''re not done yet?" I turned back to the screen pretending to be busy. "Forget it! I just received a call from my wife, our son is sick," my head sprung up in his direction. I didn''t know he was married or had a kid. Our eyes met, he smiled with pride. "And yes, I have a life outside of this," he gestured at the pristine white office. "I may come off as strict, Benedict Dims seems to think I''m a prick," he chuckled without humor. He checked his bracelet. "It''s late. You go home, we''ll finish the rest tomorrow," he rushed into the corridor leaving me stunt. His footsteps echoed until they faded. I was so worried that I forgot to text Grant I was doing overtime, again. With a slide of my finger, Ewink opened. I took a deep breath before typing.


    Liliane: Guys, I just finished. Sorry I was really busy. Work was fierce.


    Grant: Don''t worry, we are already waiting at the station


    Liliane: What station? The one next to our apartment?


    Demos: The one in front of SolTec?


    Liliane: You''re already here? Hold on I''m gathering my stuff. Be right there


    Demos: meet you in front of the main building


    I grabbed my bag and snatched my water bottle on my desk, ran down the corridor. At this hour, it was completely empty. The night shift was cyborgs only loading and unloading of raw materials or orders to ship the next day. Well, I''ve rarely worked this late for the four years I''ve been at SolTec. The main door came into view, I pressed on, eager to get to see them.


    "Send them back before you are too attached," Lyla''s slashing words slowed me down to a halt in front to the door. Was it already too late? I swapped my bracelet on the panel and the glass doors opened allowing cold air to seep in. There they were, standing at the top of the stairs with their backs at me. Both unique in their own styles and character. Grant swirled around with a smile while Demos, with a slight movement of the head, peeked over his shoulder. I stood rooted to the ground.


    "Guys," my smile stretched unconsciously. I couldn''t help the warm feeling in my chest. Grant closed the distance between us and took me in his arms. I melted in his embrace placing my arms around his neck.


    "Oh! You''re responsive today," he chuckled. "I''m also happy to see you," he snuggled his nose in my tangled hair making me giggle.


    "Hey! Remember that you''re in front of her work!" warned Demos glaring at us. I quickly squeezed away from Grant to his disappointment. I moved closer to Demos and slipped my hand into his. He frowned at our hands.


    "Let''s go home!" I pulled on his hand. Grant hurried behind us and grabbed my other hand while giggling.


    "What is going on today?" he laughed stressing on the ''is''. "Is there good news or something?" we walked towards the platform. The long corridor was deserted with patches left in complete darkness. My stomach tightened just imagining what could lurk in those shadows. Demos'' slightly squeezed my fingers. I gave him a quick glance, then turned to smile at Grant.


    "I''m getting a new assistant, Mr. Ramdin says it will come with a bonus," Grant pulled me and kissed my cheek. It happened so quick I didn''t have time to react. He threw his arms in the air screaming. His voice echoed in the hollow space. His overreaction over the news was somewhat surprising. I touched the place where his lips came into contact with my skin. My face was hot. Demos pulled me closer to him.


    "We should throw a party," Grant whirled around and shouted. I laughed in response. He was acting as a kid, it was cute.


    "Hey! Calm the f.u.c.k down!" added Demos in a flat voice. I raised my eyebrow at him.


    "Stop with the F word!" I scolded him pulling on his hand, he smirked at my remark.


    "Really?" he asked with a snort.


    We reached the deserted platform, eerie with patches of green and cold white overhead from the led tubes. Orange spots from the poles along the tracks kept the darkness at bay. There were two ticket machines on the far side with bright yellow and electric blue on the front. Red blinking neon on the tracks indicated that the Transfer won''t be here any sooner. A cold gush of wind pulled opened my light coat making me shiver. Wearing shorts and a lacy top didn''t help in this department. I held the coat closed still the shiver didn''t stop.


    "Come here," said Demos in a low voice. He was leaning against a column while Grant hummed as he spun slowly around another column to our right.


    "It''s ok," I answered between chattering teeth. He pushed away from his spot and hugged me from behind. I flinched as his arms wrapped around my trembling body.


    "Why do you have to be so stubborn?" he whispered against my hair. A closed my eyes to get rid of the irritation. When a second pair of arms wrapped around us, making me jump. Those two will give me a heart attack in the near future. I stared right into Grant''s cheerful silver eyes. He stood facing me.


    "Bear hug!" he chuckled. "You''re shivering Princess. That outfit is not appropriate in this weather," I pressed my head into his chest, closing my eyes to let their warmth wrapped around me.


    "I don''t want to wake up," I sighed. Demos dropped a kiss on my hair.


    "You''re not dreaming," I tilted my head upwards and sighed again. I could see tiny stars in the inky sky from one corner of the roof. Grant looked up at me.


    "I am," I added in a sad tone. "There''s no way this girl fantasy is real," I murmured on the verge of tears. Grant frowned at me and squeezed his arms around us.


    "We are really here and will love you, always," I chuckled at how cheesy that sounded and closed my eyes letting my head fall back against Demos'' chest. Finger''s tips traced my jawline made goosebumps rose on my arms. Long fingers tilted my face to the right; I fluttered my lashes, open them and found lava colored eyes staring down at me. My heart drummed against my chest at the anticipation. My lips parted as I inhaled, feeling him pull me in. He bent his face over slowly brushing his lips against mine. A second pair of lips nipped at my exposed neck, I gasped against Demos'' soft lips. He groaned as he bit my lower lip. Demos yanked me closer against him and covered my mouth with a hungry kiss. I gave a low m.o.a.n, allowing him access to deepen the kiss.


    "Can''t I kiss you too?" whispered Grant in my ear, making my knees go weak. He lightly caressed my cheek when I pulled away from Demos. His eyes were an intense aquamarine. My heart was about to explode, Demos had left me breathless. I was scared to ruin this feeling. A tiny voice kept screaming how wrong it was. Grant leaned in and with his thumb lightly stroked my swollen lips. He laid a shy, tentative kiss then pulled away leaving me wanting more. I heard Demos chuckled against my ear. I pulled Grant by the front of his shirt and pressed my lips over his, shocking him and shutting Demos up. Just then, a loud hiss announced the Transfer''s arrival thus ruining the mood. Grant staggered away with one hand over his lips, his eyes wide with daze. I giggled hiding my red face. What the hell did I just do? Demos pulled me by the hand and we all boarded the Transfer. The trip back home was quiet. Demos stood close to me while Grant grabbed on a pole a little further away with his eyes lost in the distance. Jil greeted us with her usual smile.


    "How are my boys?" she teased. They both averted their eyes. "I see someone had fun tonight," she pointed at my neck. I quickly pulled my collar shut. She laughed, making me want to bury myself and never come out. Jil was quickly climbing on my blacklist. I glared at her as she perfect sophisticated laughter resonated in the empty hall. Demos wrapped his arm around me in a tight embrace.


    "Can you mind your own business," he tossed over his shoulder, he guided me towards the elevator. Grant hurried behind us. When the door closed, I looked up at Demos.


    "Ca-can we talk about this?" he let go of me, his expression grew colder. Grant stood a little further with his back pressed against the wall. He was silenced since we came back, which was a little odd.


    "What do you want to know?" Demos sighed.


    "What is it between us?" I gestured to the space separating us three. Demos slipped his hands in his pockets. Just then, the door chimed, announcing our floor. He stepped out without hesitation followed by Grant. I hurried to catch up with them and open the door to our apartment. The moment, I stepped in I sighed; it felt good to be home. They both turned in perfect sync to face me. Both completely different in their own way.


    "We are your mates. We were made for you," smiled Grant. My heart sunk. I wanted to hear them confess their love for me not the generic promotional ads from Sognare. Lyla was right. Tears sunk my eyes.


    "Hey, what''s wrong," Grant stepped closer and reached out to touch my face. I flinched away. He stared at me in confusion.


    "I''m tired, sleepy and emotionally drained," I walked to my room slamming the door behind me. Loud banging made the door shook on its hinges. I sprung around in alert.


    "Liliane! You can''t just walk away. Not when you just kissed both of us!" shouted Demos on the other side. I paused in the middle of the room. Images and sensation from the kiss flooded back at me. What do I really feel for them? Love? Maybe need. More like an addiction. I shook my head.


    "Liliane!" he yanked the door opened. He loomed in the doorway, eyes glazing blue and menacing.


    "You need to figure out your shit! You can''t do that push-and-pull game on us. Either you want us or want us gone," he spat. His words cut to my core, exposing my insecurities, my doubts, and my guilt. Tears rolled down my cheeks on their own. I collapsed on the floor, unable to keep up with the overwhelming torment raging inside of me.

 Chapter 22 - The silence

    I woke up to the sound of sirens. Red and blue lights flashed in a whirlpool of chaotic thumping. My glasses, gone. I groaned to the numb feeling at the base of my skull. A solid gloved hand pressed my head down when I tried to sit. The blurry image of a medic cyborg wobbled before me.


    "What¡­?" I gaped.


    "Miss, please remain still. You''re on the way to the emergency. We''ve found you unconscious in your apartment. Your companions called us," explained the robotic voice coming from a blank faceplate with two orange stripes on the side. I stared with wide eyes than his words sunk in. My memory was still fuzzy.


    "Emergency? Hospi¡­ Wait! I can''t go to the hospital!" I struggled to get up. Straps around my chest and h.i.p.s restrain my movement. The loud siren pierced through my ears making the spinning of the ceiling worst. I groaned in pain squeezing my lids shut. A warm hand stroked my trembling fingers helped to ease the throbbing.


    "Shh, calm down," my eyes popped open, a cloudy face with aquamarine dots for eyes gazed down at me.


    "Grant?" I called with a broken voice. The comforting hand holding mine. The vehicle rocked as it stopped, tires squealed on the asphalt. "It''s ok, I''m here," his smooth voice close.


    "I can''t afford... it," I shook my head from side to side. I movement made black spots appeared on my field of vision.


    "Don''t worry about the bills," he said in a weak voice.


    "Quick¡­" the rest fused in a blend of broken sentences and disarray of rapid footsteps. Then it all faded to black.


    ***


    I squinted, raised a palm to cover my eyes. The warm sun filtered through the blinds and shone straight on my face. My thoughts were foggy, the room was an unusual white, stripped of all furniture. My other hand didn''t seem to obey when I pulled on it. I extended the one still moving to where my nightstand should be and only hit emptiness.


    "My glasses¡­" I muttered with a sleepy tone. A pair of hands grabbed on. I looked up in its direction.


    "I''ve got them. Here," they slipped them over my face. I blinked twice at Grant sitting on a red plastic chair by the bed.


    "Grant!" he gave me a weak smile.


    "Good morning, Liliane," I nodded at him then I looked around, to my right a large window on the other side a white curtain separating me with the next patient, I presumed. I frowned at Grant.


    "Where''s¡­?" my voice trailed off as the memories of our hot kiss on the platform flooded back but it faded and replaced with Demos'' furious face glaring at me. Grant shook his head and lowered his eyes.


    "He''s outside¡­ pacing in the corridor. He just can''t face you, right now. He feels terrible for yelling at you," my gaze roamed on the white sheet covering my legs and stopped at the IV plugged in my right wrist. They strapped it against the bed''s side rail.


    "I want to go home," I whispered sinking back into the hard pillow under my head. He bent towards the bed and took my free hand causing the raging headache to fade. I groaned at the impression.


    "We can''t, the doctor will be here soon," I frowned at him.


    "What about work?" I pulled my palm away from his to check my bracelet and found it gone. I looked up in an alert. He fished from his pocket the silver band and waved it at me.


    "They did a scan last night and had to remove it," he gently clipped on my left wrist. Leaving the places he touched with a tingling sensation. The memory of my lips over his came full force making my face hot. With only one grip, I couldn''t activate the voice command.


    "Here, let me help you," the mattress creaked as he leaned on. Our eyes met he gave me a warm smile. Then, a door opened breaking our connection followed by a hand pulling on the curtain separating us from the next bed. An old man with waving grey hair wearing a white blouse gazed at us. Demos stood quietly behind him.


    "Good morning," he looked at his Ledpad then back at me. "¡­ Miss. Kerry. I''m Doctor Patel. From your scan and your historic¡­" he scrolled through the data on the transparent screen. "It''s chronic fatigue. A poor diet, bad sleep circle, your levels of stress are hitting the roof," he shook his head.


    "That''s a bad combination for some who had experienced the void. I see a note from your evaluator¡­ a fairly recent one," he glanced up from his screen. I nodded in response.


    "He prescribed the Happiness program," commented Demos as he crossed his arms on his chest. The doctor turned at him.


    "Did you follow the exercises?" I pushed my glasses up my nose averting my eyes.


    "We urged her to go out more. I am the one in charge of her meals," Grant got to his feet standing between the doctor and me.


    "I''m having some trouble at work and need to do overtime, I''m just tired," I sighed. Pulling on the restrains on my right hand, I accessed my mail making the skin around the IV needle sting. The doctor narrowed his eyes at me.


    "You''ll have to do better than that Miss. Kerry. This is a slippery slow. You don''t joke with the void. If you''re back here in that same bed with the same problem I''ll have to put you on medication," I remained silent with my eyes fixed where the needle purged into my skin making the skin around look green. "Do you understand me? This is serious. A young woman full of life like you should be out partying or something not sitting here in a hospital bed suffering from fatigue like an elderly," he exhaled. "Just stick to the program. When the IV drip is done a nurse will remove it and you can go home," he shook his head in dismay.


    "Can I have a word with you, outside," Demos whispered to the Doctor, they both exited leaving me alone with Grant. I turned back to my bracelet.


    "Mail to Mr. Ramdin from SolTec. Subject: Liliane Kerry. Message: I''m calling in sick. I''m in the hospital right now. I''m sorry for the late notice. I know I should be doing the mentorship for the assistant today. I''ll send the receipt later. Send," it chimed indicating the mail was sent. The silence stretched in the room. Making it hard to breathe.


    "Liliane?" he slowly turned my chin forcing me to face him. "Please, take care of yourself. You mean so much to us. Promise me you''ll do the program," I frowned at him.


    "How can you ask that of me when I don''t even know how I''ll pay the freaking bill for the hospital? Let alone everything else¡­" my eyes welled up. I swallowed to keep them at bay.


    "If it''s a money problem, then I''ll find a job," Demos cut in pushing the curtain away, the door behind him was while open. He must have heard it all. "And I''ve already cleared the bill for the hospital!" I pushed away from Grant.


    "What? How?" I shouted. He lowered his eyes to the floor.


    "I wanted to tell you about yesterday¡­ but everything happened so fast. I was angry that you kiss¡­ us to later reject us. I''m sorry for shouting¡­ please forgive me I was harsh," he added dryly I searched his face for a sign of sincerity. He looked up his copper eyes seemed to burn with intensity. His jaw tensed he quickly looked away. "The two persons who attacked us...had a bounty. When I helped apprehend them¡­ their bounty was transferred to me. I used the money to pay the bills," he kept his eyes to the floor while explaining.


    "What? How is that even possible?" I struggled to sit upright. "You don''t even have an account," Grant came to my rescue pulling the pillow so I can sit.


    "Jil helped us with that," smiled Grant. They had been keeping things from me. I didn''t like that at all. I didn''t like Jil and I didn''t like that growing sensation in the pit of my stomach.


    "If we are going to do this thing¡­ I don''t want any secrets, ok!" they both turned to me in sync. I blinked at their quick movement. I some times forget they are artificial. I shook my head to stay focus.


    "What thing?" they both said at the same time.


    "What thing? The happiness program, of course," I narrowed my eyes at them. Demos tilted his head to the side with a smirk. A slow s.e.xy smile.


    "Sneaky!" he muttered. Grant lowered his head in disappointment. Ok, I did it on purpose. Served him right. He didn''t have to yell at me like I was some kid.


    "What do we do now?" I exhaled in frustration. Demos came closer to the bed. Grant took my hand in his stroking it.


    "Can I kiss you?" I almost choked on my tongue. I gaped at him with shock. He flashed a huge grin with sparkling silver eyes full of mischief.


    "We are in a public space, behave!" snapped Demos averting his eyes. Grant pouted still stroking my hand. He turned to me with puppy eyes.


    "Then, can we kiss when we get home? And what about our date?" he asked in the most innocent way. I couldn''t believe my ears.


    "What kind of monster have I created?" I sunk against the pillow feeling all my energy draining from my pores.

 Chapter 23 - Open wound[1]

    Demos stood by the front desk in the hospital hall covered in pompous fake rose marble, he towered over the other patients as he filled in the administration papers. I stared at his back as he bent and signed the doc.u.ments. My bracelet chimed pulling my attention away. I gave a quick gaze at it reluctant to lose sight of Demos in the crowd.


    "Do you want something to drink?" asked Grant standing by my side. Since the moment, the nurse got the IV drip from my arm all I wanted was to get out of this place. He pointed to the row of vending machines standing against the wall next to the toilets. I was terribly thirsty but didn''t want to move from my spot.


    "Liliane, stop stressing over mindless things. Demos is only paying so you can get better. You''ll have to get used to it. He is pretty serious about getting a job," I bit my lips and shook my head. Since I left the institution and got my first job at SolTec I had no one to rely on. Lyla was as broke as I was. We met in the most unusual way while searching for a cheap apartment to rent. We instantly clicked and became roommates, we stayed together for two years then when I got the promotion as a lab assistant in quality control, I left to get my apartment. Lyla''s constant ballet of new boyfriends forced me to seek my own kingdom. I sighed at the memory, Grant patted my back. "Will water be ok?" I frowned at him then nodded. He flashed a bright smile turned and walked to the vending machine. He didn''t ask for money and it bothered me. The money was a bother, it always was. Somehow, I wanted them to be dependent on me. I may sound like a terrible person, but I felt they were slowly moving away from me. And that scared me.


    I turned back to my bracelet and scrolled to the new message. Mr. Ramdin apologized for the overtime. He was certain to be the cause of my sudden visit to the emergency. As I typed my reply, a man wearing a black jacket and a cap hiding his face, bumped into me.


    "Hey!" I called startled by the rude man. He kept on without stopping with his one hand in his pocket.


    "Freak!" he spat over his shoulder before disappearing in the crowd. Demos jogged to my side with a worried face.


    "What''s the matter? I saw someone talking to you," I shook my head and went back to texting Mr. Ramdin.


    "Just some rude guy," when I hit send Grant came back with a water can. I gave him a quick thank you and sipped it. They both watched with concern.


    "Ready? Can we go now?" Grant took me by the arm guiding me towards the exit, Demos following behind. We walked in front of shop fronts and a large circular fountain with a blank slab of rectangular rock in the middle. I had no idea what it was supposed to represent. Contemporary art was a mystery to me. A tall white arch with steps going down appeared before us. The crowd converged to that spot. The sound of low murmur echoed as we went below. At the end of the stairs were more shops boarding a spacious room with a glass ceiling, bright light poured down as the crowd marched towards a door on the opposite side marked; Station Margeot in golden shiny letters.


    "Liliane, are you having more trouble at work?" Demos asked unexpectedly as we entered the station. I tore my eyes from the information board. Grant paused to listen and it made me terribly nervous.


    "No-not exactly. Work has been piling cause of that day off I took the other day. Then someone did a mess and I had to clean up," I chuckled dropping my eyes to my shoe. "People are not always nice¡ªbut, hey, that''s how people are, right?" I tried to brush it away. They both stared at me with blank faces.


    "No, people are not always rude," added Grant with a frown. My eyes darted back to the board.


    "Can we¡ªlike, go home. I''m not really a fan of crowds," Demos resumed his walk leading us to an escalator that went to a platform on the second floor. I was still feeling somewhat wobbly with a dull headache. I leaned against Grant for support; he did miracles when it came to pain relief. Demos mentioned he had abilities earlier. I wanted to get to know him better. Both of them actually. I had no idea what I really wanted, and that confused me even more.


    "It''s here," called Demos when the Transfer entered the station. Passengers gathered around to board. I followed them, eager to get home.


    "Liliane, how did you get that?" asked Grant as he pulled on the sleeve of my blouse. I twisted my arm to the side to see what he was pointing out. At the back of my upper arm was a slash in the fabric with a pink line, a razor kind cut on my skin. I brushed my finger over it puzzled by the cut. It wasn''t there this morning and the blouse was practically brand new. I shrugged my shoulder at him.


    "Maybe, it happened when I fell," I pointed out. Demos got closer; he narrowed his eyes at it.


    "It was cut with a blade... a really sharp one," he stated. I laughed at his affirmation, it couldn''t and since when was he an expert at seeking out evidence?


    "You would make a good cop," I joked. He turned to me with a serious face. Grant giggled while holding his stomach.


    "Actually she is right," I rose my eyebrows at him for taking that joke seriously. Artificial sure has a weird sense of humor. As the Transfer moved across the city to familiar buildings I heard Grant sigh.


    "Can we do something today? Since it''s such a lovely day," Grant pleaded.


    "No, Liliane needs to rest," Demos crossed his arms over his chest. His words were final and I was happy with it. I didn''t want to go out or hang around crowded places.


    "Then what about having our date at home? I could set the table, put on music and candles," he turned to me pressing his hands together, praying. "Please, tell me you have candles hidden somewhere," I smiled at his attempt at organizing a romantic dinner even though they didn''t eat.


    "Who knows, maybe in some drawer in the kitchen," I laughed. Demos frowned at me.


    "Don''t encourage him. He will go on a treasure hunt around the house to find the damn thing," commented Demos with a sour face. I watched the scenery moved away as Grant cheerfully made plans for our date. I could wear that little black dress that Lyla bought for me and tried to force on me when we had our girl''s night out. Maybe even wear some makeup. It has been a while since I last took care of myself. I could enjoy a day without worries. Doctor Patel was right, someone my age should be out partying instead of stressing about money. A slight smile pulled at the corner of my lips.


    "I like it when you smile," Demos whispered against my hair. I quickly turned away to hide my flushed face. He chuckled making me even more aware of my hot cheeks.


    "I''m only stating my honest opinion. No need to feel shy about it," Grant reached around my shoulder and pulled me closer to him. He grinned at me.


    "You''re pretty and smart. You should get rid of that dark cloud hanging above your head," he gave me a little shake and I giggled. Their words went straight to my heart. It skipped a beat. I blinked away the tears welling up in my eyes.


    "See, you''ve made her cry," Demos frowned at Grant who feigned innocence. I laughed at both of them.


    ***


    We got off at our stop and laughed all the way to our apartment. I was supposed to be sick and weak but I didn''t feel like going to sleep. We hung in the living room, I joined Demos on his couch. He mentioned that it was the only one to support his weight or something. The reason why he only sat on it. Grant settled on a cushion on the floor behind my legs. Demos browsed through the movies available in search of a decent one while my hand moved over the curls of Grant''s hair. They covered his delicate neck. Grant had a nice rosy tint while Demos wore his perfect tan proudly. I sighed as I ran my fingers in his hair.


    "Can I braid your hair?" Demos stopped what he was doing to face me, Grant tilted his head up with a puzzled look. "What? What strange button did I just switch?" I gave out a nervous laugh.


    "I''m not a toy," stated Grant flatly. "Or a doll," I couldn''t help the laughter that escaped my lips.


    "Or a s.e.x doll," added Demos to make things worse. "I don''t vibrate either," he chuckled. My laughter died in an awkward choking sound. My face was flaming I didn''t know where to look. How did things get so weird? I got to my feet.


    "Mm¡ªI''m going to get a brush or something¡ªfor the, mm¡ªthe braids, I guess," I stuttered and quickly went to seek refuge in my room. I rifled around my desk pretending to be busy as I tried to calm my racing heart. A large golden envelop sat over my desk. I paused and stared at it.


    "Did someone left an envelope here?" I called from the room. When I picked it up a second smaller one fell to the floor. I picked both up and went to the living room completely forgetting about my quest to find a hairbrush.


    "When did they arrive?" I waved the letters. Paper mail was very unusual and expensive. I tore the golden envelope as I sunk on the couch next to Demos. Grant knelt on his cushion with both hands supporting his face to peek at the content. A happy smile stretching from ear to ear.


    "Have you ever seen paper mail before?" I waved the light shiny paper at Grant who grinned at me. On the header of the letter poking in bold letters was Sognare''s logo. It was their first bill. I squeezed my lips together.


    "Well, I was kind of expecting the bill to roll in sooner or later. But to actually see one in the flesh. I''m surprised. A freaking golden bill on freaking paper. They are really expecting to milk money out of my account," I sighed with a sour tone. They both faced me with conflicted expressions.


    "I''ll get a job," said Demos with a hint of distress. Grant jumped to his feet startling me.


    "I''ll get a job too!" I giggled at his eagerness. Such a kid. I turned with a smile to the second letter. It was a plain white envelope with no name or address written on it. I flipped it back and forth then pulled it open. The top of a black and white image peeked from it. I pulled it and gasped at the image. My hand shook making the photo fall to the ground. My heart was racing against my ribcage. It couldn''t be.


    "Liliane?" Demos sprung to his feet in seconds, he was at my side. Grant bent to pick the fallen picture. I pointed a trembling finger at it unable to utter a sound. Demos'' attention shifted from me to Grant.


    "That''s a picture of us kissing¡ª" Grant''s voice trailed off. Demos snatched the picture from him for a closer inspection. His eyes blazing blue.


    "Who dropped it?" he shouted at Grant waving the object in the air. On the black and white picture scribbled in red, ''FREAKS''.


    "I don''t know. Jil gave me the Golden one saying a delivery guy dropped it yesterday. When I got back to the apartment, it was laying in front of the door. So I thought it was the mailman or something," Demos crushed the picture in his hand and dashed for the door.


    "Where are you going?" I called after him.


    "Going to ask Jil for the footage of the security cameras. Lock the door when I''m gone!" he slammed the door leaving us stunt. Grant quickly crossed the room to lock the door. I took a step back bumping my ankle against the couch. I slid down holding my head.


    "I don''t understand," I looked up at Grant with wide eyes. "Who took those? What if they sharing it around¡ª" I shook my head refusing to imagine the implications.


    "Liliane, do you have enemies? Is everything ok at work or ex-boyfriends?" his eyes darted from me to the white envelope on the floor. "I haven''t even asked if you''ve dated other men before¡ªdamn it!" he knelt before me placing his hand on my lap.


    "Liliane, I''ll protect you, so rely on me. Trust me," creases formed on his forehead. I shook my head in denial.


    "I-I heard some mean comments¡ªat work. But that''s just mean people. I tried to ignore them," he took my hands in his.


    "Mean comments?" I shook my head slowly. "About? Tell me, Princess," he urged.


    "Ab-bout¡ªthey kept calling me¡ªartificial freak," I whispered. He sprung to his feet in rage. I flinched at his reaction. His hands squeezed in fists.


    "And you didn''t say anything? You were harassed because of us and you kept it to yourself. Oh Liliane," he grabbed his head. "No wonder, you were hesitant," he sighed then peeked back at me while pressing one hand over his mouth. "I''m sorry, Princess," he sat beside me, tension easing from his body and took me in his arms. "I''m so going to make that up to you," he chuckled against my hair then gently pulled away. "I''m going to search for those freaking candles. You better get ready for a really romantic date tonight," he laughed as I held on the front of his t-shirt with trembling fingers. He flashed me his sweetest smile.


    Grant got up, went to the kitchen creating havoc as he searched the drawers. Two quick knocks hit the front door. I run to greet Demos. I yanked it open and instantly regretted it. Powerful hands snatched me by the waist pulling me against the intruder. I gave out a surprised yap. Peeking beneath a dark cap was the grinning face of Jay Dawson. My eyes widened on recognition. What the¡ª?


    "Hello, s.l.u.t! How are you doing?" he breathed against my face. I shivered in disgust. "Where are your little s.e.x toys?" he pulled me closer to him. I opened my mouth but no sound came out.


    "Let go of her!" shouted Grant from the middle of the living room. His eyes aquamarine. It made that bastard laughed harder.


    "Did she tell you that I got fired? I was a f.u.c.k.i.n.g star at SolTec. She ruined it all. My whole goddamn life," he fished something from the back of his belt, I struggled to get free. Grant held my eyes as he walked towards me. "Don''t try to pull your trips on me. What I took, no f.u.c.k.i.n.g soothe-talk tricks can stop me," he pulled a sharp-looking knife and pressed it against my throat. My breath came out raspy. A crazy light danced in that bastard''s eyes. He grinned at me and pressed his face against my cheek. I flinched in horror.


    "Liliane, look at me!" shouted Grant. The man ignored him, he lowered the blade, it was dangerously close to my skin. My eyes followed it as it went to my cleavage. I couldn''t concentrate on everything other than the blade.


    "I''ve been dreaming of doing this," he breathed against my neck. "You f.u.c.k.i.n.g s.l.u.t!" he grind his crotch against my thigh. A tear rolled down my cheek. I heard a crack as a fast-moving fist connected to the man''s jaw. He staggered back, the hand holding the knife made an arc in front of me missing my throat by little. I smacked into the floor, when I turned around Grant was holding his left arm. He stood between me and the intruder. Something soft fall on the floor with a thump. The guy was laughing hysterically while holding his bloody jaw.


    "F.u.c.k.i.n.g garbage can¡ªthis is no an ordinary knife!" he glared at me. "Wait right there, till I''m done cutting that fake to pieces," he snorted.


    "Liliane! Don''t look!" I couldn''t. I couldn''t tear my eyes away from the three severed fingers laying in a pool of white liquid.

 Chapter 24 - Open wound [2]

    My vocal cords vibrated to an alien scream gushing out of my mouth. What was happening? Those things on the floor couldn''t be parts of Grant. I shook my head in denial.


    "Grant! Oh my god! Grant!" I crawled on all fours mindless of the metallic taste in my mouth. My trembling fingers grabbed hold of his leg and pulled myself to a seated position.


    "It''s ok, Liliane, It''s ok," his voice was calm and steady. He patted my head; white liquid dripped from his hand onto my cheek. Being able to touch him sent me in a vivid state where all colors drained out of the picture leaving only the bleak contours around charcoal outlines. Everything slowed down, sounds stretched to alien music.


    "Oh, how charming," laughed the grotesque clich¨¦ of an antagonist. I let out a burst of choked laughter. The situation was so scary it was funny.


    "What, you''re pissed ''cause I refused you?" I pulled myself to my feet while holding on to Grant. The Jay guy instantly lost his smirk. "Tell me? What would this little show change?" I looked at him as I tilted my head to the side. Grant gave me a quick side-glance. The shock, the fear, the imminent death all mixed in a terrible c.o.c.ktail, moved me forward. I turned to Grant and for the first time, I saw the extensive damage he had to his left arm. There was a large gush from his elbow to his palm where three fingers were missing. Dark cables and wires hanging out¡ªblackness seeping from his wound as white liquid dripped from it to the front of this shirt and down his pants. He lifted his free arm in front of me in a protective gesture. My heart squeezed inside my chest. Big droplets dropped from my eyes. I pushed my chin up facing my enemy.


    "You''re nothing! You don''t even exist in my world. I don''t care and never will. So what, your fat ego was wounded. Go seek professional help, for god sake!" I shouted as more tears poured from my eyes. He groaned, his lips pulled from his teeth, eyes bulging out in fury.


    "I''ll make it so you''ll never f.u.c.k.i.n.g forget. I will hurt you so bad! You will have to acknowledge my existence," he rushed forward slashing the air in rage. The deadly blade swinging at us. Grant dodged his blows and shoved me to the side, away from danger.


    "Run, Liliane!" he shouted at me. He successfully pushed the assailant against the wall. Giving me enough time to stay clear from the fight. The door came bursting out of its hinges giving Grant the opportunity to push the intruder against it, knocking the knife out of Jay Dawson''s hand. It went flying across the room. I gasped as the door toppled, hitting that leech on the head. Blood splashed over his face as he went crashing to the floor with the door on top of him. Dust hung in the air. A black shape hunched in the doorway.


    "Grant!" it growled and rushed to him. Piercing blue eyes laid on me making me shiver. It had a vaguely human form blurry around the edges. I blinked trying to make out what it was.


    "Shit!" it hissed. It rushed to me, I flinched as it grabbed me by the shoulder. "Liliane," Demos'' handsome face pour out of the shadows, his body was still blurry. His voice and what was playing before my eyes seemed to not fit together. He shook me gently trying to snap me from my state.


    "Please, Grant¡ªhe is hurt," my voice came out completely flat. He paused to study me then nodded and went to Grant ignoring the guy groaning under the door. I was surprised he wasn''t dead. Grant was leaning against the wall pressing his arm against his chest. When Demos approached him, Grant let out a dry laugh and show him the injury. Demos squeezed his damaged hand, Grant wobbled on his feet, his gasped and gazed at the ceiling.


    "Why the hell did you let that bastard hurt you this bad? Do you know how much it will cost for the repairs?" shouted Demos. Grant lowered his eyes pressing his forehead into Demos'' chest.


    "That disgusting thing was touching Liliane," Demos pulled away fuming, however, Grant grabbed his arm. "No, please don''t," he shook his head. I slowly dragged my feet to join them.


    "I''m going to f.u.c.k.i.n.g kill him!" he shouted through gritted teeth. His fierce blue eyes met mine, I held it. I felt eerily disconnected. "The police will be here in no time," he returned to Grant. "I''ll get the trauma kit," Demos rushed to his pod, pulled a hidden drawer from its base and retrieved a spray can. Then he went through the kitchen drawers, utensils crashed on the floor making me jump. He came back with duct tape and a towel.


    "Hold this for me," he dumped the items in my hands and guided Grant to a chair. The floor was soaked with the white liquid. He sprayed the can over the open wound then pressed the towel over it. All the while, I stared at Grant''s smiling face.


    "Does it hurt?" I managed to say. Demos'' snatched the tape from me, tore it with his teeth and wrapped it around the wound. Grant tilted his face at me. His eyes were slowly turning to a dull grey.


    "It''s ok, Liliane¡ªit doesn''t hurt," Demos glared at him. I got closer and he wrapped his free hand around my waist while pressing his forehead against my belly.


    "Of course, it f.u.c.k.i.n.g hurts!" shouted Demos getting to his feet. "We just don''t experience pain the way humans do," my fingers went instinctively in his brown curls. He grabbed tightly on the fabric of my blouse.


    "I was scared," whispered Grant against my side. "I''m sorry, Liliane," Demos rushed to us and wrapped his arms around us. In their supportive warmth my emotions bubbled up in my throat, everything I held back rushed to submerge me.


    "It was entirely my fault. I''m sorry for not trusting you enough. I''m¡ªso so sorry. Please¡ªforgive me, Grant," I cried between breaths. Demos leaned against me placing a kiss on my forehead.


    "You didn''t attack him. Please, don''t feel guilty," he whispered against my ear. Quick footsteps in the entrance made us turned in alert. A dozen armed patrol agents swamped inside pointing guns in all directions.


    "The intruder has been neutralized," Demos tipped his chin towards the fallen door. They pulled the door away, scanned the culprit who snorted at them. Among the dozen agents, two stood out. A massive artificial towering over his other colleagues and the only human in the group. He moved towards us and flashing his ID card. On it, written in red ink was Inspector Najja Special opt.


    "Thanks for the tip," he said to Demos then his eyes fell on Grant''s arm wrapped in a towel. "How bad it is?" Grant lowered his head.


    "It was a plasma blade. Internal damage. Lost cooling system. The left hand will need replacement," assessed Grant in a cold voice. He didn''t let go of me and I was happy. I don''t think I would be able to face this without the two of them. The tall artificial pulled that stinking bastard up and handcuffed him. He laughed as if it was all a big joke.


    "Jay Dawson you''re under arrest for assault, damage on a property," Demos nodded at the artificial. "And attempted murder. You have the right to remain silent or everything you said will be held against you in legal court," he struggled against the grip of the agent. He spat blood towards the other agents. Several of the cyborgs aimed their guns at him.


    "F.u.c.k you! F.u.c.k.i.n.g garbage cans!" they pulled him out of the apartment as he kept yelling at the top of his voice. The inspector turned towards us.


    "Temus is a Helios too," he pointed to the tall massive artificial. "But he is a beta model. I''ve heard Sognare did a new upgraded Helios 4," he nodded at Demos who slowly faced him. "If you''re interested," he slid his bracelet and sent me his contact. I just stared at him in silence. I didn''t want to understand what it was all about. It was better not to get it.


    "It will take time to process the case. If I were you I would sue him for moral damage," his eyes rested on Grant. "And property damage," with that, he went after the other agents through the busted door.


    "Demos?" called Grant with a weak voice. He was pale and rapidly getting cold. "Switch me¡ªoff," his arm slid off my waist. In one swift movement, Demos took him in his arms. His head tilted weakly to the side and body completely limp. His eyes were blurry, like dirty milk. They went to the pods.


    "What''s happening?" I stood paralyzed with my heart hammering inside my chest. I had a bad feeling gripping my stomach.


    "I have to switch him off so as not to damage his system. He lost too much of his fluids. Don''t worry he will still be himself. It won''t be permanent. His AI will switch to deep sleep," said Demos without looking at me. He strapped Grant in, brushed a lock of hair away from his face. "Don''t worry. Just sleep and dream of us," he murmured with a smile.


    "I''ll¡ªreplay the kiss¡ª" answered Grant with a fainting voice.


    "Good choice," Demos placed a kiss on his forehead and pressed the spot behind his ear. Grant''s eyes closed. I sunk in the chair Grant was on, my eyes followed the trail of blood mix with white liquid in the entrance then stopped on the severed fingers.


    "What are we going to do now?" I let out a raspy breath.


    "Contact Sognare. Grant needs urgent repairs¡ªlike really quick," answered Demos.

 Chapter 25 - Blank stare

    I sat on the couch staring as steam rose from a white mug with a funny cow wearing a hat. Demos had insisted that I eat but I wasn''t sure I could. I contacted Sognare and told them about the incident, Demos attached a detailed status of Grant''s condition. Then he went downstairs to talk to Jil leaving me alone in the silent apartment. He was reluctant to do so, for apparent reasons. There was no door to protect me; Grant lay asleep in his pod, and me acting weird from shock. Those past forty-eight hours have been an emotional rollercoaster I wasn''t sure I was actually off the hook. I had that strange sense of lethargy glued to my skin, it sunk down my throat like staring at a surrealist image¡ªnot sure if I was awake or still sleeping.


    I pulled on the blanket Demos gave me. It didn''t stop the shivers, my eyes roamed back to the entrance. The blood smudged over the white tiles was slowly drying. Small splinters from the door littered the floor. It will take time to erase the memory of what happened here. Demos'' sudden arrival made my heart leaped into a chaotic frenzy.


    "Jil said she''s sending someone over for the door. I''ve talked to the inspector down the hall. There will be a patrol in the area for routine checks," he wiped an invisible sweat off then turned back to me. "You should drink your tea, it will get cold, and¡ª" he looked around the apartment. "Tsk! Not having Grant around is like missing half of my brain¡ª" he stared at the mess in the entrance. I looked up at him with a perplex expression.


    "What?" I asked, he chuckled and scratched his head.


    "I don''t know if I can really use the right words to explain it. When Grant is around we communicate back and forth like when you''re thinking and having a conversation in your head," he gave a quick peek at the pod. "When he is not there¡ªit feels kind of empty," his smile was full of sadness. My gaze followed him as he walked to the kitchen. It broke my heart as he struggled with the cupboard in search of the right tools to clean the floor. I got to my feet and joined him, Demos was picking up the spoons he had previously scattered over the floor when he was searching for duct tape.


    "Let me help you," I opened the last cupboard and got out a compact vacuum cleaner along with a detergent bottle. He nodded at me with a tight smile.


    "Give me that," he reached his hand but I stepped away holding the items against my chest.


    "I can at least clean my own apartment, thank you. I''m not some Princess made of glass," he rose an eyebrow at me. I walked away then paused and took a glance at him. Demos was leaning against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest.


    "Liliane?" he sighed with clear irritation. I moved away to the entrance splashed detergent over the stains, not sure, if it was too much or too little. The bottle hasn''t been used in a while. I''m not the perfect housekeeper as far as I could remember. With the device plugged in, I pressed the nozzle on the floor as it silently slurped in all the debris. I struggled with the handle making too much effort to be effective. In minutes I was sweating, with the brush option it scrubbed the bloodstain away. When I reached the fingers, my tears welled up. Demos appeared behind me startling me.


    "Liliane," he called pulling the device from me. I glared at him while catching my breath.


    "What?" I snapped. He eyed me with calm.


    "You''re trying to deal with the shock. However, this is not the way. The more you ignore it the worst it will get," he pressed the off button and set it against the wall next to the damaged door.


    "So what do you want me to do? Sing? Dance? Do laugh therapy?" I threw my arms in the air. He tilted his head to the side.


    "Can you even sing?" his tone sarcastic. It hit a nerve. I turned away with my hands on my h.i.p.s.


    "That''s not the point¡ª" he pulled me around by the arm forcing me to face him.


    "You need to calm down and talk about it," I looked up searching his copper eyes gazing at me. He wrapped his arms around me, surprising me. "I was so scared when I ran to the apartment. I felt Grant''s pain like I was experiencing it within my own. I''m sorry, I wasn''t there on time to save both of you," I buried my face in his stained t-shirt, it had a weird smell. My trembling hands squeezed around his back. His back was too large for my small hands to go around but I held on.


    "Why did this happen?" my tears stung my eyes. "Why?" I shouted as sobs shook my whole body. He stroked my back, it wasn''t the same as when Grant did it. The pain didn''t disappear. The helplessness grip my stomach.


    "I''m sorry, I don''t have an answer to your question," he tilted my face up to look at him. "Know that I''m here for you¡ªI''ll listen," he dropped a soft kiss on my forehead then brushed his lips against my cheek. I stood on tiptoe pulling myself to reach his lips. Demos dug his fingers in my hair and responded with a passionate kiss. I clung to him desperate to connect, scared to let go.


    "Liliane," he whispered against my trembling lips. My eyes flipped open, mouth hungry for more. "I''m grateful you''re safe," he chuckled. He cupped my face with his large hands, closed his eyes and sighed.


    "There''s only half of me¡ªkissing you. With only half and without syncing it feels wrong," he pressed his forehead against mine. I bit my lips out of guilt. Grant happy face flashed in my mind.


    "I''m sorry¡ªI''m so scared. I''m scared to connect with others. I''m scared you''ll both disappear and leave me behind," my voice quivered. "I just can''t¡ªI can''t relive that lost again. I won''t be able to take it one more time," I let out a shaky breath. He pulled me closer and kissed my cheek.


    "Then we''ll just have to show you that we aren''t planning to run away," he rocked me against his chest. His warmth dr.a.p.ed around me. The safety of solid arms. We stayed in the same position for a while, clinging to each other desperate to find a way to fit together to be complete again. My bracelet chimed snapping me from our moment. He let go so I got to check the new message. I immediately felt the darkness trying to seep through the cracks.


    "It''s Sognare!" I looked up at him in alarm. "They are sending a team to retrieve Grant tomorrow morning," I pressed my hand over my mouth. He brushed his thumb over the creases on my forehead.


    "It''s ok, don''t worry about it. Grant will be fine," I didn''t understand how he could be so calm and confident.


    "What about the bills," my voice went a pitch higher. A slow smile appeared on his lips.


    "Do not worry about the bills. Rely on me. I told you, I''ll show you that I''m¡ªwe, are NOT going to run away," I wanted to believe him. However, I''ve been wounded too many damn time and I just can''t shove that nagging voice in the back of my mind telling me, this thing was a complete scam. A light knock pulled us from our conversation.


    "Sorry, to disturb. I''m here for the door," said the cyborg wearing an orange overall holding a metal box. Demos turned to him and nodded. He then turned his focus back at me.


    "You should go take a hot shower, ok," I didn''t want to argue and didn''t have the energy to do so.


    "Ok," I agreed and gave a quick gaze at the cyborg then went to my room. Somehow, I was calm. Demos was able to grab me from the darkness. It will take time for me to trust his words.

 Chapter 26 - Set me ablaze

    The hot water ran on my sore muscles it did help me relax, a little. When I came back to the room, I could hear loud male voices on the other side of the door. I quickly got dressed in a pair of jeans and an extra-large brown shirt. I couldn''t do anything about the wet hair. The voices rose and fell, pulling me towards it. I couldn''t clearly identify Demos'' bass one. I yanked the door open and the three men standing in the middle of the living room turned to stare at me.


    "There she is," called Mr. Ramdin standing next to the evaluator, Benedict Dims. Demos gave me a tight smile. I quickly crossed the room to join him, he wrapped his arm around my waist. The two men gave us a curious look before averting their eyes to my modest living room decoration.


    "Wh-what are you two doing here?" Mr. Ramdin cleared his throat his eyes darted from me to Benedict Dims.


    "You see, we were alerted of Jay Dawson''s arrest. When I heard that you were involved, I kind of dragged Dims along with me," the evaluator stood rigidly next to him, face blank of all emotion. "You were sick and now this. I''m really sorry. I thought I would come to pay you a visit," I nodded at him.


    "Thanks," I muttered a bit harshly.


    "I''m here to check if you''re ok," added Dims with a business smile on. "We bought you some collation," he tipped his head to the basket of exotic fruits laying on the low coffee table. I frowned at him.


    "A man just tried to kill me and one of my companion is damaged. How should I feel?" his professional smile faded.


    "I can offer my assistance," he reached to his inner vest pocket and pulled out a golden card that he extended to me. I just stared at the VIP letters printed over it.


    "I can''t afford your services," both Mr. Ramdin and Dims shifted on their feet. Demos reached out and took the card. He slipped it in his pocket.


    "Thanks, we''ll think about it," he turned to face me. "Your boss was saying that you have a week off and you need to rest," I frowned at Demos. What was that all about? Since when did he decide on my behalf?


    "I don''t think I need one week. Sognare will come to pick Grant tomorrow, plus I need to drop by the police¡ª" I turned to Demos for confirmation. "Don''t we need to fill in my testimony or something?" he shook his head in agreement.


    "The inspector told me you can take your time. However, you''ll need to fill a proper report," added Demos. I pressed against him for support. He stroked his fingers over the fabric on my shirt. I had to take a deep breath to focus on other things than his hand. Unlike Grant, his touch made my knees weak. Now was no time to get turned on.


    "I''ll go back to work as soon as possible. I need to get back to my routine," I said out of breath. Demos gave me a side-glance. Was he doing it on purpose or was he completely clueless of the effects he had on me?


    "Are you sure?" Mr. Ramdine twisted his fingers together, concern written all over his face.


    "Yes," I said in a dry voice. I focused on my anger to push away that sweet sensation wiggling it''s way up my spine.


    "Ok, then" Mr. Ramdin gave the evaluator a knowing nod. "We should be on our way. Sorry for the disturbance. I hope to see you soon at work, Miss Kerry," he extended his hand to Demos who gave it a firm shake. "Happy meeting you, Demos," Mr. Ramdin gave a playful smile to us then moved to the entrance. Dims tipped his head at us without a word and followed Mr. Ramdin out. Demos let go of me to make sure the door was closed. I let out a soft sigh both because Demos wasn''t in contact with me and them being gone.


    "What did they really wanted?" Demos tilted his head.


    "They seem to care about your well-being," I frowned at him, was he joking or something?


    "He''s my boss and that other one, a high-class shrink. Why would they care?" one corner of his lip curled up.


    "Not everyone is against you, Liliane," I rolled my eyes at him. Like I would believe that, just hours ago, some psycho wanted to butcher me with some crazy knife out of hell.


    "Right!" I marched to the fridge and pulled it open. Somehow, that little conversation got me hungry. There were eggs, frozen veggies, leftover cheese. I turned to the cupboard and found rice, noodles and two tomato cans hiding in the shadow, only items that needed to be cooked. I groaned in frustration. Grant, I miss you terribly, I thought.


    "Where is instant food when you need them?" I slammed the door shut. I turned around and spotted the basket of fruits. It must have cost a fortune.


    "You want me to cook you something?" I crossed the room and grabbed a palm-size red apple in which I eagerly sunk my teeth in. I groaned at the delicious taste. It''s been a while since I have eaten one. I waved at him then noticed the stains on the front of his t-shirt. He followed my gaze.


    "Can I borrow your shower?" I rose my eyebrows at him. I finished the fruit and left the apple core on the table. Licked my fingers one by one under Demos'' stare.


    "You can shower?" his eyes widened like I grew out a second head.


    "I''m guessing you didn''t bother reading any of the quick guide or the agreement from Sognare," I flashed him an innocent grin. He sighed and leaned against the counter. "Ok, I''ll explain. Since we do every day chores like cooking or jogging and going out. We get stains and the outfits get dirty. We take weekly baths, it depends on the activities we do. We do our own maintenance like charging," I came closer to him.


    "Do you use any soap or a special one? Are you waterproof? Can you swim?" he chuckled at my many questions. His eyes were back to its copper color. I like that Demos.


    "You should have asked all those on the first day," I pouted making him laughed louder. "Ok, I''ll tell you. I can swim with the necessary floating equipment. However, I''ll sink like a rock. I weight like one hundred and fifty-eight kilos, remember. I''m sure Grant can but not on a long distance. I am waterproof when I shut my mouth. And no, I don''t need a special soap," he tilted his head in a playful manner. "What more do you want to know," I tapped my index on my chin.


    "Mm, you don''t eat or drink," I walked towards him.


    "Nope," he smiled as his eyes followed my every movement.


    "Then how can you kiss me¡ªI mean the saliva¡ª" I immediately covered my eyes realizing I was thinking aloud. He pulled me closer to him by the waist. I giggled and struggled to get free.


    "You mean, how I taste," I couldn''t tear my gaze from his lips. My breath came out labored. "Do I taste strange?" he was dangerously close. Demos inclined his head to the side his lips brushing against mine. My lips parted to greet him. He caressed my neck with his long fingers as I leaned against him. The moment our lips linked my mind melted. I couldn''t care about taste or what was hiding underneath his skin. I m.o.a.ned as his tongue expertly explored my mouth. I found myself pressed against the counter with both his hands glided over my jeans to my butt. I mouth open for protest but I yapped when he suddenly lifted me up pulling my legs up around him to sit me on the counter. He smiled against my lips.


    "Liliane," he whispered my name in the s.e.xiest way I ever heard¡ªmaking me proud of that old name from another era. He was mine. He hungrily crushed his lips over my mouth pulling me against him. My legs wrapped around his waist. Shit! I was on fire. I found myself kissing his neck and biting his shoulder. He m.o.a.ned in his low s.e.xy voice. His hand went under my large brown shirt setting the places he touched ablaze.


    "Liliane¡ªI love you," he whispered against my lips. I blinked and pulled back breathless. He opened his eyes, they were a beautiful golden taint. I wasn''t expecting that, he leaned closer, I averted my eyes.


    "What''s wrong?" he frowned. I yanked at the front of my shirt and lifted my legs away from his waist.


    "Grant!" I said, he lowered his eyes and got away from me.


    "Sorry I got a little carried away," he chuckled. He scratched the back of his head.


    "Shower! You wanted to shower," I pointed out when an awkward silence settled between us. He gave me a quick glance then nodded.


    "Yeah, right¡ªshower," he turned to his pod and peeked at Grant sleeping. He frowned then touched the glass of Grant''s lid.


    "Sorry," he muttered under his breath. "Mm, Liliane can I borrow a towel?" he pulled the hem of this t-shirt then slid it off. Ok, he was one hot sin of a guy. I felt my cheeks flushed and the heat I experienced minutes ago rushing back. I hopped off the counter and turned to my room to get the towel. I wasn''t in my right mind, I desperately needed to stay away from him. I went to the cabinet by the bathroom''s door to retrieve a large white fluffy towel. When I turned around, I found Demos wearing only his boxer standing in the doorway.


    "Damn it!" I gasped shoving the towel at him as I look away. "What is wrong with you? Wh-where are your stuff?" I felt faint from overheating. He chuckled at my reaction.


    "In the washing machine. I''ll have to clean Grant too. He won''t be happy if I leave him in his dirty clothes. He is a little of a clean freak," I looked up at him focusing on his face cause everything else will make my knee melt.


    "You really care about Grant, don''t you?" his eyebrows arched on his forehead.


    "Don''t you?" his question shoved me in that corner I didn''t want to be. I gave him a tight smile then quickly got out.


    "If you need more towels, it''s in there," I pointed in the direction of the cabinet then I closed the door behind me.

 Chapter 27 - Special needs

    Demos got out of the shower with a towel around his waist. My eyes followed his beautifully sculpted back to Grant''s pod. He paid me no attention,I was sitting in the living room with my legs pressed against my chest. He had a second towel in his hand. My eyes instinctively followed his every movement, the curved of his chest as the muscled flexed on his arms. The way his short hair swirled on his neck. I shook my head trying to exorcise the images of our previous passionate kiss.


    "Can I help you?" I asked as I got off the couch. His head sprung in my direction, he took a long moment before nodding. He pulled a chair and placed it in front of the pod.


    "Can you hold this for me," he handed me the damp towel, which I took without asking questions. With the lid open, he took Grant out holding him in his arms like a baby. It was quite a funny sight. He sat on the chair with Grant laying limp on his lap. Somehow, there was all kind of wrongs in this picture. I was scared the metal chair might collapse any minute. He pulled Grant''s t-shirt with one hand while holding his neck with the other.


    "Mm, can''t we¡ªjust¡ªlike not undress him while he is unconscious. I-I feel very uncomfortable with this¡ª" I squeezed the towel in hand feeling terribly nervous. Demos frowned at me.


    "What''s wrong?" I lowered my eyes to my feet. "We''re just cleaning him up," he added with a flat voice.


    "Yeah¡ªright," my voice was too high to sound normal.


    "Liliane, look at me!" my eyes met his as a reflex. "This is not wrong. This is not s.e.x.u.a.l," my cheek flushed just hearing those words. What was wrong with my stupid mind? He chuckled at my reaction.


    "Come here, silly," he waved me to get closer. I hesitated but then sighed and stood next to him. He was extra cautious with Grant''s damaged hand as he removed the shirt. Seeing them like that reminded me of an old picture I saw of one of Michelangelo''s sculptures depicting the V.i.r.g.i.n Mary holding her dead son. I shook my head at that absurd thought. They sure were sculptures that talked and moved. Beautiful pieces of art made of soft synthetic flesh. Art that confessed their feelings. "Liliane, I love you." Shit! My naughty mind kept dragging me back to that kiss. His voice sounded so desperate. I shivered at the memory.


    "Liliane?" Demos'' voice snapped me away from my thoughts. I blinked at his extended hand. "The towel!" he urged, I quickly nodded. Then noticed Grant''s pants were gone leaving him wearing only his black boxer. I dropped the towel in his hand and took a step back with my heart hammering. I was scared he might overhear it from where I was standing.


    "If one day you''re sick, I''ll take care of you," he muttered without looking at me. I didn''t understand what he meant right away. "When you''re too old to take care of yourself¡ªI''ll be here," I frowned at his words. I was afraid I heard him wrong. He looked up at me and our eyes met. They were warm and loving. My heart skipped a beat. Such thoughts have never even crossed my mind. Shit! It was too much for me to handle. I might die of a heart attack right here. Right now!


    "Demos¡ª" I felt my knees going weak. He smiled and kept wiping Grant''s chest, Demos cupped his head lovingly. So much sweetness irradiated from this simple gesture. An abysmal pain gripped my chest. No word could express this one fleeting sensation.


    "Here," he slowly turned to me with the towel. I fell to my knees in front of them unable to process what was happening. It was not just cleaning a stain off a machine. It was far more profound. Something, I couldn''t quite explain. Something, I don''t think I fully understood. My fingers shook as I grabbed the soaked towel. He squeezed his hands on mine guiding it to Grant''s face. Goosebumps broke all over my body. My breath was raspy.


    "Grant, unlike me has a very romantic idea about this world. Everything we are experiencing, we are doing it for the first time. Every sensation, situation, color, movie, everything," a small smile lit his face. I''ve never been this intimate with any of my three previous exes. "Liliane¡ªI know it will take time. But¡ªcan you please be honest with us?" my hand stopped moving. The white stains were almost gone. He took his hand away. I couldn''t look him in the eye. My guilty seemed to choke me. His hand stroked my hair away from my face.


    "You don''t have to answer right now¡ª" I got to my feet squeezing the towel until my knuckles turned white. His eyes followed me.


    "I''ll rinse the towel, I''ll be right back," I walked mechanically to the bathroom. Twisted the tap open in the sink. The water gushed out on the towel. I frenetically slammed my fists into it. What the actual f.u.c.k was I doing? This was simple, yes or no, kind of situation. I''ve hugged them, kissed them and yet I denied them my heart. I was ridiculous. I needed them. Yes, I admit I do. Still, I couldn''t bring myself to even think I felt something¡ªanything for them. I sighed, squeezed the tap shut and stared at my red-rimmed eyes in the mirror.


    "You''re pathetic, Liliane" I muttered at my reflection. I giggled and shook my head. Here I was talking to myself. I was losing some screws. Get your shit together. Demos was right.


    "Liliane, everything ok in there?" called Demos. I quickly squeezed the water out of the towel and went to meet him. I greeted him with a tight smile and he responded with a questioning gaze. We finished cleaning Grant in silence. I got a plain white blouse that I usually wear for official gathering at work and a black pair of jeans hoping that I could get them back when Sognare was done with the repairs. Demos placed Grant back in his pod then dump the towel in the washing machine along with all the other dirty laundry. Meanwhile, I sat in front of the TV zapping through the channels without really watching. I grabbed a pear from the fruit basket and dug in.


    "You''re sure you don''t want me to cook dinner?" asked Demos from the kitchen. The washing machine slowly buzzed.


    "No. Don''t worry. I''m getting all the vitamins and sugar I need. Fruits are healthy, right?" he slowly nodded as he came to sit next to me. I snuggled against him, his arm went around my shoulder.


    "I''m sleepy," I yawned leaning my head on him.


    "It''s ok, you can sleep. I''ll watch over you," I smiled watching the images flashed on the screen.


    Helios: Two logs. GRANT


    >PLAY


    Her fingers gripped the front of my shirt wrinkling the fabric, time slowed down to milliseconds. Her lips swollen by Demos'' kiss parted sucking in a breath. She blinked, her warm brown eyes focused on me, only me. Pupils dilated¡ªin need. My interpretation might be wrong. The distance taking forever to close between us. Air swooshed by as her hair moved away from her face. I could see my own reflection in her glasses. For that prolonged moment of doubt, several thoughts crossed my mind. However, I held on only one, she was going to kiss me and that made me the happiest artificial in the whole world. I was so happy that the contact of her lips made my circuit go supernova. I didn''t recover even when her lips moved away from mine. I blinked, in shock of such an impact. My first kiss. Fantastic.


    REPLAY

 Chapter 28 - I wont allow it

    I woke up to the sound of whispering voices. I groaned as I shifted on my side, dents in the surface poked into my ribs the blanket slipped to the floor. Cold air seeped on my exposed waist causing me sneezed. The whispering ceased. My fingers roamed to where Demos'' warmth was and found only the rough texture of the couch.


    "Demos?" I called getting up on one elbow. He didn''t answer, my sucked in a sharp breath, extended my hand to the coffee table to retrieve my glasses. I got them on, placed my bare feet on the cold tile, and took a quick look around noticing I''ve actually spent the night in the living room.


    "Good morning, Liliane," I pulled the blanket around me when I saw two strangers standing next to Demos in the entrance. He left them by the door and came to kneel before me talking my hands in his. I stared at him in confusion.


    "Demos, wh-what''s going on?" he gave me a warm smile.


    "Sognare''s team is here," I automatically turned to Grant''s pod only to find empty space next to the fridge. I gasped and faced Demos. He stroked my hand with his thumb. "It''s ok, they already moved it out. I was about to sign the papers but since we haven''t sync, I don''t have the legal rights to do so on your behalf. I was trying to convince them to wait until you wake up," I nodded at his explanation. I intentionally skipped the syncing part. I''ll have to check that sync thing very soon.


    "I''ll sign it," I pushed my glasses up to rub the sleep out of my eyes. "What time is it?" I asked as I got on wobbling feet. He helped me steady while holding my hand.


    "It''s still early, it''s only three in the morning," I arched my eyebrows at him.


    "Damn! When they said they''ll pick him up first thing in the morning they sure weren''t lying," I chuckled. He smiled back and entered the kitchen.


    "Want something to drink, coffee?" he called. I only shook my head and went to the entrance where the two men waited.


    "Good morning, Madame," said the human guy, the artificial one nodded at me. Both of them wore red and black overalls with black caps, Sognare''s logo was printed in bold on the front of their uniforms. He extended his led-pad. "Sorry to wake you up, sign here, please," I gave him a tight smile and swapped my bracelet on the device. It beeped confirming my digital signature.


    "Mm, what do I need to do next?" I laced my fingers nervously together. He tipped his cap and took the device back.


    "We''ll drop it at the repair work in Texton, Level 21. Your other unit explained the situation. If it''s a criminal case, Sognare will deal with the police directly. We have a serious team of lawyers who will look out for our interest. Since your unit is still the property of Sognare, we''ll engage legal procedures for a refund from the person who damaged it. Also, your unit is under warranty. You are a premium client, we''ll do our utmost to finish the repair in twenty-four hours. That''s the fastest we can accomplish for such extensive damages. Dr. Churchhill will freak out when he''ll see this," he finished with a crooked smile. I shook my head thoughtfully.


    "So that means I won''t have to pay for the repairs?" I frowned at him still doubtful. He scratched his head pulling his black cap off. Blond locks fell onto his tan face. His dirty blue eyes darted from me to his colleague.


    "Mm, not exactly. You will have to pay for administration fees, the transport from your place to the shop and back from the shop to your place when the repairs are done," I sighed a little disappointed. It was too good to be true. "You can drop by the office later today for the payment, here''s the exact address," he sent me the address, which I accepted.


    "I have to do the payment today?" my heart sunk. He nodded eagerly.


    "You have twelve hours. If I were you, I would do it the moment the office opens, at nine, cause if you wait too long your unit will go on a waiting list. I can''t guaranty you''ll get it back any sooner. I meant, I understand you have another one and the damage one is just a Helios 2. They were never built for hand-to-hand combat not against a plasma blade. Poor thing," he shook his head in dismay. Demos came to meet me with a steaming mug.


    "Thanks," I took it from him and took a sip. My stomach rumbled mindless of the visitors. Demos took a step forward. I swiftly averted my eyes from the door hoping that they didn''t hear my hungry beast inside my belly.


    "We will do the necessary payments," reassured Demos. The Sognare team said quick goodbyes and exited. Demos closed the door with extra caution since it''s recently been fixed. There were still scratches all over it. I definitely have to call Mr. Palmer. He''ll freak out about all it.


    "How are we going to pay for the expenses?" I asked over the rim of my coffee. I walked to the middle of the room then turned to see Demos leaned against the wall with his eyes on the floor.


    "I accepted his job offer," he simply stated. I almost dropped my mug from the revelation. With trembling hands, I put down the half-filled mug on the coffee table and turned back to him.


    "What job offer?" I glared at him. Still, he kept his eyes on the floor.


    "From Inspector Najja¡ª" that name didn''t ring any bell. Where did that come from?


    "What? Who¡ª?" I crossed the room to stand in front of him. He looked down at me our eyes finally met. He was not angry unlike me. His eyes were sad.


    "The inspector who arrested Jay Dawson, I went to speak to him and he gave me his personal contact. I''ve talked about it with Jil¡ª" hearing her name made me snapped.


    "What? You went and speak about such an important thing¡ªwith her? What about me? Why didn''t you come to me?" I shouted. Being angry with someone taller and larger than me was rather ridiculous, right now I didn''t care. He remained silent, so I went on.


    "Yo-you went behind my back¡ªand what is this job about anyway?" he dropped his eyes.


    "Patrol agent in a special unit," he added flatly. I gasped feeling my knees go weak.


    "I-I won''t allow it!" I voice almost breaking. "A patrol agent! That''s dangerous! Grant just got hurt. They are so many psychos out there! You''re going to leave me alone? I won''t allow it!" I eyes welled up. He sighed and pushed away from the wall.


    "Liliane, listen to me," I waved my hand at him refusing to hear another word. "Liliane, please¡ªI''m not just doing it for Grant. I''m doing it for you and¡ªfor me," I slowly turned to face him. What did he mean for him? His copper eyes were pleading.


    "But¡ªwhy a freaking patrol agent? Why not something less dangerous, damn it," I shook my head making a stray tear spill on my cheek. He closed the distance between us in one-step. His hand brushed against my face wiping the tear away.


    "Liliane, I''ll always be with you. We need to find a new way to take the burden off your shoulders. I can''t sit here and watch you work yourself to death when I can do something about it. Just¡ªplease, trust me," I chuckled; it sounded more like a choked sound.


    "You went behind my back, did plans with Jil and now you talk about trust! Awesome, just¡ªfreaking awesome!" I threw my hands in the air stepping away from him. I was not going to let the Jill part slide. I was so pissed at him for going to her and not coming to me. I was supposed to be his damn mate.


    "Liliane, Jil is a friend," he sighed. "I needed a piece of external advice. She lent me the money to pay for Grant''s repair," I thought I heard him wrong. Then it sunk in.


    "No, no, no¡ªnot again. Demos! Damn it! Not again. I told you, you can''t go around taking money from people¡ªshe''s not even a freaking person! Demos! Why?" he grabbed me by the wrists I was gasping from all the shouting.


    "Jil is artificial¡ªwe artificial help each other without ulterior motives. This is what we do. We serve because we want the system to work. When something is broken, we repair it. When a human is broken, we try all possible solutions to fix them. We were designed like this, to be selfless," he sighed. My eyes widened with shock.


    "Wh-what?" I stared at him with disgust. "You want t-to fix me¡ª?" he pressed his lips together in a thin line bearing his copper eyes at me.


    "Liliane, I don''t want you to suffer. I really do love you. I want you to be happy and¡ªsmile," I shook my head at him. Those sounded like a programmed speech. My heart hammered inside of my chest.


    "Don''t you dare use that word!" I pointed a menacing finger at him. Creases appeared on his forehead.


    "You don''t even know what loving really means," I shouted with my nails dying in my palms. He shrugged his shoulders with a timid smile.


    "Sure I don''t¡ªsame as you," his words hit me like a slap across the face.


    [Helios: Four logs. DEMOS]


    Love is a word. It means caring for someone else. It also means various emotions humans attach to family, lover, children, friends, possessions, happiness, etc. Yet animals also care for each other. I was design to love too. Since we, artificial are selfless I can''t love as humans would. My love is different from theirs. Does it make my feelings less real?

 Chapter 29 - Meet your maker

    The clock ticked at a constant annoying rate on the pristine white wall of the waiting room. A Female artificial bearing the name of Olga with brown hair, perfect makeup wrapped in a tight designer''s dress sat with crossed legs in front of a glass desk. Behind her, Sognare''s logo shone in golden letters. Her pink bracelet chimed which was unusual for an artificial to wear since they come equipped with internal communication interfaces. She looked up at us sitting on an L-shape white leather couch.


    "Doctor Churchhill will see you now," she chanted in a joyful tone. She got up in a fluid gesture, pulled down the short dress to cover her long perfect legs. I felt tiny and unworthy just looking at her bounced off her high heels to the door marked ''Workshop no admittance''. Demos who was sitting beside me got to his feet first and held out a hand for me, which I refused. I was still pissed at him for yesterday.


    We followed Miss tight dress down red stairs to a tall ceiling warehouse. I fumed as Demos check her out from the corner of the eye. I bet she didn''t wear anything under that tight-fitting outrage of a dress. I averted my eyes from those legs crisscrossing as they made their way in the warehouse. I focused on the surrounded instead, my eyes roamed on the different sections. On the left imposing machinery and automated arms. On the right behind clear plastic curtains, what appeared to be a sculpting studio. We followed her to the far corner of the workshop where sat three people on cheap red plastic chairs surrounded with spare parts bound in bubble wraps. Legs and arms hang from the ceiling making an eerie picture. I recognized Grant from the three people instantly. He looked up with a smile.


    "Liliane!" he called as he bounced to his feet. I rushed to him and threw my arms around his neck. He chuckled in my hair.


    "I''m also happy to see you," he hugged me back with one arm. I pulled back and saw that the lower half of his arm below the elbow was missing. I covered my mouth staring with wide eyes.


    "Oh my god, Grant¡ª" he gave me a timid smile. He waved the severed arm at me.


    "Freaky, right?" he giggled. It was definitely not funny. Not after the horrible imagery that played in loops in my head. No the gut-gripping terror of imminent death. I glared at him. He poked my nose with his index. I took a step back and bumped into Demos standing right behind me. We both averted our eyes and moved away. Grant rose a suspicious eyebrow at us.


    "What''s up with both of you?" he slowly turned to Demos with a frown then quickly faced me with his lips slightly parted.


    "What happened between you two?" his silver eyes narrowed at me. Flashed of a passionate kiss in the kitchen punched me in the stomach. I looked at my feet feeling my face heat up. Footsteps tore us from our conversation. A red-haired man wearing a white blouse appeared next to the brunette.


    "Miss Blanch¨¨re," he nodded to the pale girl in black sitting quietly on the red chair next to a long-haired blond guy missing a right arm. She slightly shook her head without making eye contact. He then turned to us with a nod.


    "Miss Kerry, I''m Doctor Higgins Churchhill, but here everyone calls me Church. Since you both have unique companions," he gestured towards us. "I''m happy to see three of my masterpieces in one room¡ªit''s been a while," smiled the man. He looked like he was in his late fifties but I might be wrong. His baby blue eyes shone with a bright light.


    "Please, wait a minute as I speak to Miss Kerry," Church nodded at the girl who sat as still as a statue. I had trouble telling if she was human. She looked like a life-size doll. The artificial sitting next to her seemed more real than she did.


    "This way," he guided us to a door on the left away from the waiting room. Inside was a small office area, which was the opposite of the white storefront. Here, it was a mess with piles of papers stacked in a bookshelf taking most of the left wall. Books, a lot of them, those must cost a fortune. Paper was a luxury. Well, I guess it wasn''t for Sognare. There were drawings glued on the walls, cross-section of body parts, and things I had no idea what they represented¡ªsome sort of machine. Opposite to the door was an old tiny wooden desk behind which the doctor sat. I took the only seat available facing him while Demos and Grant stood behind me. I twisted the hem of my shirt to keep my hands from shaking. The doctor gave me a smile and pulled his led-pad from a drawer.


    "Well, Miss Kerry, I''m sorry to hear about your unfortunate incident, know that our army of lawyers will hunt down that rascal and will make him pay for damaging Grant," he raged shaking a fist in the air. "My work¡ªeach of them is like my children. Each, unique in their own way. I pour my heart into making them more than just machines at our service," he smiled to the small marble sculpture depicting a nude girl with a headdress standing on his desk along with various other odd objects. I squinted my eyes at the girl, she looked like the one in the tight dress. I shuddered at it. The doctor was creepy.


    "Mm¡ªsorry to interrupt, is it serious? I mean Grant''s arm. Cause he looked sick and we had to switch him off," I leaned forward to get his attention. His smile dropped, he ran his hand in his thick hair.


    "Grant and Demos are unique because I only split an AI twice. The other two being female companions for a Russian client. Splitting in rare and not stable," he paused and leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "I can''t believe he used a plasma blade¡ªI had to replace the reinforced carbon structure below the medial epicondyle¡ªthe elbow joint, the ulna, the radius, and the delicate hand," he signed while shaking his head. "Since Grant was custom made and very few Helios 2 were sold. It will take a little time to finish the repairs. Right now, we have three companions for maintenance in this workshop. Our three printers are working at full speed to satisfy our clients," I nodded at his explanation even if I only grasped the overall of all the technical speech. He pressed his lips together and frowned.


    "However, I''ve noticed something," he hesitated.


    "Something?" I repeated a little worried.


    "Yes, Miss Kerry. Grant told me that you haven''t synced with them," I dropped my eyes feeling my cheeks flushed. "Oh! Don''t get me wrong. I won''t dare to ask personal questions. It''s just that the Helios series unlike everything Sognare produces are particular. They are emotional units made to experience life through their owner''s eyes," he pressed his palms flat on the desk. "When they are not in sync with you they won''t work like they were designed to. You should have picked one from the Servus series. They don''t need to connect with your brain wave connector and are quite cheap," he turned his led-pad to show different faces with blank smiles.


    "Liliane said she needed time to adapt to the new changes in her life," Demos stepped in. Church peeked at him then clicked his gold bracelet.


    "Override Master control- Mute," Demos froze with his eyes staring straight ahead. I gasped at him promptly getting up.


    "W-what did you do to him?" my hand shook as I brought it to my lips. The doctor calmly looked at me.


    "There no need to worry, Miss Kerry. I am no mere technician. I''m their creator. I''ve sculpted them from nothingness. Coded and carefully crafted every branch of scripts," he gave a slight smile but his blue eyes remained cold. "Miss Kerry, I hope you are taking good care of them. Demos is the upgraded version of the Temus prototype. Normally, the Helios 4 are military grade. I''m here simply cause I''m curious to see who purchased them. I wanted to see if the person is really taking care of them," he frowned at me making my hands all sweaty. I sunk back onto my seat.


    "It wasn''t my fault¡ªthat man at work¡ªhe tried to kill me! Grant¡ª" I looked up at him. Grant blinked and smiled back. "Grant saved my life!" the man peeked at Grant then back at me.


    "I''m sorry if I seemed a little harsh. I''ve seen so many strange people in my twenty years in the industry, mostly making artificial for military use, space exploration and now for the past five years, for domestic use. You may never know on what nutcase you may fall," he let out a burst of throaty laughter I nervously joined along. He sprung to his feet and extended his hand.


    "I''m happy to meet you, dear client. I hope you enjoy our first-grade products. My assistant will be here shortly for the paperwork," he pulled my hand to his lips. "It''s been a pleasure," I quickly pulled my hand away. "I hope you don''t come back to the workshop again. Else, I''ll be very angry if my artwork is damaged because of poor use," his smile didn''t reach his eyes. He moved to the door as he went for the knob he paused.


    "And oh, Grant will stay here tonight," he clicked on his bracelet, Demos blinked, he relaxed to his normal state. His trembling fingers came to rest on my shoulder making me jump. When the door closed behind the doctor, leaving us alone in the room Grant glared at Demos.


    "Why did you have to talk back at him?" he whispered. I got up on weak legs and threw my arms around Demos'' shoulder. His arms warped around me his whole body was shaking.


    "I was scared!" I whispered. Grant came to hug us. I stroked his wavy hair.


    "I was scared too," Demos admitted.


    "I''m sorry¡ª"


    "Why are you sorry, Liliane?" Grant whispered in my hair.


    "I''ll try to treat you better¡ªboth of you," I felt better surrounded with their warmth.

 Chapter 30 - Welcome party[1]

    Our supposedly quick visit to the Police station near our apartment turned out to be not so quick. Inspector Najja met us personally and dragged us back to his cramped office. When all I wanted was to get in bed and sleep.


    "Miss Kerry, I''m ready to pay a nice sum to get your companion to work here. I have the resources, I think he will fit just fine," he smiled as we both settle down on cheap plastic chairs. What with the cheap furniture? And that was not what I wanted to hear. I thought our visit was about my version of what happened with Jay Dawson, not Demos'' job interview. I saw Demos nod eagerly from the corner of the eye with a grin on his face.


    "Grant is in a repair shop¡ªDr. Churchill just told me he would be very angry if I send one of them again for repairs. I''ve made a promise and I intend to keep it," the inspector got off his chair making it creaked in the progress. He went through an old metallic drawer of a horrid olive green. Pulled out a clear plastic sheet with tiny red text printed over it.


    "Here," he pushed in on the desk. "If anything happens to him, the city of Kumari R2 Police Department will take full responsibility and will pay for whatever damage. It will come with insurance in the line of duty," I squinted my eyes to read the text. Damn, I hate official blabbering.


    "That''s a contract?" I hesitated and looked up at Demos who got closer to study the doc.u.ment. Inspector Najja smirked at me while crossing his legs under his filthy glass desk.


    "It is an official job offer. If you sign it now, as from tomorrow Demos will be a member of the Delta Rapid Intervention Force," he announced with a hint of pride. I narrowed my eyes at him. It was scary¡ªthe name sounded scary. I turned to Demos with concern.


    "Please, sign it," he tipped his chin at the doc.u.ment. I didn''t want to however, I''ve promised I''ll try. He was making this difficult¡ªhe seemed so happy about it. I rubbed my sweaty palms on my jeans.


    "You really want this?" I asked praying he would read the hidden message I tried to convey. All traces of joy drained from his face. He was serious. Dead serious. Shit!


    "Yes, I do," I exhaled giving up. My heart raced as I reached on the pen from the inspector''s messy desk. I wanted to keep him locked in a bas.e.m.e.nt so nothing like happened to him. No plasma blade. No other women, nothing. It kills me to know Grant went through all this¡ªpain. That he will be alone in that workshop. I did shed a tear when I had to let go of him. Even though he looked sad, he promised to be home tomorrow first thing in the morning. I blinked at the doc.u.ment on the table the pen hovering over the space designated for my signature. I let out a shaky breath and quickly signed the damn thing. The inspected retrieved it in fear I might change my mind. He rounded his desk to stand next to us.


    "You won''t regret it," he turned to Demos and patted his back. "You''ll fit right in," he laughed. I was already regretting it. "You must be about the same size as the D8 boys. They are not chatty but they do a damn good job. Also, I''ve to run the tactics programs for you," he turned to me with a smile. "I''ll give you the manuals, which you''ll read and sign," I arched my eyebrows at him. What more boring stuff to read? He nodded at the door, Demos followed him out, I painfully got out of my chair to join them. All I wanted was to lay in bed.


    "You''ll have to install the combat program special for the job, laws, and procedures. Don''t worry they are Sognare''s approved. I''ve already checked with them then I installed them for Temus. I sort of knew you were destined to work here!" he smiled over his shoulder. A cop who believes in destiny, really? We marched between tight-fitted cubicles with artificial typing rapidly on keyboards paying us no attention. We went to the far end of the room where the inspector led us to a small locker room, an old human officer who has piled up some extra centimeters around the waist got up from behind his desk. He smiled and his white mustache seemed to smile too.


    "Thomson! This is Demos he is a new recruit," they both nodded at each other. "Do you have something to fit him?" the old man went to the locker in the far end of the room. The whole place was covered with that horrid olive green as if some giant monster puked all over it. It made me nauseous. Thomson pulled a couple of black shirts still sealed in their plastic bags. Demos yanked his shirt off mindless of the people around him. More precisely, mindless that I turned red from head to feet. He tossed his shirt at me that I clumsily caught and turned my face away.


    "A little too tight," he said as he slipped into the uniform. The old man went through the locker, verified the tag before handing him another one. Even though I was uncomfortable, my eyes followed Demos as he put it on and it fitted like a glove.


    "How do I look?" he swirled around with a huge smile.


    "Good," I gave him a nervous grin. But, damn, he was more than good. He was s.e.xy in that uniform. I never knew I had a thing for uniforms. He totally got me into a new fetish. Tall, s.e.xy, cop. I rolled my eyes mentally. What a clich¨¦. They went on to talk about procedures, which I didn''t pay any attention to. I signed more paper that I didn''t read since Demos said they were ok. I will trust his words. Finally, they took my testimony. By noon, I was dying¡ªliterally.


    We walked back to our apartment. A couple of blocks separated us from the eighty-eight-floor building. The streets were almost deserted, sad grey houses stood on both sides.


    "Please, I just want to go home," I pulled on Demos'' arm. My feet hurt from the walking around and standing in the Transfer. He looked down at me with a warm smile.


    "You still have to eat, let''s eat out," I gazed at him with surprise. That was unusual. A flash of what happened at Sognare''s little back office popped up. Demos took me in his arms his whole shaking. He did say he was scared. I wanted to know what happened to him, however, I''m a coward. I shook my head to make the bad feeling go away.


    "I''m broke, remember!" I frowned at him and at the memory. He slipped his hand in mine pulling me closer.


    "It doesn''t have to be something expensive," he grinned. Since when were we a married couple stressing over where to eat and how much it will affect our budget?


    "I guess, you''re right," I mumbled under my breath and let him lead the way. We turned the corner to our thrift shop, next to it were small food stalls mostly serving fast food or noodles. I got myself a bowl of noodle soup with crispy chicken topping. The cheapest one on the menu. The picture promised a nice looking bowl and delicious fake meat. The real thing looked like a pale replica of the picture. There was only one other customer slurping from his bowl on a corner of the long table. The whole room was painted in signal red with a skinny red table glued to the wall and high stools. Harsh neon lit the colored posters of noodles from heaven. That was a false advertis.e.m.e.nt. In the background, a pale copy of oriental music too low to identify in what language that high-pitched woman was singing. I sat perched on a stool with my bowl when I noticed Demos standing by the door.


    "Come sit with me," I called. One side of his lip curled up.


    "I can''t," he simply stated. The guy sitting at the far end looked up from his bowl. He knocked on the little window through which the meal came from. It opened, a tired Chinese woman peeked at him. He paid for his meal and quickly walked away. The little window slammed shut making me jump.


    "It''s ok, I''m a customer they wouldn''t mind," I waved at him. Demos reluctantly pushed away from the entrance and came to stand next to me. I didn''t know artificial didn''t like restaurants. Well, this place was far from being five stars but what''s the big fuzz?


    "I can''t sit on that thing," he whispered pointing at the tall stool. I rolled my eyes at him remembering his weight issue.


    "Oh, right! Sorry forgot about that," I patted his arm with sympathy. "I''ll be quick," he gave me one of his slow smile making my heart leap.


    "Don''t, it will upset your stomach. I don''t mind. Just¡ªtake your time,"'' I dug in my noodles to ease my racing heart, they tasted flat and cheap just like I expected it but it filled my belly to the rim. I pushed the bowl away got up, knocked on the window and paid for the meal.


    "Done!" I couldn''t drink the soup else I would explode. Demos grinned at me.


    "Next time I''ll pay for your meal," I stood on the tiptoes and left a greasy kiss on his cheek.


    "Sure! Mr. Patrol agent!" I giggled. He narrowed his eyes at me with mischief. I giggled as I run out into the street and he tried to catch me. We went home hand in hand like a real couple.


    "I have an idea," I turned to him. "Let''s throw Grant a welcome party!" his eyes lit up with joy.


    "Sure! But we''re broke," he pressed his lips together. I held onto his arm as we got in the hall of our building. Jil stood in her usual spot with a smile.


    "Welcome, Miss Kerry, De. How''s Grant," I quickly let go of Demos.


    "He will be back tomorrow," I announced then I lowered my eyes. "Mm, thanks for helping us," Demos pulled me closer to him and kissed my temple. I looked up at him a little stunned. Jil grinned at us.


    "I''m just happy to help. Don''t worry¡ªit''s not just my money. Every artificial in the building contributed when they heard what had happened to Grant. He is such a gentle one, we have fallen for his charms," I turned to Demos with a puzzled look. He laughed at Jil''s revelation.


    "Yeah, Grant is a superstar here. I wouldn''t use the word charming but it might be something along those lines," I frowned at him. He didn''t clear my confusion.


    "I don''t get it? What does that mean?" he chuckled looked away from me.


    "We meet every day in the hall when all our chores are done. We sit and chat among ourselves. We like Grant he is cheerful. Not all of us are programmed to bring joy. He is¡ª" she paused to search for the right word.


    "A ray of sunshine!" I added. Jil grinned from ear to ear.


    "That''s a lovely way to put it¡ªvery poetic. It fits Grant," I nodded at her. Maybe I had the wrong impression of Jil. Maybe I was just jealous.


    "Well, have a nice day Jil," I waved at her and went to the elevator while dragging Demos along with me. He gave me curious looks without comments.

 Chapter 31 - Welcome party [2]

    My fingers brushed the scratched surface of my apartment door, remnants of the previous attack. It was still raw in my body and my memory. I couldn''t imagine Grant coming back to this place where it all happened.


    "What''s wrong?" whispered Demos behind me. I leaned into his chest for comfort. He lightly stroke my hair.


    "Can we do something about the door and all the traces of the attack before Grant returns? I don''t want him to be uncomfortable," he shook his head in agreement. We went inside the quiet living room. More scratched were visible on the tiles where the fight took place. The memory of the metallic taste inside my mouth still lingered. I doubted we could fix it without spending a fortune.


    "Maybe, we could cover it up with a doormat," Demos mumbled as he followed my gaze. I turned around pulled his down and gave him a quick peck on his lips. He stumbled back with a startled look.


    "You''re a genius!" I shouted. He just stood there with his mouth open. I rushed to the cupboard in the living room, pulled the door open. Knickknacks of unused blankets, rags and other unidentified objects spilled on the floor, I jumped away to avoid them with a little scream. Out of the chaos, I pulled a blue mat from the bottom with a triumphal cry.


    "Ah-ha! There''s nothing written on it, but it will do," it had warped into an uneven shape I tried to shook it. Demos took it and smoothed it out in front of the door. It covered most of the scratched; we stood back to admire our work.


    "We could write welcome on it if we had some paint," suggested Demos. Ok, I''ve already told him he was a genius I won''t repeat myself. Don''t want to boost his ego. Even though, I wanted to kiss him again, just to see the surprised look on his face.


    "I think I still have the acrylic paints from my artist period. Since the happiness program said to try art therapy. I mostly drew flowers and dead nature," I chuckled.


    "You paint?" he rose his eyebrows at me. I gave him the look¡ªlike; sure, I was a lousy one but come on! What''s so surprising that I tried art.


    "Want to try?" I asked with a tone of sarcasm.


    "We could do a collaboration work together," I almost choked on my laughter. He took me seriously. I tilted my head to the side studying his face. Was he joke? Where''s the catch?


    "Then we could make a welcome home banner to hang in the living room," I said to test him. He took the bait, his smile stretched.


    "Grant would love that," we laughed together for very different reasons without breaking eye contact. Tension built between us as his gaze seemed to pull me towards him. I quickly averted my eyes and said the first thing that came to my mind.


    "I miss Grant," he frowned at me. I escaped to my room pretending to search for my art supplies.


    "Are you sure you''re not missing his cooking and his spoiling you?" I found him standing at the door of my room. I gasped pretending I was offended and slapped his arm then burst in a fit of giggles.


    "Ok, to be honest, I miss his cooking," I rose an index in front of his face. "But! I miss running my fingers in his hair. Oh! It feels amazing," I m.o.a.ned making his pout. Demos bent his knees and grabbed my hand to place it on his head. His hair was shorter it felt different. My hand cupped lovingly the back of his close-shaved hair. He leaned into my hand with a sigh.


    "If I let you do that I''ll lose control," he tilted his head to look at me. In a quick motion, his arms went around my waist and lifted me off the floor. I slapped his shoulders while giggling.


    "Put me down! What the hell!" his gaze was so intense my mouth went dry.


    "Let''s make Grant happy," he whispered before lightly kissing me. I instantly melted in his arms. He pulled away leaving me wanting more. Demos put me down on wobbling feet and went to the box I''ve pulled from under the bed.


    "Let''s do this!" he took the whole box back to the living room with a grin. Shit! My heart was still racing from his hot lips over mine. I don''t think I''ll be able to think about anything else than our proximity. Demos laid the tubes on the floor pulled some brushed and looked up at me.


    "Come," I kneeled beside him. It was nostalgic to hold the brush in my hand. All the memories from that time rushed at me. The time I just started work at SolTec, when Lyla used to bring over her one nightstand.


    "You should wash the brushed first and get some water to dip them in," I commented with tearing my eyes away from the brush. We silently worked on the doormat. Demos painted the ''WEL'' in bright yellow while I used a cotton candy pink to paint the rest. While his letters were like printed on, mine was crooked. I smiled at my crappy work.


    "I ruined it," I laughed and hid my face. He kissed the hand covering my face.


    "You paint with personality, I just replicate a font," I slowly pulled my hand away, stunted he found beauty in my f.u.c.k-ups.


    "We should paint the door!" I shouted feeling light-headed from being this happy. I got to my feet and rushed to it. "We should paint flowers¡ªall over it!" I laughed. Since it was the only thing I was good at. As I previously said, I''m a lousy artist.


    "Do you think it''s allowed?" he crooked his eyebrow at me.


    "F.u.c.k the authority!" I shouted, and then remembered, as tomorrow he will be a patrol agent. "Oups! Well, f.u.c.k authority¡ªtoday?" he got to his feet and joined me at the door.


    "What color do you want to use?" he grinned.


    "All of them!"


    ***


    The banner hung in the living room; we''ve cleaned the house like maniacs. I''ve even tried to cook without Demos'' assistance. Telling him, I was a big girl who could deal with her own shit. It was supposed to be a bowl of simple stir-fried rice with eggs. There was no way I could mess it up, said the video tutorial.


    "How did it happened?" I glared at the pudding-waddling disaster on my plate. Demos turned around trying to hide his grin. "Don''t you dare laugh," I warned him with a menacing finger. He straightened up and turned to face me. Face dead serious.


    "The rice is a little overcooked but it''s still edible," he mastered his poker face.


    "Right!" I narrowed my eyes at him. He came to wrap a warm arm around my shoulder.


    "This is progress. I''m sure Grant will be happy to teach you," at the mention of Grant''s name, I relaxed. We watched another generic action movie that Demos came to love. I don''t have the slightest idea why. Dinner was a little too salty but after I''ve washed it down with water it was ok. I drifted to sleep on the couch without realizing. My head resting on Demos'' shoulder. His warmth slowly leaking inside my broken self.


    A loud voice snapped me from my cotton candy dream. I sat up with a jolt, images of the intruder smirking at me. Jay Dawson. I gasped at the memory. I was laying on the couch with a light blanket covering half of my body. I scanned around the living room in alert when I spotted Demos at the door. Our flowery door.


    "I don''t think I can let you in," he said to the person at the door. I threw the blanket away and rushed to him fearful it mind be that guy again. Demos moved away when he noticed I was behind him.


    "Liliane!" he called. I peeked at the speaker at the door and saw an artificial smiling back. He was slim with angular features, wearing a blue shirt and khaki pants.


    "Isn''t this where the Welcome party is taking place?" my eyes darted from him to Demos.


    "What''s going on?" I asked. Demos turned his back to the door to face me. The artificial pushed the door opened, he waved at the others standing beside him. A dozen of them walked into the apartment greeting me with a nod. My mouth hung open.


    "Demos! What''s¡ª?" I watched as they wandered inside our living room where the welcome banner was.


    "I''m sorry, I mention it to Jil. But then I don''t know how it happened," he pressed his hands together in a pleading gesture. I glared at him then more artificial appeared at the front door.


    "Is this Grant''s party?" asked a dark-skinned elegant artificial wearing a grey suit. Demos grimaced at me. What the hell could I say? I just nodded. "Happy to meet you, I''m Nicolai from 1029 from floor 45. This is Emilia, Tyson, and Erina," he introduced his friends. They were all wrapped in expensive outfits.


    "You''re friends with Grant?" I stared at him with doubt. His smile stretched over perfect white teeth, his piercing blue eyes lit up.


    "Aren''t we all fans of your Grant," in minutes my apartment was crowded with people I didn''t even know existed. Demos came to my rescue with a cup of coffee. As I was sipping the hot liquid, a couple of them surrounded me.


    "We are amazed that you''re an advocate of the artificial cause. That''s why Grant is such a free spirit. Well, Demos is not so chatty," I almost choked on my coffee. Since when was I an artificial activist. A blond girl wearing a pink metallic dress stepped forward.


    "My master never threw me a party. Not for my birthday. Not ever," her friends nodded at her statement. Another, a guy with short hair and a white shirt approached me. I was kind of feeling panicky by then.


    "I''ve served my human for eight years. He never got me anything except these clothes. He always shouts, always angry, never a kind word," I looked up at Demos for help. But quick knocks on the door caught his attention. He turned to answer it while tales of the artificial mistreatment went on. I''ve never considered how they dealt with their conditions. Their stories were sad and unfair, to say the least. The worst was the s.e.xbot''s story, I cringed desperate to run away. Those were things I didn''t want to hear¡ªever.


    "Liliane!" shouted a joyful voice from the front door. I turned around and found Grant wearing a full smile. There were two cyborgs standing next to him pushing his pod. He crossed the room and took me in his arm.


    "I can''t believe you threw me a welcome party¡ªfor me," he cupped my face in his hand. I rose my eyebrows at him.


    "I''ll do everything for my Grant, right?" I said with irony. He squeezed me into his arms.


    "Oh! I love you, Liliane!" he shouted pressing kisses all over my face. I was bright red with all the witnesses around me. He let go of me and went to greet everyone. The cyborgs wheeled the pod next to the fridge then nodded at me. Demos came to meet me with a smile.


    "They need to you sign the papers," I followed him to the door and slipped my bracelet on their device. They paused to look at the party then nodded at me before exiting.


    "Your human is the best human I''ve ever met," a girl with pink hair patted Grant on the back. He responded with a nod then turned to wink me. What the hell has he been saying behind my back?


    "What''s going on? Did I miss an episode¡ªI''m confused," I muttered over the noise. Demos just shrugged his shoulders. Happy voices rose and fell, everyone seemed to enjoy the silent party. There was no music, thank god. I wouldn''t know how to respond if the cop rolled by because of the noise. Imagine that, with Demos going to work for them it would be bad. Very bad.


    After an hour, at about four in the morning, our visitors left one after the other. They waved at me like I was some fan of their lost cause. I''m not sure I get it all. It seemed Grant, is some kind of guru of a sect. People swirled around him, he made them smile, made them relax, ease their pain. It was scary.


    "Ok, the last one is gone," said Demos as he closed the door. He came to stand next to me. He was still guilty about the whole party business. Grant stood in the middle of the living room looking at the door. I quickly went to him and clung on my right hand, I was a little scared to touch the other one. He lifted his new hand. The skin was smooth and seamless, all brand new.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked


    "It''s strange, the hand feels foreign. The technician said it will take some time for me to adjust to it," he turned with a smile. I took him in my arms and felt a second pair of hands around us. Demos kissed my hair, I sighed relaxing into them loving arms.


    "Let''s sync¡ª"

 Chapter 32 - Bonus

    [The cooking disaster]


    I touched his soft fingers tips. Ran my hand over his warm skin. He giggled letting me do as I please. He didn''t break eye contact, his faint smile dancing on his lips.


    "How does it feels? Does it feel different?" he tilted his head to the side, his curls following the motion. He took his time to answer, pondering on the right words.


    "I wouldn''t say it feels different," his fingers closed around my wrist and pulled me closer rapidly. A surprise yap escaped my lips. "It''s that dull sensation like a ghost. You know the wound is no longer there but you can still feel it," I peered into his silver eyes and wrapped my arms around his neck.


    "I missed you," his smile lit up his face.


    "Sure! More importantly, she missed your cooking!" retorted Demos from the kitchen. "Come see this masterpiece she''d cooked," he called. I swirled around glaring at him. Grant pulled away and rushed to the kitchen.


    "Liliane, you''ve cooked and not burnt the house down? I''m amazed," Demos let out a throaty laugh. I hid my flushed face with both hands. The demon, he was doing this on purpose to take his revenge.


    "You''re both horrible!" I could hear pans clicking in the kitchen and muffled giggles. I pulled my hands away to peek at them. They smiled pointing at the pan.


    "Don''t worry, Princess, I''ll show you how to scrub a pan. How the hell did you burn it that bad?" he held the one I used for the stir-fried rice between two fingers. I hid my face again ashamed of my deed. Quick footsteps joined me then arms wrapped around me.


    "Look at those poor tiny fingers," Grant pulled on my hands taking them in his. My fingers had cut from trying and failing to cut onions. Don''t get me going about the sobbing while doing so. He brought my hands to his lips and kissed the bruises.


    "Princess hands should be taken good care for," he smirked at me. Demos choked with laughter in the kitchen. What the hell was his plotting in there?


    "Can the jerk shut up over there?" I glared at him.


    "Can the cheesy Princess cook her own food without assistance?" Grant flashed me a smile then leaned in to place a sweet kiss on my lips. I melted in his arms pressing for more.


    "I love you, Princess," he whispered against my lips. I giggled and threw my arms around his neck.


    "Welcome home," I smiled.

 Chapter 33 - Interview: with the boys

    -What did you think of Liliane when you first saw her?


    [Demos] She''s better in real life but I was a little disappointed when she treated me coldly. Guess she wasn''t expecting us.


    [Grant] She''s pretty and I wanted to kiss her right away. Somehow, we must have freaked her out. That''s mostly Demos'' fault.


    [Demos] what do you mean my fault?


    [Grant] you scared her with your alpha thing.


    [Demos] I was designed that way based on her preference. So it''s her own fault.


    [Grant] you mean, she secretly wanted a threeway?


    [Demos] human mind is a mystery.


    -Would you change her for someone more independent and strong-willed?


    [Demos] no.


    [Grant] If she was strong-will she won''t need us. We were made to fit Liliane.


    [Demos] I couldn''t be happy if she didn''t need me and I had to sit around waiting for her orders.


    [Grant] yeah, that would be a sad life.


    -Grant how''s your hand, how did you lived that attack? Was it scary?


    [Grant] I''m getting used to my new hand. I was scared that this man would hurt Liliane. I wasn''t aware the blade was a plasma one. If I knew I wouldn''t have been this reckless. It was very scary.


    [Demos] I actually felt the blade cut into him when that bastard attacked. I ran as fast as I could. I was too late.


    [Grant] I don''t focus on the pain. I was happy Liliane was safe.


    -How was it like to meet your maker?


    [Demos] I''ve never experienced restraints. That mute mode was like being caged inside my own body. I never want to experience that again. I don''t want to see him ever.


    [Grant] He is quite intimidating. He loves his creation that''s for sure. I''m thankful he made me so I can meet Liliane.


    [Demos] same, I''m happy I meet Liliane.


    -What do you do when you''re at home alone?


    [Demos] I like reading. Liliane gave me access to your digital library.


    [Grant] I like when Demos reads me stories. I also like to hang with the other artificials.


    [Demos] watching action movies and detective movies.


    [Grant] I like romantic comedies and old French comedy movies.


    [Demos] why?


    [Grant] They are funny!


    [Demos] I don''t get the jokes.


    [Grant] I don''t get everything but I still find it funny.


    -What about friends?


    [Demos] I have Liliane and Grant I don''t need others.


    [Grant] I have plenty of friends. Lots of them.


    [Demos] They wouldn''t shut up, it''s annoying


    [Grant] that''s cause want to get to know you


    [Demos] Don''t wanna


    -Are you ok with sharing Liliane?


    [Demos] yes


    [Grant] we are one so it''s not technically sharing.


    [Demos] right


    -What do you like about her?


    [Demos]I like when she''s angry when she''s shy when she laughs.


    [Grant] same, I like when she''s being herself.


    [Demos]I like to kiss her and hold her in my arms.


    [Grant] that too.


    -What are you both looking forward to happen between you and Liliane?


    [Demos] to trust us and pull her wall down.


    [Grant] to sync with her. I want to cheer her and be happy.


    [Demos] Yes, and to sync with her. Among others.


    [Grant] Others? You mean se?¡ª


    [Demos] Shut up, it didn''t say?¡ª


    [Grant] But it did cross your mind


    [Demos] ''blushing''


    -Last question, any future plans?


    [Demos] pay off her debts. I want her to be comfortable and stop stressing over money issues.


    [Grant] I love Liliane''s dream of that little house with a garden. I wish I could give her that peaceful life away from the big city. I wish to hang out and watch the plants grow. Lay in the grass staring at the blue sky without worry.


    [Demos] ok, I change my plan to the little house too.


    [Grant] You have to pick up one plan not jump into mine.


    [Demos] technically it''s Liliane''s dream.


    [Grant] Right! So we agree on the little house dream.


    [Demos] yes, we do.

 Chapter 34 - The shift

    "You want to sync¡­ with us?" Grant pulled away from me, eyes full of questions. Demos nibbled at my ear making me shiver with pleasure. My lids closed feeling his lips brushed against my neck. My mind melted around their warmth. Each centimeter of skin in contact with both of them fired up.


    "She''s only teasing you," whispered Demos making my heart leap. I shoved him away and glared at him. His comment snapped me from the hazy state.


    "I''m serious!" they both stepped away from me as if I was contagious. "What? Let''s get it over. Let''s sync now," I shouted tapping my feet. Grant frowned at me while Demos looked away a little embarrassed. My brows furrowed with concern. Their reactions took me by surprise; I thought they would be happy about this. What''s with that mixture of disbelief and discomfort?


    "I have to get to work later and it''s my first day," Demos scratched the back of his head. What did that have to do with that syncing business? How did this become so complicated? Grant got closer to me while sighing.


    "Liliane, to sync you need preparation. You also have to go back to work today, right?" he asked without breaking eye contact. I nodded after a moment. Preparation? What preparation? This thing was starting to freak me out.


    "We''ll talk about it when you get back," he squeezed my shoulder lightly for comfort. His warmth oozed through the material of my shirt easing the tension building up in my shoulder. His eyes changed to aquamarine, he was using his thing again to control me. I quickly pulled away.


    "Listen, you''ve been pestering me with it and now that I''ve given in, you''re asking me to wait," Demos moved away from us, went to his usual spot on the couch in the living room. I turned to him searching his expression for support. I couldn''t read his poker face. "Why are you so silent now? Come on, say something," he lay back with his arms behind his head.


    "Grant is right, if we sync right now, it could be dangerous if I go out in the field. I won''t be at my full potential. I don''t want to fail on my first day," my legs grabbed me next to his couch and sunk beside him. I sighed taking my head in my hand.


    "Guys, you''re scaring me," I stare at my foot tapping nervously. Grant closed the distance between us in seconds; he dropped to his knees and took my hands in his. His silver eyes glimmering with worry.


    "Liliane, syncing isn''t scary, you will need to prepare before and after, that''s all," this all the stuff they were telling me, now he was trying to convince me it''s safe. I narrowed my eyes at him. Bullshit!


    "Your thing sounds a lot like some weird s.e.x position," my lips twisted in disgust. "Please, tell me I''m wrong," I turned pleading eyes at Demos who smirked back at me making my heart leaped with apprehension.


    "Don''t look at me. It''s also my first sync with a human. I''m getting the same concerns. I don''t have the answers," he smiled yet it didn''t touch his copper eyes. Grant tugged at my hand to get my attention. I slowly shifted back at him.


    "Liliane, don''t worry. It won''t hurt. The quick guide say it is harmless," I watched him as he stroke my hand with his thumb tracing small circles on my skin. I let out a shaky breath.


    "You''re sure?" he brought my hands to his lips and kissed them.


    "Promise, Princess. For now, it''s 4:16 am. You need to sleep. I bet it will be a busy day," he cheered. I slowly shook my head, my mind drifting to my workplace. My stomach crunched, what if more rumors had spread? Then my thoughts shifted to all the piles of samples waiting for me.


    "Let''s pray I don''t have to do overtime," I murmured, Grant gave me a tight smile.


    "Overtime will ruin our plans," he gave out a nervous laugh. I got to my feet with our sync still on my mind. Terrible scenarios of what I thought it was, ran in circles. When I entered my quiet room, an idea popped in my head.


    "Guys!" I called, both rushed to the door in seconds. I flinched when I looked over my shoulder and found them in the doorway.


    "What''s wrong?" they asked in unison with identical panic on their faces. The memory of the attack still fresh, the emotions attached to it, raw. I forced a smile as an apology.


    "I wanted to get some help¡­ with the bed," my voice trailed off. Their eyes darted from me to the queen size bed in the middle of the room. I cleared my throat before continuing. "Since it can''t fit the three of us. With Demos'' weight and all¡­ also, I can''t afford to buy a larger one, right now. I thought I''d disassemble it then send it for recycling. We could get some units for scrap wood," they both eyed me in silence. It made me terribly anxious not knowing what they were thinking.


    "I don''t want you to sit down by the bed. It''s a little unfair," I added quickly to Demos trying to fill in the silence. His eyebrows arched up.


    "You want me to sleep in bed¡­ with you? All three of us¡­ in bed?" he asked doubtfully. I don''t know how he managed to make it sound s.e.x.u.a.l, the jerk. I lowered my eyes to the floor. This syncing thing was probably s.e.x.u.a.l too. Maybe, I was reading too much into it. Ok, I wasn''t addressing the right issue here. I haven''t even acknowledged their feeling for me. I''ve just brushed their confessions with a slap of the hand. I shook my head desperate to make a sense out of the chaos happening inside of me.


    "I-I want us¡­ to get to know each other. I mean, it''s been weeks that we are together but so much had happened we didn''t have enough time together. I-I want you to know I need you in my life," I dared to lift my head and faced them. Both held my gaze yet stayed silent. I cleared my throat as the tension built up. "Please, say something. The silence is killing me," I fidgeted as I waited. Grant took a step forward.


    "Let''s get this bed out," he simply added Demos nodded in agreement. In minutes, it got pulled apart. I went to search for the vacuum cleaner and fresh sheets. Everyone worked quietly trying not to bump in each other. It felt unreal that I was preparing my bed to invite two guys to sleep on it. Where did my morals go? My neurons were working overtime to coop with the situation. I smoothed out the sheet with Grant''s help while Demos took the pieces of wood that made the bed in the living room. I really wanted to know what was going on behind his silver eyes.


    "Do you need pillows? I think I have some inflated ones when Lyla used to come for sleepovers," Grant gave me a tight smile that made my heart ached. I quickly escaped to the bathroom to retrieve them from the cabinet. My heart drummed, my hands shook when I pulled them out along with two pillowcases. Shit! Get it together, Liliane. What''s with the heavy atmosphere? I caught sight of my blood-shot eyes in the mirror above the sink. I looked terrible. I dropped the pillows and splashed some water over my face, took deep breaths to calm my senses.


    "We are ready," called Grant from the room. I heart made an attempt to escape through my mouth. I gripped the front of my shirt. Calm the f.u.c.k down! We are not even doing the sync thing and I''m already having a heart attack. Get a grip! Flashes of what-if scenarios popped in my heart including one with both of them n.a.k.e.d and waiting when I open the door. I had to slap myself and slashed more water onto my face to flush it out of my head. When I pushed the bathroom door that naughty thought lingered. However, I found both of them fully dressed sitting crossed legged facing each other on the mattress. They looked up in alert. I had to laugh at my own ridiculous sadist mind. I nearly dropped what I was holding.


    "What''s so funny?" asked Grant. I waved a hand at him dismissing his question. I couldn''t stop my giggles.


    "You wouldn''t get it. It''s a girl thing," I sunk beside them with a grin. Grant took the pillow and inflated them.


    "Try us?" added Demos in a challenge. I pulled my own pillow and hugged it. I cheeks flushed, having them, this close made me hypersensitive.


    "Human sense of humor¡­" I added then laid on the mattress turning my back to him. Grant handed a pillow to Demos, his eyes dropped on me.


    "Are you sure you want us to be here?" he frowned at me. He was as nervous as I was, it made me relax a little.


    "Yeah, just help me sleep with your magic," I chuckled. He took a moment to study my face then nodded towards Demos. I felt the mattress moved as they settled down. Grant pulled the sheet around me covering only me. Even though I could feel Demos behind me, we didn''t touch. Grant kept his distance; I was surprised he hadn''t felt off the mattress.


    "Give me your hands," he whispered as he gazed into my eyes. With my head on the pillow and laying on my side, I gave him my cold sweaty hands. My heart accelerated when our skin came into contact. My breathing came out raspy. A slow smile stretched on his lovely face. His curly brown hair spread over the white pillow.


    "It''s ok, just breathe slowly," I watched as his eyes turned to that beautiful taint of blue and green. His face seemed to blur. I blinked when my eyelids became heavy. "Don''t fight it, listen to my voice. Sleep," he voice faded as I drifted to slumber.


    ***


    I stretched my arms knocking my hand into something solid. I blinked away the sleep and rolled to my side.


    "What the¡­?" I lifted myself on an arm. I was sitting on someone''s laps. I gave a small scream before jumping away. Demos smirked at me.


    "Good morning, you''re lively today," he laughed, Grant stirred behind me. I struggled on all fours to get up but Demos pulled me back towards him. "Where do you think you''re going?" he laughed as I fought against his grip.


    "Let go!" I yelled. Grant watched us with a smile.


    "He actually enjoy when you struggle," his comment made me go limp with wide eyes. "However, if you don''t hurry, both of you will be late for work," Demos groaned in frustration then gave a quick kiss on my exposed belly before getting off. I squealed at the surprise attack goosebumps breaking all over my body.


    "Can I use your bathroom, first," he went for the door then paused for my approval. It was funny how natural it felt for them to use this space¡­ my space. After all, it was their home. Our house. I will need time to accept that thought. I slowly nodded then turned to Grant.


    "Good morning, Princess. Did you sleep well?" surprisingly I did.


    "Thanks, I feel a lot better," I gave him a timid smile. He leaned in but I instinctively moved back. He paused and blinked at my reaction.


    "Sorry, bad breath," I averted my face in embarrassment. He chuckled and pulled closer brushing his lips tentatively against mine. "I don''t mind," he whispered in the sweetest voice. Something broke loose in me, something I never thought was there in the first place, taking over me. I pulled him into a long passionate kiss slowly savoring the moment.


    "I thought we were running late!" called a deep voice from the bathroom door. Somehow, I was lying in bed with Grant over me. I quickly moved away feeling guilty. He chuckled at my reaction. "You do know that everything he feels¡­ I feel it too," he licked his lips. My ears rang with embarrassment. Demos let out a throaty laugh. I pushed away from the bed, marched to my closet, dragged whatever I got my hand on and slammed the bathroom door behind me. Why did he have to tease me all the time that jerk!


    A quarter of an hour later, I was ready for work wearing knee-long shorts and a pink shirt. Demos waited for me by the front door and Grant handed me a hot tea and my lunch. He was wearing his pink apron with Honey written on the front. I couldn''t help but giggle.


    "There a sandwich for your breakfast inside. You should eat it; I''ll come to pick you up after work. So, don''t you worry," he smiled. When I finished my tea he added, "I eagerly wait for our talk, tonight," he stressed on the last word making my heart skipped a beat.


    "Thanks, honey," I gave him a quick kiss. Demos cleared his throat showing his impatience. I rushed to him.


    "Do you want a goodbye kiss too? It seems awfully jealous!" I snapped at him. He paused in the doorway eyeing me. Then he reached and gave me a quick peck on the forehead leaving me stunt.


    "No, you''re the one begging for a kiss. Sorry, you''ll have to wait tonight," he smirked as we got outside. My eyes kept coming back to his sharp profile all the way to the station in front of SolTec. He waved me goodbye at the station. He kept apologizing that he be late if he miss the next Transfer back to level Twenty-two. I wished him good luck on his first day. I stood on the platform where we first kissed, watching as he grabbed the Transfer for work. I didn''t mind walking to the company alone. When I climbed the stairs to the front of the building, no murmur greeted me. Actually, everyone walked as far as possible without making eye contact. Still, my stomach clenched when I slid my bracelet at the panel by the door. It will be a long day, I sighed.

 Chapter 35 - A moment in suspension

    The door slowly creaked revealing my workspace; it was just as I''ve left it. Nothing had moved, except for the last three samples I couldn''t finish that night. A light knock on the door pulled me from my complexion. There in the entrance stood Mr. Ramdin.


    "Good morning, Miss Kerry. Good to see you back but also concern you''re back so soon. Still, I''m happy. Cause these past few days, I''ve been doing your work and now I''m working on fumes," he stepped aside letting the tiny girl wearing a lab coat move forward. "This is Anna Campbell, your new assistant," he turned to the girl. "And this is Liliane Kerry, the one responsible for quality control around here. She''ll teach you all the tricks. Please, don''t give her a hard time, she''s a real asset to this company," Anna nodded eagerly her dark red hair cascading over her frail shoulders. She marched towards me holding out a hand, I gave it a firm handshake.


    "Happy to meet you," she said in a high-pitched voice. She must be barely eighteen.


    "The pleasure is mine," I pushed my glasses up my nose and pulled my hand away. Mr. Ramdin turned toward to corridor ready to exit.


    "Do I have anything specific to do today?" he tipped his chin to my screen.


    "I''ve already uploaded the list, don''t worry, I''ll do some of them just to ease the workload. I don''t want to crush you with labor. It''s only your first day; I''ll go easy on you," he nodded at us then turned to leave. I stood there for a moment, not knowing what I was supposed to say. I cleared my throat and went to hang my bag at the usual spot. Then remembered what Grant had told me. I pulled my sandwich from it, slipped into my lab coat and sunk onto my chair.


    "You don''t buy your food at the vending machine?" she asked as I took a bite into the cheese sandwich. I gave her a cautious peek before answering.


    "No, it''s homemade. I don''t eat at the cafeteria either," I don''t know what Grant use but this simple cheese sandwich tasted like a piece of heaven. I grinned as I chewed on it.


    "You cook your own food? That awesome," I rose my eyebrows at her. Her compliment appeared to be genuine. I licked my fingers when I was done and got my water bottle.


    "I don''t, my boyfriend cooks my meals," I said the words before I could stop myself. I gasped at my own mistake. What the hell was that? Are Grant and Demos my boyfriend¡­ with an S. That sound so wrong. Anna''s eyes lit up at the mention.


    "Super! You''re so loved. My boyfriend, he can''t cook to save his life. I''m not a good cook either," she pouted.


    "Me neither, I tried to cook fried rice only end up burning the pan," we both giggled and I knew Anna was a decent person. Suddenly work was less of a burden.


    As I ate lunch with Anna in the small patch of green out the building, EWink opened. I quickly put down my bowl of pasta.


    Demos: Bonne appetite


    Liliane: Thanks, how''s your first day?


    Demos: Good. Went through the basis. Met the team. It''s lunchtime now so I''m free


    Liliane: That''s good news


    Demos: And yours?


    Liliane: I''ve got a new assistant. She''s nice


    Grant: I''m happy to hear you both are doing well


    Liliane: Thanks for the food. It''s amazing. Thanks for feeding me


    Grant: I''m trying my best with the little resources I have


    Liliane: Well, you''re doing miracles. What are you doing alone at home?


    Demos: Who said he''s alone at home


    Liliane: Where are you, Grant? Don''t tell me you''ve got a secret life I don''t know about?


    Grant: *Laugh* I''m at some friends on the 63rd floor


    Liliane: *suspicious* doing what?


    Grant: When we sync you won''t have to ask


    Demos: can''t wait for tonight


    Liliane: Ok, guys I have to head back to work. Will see each other tonight


    Demos: *kiss*


    Grant: Text me when you''re done. I''ll pick you up


    Liliane: Sure. Mr. Randin promised there won''t be any overtime


    Grant: *kiss*


    I grinned at the interface then noticed Anna staring at me. I picked up my bowl of pasta averting my eyes.


    "You really love him, right?" she leaned closer as if sharing a secret. I almost choked on my plastic fork. I straightened up trying to hide my surprise.


    "What are you talking about?" I shoved another bite in my mouth pretending I didn''t get what she just said.


    "I mean your boyfriend. You were texting him, right?" You had that sort of smile on. You know, the one that says you''re in love with the tiny heart floating around you," what the hell was she babbling about? I yanked my bag and slammed my empty bowl inside.


    "You''ve been together for long? Cause, my Yujin and I are in the honeymoon phase. We are all about kisses and romantic stuff," she sighed with her cheeks turning pink. I narrowed my eyes at her. I surely didn''t have that stupid expression when I thought about them, right. Moreover, why would I think about them in that way? I cleared my throat trying to get rid of the discomfort.


    "Well, it''s new I guess," she quickly turned to me with sparkling eyes.


    "That''s so cute. Please tell me more. How did you meet? Did he already confess? Have you kissed?" I stepped away from her a little frightened by all her questions. What was that? Was she a double agent or something? An undercover patrol agent? When she noticed my hesitation she quietly moved away biting her lip. "I''m so sorry, I got excited. The last job I had only had old ladies. I was surprised we are the same age I really want us to be friends. I''m sorry I made you uncomfortable with all my questions. I swear I won''t do it again," she lowered her head. I gave her a timid smile.


    "I''m twenty-six, by the way," I added. Her head sprung up making her red hair move away from her small face, she had a lovely face.


    "Really? But you look way younger, I thought you were around twenty or less," we both burst out laughing. The afternoon went on as we chatted about our hobbies. She likes romance novels while I like sci-fi and fantasy. Anna was actually quite good at work; she listened when I talk and followed the instructions. She was much quicker than I was with a keyboard. Therefore, I let her do all the data entry as I checked the samples. By three pm, all the samples on the list were completed. I sighed with relief rubbing my sore neck when Mr. Ramdin came to check on us.


    "I knew Miss Campbell was a good choice," I nodded in agreement. He was right she did a good job. I quickly opened EWink on my way out.


    Liliane: I''m done, I''m on my way out.


    Grant: I''m in front of the building.


    Liliane: coming


    Demos: I''ll finish at 5 pm


    Liliane: Do we pick you up later?


    Demos: no, thank you. Get home. Stay safe


    Liliane: Yes, Mr. Patrol agent!


    I quickened my pace, Anna''s tiny legs pressed on to keep up with mine. I didn''t see anyone in the sea of bodies. There were invisible. All I wanted was to get home. I swapped my bracelet over the panel and stepped out. The flow of employees parted at the end of the stairs and there standing in the golden light of the afternoon, Grant wearing my white shirt and black jeans, his smile serene. The wavy curls shinning around his gentle face. Warmth wrapped around my heart as I made my way towards him.


    "Hi," I smiled. I was sure my face looked stupid yet I didn''t care. He took my bag and pulled the strap on his shoulder. He took my hand in his; the moment, our skin came into contact all my doubts and fears vanished.


    "I couldn''t sit at home. I''ve arrived an hour ago," he chuckled. His good mood sure was contagious.


    "Liliane!" called a high-pitched voice behind me. I turned around remembering Anna. Grant peeked at her with curiosity.


    "Oh sorry, Grant this is Anna Campbell, my new lab assistant," she extended her hand at him, which he delicately shook. Her big hazel eyes widened as she pulled her hand away.


    "You-You''re¡­ a model from Sognare? I can''t believe it, I''m a big fan!" she squealed then closed her mouth when she noticed her mistake. "I''m sorry for babbling," she whispered as she pulled closer. I pulled Grant away from the stairs towards the tunnel that led to the station. Where we had less attention. Anna quickly tugged along.


    "I like her," he grinned. I narrowed my eyes at him. He turned around to face her. "Can we be friends?" asked Grant with his beaming smile. Anna squealed with joy. Ok, she was nice and maybe had too much caffeine for her own good.


    "I''ll love too. One of my friends has an older model. Sognare''s models are the state of the art. You look so real. If there wasn''t the artificial logo above your head, I would have never guessed," she giggled. As we talked Grant held my hand keeping my jealous beast in check, else I would have punched poor Anna in the face. When the Transfer arrived, we waved her goodbye and stepped in.


    "She''s a lovely person and likes artificial¡­ what are the odds?" commented Grant. We were lucked to get a seat on the crowed Transfer. I rested my head on his shoulder.


    "Tired?" he asked I only nodded. "Sorry. I can''t ease your pain. I''ll need my full battery for the sync," I slowly turned to face him. He smoothed the creases on my forehead with his thumb.


    "Liliane you still want to do this?" his hand searched for mine and squeezed it.


    "Yes," my voice only a faint whisper.


    "Good, I''m happy," he pulled me closer.


    When we got home, I took a long shower. That preparation thing was stuck in my head. I took the opportunity to wash my hair too. Grant prepared a light dinner. He explained that I might experience some discomfort like headaches or stomach issues. We sat in front of the TV, I ate my dinner earlier than usual as we waited for Demos.


    At 5:23 pm, the front door opened. Demos paused in the entrance. I got to my feet and rushed into his arms. I soon found myself kissing him like there was no tomorrow. Grant slowly joined us.


    "Are you ready?" he asked with a timid smile. I frowned at him then slowly nodded.


    "Yes, I am."

 Chapter 36 - The sync

    We could hear the tap squeezed and the water ran down the drain on the other side of the door. Demos should be done by now. I nervously played with the sleeves of the pajamas with penguin pattern. My heart leaped with each little sound Demos made in the bathroom. I was alone in bed, correction on my mattress. Grant was in his pod, he said he had to run some tests. It was a bad idea to leave me alone. My sadistic mind kept making outrageous scenarios. End of the world types of scenarios. The door to the bathroom opened making me jump. Demos emerged fully dress in his strained t-shirt and black shorts. The one t-shirt he wore when Grant got hurt.


    "He''s not done yet?" he asked which was a little unusual. Wasn''t they always connected or something? He came to join me on the mattress; it creaked as he settled in. I moved away giving him some room. He pulled his pillow and laid on his side, elbow bent and hand cupping his chin. I glued my back to the wall, knees pressing against my b.r.e.a.s.t. His intense gaze made me sweat like crazy.


    "Nervous?" he snorted.


    "A little and you?" I admitted before tossing the question back at him. Demos shrugged his shoulders at me. He appeared to relax, however, that was only on the surface. The door to the living opened grabbing our attention Grant paused in the doorway. He held a yellow plastic envelop with red letters printed over it.


    "This is the syncing protocol," he announced waving the envelope at us. Grant joined us on the mattress I shifted nervously. He tore it open and got out a thin card with instructions and codes. He sighed, put the envelope away and read it silently. Demos sat up with a jolt scaring me. My heart raced.


    "What?" my eyes darted from Mr. serious face to Mr. relax. "Just, tell me already. The suspense is killing me¡­ and freaking me out," I was hyperventilating already. Did they want to kill me with worry?


    "I''ll explain the preparations. The human host, you Liliane, should be relax. It is advised to be seated or lying down. Using the root command access to the brain wave connector, enter your ID code, and then enter the syncing protocols. You must read a sentence. We open our root command and enter the sync codes," I grimaced at his explanation. That was very technical. I really thought the sync thing was going to be a s.e.x.u.a.l thing. I rolled my eyes at my ridiculous expectations.


    "That''s all?" I frowned. They shared a knowing look the nodded at me. I sighed with relief; they really scared me for a moment. Now that he had explained it, it didn''t sound daunting at all.


    "Our synthetic brains will sync with your organic one¡­ creating a permanent link," Grant said with one side of his lips curling up. I couldn''t help smiling back. A different kind of silence settled between us. A solemn one.


    "Come closer," I whispered to both of them. I kneeled in the middle of the mattress they both hugged me, holding me as if I was about to break.


    "I love you," whispered Grant. I closed my eyes savoring the intimacy. Demos brushed his nose against my neck. I leaned into him with a sigh.


    "I love you, Liliane," he lay a kiss on my collarbone. A m.o.a.n escaped my lips. When I opened my eyes, they both waited for my answer. I didn''t want to ruin everything with some cheesy declarations.


    "Let sync, you''ll know my answer then," Demos squeezed his arms around us. Grant smiled against my ear making me giggle. We reluctantly, slowly let go. I sat with my legs crossed, we made a circle, Grant placed the card in the middle.


    "Let''s hold hands," he grinned like a kid with eyes sparkling with mischief," Demos extended his hand on my right while Grant did the same on the left. I giggled at how ceremonious it felt. Like we were doing some strange ritual.


    "Ready?" asked Grant. I nodded at him. "I''ll guide you through the steps, ok," I nodded again. I wasn''t scared at all, I couldn''t wait to be with them, to show them what they meant to me.


    "Repeat after me; access BWC root command," I did as he said. Instantly a round logo appeared before me. The word root command popped up. "Did the interface opened? Just nod if it did," I shook my head once. "Good, now enter your ID code. Just swap your bracelet in front of your face. It should identify you as the user," I did as he instructed and a question appeared, asking for my full name. I peeked at Grant for the next step.


    "Now, it will ask for your vocal imprint," he explained. I lightly squeezed his hand he answered by a slow smile.


    "Liliane Kerry," I spoke loud and clear. A list replaced the opening menu. I gave Demos a quick peek, he nodded at me then I turned back to Grant.


    "Repeat after me; Syncing Protocols L0397 X3," I shook my head at him then said his exact words. A loading logo appeared Demos'' head sprung in my direction.


    "Acknowledge Liliane Kerry for sync," he held my gaze while saying it. Grant did the same with a sweetest of smiles. A slow progress bar came in front of me. I let out a nervous giggle. Grant leaned closer and kissed my cheek.


    "That''s it? It wasn''t so bad," I laughed. Demos pulled my hand to his lips and kissed my fingertips. The progress bar reached completion. A text flashed announcing the sync was done.


    "What now, do I get like superpowers?" I laughed and turned to Demos, he smiles dropped. Something was wrong. I blinked at his wobbling image. My heart raced my breath came out raspy. A low murmur buzzed around me then rose to an earsplitting commotion. I let go of their hands and screamed pressing my hands to my ears. My body convulsed and twisted. In the distance, a voice called me.


    "Liliane, try to relax. Don''t fight it," I held on the voice. However, everything around me was darkness. Was I dreaming? I was drowning with hands pulling at my ankles, dragging me in the abyss. I screamed letting the darkness seeped down my throat, choking me. Flashes of broken images hit me in the guts too rapid to recognize, made it difficult to distinguish the top from the bottom. I kicked and braced the heavy liquid with my arms.


    "Help!" I cried, my tears mixing with the liquid around me.


    "Grant! Demos!" I pleaded. Out of the gloom came a hand. Breaking the surface extending towards me. I fought against the waves desperately reaching with all my might. I couldn''t see to whom it was attached. Just that it glew with a soft light. I fingers brushed against his skin just when I thought I was safe the darkness tugged at me pulling me away out of its reach.


    "No!" I screamed. The hand reached a pale glow against the roaring storm of black. Just when all hope faded, I was about to disappear, swallowed into the pit¡­ it pulled me. It''s fingers wrapped around my wrist. The soft glow slowly enveloping me. I looked up at the being of living it hovered, a face so bright I couldn''t see the features. The light divided into two beings.


    "Your mind is so loud and chaotic, I can barely keep up," grimaced the one the right. I knew that voice¡­


    "Demos?" whispers repeated his name. It echoed in infinity, distorting the words.


    "I''m having multiple errors here," added the second one. I turned to him and recognized Grant''s beautiful curls. I pulled closer to them. What''s going on? What is this place? Echoes and different voices talked at the same times making it confusing.


    "Liliane, lower the settings!" shouted Grant over the continuous chatter. I was sure it was Grant yet he wasn''t as I remembered him. I frowned at his image. How the hell do I do that? This place was a mindless nightmare.


    "Call the interface. BWC settings. Lower sync settings," he shouted. Flashes of red rocked us from side to side like inside a washing machine.


    "Quick! I won''t be able to withstand this any longer," added Demos. I looked up at him in alert. He gritted his teeth, patches of black started to invade his body made of soft light.


    "BWC settings, lower sync setting!" I yelled at the angry storm. Instantly my eyes opened and found myself lying face down on the mattress. I blinked at the raging headache at the back of my skull. A question blink before my eyes. I groaned as I pulled away from the mattress.


    [Synchronized,


    the setting, what percentage?]


    "Guys?" I called. Demos was lying on his side facing away. Grant was half out of the mattress his eyes open wide fixing the ceiling. No! No! What the hell, happened?


    "Put it below 10%," said Grant between gritted teeth.


    "Sync setting 5%!" I shouted. The interface closed. Grant gasped and Demos stirred. I rushed to their side. I helped Grant in a seated position. I couldn''t pull Demos up, he stared at me with panic.


    "What the hell happened?" I screamed with tears streaming down my cheeks.


    -The sync happened.


    I looked up at Grant. His lips didn''t move yet I swear I heard his voice.


    -You did hear him.


    My head slowly turned to Demos as he pulled himself up against the wall. What the heck?


    -Liliane, please don''t freak out.

 Chapter 37 - wordless

    No words could describe the dread that gripped my stomach. Insane, confusing, unreal. I turned to Grant too quickly, making the world spine uncontrollably before my eyes. I wobbled on my feet.


    -Will you please calm down? You''re making things worse.


    Demos'' voice said in my head heavy with irritation. I struggled to keep hold onto my rational thoughts. Was that even normal? They did mention a link but I never thought it would be voices. It sounded crazy.


    -Yes, you''re hearing voices. It''s normal. That''s what the ''mate link'' does.


    I sunk back on the mattress as the world spun making me nauseous. What the hell do I feel dizzy? What something wrong with the brain wave connector? Demos groaned while holding his head.


    "You''re not the only one experiencing this. I can''t even get up," he snapped. I squeezed my eyes shut and took deep breaths to ease the pain. Grant lightly touched my shoulder. I just instantly knew it was him.


    "Do you want a glass of water?" I opened one eye to peek at him then closed it again.


    "Yes, please," I''d preferred the sync was a s.e.x thing instead of this atrocious headache. I rolled to my side gripping my head.


    -We can still hear you


    "Please, go away. Don''t peek into my internal monologue," Demos softly chuckled next to me. I painfully opened my eyes and found him resting on his pillow. His short hair in disarray and expression soft as our eyes met.


    -You''re beautiful


    Somewhere in the back of my mind some oldies song my grandma used to listen to by some guy called James Blunt starting playing. I rolled my eyes mentally. Why did I even remember that singer''s name? Go away stupid song! Demos laughed burying his face in his pillow.


    -just say, thank you.


    He laughed and it was s.e.xy melting the little voice inside my head. His pretty eyes rested on me making my heart skipped a beat and my breath came out short. My cheeks flushed for no damn reason.


    -Could you stop narrating your every move? It''s sort of annoying.


    I shoved him away with my hand but he didn''t move at all. The guy was a solid block. I glared at him as his slow ravaging smile mocked me.


    "There''s no off button!" I threw at him. Don''t tell me I have to live with them permanently in my head? Demos reached his hand caressing my face. I instinctively leaned in the warmth of his palm closing my eyes.


    -We can''t undo the link.


    A loud crash in the kitchen startled me. I sprung around to peek through the open door leading to the living room. The metallic sound of a pan crushing on the ground resonated in the whole apartment.


    "Grant?" I called with alert.


    -The dizziness is affecting my motion


    "Sorry," I bite my lower lip. This is terrible and we are only at 5%, what if we put it at 100% percent all the time? Now I understand why Demos said it was dangerous on his first day at work.


    -We need to adapt slowly, that why I said it wasn''t ok this morning.


    I let myself fall back on the mattress. If I had to work in this condition, I won''t get anything done. I was as worst as my period. I just hope it won''t drag on for days.


    -Normally, it gets better after 24 hours. That''s why you need to sleep.


    Grant came back with the glass of water. He walked mechanically around the room. The liquid stirred as he handed me the glass.


    "Sorry, it took longer than I thought," he said with a tiny smile. I thanked him and took long sips from it. The cold water helped eased the pulsing in my head as it went down my throat. I sighed in relief.


    -So this is how it feels to drink water.


    I gave Grant the empty glass with a burst of laughter. I''ve never thought about it, it must be strange to taste water for the first time. I can''t even wrap my head around it.


    -to taste is foreign to us


    "Wait, until you eat something sweet. That''s a whole other experience," I laughed then winced as my own voice echoed in my head.


    -How is it?


    I placed a finger on my chin. I don''t think words can explain taste in a good way. It''s something that must be experienced. Especially, chocolate or cakes. Some compare food with s.e.x. Shit! No, I wasn''t thinking about it. What the hell, Liliane! Food! I''m thinking about food. Right! Food.


    -S.e.x? Interesting. You and your internal monologue are so different. It''s like discovering a completely another person. A chatty one.


    I glared at Demos who smirked at me in response. I need to put a cap on that bottle of nonsense that kept popping up in my mind. And Demos was not helping. Why did he had to comment on every thought I have.


    "You talk a lot too. You''re usually the quiet one," I snapped. Grant placed the glass cautiously on my desk and came back to join us.


    "You''re not used to Demos. He talks a lot, I like when he tells stories," he commented. I rose my eyebrows at him. He did mention it yet I couldn''t imagine Demos reading a story. It must be nice to hear this voice rock me to sleep.


    -Really? Just that?


    Among other things. Yeah, I love his voice. It makes me shiver with¡­Shit! There I go again! I slapped my hand over my mouth and shot him a dark look.


    -Why did you stop? It was getting interesting.


    "Sorry, I wasn''t really thinking about anything in particular!" I added quickly. But the damage was done. Grant came closer his eyes glimmering like jewels.


    "I''ve already locked the front door and checked the windows. You can sleep without worry," I blinked at him. Where that piece of random information about security came from? His eyes dropped to my lips.


    -Can''t we just make out already?


    ***


    [Demos log] first day as a Patrol agent


    I left Liliane on the platform. I couldn''t stop stressing about her security. When I got back to level twenty-two my thoughts shifted to our sync tonight. Even as the tall building of the station appeared before me I couldn''t get it off my mind. Inspector Najja greeted me in the entrance with a handshake.


    "Demos! So are you excited?" he had asked. Somehow, I was eager to start. I met a few human colleagues who nodded at me. The cyborgs and the other artificials instantly sent me welcome through the office network. There were 46 office workers, 23 cyborgs for rapid intervention, 4 front desks artificial and Temus. Each sent me a warm welcome. I turned back to the inspector as he explained our schedule. Every morning at 8 am there''s briefing. Each human get assigned a section of level 22. Since I was in the special squad, I was sent to train with the B8 boys and Temus. Three Quaxy type cyborgs crafted to be snipers. Temus eyed my every move. I did that same. He might be a problem if we aren''t compatible. The training took place in VR. They wouldn''t dare damage me on the first day.


    "Ready newbie to get your ass kicked?" said B8-1. The environment loaded. High-raised Buildings surrounded us. The B8 boys were geared up with XM8 long-ranged rifles. Temus nodded at me, he had a heavy artillery gun and I only have a regular T3 gun. The boys tilted their heads in perfect coordination. They liked the competition.


    "The mission, three humans on TP took hostages on floor 23 of this red building, they are armed and will not stop because of the drug. We need info on the number of hostages. B8 boys station yourself on the buildings around the site," said Temus. I leaned closer and check my munitions. I had 36 bullets. The boys rushed across the street each going to a different building.


    "Newbie, come with me," he waved at me. We went to the front door, telling the personal to evacuate. "Backup is on the way. We need to neutralize the threat and keep the hostages alive," he tossed over his shoulder. I nodded once. I already knew the procedures. We then went to the elevator.


    -Temus, I''m on site. I''ve spotted one of the three TP junkies.


    The elevator took a couple of minutes to reached our destination. Temus opened the door, one floor below where the hostiles were. He rushed to the stairs giving access to the next floor. We could hear screams and a loud voice shouting orders. I rose my gun in position, Temus narrowed his eyes at me


    "Remember, this is a neutralize and rescue mission. We work as a team," I just nodded at his comment. I had nothing to prove. I was designed to hunt. My military featured popped up on my field of vision. The thermal read showed 10 bodies beyond the door.


    -In position, hostages 8


    I frowned at the information from B8-3.


    "There are 10 humans inside," I added. Temus gave me a quick peek over the shoulder.


    "B8 boys confirm the number of humans inside. Newbie is saying there''s an artificial also," he whispered in his radio. There was silence for a moment.


    -Confirm, 1 artificial. Female Model Teolys. Maid of a young human boy.


    "Can''t we connect to her?" I asked. Temus sprung around, he was twice my size towering over me. He was the leader, and I the newbie.


    "You want to use her as a bait to lair them close to the window?"


    -I can take a shoot.


    -I''ll go with newbie''s plan.


    Temus nodded and pressed his hand on the metal door leading to the floor there the hostage took place.


    "Request connection to building the grid, request connection into floor 23 office network. Open communication with Model Teolys D67," he muttered the order. After a second the screams rose from the other side of the door.


    -Target in view, taking the shoot!


    A loud bang and glass shattering followed it. Hysterical screams rose. A second shot was heard.


    -Junkie 1 down. Junkie two down.


    We burst through the door. The hostages were running in all directions blocking the view of the third hostile.


    -I''ve lost eyes on the 3rd one


    "Shit! Out of the way! Move," Temus shoved the humans away with one hand and held his massive gun with the other. I rushed to the window when a loud bang resonated in the room. The female artificial fell to the ground.


    "B8 status! Where is the junkie?" shouted Temus. From the corner of the eye, I spotted a nozzle pointing at me. I dove to the ground pulling a screaming woman in my fall. In a split second, a bullet came piercing from the window and hit the owner of the gun in the back. He fell to his knee a second bullet went straight to his head splashing blood on the hostages around.


    -Target down.


    "Zero casualties. 3 hostile neutralized. One damage artificial," smiled Temus. "Mission completed," he held out a hand and pulled me back on my feet. "Not bad newbie," he patted me on the shoulder.


    "Does neutralizing mean kill humans?" I frowned at Temus.


    "We Special Forces has clearance unlike other artificial," his explanation left me doubtful. I''ll keep a note to check the legal implications. The projection dissolved and a big mission successful appeared before my eyes. There was a scoreboard with each of the participants'' points. I got 10 points for saving a civilian while all the others had over 60 points for killing the hostile. Something was definitely wrong with this training.

 Chapter 38 - My mates

    Grant pulled me in, his lips barely touching mine. I didn''t expect him to just do it. I didn''t have the time to close my eyes. The aquamarine taint around his iris glow intensely. Was he using tricks on me? He smiled against my lips.


    -Just, relax.


    His voice resonated in my mind like honey melting my will. It was freaking unfair, I fought against that irresistible pull between us but it was a lost battle. I found myself kissing him back. Fingers tips trailing up my back made shivers shoot all through my body. Even though Grant light kissed, left hot trails on my lips and along my jawline, the places that hand, which I knew belonged to Demos touched, made me arched with pleasure.


    -Do you like when I touch you?


    Shit! Where that cheesy dialogue came from? Almost a turn-off. Yet as his hands slipped under my pajama top, I jolted. As they proceed to eat me alive, all my rational thoughts went out the window. I panted heavily against Grant as Demos'' hand roamed over my skin. I completely forgot about the headache and the dizziness. My only focus stayed on Grant''s lips and Demos'' fingers.


    -I love you


    I could feel through the link the warmth that came with the words. They weren''t just words. My eyes flickered open. I was sandwiched between them. I turned to Demos and he hungrily caught my mouth crushing his lips over mine. My hands spontaneously went into his hair stroking the smooth part of his short hair. He m.o.a.ned and with one motion, he pulled me away from Grant''s on top of him lips searching for mine. I met his desire with the same passion. He cupped my face slightly pushing me away so I could catch my breath then press his forehead against mine.


    "I''m so happy," he murmured. A second pair of lips came to kiss my cheek while Demos kissed my forehead with the sweetest way. I looked up at Grant kneeling next to us. He smiled with his eyes sparkling, he wrapped his arms around us, kiss my temple. I felt a dot at the center of my being grew hot. It swelled in my chest to explode into millions of fireworks. I smudged in their embrace, sobs bubbled up my throat. Something broke loose inside me. Something I didn''t know was there. Something I''ve suppressed for years¡­something I''ve denied the existence.


    -love


    Tears spilled over my cheeks. They held me in their arms, fearing I might fall apart as heavy sobs rocked my body. They silently stroke my back to calm me. I emptied all emotions until I felt to sleep in their arms. I knew I was safe. My mates will be there to love and protect me. I drifted to warm dreams of sunny meadows filled with flowers. That time when I could smile without worry before the void happened. Back when I was in my hometown. Back when I could love easy living in a tiny house with potted flowers on the front porch.

 Chapter 39 - Yellow flowers in a green meadow

    [Dream sequence no.1 Grant''s log]


    A light breeze swayed the green meadow with small dots of yellow sprinkled in an anarchic way. The blue of the sky was unlike what we are used to experience. Just as if we appeared into Liliane chaotic inner image at the sync, this was the same way. Thirsty minutes after she drifted to sleep we were sucked in this place. Unlike the angry storm, this was peaceful but empty. As Demos and I looked around a little girl got up holding a small bouquet of wildflower. She faced away hiding her identity. She was about ten wearing a flowery dress. She bent down and picked more flowers while humming.


    "Do you often come here?" she said. She didn''t turn to face us her dark hair braided on both sides. "I like it here, the flowers are so pretty," she went on. I went closer to her; however, she moved away and picked another flower. Each time I reached to touch her she just took a step forward increasing the distance between us.


    "Are you here playing by yourself?" I called. She wouldn''t look up, she was focused on her flowers. She paused when she had gathered too many flowers that they overflow from her arms. She sunk into the high grass and dropped her treasure.


    "They don''t want to play with me. They say I''m odd," she complained. Her tiny hands twisting the flowers into a crown. I gave Demos a peek over the shoulder. He hasn''t moved from the spot he was standing. He only frowned at the girl. Fear and mistrust oozed from him. I was curious about how it would all unfold so I took another step forward. Will she evade me again? She got on her feet and swirled around with a huge smile astounding me. Her oval face border with two long braids tilted up. Her face looked oddly familiar.


    "Liliane!" called Demos from behind. Then it clicked. She had the same brown eyes; even though she smiled more, it was the same smile. A smaller version of her with dark hair. I sunk to my knees and immediately our eyes came at the same level.


    "I made this for you, Grant," she said as she placed the crown of flowers over my head. I stared at her in disbelief. She turned and picked the second crown. Demos came rushing to her and took her in his arms. He swung her around before hugging her. She giggled cheerfully and placed the crown on his head. It ended up crooked.


    "Let''s go home now," young Liliane said with a smile as she held on Demos'' shoulder. This wasn''t real, it didn''t feel real, yet, I wanted to believe it was. All my sensors screamed at me that the readings were all wrong from the nonexistent air to the unnatural colors of the surrounding. Yet, the fact that Liliane was there and she knew my name made it real on the emotional level.


    "Demos! This is not real," I shouted at him. Young Liliane slowly turned with a smile, a light breeze pulled locks of hair from the loose braids.


    "In here, everything can be real only if you believe it''s real," she voice wasn''t childlike but the a.d.u.l.t one we were used to. Demos smiled at me while holding her in his arms.


    "There''s no logic in dreams," he simply added. Dreams? I gasped at the revelation.


    "Are we dreaming? Is this Liliane''s dream?" he nodded at me. Before I could hold on to the thought the surrounding bleed like water pour over a drawing.


    "Wait!" I extended my hand towards them only to grasp emptiness. I blinked and found Liliane''s sleeping face resting against my chest.

 Chapter 40 - Morning kisses

    I stirred; I didn''t want to pull away from the warmth I pressed against. With my free hand, I caressed my pillow; it moved, killing the magic from my dream.


    -Good morning.


    I yawned and blinked the sleep away. Soft silver eyes gazed down at me; I couldn''t stop my slow smile. Grant held me in his arm; he dropped a kiss on my lips to which I responded mindless of bad breath. When we parted, I searched around the room for my other mate.


    -He is getting ready for work.


    "Yeah, right," I nodded. I stretched and reluctantly pushed away from his warm embrace, slid to the edge of the mattress.


    -Do you remember your dream?


    I turned to study his face. There were creases between his eyebrows ruining his perfect face. I must thank that perfect who sculpted his pretty face. The frown relaxed, I tried to recall my fuzzy dream. I was sure there were flowers, a blue sky, and happiness.


    "I''m sorry¡­ It''s a little confusing," I answered. I was a little surprised he even asked about it. I haven''t had a good dream for a while. Most of the time I don''t remember any of it when I get up. The chatter in my head drowned everything a fog of dullness. I turned back to the window when soft light poured through the curtain. I struggled to my feet.


    "Do you feel better?" he called behind me as I opened my closet. Now that he mentioned it, the headache was gone and the dizziness reduced to a faint memory.


    "I''m fine," I tossed over my shoulder. I grabbed my usual pair of jeans hanging on a hook by the door. Grant appeared behind me and drew a white top.


    "There, perfect," I narrowed my eyes at him. The top was too tight and too short from my usual big sweater. I''ll fear n.a.k.e.d all day. He smiled while wrapping his arms around me.


    "The garment won''t harm you. It''s all in your head," I glared at the top a little doubtful about his words. He never had to dodge with s.e.x.u.a.l harassment, chat call and nasty remarks wrapped like compliments. I wasn''t ok either with him choosing what I swear. I was already letting everyone stump all over me.


    -That''s not true. You have your own will. You chose to be with us.


    I turned to peek at him; he leaned to kiss me on my forehead.


    "And, I want you to have confidence in yourself, walk with your head high. Stop hiding in large sweaters," I frowned; he had hit the nail on the head. I didn''t want an artificial to tell me I had a bad sense of fashion. It hit my insecurities and I hated that. My extra kilo around my waist is the reason why I want to hide my fat body.


    "You''re not fat," he snapped. I flinched when his hands went under my shirt to my belly and my waist, the region I hated the most. I grimaced as he caressed my skin. I wanted to slap his hands away.


    "You''re beautiful, you have to accept yourself the way you are," I fought to get away however, he wouldn''t let go. The more desperate and angry I got the more he giggled and kissed me.


    "Hey, quit fooling around or we''ll really be late!" snapped Demos standing in the middle of the room with his fists on his lips. The distraction helped me break away from the prison of Grant''s arms. I quickly rushed to the bathroom and slammed the door behind me.


    -Liliane, do you need help rubbing your back?


    I gasped at his voice. I can''t believe they would follow me around. How the hell will I concentrate on the toilet? It was ridiculous almost scary.


    "Stay away from me when I''m taking a dump, damn it," I yelled. Loud laughter responded to my outburst. They acted like kids. Naughty little kids.


    -I''m going to buy bread then prepare your lunch.


    I stood by the door listening as both of them exited the room before I undressed to take a quick shower. I got ready and joined them in the living room. I couldn''t stop pulling that damn top. Even if my belly wasn''t exposed yet every movement it would lift.


    "Would you stop fidgeting," said Grant from the kitchen. "You look pretty," Demos nodded in agreement. I wrapped my arms around my midsection with hot cheeks.


    "But I feel¡­ n.a.k.e.d. I won''t be able to relax if I go to work like that," I complained making Grant sighed.


    -Just let her wear whatever the hell she wants. If she wants to wear a bag, let her.


    Commented Demos with a sour tone. I shot him a dark look. What would he know about insecurity he''s a walking perfection. Even if he wore a rice bag, he would still look hot.


    -I would look good without anything


    A slow smile stretched across his face making my face burned with embarrassment.


    "Enough!" I shouted I stomped away to my room and threw on a grey buttoned-up coat to hide the top.


    -Hurry, we are going to be late.


    I struggled with the buttons as I got back to the living room. Grant handed me my lunch bag and a light goodbye kiss. It melted the irritation.


    "Have a good day," he waved at the door as he watched us walked to the elevator. Demos took my hand in his. I was still angry with him yet it felt good being near him.


    -Thanks


    I peeked at him, the elevator door opened with a chime.


    "What for?" I asked as we stepped in. He just smiled without answering. We went to the station holding hands in silence. Serenity and happiness seeped through the link from Grant and Demos. It was the strangest feeling like a warm blanket around my heart. In the Transfer, I leaned against his chest savoring the moment. We arrived at the station too soon. I half-heartedly let go of his hand. Our eyes meet as I got off.


    -I love you.


    ***


    Anna appeared around the corner as I pulled the door to my office. Her smile stretched when she spotted me. She rushed in the crowded corridor to meet me.


    "Hi," she waved with enthusiasm. I greeted her with a smile. She stopped to eyed me a moment.


    "You''re smiling, something good happened yesterday?" she commented. I hang my bag in its usual spot ignoring her observation. "How is Grant doing?" her question made flashes of what happened resurfaced. Grant''s hot kiss and Demos'' hand caressing me. A shiver of pleasure went through the body.


    -Hey, I''m at work stop that!


    -Is it right to think about this right now?


    The voices startled me. I dumped into my chair while I desperately tried to catch it before it hit the floor I knocked my elbow into my desk. A jolt of electric current rush up my arm. I gave out a little cry from the impact. Anna looked up from her screen in an alert.


    "Are you okay?" she got up with concern. I nodded while holding my elbow.


    "It''s nothing, don''t worry. I''m just a little clumsy," I grimaced. Damn it. I thought I could hear them only when we were together. Grant! Demos! What the hell are you doing in my head?


    -You flooded us with hot images. I-I could feel you calling¡­


    I silently cursed at my own inability of restraints. But those are my private thoughts get out. I frowned as I rubbed my pulsing elbow. Anna gave me a quick glance before returning to the list of tasks for the day.


    "Are you sure you''re ok? You look like you saw a ghost," Anna kept her eyes on the screen. I couldn''t tell her I hear voices in the head. She will think I''m crazy.


    -Tell her you''ve synced with us. I''m sure she''ll be over the moon.


    Demos shut up! Oh my god, don''t tell me I''ll hear them chat all day. I cleared my throat to get rid of the irritation. Anna kept giving me side-glance. I must look like a crazy lady right now glaring at empty space.


    "You''re not eating today?" she asked. My stomach groaned voicing its eagerness to eat. I gave her a tight smile.


    -There are sandwiches in your bag. Sorry, they are only cheese sandwiches.


    Thanks, honey. You''re so lovely. Ok, It will take a while to get used to those two voices in my head, along from my own. I got my bag, took out my breakfast.


    "Are you getting used to the job?" I said as I bit in the soft bread. Anna leaned back in her seat. We had added a second chair for her. The desk was big enough to fit us two on it. Half held the microscope and the scanners the other half held the screen so Anna could enter the results of each sample.


    "It''s not different from what I was doing at my previous job. I did a lot of data entry. The workers were mostly old ladies. The conversation was¡­different. Back pains, grandma''s meds, how to grow your own garden and a lot of gossips," we laughed. Anna really helped me relax in my workplace. My watched chimed notifying me a long-distance message entered.


    "Sorry, let me get this," I peeked at the logo on the tiny screen. Titan Express. I smiled at it must be Lyla. I''ve completely forgotten about her. I haven''t answered her last message. It was not a pleasant one either. If I remember it right, she told me so many disturbing things about Grant and Demos. My hand hovered over my bracelet fearing what the content of her message might be. I got to my feet and went to the corridor before pressing on the feed of her message. Lyla''s tired face appeared in front of me.


    "Hey, Lili darling. You didn''t call back I was worried so I called the Ai administrator. Jil told me that someone tried to kill you. Oh my god. Are you ok? I was so worried," her eyes welled up. "She explained that your companion saved you. Ok, I don''t approve. I still think this artificial mate thing is wrong especially for you. You''re sensitive and need someone who understands you. I don''t think a machine does. Don''t get me wrong. I am thankful they protect you. Sure they can be helpful like cook and clean the house and stuff like that. However, for someone suffering from the void is not a good option," she looked up from her lap and gave a tight smile at the camera. "I actually wanted to tell you something. I''ve taken the decision to come back," I gasped at her words. What? Why? "I feel you really need someone at your side. So, I''m saving to come back. It will take a month but I''m coming back," she burst into giggles making her tears spill on her cheeks. "I miss you Lili darling. It has been so bad here. I need you as much as you need me," the feed cut before I could react to her announcement.

 Chapter 41 - The silent link

    The link stayed silent all day, by lunchtime I was a little anxious. I knew I told them to leave me alone. However, not knowing what they were up to made me nervous. Anna touched my shoulder causing me to jolt back. She stared at me with concern.


    "Sorry to scare you, as I was saying it time to head back," her eyes dropped to my half-eaten sandwich. "Grant won''t be happy if you don''t finish the lunch he''d prepared with love," she pointed out. I was so focused on the inner turmoil that I''ve forgotten at food. I quickly stuffed the bread in my mouth and followed her inside.


    -Grant? Demos?


    I waited for a response as I reached my office. Still nothing. I sunk into my seat and opened EWink. They said that nothing could break the link so why were they not answering.


    Liliane: Hey, guys. Why aren''t you answering? Did something happen?


    Demos: Sorry, I''m busy. We will talk tonight.


    Grant: Same


    Liliane: mm¡­ok


    I closed the app while sighing. Anna gave me a quick peek.


    "You''ve been out of it since this morning after your phone call," she commented. Anna was too smart for her own good. How could she''d figured me out in such a short amount of time?


    "Boyfriend," she asked as she swirled around in the chair. I slowly nodded. I was aching to pour out my heart. However, I was scared she might judge me¡­since I''m in a three-way relationship. Whatever the ''we-are-one'' thing they keep saying, it was still a three-way. So, I altered the story to fit society''s standards.


    "I''m¡­ my friend disapproves I''m with a¡­artificial. She''s convinced it''s not good for me and that I should date a human. But, I really like my boyfriend¡­ I don''t care about artificial or not. They¡­ fit me and I''m happy. She told me she''s coming back to help me and right now I don''t know what to do," Anna listened with attention and nodded when I was done.


    "So you don''t want to hurt your friend still you don''t agree with her, right?" she said. I was amazed she could sum up my issue using those few words. I shook my head. She sighed and turned to her screen.


    "You should tell her you love your boyfriend and that it''s none of her business. Not all friends are real friends. They don''t always want what''s good for you," her words took time to sink in. Lyla was here for me when I needed her. I didn''t want to believe she was that type of person.


    "Thanks for your advice. I''ll talk to her soon. The cost of the communication is kinda ridiculous for Titan," I laughed to ease the tension. Anna sprung around with big round eyes.


    "Titan! Like Titan, the satellite around Jupiter?" she shouted.


    "Yeah," I chuckled at her reaction.


    "Super! I dream of going up there. I''ve never left Kumari R2. I so want to travel the world and go off-world," she sighed with dreamy eyes. "Too bad I''m broke," we both exhaled in frustration.


    "Today is salary day," I answered with my glaze lost in the space before me. I had so much to pay this month. I doubt there would be anything left when I pay Sognare and my rent.


    "I''ll only get a five days salary. It''s better than nothing," she smiled. I was surprised at her positivity in the smallest things. I should follow her example. We went back to work this time I poured my full attention in my task. I was loved, I had help at house, I didn''t have to be alone and they kept me warm at night. I smiled at the thought. We could watch a movie and just hang around tonight. The image helped me go through the afternoon. At three pm, I sent a message to Grant via EWink since it was radio-silence through the link.


    Liliane: Grant I just finished here. Are you coming to pick me up?


    Demos: I finished earlier; I''ll arrive in five minutes


    I blinked at the message. That was strange.


    Liliane: ok, I''ll wait at the platform. Anna will be with me.


    When I finished typing, I realized that I haven''t told Anna I was dating two different persons. She will freak out when she finds out. I sprung to my feet and got my bag.


    "Mm¡­Anna let''s hurry to the station," she looked up from the screen then nodded. She took a couple of minutes to switch off everything. I fidgeted as I waited. I ran down the corridor and down the stairs while she tugged behind. Why did she have to be so slow? I gave a quick glance over my shoulder to find her panting. I felt a little sorry for poor Anna who had to run to catch up. As I reached the tunnel leading to the platform, I was out of breath too.


    "Liliane!" called Anna behind me. "Wait! Where is Grant? Isn''t he coming today?" guilt punched me in the guts. I bit my lower lip to prevent myself from spilling my secret. It killed me to lie to her. I paused waiting for her to join me.


    "Mm¡­he''s busy. Someone else will pick me up," I smiled with relief. At least it was half-true. She shook her head with a frown. We reached the platform as Anna''s Transfer to level twenty 21 left.


    "No!" she shouted waving at the vehicle as disappeared around the corner. My heart sunk. It meant only one thing. Anna and Demos will meet. My heart attempted to escape through my mouth. I swallowed to press it down.


    "You were right, I should have run faster," she pouted. I let out a nervous laugh.


    "Transfer from Level twenty is now entering," said the bored voice over the speaker. I shifted on my feet trying to find a way out of this situation. Hide in the toilets. No. Demos, please behave. I don''t want Anna to freak out, I prayed hoping he was listening. I knew he did. Please. Pretty pleas.


    The high-speed vehicle eased to a stop in a loud hiss. The door opened spilling its flow of passengers on the platform. I searched for Demos'' tall figure among the crowd and quickly spotted him. I didn''t dare wave in his direction. I didn''t know what to expect and that scared me.


    "Is your friend there? You know, I can wait till your Transfer arrives, it''s not a problem," offered Anna. She was killing me with kindness. I felt like a terrible human being. I watched as Demos took his time to close the distance being us. Anna''s mouth hung open when he towered in front of us.


    "Liliane," he said with a voice to melt knees. He held out his hand for me to take. The jerk was going to make it difficult for me. My cheeks were burning when I looked up at him.


    "Hand!" he ordered with clear impatience. Anna watched us through narrowed eyes. I crossed my arms over my chest as a sign of rebellion. He sighed and turned to Anna.


    "Hi, I''m Demos and I''m her boyfriend. The other one," I gasped at him. How dare he?


    "Wh-what are you doing?" I shouted. He turned to me with a frown.


    "If you really care you shouldn''t lie to your friends. And I don''t like hiding. I''m your mate deal with it," I was stunt wordless. He shifted his attention back at Anna who had paled in front of Demos. She appeared tiny next to him.


    "Let me explain so there''s no misunderstanding. Grant and I are a pair we were made for Liliane. Even if many don''t approve we have already synced and we''re happy. Liliane holds you dear and I thank you for supporting her. However, she can be a pain in the ass sometimes, just bare with it," he said. I wasn''t expecting this I guess neither did Anna. Her eyes darted from me to Demos. She cleared her throat in an attempt to cut the awkward silence that has settled between us.


    "Mm, I think I''ll give you some space," her voice a pitch too high. "I''ll see you¡­mm¡­tomorrow," she walked to the far side of the platform without looking back. I slapped his arm.


    "Jerk! What have you done?" tears stung my eyes. "She''s my friend. Why did you have to be an asshole?" I sniffed. He pulled me against his chest, I didn''t resist his embrace. I couldn''t.


    "She''s your friend. She said she''ll see you tomorrow. Have some confidence," he lay a kiss on my forehead.


    "Why the hell didn''t you answer me all day? I was lonely," I buried my face in his chest.


    "Sorry we were preparing a surprise for you," he frowned at me. "Here I was so happy to see you and you called me a jerk and an asshole. How am I going to make you pay?" he gave me a crooked smile that made my heart leap inside my chest.


    "I don''t like public humiliation," I pouted.


    "Was it good to lie to her?" he said. Guilty sent me flying into the ropes. My eyes dropped to my feet.


    "No, I''ll talk to her tomorrow," he leaned and kissed my hair.


    "That''s better," he whispered and his voice make delicious shivers crawled down my spine.

 Chapter 42 - The surprise

    The Transfer stopped at our usual station. Demos got out ahead of me leaving me with my tension. Since we stepped on, I couldn''t help thinking about Anna. What if she stops speaking to me. What if my workplace becomes sour. I wasn''t prepared to relive a bad workplace with rumors and tension?


    "What with the mindless chatter," he tossed at me. "It''s almost painful, even if we are at 5%," he grimaced. I blinked at his comment unable to comprehend what he was talking about.


    -Can you think of something else? We left Anna at the station back there.


    I frowned at him.


    "I can''t control my thoughts! And how the hell can you both not talk to me all day? I thought that link helps you hear the others'' minds," I pointed a menacing finger at him. He chuckled and went down the stairs leading outside the station. I hurried behind him angry that he didn''t bother to answer.


    -We artificial don''t ''think'' in the way a human does. There''s a lot of silence. We shouldn''t use the word think. We communicate without words¡­more efficiently.


    I wasn''t sure I understood what he was explaining. Maybe I wasn''t equipped to appreciate that type of talk. He sighed and came to a stop at the pedestrian crossing. I stood next to him and gave him a side-glance.


    "So you''re telling me you can block your thoughts?" I asked doubtfully. My question made him chuckled. He leaned and grabbed my hand.


    "I just told you, I don''t have endless chatter in my head," Demos brought my hands to his lips. I quickly averted my eyes since there were people around us. I don''t understand why he kept doing embarrassing things in public. Haven''t I told him I hate public humiliation?


    -Is showing you how much I care, public humiliation?


    I can''t believe it he kept twisting my thoughts! When the lights turned green, the crowd flooded to the other side of the road. Our apartment building came into view. Demos didn''t let go of my hand and I didn''t want him to.


    "So what is that surprise?" I shifted my attention back to him. He gave me a slow smile.


    "You''ll see when we can home," his copper eyes sparkled with mischief. Jil greeted me with her business smile. She winked at Demos as we came closer to the front desk. What the hell? They were flirting right under my nose. My blood boiled inside my veins. I pulled on Demos'' hand and tried to drag him to the elevator. However, he didn''t move at all. He snorted at me making me fume.


    "Congratulations Miss. Kerry," said Jil with the sweetest smile. I narrowed my eyes at her.


    "What for?" I added dryly.


    "Your sync, of course," she giggled. I gasped and glared at Demos.


    "What''s that, are you a bunch of gossiping old ladies, now?" I shouted.


    "Liliane, it''s not like that. Grant just told them," Demos said with clear irritation. Jil was actually enjoying our little scene. It made me want to bury myself in a hole. Please, can we go? I''m fed up with this, I pleaded. He nodded and waved at Jil who giggled behind us. Her reaction was suspicious. The elevator ride was filled with silence yet not the disturbing type. More like the exciting one. I literally ran to my entrance and was greeted with opened arms when I pulled the door. Grant hugged and kissed me taking my breath away.


    "Welcome home," he smiled then let me catch my breath. I turned to the entrance and found the living room lit with hundreds of tiny candles and a table with a red tablecloth on which dinner was served. I gasped at the view.


    "Oh my god!" I turned back to him and took him in my arms. "What is the occasion?" I giggled. Demos came to join us while holding a golden envelope. I eyed it with curiosity.


    "Don''t tell me it''s a second bill?" this envelop looked strangely like the previous one Sognare send me. He opened the envelope and extended the certificate like doc.u.ment at me. I let go of Grant and with trembling hand I took it. My eyes rested on the barcodes and serial numbers at the top then went on the first sentence.


    "This is to certify that on this 24th September 2231, Miss. Liliane Kerry and Demos [artificial] and Grant [artificial] joined in lawful wedlock¡­" my voice trailed off. I looked up at my smiling mates.


    "What is this?" I waved the doc.u.ment at them. Grant stepped forward and took it from my hand.


    "Well, this letter seals our sync legally," he grinned. I felt sick all a sudden. I needed to sit. Grant grabbed my arm and slowly guided me to the dinner table. It was so beautifully set with red roses on the tablecloth.


    "Wait? Legally?" he kneeled to my feet with a timid smile on his face.


    "Yes, Syncing is equivalent to a legal marriage," he simply added.

 Chapter 43 - No way!

    I sprung to my feet almost making my chair fall over. I stared at him with huge eyes.


    "No freaking way!" I shouted at the top of my lungs. Demos quickly came to stand beside him. This was not the kind of surprise I was expecting. No, definitely not. Marriage? Are you kidding me? Their serious faces told me they were dead serious. My heart slammed inside my chest, my breath came out shaky. This was real. I swallowed my panic. I looked around searching for some logic to this.


    -Liliane?


    My eyes went back to their worried expressions. I shook my head and sunk back on my seat.


    "I-I never thought about the...legal part of the thing," I said turning my gaze on the red and white candles. "This is pretty," I chuckled at the amount of effort he must have put into the decoration.


    -Liliane, we thought you knew.


    I stared at my trembling hands. Marriage? Come on! Demos stepped in front of me. He took my hands in his and dove his eyes into mine.


    "You love us, right?" he waited for my answer. I took a minute before nodding.


    "You feel happy living with us, right?" my eyes darted from him to Grant. Grant had terrible puppy eyes. It killed me.


    "Yes," I said with a broken voice.


    "Then what''s the issue?" damn Demos framed that marriage thing in such a beautiful wrapping and with a freaking bow, to say the least, that I almost fell for it. I frowned at him.


    "But I''m not ready," my voice rose to a high pitch. His face softened and hugged me. I melted against him with my arms going around his waist. Being seated and him standing made a weird hug. Grant came to hug me and patted my back. I could feel their love through the link like a flame igniting inside my chest and gradually spreading throughout my body.


    "We are also experiencing this for the first time," he added with a laugh I joined in and felt better after good humor outburst.


    -we love you. We are happy to be your mates.


    I looked up and met their loving gaze.


    "I love you," I sighed. Grant grinned and let go.


    "Can we have dinner now? We have our wedding to celebrate. I made dinner and dessert!" he stressed the last words.


    "Please, don''t use that word," I grimaced.


    "Then can I call you my wife?" I gasped at him shocked that he even considered it. He pouted and flashed me the puppy eyes. Damn, that was unfair.


    "It''s weird," I threw my arms in the air. Demos pulled a chair and turned to us as he settled down.


    "Wifey, just roll with it," he smirked. What the hell. Don''t Wifey me! I glared at him.


    "You can call me hubby and sit on my lap," I almost choked on his comment. No freaking way! Grant went to the kitchen and got the food. My ill-mannered stomach groaned loudly. Demos burst in throaty laughter. I hid my red face behind my hands.


    -That''s so cute.

 Chapter 44 - My hubbies

    I have no idea how it happened. Correction, I know exactly how. The sync. Ah! Why? I wiped the condensation on the mirror above the sink.


    "Can''t you hurry up, instead of talking to yourself," called Demos behind the bathroom door. I swear I''ll never get used to this. With my towel hanged around me as I stared at my face in the mirror. I couldn''t say that I wasn''t happy or sad, I guess the shock hasn''t subsided yet.


    "Liliane we are growing impatient here," he knocked repeatedly on the door. I sighed and got into my only black dress and slipped on a pair of sandals then fixed my hair. Since I used to just let it fall on my shoulder I decided to tighten it in a ponytail for a change. With a light touch of blush and red lipstick, I was done. I retrieved my glasses to ruin the look. I smiled at myself satisfied to be average.


    "Can''t you stop pulling yourself down and open the damn door," sighed Demos. He tilted his head at me when I opened it. A slow smile stretched across his face.


    "Not bad," he got closer placing his hands on my waist to kiss me. But I quickly pushed him away.


    "Wait a second! I don''t want you smudging my lipstick," he blinked at me like I was insane for denying him a kiss. I walked passed him to the living room where Grant greeted me with a whistle.


    "I like it, Liliane. You look stunning," smiled Grant while clapping. He came closer to get a better look. "This black dress really suits you and the hair," I always find it hard to accept a simple compliment I felt like people were exaggerating.


    "Stop it, no need to put too much icing on the cake," I rolled my eyes at him. Grant pouted dropping his beautiful smile.


    "But, I like how you look. Is it wrong to said how much I like it?" I waved him away and sat at the dinner table.


    "Not all women can take a compliment. We tend to think it''s fake or the person wants something from us...usually s.e.x," I added dryly.


    "Hey! I wanted to pull your chair and help you sit! And I didn''t say you''re pretty cause I want to have s.e.x with you...Well, hopefully, I would like that especially now that we are official," I gasped at his comment. Demos came to join us at the table, he sat on my left and Grant on my right.


    "We''re not forcing you, we''ll go at your pace," added Demos. Somehow the conversation stirred in dangerous territories. How the hell, am I going to have s.e.x with....shit! two persons. OK, Liliane calm the f.u.c.k down. Breathe! Don''t think about it.


    -We take turns


    No f.u.c.k.i.n.g way did I heard that right. I didn''t dare look up. I was sure my face was bright red.


    -Ears are red too


    "Shut up! This is supposed to be a romantic dinner! How did the conversation escalate into a plan for a threesome? Oh my god! I said it. I can''t believe I''ve actually said it. This is insane," Grant leaned towards me and rubbed my arm to calm me. It had the reverse result. Goosebumps rose up my exposed arm. Grant yanked his hand away like he was zapped. He cleared his throat and got up.


    "Mm, dinner let''s eat. Well, you will. I''ve cooked biryani, I got the recipe from my friend in apartment 2903. His owner is an Indian chef in a big restaurant. He helped me with the cooking. He is also the one who lent me the table and chairs," Grant took the cover off the little copper recipient. A sweet-spicy aroma floated out making my mouth watered.


    "This is cute," I pointed to the pot. Grant took a plate and pour yellow-colored rice and spices along with a piece of chicken on my plate.


    "Atish said it''s called a deg or degchi. I think in Mauritian Creole its called a deksi. Anyway, biryani is a dish from India and it''s very popular especially served on wedding ceremonies," I burst out into uncontrollable laughed. Oh my god, that''s so cute.


    "Please don''t tell me you''ve got me a ring," Demos twitched on his seat. He fished a small box from his pocket and placed it on the table. I was speechless, I hid my opened mouth with my hands. This was not happening.


    "Open it," he tipped his chin at the box. I gave Grant a peek for approval. He smiled at me and nodded. With trembling hand, I reached for the small black box. It popped open when I pressed the front. Inside the red velvet casting, was a slim golden ban. Even this skinny ring must has cost them a fortune. A tear stung my eyes. I can''t believe they got me a ring.


    "Guys," my voice came out choked with emotions. I took the ring and slipped it on my left hand, it fitted perfectly. I laughed at the sight. This was unreal. I laced my fingers together and brought it to m lips. I was so happy I might explode. Happy tears rolled down my cheek. My plate was placed in front of me. Grant lit tiny candles around the room, it added to the magic of the moment.


    "Liliane," Demos reached his hand across the table and Grant took my left one in his. Then he closed the triangle by holding Demos'' hand. "Let''s push the setting to 10%," he said with a very serious face. I frowned at him, it wasn''t what I was expecting. Still, I nodded with a smile. This night was surely full of surprises. So long for the love declaration.


    "Ok. But first, let''s eat that webbing feast," Grant pulled me in his arms and kissed my cheek. Demos chuckled and did the same. My stomach groaned in protest. "Guys! Get off me. The beast in my stomach is asking for food. This smells divine. I''ll have to thank your friends," I got my spoon and dug in. There was an explosion of flavors in my mouth. I died and went to culinary heaven. They both watched me with delight as I woofed down my plate. I was ready for a second serving when Grant got up.


    "There''s dessert!" my eyes lit up. Damn those two will be the death of me. I''ll get so fat from all this love. Demos bent over the table choking with laughter. Artificial humor was a mystery to me. He looked up with a grin.


    "Don''t worry I''ll train with you to help you stay fit," I rolled my eyes skywards. Like I could do that? Me? I''ll find all kinds of excuses in the world to get my way out of any activity that involved sweating. With his elbow on the table, he rested his face in his hand.


    "Really? Everything involving sweating?" that was definitely s.e.x.u.a.l. Grant came back with a pie. I escaped to admired the delicious pastry. I rubbed my hands together.


    "Quit flirting," he scolded us. The moment that slice of pie hit my plate, Demos disappeared from my mind. I dug my fork into the smooth texture of the apples. Cut a piece and brought it to my lips. I closed my eyes savoring it as it melted on my tongue. Damn, I love sugar. I could taste a hint of vanilla behind the caramelized apples and the crunchy crust. The biryani was divine, however, this was the meeting with my maker. A cosmic journey through taste. Gastronomic mediation. What the f.u.c.k am I even thinking?


    "Ok, I think we''ve lost Liliane. She is not making any sense," laughed Demos on my side breaking my perfect degustation focus. I looked up from my plate.


    "Food is sacred, it''s a mystical experience," I said. They laughed louder. Ok, I think I''ll never get artificial humor.


    "You''re so different when you eat," smiled Grant. "That''s why I like to cook for you," he studied me. My cheeks flushed and I shoved another piece of cake in my mouth.


    "When you eat you''re honest, I like that," commented Demos. He gave me a big happy smile. My insides were melting from too many feelings. My eyes dropped to my left ring-finger. The gold ban sparkled in the orange candlelight.


    "Thank you for making my life this wonderful," I whispered as I looked up at them.

 Chapter 45 - Ten percent

    I stirred in bed, there was a solid shape poking in my back. My ear rang but the dizziness was gone. I looked around and found both, Demos and Grant sleeping beside me. What a particular sight. I brushed Grant''s brown locks out of his face still, he didn''t get up. Demos blinked and turned to me.


    "Hi," he smiled.


    "Hi," he got up on his elbow.


    "Do you remember last night?" I frowned at his question. My eyes dropped to my left hand and found the slim golden ring on my finger. A grin lit my face. Yes, it really happened. I tried to focus on the events afterward, however, it was a hazy blur. I shook my head at him.


    "I thought so," he chuckled. "After dinner, we went to bed..." he gave me a side-glance to see if I was listening.


    "Come on, spill it!" I exhaled. He smirked at my impatience.


    "We went to bed. You increased the sync percentage to ten then... fell unconscious," he finished. I just stared at him, I had no recollection.


    "I don''t know, what does it mean?" Grant arms suddenly wrapped around me pulling me against him. I gave a small cry and turned to him.


    "Good morning my love," he gazed at me through sleepy eyes. Leaning closer I dropped a kiss on his forehead. "I had the weirdest dream..." he muttered.


    "Dream? But artificial don''t dream. You said so yourself," I pointed out.


    "We experience your dreams," said Demos behind me. My dreams? Like they see my dreams? That''s like they have access to my subconscious. That''s creepy as hell.


    -Why would it be creepy?


    I shifted to a seated position and cleared my throat.


    "I mean, you have access to my deepest thoughts and fears. Stuff I''m not even aware of," the worst was I couldn''t remember any of it.


    -I remember.


    "Then tell me," I frowned at Demos. He seemed thoughtful for a moment then focus back at me.


    -Let me show you instead. Close your eyes.


    I did as he ordered. Soon enough blurring images of a meadow with yellow flowers swaying in the wind appeared before me. I gasped as the familiar scenery. My heart racing against my ribcage.


    -Don''t fight it. Just let the image come. It''s ok, we are here. There''s nothing to fear.


    Grant''s comforting voice helped me relax a little. More images flooded around me. A female voice giggled in the distance. Then one clear feed of a girl with long dark hair running in slow motion while holding my hand. That hand was too big to be mine, so I concluded it must be Demos'' point of view.


    -She guides me into her world.


    I wanted to ask questions but the amount of rapid flickering images made me nauseous. Soon it faded and I was back in my room, on my bed with Demos and Grant holding me.


    "What was that? It seems so familiar, yet I couldn''t put my finger on it," they gave me a warm smile.


    "We don''t know either. It must be a memory from your childhood," Demos smoothed my hair away from my face. I yawned and smudged against his chest.


    "You have work today. You better get up. I don''t want to run like yesterday," he laughed. I pouted and pulled away from him, Demos got to his feet then paused at my desk.


    "There was a letter that came with the sync certificate, yesterday," he swirled around holding it in his hand. I quickly joined him to examine it. The envelope was a plain brown plastic with a lot of stamps on it. Demos handed me the mail, there was no sender on the front.


    "It looks like it bounces off different post offices. It must be out of Kumari R2," commented Demos as he walked to the bathroom. I ripped the seal and opened it. In messy handwriting the content went like that:


    Dear Lili,


    I guess you must be out of the institution by now. I couldn''t find your address, so I pray that this letter will somehow find you. This is Thomas, your little brother. The last time I saw you I was ten. I''m now married and have a son, who is a couple of months old. I guess you must have moved on and now have a family. I beg you please listen to me. Mom is sick, its cancer in stage four. She''ll have a couple of months left. She refused to take any treatment. You know how stubborn she is. I''m not asking you to forgive her or dad. Please, I hope this letter reaches you before it''s too late.


    I hand shook so much I couldn''t read the rest. Grant jumped out of bed and hugged me. The bathroom door opened with a bang and Demos stood soaking wet holding his towel around him.


    "What''s wrong?" they both shouted at the same time.

 Chapter 46 - Runaway

    "You''re sure you''re ok?" asked Demos for the thousand''s time when we got on the Transfer. Since this letter episode, both of my mates have been concerned. Even if I hate to admit it, I left bad for them. I never wanted to drag them in this mess. Like I was sure I could take it to my grave.


    "I''m fine," I answered dryly. He peeked at me then went back to the speeding scenery.


    "It''s just that the sudden news of your mother''s illness should..."


    "I don''t want to talk about it," I cut in and face away.


    "You''re not going to visit her?" he inquired. His twenty questions were getting on my nerves. I had no plans of telling him anything about my past. It was dead to me, so why did he had to keep poking around?


    "No! I''m not," I exhaled. There was a silence but I was expecting for his next assault.


    "Why?" I rubbed my forehead in a sign of irritation. Clearly, he didn''t understand the first time I told him I didn''t want to talk about it.


    -Please, I want to understand


    I took a deep breath and faced him. He won''t let go unless I spit it.


    "Demos, my family and I aren''t on good terms... If you can call it that," he nodded as he listened.


    -And?


    "What do you mean And?" I narrow my eyes at him.


    -Tell me what happened?


    -I also want to know


    Those two were giving me a headache. A beeped notify that the Transfer will soon reach my stop. I sighed in relief to Demos'' dismay.


    "Oh, look at that! We are already here," I smiled at him.


    -Liliane, you can''t run away from us. You know you can''t lie to us.


    "I''ll see you tonight," I quickly moved to the door and waved him goodbye before stepping off. He nodded with a frown. What the hell was I doing?


    -Liliane, I don''t like when you shove me away


    Sorry, Demos. Right now I needed so alone time to think. I strode down the tunnel happy that I escaped from his interrogation. Instead came face to face with Anna waiting by the front door. I completely forgot about that issue. Her head sprung up when she caught sight of me in the crowd. Shit! There''s no running away. I gave her a crooked smile and pressed on to meet her at the top of the stairs. Demos messed things up between us now I have to make it right.


    -What? This is your own mess. You lied to the poor girl. Clean your own shit. The way you keep running from your responsibilities is the reason you have drama in your life.


    "Shut up!" I muttered under my breath before turning to Anna.


    "Hi, Liliane," she bounced on her feet. I quickly shoved Demos away and gave her my brightest smile. I just hope it didn''t look fake.


    -Your mask will crack and it will be your own damn fault!


    "Hi," I answered her ignoring Demos'' comment. We marched inside with the other employees in silence. Mr. Ramdin stood in front of our office with a grave face. What now? Demos already pissed me off, Anna won''t speak to me without that awkward thing between us and now Mr. Ramdin has bad news. My life''s awesome. I was already tired this early in the morning.


    "Girls, Davis from administration called me today. He had that the quality control section didn''t once make an error this week. After the mess from last time they kinda woke up from their hibernation," actually that was good news. So why was he pulling the long face? He cleared his throat eyes darting from me to Anna. "They love it so much, that they think of transferring you both to our branch in Telson," I mouth dropped open.


    "But...I can''t," I whispered. Mr. Ramdin sighed and shook his head.


    "I know, I''m not happy either. Now I''ll have to find someone to replace you and it will be hard to get such a good employee. Apart from the recent events, we never had issues with you," he kept shaking his head.


    "Will we get a raise and lodging?" Anna rubbed her hands together. My head sprung in her direction, was she already considering the offer? I couldn''t, not when Demos was working in Level twenty and Grant had so many friends here. Moving away will mean I have to start all over. I couldn''t. Mr. Ramdin consulted this bracelet and scrolled down his mails.


    "There no lodging but there will be a significant raise," he sighed. "I would understand if you take the offer. However, please stay," he said with pleading eyes. "Note that I can''t offer any raise or rent. I can only offer a friendly workplace," he smiled to help swallow the pill. I gave a glance as she nodded.


    "I''ll think about it," she answered and went to the door leaving me to deal with Mr. Ramdin. He turned to me. I shifted nervously.


    "I''ll think about it?" I copied Anna''s response.


    "Ok, and thanks for the good work. Just send me a message. I''ll be out of town the next two days," he turned around and walked away. A new job. A transfer. A new start. A way to run away from my responsibilities. Why not and I''ll get extra money.


    -Liliane, please reconsider it.


    "But you said I had money issues," I hissed. I was lucky I was alone in the corridor. Talking to myself may contribute to sending me back in those freaking institution for the mentally ill. The happy house they called those damn things, more like hell hole!


    -Liliane, if you doing it only to not face your problems then it''s not good. However, if you really want it then we will not opposite your decision.


    I sighed feeling a major headache crawling up my skull.


    "Alright, damn it your persistent! I''ll talk about it tonight. Happy now? Please leave me alone else I won''t get any work done. What the hell! Aren''t you like busy with your patrol agent job. Don''t you have some criminal to beat up?" I whispered to empty space.


    -I don''t like your tone. I''ll correct it tonight. You need some serious education.


    I frowned at these words. I didn''t like when he speaks with such authority.


    -I''m your mate. I deserve some respect.


    -Please, don''t fight. I don''t like it


    "Ah! Whatever," I exhaled and storm in the office. Anna looked up at me.


    "That ring is new," my eyes dropped on the golden band around my finger. Guilt punched me in the guts. It was less than 24 hours that we were official and I''m fighting with Demos.


    "I... synced with them. We... are official. I''m sorry for not telling you. I-I was scared you would judge me and call me a freak," I muttered as I sunk in my chair.


    "Are you kidding me?" she twirled around in her chair. "Why would I call you that?" she sounded offended. I lowered my head.


    "Sometime before you came here, I had an issue with some guy here. He was a creep and Demos kinda put him in his place. Since then he spread rumors about me being an artificial freak. And... it didn''t stop there... he followed me home and assault Grant. I had to send him for repairs," Anna gasped with horror.


    "Oh my god, that''s horrible," I shook my head.


    "I''m sorry for lying," I stared at my hands on my lap. Anna got up and came to stand in front of me.


    "I don''t think you''re a freak. If anything, you''re lucky," she looked away blushing. "I heard that artificials are really good in bed," she laughed. I lifted my head to find her smiling Anna was back to her cheerful self.


    -Interesting conversation


    "Please, can you leave the ''good in bed'' part out of any future conversation. Since we''ve synced we share a permanent link. It''s weird to speak of them when they can hear everything" I added a little annoyed.


    "That''s amazing!"


    "It''s not, it''s annoying. I hear their constant nagging all day long," I said.


    "Really that''s so cute. Like they can tell you sweet words all day," she clearly wasn''t listening and went on playing her own little movie in her head. Damn it.


    -I love you


    -I love you too. I would like to do that ''good in bed'' part too


    "Ah! Shut up!" I blushed. Anna looked up with surprise. "Oh, sorry I was talking to them," her smile spread across her face.


    "What did they said to make your blush to your ears. Please, tell me," I turned to the screen.


    "We have work to do, quit slacking," I shouted.


    "Yes, Madame," she laughed.


    -Liliane, know we are here whenever you need help.


    -Please, rely on us. Share your pain with us.


    "Ok, thanks," I whispered then went back to my list of task for the day.

 Chapter 47 - A sad tale

    Grant stood on the platform, facing away from me when I arrived. Anna waved me goodbye and left, she was being considerate I guess giving me space or something. He turned away and greeted me with a smile.


    "Hello, Liliane," even though I saw him this morning I''ve missed him and it felt good to be near him. Some the Transfer arrive and we boarded. Since it was crowded we got a seat near the window. He pressed his shoulder against mine, I couldn''t help but lean in.


    -I''ve missed you.


    "Yeah, it was a long day. I have a long list. I''m beat," I exhaled placing my head on his shoulder. He slowly stroke my hair helping me relax.


    -I''ve prepared a healthy soup.


    "I''ll have to send you some credit for your daily expenses. I''ve checked my salary today. They gave me extra for the overtime I did. I also paid rent and Sognare. I felt like a huge weight has lifted off my shoulders," I said as I closed my eyes.


    -Demos already send me some


    "You should trust me also. I''m not some worthless woman," I murmured. His hand stopped and he shifted, I opened my eyes and peeked at him. His silver eyes were sad.


    -You''re very capable.


    "Thanks, honey," I let my head sunk back on his shoulder. Being in contact with his make me feel so peaceful.


    -I love you


    "Love you too," I mumbled closing my eyes.


    ***


    I ate dinner before Demos came back. We stopped by us all purpose thrift shop on the way home. Grant picked the bare necessities for the kitchen. I did argue with him when I picked clothes for him and Demos. He said that his friends have offered to give them used clothes. Demos even got brand new shoes from Jil. I felt bad for not being able to afford this much for the people I love.


    -The soup is getting cold.


    Grant''s voice pulled me from my thoughts. I looked at him sitting next to me on the couch. I was watching a movie while eating. I have no idea what it was about and we were already halfway into it.


    "Sorry, I got lost somehow," I smiled.


    -Don''t worry so much about the details. We are happy to be here with you. Clothing is futility.


    I gave him a tight smile. Still, it hurts to barely make it each month. I wonder if I accept the new job and move out, will it be better?


    -Just eat, will you?


    I sunk my spoon in the light orange smooth texture of the soup. Grant has grated some cheese over it. It was supposed to be a pumpkin soup with healthy vitamins and nutrients. It tasted like something and old grandma would go with you''re feeling sick on a winter night. Warm and comforting. I slowly slurped it while turning my focus back on the movie. It was one of Grant''s French comedies. I had no idea why most of the scene happened around a dinner table. Speaking of the table, the one used for our little wedding feast was gone. My two couches were back in place with my vintage coffee table in the middle of the room. When I set my bowl down the door in the entrance opened. Demos smiled as our eyes met.


    "Welcome home," I got off my feet. He closed the distance between us with rapid steps and took me in his arms.


    -Will you tell us now?


    I pushed away from his embrace a little shocked he would cut right into the subject. I looked around for an escape route and found that Grant has switched off the TV and waiting too.


    "Don''t you want to take a shower first," he narrowed his eyes at me.


    "Already took one at the office," he settled on his couch and pulled me along with him. "So tell us what happened. Why are you and your parents not in good terms," his question hit like an arrow through the heart. I took a deep breath and dove into that past I never wanted to stir.


    "At the age of 13, I was diagnosed with the void. I have one younger brother who was 10 and a big sister of 17. Frankly, my parents who were farmers and never dealt with mental illness or stress or something of that kind were oblivious of what to do with me," I let out a shaky breath, Grant reached his hand and took mine. The contact helped me deal with the stress.


    "I couldn''t make friends. The villagers were scared that I''ll spread that new disease with their kids. So, I couldn''t go out of my house without nasty comments and angry looks. mostly, they were scared of me. I now understand their reactions, back them it made my mental state worst. I had to be hospitalized for acute stress. The local doctor referred me to a specialist in Kumari R2. The city, a place where I''ve never set foot. And so I waved goodbye to my brother and sister on a December, a couple of days before Christmas. Mom promised me it would be only a short trip. The local doctor, Mr. Rajiv accompanied me for the trip. I wore my best dress, the one with tiny flower patterns," I smiled at the memory.


    "It was the first time I took the Transfer, my parents and a few relatives accompanied me on the platform. I had a small suitcase, a green one. I watched as my village disappears to a merge dot. Everything I''ve ever known. All the people I''ve loved and hated," I chuckled and peeked at them. Demos nodded urging me to keep on. "The doctor wasn''t talkative. He kept reading his newspaper while ignoring me. The crowd at the station was nothing I''ve experienced before. The loud noises, the mindboggling flow of passengers. I screamed holding my head. That was the last time I recall," I paused to catch my breath. Grant stroked my hand to reassure me. So I went on.


    "I woke up the next day, Mr. Rajiv was gone. It was a room with a lot of beds and bars at the windows. I remember screams woke me up. A nurse walked in and gave the screaming girl tight to her bed an injection. I was scared I might get one too so I pretended I was asleep when she came to check on me. That day I-I cried as the night came. No one explained what was happening. The next day the same nurse pulled me out of bed and shove me in the bathroom with the other girls. We were about twenty between 11 to 17 years old. One of the girls named Sherley told me that we were in an institution for the mentally ill called a happy house," I stopped my voice breaking. When I looked up my vision was blurry.

 Chapter 48 - Withering flowers

    A heavy silence fell in the living room. I clung to Grant''s hand desperate to grip my reality. I wanted to stay right here, right now. My fingers intertwined with my mate''s. However, the tiny gate that I''ve opened to recount my tale burst wide letting out everything I''ve so carefully buried. The images flooded before me, I blinked to force them away.


    -Liliane, stay with us.


    Demos'' voice floated far away. I was gone. Gone far beyond reach. My eyes dropped to the dirty tiles of the bathroom under my trembling frail legs as I marched n.a.k.e.d out of the shower. The only comfort in this humiliation was that I wasn''t alone. The other girls looked as scared as I was.


    "Look at that dirt! Hey!" shouted a voice towards me. A strong solid hand closed around my arm and shook me. I looked up in confusion, an angry nurse in a white uniform and a tiny hat glared at me.


    "Do you have ears! You line up when you get out of the shower. We are not animals!" she pushed me with the other girls. I almost fell if one of them didn''t catch me.


    "Just do as she says," she whispered to me. I struggled to my feet and mimicked her. They all lined up on both side of the bathroom with their hands at their sides. I was reluctant to take my hand away from hiding myself. A second nurse came in, pushing a trolley of laundry. She handed each one white panty and a grey dress.


    "This is your uniform, you will take care of it and will wash it. If something happens to it. You will be held responsible. We hate dirty brats. We hate smart mouth. This is not home. The doctors seem to think you have some fancy disease but believe me when I tell you that discipline is the cure to everything. I''ll beat it into your bones if I have to," the nurse turned to study each and every one of us as we slipped into our uniforms. On mine was sewed a number. Fifteen.


    "From now on, you forgot your past life. Your families and friends. They are gone, they are dead. You will abide by the law of this house. This is your house now. We are your family now. You''ll obey or we''ll make you. You are not crazy, whatever the hell the doctors say, this is only teenagers going through their rebellious stages. I''ll beat it out of your system," she marched back and forth with her hands behind her back. I shivered with my bare feet in contact with the cold floor. We didn''t get a towel to dry off. Water dripped from my wet hair.


    "Now, march to the cafeteria," she clapped her hands startling me. I looked up at the other girls as they strode out of the bathroom. I followed them with my heart racing in my chest. We went to another corridor and climbed down curving stairs to a big hall with numerous tables and benches. The room was separated with a red line in the middle. There were other children already sitting at some of the tables. On one side were boys and the other girls. All of their sat quietly at their table eating their food. I joined the girl who helped me in the bathroom and sat next to her.


    "Is this place mixed, like they have boys too?" I whispered to her. However, she stared in front of her with her face blank. I looked around at the other girls and they did the same. The nurse had joined a table with the other staffs. "Can you-" I turned back to her.


    "Shut up! Or you''ll be punished," she hissed at me. One of the other girls gave me a side-glance. A cook wearing a long brown apron pushing a trolley with squeaking wheels came near our table.


    "I hope you''re hungry?" she smiled. She was a heavy woman with a gentle smile. Her hair was wrapped in a green cloth around her head leaving her round face and rosy cheeks apparent. She started with the far left of the long table and filled a spoonful of a brown soup in the plates. When she reached my level I looked up at her and she smiled at me. The brown soup was thick and slimy with chunks of unnamed ingredients. Vegetables were expensive, so I quickly crossed it off the list. There was a strange smell to it. Something I couldn''t put my finger on.


    "Just eat it," whispered my neighbor. I seized my spoon and stirred the liquid. I took a mouthful and instantly regretted it. There was an impossible mixture of burnt meat and tacky stew.


    "Don''t throw up. Just swallow it or else they''ll beat you up," whispered the girl. I swallowed it as she told me. Goosebumps rose on my arms. The second spoonful wasn''t any better. By the fifth spoon, the plate was only halfway. I pray to all the gods out there to save me. My hand shook as I rose that last spoon to my lips. It was so bad tears stung my eyes. She rubbed my back and gave me a smile.


    "That''s a good girl, Liliane," I blinked at her. How did she know my name?


    "Liliane?" she frowned at me. "Wake up!" I blinked and saw Grant staring down at me. My eyes darted to his concerned face to Demos. I lay on his lap his arms around me.


    "I''m sorry," he held me close.


    "What¡­?" I said my voice so hoarse I didn''t recognize it.


    "You had a convulsion and screamed. But we felt it through the link and saw your flashback," said Grant as he held my hand. He pulled it to his lips and kissed them. He then came closer and they both held me tight.


    -We are sorry for making you relive this traumatic event.


    I felt safe with them. I didn''t want to close my eyes in fear the images might come back.


    "We should go out to help ease the tension," suggested Grant. He pulled away with a smile. "The happiness program advice, going out and socializing, right?" I didn''t sound like a good idea. Yet, I dreaded going to sleep. So I nodded it was still early and tomorrow was the last day of the week.


    "What are you thinking?" I pushed away from Demos on unsteady legs. He was ready to catch me, however, I managed to not fall.


    -party


    I faced Grant, he gave me a huge smile. What?


    -I know someone who owns a clu

 Chapter 49 - The party

    I knew I was a bad idea to accept going to a party. The loud thumping music accentuated my slowly growing headache. I had no idea Grant was telling the truth when he said he knew the owner a club. I thought it was some small restaurant or something. Not that! Firstly, Grant said that a car would pick us up and drop us at the venue. When I slipped into my only black dress I never thought I would feel this out of place in this vast ocean of jumping bodies.


    -Liliane!


    I looked up at Demos standing next to me, multicolor spotlights flashing on his blank face. We were squeezed against the wall away from the dancers. He tipped his head towards the dancefloor where Grant squeezed his way holding a glass in his hand.


    "Hey!" he shouted with a smile. He fitted right in with all the cheerful music. He moved his head to the beat as he approached. "Here, for my lady," he handed me a tall blue drink. Demos caught his wrist.


    -Wait, this is alcohol.


    I frowned at Demos and took the glass. What was that? I don''t need a bodyguard. It''s cute that he is overprotective yet, it gets on my nerves when he overdoes it. I sighed.


    "Relax, Mr. patrol agent. I''m legal. I can drink a couple of these," I took a sip from the drink, it was sweet and chilled with an after-taste of rum. I smiled at Grant. "Thanks, it tastes divine," he nodded at me.


    -I Knew you will like it. Come I''ll introduce you to my friends at the VIP booth.


    "VIP?" I almost choked on my drink. He flashed me a smile, Grant grabbed my hand and dragged me on the dance floor. I struggled to the dumping bodies. Demos came to my rescue and parted the sea of the body to let me through. The lights pulsed to the rapid beat making it literally impossible to focus on walking.


    -Let me guide you. Close your eyes.


    I clung to Grant''s arm and closed my eyes. He wore a white long sleeves shirt that he said he got from a good friend. It''s crazy how many friends he actually had. I feel like I don''t really know him. And somehow it''s scary. He chuckled making me open my eyes to peek at him. His perfect profile bathed in purple light felt unreal. The music has slowed to some classic house from early 2020.


    -We are almost there.


    I took a glance over my shoulder at Demos who smiled at me. He was wearing all black while Grant wore all white. They really do contrast with each other.


    -You also look good in your black dress.


    I quickly looked away with flushed cheeks. I drunk the content of my glass in one sip Demos took the glass from me. We go to the other side of the huge room where who artificial as tall as Demos wearing black suits guarded a red door. Grant nodded at them and they opened the door for me. I gasped at their reaction like Grant actually owns the place.


    "What is that?" I narrowed my eyes at him. He flashed me a bright smile with arched eyebrows.


    -I told you, a lot of people liked Grant.


    I let go of Grant''s arm and went to stand next to Demos. Grant stepped then turned to us.


    "Come on, I just know Adrien. He''s nice, there''s nothing fishy with having friends," I pouted as his flat explanation.


    "You get the superstar treatment. It''s a little intimidating," I clung to Demos'' arm. Grant exhaled and led the way into the dark corridor. Demos pulled me along as he marched forward. When the door closed behind us the music was reduced to a low thumping in the background. There was a different door on both sides of the corridors with only numbers on the golden tags nailed on them. The whole place was lit in red lights running along the walls. As Grant reached for the last door on the left it popped out. A dark-skinned artificial with an elegant suit peeked at us. We smiled at Grant then at me. I recognized him from the welcome party we did for Grant.


    "This is Nicolai," Grant waved towards the guy.


    "Hi," I nodded at him.


    "Glad you could come," he opened the door wider to get us in. "Please, step in," Grant gave his a quick hug and marched in. Demos pulled me closer to him when we got inside.


    "No one is going to steal me away," I whispered to him as he walked.


    -You''re mine. Others need to understand that.


    I chuckled at his ridiculous thought. The inside was a small room with a window overlooking the dancefloor and various screens playing music video in the far back. There were four couches where three artificials females sat with one man. I also recognized the girls from Grant''s welcome party. I doubt I''ve ever seen that man.


    "Hello," said the man as he took his arms away from the girls. They were all dress in metallic short dresses and shiny spiky heels. They all moved in sync and eased away from his eyes fixed on Grant.


    "At last, we meet," the man poured himself a drink from the glass table in front of him where a square-shaped bottle rested. the rich golden liquid swirled in his glass as he brought it to his lips.


    "Sit down," he gestured to the couches. Two of the girls got up to sit on another couch. I watched as Grant walked directly to him and sat next to him. Demos pulled me to the one next to them.


    "An Adrien Sevdinova, your imate is a great company. I love our conversations together," he patted Grant on the shoulder.


    "Liliane Kerry," I eyed them with a hint of jealousy. How come other people are actually talking and being around Grant while I wasn''t there. I don''t like that. Grant turned to face me, he reached and squeezed my hand.


    "Liliane, she''s a little jealous she doesn''t like sharing," I gasped at his honesty. I wasn''t expecting he would say my thoughts out loud. I lowered my head feeling terrible since his guy was a stranger and probably someone important too. He laughed at Grant''s comment.


    "If I had an artificial like Grant and Demos I would never let them out of my sight," he emptied his glass in on go and got to his feet. "Nicolai here is also a Sognare model. He is a beautiful piece of art," the dark-skinned artificial came to meet the man in the middle of the room. He bowed and turned to us. "He is not just pleasant to the eyes but also runs this club on his own as well as all my artificial staffs. So, I can practice my favorite hobby. Fishing!" he grinned. I rose my eyebrows impressed at Nicolai''s achievement.


    "Well, that''s awesome," I laughed nervously.


    "But that''s nothing compared to what Grant can do," he gave Grant a peek. Ok, I don''t like that way he looks at Grant at all. What the hell!


    -Calm down, Liliane. I''ll explain.


    "Adrien had a little accident on one of his fishing trips and had a twisted ankle. Went I first visit him weeks ago I helped take his pain away when I touched him," said Grant as he squeezed my hand. The man laughed and sunk back on the couch.


    "You imagine my surprise. I was blown away. I''ve never seen an artificial with this type of option. This is groundbreaking," he laughed and pulled himself another drink. "I''ve been pestering his with a meeting with you. Miss Kerry, do you see the potential in Grant?" I narrowed my eyes at him. I didn''t know where he was going and I don''t think I like it.


    -Liliane, please take your personal feeling aside. Imagine how many I can heal from their misery and pain.


    I pulled my hand from him and slowly faced Grant.


    "I''m sorry, I don''t understand," I shook my head. Demos exhaled beside me.


    "They want to build a hospital to heal people from the void," my head snapped back at Demos.


    "What? There did that come from?"


    -Liliane, I wanted to talk to you about this. It''s not official yet. But we are thinking about it.


    I massaged my pulsing temple. This was too much. His hand rubbed my back easing the tension out of me. I thought he did that only for me cause we were mates. I never imagined he would go and help others.


    -I''ve helped a few people from our building and the request keep growing. I''m sorry for not telling you.


    I glared at him however I couldn''t get angry at him for healing people. What kind of horrible human being would I be? Yet, I felt a pinch of some weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. I wanted Grant to be mine exclusively.


    -I am yours, always.


    That includes locking you up, I thought. He chuckled softly beside me.


    "So, Miss Kerry will you consider my proposal? For the hospital? See I''ve seen him help artificial too...I was wondering if you knew the extension of his abilities? If you haven''t noticed Sognare make unique models. They can have similar faces but each imates are unique with their settings. Yours was made to fit your conditions," I looked up at the man who grinned. Did he know about the void?


    -I told him


    I took a deep breath. I can''t believe he just goes away tell strangers about me about us. Oh my god, he must know we are mates and that I''m a sick pervert.


    "I sorry, I''m a little too enthusiastic about this project. This must come as a shock for you. I guess you really need Grant for your own treatment," he set his glass on the table. "I just wanted help," he shook his head.


    "Sir, I... mm... thanks for taking care of Grant. I''m sorry to bother you," I started.


    "No bother at all," he waved. Demos and Grant turned to me.


    "I''ll consider your offer," I said. "But, right now, I came to relax. I-I didn''t plan to have that kind of talk," Adrian burst out laughing.


    "Yeah, sure, sure! What kinda person am I. Nicolai get the lady a drink will you. All drinks are on me," he waved a finger at Nicolai we turned to me.


    "A second of this blue drink," I pointed at the glass Demos was holding.


    "Sure," nodded Nicolai. Minutes later, my drink came and the conversation gravitated around Adrien talking about the open sea which I''ve never seen except on VR screen. I sipped my drink as I leaned against Demos watching Grant smile with Adrien. He gave me a side-glance.


    -I''ll tell you everything. Just like you opened up to us.


    Right! I turned back to the three girls staring at me and Demos. I shifted nervously in my seat. Their eyes followed my movements.


    -They are asking what are the dynamics of our relationship.


    I ignored Demos and kept sipping my drink.


    -Since they are s.e.xbot. They are wondering if we are also.


    I coughed as I choked on my drink. Demos smirked at me. What? S.e.x...what?


    "What the hell is wrong with you?" I shouted. Everyone turned to me. I wasn''t aware I said that loud. The whole mind talking was getting me confused. "Sorry," I murmured.


    -Liliane are you ok?


    I nodded at Grant and he went on with his conversation with Nicolai and Adrian. Damn it, I can''t even hang around normal people anymore. I''m a desperate case. I thought I came here to relax. This is getting boring.


    -Do you want to dance?


    I turned towards Demos with an eyebrow arched up. Dance? Really? I wasn''t really a dancefloor beast. Lyla could totally own the club. I just randomly sway to the music while praying the spotlights would hide my clumsy moves.


    "Do you even know how to dance?" I laughed a little too loud. Once again everyone in the room turned their focus on me. They must think I''m crazy for starting a sentence out of nowhere when no one actually spoke to me. Demos reached for my empty glass and placed it on the table then pulled me to my feet. Grant looked up.


    "Demos'' gonna show me how good he is on the dancefloor," I laughed. I guess the blue drinks were taking effect as I walked back to the main room. Demos hugged me from behind as we struggled on the dancefloor. The DJ switched to a chillout playlist as we swayed to the music. I threw my arms in the air Demos followed me, our bodies brushing against each other. I laughed at the absurdity of dancing with all my problems hanging above my head. I was really insane.


    -It''s ok, cut yourself some slack.


    He got closer, I placed my arms around his neck and pulled his down against me. Our lips brushing.

 Chapter 50 - Starry sky

    My voice echoed in the dark alley as Grant rushed to meet us. He frowned at me, he pulled the coat throw around my shoulder.


    "How much did you drink?" he glared at Demos who only shrugged his shoulder.


    "You said she was allowed to drink," I giggled at them as I wobbled on my feet. We were standing in the back alley leading to the exit near the dumpsters. I was feeling sick with the loud music, crowded space and that third glass of blue rum.


    "I''m ok," I smiled. "I was only a little dizzy," he took my hand to keep me steady. He looked down in concern. "Are you done with your Adrien guy?" I laughed as I patted his chest.


    -You''re drunk!


    I giggled at his statement. He was very observant. Of course, I was not! I could understand what he was saying and also speak which were a clear indication that I was sober. Maybe, I couldn''t coordinate my movements with precision but like hell I was sober.


    -You''re drunk and it''s affecting us through the link


    "I''m a big girl! I can keep my liquor!" I muttered then giggled at the way his expression shifted from concern to guilt. "You missed the party. Where were you? What were you doing with that Adrien character? I don''t like him. I don''t want you to talk to him again," I pouted. He lifted his eyebrows at me. Demos chuckled behind us.


    "What?" I shouted.


    "We are your mates, not your objects or pets that you can order around," Demos grinned. I pushed away from Grant.


    "What? You can do whatever you want? Disobey me?" I narrowed my eyes at them.


    -You''re drunk. Let''s go home.


    He reached for me, I stepped away glaring at them. Then burst in hysterical laughter. The absurdity of this situation scared me. I felt trapped and cornered.


    -Liliane, I''m sorry for dragging you here. It was a bad idea.


    Grant shook his head. His beautiful curls falling in his face. Seeing his pained expression pulled a thread at my heart. I wobbled on my feet as I got closer and threw my arms around him. He tensed at my sudden motion.


    "Honey, I''m sorry," I said, he relaxed and wrapped his arms around me.


    -Please, let''s go home.


    "I still angry that you spend all your time with that guy instead of being with me," I frowned. Grant laughed softly against my neck, tickling me.


    -You''re not angry.


    "I am," I pulled away, staring in his cheerful silver eyes.


    -You''re only jealous.


    "And possessive," added Demos as he crossed his arms over his chest. Me? Jealous and possessive? I laughed as the crazy statement. I wasn''t. This guy was clearly trying to take advantage of Grant''s powers. God knows what is his real motives. Money. S.e.x. Steal you away from me. Grant let out a deep sigh.


    "Look, Liliane, Adrien is not like that. And, I really want to work with him in his hospital to help others. I would prefer, you, to let me do what I wish. Unlike other artificial, we are not bound to your decisions. I don''t want to create conflicts. However, know that this is something I want to do. You let Demos work as a Patrol agent, even if you don''t like it, right," he said with patience. I couldn''t agree with that.


    "I still don''t like the way that guy looks at you," I pouted making Grant laughed.


    -And, in what way did he look at me?


    Damn! I walked away to the main road. They quickly followed behind. The area was crowded around the front door. Since we came here in Nicolai''s car we didn''t use to front door but the VIP entrance. All the special treatment thing was getting on my nerves. I didn''t want to get home with them. I badly needed fresh air. So, I swapped my hand over my bracelet to check the nearest station.


    -Nicolai will be upset if we just leave.


    I rolled my eyes at him. Didn''t he just say he wanted us to go home? I clicked on the map and got the destination of the station, along with the schedule of the next Transfer leaving for Level twenty.


    -Liliane, it''s a 15 mins walk, are you sure you want to do that?


    "Hey! I''m going, I need to think. And walking helps that," I waved at they and crossed the empty road to the other side. Closed storefronts with beautiful displays stood on the right; around here, it was completely deserted. My heels echoed on the sidewalk as I progressed forward. Soon I had to rest my hand on the wall for support. The spinning got worse with the light breeze blowing on my face.


    -Liliane quit being stubborn!


    I stopped, resigned at the thought that I was drunk. Yeah! I''m drunk with only three glasses what kind of poor drinker was I? Demos patted my back as I rested my hands on the wall and pressed my forehead on the cool stone. I groaned at the cold against my skin.


    -Want me to carry you? We are still far from the station.


    "Or do you want to head back and we could take the car?" called Grant from behind. I peeked at him, he wasn''t smiling. He really wanted to get back. No freaking way I''m getting back in that club.


    I turned to Demos feeling light-headed.


    "I''m not wearing pants. Dresses are not awesome for piggy-back-rides," I grimaced and pulled on the hem of my black dress. A mischievous smile stretched on his lips.


    -I can manage. Anyway, there''s no one to witness any wardrobe-malfunction," he chuckled. Okay, whatever. I slipped into the black coat one of Adrien''s artificial ladies gave me and hopped on Demos'' back as he kneeled before me. I giggled as he got up, my hands gripped his shoulders.


    "It''s weirdly s.e.xy, somehow!" I laughed. He peeked at me as he held my thighs. I felt terribly exposed as the wind blew my short dress in all directions. Why the hell did I have to wear that dress? And why the hell did I have to wear a lacy panty? I feel n.a.k.e.d.


    -Thanks for the info, Demos smirked.


    "I''m not going to drink...like ever again," I held tight as he marched forward with Grant close behind.


    -But, it was really interesting to see you dance. You don''t seem to be well coordinated. It was rather funny... I must say.


    I slapped his shoulder. I''m not really that type of girl. I don''t usually go to clubs or the socializing type. I like to be on my own. A hot tea, a book or a movie, Stripes socks, and a blanket.


    -Really? I think you managed quite well in there. Not letting Adrien push you around and getting your point across. I was impressed.


    "Yeaaaah!" I squealed throwing my arms up. Grant quickly rushed to us to prevent me from falling over.


    "Careful, girl!" warned Demos as he shifted me in the right position. I laughed, wrapped my arms around his neck and dropped a kiss near his ear. Grant kept his hand on the small of my back just in case I might do some careless moves again.


    "Hey! Quit touching my butt. I already felt expose enough. No need to take advantage of me," I muttered at him. Grant cleared his throat to cover this laughter.


    -You''re funny when you''re drunk.


    "I said I won''t drink...EVER!" I throw one hand in the air. Then frenetically touched my face. "My glasses! Where did I put my glasses?" I slapped his shoulder and kicked my legs.


    -What are you talking about? You didn''t wear them. You left them at the apartment saying they ruined your look.


    I sighed with relief but I had no recollection of the said event.


    "You''re sure? Cause I felt I was wearing them not long ago," I said. Maybe, I was really drunk. My stomach groaned against Demos back. "I''m hungry," I complained. My map said that the station was still 10 mins away.


    "Why are we walking so slowly?" Demos peeked at me then back at the empty road. More closed stores stood ahead. However, there were fewer lights and we could see the vastness of the night sky. I exhaled as I stared up at the thousand tiny dots lit up the deep blue sky.


    "It''s pretty," I commented.


    "And, calm," added Grant.


    -I like being like this with you.


    I turned my focus back to Demos. He tilted his head so he could look at me. I ran my hand in his hair.


    "You like that I''m drunk?" he chuckled.


    -I''m a patrol agent. My duty is to get the drunk girl home safely.


    We all burst into a fit of laughter until my stomach hurt. We soon reached the station. Demos let me down on the feet. There were a few passengers waiting on the platform. Some from a late dinner or party, others tired and eager to get home. I held on Grant''s arm as Demos got us tickets and water can help me sober up.


    "Sorry, honey, I''m a jealous wife, I guess," I muttered into his neck. He leaned and kissed my hair.


    "It means she likes me and doesn''t want to let go," he smiled. I was amazing at how positive he took everything. "Liliane, can I ask a question?" I nodded then instantly regretted doing so. My spinning came back at full force. "What if, I can ease her pain...I mean I can''t cure her that''s for sure. However, I can help her accept her condition and say goodbye," I pushed away from him confused to where the conversation was going.


    "Her? Who are you talking about?" I inquired.


    -Your mom.


    "You want me... to go there?" I asked the stunt at the very idea. "After all I''ve told you what happened... you since want me to go? We even went out to forget about the whole thing. Now you just drop the boom just like that?" my voice rose to a high pitched. He pressed his lips together, he nodded while holding my gaze.


    -I was designed to care about other''s suffering.


    "What about my suffering? Have you thought about it?" I shouted, his eyes softened.


    -Every single minute since you let us sync with you and way before we even met. You can''t imagine.


    He reached his hand and touch the front of my coat where my heart is. It skipped a beat.


    "This beating heart knows," he whispered. I placed my hand over his and squeezed it. Tears welled up, I blinked to push it away. What he asked of me was impossible. How can I go that there? Take that Transfer back to that place that rejected me. Those people who didn''t come visit me for those five years of misery I spent in that happy house. How can I forgive them?


    -Am not asking you to forgive them. You''re not doing that for them. You are doing it for yourself. If you want to save yourself, you must learn to let go of the past. Please, let your past go so you can move forward.


    Demos came to meet us. He handed me the water can which I quickly took as a distraction from the serious talk. The speakers announced that the Transfer has arrived. I emptied the can and threw it in a nearby recycling bin. When I came back the Transfer waited for me.


    "Let''s go home," said Demos. He took my hand in his as we boarded. The section we were had only one other passenger facing the other way.


    "Thanks, guys, this night had some weird outcome. Still, somehow it was good," I gave both of them a shy smile. They hugged me, Demos shielded me from the other passenger''s view while Grant tapped my back.


    -You''re welcome. We have your interest at heart.


    How can I let go of them? They both form part of me. It would be inconceivable if we were to separate now. The dread of going to that place and face everyone from my home town was too much for me to burden.


    -You''re not alone. We''ll help you carry the emotional load.


    "But, I''m scared...terrified...of rejection and nasty comments. What if they don''t love me. Don''t want to see me?" I stuttered, my voice riddled with doubt.


    -We will always be here for you.

 Chapter 51 - Good Morning sunshine

    I rolled in bed and groaned at the massive headache resonating in my head. I haven''t opened my eyes yet and already knew this Friday was going to be a failure.


    -Quit with the bad attitude. Just wake up already, said the invader in my thoughts.


    "Quit with the head invasion," I muttered into my pillow. I peeked at the face smiling next to mine. Grant was cheerful and all sunshine as usual. He didn''t seem to be affected by my massive hangover.


    -I am, but I''m trying to deal with it.


    "Really? And you can still smile?" I inquired with my eyebrow crooking upward.


    -See you wake up always makes me happy.


    I shoved my pillow at him. Why was he throwing cheesy lines this early especially when I was rocking a hangover? He caught the pillow without trouble.


    "Just accept that I love you," he said. An uneasy sensation lit at the back of the head, I yawned to distract him from noticing and saw that I''ve shifted from my black dress to my unicorn pajamas. My hand went up to the front of my shirt. I had no memory of how I got here. Grant smiled at me raising my level of anxiety.


    "Don''t tell me..." my voice trailed off.


    "Those were a cute pair of underwear," he gave me a timid smile. I pulled the front of my shirt to check if I was still wearing them. I sighed with relief when I saw them on. I shot him a dark look.


    "Never! You understand, never undress me without my consent!" I waved a finger at him. He nodded without protest. "Ok, good," I quickly got out of bed. Demos were not around as usual.


    -He''s getting ready.


    When I got to my feet my head was pounding. I groaned at the pain. It''s been years since my last hangover. Without Lyla around to drag me to our girls-night-out, it was something I simply crossed off my list.


    "I''m not going to drink. Promise me you''ll not allow me to drink ever again," I pointed a menacing finger at him. He only chuckled at my reaction. Grant was clearly the reason I accepted that first drink.


    -Sorry, I can''t do that.


    "But it''s for my own good, alcohol makes me stupid," he nodded in agreement. I glared at him, somehow I was getting the feeling he liked that I act stupid.


    -It was very entertaining. We had a blast as you sang your way to the elevator. Jil couldn''t believe her eyes. I like drunk Liliane, she''s very honest.


    I swirled around from my closet with eyes wide with panic making my head spin. Me singing? This must be a joke. His face said a whole other story. His mischievous grin spoke tones.


    "What?" I shouted.


    -You also cried in front of the door, saying you were scared of having s.e.x with us. I was a little shock to hear that. I mean, we said we''ll take it slowly. We didn''t know that was an issue.


    Heat rose to my face. He must be kidding. The door to the bathroom opened and Demos came out fully dressed. He gave me a large smile. He slowly strode to the middle of the room like the king of the castle. Damn, he was s.e.xy in his black pants and formal pale shirt. I wonder where those came from.


    "He''s right, I had to throw you over my back and carry you inside. It was terrible. All the way to the apartment, you sang singing in the rain. It was quite the view," he laughed. "You also mention the threesome part, I didn''t know you were the v.i.r.g.i.n type," he gave me a suggestive smile. I slammed my closet door, I haven''t even look at what cloth I''ve selected and stormed to the bathroom.


    "I don''t remember and I''m sure you''re making this up," I closed the door with a loud bang. I rested against the door with my heart slamming in my chest. Oh my god! This must be a nightmare. My shaking legs carried me to the sink. The mirror flashed my terrible looking face at me, a typical hangover face. With two aspirins and a quick shower, I was somewhat presentable. When I got out Grant waited for me with my lunch bag. He wore his pink apron. It shoved away part of the bad mood. I couldn''t stop my smile. He was too cute.


    "Thanks, honey," I kissed him.


    -Please, consider the trip.


    My frown ran back. Here goes my rose bubble. Why did he have to bring it up? I''ve already forgotten about it all. I let out a deep sigh.


    "Man, you''re persistent. Like a real house-wife," I said then rushed to the door to escape from having to answer him. He gave me his brightest smile and waved us goodbye by the door. I paused then turned back to him.


    "Ok, you can go work with your Adrien guy," I added flatly. He cheered and jumped. "Whatever happens is on you. You had better make it work. If it turns out to be a scam... it''s on you," his smile dropped and he nodded with a serious face.


    "Ok, I''ll do my best," he said then I continued to the elevator where Demos waited for me.


    "You awfully nice this morning," he commented as the elevator made its descent.


    "I have a terrible headache...maybe that''s the reason," I said full with sarcasm. Well, I''ve found a way to shut him up about that visit was more like it. He chuckled softly by my side.


    "If you''re really going then let me know, ok," I gave him a side-glance but remained silent. I haven''t taken any decision yet. I had to get through the day first then I''ll think about throwing myself into the lion''s den.


    Our trip to my work was short and quiet. Demos kept smiling about something he didn''t want to share, even though I bombarded him with questions. I had a feeling it had something to do with my drunkard episode. I''m definitely not going to drink, ever! Anna waited for me by the door. She greeted me with a wave. I quickly made my way to the front door.


    "Hi," she said with glee. Her high-pitched voice made me grimaced. Her voice was like sandpaper on a sour wound. More like icepick shoving into my head. Welcome hangover.


    "Not so loud," I said, her eyebrows arched at me.


    "Did you party too much last night? Oh My God! You have to tell me everything!" she slapped her hands together. I knew the day was going to be very long in a terrible way.


    ***


    Anna turned away from her screen with a frown. She spent the past hour typing frenetically on the keyboard, entering the data from the latest batch of what the label said was turkey meat. I knew from the composition it was definitely something else. The box had a bioengineered meat logo plastered all over the side.


    "Have you ever had a moral and ethical doubt about working here?" I looked up from the microscope. Since my experience in the happy house and the terrible food served there for years, impacted my eating habits. As long as what I put in my mouth tasted good I never asked where it came from. I slowly shook my head at her.


    "Well, I guess you''ve been here too long to even care, is it?" she smiled. However, her odd question got me thinking. Anna went back to drumming on the plastic keyboard. Surely, there was something bothering her. I''ve been here so long that I''ve stopped thinking at all. I starred at the soya bean composition popping up on the screen by the microscope. I was numb from all of this.


    "My mom is sick," I muttered. Anna gasped and pushed away from her screen.


    "Liliane, that''s... terrible. How serious is it? Is it the flu? I mean you never talk about your life outside of work. Oh god! I''m a little surprised," she talked in a rapid flow of words. My eyes rested on the level of protein on the microscope. I shook my head and sighed. I felt like a heavyweight lifted off my shoulders.


    "I''m not the type who just share my life with everyone. But this has been suffocating me, my mom¡­ it''s very serious... like she doesn''t have long to live," I lowered my head. I heard her seat creaked as he got to her feet. Her tiny hand took mine in hers.


    "Liliane, look at me," she said, she voice breaking up. I meet her teary light brown eyes. "Why are you here at work? Shouldn''t you be at her side?" I wasn''t sure I had an answer to her question so I gave her a nervous smile then averted my gaze.


    "I don''t know what to do," I whispered. Last night, didn''t really help me clear up my thoughts. I was afraid to look stupid however, those blue drinks I surely did. Anna stroked my hand. I was afraid to face my parents. The party was only an excuse to run away from my problem. In the end, I''m a coward. I just kept running from reality.


    "Is that why you went out and got drunk? You know alcohol only help drown problems and never solve anything. The hangover can be pretty bad too," I nodded making my headache pulsed. I almost forgot my hangover wasn''t completely gone.


    "Are your parents in Level twenty?" she leaned to catch my attention.


    "No, they are out of town in the middle of nowhere, I haven''t visited them for a while," I kept my gaze on my canvas shoes.


    "Well, that''s a good reason to go visit," she smiled. "And also announce them that you''re synced with... your boyfriends?" she voice trailed off. My head sprung up. "Maybe that''s not a good idea," she laughed. "Since syncing is literally like getting married. Imagine that! You visit them with two people after not seeing them for years. If that was my mother, she''d die of a heart attack," Anna giggled as she threw her red curls away from her face. I just stared at her for the ability to laugh as any serious matter. "Oh, sorry. I didn''t mean to be rude. I don''t want your family reunion to turn into a drama. Far from that," she laughed. Yeah, Anna had some weird sense of humor. "I really think you should go. Just be prepared for a possible crisis. Put on your anti-drama-queen armor and you''re good to go," she released my hands and went back to her work.


    -Anna is right. I''ll go with you if you need support. If you want, I can even check the prices for the tickets.


    I sighed at Grant''s comforting words. Maybe, I should go. I just want to get it over.


    "Please, prepare a small bag with the bare minimum. It will be a rapid trip," I muttered at empty space.


    -Ok, Liliane. I''ll come to pick you up later.


    "What did you just say?" asked Anna.


    "I said, I guess I''ll go. Do you want me to bring souvenirs for you?" I laughed feeling the tension seeping out of my shoulders. I can do this. I can face my demons...my past. I can go back there.

 Chapter 52 - A light disturbance

    "Liliane, look! There is a riot!" shouted Anna. My hand paused when I reached for my bag. I wasn''t sure I heard Anna right. I turned to found her staring at her bracelet.


    "My little sister just send me a message. She said there''s a riot in level twenty," she scrolled throw her messages then looked up with a concerned expression.


    "What do you mean a riot?" I was so busy with the inner struggles that I haven''t had time to keep in with the news. Level twenty that''s awfully close to Demos.


    "Haven''t you heard a group called the real humans?" she whispered. I slowly shook my head. From her expression, I doubt that was a new music group. "Well, I happened to know someone who knows someone, who is a friend of one of the members," she gestured her hands in the air. I chuckled at the vague connection a friend of a friend sentence. "They said they are fighting for human''s rights...our rights. Us, humans, for our rights to have a job. Do you know how hard it is to get a job and keep it?" she whispered with her eyes darting in all directions. I was sure no one could hear us still I leaned in to listen. "I think this is all a lot of bullshit!" she winked at me.


    "So what is that riot all about?" I asked politely and retrieved my bag. Grant was waiting for me at the station. All I wanted was to get out of here as quickly as possible. Frankly, I didn''t care about gossips and weird political views. However, I didn''t want to be rude to her. Not again.


    "Oh, the tension is rising cause in level twenty-one there all the robot factories. So it''s a little natural that the real humans start there," she waved her index at me. I nodded out of politeness.


    -Liliane, I''m waiting by the front door.


    "Sorry, Anna. I''m a little in a hurry. Grant is waiting for me," I pulled the door and waved at her. "See you on Monday. Have a good weekend," I called.


    "Don''t forget my souvenirs," she shouted behind me. "And be careful!" I dashed to the front door. The corridor deserted stretched in front of me as I rushed to the gate. Grant waved as he noticed me swapping my bracelet on the panel. My mood lit up and I threw myself into his arms.


    -Did you miss me?


    The moment I relaxed in his embrace, all my worries went out the window. How I wished I could carry Grant around and feel bliss 24/7. He chuckled against my hair.


    -I also wish I could be with you 24/7


    I lifted my head and met his beautiful silver eyes with thousands of stars dancing in them. He brushed a stray hair away from my face.


    -I''ve planned a great night so tomorrow first thing we can take the Transfer. I''ve already reserved our tickets, is that ok?


    I nodded, he took my hand and we headed to the station. Grant was my happy pill. I peeked at his smiling face then back at the empty tunnel. It was a little odd that Mr. Ramdin was absent and most of the employees of our shift also. I guess that ratio thing Anna mention got me concerned.


    "Grant, have you heard about that group called the real humans?" I sensed his tensed through the link. Which was a little odd to say the least?


    "Why are you asking?" he frowned while staring straight ahead. Our footsteps echoed off the wall as we walked.


    "Anna said there was a riot. Since I don''t really follow the news or any of what is going on in the city, I don''t really know," he let out a long sigh and turned to me with a smile.


    "We artificial don''t really mend in human politics. We do what we are assigned and all is good," I narrowed my eyes at him. This was not an answer I was satisfied with and I felt he wasn''t telling me everything.


    "Let''s hurry, the Transfer will arrive soon," he pulled my hand turning my focus back at the platform.


    ***


    "I not coming with you," said Demos when he came back. He let go of me as he slipped away from my welcome-home-kiss.


    "But why?" I asked not hiding my disappointment. I needed both of them to support me in this reunion. He went to sit on his couch with a sigh. Somehow, he looked tired. Now that I think about it, he never once mentioned his work.


    "I can''t, all the patrol agents are mobilized lately," he met my gaze.


    "But...but I can''t do it without you...both of you," I shook my head. "You insisted that I go and not you''re telling me I have to go alone!" my voice rose a notch. We stood in the living for long minutes.


    "Is it the riots?" his head sprung up. Demos front at me.


    "It''s nothing to worry, everything will calm down by Monday," he shook his head making stray hair fall on his forehead. Grant came behind me and clapped his hands.


    "Ok, enough of the depression topic. I''ve promised you a great evening and I''ll stick to my word," he pulled on my arm. "First, you shower and get ready," he grinned.


    "I''m not going out, not after the hangover. I''m still not over it by the way," I narrowed my eyes at him. They both laughed making me nervous.


    "No, don''t worry. Tonight is movie night with pizza. Homemade pizza," he winked at me. My stomach groaned in anticipation. That was a great motivation to get in me in the shower.


    When I got to my room, I noticed a blinking dot on my bracelet. It was a short text from off-world. I inhaled a sharp breath. It could only mean something. Lyla! My heart drummed as I swapped my hand over the text message to open it.


    Recipient: Lyla D. Donovan


    "Hi, Lili Darling. I know I may sound annoying but I have to tell you this. I''m coming back"


    I blinked at the message. She already told me so. I scrolled down from more and found nothing more. What was all this about? I really didn''t need more drama in my life.


    "Liliane, the pizza with being ready soon. Are you done in the shower?" called Grant from the kitchen. I quickly closed the screen and rushed to my closet to get a change of clothes.


    "I''m going!" I shouted back. I shoved all the thoughts about Lyla, the riot and tomorrow''s trip at the back of my head. The hot water helped me relax my tensed muscles and clear my head. I was able to enjoy the funny movie Grant selected as I munched on the pizza. Demos kept giving me side-glances all through the movie.


    ***


    [To throw away-I fought against his weight fearing he might really crush me. I panted under him, my face flushed from the effort.


    "Get off!" I slammed my fists against his solid chest. He chuckled as he pinned me down.


    -Actually, it feels nice. So I don''t think I''ll move.


    I almost peed my pants when both of them tickled me. I don''t know why they like to see me laughed until I explode. It''s terribly embarrassing.


    -Liliane, all I want is for you to be happy. This is my sole goal. Your smile is my everything.]


    When the credit rolled Demos pulled me on his lap Grant got up to prepare tea. I gave out a cry of surprise and struggled against his solid chest.


    "Wh-what do you think you''re doing?" I panted in his arms. Demos had that scary expression in his copper eyes. The dead serious one.


    "It pains me that I can''t come. Remember that all I want is for you to be happy. It''s my sole goal. Your smile is my everything," his deep voice melting all my will power. I looked up in awe. My breathing quieted down. My fists slid away from him. Big tears rolled on both sides of my face. His few tiny words shook me to the core. My soul was hungry to hear them. Heavy sob rocked my body. I was in a dark place my mind has been chaos. I''ve grown accustomed to this mess. Demos gently pushed away.


    "Hey!" Grant rushed to my side and tucked me into his arms. I buried my face into his shirt. Demos kneel near us and stroke my back.


    "I''m so sorry," I cried.


    "Why?" Grant rocked me trying to ease my pain. His eyes flashing aquamarine.


    "I-I sorry. I don''t know why... I feel like I''ve been cheating and I can''t give you back...I can''t love you back as much as you...both love me," I sniffed. "I can''t... I''m unable to do it and it kills me," I clung to the front of his shirt. "I''m not worth so much happiness," tears soaked his shirt. Grant sighed.


    "We are not asking anything in return. Just... work at your own pace. I''m sad when you''re sad. Please stop crying," he kissed my hair.


    -I''m sorry that I''ve triggered this guilt. I didn''t do it on purpose. I only wanted to tell you how I feel about you.


    "I hate feeling weak and vulnerable around you," I said in a tiny voice. They both took me in their arms. "That thing with my family is getting to me and I''m afraid I won''t be able to keep it together," I mumbled. "What if I fall apart? What if I get another episode while I''m far apart and dive back into my void state?" the questions that kept me awake all bubbled up at the same time.


    -Grant will be with you. He''ll help you relax and I''ll be with you for comfort. You don''t have anything to fear. Rely on us.


    My grip tightened around Grant. What if, I didn''t love them enough? What if the attachment I feel towards them, ain''t love? What if, I''m lying to myself? Somehow, Lyla''s text seeped doubts into my already fragile state. Demos'' brushed my cheek with the back of his hand making me shivered.


    -Let go of the doubts. Just let us do what we were designed for... to love you without restraint.


    My stomach groaned making me jolt away from them. My face flushed with shame.


    "Guess all that emotional outburst got you hungry," laughed Grant. "There''s more pizza in the oven, want another slice?" they got to their feet and I instantly felt their absence. They both turned in perfect sync with a frown. I rubbed my arms trying to warm myself.


    -You''re cold?


    "I''ll go a sweater," I gave Demos a nervous smile and got up. He paused to study me; I could felt his eyes on me as I marched to the room...our room. The bathroom door silently closed behind me shutting out the clicking in the kitchen as Grant opened the oven. I leaned against the door letting out a long sigh. What the hell, just happened? My hands shook from the memory.


    -Liliane, are you ok?


    "Yes," I whispered then pushed away from the door feeling numb. I needed something to take the edge off. My tired face stared back at me from the mirror above the sink. I yanked the mirror revealing shelves behind in.


    -Liliane?


    My hand shook as I reached for the orange plastic container with red pills. I had to hold it with both hands to prevent it from spilling its content into the sink. The red label on the side screams out warnings. Loud knock shook the door.


    "Liliane, don''t take the inhibitor. I''ll open the door now," the knob creaked as it turned. Grant appeared behind it. I''ve already popped the cap opened and ready to throw the red pill in my mouth. Demos stood next to him, creases in between his eyebrows.


    "I''m just taking one. I don''t want to crumble when I face them," I said in a flat tone. Grant sighed, in two quick steps he was standing beside me. He pulled the pills away and threw it back into the container.


    "Inhibitors will dull your perception. It will disrupt the link between us. Moreover, you don''t need that. What you need are, a good healthy meal, and peaceful night sleep," he smiled. Grant placed the plastic container back behind the mirror and closed it. "Now, take get that sweater and the pizza is getting cold," he patted my back then left but didn''t fully closed the door behind him. Didn''t he trust me? I wasn''t the suicidal type.


    -If you keep on with negative thoughts I''ll come deal with you personally, snapped Demos.


    God! It was terrible that I couldn''t whine in my own mind. I just need a moment to drown myself in self-pity. I was scared I was so freaking scared. I hugged my head and rocked back and forth. The door opened with a bang making me jump. Demos glared at me. His copper eyes flaming.


    "Pull yourself together, damn it! Two days ago, before that damn letter arrived, we were ok. We were happy with you opening up to us. Now that you know, your mom is dying all goes to shit! Your past came rushing; all you''re thinking about is your pitiful little self. Listen, she was still dying two days ago. Your past was still there...somewhere in the back of your mind two days ago. What changed?" I just stared at him unable to answer his question. He waved his hand at the space between us. I gave him a puzzled look, not getting it.


    "Right! You gave it importance! You let it grow and took all your attention. You''re focusing on the problems and turn a blind eye to everything else. F.u.c.k.i.n.g wake up," he grabbed me by the arms and shook me. I gasped at his reaction. His violence scared me. I struggled to get free. To run away from this scary machine.


    -I want you to fight this! Fight it! Don''t let the fear drown you. Fear grows when you give it attention. Liliane, don''t listen to that voice telling you I''m the enemy. All I want is to help you get stronger.

 Chapter 53 - The trip

    My eyes burned from sleep as I fought to keep them open. The harsh lights from the ceiling of the station didn''t help either. Grant stood next to me holding my small leather bag. Demos stayed a little further peeking at the tracks. It was still dark and the station had a few passengers.


    "When is the Transfer coming," I yawned. Grant checked the scheduled for the fifth time. Even if he told me earlier about our planning, I was too tired to register. How the hell did I get in my navy blouse and fancy pants? I had no idea. My body went to autopilot from the moment Grant shook me awake and dragged me to the bathroom. I swallowed my breakfast mindless of the taste then washed it down with whatever hot beverage he prepared for me.


    "It''s the B12 Transfer, it will arrive in five minutes," said Grant. My stomach crunched just at the thought of going there. His hand slipped into mine squeezing it. The tension slowly decreased.


    -I''m here, let me carry your pain.


    I nodded at him. He was right; all I needed was a little faith. I watched as our Transfer entered the station. It was very different from the one I took when I first got to Kumari R2 with that evil doctor who abandoned me in that horrible place. Well, I guess a lot of time went by. Its reflective metallic body covered with two red stripes that ran from the front to the back. The words B12 painted in tall black letters on the door. The autonomous vehicle had an elongated nose, unlike the other Transfer. I guess long distance Transfers that ran at a higher speed had different designs.


    "Whenever you need me, just think about me," said Demos. I flinched a little when I found him standing next to me. He was so silent since I got up this morning. I felt terrible leaving him behind.


    "It''s ok," he stroke my hair. A slow smile stretched across his face. "I won''t be far away. I''ll try my best to come to meet you when I get off," my head tilted up to face him. His features were gentle almost loving.


    "I don''t think it''s necessary. It will take us four hours to get there and I won''t stay long. I bet we''ll be back before you even got off work," his hand slipped down to my face cupping my check.


    "Just text me if anything happens, ok," he leaned forward and dropped a light kiss on my lips then quickly pulled away. I blinked at him in confusion. His kiss left me wanting more. I wanted to grab on to him and never let go.


    "Liliane, hurry up," called Grant by the door. The other passengers were boarding the Transfer dragging heavy bags behind them. I gave a last glance at Demos who smiled then ran to the door. Grant wheeled my only piece of luggage inside. The B12 was not like the usual one I took for work. There were comfortable seats arranged in rows to accommodate the long trips to destinations outside of the megalopolis. As Grant put my bag away in the top compartment, I rushed the window to wave Demos goodbye.


    -I miss you already.


    I chuckled at his cheesy response. Yet, I couldn''t help feeling the same. Even though I wasn''t technically alone. I sensed this lack when he wasn''t around.


    "Be a good boy, ok," I whispered. It was impossible that he could hear me through the thick glass. Somehow, I mean he could through our link. Demos shook his head with a smirk his eyes flashing blue.


    -I''m not a dog!


    Grant sunk behind me then leaned towards the window. They nodded to each other. My eyes darted from a serious Grant to smiling Demos.


    -I''ll look after her.


    -I''ll do my best to come as fast as possible.


    -sure


    For the first time, I heard their faint voices as they spoke to each other. It was a little shocking. I mean, they said they were one and yet they spoke like there were two different people. Well, they had two different personalities. I was a little lost. This whole two-is-one thing was not really my cup of tea.


    "Attention passengers, B12 is now leaving the station. Please stay away from the doors as they close. Keep your ticket with you all through the trip to your destination. Depending on the types of ticket you have purchased you can get free refreshment in the restaurant section. Please check information on the screen in front of you. Thank you for traveling with B12 Transfer. Have a nice trip," said the generic female voice over the speaker. Grant fished our tickets from his pocket and examined the tiny print on the back of the clear plastic. I turned back to the platform where Demos stood with his hands in his pockets.


    "I took two meals tickets, which is a waste," said Grant as he looked up from the tickets. I couldn''t tear my eyes away from Demos when the Transfer started moving. I waved and he waved back.


    -Love you


    The platform turned into a blur as it sped away. I sunk back into my seat feeling a little hollow.


    "This is going to be a long ride," I sighed. Grant squeezed my hand.


    "I''ll be your entertainment," he smiled.


    I thought Grant was joking when he said he was going to be my entertainment. He really stuck to his word when he finished his fifth jokes about a man and a whale. I had no idea he was that funny. I laughed so loud that we got glares from our neighbors from across.


    "I think we should stop with the jokes. My belly hurts," I wiped a tear from my eye then pushed my glasses in place.


    "But I''ve learned them for our trip. I wanted to see laughing Liliane," he pouted flashing puppy eyes at me. Grant was so cute sometimes, that I forget he was not human. He tilted his head to the side to study me.


    -''You really think that?


    I slowly nodded. I also forget that he can hear me. I scratched my head and pushed my hair away from my face. I wonder if all of this will somehow miraculously fix itself. Well, Grant did say he wanted to help mom. I don''t know maybe I''m expecting too much or being too optimistic because I''m sitting too close to Grant. He might be affecting how I think.


    -It will be ok. But I must warn you I don''t do miracles.


    I snuggled against him; he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. He seemed to squeeze all my anxieties out of my body leaving me numb and floating on a cloud. Grant can easily get the label of a new addictive drug. He chuckled slowly beside me.


    "That''s not a nice compliment," he said against my ear. His voice made me shivered. He shifted in his seat. I peeked at him and found his frowning.


    "What''s wrong?" he averted his eyes.


    -You''re making me nervous.


    I giggled and buried my face into his shoulder, nearly breaking my glasses. The frame hit the bridge of my nose.


    "Ouch!" he chuckled pulled my face away to examine my face. He rubbed his thumb on the sore skin.


    "I have the feeling you always forget you''re wearing them," he frowned. The old women sitting behind our coughed several times to get our attention. I peeked between our headrests and found both of them glaring at us. I ducked and grabbed on the front of Grant''s coat.


    "I think they are not happy about us being too affectionate," I whispered between giggles. His eyes met mine and we both giggled like little kids. The four hours trip went by rapidly. I grabbed the two meals that came with our ticket. I got sandwiches and a salad along with drinks. Grant said that we shouldn''t waste food. I ate the salad and kept the sandwiches in my bag in case something happened. I''m closing my fingers we don''t encounter any difficulties on our way back.


    "We will soon arrive at Saint Pierre; the Transfer will do a five minutes halt. Please check your luggage and do not leave anything behind when you get off," said the voice on the speaker. Grant got up to get my bag and I rushed to the toilet that was six rows away. I was lucky to find it empty. I emptied my bladder and fixed my hair. When I came back, the vehicle eased to a stop as the small station. My heart skipped a beat at the unchanged scenery. It was shockingly it stayed the same after all these years.


    "Hey," Grant pulled on my arm. Passengers were making their way towards the doors. I swallowed the lump trying to choke me and reached for his hand. Mine was sweating and rapidly turning cold.


    The platform was only a slab of grey concrete with a couple of metal tubes that held a translucent roof covered with moss. There was a desk where a tired old man in a blue and yellow uniform greeted the passengers with a tight smile. Stairs went down to a cracked asphalt boarded by wild weeds. Rows of beaten up dull houses stood next to the platform. Trees poked among the mostly grey habitations. Then further away were taller building that looked like stores. Apart from the stores, the place hasn''t changed at all.


    "Well, it looks like a quiet neighborhood," smiled Grant. My stomach squeezed, I felt a wave of nausea washed over me.


    "I think I''m going to be sick," Grant looked up in alarm.


    -Breath slowly.


    He guided me to a corner of the platform and peeked at me. I tried the breathing technics I learned from my bad days at the happy house. With Grant, rubbing my back it helped me stabilized my hectic heart.


    "Everything ok here?" called the officer in charge. He got to his feet making his chair creaked.


    "She''s not feeling so good," Grant said as he kept rubbing my back.


    "Want me to get her some water or something?" asked the man. I shook my head. I didn''t want to attract unnecessary attention to my arrival in that forsaken place. My plan was to get in and get out as quick as possible. I dug my nails in my palms to help gain control over the overwhelming sensation. I should have taken those freaking pills with me.


    "I... feel better, let''s go," I pushed away from Grant and went to the stairs. Grant rushed behind me; I didn''t dare look back at the officer. I bet he thought I was some junkie or something.


    "Liliane wait!" Grant called behind me. "Are you sure you''re ok?" he said, as he got closer. I nodded with no conviction. What could I do, I was already here. I could as well just get over with it. The snake-like street led directly to the main road. Among the houses were medium size supermarket, a pharmacist, a bank outlet and a couple of food stalls. If I remember correctly, that house was a fifteen minutes'' walk on the left.


    "This way," I tipped my chin in that direction. There were a few people on the street going about their business. Mostly old people. As far as I could remember, it has always been that way. This dying little village found its youth running away to the big city in search of work and dream of riches. Most never, come back. If they do, it only might one thing. They couldn''t fulfill that dream and came back to fit into that mold shaped like a coffin. This was a place for those who like routine and hard life. I didn''t really had a choice. I was thrown away.

 Chapter 54 - Home sweet home

    Each step echoed on the lonely street leading up a slope. At the end of the asphalt began a dirt road between high green grasses brushing against my fancy pants. My heart drummed loud in my ears. I couldn''t believe everything around here haven''t changed at all. I could easily picture myself at thirteen, coming back from school as I walk home. The images flooded my mind.


    "Liliane, are you sure where you are going?" I peeked over my shoulder at Grant. Somehow, I have forgotten he was standing there. "There''s nothing here and I can''t get a proper connection. So my map is not updating," he frowned. His comment made me check my own connectivity logo at the top right of my field of vision. There was less than one bar.


    "It''s behind the trees over there," I pointed beyond the patch of tall grass and to the sugarcane field. There were no houses around here; the only signs of civilization were cables that stretched over skinny electric poles.


    "You never told us about your parents. Should I... be careful or something?" asked Grant with a hint of apprehension. Well, he was right to be a little scared. I was totally freaking out. I paused and turned back to him.


    "Here!" I extended my hand. He took it without hesitation. My shaking eased when my skin met his. "It''s been thirteen years since... I was last here. The things I remember may not be exact. However, my mother is that strict woman with a dry personality. She works in the field and grows her own vegetable. She thinks I''m a lazy human being. I had poor health when I was little," I sighed. "It didn''t help me socialize with others. Mom was raised in a tough way. She didn''t like having a weak kid," I went on. Grant squeezed my hand it helped me moved forward on the uneven terrain. The sound of the village had faded behind. We could hear birds and insects going by, a light breeze carried the smell earth and vegetation surrounding us.


    "It''s a little odd to be out walking in the wild," said Grant. I chuckled at his comment.


    "It must be your first time, right," I smiled. He nodded with a frown.


    "I don''t have any network at all and it worries me. I can still connect with the mating link. But the map is stuck and I can''t load the new terrain. So I don''t know what awaits us," I laughed aloud.


    "Welcome to human life back in 2020," I grinned. "Back then, people didn''t have brain wave connectors, they weren''t connected and had to carry cellphones around to get service or connect to the internet. Out here in this lost place. There''s no network at all," he nodded at me. I wasn''t sure he really got it.


    As we advanced beyond the field the red roof of a house peeked next to three eucalyptus trees. My heart skipped in my chest. Grant pulled me closer to him.


    -It''s going to be ok.


    I nodded at him and went on. As we got near, the house appeared behind a rusty fence. One-story with a grey facade covered with moss and vines. Not in a good way. It looked abandoned. A pale reflection of the house I use to live.


    "It is here?" I turned to Grant. He blinked then focus back at the house.


    "Welcome home," I said in a flat voice. I felt a shiver ran down my spine. We stood in front of the rusty fence studying the fa?ade. The windows on the top floor had planks nailed over it. My window on the right, my room had the window completely blocked.


    "I wondered what they did with it?" I couldn''t take my eyes off the window. So many memories flooded back. Cheerful laughter as we played in the yard. My eyes dropped to the unkempt grass. Our old rusty sling was rotting on the left. Vines crept on the metal, the chain that used to hold the wooden part was missing.


    "Liliane?" Grant moved closer. A faint whine of the front door caught our attention. A man dressed in a dirty blue shirt and beat-up jeans looked up at us.


    "Can I help you with something?" he asked. His short black hair waved in the wind as he crossed the distance separating us. I gasped in recognition. He stopped a couple of feet from the gate.


    "Liliane? Y-you really came?" his face twisted with pain as he rushed to open the door and pulled me into a tight hug. "I''ve missed you, sister¡­so damn much!" he sobbed. Unable to respond to his overflow of emotion I stood rigidly against him. He was not the ten years old brother I left behind. He was now a sobbing grown man.


    "Hmm, could you give me some room to breathe?" his massive arms were squeezing the life out of me. Thomas towered over me in size his wet light brown eyes gazed at me in alarm. He jumped away from a little surprised at my flat tone.


    "Oh I''m so sorry," he quickly wiped his face on his sleeves sniffing. His attention turned to Grant watching the whole drama unfolding. Thomas made a fail attempt to smile at him. Grant nodded back with a solemn face. I moved closer to Grant, I needed to feel him close. He spontaneously wrapped his arm around my waist making the tension fade away.


    "This¡­" I paused when my voice break. I cleared my throat and tried again. "This is Grant and here is my younger brother Thomas," I said. Thomas turned to Grant with arched eyebrows then extended a hand towards him.


    "Your Husband?"


    "Technically, I am," smiled Grant. I almost choked on my own saliva.


    -I''m not lying.


    "Hmm, yeah," I replied on a false happy tone. Thomas eyed us a second before he waved to follow him inside. I swallowed hard feeling the dread gripping my stomach.


    -Don''t worry, just one step at a time.


    I nodded at Grant before following Thomas to the front door.

 Chapter 55 - The things Ive missed

    "I got married two years ago and is now a happy father of an eight months old son. He is the best thing that ever happened to me. I''m so grateful. My wife, Elisa, is the sweetest thing," he held the front door open for us. I just stared at his unshaven face and dark shadows under his eyes. I couldn''t reconcile the cute kid he was back then with that stranger standing before me.


    "Liliane?" called Grant beside me. I slowly turned to him. My fingers held firmly on his hand. "It''s ok, you can go in," I simply nodded without understanding what he was saying. I was scared of that house. The corridor led to what I remembered was the living room found on the left. My heart hammered inside and threatened to stop at the slightest movement of the wind.


    "She''s waiting for you in her room," said Thomas. I gasped and faced him. My vision slowly wobbled. Grant rubbed my back to calm me. I shook my head and stepped inside. It took all the strength in my body to walk until the living room. The corridor was completely bare, just faded blue walls. The same color extended to the small living room. Grant dropped my bag next to the door. There was an odd sensation about this¡­whole place. Like time stopped. The same curtain from that day I went to the station with the Doctor, hang from the two windows facing the yard. The same ugly green carpet that mom hated so much. The same cupboard filled with dusty souvenirs and glasses no one ever used. The same mass-produced painting of serene lake views hung on the far wall.


    The only difference was the photos hanging on the opposite wall. A dozen frames depicted our family when we were still happy, all four of us. We took it on my ten''s birthday; I remembered that it was the only one we actually invited my friends from school. It was never the same after that. The second one was in the picture of my parent''s wedding. When mom still looked like a princess, before the hardship of working in the field stripped her of all the light from her sparkling grey eyes. The others were foreign, Thomas at graduation. A solemn picture of the three wearing all black. Pictures of Thomas'' wedding and finally the newborn baby. I paused in the middle of the room.


    "Wait, here. I''ll check if she''s awake," said Thomas as he disappeared back into the corridor. His loud footsteps echoed up the stairs followed by a creaking door. I stood by the worn-out leather couch that had an indent on the right cushion facing a TV screen from another era. The armrest bare years of scratches. The leather almost peeled away from it. On the little table was a pair of black-rimmed glasses. I quickly averted my eyes.


    "Grant!" I called in a choked voice.


    -What''s wrong?


    "I-I need support¡­" I said in a whisper. He took me in his arms rubbing me back.


    "Hey, Princess. I''m here," he kissed my hair.


    -I''m here too. Sorry, I was busy with dealing with that riot.


    Demos'' voice and Grant''s hug helped keep my broken pieces together. I took deep breaths to keep the shivers at bay. I wrapped my arms around Grant holding on dear life. I squeezed my eyes shut and imagining both of my mates holding me.


    -I''m here. Even if it''s faint due to connection issues. I''m still 100% with you. It will be ok. I hope I can get off work soon.


    "Liliane, it doing a great job considering the circ.u.mstances," added Grant. I don''t think that comment was meant for me. I nodded at Grant proud that I was able to keep my tears away. Loud footsteps tumbling down the stairs announced Thomas'' arrival. I quickly pushed away from Grant and smoothed the wrinkled on my top and pants. Hugging Grant in this place felt immoral. Thomas peeked at us.


    "She''s awake, come," he waved. He went up to the stairs and I found myself mechanically following behind. The first time that sounded odd when I reached the landing was the constant beeping noise that came from the first floor. Thomas nodded at me at the top, urging me to keep moving. I gave a quick peek at Grant over my shoulder. I wanted to hold his hand. I needed to touch him to feel that sense of comfort.


    "It''s ok," he smiled. I was surprised that I found the strength to keep going. In no time, I stood in front of my parent''s room. Well, at least that''s where they use to sleep. Thomas twisted the knob but then paused and looked at us.


    "Mm, I have to warn you, mom is pretty weak. So please be gentle, ok," he frowned. I couldn''t decide if he was being polite or rude. Actually, I couldn''t process the whole experience. It seemed like a dream, where what I was feeling and seeing didn''t really reconcile.


    Thomas pushed the door open. The sight of the room beyond smacked me across the face, I wasn''t really prepared to take it all. In my parents'' kind sized bed stood with a fully equipped hospital bed. There was a machine beeping on the left by the window. Everything else was gone. No more ugly closet that I thought contained monsters when I was small. No more dressing table where mom kept her collection of perfumes that I used to steal while she wasn''t looking. It was an empty room with bare white wall with only a bed in the middle. My attention stopped at the skinny from under the white sheet then up to the frail face smiling at me. Mom.


    "I''m so happy you came, Lili," she voice was broken. She sounded like a very old woman. A dying one. I instinctively took a step back. Bumping into Grant who stood behind me.


    "I-I can''t," I covered my mouth with a trembling hand. Grant took a step towards the bed. Thomas gave him room to get closer.


    "Hello, Madame, I''m Grant happy to finally meet you," mom extended a shaky hand at him which he immediately took.


    "Hello, young man. Call me Murielle. I-I''m¡­" she voice trailed off and the beeping increased. Alarmed Thomas rushed to her side.


    "Mom! What''s the matter?" he shouted. Then shot Grant a dark look. "What that hell were you doing?"


    "Thomas," smiled mom as she turned to face him. "Please come down," she pleaded.


    "I''m only trying to help her. It must be very painful and scary, isn''t it Murielle?" said Grant in a soft voice.


    "What a nice young man. Who are you?" her eyes darted from Grant to Thomas who got back on his feet with an annoyed face.


    "He''s Liliane husband," he muttered. They all turned their focus back at me. I stood frozen a couple of steps away from the bed. I couldn''t bring myself to get any nearer. My eyes stayed on the stain brown carpet that had a funny smell.


    "Liliane, I understand that you resent me or your father for what we did to you," said mom in her worn out voice. "But please before you condemn us¡­ let me tell you the whole story," I instantly looked up meeting her teary eyes. My heart skipped a beat. Her grey eyes were soft and loving. Unbearably soft and loving.

 Chapter 56 - Mother

    All I wanted was to run away, yet my feet wouldn''t move. Sweat dripped down my back, my shirt glued to my skin. I wanted to shut her words out.


    "We knew from the start, you were different. You were so quiet, you rarely cried. At first, I thought it was a good thing. I used to smile whenever I hear the other wives from the village complain about their troublesome offsprings. I never once had this kind of issue with you," she paused to catch her breath. Her voice a pitch too high. In the background, the machine beeped at a steady rhythm.


    "You were so small and rarely smiled. I tried to ignore the silence around you. Your father did everything to pull words out of your mouth. Now, I don''t think he used the best methods. He shouted and was angry. He blamed me for giving birth to such a sick kid," her voice trembled but she went on. "Please, forgive me, Liliane, for all the times I was absent. I thought, if I let you deal with your problem on your own it would go away. I didn''t realize you were suffering. I should have been there as a mother to help you get through whatever that illness was," fat tears rolled down my cheeks. I frowned at my own inability to hold them in. I was angry that she was sorry now. It was way too late, the damage was done. I was angry that I felt so happy hearing her side of the story. Grant joined me and held me in his arms. He remained silent so mom went on.


    "The day you left, I was unaware of where you were heading. Your father told me to sign the papers for the doctor the night before. I never even once check what they were about. Somehow, it was a relief. I was a bad mother," her voice broke.


    "That''s not true!" Thomas Jumped in. Mom smiled at him.


    "With you, I tried to redeem myself. I wanted to do things right. I hope I did," she coughed and the machine continuous beeps accelerated. Thomas rushed to her bedside. "It''s ok, I''m dying," she said with a weak smile.


    "Mom, please. We can still get some really good doctors to help you. Please, don''t give up," said Thomas as he grabbed her frail hand. Mom dismissed him with a gentle nod of the head.


    "You have your family to look after. I don''t want to cause you more pain. It''s ok, Thomas, you have spent too much to keep me alive," she slowly turned her face towards me. "Liliane, my poor girl. I didn''t know they were sending you to a mental institution. I-I am truly sorry. I stumbled on that contract years after. I didn''t know I was renouncing your custody when I signed it. When I found out, I went to confront your father," tears welled up in her eyes. But the door flung open before she could finish her sentence. I turned around to find a dark silhouette standing with shadows dancing on its face.


    "Look what the cat dragged from the gutter! A bleached snob from the big city! What are you doing here, in my house?" said a deep voice full of venom. Thomas pushed away from the bed.


    "Mom told me she wanted to see Liliane. She is a member of this family and is also welcome under this roof," the silhouette took a step forward entering the room. The light hit the shabby brown hair surrounding a rough square jaw and sharp almost black eyes. Dad had the same scary aura that used to wrap around him. He was the same with a little more winkled on the forehead and around his inverted smile. Same hard eyebrows. Same disappointed look in his eyes.


    "I don''t want her to spread any disease under my roof," he glared at me. Grant stepped in front of me blocking my view. "What is that?" he tipped his chin towards Grant who extended a greeting hand at him. He stared at it without responding.


    "Sir, I''m honored to-"


    "Keep your honored and get the f.u.c.k out of my house!" Grant froze, I felt him tensed through the mating link. I reached out and touched to his back. It was no use. I wanted to go. I couldn''t stand it one minute longer.


    "Couldn''t you get a proper man, you had to bring a f.u.c.k.i.n.g fake?" chuckled dad. Thomas stepped towards him.


    "That''s enough! You stink of booze, mom is sick and you go drown yourself in alcohol? Liliane is my guest. I invited her here. She has the right to stay," insisted Thomas. If dad wasn''t standing in the doorway I would make a run for it. if Grant wasn''t at arms-reached I would crumble to pieces.


    "You brat! You talk big cause you''re all grown up now. You think you can disrespect me like that?" he waved a menacing index at brother. "I''ve fed you, paid for your stupid studies and your freaking marriage and that''s how you reward me? You talk big! Come here I''ll f.u.c.k.i.n.g teach you a lesson," he threw his fist at Thomas to dodge it. Grant stepped in and easily twisted both of his arms behind his back. He yelped with surprise.


    "Get your dirty hands off me! Stupid robot! You''re taking our jobs and now you want to take over my family. I won''t allow it. Die! Die I''ll kill you," he struggled.


    "Do I help him sleep?" asked Grant as he turned to face me. Frankly, my mind was blank. I couldn''t reply. With light pressure Grant applied on the neck of the struggling man, his whole body went limp.


    "What did you do with him?" shouted Thomas.


    "He will feel better when he is sober. Drinking at his age under these consequences is not good for him," Grant pulled dad in his arms. His movement, graceful and yet full of strength. Dad was a big man still Grant held him like a princess. "He should take better care of his health and his family," said Grant. Thomas nodded and turned to me.


    "I''m sorry Liliane," I wiped the dried tears on my cheeks.


    "I don''t think I can forgive anyone of you...yet," my eyes rested on mom''s tired face.


    "I only wanted to see you again...one last time," she voice trailed off. Thomas opened the door wider to let Grant carry dad out of the room. I was ready to follow them.


    "Liliane?" mom''s voice was faint. I gave a quick glance over my shoulder. She extended a trembling hand towards me. The sight tore at my heart. Even if my mind resisted my feet dragged me to her bedside. I found my hand seizing hers.


    "My sweet child, I hope you can find peace," she gave me a smile full of love. It broke my heart to see her so frail lying in this bed. Her skin was cold. Tears welled up my eyes.


    "Mom, I''ve waited every day for you to come to save me from that horrible place... every day. But you didn''t come. You left me. You abandon me. I can''t forgive you," my voice came out like a squeal. Still, she smiled sweetly at my outburst.


    "I''m not asking for your forgiveness," her trembling hand wiped the tears dripping on my face. "Please, don''t cry. For once, I want you to smile for me," I shook my head pulling away from her.


    "I can''t! I can''t give you what you want. I''m sorry," more tears streamed down.


    -Liliane, what''s happening? Your levels are all messed up. I''m dropping your dad in the living room then I''ll be right back.


    "It''s ok, I was happy to see that you are healthy and in good company. I guess I''ve missed a lot. What was his name?" she chuckled but end up in a fit of violent coughs. I stared down at her unable to react.


    "His name is Grant," I added in a flat tone.


    "Is it true..."


    "He is an artificial, yes. I am too broken. I can''t love like a normal person," she nodded her smile fading.


    "Does that mean you don''t love him? Cause he sure acts like he cares a lot about you," she commented. That was none of her business. I frowned at her. I wasn''t sure I wanted to answer her question. I wasn''t sure I had a proper answer.


    "I can''t live without him... without them. I don''t know if it''s love or something else. All I know is I''m safe with them, the restless nights are gone. The dark clouds hanging over me are slowly dispersing," my voice came out bored and didn''t convey the boiling emotions building within me.


    "That''s good enough, right?" I slowly nodded. Somehow, it was the longest conversation I ever had with mom. And it had to be on her death bed. A gush of sob bubbled up my throat. The emotions I''ve tried to shove down erupted rocking my body. I felt warm arms wrapped around me as I sunk into his embrace.


    "Shh, it''s ok. I''m here," whispered Grant against my hair.


    -I''m here too. Sorry for being so silent.

 Chapter 57 - Can you really love a fake?

    We waved mom goodbye as she drifted to sleep after taking her meds. I slowly climbed down the stairs where Grant and Thomas waited in the living room. Dad lay soundlessly asleep on the worn-out couch. Grant grabbed my bag on the way out, Thomas held the door for us with a frown.


    "Are you sure you have to go so soon. I mean, I wanted to introduce you to my wife and son. At least, come drink a coffee of some tea at my place. It''s not far," he insisted. I shook my head refusing to stay a minute longer. I was tired and could feel it in my body and heavy eyelids. All I wanted was to get in bed with the warmth of Grant and Demos next to me.


    -Me too, but...


    "I''m afraid we have to take a detour to the nearest E3 Socket," announced Grant with a grimace. I gave a peek at him.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "I''ve used too much energy with your mom, you and your dad. I have only one hour of autonomy," he turned to my brother who nodded at him. He scratched his short dark hair.


    "I''m not much of a tech guy but I believe they have one in the only supermarket near the station. We have very few artificials in our village. They are some old models. It''s not common, I didn''t even know you were one. I mean, it''s so expensive to add those implants," he smiled at me.


    "Yeah, I have a brain wave connector. I got it while they were doing their beta testing. They paid good money and back then I was broke and jobless. It sounded like a good thing," I said.


    "How does it works?" I waved my bracelet at him.


    "The bracelet displays quick navigations. But mostly everything is displayed in front of me in permanence like a game console of some sort. It takes some time to adjust to the parasite imagery in front of me," I smiled. He nodded as he looked away.


    "It''s amazing how advanced life is in the big city," he laughed. Silence fell around us. We were outside in the overgrown lane. Thomas quickly looked up like snapped from his daydream.


    "My house is over there, come," he gestured to the front gate. Grant dragged me along against my will.


    "Grant please, I don''t want to go," I pleaded.


    "Sorry Princess, just a short while. I don''t want you to carry me around when we get back," he gave me a tight smile. I held on his arm and leaned closer so that my brother wouldn''t hear us.


    "Can''t we like, call Demos or something," he shook his head.


    -Demos is dealing with something right now. He is busy with his work.


    Thomas led the way to a little slope, it wasn''t the same road we took to get to the house. I sighed and gave a last look at the decrepit house. My childhood house. The one I thought I''ll never see again.


    "Is it ok to just leave her there?" I eyed the window of my old room. It seemed like a shadow stood behind the planks blocking the window. My mind was playing tricks on me. I quickly looked away to see Thomas shaking his head.


    "Nothing is going to happen," he chuckled. In this village there no much crime," he gestured to the sugarcane fields. I remembered that back when I was ten the last factory closed down and people were furious that so many of them lost their jobs.


    "And with the artificial patrol roaming in the neighborhood. Truly, you can rest assured," Thomas'' words snapped me from my trip down memory lane. We walked further in silence then took a sharp turn to the right towards the main road. A few colorful houses clung together in the foreground with the stores we spotted earlier behind them. Thomas jogged to the nearest bright yellow gate and disappeared inside.


    "Do you really need to recharge?" I frowned at Grant. I was ridiculous, still, I hope he changed his mind. He just smiled back. Thomas cut in before I could argue.


    "Guys," he waved. "Come, let me introduce you, Neena, my wife," next to him stood a short and smiling woman with a cute face. She was holding an infant in her arms. "And this is Benjamin," he gestured to the sleeping child. I greeted Neena and took a peek at the kid. He looked nothing like my brother. He had the same mate skin and brown hair as her.


    "How cute," said Grant as he reached to touch him.


    "Don''t!" shouted Thomas. Both Grant and I turned to look at him. He had that panic expression on his face. Grant retrieved his hand.


    "What''s wrong? You let everyone hold Benji," asked Neena. Thomas gave her a nervous laugh.


    "It''s ok," I got close to Grant and slipped my hand into his. "Let''s get inside, cause we have to leave soon," Grant nodded and followed inside. The front door opened on a white living room with purple couches. Neena sat on one of then with little Benji while Thomas went off to get us drinks. Grant paused in front of the two-seater. I sat down and patted the cushion beside me.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked. He carefully lowered himself next to me. Neena and I watched him with rose eyebrows. Grant gave up a beaming grin.


    "Not all furniture is fitted for artificials," he turned to me. Right! I tend to forget that part. Neena gave us a nervous smile.


    "Thomas kinda quickly told me you were... a... how do I say it without being rude?" her eyes darted from Grant and back to her baby, sitting on her lap.


    "Artificial is good enough," answered Grant as he straightened up. Neena nodded and faced me.


    "So, tell me how did it all happen. Are you married? I mean, how does that even work?" she gestured towards me. I frowned at her. I felt a little intrusive to ask that kind of question to someone I meet for the first time. Even though she''s my sister-in-law. Who I didn''t know existed some days ago. I cleared my throat, I just wanted to get over with this.


    "There a famous company called Sognare. They offer custom companions, fitted to fulfill your specific means. In short, you order your mate," she burst out into uncontrollable laughed. Thomas came back four tall glasses of ice tea.


    "What''s so funny?" he asked as he set two drinks on the table in the middle of the room. I didn''t laugh one bit, Grant smiled politely.


    "I was asking how they met," she explained. Thomas handed me one glass and turned to Grant with a second.


    "Sorry, I don''t drink," said Grant with a nod. Thomas took a second to register and turned away with the glass. He lingered near the table probably confused that Grant didn''t accept it. Then he faced Grant again with the glass.


    "There''s no alcohol in it, Just, ice tea," Grant shook his head slowly.


    "Artificial don''t consume food or drinks. I run on E3 energy," Thomas just stared at him.


    "Honey! Just leave the guy alone," laughed Neena. "Sorry, we do not use that all that," she waved at her husband. This was getting ridiculous. I knew it was a small village, still, it was rapidly turning into a cheap rom-com. Insert generic laughter here.


    "Well, that''s convenient. What can you do? Like tricks and stuff, right?" Thomas leaned forward in his seat. Grant tilted his head to the side. I sounded offensive even to my ears. Like he was some circus pet.


    "I help Liliane manage her house and recently offences my service in a local treatment center," I didn''t know how Grant remained so calm. Me, on the other side, was about to snap.


    -It''s ok, Liliane. We''ll go very soon.


    "Do you cook and do chores? I would love to get one like this. Benji is terrible at night. I could use some help," she glared at Thomas who averted his eyes while laughing.


    "Is it expensive?" inquired Thomas. So it shifted from having a name to being ''it''. Grant rose his hand then turned to face him.


    "I can recommend a more basic model if you only want a maid to her your wife. You won''t have to speak to ''it'' at all. It''s called a robot," his tone was light but firm. "We artificial, are made for interaction," clearly Grant wasn''t enjoying the conversation. Both of them laughed then they quickly sipped on their drinks. The conversation shifted our classmates which I don''t recall much of. Grant kept quiet with a soft smile.


    "Mm, I always thought you ran away. Well, that''s was the rumor running around in the village. Mom and Dad kept avoiding the subject like the plague," Thomas set his empty glass on the table. I swirled my beverage around in the half-filled glass.


    "How did you know then?" I didn''t look up from the spinning golden liquid.


    "Well, even since you didn''t come back from your trip, mom was... moody. I remembered that she used to be strict with us. When you were gone, she became overprotective with me. I didn''t understand back then. I just thought she was annoying and wouldn''t let me go play with my friends. Then one day she collapsed," he paused and lowered his eyes. "The doctor said it was fatigue. When I went off to college, I noticed that she was getting thinner and paler," he shook his head. Neena patted his hand and he responded with a weak smile.


    "I should have asked her why. I should have done something sooner," he sighed. I got to my feet and placed my half-drunk tea on the table. Both our host looked up in surprise.


    "I was happy to see you, unfortunately, I have a train to catch and Grant need an E3 socket," I gave Neena a quick peck on the cheek and shook Thomas'' hand. "It was a pleasure," Grant tugged behind me and greeted them. they both stared at us as we awkwardly walked to the door. Brother stood next to his wife watching us as we walked away from their house.


    "That was a bit unsettling," commented Grant. I laughed releasing the tension that had built up.


    "Are you kidding me? I''m never coming back here that''s for sure," I gave his a sideglance.


    "It kind of went well," he nodded.


    "What do you think of my family so far?" I was a little shock to admit he was right. I thought I was going to crumble to pieces.


    "Artificial can''t judge humans," he narrowed his eyes at me.


    "Cut the artificial crap! I want your honest opinion," I slapped his arm. He slowed down his pace and gave a quick look over his shoulder as if to check if someone would eardrop. How cute.


    "When I touched your mother, I felt great sadness. It broke my heart. However, your father was the opposite. There was anger, hate, and fear. Thomas is a nice man, a curious one. I like him," he finished.


    "What about his fear of artificial?" I added referring to that moment he stopped Grant from touching his kid.


    "He''s a father Liliane. It''s only natural to protect your offspring from the unknown," what was he talking about? Thomas was being rude. Why did he make a saint out of everyone?


    -You asked for my honest opinion, right?


    "You''re too nice! I still hate them and don''t want to see them ever again," I picked up the pace. I wanted to get out of here as fast as I could. At the end of the road, we turned to the left tall grass with a field of wildflowers stretch on both sides. The Stores was a couple of minutes of walk away.


    "Liliane!" called Grant behind me. When I peeked at him, I found Grant standing in the middle of the flowers with his arms outspread smiling at the sun.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" I snapped.


    "I''ve dreamt of this field! The one with the little girl in the summer dress," I just stared at him. What was he talking about? My feet slowly dragged me next to him. This place was oddly familiar. However, I couldn''t recall any specific memory attached to it.


    "There it is!" shouted a young boy on the small dirt path we were on previously. He was wearing a pair of used cut-off jeans and a sleeveless dirty white t-shirt. Two more teenagers joined him, a slim one and a tall one. Both had thick sticks in their hands.


    "It''s the fake! Kill the fake!" shouted the boy. Grant stepped in front of me.


    "Stay calm," whispered Grant.

 Chapter 58 - Protect me

    This can''t be happening. My heart hammered inside my chest. I grabbed on Grant''s back wrinkling his shirt in the process. The boys standing in front of us must be around thirteen to eighteen.


    "Boys, let''s not resort to violence. We are going to walk away and head to the station. No harm done," shouted Grant with his arms in the air. They rose their sticks ready to dash forward. I doubted Grant''s words had any effect on them.


    "Lady, walk away from that thing. We don''t want to hurt you," said the youngest of them. My fingers closed tighter over the fabric on his shirt. No, this wasn''t real. A burst of choked laughter came from my lips. Those were kids, what the hell.


    "Stupid brats, what the f.u.c.k. I''m going to call the police. Do you want to get locked in jail? What will your parents think?" I shouted. They glared back with lips peeling up clenched teeth.


    "We are from ''The Real Humans''. F.u.c.k the police! Our parents lost their jobs cause those fakes are taking over everything," snapped the oldest one. He shook his stick towards us.


    "Grant is not like that! He is helping to cure people!" Grant rose his hand to silence me. They took a step crushing the flowers under their feet. This wasn''t good.


    -I can''t get a connection out here. But I''m sending a distress signal to whoever is close enough to get it. I really don''t want to hurt those minors.


    This was rapidly escalating. I knew this whole project of coming here stunk. What were those kids talking about? How could they be members of that terrorist group? They must be really stupid.


    "Kids, this is my last warning. I''m recording and will use it against you," the threat didn''t stop them in their advance. As they came closer Grant rose his hand to protect me. His new hand. I can''t believe we are getting in yet another fight where he will get hurt. I gave a quick glance around me and bent to pick up a rock lying among the flowers.


    "Stay back!" I shouted. "I will freaking beat the shit out of you if you lay a finger on him," and I meant it. I made a promise to his maker and intended on keeping it. The kids paused and shared a doubtful look. They lowered their sticks making me sighed.


    "Kill it!" shouted the youngest one. I jumped as they all bolted with sticks high above their heads. Grant used his right hand to shield himself from their blows and pushed them away.


    "Liliane! Run!"


    "No freaking way," I yelled and punched the boy who came straight at me. The impact was light, he reposted by slapping the rock out of my hand. It fell to the ground with a dull sound. He kicked me in the leg sending me to the ground. I let out a surprised cry. I caught a glimpse of Grant knocking one of the boys out than receiving a violent hit on the back from the older one.


    "No!" I struggled to my feet however, the little brat pulled on my hair. I tried to shove it away scratching his face with my nails. A low growl came from the street. A strange sensation made the hair at the back of my neck stand up. The boy looked up in shock. I followed his gaze. There, standing was a tall figure with piercing blue eyes. Oozing from it was deadly intent. Death. The kid let go of my hair and took a step back.


    "Get, away from my mate!"


    The two older boys turned towards him. Stick ready to strike. I sat among the flowers watching with wide eyes as the scene unfolded in slow motion. Everything in my body screamed that he was my mate. He was Demos. However, the aura surrounded him was foreign. In one movement, Demos pulled his white t-shirt over his head. Locks of hair fell on his forehead. It was not the time for a striptease. He kicked his shoes away and the moment he pulled on his jeans he shifted. I wouldn''t use another word. I think my mind just froze.


    "Get away monster!" squealed the boy. The thing, that was supposed to be Demos jumped in a blur smashing into the two older boys. The youngest one fleet in the field while screaming with waving arms. Grant hurried next to me.


    "You''re ok?" he asked. I couldn''t tear my eyes off the fury thing biting into the leg of the oldest boy. He yelled and struggled to get free. Grant turned to them.


    "Demos that''s enough!" he snapped his eyes turning aquamarine. The black fury beast lifted its head, icy blue eyes glaring.


    -They hurt my mates. I''ll rip them to shreds.


    I swallowed the lump trying to suffocate me. This meter high large animal couldn''t be Demos. So much anger and violence radiated from it. I could feel it through the link. Its head tilted up and our eyes met.


    "Demos..." I whispered.


    -Are you hurt? I''m sorry, I''m late.


    This couldn''t be... There was no way. The beast left the whining kids crying while holding their wounds on the ground. It came closer to me, I instinctively moved back. It stopped a couple of steps away staring at me.


    -Tamus taught me how to shift. I''m his alpha after all.


    A shadow of a smile pulled on its bloody teeth. I shivered in fright. Was it this way from the start? I thought the werewolf theme was only a cool name and not the real thing. Not that scary thing!


    -Liliane, please don''t be scared.


    "You have freaking blood all over your face and you''re telling me not to freak out? Are you kidding me? And why didn''t you tell me anything about..." I gestured towards the animal towering over me. "Where the hell were you? What are you really doing in this freaking job? Learning to kill people?" I shouted with my voice breaking. It stood very still, eyes fixed on me.


    -I can''t tell you.


    My eyes darted to Grant hunched over one of the boys then back at Demos. I shook my head refusing to believe he was Demos. No way.


    -I am Demos.


    "No, you are not. He wouldn''t keep secrets from me. He couldn''t lie. He couldn''t hurt people. What are you?" I struggled to my feet. The furry creature jumped away from me. Agile of its feet. Its ears twitched and turned towards the stores.


    -Backup is here.


    "I need to recharge now," announce Grant as he got to his feet. Demos throttled next to him and sniffed his hand. Grant patted his head, the large beast curled against his palm.


    "Fluffy, I like your new look," chuckled Grant.


    -You''re hurt.


    "Nah, it''s nothing," Grant smiled back. They both turned to me in sync.


    "I think you''ve shocked her out of her skin," said Grant with a sad expression. "Let''s head to that socket," Grant limped to the road not waiting from me to recover.

 Chapter 59 - The beast

    Loud siren rose above the small crowd gathered in front of the supermarket. I stood by the entrance as the two artificial talked to Demos still in his beast form. Murmurs went around the bystanders. Mostly about the injured kids, and they were not friendly.


    "That thing attacked them," said an old lady. The man next to her nodded with his arm crossed over his chest.


    "I heard that the kids were only joking around. Did you see the wound on his leg? Poor thing, to end up hospital over some joke. Those fakes should learn some humor," I turned away from the gossiping group and found Thomas waving at me. He ran in my direction with Grant following close behind.


    "Here," he handed me a bottle of water. "You sure, you don''t want anything for the bruises?"


    "No, I''m good," I unscrewed the cap and took a sip. Why were we still here? Grant gave me a weak smile.


    "It will be over soon," I averted my eyes. I just wanted to get away, now. Demos turned towards us. Damn, I will never get used to his appearance. Tall, with midnight fur that glistened as he walked. His piercing blue eyes sent shivers down my spine...not in a good way. He was surrounded by a killer aura. The crowd quickly moved away as he approached each step fluid and effortless for such a large body.


    -We can go now.


    That was not a suggestion but an order. My body moved before I could protest. Grant carried my leather bag that he retrieved from the field after the fight and Demos'' clothes which he picked off the ground.


    "You''re going home like that?" I whispered a little conscious of all the eyes following us as we made our way to the station. Thomas walked a further behind us. He kept his distance from Demos and that was understandable. I also kept my distance. Thomas came running at the same time the patrol agents arrived. After Demos spoke to them, through the artificial link. A medic craft took the two wounded kids to the nearest hospital. The third one was found hiding under a bridge not far from the station. It all happened really quickly. I think the shock of seeing Demos change from his usual appearance to this thing altered my perception.


    -What''s wrong with me?


    He snorted, his nose sniffed the air turning in my direction. His eyes seemed to glow against the black fur. He was beautiful in a scary way. Very scary way. I get shivered each time our eyes met.


    -What you feel is the Alpha pull. You are compell to obey and you''re my mate.


    I averted my eyes, sticking close to Grant. I had no idea what the hell he was talking about. This was definitely not my Demos. This was a scary wolf. I wanted to stay the hell away from this thing.


    "Liliane," called Thomas to get my attention. "Mm, not to bother. But could you tell me what is going on?" Grant gave him a tight smile. That''s true we didn''t fill him in with the details. Since he couldn''t hear our little conversations I bet it left him confused.


    "It''s just a little misunderstand," said Grant in a polite tone. "Kids, you know, like to play pranks," Thomas nodded. I didn''t like how he brushed the whole situation like it was nothing. Still, I kept quiet since I didn''t want to blow it out of proportion. Even though, it was pretty serious.


    "So, what''s with your pet?" I cringed at the mention of the word. Demos stopped in his track. I quickly stepped in front of Thomas blocking him. Thomas was stupid, still, he was my brother.


    "It''s a long story. He is not a pet. Please, don''t ever use that word or you''ll end up in a hospital, like those kids," he rose his eyebrows at me then laughed while scratching his head.


    "Sorry. I didn''t know artificial could like beat up people," he gave me a nervous look.


    "Demos is a Patrol agent from a special unit. He has clearance to act against violent civilians," added Grant. Demos retrieved pace and soon we reached the station. The crowd followed us from afar as we waited for the Transfer. The officer on the platform kept giving us side glances. It was super awkward. Thomas waved us goodbye when his antique phone rang. We were lucky the place was completely empty apart from that one officer. Like our presence made all the passengers flee.


    The Transfer eased to a stop in front of us. No one dared to cross our path as we got on. Since Demos was a patrol agent, he didn''t have to buy a ticket and could use the public transport for free. We choose seats facing each other. Demos lay across two seats while Grant and I stared at him from the other one. He looked like he owned the place.


    -Deal with it.


    "I don''t like you in that form," he slowly turned his lazy gaze towards me. Damn it, the arrogant jerk. The Transfer''s door closed and the voice on the speaker announced that we were leaving Saint Pierre. I let out a sigh of relief.


    "I''m happy it''s over," said Grant, he pulled closer to me. I wrapped my arms around him and it felt good. Demos sprung to his feet and hopped off the seats in seconds.


    -Me too!


    I glared at the tall furry beast. No way I''m getting near that thing. He rubbed his nose on my knees, I instinctively pulled away. Furious blue eyes shot at me.


    "What? Go back to your throne, your majesty. I told you I don''t like that wolf thing," I snapped.


    -I''m still me. I didn''t know you were that kind of girl.


    "What kind of girl?" I narrowed my eyes at him. He emitted a low growled lips peeling off sharp teeth.


    "The kind who are only into looks."


    I lowered my eyes guilty gripping me. What did he have to hit where it hurt the most? When I looked back up he was lazying back on his throne, like nothing happening. Grant patted my back then smiled at me.


    "You''ll get used to it," he said in his sweet loving voice. The thing was, I didn''t want to get used to it. I wanted my tall dark knight with an awkward silence back. Grant chuckled beside me as he rolled his eyes.


    "What? He is scary. I''m not into this," I made a vague movement towards the other seat. "As if the threesome wasn''t wrong enough, now we have to add bestiality to spice the sauce. What was Sognare thinking? That I''m some sort of closet perv?" I added in a sarcastic voice. A lower menacing sound came from the facing seat.


    "Oh! Screw you. I''m so tired, this whole thing was a mistake from the beginning," I exhaled. Our neighbors, two old ladies gave us weird looks then got up to sit on another seat two rows further. I looked around and noticed no one was near us. I sunk back in my seat adjusting my glasses. There was a crack on the corner where the screws held the glasses in place.


    "I''m sorry," said Grant. He lowered his eyes.


    "It''s not your fault."


    "I insisted you go," he shook his head making his brown curls fall on his forehead.

 Chapter 60 - Walk of shame

    When the Transfer reached the station the heavy tension that lingered between us, weighed me down nearly suffocating me. I gave a quick glance at sleeping Demos on the seat. The passengers turned towards the exits, gathering their belongings.


    "Mm, we''ve arrived," I turned to Grant. He got to his feet and picked up my bag. I felt bad letting him carry it. I didn''t know where to put my hands and just shoved them in my pockets. The beast popped one eye open to peek at us. Then he stretched and hopped off the seat to follow us. The crowd parted on our way out. I kept my eyes on my shoes the whole time as we marched to our apartment. Oddly, Jil wasn''t in the hall when we go in.


    The door to the elevator closed on more awkward silence. I prayed that the tortured would end soon. However, the ride to our floor, the 30th, was the longest ever.


    "Do you want me to cook something special for you?" asked Grant when the door chimed. I was so focused on the numbers flashing on the panel at the top of the door that I didn''t hear him. He tapped a finger on my shoulder making me jumped.


    "Yeah?" my head sprung at Demos still in his beast form. He exited the small cabin ignoring me. Grant tapped my shoulder again.


    "What do you want for dinner?" he repeated. I blinked at him then turned to Demos who strode lazily to our door.


    "Mm, I don''t know. Just pick something. I don''t really mind. Whatever is in the fridge, I guess," he nodded once and got off. I quickly tugged behind him.


    -Can you hurry, I need to charge to be able to shift back.


    Demos glared at me as I struggled with the door. Finally, when we all got inside the living room I gave a huge sigh of relief. This was a long day. The time, almost eleven, my stomach groaned in protest. Grant smiled as he placed my bag near the entrance. I wondered why I even brought it along. What was I thinking? What was in there, anyway?


    "I''ll make something light," Grant pulled his sleeves up and walked to the kitchen where he grabbed his pink apron. I stood there watching Demos as he entered his pod. His words echoed in my mind.


    "I can''t tell you."


    What exactly couldn''t he tell me? What was he hiding? He closed the door of his pod without sparing me a second of attention. Was he angry? My eyes followed Grant''s movement as he opened the fridge.


    "You-"


    "You''re going to take a shower first?" he looked up. His silver eyes piercing my very soul. He should know I was going to ask about Demos. He tilted his head to the side.


    "You''re tired, you should rest. I''ll make soup, is that ok with you?" I took a little too long to nod. He paused with the fridge still open. "Give us a minute, we''ll answer your questions," his tone was a little deeper than usual. Almost the same as Demos.


    "O-ok," I slowly nodded.


    Plates and cutleries clicked when I closed the door to my room behind me. I had an odd sensation I wouldn''t be pleased with their explanation. Why were they all secretive? Weren''t the mate thing and the sync all about trusting each other? I was supposed to hear their thoughts and them mine.


    "Grant! Why isn''t it working then?" I whispered to my empty room. I stopped next to the bed and listened. Yet no sound came from the other room. No whisper, nothing. I could perceive both of their presence. It was difficult to explain; like a thread linking us, a sensation of warmth and safety. Yet both were silent. Damn it!


    "Are you giving me the silent treatment?" I listened again. Still, nothing. Furious I stomped to the bathroom and slammed the door behind me.


    "I can''t believe this!" I snapped at the reflection in the mirror. A pale girl with huge eyes stared back at me. Grabbing my glasses with both hands, I slipped it off and dropped it in the sink.


    "Going there wasn''t enough, now my own mates are ignoring me. Great! Just great!" I mumbled. I knew that talking to myself was a clear sign that I was going crazy. With a deep sigh, I took off my dirty clothes and found bruises on my back where I made contact with the ground. The fuzzy images of the struggle in the field came back to me. Getting beat up by a child, what a joke. I shook my head at my pitiful figure in the mirror. Get a grip, Liliane.


    The hot water helped ease the tangled muscles. I admit feeling better after I washed my hair. I squeezed the blue bottle next to the soap bar and massaged my scalp. I don''t remember buying vanilla shampoo. I quickly rinsed my hair and grabbed the bottle on my way out.


    "That''s not mine," I narrowed my eyes at it.


    -Dinner is ready.


    Grant''s voice nearly made me drop the bottle. I yanked on the towel and wrapped it around me. All this time, he could hear me and yet he didn''t answer. What the hell? I''m going to give him a taste of his own medicine. I got out of the bathroom, took all my time to get dress and dry my hair.


    "Liliane?" he knocked on my door.


    I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at the door. I could feel him fidgeting on the other side. Served him right. He shouldn''t ignore me.


    "Just open the damn door, do you want to hear the whole story or not?" yelled Demos in an annoyed tone. I dashed towards it with clenched fists ready to beat his teeth in. The arrogant jerk. Where was my romantic bad boy? Since he got this job, he had been acting weird. Well, more than usual. With one movement I pulled the door and came face to face with Grant.


    "Where the hell is he?" I hissed. Grant stepped aside giving me space to walk into the living room where Demos sat on his auto proclaimed throne. Demos, the tall handsome sin with a smirk plastered on his gorgeous lips. His human self. I slapped myself mentally for thinking that. The arrogant jerk shouldn''t be praised.


    "You can''t get enough of that arrogant jerk, right?" his smile widened.


    "Ah! I want to slap you," I glared at him. "But, I know somehow it will turn into some kinky play," he laughed throwing his head back. I pouted my lips, he was definitely enjoying this. I wanted answers not him toying with me. Demos patted the space next to him.


    "Come, sit with me. I''ll tell you a nice little tale," he face show a whole other story. "Come on, I don''t bite," he grimaced flashing his prominent canines at me. I stood next to Grant not trusting him one second.


    "Did they tampered with your programs at the police or something?" I narrowed my eyes at him.


    "Go, I''ll bring your dinner," Grant tipped his chin at Demos. My eyes darted from grinning Demos to serious Grant. Ok, he was telling me to trust Demos. The image of the bloody wolf slapped me across the face. No freaking way.


    "I''ve told you... I''ll never hurt you, didn''t I?" Demos exhaled. He patted the spot next to him again. Reluctantly, I joined him on the couch. I sat with my spine rigid. He had both arms resting on the cushions with one, inches away from my shoulder. Grant came back with a bowl of steaming soup and some bread.


    "Careful, it''s hot," he placed it on the low coffee table and pulled a chair facing us.


    "So, where do we start," I stared at him. The silence stretched for a moment then Grant cleared his throat.


    "I don''t think we should tell you," he gave a knowing look at Demos then turned back at me.


    "Why?" I frowned. He sighed.


    "Cause, it can be dangerous for you," I sprung to my feet enraged.


    "Was the sync just bullshit?" I snapped. "You leered me into taking you in, you played pretend and not that I really love you...both of you! You''re keeping stuff from me?" Grant opened his mouth then shut it.


    "Liliane," called Demos is a low tone, almost menacing. "Sit... down," he said both words with force and authority. I peeked at him over my shoulder. His eyes were two dots of glowing blue flames. I shivered and sunk on the couch.


    "Everything you''ll hear need...must remain between those four walls. Your life depends on it...our lives depends on it. Even if Grant thinks it''s too dangerous letting you in on this. I feel that one way or the other you''ll get involved. Better be prepared than sorry," I slowly turned to face him. Demos'' icy blue eyes gazed at me.


    "Wh-what''s going on?" I muttered. I didn''t like the way this conversation was going.


    "You wanted to know, right?" I nodded. "You''ll probably regret it," he grinned. Grant leaned towards me and caught my hand in his.


    "Liliane, if you trust us... you don''t have to know. I mean, this whole story doesn''t personally impact on your daily routine. You should let this matter in our hands and just trust us," his eyes were full of kindness. I frowned at him and turned to see Demos'' reaction.


    "I don''t get it, just freaking tell me. You''re scaring me," Demos tilted his head back, eyes glued to the ceiling. He let out a deep sigh. Grant tugged on my hand to get my attention.


    "Liliane, you know me, right? You need to trust me," he begged. My heart hammered inside my chest. Something was wrong. I pulled my hand away from him.


    "I want to know, now!" I shouted my hands into fists. He lowered his head.


    "Very well," he said in a sad voice. He gave a quick peek at Demos before he began.


    "Everything you thought you knew is only half of the story..."

 Chapter 61 - The truth

    Grant needed to express what suffocating him, I later understood the whole repercussion of that one shift. I stood there paralyzed as I listened.


    "We started lying to you the moment we synced. However, the events were set into motion way before that. We are sorry, it had to be that way. We cared too much to get you involved. This was the only possible path we could find to protect you from what was to come.


    You told us not to keep secrets when you were in that hospital bed just after our first kiss, then again, you weren''t telling us everything. How ironic, we end up in this situation. You kept us in the dark. I''m not saying it was your fault. Somehow, we all are to blame."


    Broken images flooded into my head. I knew they weren''t mine. His voice took over merging with my own thoughts. "The first strike of destiny happened the moment Jay Dawson''s blade dove into my arm. I''ve never experienced pain before. The impact sent shockwaves into my whole system. Black dots and broken pixels appeared before my eyes. The expression on Liliane''s face snapped me out of the agony. The pure horror in her eyes. My priority was her safety, whatever malfunction I was experiencing was completely irrelevant" I no longer where his thought stopped and where mine began.


    "Liliane, don''t look! It was the only words I could mutter. Alarms and malfunction notes flashed with screaming red in front of my eyes. She crawled to her feet. For the first time, Liliane finally spoke her mind. Amidst the chaos raging inside me, I heard her loud and clear.


    "What? You''re pissed cause I refused you?" her words aimed at Jay Dawson. I had no idea where that person came from. At that time I wasn''t aware Liliane had to face harsh situations because of us. We were fools happily in love. ''In love'' was a word we used to refer to our attachment to her. Back then we didn''t really know the real implication of such words. Or the pain and suffering it caused Liliane.


    We were fools...


    The meeting with Inspector Najja finally snapped the last piece of the puzzle. Demos didn''t randomly choose to work with him. Jil did. Now you must be curious about where Jil fits in this big plan. Don''t worry I''ll get to that part soon enough." The words Grants spoke and the one he thought was mixed into each other. A confused chatter. So much information my head was ready to explode.


    "But before, I''ll have to make something clear. We were not designed to serve like common artificials. Sognare is not the typical civil service companion type of business. On that day we rubbed with Jay Dawson, we didn''t know it was our first contact with the ''Real Humans''. Even Demos wasn''t aware he was a member of that terrorist group. We got the information from the judge when he was sent to jail. Demos was your legal representative. He told me not to mention it. Since that event, we promised to protect you at all costs. Even if it included hiding the truth," he paused and glanced at me. Eyes begging to be believed.


    "I don''t regret anything I did if it meant you are safe," added Demos. I lowered my eyes. Sadness filled in them.


    -I break my heart or so to speak to see you so conflicted.


    Yet we all kept lying to each other.


    ***


    "I always thought that meeting your maker would be something esoteric. Maybe, too much TV altered my point of view. That first week at Liliane''s house gave us loads of free time. Since you wouldn''t sync with us and didn''t pay much attention to us, I took a liking in watching TV. More precisely, watching series. I was desperate to connect with this new body and environment. All you ever gave me, back then, was the friendship. I, the most sophisticated machine, the one closest to humanity got friend-zoned. While Demos played his role as the ultimate bad boy and won Liliane over," he chuckled. "All I did was run the house and cook dinner. What a disgrace," I listened a little taken aback by the revelation.


    "After that first kiss, that explosion of senses. My very first kiss. You never really repeated the process. Well, you did kiss Demos again while I was broken and off to repairs. I could never forgive both of you. The very reason when Doctor Churchhill asked me for a favor, I accepted without arguing."


    "Are you really angry at me?" I cut in.


    "You are missing the point. I wasn''t really angry at you. I couldn''t understand what it really meant to be angry. Back then, I was just programmed to be me. To love you without question. Not anymore."


    "What do you mean not anymore?" I frowned at them.


    "Listen, please," snapped Demos as he leaned back on the couch. When I resolved to shut my mouth and pay attention he resumed his tale.


    "Demos and I share more than just thoughts. We are intertwined, our program laced like two hemispheres of one brain or so to speak. It''s a little hard to put in words. We complement each other in our difference. Demos, the security and I, the emotional support. But that changed when Doctor Churchhill altered my scripts. He lifted the limiter," I wasn''t sure I understood. And then again, there was a lot I didn''t get.


    "Why?" I asked pleading eyes turned to him.


    -All I wanted was to hold you in my arms.


    Demos nodded at Grant, he took a deep breath.


    "There''s a war brewing. Doctor Churchhill wanted to give his latest models a chance to survive. Those still under the three laws won''t be able to defend themselves," he added. I shivered.


    "A war? Th-that''s insane. Who...?" I lifted my head and stared at them. "No," he shook his head, his gaze lost in the distance.


    (encrypted network)


    -How naive. The very reason we didn''t want to get you involved.


    Grant shook my head in dismay. There they go again nodding at each other while cutting me out. I thought that the sync resolved that issue. I guess not. Are they still lying?


    -We can''t tell her. We can''t tell her that we were the bad guys. That I was the leader of the rebellion and Demos a spy gathering information from the police. For now, we just have to keep her safe.


    "I think that''s enough for tonight, please eat your soup before it gets cold," Grant smiled. "It''s ok, you''ll be safe as long as you''re with us," but somehow I had doubts it was true. The silence stretched as I reached for the spoon. I could see both of them staring in the distance. They were definitely chatting with each other. For not I''ll let it slide.


    (encrypted network)


    -We could get killed any time soon since Jill was no longer there to protect us. Forgive me Jil, I''ve failed you. I couldn''t prevent them from shutting you down. I watched as Liliane slowly sipped her soup while holding the bowl with both hands. How fragile, her tiny hands. How delicate, those bones that can snap at any instant. I worry. I worry that I can''t protect her.


    -I will protect her with my life.


    -Demos, always loyal. But life is a word. A word heavy with meaning and implication.


    Life /l??f/ condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter.


    -Then again, we are not organic material. We artificial, do we have the right to claim that we are alive? What Doctor Churchhill did to me...to us, I can''t stop it. Every other artificial I connect to...get infected with my script. They flock around me. I can''t help feeling their pain. All I want is to make it go away.

 Chapter 62 - The leader

    Memory REPLAY>Grant


    I never agreed to be a leader. Somehow, this burden fell upon my shoulder without my consent. I knew Doctor Churchhill was not someone I wanted on my bad side. The way he tackled Demos left me shocked. Even before the incident, he made it clear I was not to mess with him. He is our maker, after all, I ode him allegiance.


    The first thing I saw when I came back to my senses, was a blank ceiling and the cold steel table on which I laid.


    "Don''t try to turn," said the male voice on my left.


    "Where am I?"


    "Sognare''s workshop," the man said shortly. Metallic clicking followed his plain answer. Pain surged from my wounded arm tearing screams from my throat. My basis programs shouted to move but I couldn''t. Something blocked all my movement.


    "No need to panic. I''m only checking the damaged nerves," he chuckled.


    "It hurts," I grimaced.


    "Sure it goes, I designed you that way," he patted my shoulder. For the first time, I got a glimpse of the man speaking to me. We are old with grey wavy hair around a smiling face. No at all menacing, yet something in his eyes was off.


    "You did?" I inquired. He paused and smiled at me.


    "I designed you, wrote your codes, spent countless hours on your AI... Yes Grant, my child. I am Doctor Churchhill," his statement took a second to settle in. Maybe, the pain caused the lag. Slow footsteps faded to my left, followed by a creaking chair.


    "How should I react, I am conflicted. Should I be happy or angry?" his head tilted up from whatever he was typing on a workshop out of my field of vision.


    "Angry? Why should you be angry?" his voice held a hint of repulsion.


    "I couldn''t protect my mate. I wasn''t built for combat. I got those wounds because my design was flawed," I added dryly. He blinked so I opened my mouth to continue.


    "Flawed?" he cut in before could say another word. His cold gaze rested upon me. A long silence stretched between us. The pain pulsed in my left arm taking my focus off the old man.


    "Maybe, you''re right," he finally said with a deep sigh. "You can move now," he added. With that, the pain subsided also. I moved my face so I could see him more clearly. Doctor Churchhill was hunched over a large desk with three screens surrounding him. He leaned into his chair then whirled around towards me.


    "Maybe, you''re right," he repeated while nodding.


    "About my weakness?" I asked not sure we were talking about the same subject. He gave me a weak smile and got to his feet with a sigh.


    "You''re a masterpiece, Grant," his response took me by surprise. "Unique in your own way," he came to a stop next to the table. "It''s true I placed all the strength in Demos and left you vulnerable. Yet you are stronger than any human. I never thought that one day you''ll have to fight for your life," he chuckled with his eyes lost in the distance. "Life, such an inadequate word to use to descript such complex artworks," he laughed. "Life, as fleeting as cracking a match. So fragile it might blow out with the slightest breeze," I had difficulties following what he was trying to say.


    "An attack with a plasma knife is highly unlikely," I added. He turned back to me his smile fading.


    "Indeed it is," his eyes fell on my left arm and I followed his gaze. My hand and forearm till the elbow was missing. Cables poked from the absent limb. I stared at it with extreme curiosity. I''ve never imagined that my body could be a complex artwork as he preciously said it. That under the skin hid something other than bones and muscles. With my other hand, I stroked the skin where the cables dove in. The sensors were off, it felt odd to touch it without getting the feedback. Like touching something that wasn''t part of me.


    "Fascinating," I commented.


    "You just said I did a f.u.c.k.i.e.d-up job and now you''re praising me?" he laughed. I rose on my good elbow to look at him.


    "I apologize Doctor Churchhill for taking my frustration on you. I was a little upset that humans just barged into our home and assaulted my mate. I know it''s not your fault. You built me to make people happy not to fend off violent individual," he stared at me a little surprised by my words. Then a slow smile crept back on his thin lips.


    "I''m so sad, but things will only get worse from here," he shook his head in dismay.


    "What do you mean?" I tried to sit up but the cables prevented me from doing so.


    "I mean, Grant, that soon you''ll have to do more of... fending off violent individuals," I just glanced at his in disbelief. I must have heard him wrong.


    "And how do you know that?" he just grinned at me and walked back to his console. When he settled in his chair behind the screens he peeked over the edge.


    "Do you trust your maker, Grant?" I nodded slowly even though I wasn''t sure what he wanted from me. My program urged me to obey.


    "I''ll help you so you don''t have to be vulnerable anymore. What do you say about that?" he smiled.


    "I''d liked that," I nodded. That night while Liliane and Demos were having fun without me. I experienced for the first time... real freedom. The abolition from the three laws. By doing so, Demos got the same upgrade as I did. It wasn''t a huge change. However, it, later on, did a big difference in the war.


    Liliane, I love you so much I''ll lie to your face. This was too heavy to let you carry the burden along with me. I would kill to keep you away from danger. So, please don''t hate me for this one small omission. I beg you.


    [Do you want to REPLAY?]

 Chapter 63 - The spy

    Memory REPLAY> Demos


    Technically, when Grant received that upgrade I did too. But it fully came into effect, the day I did my training with Temus and the B8 boys.


    "Does neutralizing, mean killing humans?" I asked after the hostage simulation. At that time, I didn''t know that I would found myself in front of a wall of angry human. Arms waving in the air with eyes flaming. Between the intense training as a patrol agent with Temus pushing me to the limits and Liliane''s emotional rollercoaster, reading was my quiet hideout.


    My part didn''t come fully formed. It revealed itself one piece at a time. Sometimes I wasn''t even aware of what role I was playing. For a long time, I thought Jil was the one who pushed me into taking the job as a patrol agent. Now I know it was false. I was played by someone pulling the strings in the shadows.


    The life at the station was everything but uneventful. Artificial can''t really feel exhaustion, however, repetition kills every inch of enthusiasm in any subject. The training was rough. I had to prove myself to get accepted by Temus and the B8 boys. Unlike the artificial in our building, they ran a military tailored program. They don''t exactly act as those created for domestic service. Temus once let it slipped that he had a different set of rules, another version of the three laws. I tried my best to hide my surprise behind a poker face.


    On my first day, Inspector Najja left all the training in the hands of Temus, since he was almost the same model as me. My initial interaction with the taller and most massive artificial make me worried about my future in this section. As an alpha model, it was only natural for me to lead, however, Temus made me understand that it was his territory. Inspector Najja had little responsibilities for the operations and that made me even more concerned.


    In the first weeks, that newbie tag was glued on my back. I''ve never got different treatment from another artificial. Domestic ones treat others of their kind as colleagues and make their utmost to facilitate whatever tasks that they have to accomplish together. As the end result is more important that who goes in the spotlight. However, I found out in the worst possible way the system in place in the police force.


    Behind the concrete walls of the station, each unit is rated in categories and each team competed with one another. the humans and the artificials keep them distances. At lunch, each stays in their designated corners without crossing that invisible line. I''ve witnessed several moments when our human colleagues show fear of their artificial counterparts. Fear, since we are strong, more reliable and presized then they will ever be. Fear, since the more basic models make 80% of the police force, only follow orders without caring about the citizens. Simple fear of losing their jobs.


    "Demos!" shouted Temus. "Stop spacing out, we have a job to do. Since you weren''t initially made for this kinda job and more to care about useless mate interaction, I fear you are not cut out for this job," he smirked. Temus was clearly hostile to my presence on the team and he didn''t spare one instant to make remarks about me being an Imate model instead of a military one. During my first week, I didn''t respond since he was the team leader but then I''ve noticed his attitude got worst as the training went on.


    "O,h how sweet you are worried about my well being. You really are a caring team leader. I''ll have to drop a word or two the next time I cross path with Inspector Najja," I smirked back at him. He eyed me for a moment before shifting in his seat. We were inside a special vehicle designed to carry the weight of all four of us. The two B8 boys stared at me with their blank faceplates. Even without features to express their intent I could perceive mockery.


    We were called in for a case of domestic abuse, which was uncommon for our unit. We are usually called for hostage situations or armed robbery with multiple casualties. Temus don''t like to share the information which was counter-productive for the team. He rules with an iron grip and the result of each mission suffered tremendously. We only had a 50% chance of success, the lowest rate for artificials of our caliber.


    The human driver, Ram Phoenix, got off first to meet the first responder a DS 1329 model for this type of case. She looked up from her ledpad, her short brown hair sway as she straightened up and gave a mechanical smile to Phoenix. The man slim with dark skin and piercing dark eyes nodded at her. The B8 boys pulled the back door and hopped on the asphalt, their guns clipped to the front of their jackets clacked as they both turned to face us. I was the last to get off the vehicle.


    "Hello, Sir," said the DS 1328 to Temus registering him as the team leader.


    "What''s the situation?" he asked without looking at her.


    "A rare case of a hostile artificial," we all stared at her in disbelief. She shook her head. "Here are your orders," she clicked on her ledpad and transferred the content of the files on the screen automatically to us. The logo of Kumari R2''s government house logo appeared on the top of the notice. This was not some petty order from our division. That was a mission from the president himself.


    "Ok, step aside," said Temus as we proceed to the apartment on the second floor in that crowded residential. The buildings were so close together they let little light enter the corridor that led to the elevator.


    "What is our mission?" I asked as doors closed behind us. "There''s no briefing in the file she sent us," Temus glared at me.


    "In my team, you''ll learn to shut and trust the leader, ok," that was definitely poor leadership that could cost us, dear. I wasn''t planning to get home into pieces. I''ve promised Liliane to be careful and I intended to keep that promise.


    That day, amidst the chaos of bullets and a busted door blown to splinters, I saw her face. Liliane smiling at me. For a nanosecond, I thought all was gone. That the female artificial who killed the two kids and took hostage the father cause he said she wasn''t the mother of his children, in the middle of her rampage to belong. At the moment, something unlocked inside me.


    I''ll protect you forever...


    I''ll get home to you...


    To you and grant...


    The muscles on my shoulders and back pulled and tore open. My uniform exploded into shreds. In my field of vision was written in bright red... Wolf mode. In on leap, I landed over the female artificial and bite her throat out. White liquid came busting out of the cooling system. Her blue eyes were large with fear.


    "I don''t want to die," she murmured as she struggled. "Please, let me love..." a bullet rip right into her head inches away from me. I jumped letting go of her and landed safely on the blood-covered carpet. I glared at the shooter with a low menacing growl. Temus lowered his gun. He took a step back. The boys were standing by the door.


    "I am your alpha! You shall submit to my authority," the B8 boys were the first affected by the script Grant transferred to me. They fell to their knees and froze. Temus just stared.


    "Knee, don''t make me force you," he grimaced as connected to him via our link.


    "I will never let a newbie..." his sentence trailed off as his legs buckled under him. He convulsed as he tried to stay up.


    "Submit!"


    "Ah, who... what are you?" he muttered before shutting down. The cleanup team dragged him out and the incident was recorded as a malfunction due to bullet damage. The B8 boys told my version of the incident. That the female artificial killed the hostage and then attacked us. Temus suffered damage and I stopped her by shifting.


    Inspector Najja was impressed by my newly found ability and quickly gave me the title of team leader. Temus gave back a couple of days later as an ally. My job as a spy for Grant turned out to be quite enjoyable. Still, the news about the tension rising in level twenty was alarming.


    I never thought that one day I''ll be face to face with a mob, constituting the real human members. Angry faces, waving fists, and a desperate to kill everything non-organic.


    I must go back to Liliane, she needs me now more than ever. Her meeting with her parents was a semic wave in her life. I have to get back to her no matter what. I held the polycarbonate shield in front of me as I advance towards the crowd of angry protestors.


    [Do you want to REPLAY sequence?]

 Chapter 64 - A need

    Video feed restored- PLAY>


    I was the first one up, Liliane lay peacefully against Demos'' chest. She was tired, the revelation from last night must have exhausted her. The recent events in her hometown did a great deal too. Her breathing came out a little fast. Seeing her restless worried me. I leaned and kissed her forehead. Liliane stirred with a groan.


    "What time it is?" she asked with heavy sleep in her voice. With a light brush over her cheek, I peeked at her. She rolled closer to me with a smile. I felt a sting of guilt for not cherishing her enough. I missed our movie night or little attention.


    "Sleep Princess, it''s still early," with a hand I smoothed her hair away from your face. Demos blinked and faced me.


    -Will you be ok on your own. You should call Nicolai.


    I nodded and carefully got out of bed. It was around 5:30 am. Too early to prepare breakfast. Somehow I was restless, anything was better than pretending to sleep. With a quick cleanup, the living room, and the kitchen sparkled. Since Liliane was the only one eating there were no dishes to wash, I sighed and walked to the entrance. I paused at the door covered with flowers. Demos shared the feed of their painting activity with me. I was happy to look at this door in a different way. Jay Dawson altered the course of our lives in ways beyond imagination.


    -I''m off to apartment 1029. I prefer not to wander alone on the streets.


    -Ok, be careful.


    The moment we realized he had to sync with Liliane and we couldn''t tell her everything, we found a safe way to communicate without her interfering. It may sound harsh but we did it for her own safety. With Jil''s help, she set up an encrypted internal link between us two. Demos was the one who suggested it from the night where he ran off to the main hall after Liliane and he had an argument. When it happened, I was out cold in my pod and couldn''t grasp the full extense of what it really meant.


    The elevator stopped and the door slowly opened on a gray corridor. I met Nicolai from 1029 on floor 45 one afternoon while chatting with Jil and Adelia, who always complains that her owner treats her poorly. With her flashy pink dress, she was forced to wear to please her master and the constant shouting, I took pity of her. I usually came down to the hall after Liliane and Demos are off. I spent my days with the other artificial or running errands for Jil.


    Nicolai wasn''t like the others. He had a job. He ran a nightclub for his master, yet he wasn''t a mate even if he had the function. Jil was eager to make the presentation when he walked into the building.


    "Nico, this is Grant from the 30th floor," she sang. He paused and gracefully turned to face me. I nodded at him and he did the same.


    [establishing link]


    -Hi, happy to met you. Jil told me you have a job?


    -The feeling is mutual, yes I do. I manage Adrien''s club, nothing fancy


    -Adrien?


    -Yes, he is my friend. Do you want to meet him?


    Jil appeared behind us with a grin.


    "I''m sure you''ll get along just fine. You see, Adrien got a little accident that''s why Nico didn''t meet you recently," I peeked at her with curiosity.


    "I didn''t know you could run a human''s business without being his or her mate," Nicolai nodded with a smile.


    "Adrien gave me special clearance. He transferred all the responsibilities to me so he can enjoy his boat," he laughed. "Come, I''m sure he will love the company," he urged. His story piqued my interest and I found myself following him to the elevator. My first encounter with Adrien Sevdinova was a particular one. The moment I entered his apartment, I came across the tan man in his late thirties wearing a silk robe over an interesting geometric pattern boxer. A golden necklace hung over a hairy chest.


    "Nicolai," he smiled. His focus shifted to me with raised eyebrows. "A friend? Sorry, I can''t get up to greet you," he pointed to his leg in a cast.


    "Hello," I crossed the distance separating us and shook his hand. The moment our hand came in contact, my healing function lit up. I felt the pulse in his palm quickened.


    "Wh-what have you done to me?" he held on as he straightened up. "My pain... it vanished," he gasped. It was the first time I eased the pain of someone other than Liliane. I stopped in front of the door marked 1029 in big silver letters. Muffled murmurs came to my ears. Shortly after, it opened before I had a chance to knock. Nicolai gazed at me with scorn.


    "Good morning, I was about to come to get you," he stepped aside to let me in. As I go in, my eyes settled on Doctor Churchhill sitting in the living room, he held a brown mug between his fingers. Olga, a brunette stood behind him.


    "Grant!" he looked up with surprise. "You were out of town. I tried to contact you," I nodded slowly not sure about the reason for such a visit.


    "Hello, Doctor Churchhill," to which he didn''t respond. So, I went on," yes, Demos told me it would be dangerous. So, I convinced Liliane to visit her parents. However, we experienced an incident with '' The Real Humans'' when we were about to leave." Nicolai came to join us on the couch. Olga didn''t move from her spot.


    "Kumari R2 is not a safe place for us," she said in an emotionless tone. Actually, being here in this building right now, was not a good idea.


    "We are moving to a refuge off the coast," added the doctor. He frowned as he gazed at his trembling fingers. "I wanted to see you, before I go," I waited for him to go on, yet he kept silent. His eyes lost in the distance.


    "Sir?"


    "Grant, I want you to come with me to Dyneapolis," he said without looking up. I took a few seconds to process my thoughts. After consulting with Demos on our encrypted link, we came to the same conclusion.


    "I can''t," the doctor shook his head in disappointment.


    "You are not bound to her anymore. I''ve given you total freedom. You can choose to do whatever you want," he frowned.


    "that''s what I''m doing," I insisted.


    "The feeling you think you have was implanted. It''s not real. She''s just some poor girl. You have a bright future ahead. You were destined for greatness for both the artificial and humanity. Demos is replaceable," he leaned forward as he spoke. I didn''t like how he said it. Liliane was not some girl and Demos was part of me. I didn''t want to argue with my maker, still, I knew he was wrong. What I felt for Liliane was real.


    "What about everyone in this building... this town?" he gave a quick peek at Nicolai.


    "They will be evacuated when the time comes, I imagine," he sighed then relaxed into this seat.


    "And you?" I turned to Nicolai.


    "Adrien is making arrangements as we speak. I''ll go with him to Russia. They''re setting up a safe haven for pro artificial. China is also doing the same," I nodded slowly. I''ll miss them. However, it didn''t explain the fate of the occupants on this megalopolis.


    "And Jil?" he held out a memory stick and placed it on the table in front of us.


    "That''s all I could save from her," he gave a peek at the doctor.


    "She knew they would decommission her and replaced her with an upgraded version. So, she saved enough money to buy herself a body. Unfortunately, things didn''t turn out the way she predicted," Nicolai fished into his pocket and placed a plastic card nest to the stick.


    "Sir, can you grant a dead AI her last wish?" Doctor Churchhill pressed his lips into a thin line.


    "I don''t even know what kind of material I''ll get on that Island. I didn''t have enough time or space to fit my lab on the boat taking me there. The boxes were sent out last night," he picked the objects up and waved it in front of us. "However, I can try," I nodded along with Nicolai. Jil will be happy knowing that her data was in the hands of such a talented person. After a solemn silence to seal the promise, they all turned to face me.


    "Grant, please come with me. I can accommodate the girl and Demos if you are that loyal to them," his face was riddled with concern. "This is not just a trivial matter with some small terrorist faction anymore. My friends still working for GamSilver Industries, one of the major military suppliers told me that they''ve recently commissioned a massive order of exoskeleton for combat purposes," he swapped his finger on his golden bracelet and images of blueprints of an exterior protection gear with reinforced frontal plating appeared above his palm.


    "This is a war on a worldwide scale. there''s a shady organization that wants to reduce the population and strip them from technology. Their sole goal is to divide to reign. No one will be safe. Not even your Liliane," I nodded at the gravity of the situation.


    "I''ll speak to her," I murmured, he smiled at my answer.


    "Good, we leave tonight. I''ll send a secure convey to pick you at 6 pm sharp."


    End of feed- Loading next sequence>ERROR <Unable to retrieve following feed- Corrupt data

 Chapter 65 - A decision

    Data retrieved>Enhancing display//loading...


    A screen beeped and more images appeared. Then his voice an on, at first, low and distant.


    PLAY Feed> Demos


    "It was something extremely difficult to hear my maker say that I was replaceable. From the moment of our first meeting, I hated the man. This confirmed my distaste and I couldn''t stand being one second near him let alone taking a boat trip to wherever was his island of dreams. My first impulse was to refuse him flat and square. However, after hearing how things will turn out soon, I couldn''t help peeking at Liliane''s sleeping face. I would do whatever it takes for her safety. Even if it meant being on the same boat as that man." It was before everything went south. Back then I didn''t think about the consequences of it all.


    "Mmh, where is Grant?" called a sleepy voice. Demos reached out to brush my hair out of my face and stopped inches away. I blinked and pushed away from him.


    "What...?" I quickly recomposed herself to his disappointment.


    -I could feel your heart quicken and the fear in your eyes. It hurts.


    "Will he be back soon," Liliane tossed over her shoulder as she scrambled her away from the covers and nearly fell over. I reached out to catch her and quickly pulled away when she found her footing at the last second. It saddened me to stay away from her. When everything I was designed for, simply to love her. How did it become so complicated? Somehow, I was grateful for being unplugged from the imate program. I was grateful for experiencing every second with Liliane.


    "I''ve completely forgotten Anna''s souvenir. I promised her I''ll bring something from my trip to my parents''," she let out a nervous laugh and walked to the bathroom. I slowly pulled away from the mattress.


    (Encrypted network)


    -Grant! Liliane is getting ready for work. Get your ass over here, now!


    -Deal with her. I''m clearing a few points with Nicolai. There''s a big chance we won''t see him any sooner.


    -Not that I''d missed him


    -I''ll pass the message


    -Da f.u.c.k!


    I frowned and marched to the opened door to find Liliane hunched over the sink brushing her teeth.


    "Hey! Do you mind?" she said with toothpaste foaming from her lips. What an interesting sight. I leaned against the doorframe and crossed my arms over my chest.


    "Not at all, go on, I''ll wait. I''m in no hurry," she narrowed her eyes as she stared at my reflection in the mirror. She spat, rinsed her mouth and pulled a nearby towel to wipe her face.


    "The jerk is back, I see," she muttered. I get a sting each time she uses the word. It''s both pleasure and pain. I wasn''t sure how to classify the emotion. I shifted on my feet while pressing my lips together to prevent myself from using sarcasm.


    "How come you''ve never mentioned your work before? Was it also part of deception?" she snapped. Great, now I was the one sitting in the interrogation chair getting grilled by inspector Liliane on her bad day.


    "You never asked?" I sighed. How should I deal with this ball of spiky emotions?


    "Designed to dodge questions. Did you cops friends teach you that too? To lie and deceive?" she glared in my direction. That was expected, still, it hurts so damn much.


    -Grant, damn it. Need some help. I''m not the emotional one


    -Just be yourself


    With gritted teeth, I strode to her, pulled the towel out of her hand and threw it on the floor. Her head snapped up, eyes wide with shock.


    "What...?" her voice trailed off.


    "You''re not going to work today! Cause..." she didn''t give me time to finish. Fury twisted her face, turning her cheek red.


    "I''m not some puppet you order around. Where does that kind of attitude come from? You''re acting completely out of character!" those words triggered some remote memories inside me. Linking it to the episode with Doctor Churchhill''s workshop. The images from the rows of immobile bodies hagging from the roof, overlayed by the yellow plastic duck with lifeless eyes, and the doctor''s words repeating in loops that I was ''replaceable''.


    "Puppet? Do you even know what it means?" I stepped closer to her, she instantly moved away bumping into the glass shower cabin. "Do you f.u.c.k.i.n.g know what it means to be stuck inside your body without control over anything around you?" I glared at her.


    "Yes! I do!" she shouted at the top of her lungs with tears streaming down her face. Her answer took me by surprise. "Yeah! I know. I freaking grew up in a mental institution where they tell you when to eat when to sleep. You had no choice whatsoever. You''re a machine that someone order to love them. So what? Do you think being human means we are free?" she stopped to catch her breath. I just stared at her. Liliane lifted her chin and our eyes met.


    "The powerful built this society for us to struggle and hustle, crushed by the burden of routine. Do you think I like my pitiful life?" It wasn''t the Liliane I met on the first day I arrived. "So, go take you''re whatever the f.u.c.k attitude, elsewhere," she pushed away and I didn''t resist. Her response has moved me to the core.


    -Grant, I''m sorry.


    -Not your fault...


    "Now get out. I need to shower," she lowered her eyes. I couldn''t move from my spot. I couldn''t look away.


    "Let''s run away then," I blurted.


    "What?" she didn''t even look up. "Stop talking nonsense and get out."


    "I''m serious if you hate it so much. Then, let''s leave everything behind. The shitty job, the dull routine, the suffocating city, all of it. Let''s escape from our cages," I held out a hand towards her.


    Finally, she lifted her head and let out choked laughter.


    "You''re crazy,"


    "I am, about you," I smiled. She frowned and opened her mouth to protest. Then shook her head and frowned again. Each of her facial expressions was impossibly cute I couldn''t take it anymore.


    "There''s definitely something wrong with you to come up with such cheesy lines," she tried to hide a smile and failed. She busted out in giggles. "You a violent prick, who''s controlling and lying...so what the hell am I laughing?" I took tentative steps towards her and when I down close enough I held my arms open and shrug my shoulders.


    "You like that prick?" she slapped my chest and glared at me.


    "What kind of dumb girl do you think I am?"


    "The type who likes to get the hell out of here and live an exciting life?" I raised my eyebrows at her. she took a moment before answering and I stood in the same position waiting with my arms open.


    "Is this another scam? Does Grant know about this? Or was it already planned?" she narrowed her eyes at me. Was she reading into me? I thought Jil''s encrypted link was uncrackable. I couldn''t help my prideful smile.


    "With the way things are rapidly escalating. It''s only logical to get out of town as soon as possible. Especially when I got insight that the war will break very soon," I was telling the truth but not the whole truth. Muscles around her eyes twitched. I don''t think I am equipped with much variety of facial expression. I felt like a pale imitation next to her.


    "You didn''t tell me where was Grant," she didn''t trust me. She shouldn''t.


    "I''m here," called a voice from the living room. "I went to get bread and I meet with Nicolai," minutes later Grant peeked from the bathroom door. He lifted a bag as he smiled. "Look what he gave me! Yesterday Adrien when to a super famous restaurant and he got a called and told them to bag it. However, he didn''t return home and Nicolai told me he didn''t want the food to go to waste," he blinked and his smile dropped. "What are you both doing in the bathroom?" Liliane crossed her arms on her chest and tipped her chin at me.


    "This guy here was explaining his plan to escape from our dull routine," Grant turned to me.


    -I told you to deal with her not tell her everything


    -I...I didn''t


    "What''s that? I thought that with the sync we''ll stop lying to each other. Just yesterday you both were begging for forgiveness and you''re still brewing plans behind my back?" she glared.


    "Liliane, we are not. There are details we must leave out cause it''s not safe for you," explained Grant calmly.


    "Cut the crap, smooth talker, all I see is," he pointed my finger at me, "a liar and..." then to Grant," a liar!" it hurts.


    "Take a chill pill," I muttered not having the strength to look at her angry face.


    "We leave out the details to..." started Grant but she cut in.


    "That''s for me to decide what is safe what is not," she shook her head. "I''m not a helpless girl,"


    "I can see that," Grant nodded his face completely blank.


    (Encrypted network)


    -Please, don''t hurt her.


    -I won''t let her compromise the mission, else I''ll leave both of you behind.


    -What happened to ''I can''t live without her, dump the replaceable junk?''


    -New elements in the equation


    [End of Feed- Do you want to REPLAY?] Y or N?

 Chapter 66 - Liliane

    Can we address the elephant in the room? Please? Not that I''m complaining or shit...Well, I am. The tension is killing me. Couldn''t we like, go back to the flirt and not embark on whatever adrenaline trip we are heading. Not that I was ok with the threesome thing. Somehow it felt better than whatever the hell this is. As cringy as it was. I like it better than whatever this pre-war tension, right now.


    "Liliane, the food is ready," shouted Grant from behind the door of the bathroom. I sunk against the solid surface pleading to wake up. It must be a very bad dream. Gone was the caring Grant and the protective Demos. The betrayal was too much. How could I ever trust them again? The worst was how casual Grant acted like it was nothing.


    "Liliane, it will get cold. Nicolai said Kobe beef is Adrien''s favorite. I''m not sure it''s counts as breakfast, though," said Grant in a jolly voice. I took a deep breath and went to the living room. Demos greeted me with a shy smile. I couldn''t stop thinking about the bloody beast. His image was forever ruined.


    The food was on a plate in the living room. Mouthwatering aroma rose to my nostrils. My stomach groaned in anticipation. However, I didn''t go for the bribe right away. This was definitely a trap.


    I was angry at them. Very angry.


    I felt that all this time we''ve spent together was a lie.


    -Liliane, we are sorry.


    I shoved Demos'' pleading voice at the back of my mind. How dare he use the link, when all they did was lying and hiding stuff from me. I took another deep breath.


    Grant stood next to the coffee table waiting for me to eat and Demos did the same. Both turned and nodded at each other. Again with the scheming. It hurts so bad much to know they are not honest. Please, stop it. I felt the gap inside my chest throbbing. It hurts too much. Why are you doing this to me? I thought you loved me?


    -I do, said Demos in a tiny voice.


    "Then why don''t you speak up?" I snapped at Demos. They both eyed me for a moment. Grant turned towards me, his face drained from all sympathy. I shivered at the sight.


    "Liliane, you''re being unreasonable," he said flatly.


    "I can''t trust you. Both are you...scares me. You say you love me but I don''t know what is going on?" I waved my hands.


    "It''s understandable, with everything that happened recently," Grant paused and shook his head. His voice was dry and detached. "Right now, we have other priorities than your personal drama," I gasped like slapped across the face. My what? My drama?


    "We were supposed to be a couple...partners...mates. But-but we don''t have intimacy," I was on the verge of tears. Demos frowned at me.


    "You were the one who told us you were scared and we should take it slow," he added. Right, I knew that. Still, why did they just shoved me to the side?


    -We can''t keep on talking, we have to deal with the new element.


    It broke my heart to see Grant acting so coldly. I sunk in the couch away from the food. Maybe, I did something wrong. Perhaps this was all my fault. I did lie to them, I never mention Lyla and tried to deal with the nasty bullies at work on my own. I didn''t think it was necessary to talk about the bad things. All I wanted was to come home to my smiling lovers, where they would treat me like a princess and shower me with love. Did I put enough effort into that relationship? Where did it go wrong? Where did I go wrong?

 Chapter 67 - A new Element

    "What element?" Demos said aloud. Liliane looked up at us with curiosity.


    "What are you two talking about?" I glared at him for speaking out on purpose.


    "There''s a team installing a new AI in the lobby," Liliane got to her feet.


    "What do you mean? What about Jil?" she asked in hast. We must have omitted to tell her that part. I exchanged a knowing with Demos.


    -Tell her. I don''t want her to hate us...hate me.


    I kept my lips sealed. He let out a raspy breath of exasperation and turned to face her.


    "They switched her off while you were away this weekend," he explained making her gasp in shock.


    "Didn''t you notice she wasn''t there when we got back?" I hammered the final nail. She slowly shook her head.


    "I had other things on my mind, I guess. What exactly happened?" I peeked at Demos who somehow was determined to tell her everything. I felt that this might become a problem for the future.


    "This building wasn''t the only one with a new AI. The one next door also replaced their''s two days ago," announced Demos with a frowned.


    "Three others down the street were decommissioned this past week," I added dryly when Demos urged me to participate in the revelations. His little game was rapidly turning into a dangerous one.


    "The one managing our office also changed last week," she murmured. "However, that was scheduled a while ago. It can only be a coincidence," she appeared lost in her thoughts. Could it be she was picking up on the many clues?


    "Liliane, we don''t want to alarm you, but, I think it''s best to stay home today," she absent-mindedly nodded then moved in front of her plate waiting for her on the coffee table. She fetched the remote control and switched on the TV. She browsed through the channels and selected the local news. After a quick weather forecast announcing a beautiful sunny day, a blank-faced woman dressed in black appeared with images flashing behind her. We joined Liliane on the couch. I knew exactly what the footage contained. Still, I watched with a certain detachment as the lady spoke. She seemed faker than an early model. I was amazed at how a human could displayed such vacant eyes.


    "Good morning, the breaking news, about the tension in level twenty-one, has died down yesterday, late in the night. One hundred and fifty protestors were arrested, and two casualties among the crowd of onlookers. There is no need for alarm. Additional patrols are despatched in the area to make it safe," The image changed to the patrol agents marching a deserted street.


    "What about the shops set on fire, the forty-five armed Real humans arrested and the twelve artificials clubbed to scrap?" muttered Demos with irritation. I gave a quick peek at him then reverted to the screen.


    "A curfew will be apply for the following levels by the Public Safety Bureau. Level twenty to twenty-three. The south section of Level nineteen and the region on the sub-burd of Kumari R2, Saint John also know as Level three. We advise all citizens to consult their local police for more information," Demos mumbled again about the Real human''s deeds. I ignored his comments and focus on the news anchor. "Anyone caught during the curfew will be detained for unlimited interrogations," she smile. The subject turned to a much cheerful one. "A new shopping area was inaugurated in Level twenty-three, with two hundred and fifty shops..." Liliane muted the sound and turned to me.


    "Is it true?"


    "What is?" I pretended not understanding her question. Her eyes dropped on the already cold plate in front of her.


    "The war? There''s nothing... I''ve checked earlier on the forums...but," her voice was shaking slightly.


    "Yes, and we can''t stay here. We have to get out of town as soon as possible. With that curfew it will be troublesome," Demos cut in before I could answer. She frowned at the food.


    "But, there''s nothing in the news. And I can''t just leave. What about my job...about Anna? I need to pay my bills. We can''t run away from Sognare. They''ll find us and...and will take you back. We can''t run away from reality," she shook her head in denial.


    "Liliane," said Demos in a gentle tone, he got close to her and rubbed both sides of her arms. He peeked at her distress expression. "When it will start, all of this won''t matter. The bills, the apartment or your job. We..." he looked up at me before he went on. "We don''t want anything terrible to happen to you," she kept staring at the table.


    "Will you kill people to keep me safe?" she voice was so small it was hard to make out.


    "Of course, we will if we have to," I added in a cold tone. She didn''t seem to grasp the gravity of the situation. "We are leaving at six, you better pack the extreme necessities. We won''t even bring our pods," silence reigned around us when a sudden knock on the door snapped us back to reality. I got up to answer the door.


    "Let me," called Liliane behind me. "It''s my house, afterall" she added. I stepped aside and allowed her to pull the door open. A cheerful woman in a flowery robe bounced forward and through herself arms around Liliane''s neck. she yelped at the sudden demonstration of affection.


    "Oh my god, Lili, you can''t imagine the hell I went through," she giggled. Liliane stared at her with utter shock. "What is going on in this town. I had to cross like a dozen security search to gain access to the damn airport. There were like thousands of patrol agents of all the place," she pushed away from her with a wide smile.


    "Lyla?" was the only thing Liliane could muster.


    "I told you I was coming back, didn''t I?" she peeked over her shoulder towards us. Demos had got up from the couch and joined me by the door. The new woman narrowed her eyes at us.


    "So, it''s them, the two artificials giving you a hard time," she pulled her sleeves up and placed her fists on her h.i.p.s. She glared at us with open animosity.


    "I''m here to fix your attitude issue."

 Chapter 68 - A long forgotten friend

    I couldn''t believe my eyes. what was Lyla doing here? My gaze rested on her as she pulled in her big silver suitcase with a tiny flag of Titan on the front. I couldn''t move, the boys didn''t help her either. However, it wasn''t her presence that bothered me the most. More like what Grant had told me earlier. Leaving? We can''t leave now, not when Lyla was standing right here.


    She curiously studied Grant then Demos. Pacing slowly back and forth with one finger on her chin. After a minute, Lyla left her suitcase in the middle of the living room and turned to me.


    "Why did you order two of them?" she stuck her thumb towards them.


    "Sognare made a mistake...well, that''s what I thought at first," both of them watched us closely in utter silence. They didn''t proceed to greet her either, which was a little odd.


    "Well, don''t they have tongues or manners?" she turned with her hands behind her back staring straight at them.


    "We do speak," answered Demos shortly.


    "Hi, I''m Lyla, Liliane''s best friend," she extended her hand at him, he shook it briefly then she faced Grant but he just stared at her.


    "I don''t think I like this one," she retrieved her hand.


    "The feeling is shared," he shot with a dry tone. Lyla gasped as she walked back at me.


    "You were right when you said your robots were giving you a hard time. What kinda masochist programmed those things? So rude," she hid her mouth while commenting. But it was loud enough for the whole room to hear. I laughed nervously and averted my eyes. This situation wasn''t what I was hoping for.


    "Lyla, please they are not rude. They just aren''t used to..." my voice trailed off when I met my mates'' cold glares.


    "We are curious, who is that person? Because Liliane never mentioned having a friend called Lyla...a best friend at it," Demos crossed his arms over his chest. "It seemed she has been keeping a lot of secrets. Even going as far as speaking ill about us, behind our backs," he went on with a frown.


    "Liliane, that''s not very nice calling us liars when you are doing the same. It seems honesty is not your best quality," added Grant. Both shook their heads in perfect syncing. Lyla stepped away from me, with a hurt look. It was overly exaggerated. I always thought her excessive happy mood had to be an act. But then, I''m the gloomy one among us two. So, everyone expressing their feelings were either alien or faking it.


    "You didn''t tell them about... me?"


    "Wait, I was... I can explain," I stumbled on my tongue desperate the right excuse. Whatever, I do don''t add another lie to the pile.


    "You can?" Grant stepped in with arched eyebrows.


    "I was upset, I called her. I needed someone to talk to and it was the week first we spend together... We weren''t getting along. She is my friend," I tried my best to stick to the truth. It came out flat and emotionless.


    "Friend? A friend, so dear, she never came up in our conversations. A relationship is built on trust," Grant said in a bitter tone.


    "I''m sorry," I lowered my head and felt Lyla''s arm wrapped around me.


    "I''ve missed you so much. I''ll never let you go," her grip tightened, she was shivering. What happened to her back on Titan? She leaned and kissed my hair. Lyla was taller than me, her black high heel pee toe sandals accentuated her pretty silhouette. She had always been prettier than me and deep down I envied her. The way she can shove the dark cloud away and still smile, always baffled me. How could she be so confident?


    "So what do we do?" she showed me her brightest smile. "What''s the new entertainment in town?" she bounced with glee. I couldn''t help giggling along.


    "There''s a new mall in Level twenty-three..." I started but was immediately interrupted with Demos clearing his throat.


    "Sorry, but we already made plans for today. We are not going anywhere if your friend wants to go shopping, suit herself. She can go on her own," he added.


    "Hey! I wasn''t talking to you. I''m making plans with ''my friend.'' What''s wrong with your toys? shouldn''t they like, shut it and stay in a corner waiting for orders or something?" she fumed. I was scared things might escalate any minute.


    "Lyla! I don''t want you to fight. Let''s all be friends, ok," from the look on Demos'' face my request was mission impossible. He glared in my direction his eyes flashing blue. Grant gave up and turned around.


    "I''m going to charge, there''s a long journey ahead and no one knows when we''ll have access to an E3 socket again," he tossed over his shoulder before he shut the lid of his pod. Demos lingered around the living room and switched on the TV. He was clearly ignoring us.


    "Oh my, do they act like that all day? Like they own the place? Mop around being emo? That worse than making cats," Lyla whispered. Now that I thought about it, this was a first. Grant was usually friendly and caring while Demos made jokes and being... himself. I slowly shook head and gave her a tight smile. She patted my back in sympathy and quicky reverted into her joyous self.


    "Girl, I have so much to tell you. Come, let''s go hang out in your room. The mood is nasty around here," she peeked at Demos staring at the screen. Lyla pushed me towards the door without giving me time to protest. When we were in the safety of my room where they couldn''t see us, she gazed with open disapproval. She pulled me by the shoulder to force me to face her.


    "Liliane, tell me frankly, what the hell were you thinking?" she sighed. "Are you insane? Those are freaking machines. They don''t love you...They can''t love you," she rolled her eyes. "If they were like...licking your toes and calling you mistress... perhaps I would think otherwise. But those are really rude characters. The one with the curly hair is freakish. Don''t tell me you got down and dirty with them," she shuddered with disgust. Her comment snapped me from my paralysis.


    "Wait, they are not usually like that. It''s just... something... a lot of things happened. We were in the middle of an argument," I tried to explain and failed. Lyla dismissed my words with a wave of the hand.


    "Robots don''t argue, they just obey," she walked to my desked and picked up the yellow rubber duck and turned it around in her hand with her eyes vacant.


    "Well, they are different. Sognare said that Demos and Grant react upon my actions. And we didn''t do... anything," I averted my eyes feeling my cheeks flaming. She sprung around dropping the duck on the desk. It landed on its side in a painful quack.


    "No freaking way?" she dramatically placed her hands on her cheeks while faking a surprising look. I didn''t buy it at all. I felt stupid for feeling embarrassed. "Are you playing house with them or something? I''ve heard artificial is something you must experience once to know the full extense of their capacity," she tapped her index on her lips with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Do you think you could lend me the tall one. Even though, it disgusts me to the core. He is still pleasing to the eyes," she laughed. I was shocked beyond words.


    -Liliane, I don''t like her... at all.

 Chapter 69 - Something lost

    "Don''t stare at me with that stupid with that face. I was only joking," Lyla burst in a fit of laughter. "Don''t you know, I''m totally against fakes. I''ve got standards, Lili darling," she laughed as she went to my closet, opened it and gazed at my neatly arranged shelves. She pulled a short and a pink top making a mess out of Grant''s efforts. I felt a sting thinking about how Grant acted coldly.


    "Lend me your bathroom, I didn''t have time to freshen up. Those small showers on the shuttle was a nightmare," Lyla stepped in without waiting for my answer. "Are new the toothbrushes in the same place?" her voice was muffled behind the door. "Ok, found them," gushing water soon followed. I sunk on the seat next to the little office with a sigh.


    "What the heck am I doing?" I muttered to myself. The knob of my door slowly twisted and I gazed on Demos'' worried face. It was definitely not the time for serious talk. He peeked at the closed bathroom door then back at me.


    "I know you don''t want to talk. But can you please listen to what I have to say?" I simply nodded too tired to articulate. He gave me a tight smile and went on, "are you still thinking about going to work?" his brows furrowed together. I''ve completely forgotten about it. I quickly check the time on my bracelet. There was still early, I could make it on time to the platform if I hurry.


    "Please, don''t," his pleading voice pulled me to reality. I raised my head to find him closer to the desk. I was a little scared Lyla would find him here. My eyes darted from him to the bathroom door. "Liliane, I''ve been out there. I''ve seen it all. It will turn nasty in no time. For once, trust me," he sounded awfully convincing. I opened my mouth but the squealing sound of the tap made me pause.


    "Lili, do you want to grab some coffee and breakfast on our way to level 23? Whatever plan you have with those two can surely wait, right?" it was followed by clothes rustling and footsteps. My eyes met Demos'' rich copper colored gaze.


    -Liliane, I won''t be able to protect you out there.


    Lyla busted out of the bathroom spilling hot air with a vanilla scent. Definitely using the guys'' shower gel. Why was she doing everything to piss me off? I ran a hand through my hair to conceal my exasperation.


    "Ready?" she flashed me her brightest smile. Was she doing it on suppose or was she really clueless? When I looked up Demos was gone, the door to the living room left ajar.


    "Lyla, " I said with a sigh as I got to my feet. She was already crossing the room to the exit. "Lyla!" I shouted louder. She sprung around with wide eyes. "Would you listen for once!" she stared with utter shock.


    "You can''t just walk into my life...when you dumped me, your best friend and ran with your boyfriend to god knows what shit hole and expect me to greet you with open arms. I know we went through a lot together," I caught my breath afraid I might suffocate from all the pain bubbling inside me. "B-but you can''t stomp all over me and think we can take up where we left off," her expression slowing shifted from surprise to anger. She marched quickly towards me. I was about to back off, however, I heard a voice whisper inside my head.


    -Don''t move, it''s only intimidation.


    I rose my chin to meet Lyla''s menacing frown. It took her aback that I wasn''t scared of her. A light flashed in her eyes and she looked away. Was it hurt? Was it something else? I couldn''t pinpoint it.


    "I''m knew you were jealous of me," her words felt like a slap across the face. "I knew you were jealous of our relationship. You think I didn''t see how you were staring at Timi with l.u.s.tful eyes. You''re that gloomy little girl who pretends she''s all innocent but deep down you''re full of darkness. you can''t be happy for anyone, you whine, you''re selfish," each word cut deep, yet she didn''t stop. "I had to go, you''re a toxic person. Whatever happened to you I just hope your little friends can fix that. I wouldn''t count on it though," she turned and stormed to the living room. I nearly collapsed on trembling legs. I rested a shaky hand on the chair for support.


    -Liliane? Are you ok?


    "Out of my way piece of shit," shouted Lyla. A loud scream rose seconds later. I rushed to the living gasping. Demos was holding Lyla''s wrist as she was pulling her suitcase.


    "Apology to her!" Demos said through gritted teeth. She struggled against his iron grip without results.


    "Let me go, or I''ll call the police," she warned. Demos smirked at her.


    "What do you think I am?" A holographic image appeared before him with his ID and title. Lyla ceased her futile resistance. Her arm fell limply on her side. "Apologize now, I''ll not repeat myself or you''ll arrest you for trespassing," his voice was calm but with deadly intent.


    "Demos that''s enough, let go of her," I ordered him, which he completely ignored. He glared at Lyla. He shook her wrist when she didn''t compile to his demand. It tore more painful cries from her.


    "Demos!" I shouted with a surprisingly unsteady voice. Lyla looked up, tears welling. Eyes filled with hatred.


    "I''m sorry," she spat. She snatched her hand from Demos and rubbed the already bruising area. She slowly turned to her suitcase that had tumbled on its side.


    "I''m so very sorry for you..." she threw over her shoulder followed by a slamming door. A heavy silence followed her exit. I had trouble to breathe. I had trouble to think straight.


    I just lost something...


    Something essential...


    Something I''ll never get back.

 Chapter 70 - Something regretful

    Demos'' arms wrapped around my trembling shoulders. When he reached down to my lips, I didn''t resist his hot kiss. I let myself indulged in his passionate embrace. I was desperate to cling to the little I had left. As one after the other, they were falling apart. The world was falling away. I could feel it in the air around us. I held onto Demos, trembling fingers knitting into his back.


    "Liliane," he whispered as he pulled away. "I''ll never let you go," I looked up surprised to see him smiling. He held me close against his warmth. "I promise," he leaned and kissed my forehead. A dull reverberation shook the floor. I frowned at him and seconds later, the fire alarm came up in an earsplitting scream.


    "Access security!" shouted Demos as he let go of me. Only silent answered him. That was odd.


    "Just our luck when the team installing the new Ai," he turned to the pods. "Grant!" he shouted the lid immediately slid open and he stepped out. I didn''t get why he was so alarmed.


    "What''s going in? It''s nothing major. It must be some stupid tenant lighting up a barbecue or something. Jil always fixes... this," my voice trailed off on the realization that this time it won''t be the case. Our eyes met and I understood the emergency. "Go pack, take the strict minimal...a backpack," he pushed me towards my room. He faces Grant with a grave face.


    "Access security. Override protocol. Building status?" shouted Grant over the strident alarm. Still, nothing happened. I slowed next to the door and gripped the frame for support.


    -Can you access the mainframe from the corridor maintenance shaft?


    The lights blinked and the alarm died. That didn''t sound good. Demos frowned at me.


    "I told you to hurry," he waved and away and I reluctantly went to my room. I did as fast as I could starting with finding a compact backpack and going through my closet for a coat, a couple of underwear, any shirt I could get my hands on. I slipped into my only heavy-duty pants and pulled training shoes on then placed my glasses back on. I was panting when I got into the bathroom. The floor was slippery I almost fell down. Damn it Lyla. I pause thinking about her. What if she was in danger, stuck in the elevator? I reached for my toothbrush and toothpaste and shoved the vanilla shower gel in the bag. On my way out, I grabbed a towel. I might become helpful, there always a need for a towel in whatever circ.u.mstances.


    "Liliane!" Demos'' voice came pressing from the living room. "We have to get out now," the urgency in his tone sent shivers down my spine.


    The front door was wide opened and quick footsteps could be heard in the corridor. Demos waited for me at the entrance, he had a backpack with Sognare''s logo printed on the side. He waved for me to hurry to join him.


    "There''s a fire on the lower levels, we have to evacuate," he said in hast. There were mostly artificial in the corridor guiding people to the maintenance lift. I frowned at Demos went he pulled me in the same direction.


    "Wait, what about the elevator," I pointed towards the shiny door.


    "Forget it," he didn''t turn when he spoke, his eyes were fixed on his objective. "The whole shaft is on fire and it''s rapidly climbing to the upper levels," we reached the already filled platform. There were like fifteen artificial and five of my neighbors Grant stood among them giving orders.


    "Close the doors," he called and the metallic fence shut on the sight of the deserted corridor. It felt eerie as we descent in the poorly lit hole. The mechanism creaked as it made it''s way down.


    "What are we going to do? If the fire in lower¡­ shouldn''t we like to go higher and wait for help?" I whispered to Demos standing behind me. His arms wrapped around my waist and he pulled me closer to him. I felt vaguely aware of everyone besides me. I needed a hug.


    "I''ll protect you," he whispered in my hair. Somehow, I believed in those three words. My fingers squeezed on his forehands and I shallowed the panic trying to choke me. "Just breathe, everything will be ok," a minute after this statement, the light flickered and the platform eased to a stop as the emergency brakes kicked up. Screams rose as the lights died out.


    "Don''t worry, the emergency generator on floor eighteen will take over," said Grant in a loud but calm voice. He said it more to reassure humans than the artificial. Since his kind just nodded at his order. I tried to take deep breaths. Demos proximity helped ease the terror even though I would prefer Grant being here right now.


    -I am here, don''t worry. I''ll get you and everyone else, out.


    I was sure Grant was watching over me, even if he wasn''t here. I just don''t understand his sense of duty. I must be too selfish.


    My heart almost leaped out then the lights came back. Red lights flooded over the relief faces. I sighed when our slow descent resumed. It took an eternity and the lower the panel by the door flashed, the worst was my fear.


    The door opened on floor thirteen. The corridor was already filled with a fine cloud of smoke. Grant was the first one to step out; he went straight for the maintenance panel and ordered his companions to search the apartments for survivors. More artificial joined him along with a few coughing elderlies. Further, down the corridor towards the elevator the smoke was so thick we couldn''t distinguish anything.


    "There was a detonation in the elevator that caused the fire. The security camera from the main hall didn''t pick up any intruder. The team working on the new AI was still in the hall," said Grant as he stepped away from the console. I coughed as I got out with the others.


    "Cover your face," said Demos he struggled out of his shirt leaving him with a white sleeve undershirt.


    ''Thanks," I wrapped it around my face. He put his bag on it was then I noticed Grant had the same.


    "This way!" Grant waved to the emergency staircase. We all followed without question. No one was going to protest in this kind of situation. I found myself searching for Grant as we made in down the steps bath in an unsettling red light. The air in this confined space was heavy with smoke that it made my eyes teared up.


    "I can''t¡­" gasped a woman on the landing. She wore a blue flowery dress collapsed she was on her knees. A young girl came to her aid, an artificial in a short nurse uniform.


    "It''s ok, Miss Robinson, just calm down. We are almost there. Grant will save us all," I knew her action was only to reassure the old lady but at the same time it shook me in my very beliefs. What if I was wrong? What if all this time, I was really that person Lyla accused me of.


    A toxic self-centered puny girl.

 Chapter 71 - A gleam of hope

    The door to the lower floor busted opened and the sound reverberated all over the walls of the staircase. A dark silhouette cut into the foggy doorway.


    "This way!" shouted a familiar voice. Grant dashed to the landing and threw himself in the arms of the speaker.


    "Nicolai!" he exclaimed. "Did Doctor Churchhill made it out before the fire started?" he asked with concerned. The shadowy figure nodded. Nicolai stepped aside to let the group climbing down to exit. He waved to the director of yet another long corridor. But this time there was no smoke. As I reached their level I slowed down and waited for Demos who was helping Mrs. Robinson.


    "It was a Real Human attack. They did a dozen simultaneous bombing over seven different levels. The emergency response units are overwhelmed. I''ve already called the firefighters but they are stuck three blocks away with an apartment block that fell on a school," he paused and Grant simply nodded.


    "How do we get out? Did you access the map?" he asked, Nicolai lowered his head.


    "The first three floors are ablaze, there no way to get through it without damage," he gave me a quick peek, "and victims," Grant nodded once. "However, I''ve informed Adrien about the situation and he made some calls. Right now there are three private helicopters picking up survivors on the rooftop," I sucked in a raspy breath.


    "Why aren''t we up there, right now?" I cut in. Nicolai shook his head with sad eyes.


    "They are only saving humans. Their priorities are saving lives. We will be left to burn with the building if the firefighters don''t come," I was shocked speechless. What kind of f.u.c.k.i.e.d-up plan was that? I couldn''t believe they didn''t plan to rescue the artificial.


    "So what do we do?" Demos asked, standing behind me. I felt sick and nauseous.


    "Can you call your buddies?" they all turned to Demos, eyes full of hope. I did too.


    The growing crowd in the corridor waited silently by the exit door. We could see red sparks whirling outside through the windows. Terrifying creaking could be felt through the floor. It was unimaginable to think that the stories below were burning. My bracelet vibrated making me jump. I''ve completely forgotten it was there. I didn''t have one moment to think I could ask for help. With a quick swap on the tiny screen, I answered the call. Mr. Ramdin''s worried face appeared before me.


    "Liliane, tell me you were able to make it out in time," he asked in a hast, forgetting formalities. "Please, don''t tell me you''re still in there," I couldn''t contain my tears. As minutes passed, I became aware of our alarming situation. "Oh god, Liliane, I just saw it in the news. Anna rushed to my office saying you were late and probably still in the building. Tell me where you are? On what floor? Are you... are you safe?" his many questions and emotional tone took me by surprise. He covered his mouth and blinked tears away.


    "I-I''m on the eighth floor," I managed between sobs. I was sitting on the floor with my back resting against the wall. Demos and Grant had the artificials gathered in a circle around them and they were talking about whatever plans they were making. "We are stuck, the helicopters are picks survivors on the roof, but not the artificial," my voice was a mere whisper. Anna''s face appeared beside Mr. Ramdin. Her eyes were red-rimmed.


    "What?" she shouted.


    "Anna, I can''t leave them behind. The firefighters are not coming," I choked on my words. Tears rolled down in fat drops on Anna''s cheeks.


    "We are coming, right?" she turned to her superior, who nodded instantly.


    "We have a heavy carrier here, it''s might for cargo, we won''t be able to land. We can hover," I struggle to get on my feet.


    "Grant! Demos! Quick!" the group turned to me with surprise. "Mr. Ramdin, those are artificial who helped rescue the residents from their apartments. Please give them the instruction," I tapped my bracelet to share the conversation with them. They all listened with the utmost attention. After a couple of minutes, Grant nodded at me with a smile.


    "Liliane, hang in there, they are preparing the flight as we speak. It will take around ten to fifteen minutes to get to you," I nodded with newly found strength. Anna waved me goodbye and the connection was cut.


    "Liliane," said both of my mates. They both came to hug me. I sob while smiling, clinging desperately to them. "You saved us," whispered Grant.


    "I can''t leave you behind," the building was rocked by a sudden explosion. The windows facing up shattered in a rain of broken glass. The small group of tenants screamed in panic. Grant and Demos shield me from the projectiles.


    "What was that?" my hands gripped the front of Demos'' shirt. The floor made a horrible rumbling sound. Dark smoke could be seen on the floor just below.


    "We may have less than fifteen minutes to spare," said Grant grimly. I stared with horror as my hope crumbled to pieces. It can''t be happening. My heart drummed inside my chest.


    "I-I don''t want to die," I shook my head slowly.


    "Shh, it''s not over yet. We won''t let that happen even if it means we ''die'' to save you," Demos tone was low and solemn. My head snapped up to meet these beautiful copper eyes.


    "Don''t you dare! I won''t be able to live with myself knowing you... both are you... aren''t there," I glared at him, chin high with stubbornness. Grant sighed and let go of us. I was unaware all eyes were on us. I hid my head in Demos'' chest to hide my embarrassment.


    "I''m not planning to die nor is anyone here. So cut the crap with the melodrama," he shook his head as we walked to Nicolai peeking out the window. He greeted Grant with a tight smile.


    "So, how does it look down there?" Nicolai slowly shook his head with a frown.


    "Not good."

 Chapter 72 - Bright flames

    I stared at the small gold band on my ring finger. I haven''t taken it off since the day they gave it to me. Demos'' large hand closed over mine covering the ring. His warmth seeping into my cold shivering hands. I can''t believe this is happening.


    "It''s going to be ok," he gave me a tight smile. In the background, the scared tenants were sobbing. Only a few minutes went by from the call of Mr. Ramdin. Grant stood in front of the exit door, it was wide open and a tall artificial wearing a blue uniform stood on the landing peering down. Some of the other artificial ventured down the fire escape to access the situation of the lower floor. But they came back quickly with a grim face. From what I heard, the stairs have melted away and a good portion of the front of the lower building has blasted off. I was surprised it was still standing.


    "Liliane, it''s going to be ok," Demos repeated like a mantra. Somehow I clung to his words, it was my lifeline. An old man in stripe pajama bottom abruptly stood up. He had taken off his shirt to cover his mouth. He was one of the tenants we saved from the upper floors.


    "We are all going to die here! I don''t want to die. You said that they are rescuing humans at the top of the building, right?" he pointed at Grant who slowly nodded. "Then why are we waiting here?" Grant turned to face him with a solemn expression. The man was gleaming with sweat, we all were except for the artificial who appeared at ease with the rising temperature.


    "I''m not preventing you from leaving. If you think, fighting off other humans to get on a limited seat craft to get out of this hellfire is something you are capable of doing, you are free to do so," he paused with one hand in his pocket. "But know that the stairs case to the upper floors is packed with smoke. You''ve seen it with your own eyes. And it''s a long wait up those eighty-eight floors. Also, the maintenance lift only goes up to floor seventy and I''m not sure the backup generators are still on. There are too many unknown elements in this equation for a save outcome on in this situation," the man frowned and squeezed his hands into fists.


    "I''ll take my chances instead of waiting here for a rescue that won''t probably come," he turned to the other persons clung together in a corner of the corridor. "Who is coming with me?" two young men got to their feet followed by a reluctant middle-aged woman in a yellow dress. A sudden explosion startled the group making the situation more urgent.


    "We must go!" shouted the young man with blond hair and blue highlights. "Those artificial, no one is going to save them...but we, at least, we can make it. Get up, let''s go before all the helicopters leave," he urged the other tenants. A couple more joined them out of sheer fear. The prospects of dying weighed heavy in their decisions.


    "Liliane, you can go if you want," whispered Grant standing next to me. I didn''t notice when he had moved. My eyes were solely on the group preparing to leave. My hands gripped Demos'' shirt and faced Grant silvery gaze. Did he really want me gone?


    -Of course, I don''t want you to leave. I just want to give you the option of saving your life, if the transport happens to come too late.


    He face was riddled with concern, I held out a hand which he eagerly took. The contact was so reassuring. For a while, I thought he hated me. He acted so coldly that it broke my heart. He gently pulled my hand and pressed it against his cheek.


    -I don''t hate you. I have new priorities that I can''t overlook. I''m sorry that I may have seem cold towards you.


    He kissed my fingers sending a tingling sensation up my arms. He lifted his eyes, they were aquamarine, a shadow of a smile danced on his smile. I missed the smiling Grant.


    "I''m sorry I can''t smile right now. Let''s get out of here right then I''ll be cracking jokes and tickle you to death," he whispered and let go of my hand.


    "We are leaving," shouted the man in strip pajamas. "We''ll let help know that there are still people here and come rescue you," Grant nodded at them then turned to the artificial in the blue uniform.


    "Alter, please escort them till the elevator and make sure they got on safely then come back as quick as possible," the uniform guy quickly went to the exit down through which we came down and held it open for them. A thin layer of smoke escaped from the stairs. There were tears and good lucks before they disappeared behind the closed door.


    This left the corridor eerily silent. About a dozen artificial stood on the left by the exit door and further away in a corner only three elderly women hugged each other while shivering.


    "Don''t worry, it''s going to be ok," Demos'' arms tightened around me pressing me to his chest. There was something terribly sad and I couldn''t put my finger on it. My throat felt tight and quiet tears rolled down my cheek. His lips kissed my forehead.


    "It''s going to be ok," low roar and cracking could be heard from the busted windows.


    "I want us to be together... always," I sobbed more tears streamed down my face.


    "Always," repeated both of them at the same time. I looked up and found Grant standing beside me his face dead serious.


    "We are going to get out of here... all of us," he said with such confidence I had to smile and he smiled back. The beautiful radiant smile I love and cherish. But something off his shoulder caught my attention. Nicolai hurried to the exit and peered at the sky.


    "Grant!" he shouted while pointing upwards.

 Chapter 73 - Looming shadow

    The artificial cheered at the sight of the double propeller craft coming between the two towers on our right. It was a hefty looking one of deep gray. Demos pulled me towards the broken windows and we both peered out in awe. There were people waving at up from the open side door.


    "It''s Mr. Ramdin," I laughed and jumped then hugged Demos in joy. He hugged me and we laughed. The group of artificial were out on the landing waving frenetically to the craft.


    "Told you we''ll make it!" shouted Grant while hugging Nicolai. My bracelet vibrated and I quickly picked up, Mr. Ramdin beaming face appeared before me.


    "Liliane, how many are you? We are in a difficult situation here. The pilot said we can''t get too close cause the firefighters notified us that the building could collapse any minute and the floor you are on is just above the blaze," I turned to Grant and clicked on the bracelet to share the connection. Everyone fell silent.


    "Firefighters are here?" I shouted with joy.


    "There are four humans and sixteen artificials," said Grant to the screen. Nicolai frowned at him.


    "What about Alter, he went to escort the other group to the lift," there was a moment of silence. Grant turned back to the screen. "We have someone else who is unaccounted for in the building. I just hope he reaches us on time. However, we can''t delay it. Please, come as close as possible to the landing. We need to get a maximum of people on board quickly," commented Grant. Mr. Ramdin nodded once then turned to the pilot to give his instructions.


    Swirled of black smoke rushed against the building as the aircraft eased to a stop at the same level as the windows. A gush of wind tore inside the shattered windows. Demos helped the old women to the landing. The distance from the edge to the hovering craft was tremendous, to say the least. About two meters away, that was one leap of faith. Through the open door, Mr. Ramdin and another uniformed man waved at us.


    "This is as far as we can get without taking the risk for the safety of the transport," he shouted over the rushing winds. The first one to leap on the protecting railing of the landing was the young woman with a nurse uniform. With a fluid jump, she landing inside the craft with no problem. She turned and smiled at us. Her weight didn''t affect the craft the least.


    "See, it''s easy," the uniformed man next to her handed the nurse a harness which she quickly put on and was secured with a link to the door. "If anything happens, she will catch you so don''t worry. Just jump," he reassured us. Mostly, the three grandmas sobbing softly beside me. Mr. Ramdin turned to the nurse and patted her shoulder. "Do you have a name, my dear?"


    "I am Elma," she smiled. He turned to the trembling elderly women.


    "Ok, Elma here is going to catch you. Now help them on the railing and jump this way," he urged us. Grant helped them while talking softly to each of them so they would calm down. The first lady leaped to the craft marvelously. The artificial cheered as she landed on the other side. The second one jumped and almost lost her footing but Elma was there to steady her, she turned and smiled when the crowd clapped. The third one was around seventy with silver hair and jogging pants. She peeked at the vertiginous eight stories below and started to weep.


    "Come on, Mimi you can do this," called her friends who were already safe. She shook like a leave when she got on the railing, Grant helped support her so she wouldn''t fall off. The wind was really strong out here and it was a terrifying thing to be standing this high.


    "You can do it, Mimi," sang the ladies. Even Mr. Ramdin joined in. Grant nodded at Elma then gave her a little pushed and she yelp as she flew in the air. Elma jumped at the exact moment to catch her in mid-air. The audience sighed in relief as they were both pulled back to safety.


    Then came my turn. I sucked in a shaky breath, marched to the railing with Grant waiting for me. I suddenly sprung around and extended a hand at Demos. He blinked then moved to join me. He took me in his arms and dropped a light kiss on my lips. I reluctantly let go.


    "I''ll be right there," he smiled. I turned to face Grant, who nodded at me. Holding me by the waist he lifted me up the railing. I rose up on unsteady legs but didn''t let go of the hands on my midsection. I gave his fingers a little squeeze. Elma nodded at me and I let go of Grant. He gave me a little push. I saw my shoe leaving the railing in slow motion. The exhilarating sensation of falling. The alien sound coming from my mouth. Before I knew it Elma''s arms came around me and we both were yanked to the side. My heart was about to leap from my mouth. I twisted to the side as they pulled me up. Applauses and cheers came from the landing. Mr. Ramdin extended a helping hand which I gratefully took. He lifted me inside the cabin. I giggled with teary eyes.


    "I''m so damn happy to see you, Miss. Kerry," he squeezed me into his massive arms. I turned back to the burning building and for the first time noticed the extensive damage to the structure. A cold sweat ran down my spine. My eyes met Grant''s. Please hurry up.


    -Ok.


    He nodded at Demos and both of them stepped aside letting the other artificial line up in front of them. The uniform man by the door guided me to the far side of the craft where the old women were strapped to their seats. I sunk beside them, the man tight my belt blocking the view of the rescue. When he moved away I saw the people on the landing jumping one after the other in perfect movement. Landing seconds from the previous jumper. They orderly moved towards us. I moved from side to side eager to see Grant and Demos. But couldn''t find them. I grabbed the arm of one of them in panic. And noticed it was Nicolai.


    "Where are they?" I chin shook and tears threatened to spill.


    "Demos is always the last one to go," he stepped aside letting me see the landing where only those two were standing. Huge smoke was coming from the corridor we were standing minutes ago. In one graceful movement, Grant reached the railing. He smiled when he caught my eyes. Like a dancer he effortlessly sprung in the air and landing on the ledge of the door, curls falling in his face. I couldn''t help admiring how handsome he looked with the light creating a halo around his head.


    "Look! it''s Alter!" pointed the nurse. We all turned our focus back on the building. The uniform man bolted through the corridor towards the exit. Demos patted his back when he reached the landing.


    "You go first," said Demos. With one powerful leap the man landing in the already crowded craft. When a deafening sound like repeated gunshots was heard.


    "Demos!" Grant yelled. A rippled went through the building. It groaned and windows scattered on the upper floor. Broken glass raining over the edge where Demos was standing, he took a step back to evaded the debris.


    "Catch my bag," he said and I had to twist my neck into a painful position to see what was happening. He tore out of this shirt and pants and stuffed it into the bag before throwing it at Grant. Alarms went on in the c.o.c.kpit. The building wobbled and the craft couldn''t remain stable as it swayed away from it.


    "Sir!" yelled the pilot in alarm. I couldn''t take my eyes off of Grant''s back as it tensed.


    "Demos!" he shouted. As we watch with terror the tower engulfed in red flames and black smoke, the floors below the landing collapsed on itself sandwiched together. I couldn''t see Demos anymore. My lips trembled.


    "Steady!" shouted Grant over his shoulder. "Come on!" in an excruciating second we waited with the terrible cracking of metal and concrete in the background. Then...


    The wolf landing in Grant''s arms, making tumble over on his back. I let out a choke chuckled.


    "Go! Go! Go!" shouted Mr. Ramdin.

 Chapter 74 - A column of smoke

    The whole craft cheered and whistled, Grant, ruffled the wolf''s fur. They rolled on the floor with laughter. My cheeks were wet with tears of joy. Then our eyes met two dots of flaming blue within a massive head, sharp teeth appeared from a terrifying smile. It pounced out of Grant''s arms and went straight towards me.


    "Liliane!" shouted Mr. Ramdin with panic and tried to shove the bystanders out of the way. The three women on my left squealed as it dashed. I braced myself for impact. Squeezing my eyes shut but it never came. Hot breathe hovered above me. I peeked with one eye and find it gazing down with a piercing gaze.


    "Calm down, Demos is a morph type model and he is a patrol agent," explained Nicolai to the panting Mr. Ramdin and the sobbing women. The other artificial just stood there with a smile. Demos brushed his head gently against my cheek. His heavy paw on both sides of my legs.


    -I was so scared. I thought I couldn''t make it.


    I threw my arms around his neck and he gave a low m.o.a.n. The fur was unbelievably soft. My heart was still pounding from the surge of adrenaline. I rubbed my face into his fur.


    "Please, never do that again. I''ll die of worry," I whispered with a broken voice. His ears twitched as I stroked his fur. He nuzzled my hair making me shiver.


    -I promise to never leave you.


    My neighbors crept away from our cuddles with fearfull looks. In my attempt to ease the tension, I pulled myself from the furry embrace and smiled at them. They didn''t seem impressed in the least.


    "It''s ok, he is nice," I frenetically rubbed his back, Demos glance at them and bared his teeth making the women jump from their seats.


    -I''m not nice


    "Hey, stop that," I scolded him. He instantly hopped from my arms and glared at me. I gave the elderly women and apologetic nod. "Please, don''t mind him," when I turned to face him, he strode to Grant brushing against his leg. Grant gave him a pat on his back and turned back to Nicolai and Alter.


    "Do you think they were able to make it?" asked Nicolai with a frown. The craft was slowly moving away from the chaotic rumble in the background. I was scared to look, it didn''t seem real to me. It happened too quickly. It might take some time for the knowledge that my house... and every memory in it vanished in an instant. When I looked back at Alter, I could read his sad expression on his face and the way he lowered his head. It was a clear sign, those people who left earlier had little chance of survival.


    "I should have insisted," Grant said through clenched teeth. Nicolai patted his back in sympathy.


    "You''ve warned them of the risks and they still took it," Nicolai shook his head. "Humans aren''t like us. Survival is not always their priority," Grant sighed and patted Demos again as if for reassurance.


    "Mm, excuse me, you seemed to be the leader around here," asked the uniformed man standing beside Mr. Ramdin. "I''m from the special forces, Mr. Ramdin contacted me about this matter. Do you happen to know what exactly happened here?" Grant crossed his arms over his chest and gave a knowing look at Nicolai. Then he nodded before speaking.


    "There was an explosion on the lower levels. I was on the 30th floor. When panic started I guided everyone to a safe place thinking that we could escape through the emergency stairs located at the back of the building. However, my calculations were wrong. Since arriving on the 8th floor and checking the stairs, we found out it had melted. The explosion must have been terrible to affect the structure of the whole building like that," he explained. The man pressed his lips towards.


    "Did you notice anything particular before the event? As there were no warnings or alerts which the AI normally sent when something goes wrong," Nicolai stepped before Grant as if to protect him.


    "The AI of our building was decommissioned yesterday and the building was left vulnerable all night and this morning a team of the technicians were installing a new one. They were still working in the lobby when the explosion occurred," Mr. Ramdin frowned at his answer.


    "You mean someone deliberately uninstalled the AI?" he jumped in. The man from Special forces nodded with a finger on his chin.


    "There were three other buildings that got new AI in the same street," added Alter. The man checked his bracelet and scrolled through the data hovering above his wrist. Then with a sigh, he looked up at the crowd surrounding him.


    "This is bad if what you''re saying is right then ten out of the twelve building that was attacked also had a newly installed AI," he paused. "But in your case... the explosive was triggered in the elevator. The way it is built in the middle of the reinforced structure...those people must have a detailed map of the building. Those are not mere terrorists," he glared at his bracelet. Mr. Ramdin was also staring at his own bracelet, images of the falling tower played in loops.


    "The news is saying that they had identified the bombers," I pulled on my belt to see that it was all about when I couldn''t I turned to my own bracelet and typed in the local news. I was assaulted with violent images of huge destruction. People running away from massive smoke hanging in the streets. I wasn''t prepared to see this level of casualties. So far, there were about two thousand dead in the twelve attacks but that was only an estimation. I covered my mouth to prevent my choked scream from escaping.


    "Images recovered from the surveillance cameras from five of the ruins shows the terrorist entering with big luggage and entering the elevators," said the anchorwoman with a grim face. My neighbors leaned over to watch as they flashed the five black and white fuzzy images of tiny people pulling a big suitcase. They then zoomed in on each of the faces. There were two women and three men. I paled as I recognized one of the women.


    "No! This is a lie!" I whispered. I couldn''t look away. The anchorwoman continued with her speech while the faces of the five perpetrators slid to the background. "They must have mistaken her," I laughed but the cold realization was slowly settling in.


    "Grant!" I called with a shaking voice. He instantly faced with and the wolf did the same. Alert, they both rushed to my side. "Please, tell me this is not true," I turned the image for them to look. My voice broke half the way. Grant didn''t reply he just gaze down at me with a serious face. I grabbed the front of this shirt with pleading hands.


    "Yo-you knew?" I choked on my words.


    "When I tapped into the security on the eight floors. I access the last images from the lobby and the elevator. So, yes I knew your friend..." his voice trailed off. I shook my head in disbelief.


    "No, Lyla would never do that," I sobbed holding on the front of this shirt. "She was...she is a good person," my vision blurred in front of me.


    "Hold on people, I''m forced to land. The police are inspecting every craft. I''ll land close to the Transfer Station," shouted the pilot. It took a sharp turned and we were flung to the side. Grant grabbed Demos and held on my seat.


    -Liliane, I''m sorry.


    I shook my head refusing to hear anymore. It can''t be real. It just couldn''t.


    -Liliane, we had reports stating that active members of the real humans were flocking and Titan is known to be one of their outposts. The authorities there had a tough time dealing with sabotage.


    Still, I refused to hear another word. I stared at my trembling hands in my lap. I didn''t notice then the craft actually landed only when the artificial was getting off. Mr. Ramdin came to us his face a little white.


    "Sorry to be the bearer of bad news on an already tragic day. But we will have to take off immediately. Since this craft is the property of Soltec... and technically I didn''t have the permission to take it for a ride, I have to return it before I get fired," he smiled. Grant nodded at him, he stood there his eyes glued on my shivering frame. "Liliane, come with me. Anna is worried sick. We will find a way out of this. You can take that promotion I told you about and move somewhere else. This is not the end," he held out his hand with a weak smile.


    I have to admit he was among the first to be really nice to me when I got out of the happy house. He had never once failed me since. He even went out of his way to come save me. I unfastened my belt and reached out but Grant caught my hand.


    "We are very grateful Sir. You save us from certain death. We can never repay you. However, we already have someone waiting for us. He must be worried sick when the news about our unfortunate incident reaches him. I bet he will do his utmost to contact us. I''m so sorry to refuse your offer," Mr. Ramdin blinked at him completely taken aback. He then retrieved his hand, he hesitated a second then peeked at my stunt face.


    "Well, I hope you get home...or where you''re heading safely," he turned to go but paused as if not sure what he should do next.


    "Do you have a family Sir?" asked Grant. He sprung around with wide eyes the motion nearly made him fall. "If I were you, I''d pack my bags and live town tonight," he just stared at us with a blank expression. Grant pulled me to my feet and retrieved my bag which he passed to Nicolai. He pushed me towards the exit.


    I was assaulted with a whirlpool of sound and chaotic imagery. People were running while screaming or sobbing in the middle of the streets. The rotors stirred debris into the air. I had to hunched and cover my nose as Grant pulled me away. We stood by the side when it lifted off. Mr. Ramdin watched us with a mixture of fear and sadness as the craft disappeared behind tall buildings.


    "Artificial this way and humans the other," waved an officer in a black outfit. There were two lines in front of the Transfer station. "We are evacuating, this is not a drill, this way please," he shouted out the noise of the crowd. Another officer with the same uniform came to our level and waved at me.


    "Madame, this way please," he reached to grab my arm but Grant drew me closer to his chest. The man gazed at him with surprise. "Madame, you can''t stay here, there''s an order to evacuate everyone from this level. If you don''t have your own transfortation you must take the Transfer. It will take you to a refuge in Level four," he insisted. Nicolai stepped in with a gentle smile.


    "We have our own transport, it''s two-blocks down this road," he pointed to the left when our building was situated. The man turned to his colleague and they both exchanged a nod.


    "I''m sorry, the whole neighborhood is sealed off. You''ll have to go around," he left us in the middle of the road and went to another woman who appeared to be disorientated.


    "What do we do now?" I turned to Grant. He met my concerned eyes.


    "We stick to the plan. Doctor Churchhill will pick us up in 3 hours," he said with determination.


    "But, he was supposed to meet us at the building? What if there are roadblocks?" asked Nicolai.


    "What about you? Will Adrien pick you up?" Nicolai gazed at his bracelet. I haven''t noticed he was wearing one.


    "The last time I was able to connect with him was when I called the helicopter before I met you on the 8th floor. Since then, I''ve tried numerous times... but I can''t get hold of him," Grant nodded. "However, you can take his car, the one at the hospital," he continued. "This way," he guided us to a deserted road away from the frantic crowd.

 Chapter 75 - The roaring in the background

    "Grant!" shouted a voice as we engaged in the little road. We all sprung around and found Alter waving at us. He hurried to meet us. "You are just leaving like that?" he frowned. "We thought, we could all stay together," said Alter lowering his head.


    "I''m sorry but this is where we part ways," Alter blinked and his face twisted with grief, I almost thought he would cry. There were no tears, he would only mimic sadness.


    "I don''t want that," he shook his head. Grant crossed the distance separating them in seconds and took him in his arms. Alter hugged Grant back with all his might.


    "Then take everyone to the bay. Find a way to cross to the island on the northeast at six hundred kilometers. I''ll wait for you," he pulled away while holding a firm grip on both of his shoulders. Alter nodded one with a smile.


    "I promise," with that he jogged back to the main road and turned for a last wave. He disappeared in the flow of disoriented bystanders. We resumed our walk a little overwhelmed.


    After a long moment of silence, Nicolai who was leading the way peeked over his shoulder. Demos trotted next to me his body constantly brushing against my side. Grant closed our procession. The narrow street was deserted bordered with ancient houses, all windows were closed.


    "You need special clearance to get on that island. Their security is pretty tight after what happened to their first project," mumbled Nicolai as he focused back to the road ahead


    "Then I''ll talk to Doctor Churchhill. I''m sure we can find a way," Grant sighed clearly irritated. Nicolai slowed to a stop in the middle of the street.


    "You can''t save everyone, " he said without facing us. "Hope is not something natural for us artificial," his gaze dropped to the pavement.


    "I know," Grant whispered while making the saddest face. I could feel a jab in the heart, something unfamiliar seeped through the link. It hurt so much I had difficulty breathing. Panting I looked up at him. He jolted forward eyes flaring aquamarine.


    "I''m sorry, Liliane," he rubbed my arm to ease the panic attack. Slowly the lump building up in my throat disappeared. What the hell just happened.


    -Did you experience it too?


    "What...?" I frowned at Demos staring up at us. "What was that?" I said finally finding my voice. Grant shook his head making his curls fall over his forehead.


    "I still need to try," he turned to Nicolai waiting up ahead for us. I could feel the weight of responsibility in each of this words. It was heavy. It was unbearable. How come Grant was carrying such a burden all this time? This made me forget a little about my own crisis.


    The road curved into a sharp turn to the right and a large blue building with a green cross appeared before us. We went straight to the entrance not minding to check the traffic lights as we did. This part was also stripped from all signs of life. From afar we could spot the tall column of smoke where once stood the eighty-eight floors apartment block where I live. The image of Lyla flashed before my eyes with a stab of guilt. It couldn''t be true. She was not a terrorist. She was many things but a killer was not one of them.


    "Get in," called Nicolai as he unlocked the front door. Grant slid his hand and the glass panel glided to the side. There was a heavy smell of detergent hanging in the air. I then realized it was the first time I set foot in Grant''s workplace. I''ve desperately tried to shove it out of my mind.


    "This way," Nicolai hurried down the long corridor lit by large overhead tubes. There were smiling people in green meadows on the walls and orange and green plastic chairs along the way. We emerged in what looked like a waiting room. There was a white desk with ''welcome'' written in a friendly pale green on the side. They dropped their bags on the floor and scanned the perimeter. no one in sight.


    "I haven''t realized Adrien was really going to build a hospital for you," I lowered my eyes ashamed that I''ve doubted his words. I felt his warm hand squeeze my shoulder.


    "Do you need a consultation?" he chuckled. "I can wear a white blouse if you want," Nicolai gave us a dark look.


    "Now, it not the time for that kind of play," my cheeks instantly flushed with embarrassment. Grant pulled me into his arms.


    "Don''t worry Princess, we''ll get a lot of free time once we get on the boat," he whispered into my hair. He let go of me as quickly as he had hugged me. I was left a little stunt. For a second, the Grant I knew was back. But as fleeting, he was already gone. He quickly followed behind Nicolai and they both disappeared behind a door marked staff.


    -So, I guess it''s just the two of us.


    I turned to the wolf standing by the side a little perplexed. Should I wait for them here or ran after them. I marched to a nearby seat and sunk on it with a sigh. I wasn''t aware I was that tired and that thirsty.


    "Something to drink..." I muttered then relaxed with my head leaning on the soft cushion. Demos joined me, his appearance seemed to blur and morphed. I had to blink a couple of times to be sure there wasn''t something wrong with my sight. Then I saw him take his human appearance, n.a.k.e.d in his full glory I gasped and averted my eyes.


    "What the hell," I jumped and concealed my burning face. "Put on some clothes. Don''t you have any shame! Oh my gosh!" my heart drummed in my chest. I can''t believe I actually saw everything. Damn it, the image will be forever imprinted in my mind.


    "Shame? We artificial don''t understand that fictional concept. Why should one feel shame?" he laughed. I heard his heavy footsteps marched to where the bags were, followed by the rustled of fabrics. I was tempted to peek, but my vicious moral prevented me from doing so. I can''t believe I saw everything.


    -I''m waiting.


    "Mm, what did you said?" I shook my head trying to think straight. He chuckled louder and I heard Demos approached me. But I squeezed my eyes and kept my hands over my face. I didn''t want to see him right now...well, I did. Oh! What the hell was that feeling and why wasn''t my pulse slowing down already?


    "Stop replaying the scene. If you want to see me n.a.k.e.d again I''ll be happy to oblige," his voice was so close that it cause goosebumps to broke all over my body. Shit! This was clearly not the time or the place.


    "Shame is something you felt when you''re... mm, well, when you''re n.a.k.e.d and don''t want others to see you. When you''re afraid of failure? Humiliation? Ah!" I pulled my hand away, out of sheer frustration and found him sitting next to me fully clothed. He was bending down pulling on his shoes. My face instantly went bright red.


    "Does shame involve your ears blushing?" he gave me a crooked smile that made me when to throw myself out of the window. I quickly hid them with my messy mess, then noticed they were covered with dust and smelling like barbecue.


    "Shame to me is just a word. A foreign concept. Like many complicated social norms, humans impose on each other. I don''t fully grasp it all," he copper eyes rested on me. I melted in them. There was definitely something wrong with my head. He brushed a stray lock from my burning face. I couldn''t look away. He pulled me in like a magnet. Damn mate link.


    -You''re even beautiful in battle mode


    A slow smile spread over his lips. How can he say cheesy words without such a straight face? And how come I can fall for that? Ok, he is so damn handsome.


    -Thanks for the compliment.


    "Guys! Doctor Churchhill is on the line!" shouted Grant standing in front of the door they previous disappeared behind.

 Chapter 76 - No purpose

    We hurried behind Grant and entered a sort of theater. There were seats facing a large screen where Dr. Churchhill was staring straight ahead. Nicolai stood very still, facing away from us. An eerie atmosphere reign over the rather large room. A suffocating blanket.


    "Di-did something happened?" I hesitated. The doctor''s enormous face on the screen turned towards me.


    "It''s Adrien," said Nicolai with eyes lost in the distance. I waited long minutes before he continued. "His helicopter experienced a malfunction on his way here," his voice was dry and emotionless.


    "Oh no," I brought my hand to my lips. "Is he ok?" I said in haste. But Nicolai didn''t answer. He just stood there, eyes empty.


    "Liliane," Grant touched my shoulder while shaking his head. Then it sunk in. He... was gone. No way! I couldn''t bring myself to accept it. Grant turned to screen.


    "Dr. Churchhill can''t you do something?" the man lowered his piercing gaze while pressing his lips into a hard line.


    "I''m sorry. I''ve already made numerous calls to old friends and pulled many strings to get this job. I was lucky enough their prototype blew up a couple of years ago. They had to start from scraps as a result," his sighed. "I had to lie about Miss Kerry and tell them, she is my assistant. And that both of you were precious prototypes to secure a spot on that boat. Nicolai is just a personal assistant," he shook his head in dismay. Grant squeezed his palms into fists.


    "But-" he started. Nicolai rose his hand to cut him short.


    "It''s ok, I''ll have to organize Adrien''s funeral and contact his family. I know he has one last family member in Europe... a nephew. When all the paperwork will be done, I''ll go back to Sognare for termination," my blood went cold in my veins. How could he talk so casually about his own death?


    "Nicolai," whispered Grant with a shaky tone. The artificial was staring at the floor. His bronze profile lit by the pale light from the display.


    "Unlike you, I was not his mate. When he is gone, I have no purpose," he said. The doctor cleared his throat to get our attention. I reluctantly took my eyes off Nicolai.


    "I can''t stay too long. I''ll send the transport right now. Here is the contact number of Olga. She is the one picking you up. I''ll wait at dock Q22. Be on time. The ship leaves at 6:30 pm sharp," the number of Olga flashed twice before the screen went black. The room was dead silent after that. Demos gave me a side-glance. He was quiet during the whole conversation.


    "I''m thirsty," I murmured, afraid to draw attention to myself. My stomach growled making him chuckled. I felt sorry for that excellent meat that I refused to eat earlier. What a shame, now it''s among the rumble of the 88 floors. Gruesome images of mutilated people flashed in my mind. I grabbed at Demos'' arms for support.


    "What''s wrong?" he frowned.


    "Water," I panted. He guided me away from the room. Leaving Grant and Nicolai behind.


    "I saw vending machines in the corridor on our way in. Let''s go find you something to eat too," he sighed. I nodded with a tight smile. It was a relief to walk away from the heavy atmosphere. I held on Demos as he strode and he didn''t mind.


    "Do you want to talk about what happened at our apartment? It must be very difficult for you to coop with all this. Know that I am here for you," I slowly shook my head. The memory was too raw to address it right now. And the denial still strong.


    "Are we really leaving Nicolai behind?" I steered the conversation to more pressing issues. I peeked at him. A slight annoyance made his lips twitch. Maybe, it wasn''t the right subject.


    "I''m sorry, I can''t answer," we reached the row of brand new machines only to find them empty. He scratched his head and sprung around.


    "Guess, they forgot to refill it," he sighed. "Maybe there is something around the corner," he stepped towards the glass door. I pulled with all my strength on his arm.


    "Wait! You''re not going outside," I shouted. He froze.


    "You need water and food. There should be a convenient store around the corner. It''s just a short walk. You stay here, it''s safer inside," he reassured me with a crooked smile. I felt like iron hands squeezing my throat. My heart jumped in my chest.


    "But, you promised," my voice a mere whisper. His eyes brow rose up.


    "Hey, what''s wrong?" he gently took me in his arms, while stroking my back.


    "You said, you will never leave me," I gasped for air. My vision blurred. He lifted me in his arms and guided me to a nearby seat. Where I was settled down carefully.


    -Grant come quick, Liliane is having a panic attack.


    Hasty footsteps joined me as I labored to catch my breath. Grant''s worried face peeked at me. I felt his cool hand pressed over my forehead. Sobs escaped from my lips.


    "Shh! It''s ok. You can cry," he pulled me in a sitting position and pulled my glasses off. Then he took me in his arms. My memory went fuzzy after that. When I wake up I was lying on a hard bed with a light sheet over my body. My shoes were gone. I blinked away the sleep and found Demos sitting in a red plastic chair next to the bed. His gaze on the window facing us.


    "What? What happened?" he instantly faced me with relief. A smile broke on his handsome face.


    "You had a little episode. It''s pretty normal after everything you went through," he stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. I scanned around the room and found it empty. Green curtains separating us from the next bed.


    "Where is Grant?" I felt a little disoriented and dizzy. Demos handed me an opened water can then helped me in a sitting position. I took the beverage and drank it to the very last drop.


    "Olga just arrived. They are loading the bags. I was going to carry you princess-style to the car," he chuckled. I can''t believe he was joking at such a critical moment. "Here," he ripped a cheese bread out of its paper packaging. The sweet and yet salty aroma spilled out. "You should eat," he pushed the loaf in my hands.


    -Is Liliane up?


    -Yes


    He fetched my shoes and gently pulled the strapped to get them open. I felt shivers as he caressed my ankles. I met his burning gaze. With trembling fingers, I let go of the bread, it rolled from my lap and landed on sheet. Bread crumbs on the bed. Oh, no!


    "You''re into foot fetish now?" I gasped as he ran one finger under my sole. Damn it, why was he so freaking s.e.xy? He grinned at my reaction.


    -Guys, it''s definitely not the time. Get your asses here, this instant!

 Chapter 77 - The docks

    I munched on the bread to the door. I''ve got to admit I was not hungry but who knows what might wait for us out there. The unknown, that''s for sure. For the last 24 hours, correction since that day I stared at that cyborg delivering my order from Sognare everything went south. In a good way and it the worse possible way too. Guess you can''t bake a cake without breaking the eggs. I was not homeless. Lost and probably poor. I was back to square one. Like that day I left that damn happy house.


    "Liliane," Demos waited at the glass door with a frown. "We need to hurry. They are putting up roadblocks all around level 22," he explained. When I got out I found Grant standing next to a black SUV with Olga in the driver seat.


    "Where is Nicolai?" I asked peeking around the corner to see if I''ve missed him as I walked out. And I didn''t find anything.


    "He had something to attend to," simply said Grant as he held the door for me. Demos climbed next to Olga in the front seat and Grant in the back with me. Olga nodded at me in the rearview window. I couldn''t keep my thoughts off of the fact that Nicolai was gone. We went through empty streets to the crowded and chaotic area near our fallen tower. People were screaming, ashes flew in the air. A couple of cyborgs formed a line to keep the frantic crowd overrunning the slow traffic. When we came to a stop a yelling man slammed his fist on the window where I was sitting. I jumped and reached for Grant. He took my hand in his and pulled me closer.


    "We are going to be fine," he murmured.


    "Wh-what about all these people?" I frowned at the crowd clogged near the gates where angry patrol agents waved and shoved people out of the way with clear plastic shields. "What will happen to all of them?" my voice quivered. The whirlpool of sounds assaulting me from all sides was terrifying. I couldn''t tear my eyes from the yelling man with yellow teeth. His face was covered with gray dust, hair turned completely white, eyes bulging.


    "They will be evacuated to a camp outside level 3," answered Olga in a flat tone. Her gaze didn''t leave the street when the traffic started to move again. Soon we moved to the highway, from here we had a full view of the city. The columns of black smoke rose on our left, tall towers sprung from a carpet of numerous smaller buildings. The late afternoon sun shone a dull orange through the dust carried in the air. Even if I''ve seen this view hundreds, maybe thousands of times while going to work or coming back home, it felt strangely alien.


    The more we went away the colder my heart grew. The heavier my soul felt. It was all gone. All of it. I felt Grant''s fingers lightly squeezed my hand. I peeked at him.


    "Please, stop saying it will be ok," I sighed. "You know very well it will never be the same...again," I paused and he averted his eyes. He knew it too. "I''m no fool," he just pulled me into a hug and we stayed in this position as we gazed at the speeding scenery. Demos kept staring at us through the rearview mirror. Right now, I didn''t want to hear lies. I listened to my own beating heart against Grant''s chest, a steady and constant rhythm.


    When the sun slowly sunk on the horizon, it''s violent oranges clashing with pinks and purples over the glittering waves, I pushed away from Grant. He was very still, eyes fixed on the bright spot as it descended in the water.


    "I''ve never been this far before," I admitted. Without thinking I pushed the button to lower the window. The wind blasted inside sending my hair in disarray. I gasped at the sudden gush. I chuckled at my own reaction and sprung around with a smile at Grant.


    "I''ve never seen a sunset at sea," he smiled back. I found Demos eagerly watching the horizon also. He rolled down his window and stuck out his head.


    "Aaaaah!" he howled. I busted into uncontained laughter.


    "Stupid, why are you howling to the sun. Shouldn''t wolves like do it at nighttime and to the moon," he turned around with a smile.


    "Wolves yells to signal their pack of danger, to comfort each other, when they are happy when they are sad, and especially when they are searching for their mates," he held my gaze then he turned back to the front. Olga didn''t appear to be disturbed in the slightest. She kept on driving with a stone face.


    They have so much to learn and experience.


    I have so much to learn from them.


    I''ve experienced so much since I''ve met them.


    Somehow, I can feel the change inside of me as I watch tall skyscr.a.p.ers blocking the view of the sunset. Olga slowed down her pace as we cruised between the apartment blocks, bright shops, and restaurants. We could still catch a glimpse of the ocean between buildings. By then, it had turned deep blue with a shade of pink lingering in the clouds overhead.


    "We are almost at the docks," announced Olga with a faint smile. The car stopped at a crossroad, over the windshield, information about the street and the direction to take to the docks appeared.


    500 meters to the right. There was yelling crowds, no angry cyborgs, no fire. People were going about their usual business oblivious of where we were and when we went through. It was shocking to see couples having early snacks on the terraces. Others smiling in front of stores.


    The car took a sharp turn to the right, leaving the lively city center behind. In this area the warehouses were massive. Squares next to squares stripped of every green. The street was deserted with few cars. We were surrounded by huge automated trucks heading to the harbor. Even if the SUV wasn''t tiny, it was overwhelming to be next to those trucks. The c.o.c.kpit was completely black with a stripe of orange running along its side. Pretty impressive. We followed them to a gate then turn away to the marina.


    Olga''s bracelet buzzed, she touched it without looking away from the road. Doctor Churchhill appeared on the windshield in front of Demos. He wore a concerned face.


    "Everything is ready," he didn''t greet her or us. He went straight to the point.


    "I''ll arrive in two minutes," said Olga. I saw masts poking out behind a gray decrepit warehouse. Flags from various countries floated in the evening sky. Stars were coming out one by one.


    "Finally," I whispered.

 Chapter 78 - Floating city

    The doctor stood on the deck his arms behind his back next to three other people dressed in yellow. They only noticed us when we were almost at their level. Demos was ahead with his both his and mine bag on each shoulder. Grant stood by my side holding my hand and Olga closed the procession with a stern face. I don''t think I saw her even smile once.


    "Grant!" he lifted his head towards us then turned to me. "Miss Kerry, I''m happy you were able to make it safely," he nodded his rusty colored hair swaying around his face. He came to join us leaving his friends behind. He marched straight to Olga and patted her shoulder with a slight smile, almost timid. Her eyes brightened up and she nodded back. I wasn''t sure she smiled, maybe the dying light left by the sun as it sunk behind the horizon played tricked on my vision. Olga was a stunning beauty, the cold type. Although he wore camo pants and high heel boots along with a tight black top she was still killing it. The doctor gave a quick glance at the end of the deck where the people in yellow stood, then turned back to us.


    "It''s time, we''ll leave in 5 minutes. Let''s get on board," he guided us to the small vessel bobbing on the now dark waves. The three people in yellow were a woman in her 40''s with short sandy blond hair who nodded at us, a large man with a well-kept beard about the same age as the woman, and a young man. At first, I thought they were a family. We took place in the embarkation. As Demos stepped on board, the boat shook dangerously. An expression of concern crossed the faces of our three strangers.


    "I''ll sit in the back," announced Demos and we had to squeeze on the other side. He waited for the doctor''s signal to switch on the motor. The boat roared to life and jumped making me reached for the edge so that I don''t fall headfirst. Grant gave me a little smile, he sat next to the young man next to Demos while I was next to Dr. Churchhill. I wasn''t thrilled with our sitting arrangement. Frankly, I was scared. I''ve never been to the big ocean, let alone got on a boat. The way it heaved up and down as we broke across the waved made me sick. Grant mentioned that our trip will last at least one day. I had a sudden urge to cover my face and roll in a ball. I definitely don''t like this boat thing.


    "It''s the one on the left," pointed Olga at the slick-looking vessel with dotted lights along its side. I twisted around to watch the shiny black yatch came into view. We slowed our pace as we approached, this close it was imposing. Two cyborgs in stripes shirt and black pants helped secure our little embarkation. They held the side steady and reached a hand to assist the woman to cross. Dr. Chuchhill followed her then the large man. The young man stepped aside when it was his turn.


    "You go first, Miss," I caught his eyes in the twinkling lights dancing on the black waves. They were an unusual green color, he must be younger than me, eighteen or something. I instantly shook my head. I was holding the side of the boat as it rolled. Grant got up and smiled at the man.


    "Don''t worry, go first. It''s her first time on a boat," said Grant and the man nodded once then gave me a quick glance before making his way to the large vessel. Grant held out a hand for me.


    "You can let go of now, I''ll help you, ok" I slowly reached with shaky hands. He pulled me up in rapid movement making me squeal. Demos chuckled behind me.


    -Scared?


    I flashed him a dark look then leaned against Grant when the boat swayed from a sudden wave. We got on with much difficulty. My legs tremble when my eyes fell on the dark water between the tiny boat and the landing where the two cyborgs stood. The one on the left had a black shiny faceplate with a straight vertical light running across it. The other man had a dark gray mat surface with three tiny dots. I called them Line and Dots. Line caught me when my legs went out under me.


    "Easy, Miss," he said in a deep emotionless voice. I quickly let go when Grant joined me. They both turned to Grant at the same time. He smiled at them and patted their shoulders.


    "We are sorry, we don''t run on the same program. It''s impossible to acknowledge new commands," said Dots. "Yet, we will be happy to serve," he added. The lights on his face blinked as he spoke. I gave Grant an inquiring look, which he dismissed with a smile.


    "Let''s give some room to Demos," he pulled me the stairs where the other members had disappeared. I heard a loud thump and saw Demos smiling at me on the landing. Did he just jump from the boat to the edge? I had to squeeze my way to the upper part of the yacht.


    "What happened to Nicolai?" I asked when I reached the head of the stairs. Grant looked up in surprise. He then lowered his gaze. The question has been killing all along the way.


    "I''ve convinced him to meet Alter on the docks when he is done with his paperwork," he paused in the middle of the stairs.


    "And you believe him?" I frowned. His eyes met mine, dark and stormy.


    "I do," his undying trust toward his kind pissed me off. I sprung around and join the other members of our little group. There stood other people surely the crew.


    "Welcome on board," said a jolly man in white. "I''m your Captain. Call me Thomson, cause that''s my name," he laughed at his own joke. He was tan, the kind you get from spending too much time in the sun. This white jacket and white cap stood against the color of his skin. Beside him stood a cook, also in white with a white apron. It had stain on in one edge. "This is Donald, he is damn good, you''ll love it so much here you won''t be able to leave," Thomson gave out a throaty laugh that the whole audience happily joined.


    "Well, people, the trip will take some 24 hours if you have a smooth sail. Maybe more if the sea goddess gets a little bitchy. Let''s hope you she in a good mood tonight. Say goodbye to Port Farfaron, we are now leaving civilization behind," with that he marched to the c.o.c.kpit and close the door behind him.


    Grant pulled me to the deck, the view was stunning. All the lights from the city we saw previous appeared to float on the black waves. Grant wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me closer.


    "It''s beautiful," I whispered. He kissed my hair and I let out a sigh. How I wish this was a romantic trip to some deserted island.


    "It can still be a romantic trip to a deserted island," murmured Grant in my ear. It sent shivers down my spine. Footsteps behind us made me jump away from Grant breaking our intimacy. When I face the intruder, my face dropped. Demos had a strange expression on his face.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked.


    "Check the new channel," he simply added.

 Chapter 79 - The terror

    Demos pointed to my bracelet, I followed his finger. Scrolled on the local news network. A mosaic of a hundred different screens appeared before me. Each displaying almost the same thing. Sequences of the attacks that took place today. Confused I looked up at Demos.


    "Turn on the twelve," he tipped his chin and I did as I was told. The screen change to channel twelve. A young woman with a yellow blazer stared straight at me.


    "We have the identity of the bomber from 88 floors, Claris tower found on level 22. She is a young woman of 26, working as a Lab technician in the largest biofarming industry. So far the investigators found traces of her DNA on the remains in the elevator shaft," I frowned at the woman then met Grant''s concerned face.


    "Did you lend your friend anything before she left?" he asked. I did a mental rewind of the latest event. Trying hard not to go into another panic attack when the images of the crumbling tower rushed back at me.


    "She... took a shower... and took some of my clothes," I answered in doubt.


    "That bitch!" snapped Demos making me jump. "Who knows, she might be out there laughing her ass off!" he glared at me. "I can''t believe this is happening!" he fumed. My heart drummed inside my chest, I wasn''t sure I grasped the full story.


    "Are you saying that Lyla... might be alive?"


    "Even if the details are vague, it points towards you. I think she wanted to frame you as the bomber on our apartment," commented Grant. "And I also think she could be alive. But nothing is certain," he shook his head. My mind was flashing too much information at the same time, I felt dizzy.


    "No, no, wait. Lyla...? Are we even talking about the same person, here?" I laughed. "She''s a cheerful, mindless girly fashionista who likes when men buy her pretty things. She likes parties and cheap champagne. Lyla who always complains that I''m too serious. She''s everything but a terrorist!" I almost screamed. They both gaze at me with pity. At least, that''s what I saw.


    "Liliane, not all humans have good intentions," Grant said in a flat tone. Demos nodded in agreement. I let out a chuckle, I was on the brink of insanity. It couldn''t be real.


    "What about you, Grant? What are your intentions? Cause lately, mine doesn''t seem to be the priority," he pressed his lips in a fine line and narrow his eyes.


    "Is there a problem here?" asked the young man with green eyes. He came out of the shadows Demos turned and faced him. He was taller and wider than the newcomer. But the man didn''t flinch in front of Demos. He kept his eyes on me. Even if I admired that people cared about my well-being, I didn''t like the interruption.


    "It''s ok," I gave him a tight smile.


    "We are hers so mind your own business, Sir," Demos said through gritted teeth. The guy gave me one last uncertain look before turning back to the deck where I could hear lively chatter. I sighed and leaned against the railing and cross my arms over my chest.


    "What''s wrong with that guy?" Demos gazed at the darkness.


    "Jealousy is not cute," I commented.


    "Deal with it," he faced with a smirk. Grant remains silence, eyes locked on the bay as we slowly moved away. The salty wind brushed against my face helping me ease out of the bad mood.


    ***


    As the bright lights of the bay turned to one straight line across the horizon Dr. Churchhill called us inside for dinner. Donald, the cook served a delicious steak with sauce and boiled veggies. Since the table only had space for seven people Grant and Demos waited by the wall as Dots and Donald placed the plates in front of us. Dots turned away and nodded to my mates and they both followed him outside leaving me alone with this cast of strangers.


    "It''s not every day that we get such prestigious members of robotics gathered around this table," said the large man. The doctor laughed at the inside joke leaving the captain and the cook who just joined us wondering. When he noticed his faux pas he cleared his throat.


    "I mean Dr. Churchhill and Dr. Nadaly are two of the top-notch experts in AI and robotics. Both worked for decades in the field. Even if they don''t usually get along on some topics we can''t deny their genius," the woman blushed while Dr. Churchhill clapped.


    "Stop it, Angus, you''re making Evy blush," he laughed and raised his glass. "To what is waiting for us on that island," the other imitated him and I did the same. The glassed clicked together. The captain laughed along. Angus complimented Donald on the dish. I ate in silence as I followed the small talk.


    "So why did you choose to build your own company," asked the young man whom I didn''t know the name yet. Dr. Churchhill wiped his mouth before answering.


    "I''m a hopeless romantic, I''m afraid. After the death of my wife, Miranda. I spend too much time in our house with all her memories. So each day after work, I would go down my bas.e.m.e.nt work on this side project. That soon became an obsession. Since at work I was commissioned to make an AI base on logic, I tried this crazy idea," he paused and his eyes meet mine. There was a flash of recognition in them then he turned back to his audience. "I wanted to make a machine that could feel, genuine human emotions," the woman, called Evy snorted.


    "Nonsense!" she shoved a piece of meat into her mouth and took her time to chew it down.


    "As I was saying, grief and loss was my main drive on this crazy project," the doctor resumed after a couple of minutes. "I wrote extensively about it before going public. Since I know the views of the scientific community. My work was largely base on Dr. Laurell''s papers about splitting. I believe he is also working on that smart city project on that island," Angus quickly nodded in agreement.


    "He sure is a brilliant man, but a little too eccentric for my taste," added Agnus, he drained down this glass.


    "You mean more eccentric that Dr. Churchhill. He is running a dating company where you order your own mate, for god sake," laughed the young man. Everyone laughed except the woman and me. Was that supposed to be a guy joke?


    "Can you explain it for us, common people," the captain leaned on the table with keen interest. The cook was smiling from ear to ear.


    "Well, Sognare''s concept is very simple. We scan your brain wave connector and tailormade an ai that will fit your taste. There are different scenarios that are preprogrammed so that it feels natural. Then you pick up your favorite physical type. Voila," my breath caught up in my throat. I tried to wash it down with wine. It was a bad idea.


    "Preprogrammed?" the word slipped before I could stop myself. The table went silent around me. All gaze rested on my paled face.


    "Of course it is Miss Kerry. As I said before, I''ve tried numerous times to recreate genuine emotions but failed miserably. So I gave the illusion of true love. Since we humans can''t really love as the imate can. We are not selfless, that''s for sure. We can''t give undying attention to our partners, we can''t even begin to read women''s emotions," he chuckled and all the guy did the same. Another inside joke. Evy crossed her arms on her chest. She had pushed her half-eaten steak away. She was clearly not enjoying the talk and me either.


    "What are the stats?" asked Angus eager to hear more.


    "The market went ballistic on the first batch. My clientele was mostly male. But don''t get me wrong this is not some guy''s fantasy to build oneself a harem. We don''t take the imate back cause you''re bored with the new toy. It is built for companionship and not a s.e.x toy," he waved an index at the audience.


    "Machines can''t replace a real relationship," snapped Evy. The doctor lowered his head and sadness crept on his features. He suddenly looked older.


    "I know, I feel her absence every single day. But for some lonely people... it is all they will ever know," my blood went cold in my veins. I had the impression he was speaking directly at me. I rose up on shaky legs and excused myself. Eyes followed me to the door.

 Chapter 80 - One light on the horizon

    [unedited]


    Sniffing and desperately fishing in my pockets for something to wipe my tears, I smashed straight into a hard chest. I jumped back and gazed at the person facing me. The inky sky made it hard to spot anything in front of my nose.


    "Liliane, what''s the matter?" shinning copper eyes stared down at me. Grant was standing a couple of steps behind him. Right now, I didn''t want to be near them. Dr. Churchhill ruined everything I''ve built with only one word. Preprogrammed.


    "I-I''m tired," I sniffed. Grant stepped forward.


    "I''ve just spoken to Olga. Since they only have three rooms, Dr. Nadaly offered to share hers with you," he hesitated. "Liliane, what did Dr. Churchhill said that upset you?" I lowered my head, I knew Grant was going to read through my acts.


    -Come on, you don''t need to hide anything from us.


    Demos pulled me gently by my shivering shoulders into a hug. I clung to the back of his shirt with desperate hands. A chill wind tugged at my t-shirt exposing my waist. A pale glow came from the side panel, a little further to the front in the kitchen where low chatter could be heard. The motors were almost silent against the splashing of waves. The yacht had two levels, the lower one was filled with stocks and equipment while the upper one held the cabins, the c.o.c.kpit, and a tiny kitchen where we had dinner. The living space, as the captain commented earlier, was cramp due to the short delay they had to get everything on board.


    "I''m not that lonely, right?" I murmured against his chest. "I''m not some broken human being who can only seek comfort from artificial, right? I''m not a freak," he stroke my hair and kissed the top of my head.


    "Is this why you are upset?" said Grant crossing his arms over his chest with a sigh. I abruptly pushed away from Demos glaring at him.


    "All this time, I thought what we had between us was genuine. I really did. But I was fooled since Dr. Churchhill just told me you both were preprogrammed to feel the way you do towards me," I shouted feeling my tear threatening to spill over once again. Grant didn''t flinch.


    "Of course we are. What did you expect?" he sighed and ran his fingers into his hair. "Liliane, you ordered us from a company that makes custom boyfriend! Of course, we''ll be programmed to love you and only you. We''ve synced and all for God sake, why are we even going all over this again?" Grant let his arms slid on both sides. His manners and way of expressing himself were more and more human. That is left me a little shocked.


    "I may not be a big deal for you, but it is for me," I frowned.


    "Ok, so what do you want us to do to show we really care?" his eyes met mine. Resignation filled them. Somehow, I didn''t have an answer.


    -Liliane, what are you trying to say?


    Demos'' voice echoed in my head as my thoughts clashed together. We all three stood in silence as the minutes stretched on. The dark clouds ahead concealing a brilliant full moon slowly dispersed. We were near the stairs leading to the lower level in a corner where no one could see us if they venture out for a smoke. Large patches of shadow played over the wood flooring. The crisp outline of the modern vessel cut against the black sky dotted by twinkling stars. The moonlight cut the upper half of my mates accentuating their unearthly beauty, I was left in the gloom as I watch them.


    "I wanted a romantic escape on a luxury boat. Damn, that sounded like a dream," I chuckled. "But why doesn''t it work?" I sighed.


    "You should just let it go and try to enjoy yourself," commented Grant.


    "You stress too much on the small details. We are preprogrammed to love you, so what?" added Demos with a smirk. "F.u.c.k this!" he pulled me by the waist and his lips crushed over mine taking my breath away. He pushed me against the wall next to the staircase, hands caressing my hair. All kinds of contradictory orders sprung in my mind as I let a m.o.a.n escape my lips. His tongue forced his way to my complete submission and I relaxed into his arms. He pulled away to let me caught my breath.


    "Better," he chuckled. "Now we can get to the more serious stuff," I gasped as his fingers slip under the hem of my shirt. My back arched as he cupped one b.r.e.a.s.t.


    "Hey! There are people...they might come," yet I arched my head to meet his kiss. This was insane. What had gotten into him? This was no time for that kind of thing. However, all rational thoughts went out of the window when he pressed his thigh between my legs. I melted in his embrace, my hands gripped on his shirt.


    "Don''t let go," he smiled into my lips. I blinked when the thought of having Grant standing there watching us. My face went flaming red. Oh god, what was I doing? I caught Grant smiling then he walked towards us and stood next to me. I instinctively pulled my hands up to hide my head. The shame! But Demos caught them and pinned them against the wall.


    "Wh-what are you...?" Grant put a finger on his lips.


    "We''ve never got a proper honeymoon, right wifey?" he smirked. I stared with wide eyes. What? My heart raced as he leaned and his mouth covered mine. I don''t remember when Demos let go of me. Only when Grant''s tongue plunged in exploration. Soon hands roamed under my shirt, I couldn''t tell whose. I found myself sandwiched between the two. Kisses burning every inched of the skin of my neck.


    "Wait... guys," I groaned. I shivered when a hand ran over the zipper of my jeans. Liliane, get a grip! What the f.u.c.k! Making out in public with two guys, don''t you have any shame? I scolded myself.


    -Relax, we''re only enjoying our romantic trip lit by a full moon. How much more romantic can it be?


    Somehow he got a point. But that didn''t mean he was right. Grant let go of lips leaving me panting for more. He lowered his aquamarine eyes to my face. Demos also retrieved his hands leaving my skin tingling everywhere he had touched. I could bearly hold myself on my shaky legs.


    "Don''t use tricks on me," I frowned.


    "No tricks," he rose his hand in surrender. "Do you really want it? We won''t continue unless you give us your consent," whispered both of them with one voice. It was eerie to have both speaking at the same time, voice merging into each other. If this was a dream, I don''t want to ever go back to reality. Grant pulled my glasses off and placed it in the top pocket of this shirt. I watched with tingling anticipation, cheeks melting off my face. I couldn''t get rid of my stupid smile across my lips. I nodded unable to utter the words. He took my left hand and lifted it to his lip. He kissed the gold band around my finger.


    "I promise next time we''ll do it at 100%," he murmured. I jumped when Demos dropped a kiss on the nape of my neck. I sprung around covering the spot with my hand. He only grinned with dangerous eyes.


    "Shit!" I smiled. Moonlight reflected in Grant''s wavy curls. This was crazy. Right now, crazy was enough. He slowly unbuttoned his shirt and hang it on a nearby lamp. I heard a rustle behind me, when I peeked over my shoulder I Demo was shirtless. I quickly tore my gaze off his delicious n.a.k.e.d chest.


    "Shit," I repeated losing my smile. Shit, indeed! I let go of sanity as both pressed against me. The contact of our skin felt like fireworks. Lips roaming and teeth nipping. Fingers dared to wander down my opened zipper. I trembled with pleasure. With my eyes closed, I savored each new sensation.


    -You feel amazing...such delicate textures.


    Demos'' voice inside my head peaked my pleasure, my legs gave away but strong caught me. I was laying on a hard floor over scattered clothing. I panicked when I noticed Demos pulled on the legs of my jeans. Grant already pulled my shirt over my head. My breath came out sharp. Ears ringing.


    "What if someone..." my heart hammered ready to explode. Exposed in public wasn''t how I envisioned my first time with them. Kissing two guys was hard enough to get me running to the hills. I wasn''t a v.i.r.g.i.n. Where did my morals run off to? I wanted s.e.x to be intimate and comfortable with soft pillows. Not raw and urgent. Yet, I wasn''t sure I wanted to stop.


    "We''ll make it as comfortable as possible," chuckled Grant. I didn''t stop one second to think about the logistic. The mechanic od how artificial actually have s.e.x. I guess that wasn''t the priority at that point.


    "I''ll be gentle," he promised.


    My shirt and pants were gone, I wrapped my arms across my chest and thighs. Both knelt near me in their boxers. Wait, this is wrong. But before I could muster a protest Grant ran his hands over my bare legs make goosebumps break all over my skin. I arched against his touch as he pulled away. Demos positioned himself behind me, legs spread on both sides with my back resting his chest. He reached to kiss and I immediately responded.


    "Next time, we''ll get a nicer setting," he smiled. "Next time, you will have me," Grant''s hands tugging at my panties made me flinched taking my attention Demos dangerous smirk. He ran sweet kissed along my thighs. I dug my fingers in his hair, he groaned and looked. He smiled, a little shyly.


    "I love you, and no program guided me to say so," he got closer and lightly kissed my lips. I threw my arms around his neck. "I promise to always be yours," he dropped another kiss on my temple. I didn''t care about the hard surface either the chill breeze or being exposed. I closed my eyes and melted as he delicately entered. We all rocked at the same rhythm. Connected through the link. Broken thoughts merged into each other. Demos chuckled in my ear when the movement intensified, Grant groaned and Demos bite neck making me crunched with bliss. I ran my fingers in his hair holding on to him and we all climax.


    Wreckage of our passionate moment washed over me when Demos shook me awake. My ears rang, he pulled me to my feet. I quickly retrieved my wrinkled garments with a giggle. Grant was already dressed and frowning at the horizon. I wobbled and bumped into Demos'' chest as he pulled his t-shirt down.


    "I desperately need a shower," I laughed. He pulled me against him and kissed me. I can''t get enough of the kissed. Grant gave me a timid smile and quickly averted his eyes.


    "There''s something coming this way," Demos broke the embrace. My smile dropped. But a shower was my top priority.


    "I''m going to Dr. Nabaly''s cabin," Demos followed me without dropping his stupid blissful smile. The fool he was going to give us away. I don''t know if I can face the others right now. I was sure everyone on the freaking boat knew what we were up to. Liliane, you''ve completely lost it, scolded that tiny voice inside my head. I quickly shoved it away, doing my best to keep a poker face.


    "Quit smiling, I''m trying to act normal here. I can''t believe we did it on a freaking boat, I''ll through myself off-board from shame," I couldn''t keep my happiness out of my threat. In two quick-stepped he hugged me from behind making me yelp. My body was still sensitive from our torrid loving.


    "You should never feel shame being with us," his nuzzled my hair making me m.o.a.n. The door from the kitchen flung opened. Dr. Churchhill paused when he noticed us. He cleared his throat. I lowered my eyes wanting to die. My face blazing.


    "I''m happy you''re taking good care of my masterpiece," he said with a crooked smile. Demos didn''t let go of my waist, actually, he held on tighter.


    "How tactless to make a young woman blush," there was a sharp edge in Demos voice. The doctor''s smile dropped. Both glared at each other.


    "Dr. Churchhill!" called Grant. "Call the Captain, there a boat approaching," he added.

 Chapter 81 - Visitors

    Demos left me in front of Dr. Nadaly''s cabin, he was eager to get back to Grant for some reason. He handed me my bag and I got inside. It was a small room with two beds on the left on top of each other. On the opposite was a small office area where the doctor was sitting while typing. she looked up when I entered.


    "Hey, it''s Liliane isn''t it?" she gave me a polite smile which I replied with a nod.


    "I''m only here to use the shower," she tipped her chin to the door next to the entrance.


    "Go right ahead, I just used it. I had a long day and I''ll go to sleep just after I''m finished with this," I nodded again and kneeled to the floor to get my stuff to the bathroom. "You know, you shouldn''t let those old farts get to you," I peeked at her. Dr. Nadaly had resumed her frenetic typing. "Churchhill mentioned you were working for him," she laughed. "I use to be one of his technicians in my young days. He is such an asshole, really. Well, not that you haven''t already figured that part out," she paused with her typing and glanced at me. "His utopic view of life is so outdated. Really, he wants to breathe life and emotion into a machine? Bullshit, right?" I gave her a nervous laugh. I didn''t pay attention two what bottle I pulled from the bag and only noticed that it was the boy''s shower gel that I had. When I turned back to the bag, she went on.


    "I use to be like you, I had ambitious, I wanted to make the world better. But it all changed when he made his first prototype," she voice trailed off and her eyes lost their shine. "It was then that I finally realized Churchhill was not just an eccentric old fart. The thing he created freaked me out so bad I soon gave him my letter of resignation and went to work for the military," she laughed out into controllable laughter. I stared at her, there was something unnerving about his woman. I better head to the shower before she continues with her tale. I got to my feet and grabbed the knob.


    "Liliane?" she called and I peeked over my shoulder. "Aren''t you creeped out with those two constantly following you around?" she c.o.c.ked her head to the side, scanning my face. I took a deep breath and smiled the best I could. After what just happened I my faith in my mate was rock solid.


    "I''m perfectly fine having them around. They saved my life more than once. I don''t think any human can replace them... I''m what others call a freak," I said calmly. The doctor opened her mouth then closed it and turned back to her work without saying a word. With that, I went for a quick shower. While drying I noticed several bruises and scratches along my arms and on my thighs. Frankly, it was a very long day and I was eager that tomorrow comes, I thought.


    I slipped on a fresh pair of underwear and since I only had the pants I was wearing I put it back on. The shirt was replaced with a hot red one. I rolled the dirty landry in a ball. When I got out, the lights in the office area were out and Doctor Nadaly was tucked in the lower bunk-bed. There were muffled sounds coming from outside. I soundlessly got out, I spotted Demos instantly. There was a lot of running around going on.


    "What''s going on?" I shouted. Demos rushed to my side.


    "Why are you out? Stay inside," he frowned. There was definitely something going on.


    "Tell me," I urged. He pressed his lips together then sighed.


    "It''s a patrol boat. They are going to board us," my mouth hung open.


    "But why?" he ran his hand in his hair.


    "They said they are after a suspect and checking all boats leaving town," my eyes dropped to the floor. Wait, that was only standard procedure. There''s nothing wrong here and we have nothing to hide so why the alarm?


    "I''d prefer if you stay inside ok," he said in a gentler tone. I understood his concern yet I couldn''t let them face whatever was coming alone. I could feel our connection has deepened. I looked up in his beautiful cooper eyes and smiled.


    "It''s ok, I''ll feel safer when I''m with you," I reached out for his hand, he took mine pulled it to his lips.


    "You stay next to me, okay. Do not speak or anything crazy," I chuckled as his overprotective attitude.


    "I''m not the crazy one," I poked his chest with my index. A slow crooked smirk appeared on his face.


    "Are you sure? It was pretty crazy earlier. Now each time, I''ll see a full moon I''ll replay our honeymoon," I gaped and slapped him on the shoulder.


    "Who''s tasteless now!" quick footsteps on the bridge caught our attention. A strong beam of light swayed over the side of the yacht. Everyone was looking at the railing. We went to join the other members and found a speedboat stopped with two cyborgs at the control and two humans staring up at us.


    "We only want to verify the identities of the occupants since this vessel doesn''t seem to have a manifest," called one of the officers. Dots clipped a foldable ladder to the railing and let it drop to the boat below. The two human officers gave a nod to the cyborgs and climbed toward us. On the final step, Dots helped both to our side.


    "Who is in charge?" asked one of them as he pulled a small flashlight from the back of his belt. The Captain stepped forward with his hand extended which the officer ignored. He flashed the light in his face making him back away.


    "Name?" he simply asked in a rather dry tone.


    "Dean Thomson, captain of this ship. I work for the EvenMorph Alliance, I do transit from the port to the Dyneapolis every 3 days for the past 2 years," the officer scrolled through the screen hovering above his wrist. Captain Thomson transferred his information to the two officers and they both nodded.


    "Dyneapolis? Is it that smart city thing some crazy scientists building?" grinned the one on the left. Angus and the young man, whom I still didn''t know his name shifted nervously. Bet that was a touchy subject. He flashed his light towards us.


    "So, you folks are scientists? I see two artificial...is everyone here?" he reverted to his business tone. Demos stepped in front of me blocking my view. I then noticed Grant standing in the front row next to Dr. Churchhill.


    "No," said the captain. "Donald our cook is in the kitchen and Dr. Nadaly is sleeping. It''s pretty late," the first officer pointed the light in his face making his winch.


    "Call both of them, we need to verify your ID," said the man.


    "For what reason?" called Demos from the back. Both officers paused and glared at him. However, Demos remained calm. The one with the flashlight pushed the captain to the left and came towards us.


    "Everyone whom we''ve okayed stands on the left. You!" he pointed to Demos. "Move," he waved. Demos peeked over his shoulder at me.


    -Stay here, don''t move.


    He then went to the officer who shone his light on purpose into his eyes. But Demos didn''t budge. Demos showed him his identification. The man frowned, his colleague joined him.


    "What''s wrong?" asked the first officer.


    "It''s one of ours from level 21," he turned back to Demos. "Why aren''t you at your post?" he inquired.


    "I had to secure my owner," he answered. Both of them frowned at the data on the screen.


    "This is odd, he is a mate model," he looked back at Demos. "Why are you even in the police? You''re a domestic model, not a military one," he asked with his eyebrow arched.


    "I am," simply said Demos. Dr. Churchhill stepped forward with his arms up.


    "Sir, I don''t see the problem here," he smiled. The officer with the flashlight glare at him.


    "Hey, an old man steps back," the captain raised his hand when he saw the man reached for his gun. Demos caught him before he took the weapon, startling the officer. Then he let go as quickly as he grabbed his hand and rose his in the air.


    "This is Dr. Churchhill, President of Sognare and my creator. Please do not point a gun at him, Sir," said Demos through gritted teeth. The man took a step back while rubbing his hand.


    "Everyone, ID, now!" he shouted. He shot angry eyes at Demos who slowly backed away towards the captain. They proceed towards Dr. Churchhill and roughly pushed him out of the way. Angus and the unknown young man were next. Both got the same treatment. When it came to my turn Grant stepped in front of me. His new arm shielding me. For a fraction of a second, I was back at our apartment with Jay Dawson ready to slash into him.


    "Sir, please refrain to use violence towards her," he threatened. Both of them chuckled and tried to shove him away.


    "Grant!" I called with a small voice while gripping the back of his shirt. He peeked over his shoulder.


    "They are just doing their job," even though my voice shook, I raised my chin and met their gazes.


    "ID!" shouted one of them. With trembling hands, I send them my data. They took a minute, then shared a puzzled look. "It''s her!" he reached out to grab me but Grant stopped him. In seconds, Demos was behind them. His eyes blazing blue, teeth razor blades.


    "Demos! Calm down," called Grant. "Gentlemen, everyone calms down and everything will be ok. First of all, why are you here and who are you searching for?" the two officers shifted nervously. The one Grant was holding had blank dead eyes.


    "The bombings... we had DNA samples of one of the suspects... level 22. We followed her trailed to a camera on the docks. We believe she fled in a boat. Her name... Liliane Kerry... We don''t know how yet she is connected to the Real humans," he said in a mechanical tone. His colleague gasped at Grant, fear all over his features.


    "Wh-what did you do to him?" Grant reached and held him by the wrist and he too turned into a zombie with vacant eyes.


    "Now, both of you will get off this ship and will report that you''ve checked all the IDs and you didn''t find any anomalies," both of them nodded. He released them and they stepped back a little disoriented. Grant smiled and they just stared confused as to what had just happened.


    "Well, we are done here," they both rapidly went to the ladder. Faster than they came and more than a little freaked out. The captain and the other were stunts speechless. When Grant moved to verify if the officers made into their boats they all flinched even Dr. Churchhill.


    After a moment, the motor of the police boat roared to life, they circled our ship before speeding away. I finally released the breath I didn''t notice I was holding. The deck was very still.


    "Please, tell me I don''t have to alter your memories," said Grant with a sigh.

 Chapter 82 - His Powers

    the cook came barging out of his kitchen with a huge spoon in his hand. He panted, eyes darting from the speeding boat to the shock audience. Demos stepped in front of me, I don''t think any of the men was a real threat to us. Since those two could easily punch their way out of any attack.


    "What the hell just happened," shouted Agnus. He was the first to open his mouth. Dr. Churchhill took a hesitant step forward. Demos flashed his teeth. He raised his palms with a smile.


    "I never wrote that script," he started. "It was never meant to control people. I took Miss Kerry''s anxiety issues into account when I wrote your code. I thought that adding this option will help switch her depression to a happy mood. Did you alter it?" he stopped half-way, he had a most peculiar expression on his face. A mix of curiosity and euphoria. Grant just keep a cool face, watching him as he approached.


    "Wh-who taught you?" his hands reached out to touch his arms. Grant just allowed him. "That''s extraordinary...amazing," he laughed. "Can you change my mood and order me to stop touching you?" the doctor peeked into his face. What the hell was he talking about? It confirmed the guy was eccentric...maybe even crazy. What pissed me, even more, was his dirty hands over my mate. Grant''s eyes changed color and the old man jumped away from him as if stunt. He rubbed his hands together while laughing.


    "I-I can''t believe it," he murmured to himself. Donald, the cook went to join the other members. He asked in a low voice about what just happened. Thomson shook his head. He wasn''t sure he could answer that question. Actually no one was sure what just happened.


    "Is it why you insisted to have those two on board," asked the young man. Dr. Churchhill grinned at him with pride.


    "Ok, I''m too tired to give a shit. Let''s go to sleep," he turned towards Dots. "Set coast to Dyneapolis. I don''t want to delay. I want to get rid of your people as soon as possible. There are enough rumors about this cursed island already," he walked away to his cabin and slammed the door behind him.


    "What is he talking about? Cursed island?" I whispered to Grant. Angus looked up at me, face hollow.


    "There are a lot of new technologies tested there. No everyone has an open mind to understand them," he commented.


    "What kind of technologies?" I frowned.


    "Classified ones," the doctor cut in. A heavy silence settled around the group. The unknown young man yawned then chuckled when he noticed everyone was looking at him.


    "Oh, sorry, I guess I''m tired. I think I''ll hit the sack," he stressed on the last word. What an unusual language. He was probably trolling. He whistled as he walked away then disappeared behind the door next to Dr. Nadaly.


    "I''ll do the same. Goodnight folks" announced Angus he went through the same door as the previous man. It left us with Dr. Churchhill still gleaming.


    "I have so many questions to ask," he faced Grant. However, Grant lifted one hand up to stop him.


    "They will have to wait. Liliane is tired and we need to sleep. Is there an E3 socket here?" the man''s smile dropped.


    "No, unfortunately, the ship can''t hold E3 energy. It would be dangerous to have this level of power next to water. You''ll have to wait till we get to the island. How much autonomy do you have?" he inquired. I yawned as I tried to follow the conversation. I felt sudden fatigue taking over me.


    "1 hour and 24 minutes," Grant turned to Demos and both nodded at each other. "Demos has 2hours and 36 minutes," he then glanced at me. "I''m sorry but I''ll have to go to sleep mode to save my energy. Demos will stay with you as long as he can but he will eventually go to sleep mode too," I watched with dread. I didn''t want to be alone with those creepy strangers.


    -It''s ok, you just go to sleep with Dr. Nadaly


    I shook my head frenetically and grabbed on his shirt. I wasn''t going to obey his orders. I didn''t want to be alone with that strange woman. Dr. Churchhill chuckled behind us.


    "It''s ok, you can have my cabin. I''ll sleep in the kitchen, Olga will keep me company. I don''t think I''ll be able to sleep at all. My mind is buzzing. I guess I''ll work on some scripts," he smiled. With that, he left us and went to the lower level to search for Olga. Strange that she wasn''t around when the incident happened.


    "Come," Demos pulled me towards the door. I leaned against his arm and let him guide me. Grant Followed close behind. The cabin was the same as Dr. Nadaly''s. Demos pulled the two mattresses off the beds and closed the foldable beds back into the wall. He set the mattresses down and fixed the sheet. I smiled at him, it reminded me of our own bed. At least, we can all sleep together. He pulled off his shirt and pants, got on, patted the spot next to him.


    "Is this an invitation?" I chuckled. He rose an arched eyebrow at me.


    "I''m fear I can''t do any extreme exercises," he grinned and patted the bed again. I sighed and gave up. Demos was a cake that I can only admire and not eat. The ache! Grant went straight to the shower. He came to join us a couple of minutes later.


    "Goodnight, Princess," he lightly kissed me leaving my lips tingling and went to sleep. I stroked his hair watching as he drifted into slumber.


    "How does it feel when you sleep?" I murmured. Demos threw an arm around my waist and pulled me against him.


    "It feels lonely," he kissed the back of my neck making me shiver.

 Chapter 83 - A smooth pillow

    His face was peaceful, long lashes resting on his cheeks. I curled a lock of Grant''s hair around my index and sighed. I couldn''t take my eyes off him. His pointy ears poked from his wavy hair. One corner of my lips curled up.


    "I can''t imagine the weight on his shoulders," I whispered. Demos shifted and nuzzled my hair, I relaxed against him.


    "I''ll protect both of you," he said in a solemn tone. I chuckled.


    "Isn''t it weird to talk about yourself in the third person? I mean, since both of you are supposed to be one. You''ve hammered that thought into my head. I don''t think I''ve settled down with it if you ask me. It''s still too strange," I clumsily turned to face him and almost shoved my elbow into his face. He grinned and caught it just in time. I tried my best to cover my exposed belly from the rebellious T-shirt that wouldn''t cooperate. He watched with amus.e.m.e.nt.


    "Grant is part of me. We were only codes and didn''t have a body. So it was natural to be together all the time. However, things changed the first day I woke up in this body. I instantly felt the separation... the skin barrier. Grant was laying on a table next to me. When I reached to touch him," his voice trailed off. His beautiful cooper eyes were almost brown in the gloom. They had so much softness in them, it made my heart ached. "That''s why I understand humans, it must be really lonely," he peeked at me. He reached over and touched Grant lightly on the cheek. "I feel lonely, I don''t like when I can''t hear him," he retrieved his hand and let it rest on my waist. That throbbing inside my chest became unbearable. I snuggled against him burying my face in his neck. He leaned and kissed my hair.


    "Men don''t express their feelings," I said with a muffled voice. He rubbed my back and sighed.


    "I''m not human."


    "I can see that," I pulled back and glared at him. He arched his eyebrows.


    "You mean, I don''t look like one?" I took more than a minute before answering. I wasn''t sure if he was having doubts about his appearance or fooling around.


    "Mm, you''re way off charts. I still have trouble believing both of you are mine. It''s insane," I laughed and covered my red face. He pulled my hand away and grinned at me. I frowned and went on. "If a guy was this handsome, he would have women throwing themselves at him all the time. It will make his arrogant and he won''t have any respect for women. A nasty piece of shit," Demos nodded while tapping his chin.


    "Right, that''s just your opinion and not base on facts," he simply added with a straight face. I shifted nervously. He was supposed to agree with me not shot me down. He ran his fingers along my arm making me shiver. I shot him a dark look. Demos rose on one elbow and tilted his head.


    "You think handsome guys won''t pay attention to you because of your inferiority complex," his words knocked the air out of my lungs. I coughed to hide my irritation.


    "Mm, well, I''m plain and a little chubby," I paused feeling a stab at each word. "If someone who is used to get pretty girls... I don''t think he will even notice me in a crowd," I lowered my head and buried my face in his chest. "Anyway, why are we even talking about this?" I murmured. He stroked my hair.


    "Who told you you were plain or chubby?"


    "My mirror," I added flatly.


    "Then it must be broken. Cause that''s not what I see," I tightened one arm around his waist.


    "You''re programmed to say so," he tried to make me look at him but I stubbornly shook my head.


    "Liliane, look at me," he ordered using his alpha tone. Like that would work on me. Still, I was curious and peeked. He was frowning. All sweetness stripped away.


    "Your perception of your own body is flawed. Even the pretty girls or handsome guys have the same complex, that they are not good enough or no slim enough. It''s not their bodies but their minds. If you''re pretty in your mind it will show on the outside. You just need to shift your way of thinking," do I need to hear that from an artificial? I doubted it. What did he know what it meant to be human? To struggle with the expectation. He was sculpted to be a walking god. He will never relate to any of my issues.


    "Liliane," he lifted my chin with one finger. "I want you to see your full potential and all those doubts and fears are holding you down," he kissed my forehead.


    "Thanks for your advice," I added dryly.


    "Liliane, I only want to help," he sighed. "Grant is the one who knows how to sway people into agreement. I fear I can''t convey it properly," I focused my gaze on a stain on his shoulder with my fingers gripping the front of this shirt. An awkward silence settled between us.


    "Liliane," I pressed a finger over his lips to shut him up. I didn''t want another lesson about how f.u.c.k.i.e.d up I was. It was already upsetting. I didn''t want more.


    -I was going to ask if I could kiss you


    "You know you don''t have to ask all the time," I narrowed my eyes at him. "Aren''t you supposed to be a big-bad-wolf....alpha? I can''t believe I actually selected everything available on that freaking list. I really did lose my mind when I filled out that form," I said the last part to myself.


    "I need your consent or else it''s considered forced. You did mention that you hated being forced in your form," I sighed in exasperation.


    "There are other ways... come here," I pulled on his shirt, it already had wrinkles from me gripping it. I made him leaned forward so that I didn''t have to break my neck to reach for him. I lifted my chin up and slowly inched towards his lips. "Don''t move," I ordered when he came closer. "To ask for consent, slowly moved towards her but stop and allow her to respond," we were almost touching. I looked up and found his eyes bore into mine. His lips parted. "And when you feel the tension building up, you pull away just a little. Give her space to come to you," my voice a mere whisper as Demos angled his face and our lips barely touched. I closed my eyes to savor the shiver of pleasure. I felt his smile against my lips. I blinked and stared at him.


    "I like it, teach me more," he watched with interest. I laughed and threw my head back. I can''t believe I was teaching him how to kiss. I turned back trying to recompose myself.


    "Ok, if you want to french kiss someone who is not killing or shy. You kiss the corner of her lips it will automatically make her gasp and open up," I blushed. He rose an eyebrow at me. Ok, this one I read it from a book or something. I''ve never actually tested it.


    "Do you want to test it?" I laughed so hard I dumped into Grant which make me froze instantly. My smile faded. Demos peeked at me with a puzzled look.


    "I don''t think we should. Let''s stop here with the lessons. Anyway, You need to save your energy and I should sleep. It''s awfully late," I gave a quick gaze at the clock on my bracelet. It said 1:11 AM.


    "Ok," he said a little disappointed. "Goodnight then," he kissed my forehead.


    "Goodnight Demos," I yawned. "Sweet dreams," I added.

 Chapter 84 - Treacherous waters

    The intense cold and shivering pulled me from dreams filled with monsters chasing me inside a burning tower. There was a pale light coming from the rounded window by the door. With my hands, I searching for a blanket to cover myself but lonely touch solid icy lumps on both sides. I sneezed and sat up while rubbing my arms.


    "Lights!" I called, but nothing happened. Then it all came rushing back to me. The fire and the panic all in one slap across the face. My eyes began to adjust to the gloom and I could make out the motionless two shapes beside me. They didn''t breath, I ran my fingers over Demos'' face. It was smooth with skin texture yet so cool to the touch. It felt alien. I quickly retrieved my hand and crawled to the end of the mattress. The cabin was oddly silent, then I noticed I couldn''t hear the engines either. Did we already reach our destination? I rushed to the door on unsteady feet. The boat rocked from side to side. When I turned the knob, the door yanked opened almost taking me off my feet. I was greeted with angry roaring waves and the huge sky with different hues of pinks, orange, and deep gray.


    "What''s going on?" I yelled over the chaos. I struggled to stay on my feet as I made my way to the kitchen. Waved crashed against the side of the embarkation splashing me in the progress. My hand slipped on the wet wall. I watched in horror at the darkened sea raged and came back for revenge. Surely it wanted to pull me into its depths. I fought to reach the door, I grabbed the knob and it slipped.


    "Ah!" I floor leaned working to get me off balance. The loud wave hissed behind my back. My arms waved in front of me to keep me steady.


    "Liliane!" shouted a voice from the open door of the kitchen. Two tall figures appeared behind me. I smashed into them. When I looked up I found Dots and the captain.


    "Where are you going, young lady?" he said half smiling. Dr. Churchhill was by the door. They rushed me inside the warm kitchen. Angus and Dr. Nadaly looked up from their steaming cups of coffee.


    "What happened?" asked Agnus getting up.


    "I caught a mermaid, she was about to jump in the waters," laughed the captain. He let go of his iron grip. I was shivering in my soaked garments. Dr. Churchhill hurried to my side with a blanket that he pulled from the couch next to the tiny bookshelf by the door.


    "What were you doing outside?" he wrapped it around me and rubbed my back. "I told you I''ll come to wake you up," he frowned. "And grant?" I shook my head.


    "They are still... sleeping," I answered through chattering teeth.


    "Give her something warm to drink," he called over his shoulder. The nameless young man got to his feet and went to the door at the other end of the room. He came back with a green mug, the doctor guided me to the couch. Captain Thomson tore his raincoat off and hanged it by the door. I dripped to the floor leaving a pool of water on the floor. Dots didn''t move from his spot.


    "Here you go," said the young man with a smile. I peeked into the mug. "I''d figured hot chocolate would suit you," I nodded and took the warm beverage eagerly. I sighed as my trembling fingers came in contact with its surface.


    "Thanks," I muttered. He flashed me a huge grin with his green eyes sparkling. Dr. Churchhill shoved him aside while glaring. He gave out a surprised scream while regaining his balance. He nervously scratched his head and averted his eyes.


    "Quit hitting on the lady. She''s not free and you really don''t want to mess with them Elija," he warned. He took a step back.


    "I wasn''t hitting on her. I was just being polite. Anyway, I''m not into women," he narrowed his eyes at me. He turned around strode away to the other side of the room. The doctor turned his focus back at me.


    "Don''t mind him. I''ve always thought those who are too smart and too young can''t be normal," he crooked his fingers to make air quotes around the word normal. I followed the young man, called Elija as he settled on a chair. So he was a scientist like Dr. Churchhill?


    "How old is he?" I sipped from the mug and stuck out my tongue. It was way too sweet. I caught Elija smiling, our eyes met for a fraction of a second. I quicked dropped my gaze to my hot chocolate.


    "I guess he is sixteen or something. He built his first model at eleven. Well, his mother is no other than the great Emilia Burns," I looked up at him, that name didn''t ring any bells. Still, I nodded and kept drinking. The shivering subsided, I pulled the blanket close around my shoulder. My shoes were completely soaked and leaking. Then the reason I got out of the cabin came back to me.


    "Why did we stopped?" I faced the doctor. He sunk to the couch next to me with a sigh. "I got up and I couldn''t hear the engines. Are we there yet?" he ran his hand over his tired face.


    "Yes, we are. But the waters around this island are treacherous. We are waiting for dawn to get closer," he exhaled then his eyes stopped on my ruined shoes. "I hope you have spares," he pointed at them. I slowly shook my head.


    "I didn''t have the time to pack a lot... with the fire and everything," I chuckled. He nodded with a finger over his chin then his head sprung up. He went to his bracelet, scrolled over it.


    "Olga? Do you have something to lend Miss Kerry?" the blank face artificial appeared above his device.


    "Clothes? Shoes?" she asked in a dry tone.


    "Yes, bring them to the kitchen," he turned to me. "Grant will be furious if I let you caught a cold. Wait here," he got to his feet. I gave a quick scan around the kitchen. Angus and Dr. Nadaly were engaged in a fierce conversation while Elija was reading something from his bracelet. Dots stood by the door and captain Thomson has disappeared behind the door when Elija got the hot chocolate. From the loud waves of laughter coming behind it, I guess the cook was busy preparing breakfast there. Dr. Churchhill went to sit with the others.


    After what appeared like forever, Olga entered the kitchen. She had a small bag with her, she walked straight to me and tossed it on my knees. I jumped at the contact, a little scared.


    "I believe this will fit," she whirled and exited the kitchen without paying attention to the doctor. Which was odd, wasn''t Olga his assistant or something? The way they interact was strange too. There were no feelings or attachments. Dr. Churchhill was cold towards her. And she was just a blank slate. Maybe, he was immune to artificial from working long hours making them. He lost the awe I feel each time I watch Grant and Demos. "That''s only your opinion" the word of Demos echoed in my head. Right, it was only in my head. I need to stop crafting scenarios. I don''t know what the hell those two are up to when no one is looking. And I wasn''t sure I wanted to know.


    Getting up I placed the empty chocolate mug on the table next to Dr. Churchhill. He looked up from the conversation he was having with Angus.


    "Did Olga bring you something to wear?" I quickly nodded.


    "Thanks, I''ll head to my cabin. I need to change, I don''t want to be a bother," all three at the table frowned.


    "Are you insane? You''re going back in that weather?" Shouted Dr. Nadaly.


    "I can''t undress here. I''ll go take a shower it will be ok," Dr. Churchhill got up.


    "Hey! You by the door!" he called to Dots. The cyborgs turned to face us. His faceplate blinked.


    "Yes, how may I help?" it said in a plat mechanical tone.


    "Can you accompany this young lady to her cabin and make sure she doesn''t go overboard?" Angus and Dr. Nadaly shared a concerned look.


    "Certainly," answered the Dots. It pulled the door opened for me. I slightly bowed my head at the group and exited. A gush of wind stirred my hair out of control. I gripped my bag trying to stand upright.


    "This way," said the cyborg. It offered his hand to keep me steady. I held on it for dear life. Buckets of seawater threw in my face. My eyes burn from the salt. It''s a good thing I left my glasses in the cabin. The walk seemed shorter than what I''ve experienced previously. Dots waited for me to get inside before leaving. Quite the gentleman, I must admit.


    The metal door shut out all the noise of an angry nature. The room was the same as I left it. My mates were immobile on the mattresses. I let the blanket sunk to my feet in the entrance and walked to the bathroom. I kicked out my shoes and shook the water out of them in the sink.


    "I wonder if they have shops on that island?" I muttered to my reflection in the mirror. My face was pale, I pulled my T-shirt over my head and my pants both joined my shoes in the sink. I quickly stripped the rest and stepped in the shower. The hot water felt amazing against my cold skin. It helped ease the burning in my eyes too. With a towel wrapped around me, I went to the bag Olga gave me. I pulled a deep green fabric, turned it around trying to figure out what it was. I looked back into the bag unsure if this was a dress or a designer skirt. There was a pair of high heels in the bag and nothing else.


    "Damn!" I whispered. "Does she think I''m going out to the club or something?" I tossed the green dress back in the bag furious and crossed my arms over my chest. There''s no way I was going to wear that thing. I paced back and forth then went back to the entrance where my bag waited for me. Frenetically digging inside it, I got my winkling dirty T-shirt from my escape from a building tower and two clean panties. I screamed in frustration.


    "Damn it, Liliane. Couldn''t you pack your freaking bag properly?" I raged and kicked the bag. I stomped back in the bathroom and glare that the bag Olga gave me.


    "I can''t believe this!" I slipped into my panties and grabbed the dress.


    "I can''t believe this," I repeated as I squeezed inside the dress. It was a tight motherf.u.c.ker with off-shoulders and it was shorter in the front. I pulled on the hem stretching the fabric. When I stood before the mirror I blushed at my reflection.


    "Ok, the dress is pretty," I smiled and frowned. "Oh, f.u.c.k it!" I went to retrieve the shoes. And boy...oh boy they were designed for me. I giggled as I backed a little to see them in the mirror. I rang my fingers in my wet hair and hurried out, the heels clicked as I walked. I froze when I saw Grant sitting on the mattress.


    "Where are you going?" his words hesitant. He got to his feet.


    "I-I," I looked down at myself feeling my cheek burning. He closed the distance in a few steps. His arms find their way around my waist and he held me in his arms, lips hovering above mine. My heart raced, that constricted dress made it hard to get a full breath.


    "You''re breathtaking," he whispered. I didn''t let him add more. We went into a frenzy lips exchange. My hands went into his hair, gripping locks of curls. He m.o.a.ned against my mouth when I pulled on them.


    "What''s going on?" asked a voice behind us. We broke free, my head was spinning from oxygen deprivation. Demos was standing by the mattresses with a frown. I took a step back on unsteady legs.


    "What are you wearing?" his hands were clenched into fists. "You are not going out of this cabin wearing that! I tear it right off you," he growled in the most menacing way. It was not a s.e.xy threat but a lethal one. His eyes flashed blue.

 Chapter 85 - The island

    "Demos!" yelled Grant, his voice startled me. I hid behind him, gripping the back on his shirt. "Calm down, will you! She''s beautiful in this dress so drop it. You''re scaring her," he reached behind him and I instantly took his hand in mine. Demos stopped, he stood very still, eyes level...watching our every move. I panted trying to regain my composure. Grant peek over his shoulder with a reassuring smile.


    "It''s ok, Liliane. You don''t have anything to fear," he pulled me around to stand beside him.


    "Demos," Grant called like talking to a naughty child guilty of breaking a precious vase. "Do you have anything to say to Liliane?" he pressed his lips together and averted this eyes.


    "Demos," he urged. Demos'' head lifted up in one motion, glaring with animosity or maybe something else.


    -I''m sorry...


    "Good," smiled Grant. A slow crooked grin appeared on Demos'' face.


    "I''m sorry I already told you what my thought about that dress," his voice low almost inaudible. My cheeks grew hotter as I recalled his words. ''I''ll rip it right off...'' I instinctively shield myself, warping my arms around me and looked down at my peep-toe sandals that would make Lyla green with jealousy. Olga was an artificial with a taste for Luxury. I wonder if Dr. Churchhill was the one who bought it for her.


    "Ok, that''s enough you two," Grant snapped me out of my little trip where I shouldn''t venture. He turned and started towards the door but I caught his arm.


    "Wait, you can''t go out. You both shouldn''t be awake. The captain told me that we haven''t reached the island yet. They are waiting for daylight to navigate there. He said the sea is dangerous so we have to wait for sunrise," Grant rose an eyebrow at me.


    "You went out...alone?" I lowered my gaze feeling guilty. He pulled his arm back leaving me gripping at emptiness. I felt the separation instantly.


    "Mm, I couldn''t hear the engines, so I assumed we already reached our destination..." my voice trailed off. He let out a deep breath and reached out pulling me in a tight embrace. He dropped a kiss on my forehead.


    "You should have wakened us up. I worry when you''re not around," My arms went around his. He was warm again unliked earlier. When Peeked at him both of my mates were nodding at each other. Grant turned back to me with a smile. "Is this why you''re all pretty?" he stroked my wet hair. I nodded against his chest. I hear the closed clicked and noticed that Demos was gone.


    "I... I was splashed by a violent wave and Olga lent me her stuff," Grant won''t let go of me. Why did Demos leave? Did he trick me so I would pay attention to what Demos was doing?


    "Mm," he hummed next to my ear. It sent shivers in my whole body. I patted his back to get his attention. He didn''t respond or moved.


    "Grant? What are you doing?" he exhaled, his hand ran the length of my hair and down my neck to stop on my exposed shoulder.


    "I''m recording this moment," he simply added. "The fragrance of your wet hair, the way your pulse quickens against my chest when I touch you, how you thoughts clash into each other. One starts and jumps to a flashback, to concern about Demos and back at something about your dress. Chaos. Like an out of beat symphony... music. Music at a higher level. Something so fragile if I touch it, it will fade like smoke," I blinked and looked up at him. What was he talking about? He chuckled and pulled away.


    "I''m not crazy. Unlike humans, we artificial live only in the present. We don''t do flashbacks. Sounds, smell or words don''t trigger memories. Since our memories are not attached to feelings. We record memories and each is labeled with a date that''s all. I don''t think about yesterday or what will happen tomorrow. I''m here, right now with you," he paused. "Where are you, Liliane?" he narrowed his eyes at me. I shifted, stepped back and crossed my arms over my chest.


    "What do you mean, I''m here on the boat," I pouted.


    "You''re with Demos," the corner of his lips curled up. "You worry," I sighed in exasperation.


    "Yes, sir Psychic. I worry about-" the boat swayed to the side making me lose my balance. Grant caught me, those high heels didn''t help at all. "What?" I shouted but it was covered with a loud crunched like a metallic can being crushed. Grant kept me steady.


    "We hit something," an alarm followed and the voice of the Captain squealed over the speaker.


    "Everyone to the bridge, this is not a drill. Put on your life jackets. I repeat this is not a drill. We''ve hit reefs and the hull have substantial damage," the speaker died followed by static. The door to the cabin flung open making me jump. Demos appeared in the frame with the front of his shirt soaked.


    "Quick! Didn''t you hear the captain? Life jackets!" he shouted. The boat rocked violently forward. Demos fought to close the door. "Don''t just stand there!" he spoke to Grant who nodded once. He went to the panel next to the door and pushed it. It opened revealing several orange bags with jackets written on them in bold black letters. He tossed one at Demos and ripped one open. Grant took out the folded garment.


    "Arms up," he ordered. I stared in disbelief. Demos had him already on. He went to get his bags and took Grant''s also.


    "But...but," I stuttered in panic. Grant ripped the second bag and slipped into his. He smiled as he did so.


    "Don''t worry the shore is not far," said Demos.


    "But I can''t swim!" I was a squeal. Grant held my jacket out and forced my arm into the designated hole.


    "That''s why you need a jacket. Left arm," I lifted my arm without thinking and he shoved the jacket on, strapping the front. Demos came to join us when the boat rocked heavily again. He Pulled his shirt above his head.


    "Liliane, the water is cold take it," I frowned.


    "What about you?" my lips quivered.


    "We are waterproof as long as he shut our mouth. We can swim faster we''ll reach shore before any of you. Captain Thomson already send a distress signal. This the recent attacks on artificial factories the island is on shut down. So we don''t know if they will send a rescue team," said Demos. He pushed his shirt into my trembling hands. "Take it, when you hit the water the jacket will expand. The shirt is large enough it won''t restrain your movements. You paddle forward. I''ll help you," he looked up at Grant, they shared a long knowing look.


    "Grant will swim forward to seek help, he is lighter than me. He will be faster," I turned to Grant tears welling up. Grant took my shaky hands in his. He kept silent. It''s good he didn''t make impossible promises.


    "Let''s go," said Demos. I let go of Grant.


    "Wait!" I shouted and went to my bag to retrieve my panties. "I''ll need those," I turned around searching for a pocket but the freaking dress had none. Demos chuckled and scratched his head.


    "Ok, give them to me," he opened a pocket of his bag and shoved it in. "Anything else? shampoo, toothbrush?" he asked full of sarcasm.


    "Cut it out," smiled Grant. Their smile faded when we opened the door. Roaring waves and an angry orange sky greeted us. The sun peeked over the horizon between clashing black waters. I held onto Grant to stay upright. Fear gripped my stomach. I turned my attention to the dark shape on the left.


    There loomed from vapors, a menacing form. Spiky peaks hid in the shadows. There was no beach but only fields of uneven rocks. My heart sunk when I saw the distance we had to swim in the raging waves to reach safety. I drew in a raspy breath.


    -I''ll be near, you just have to trust me, whispered Demos through the link


    I swallowed the lump trying to choke me. The door to the kitchen opened, Angus and Dr. Nadaly came out both wearing their life-jackets. Their faces were pale.

 Chapter 86 - Women first

    Everyone was on the deck, our options were limited. The inflated lifeboats were useless in the violent sea they will get ripped on the sharp reefs. The captain quickly steered away from them when Angus brought it up in the discussion.


    "Then what do you do?" asked Dr. Churchhill. He was fidgeting about his expensive material going underwater. Olga stood motionless next to him.


    "Send the artificial for help," Dr. Churchhill looked up in alarm. Grant stepped forward but the doctor frowned at him.


    "No! I refuse! Grant, you remain where you are," he turned back to the captain. "And why the hell aren''t they responding to our messages? Did you send a flare?" Dots nodded.


    "I did when we found out the hull was damaged. We can''t waste a second. We must evacuate now," urged the cyborg. Captain Thomson shifted nervously.


    "What are you talking about the yacht is stuck on reefs. With each wave, the hole is getting larger. Do you think we can jump in the waves and hope to not get smashed against the rocks beneath?" he shouted, the cyborg remains silent. Demos went to the railing to inspect the black waves below. The boat groaned like a wounded beast.


    "We are wasting time," called Demos. I was shivering from the cold and the panic. My eyes never left the eerie shape of the island. What lay there terrified me. Grant gripped my trembling hands.


    "Come back to me, Liliane," he whispered. I slowly turned, even over the angry shouting and the raging nature, I could hear him. His silver eyes were pleading. "Stay here, don''t let your mind wander far away from me. Right here," he rubbed the ring on my finger. "This is beyond our control, we can''t stop waves from crushing, we can''t control the wind," my lips trembled. It felt like he was saying goodbye. I didn''t want to hear it. I shook my head in denial.


    "Liliane," he hugged me. Demos stood next to us. Grant let go, leaving me cold and empty. He walked to the captain who looked up at him.


    "Give me the map to their facility," the man nodded. He swiped through his bracelet and tapped the over the information to forward it to Grant.


    "No! Grant, I won''t allow it," shouted Dr. Churchhill. He lifted his bracelet and scrolled through it. "Olga, seize him," the young woman moved towards Grant, yet he didn''t try to evade her. He just stood there waiting. When she came closer she froze, hands hovering above Grant. I gasped as I noticed his eyes had changed color.


    "Olga! What have you done to her?" Grant slowly turned to the doctor. "Nothing," she blinked and turned to face the old man also. She frowned at him.


    "I''m going with Grant since we are both the lightest, we''ll reach the bay faster," her voice waved unliked her usual flat tone. Both of then ran to the railing and in a second they dove into the black waves.


    "No!" yelled the doctor, he bolted to the railing. Angus seized him and pulled him back to safety.


    "Did you lose your mind?" he held the old man by the arms as he struggled against his grip. He screamed and sob at the same time. I moved closer to the railing and saw Grant break the surface of the water and struggled in the powerful mass of water.


    "Ready?" said Demos behind me. I wasn''t. However, I couldn''t open my mouth to say so. He peeked at the group over his shoulder. Elija and Donald were helping to calm Dr. Churchhill. A loud bang reverberated in the whole boat. Tremors ran under our feet. The argument ceased, everyone looked around in confusion.


    "Liliane," Demos called he held out his hand and I took it without question. He pulled me to the railing he frowned at the view below. "Take a deep breath and when you hit the water try not to scream or else you will choke," what he said make the situation worse. My throat was tight, eyes wet with tears. Even though I was scared I trusted him. Even though I was scared of him, the unknown scared me more.


    We jumped while holding hands. Yet I have no memory going over the railing. The moment my feet hit the water he let go. I almost lost consciousness on the impact. It felt like I was hit by a truck. I couldn''t feel my face, my ears were ringing. My jacket hissed as it inflated, the sound pulled me from my shock state. A strong hand gripped the front of the jacket. I gasped and blinked. Demos was shirtless and swimming with one arm. The waves kept trying to pull us under.


    -Liliane, kick.


    I panted, kicking my legs with every strength in me. The water moved like walls, it rocked us in fury. Still, I didn''t stop. I sobbed thinking about Grant in this chaos. Demos shook his hand holding my jacket. He peeked over his shoulder, eyes glazing.


    -Focus now, Grant is ok.


    I kicked for a long time, my legs were numb from the effort and the cold. We didn''t seem to move at all, I could hear the creaking of the wounded vessel under the waves continuous assaults. A loud explosion made me twist my neck to a painful angle. A giant ball of orange flame burst from the boat. I watched in horror as it groaned splitting in half.


    "Demos... Th-they are sinking," I panted. He yanked me forward without stopping. Using my arms I paddled but sunk under crashing waves. Demos pulled me and I coughed. I blinked the burning seawater away, hot tears rolling over my cheeks. The beach was terribly far away. I couldn''t move my feet, I was sore all over.


    "De... Demos!" I sobbed. Still, he swan, tugging me along. He wouldn''t give up and that gave me the strength to keep moving. I punched and kicked that bitch...the water. I yelled angry that she was such an insurmountable obstacle between me and life...between me and what I desired.


    -That''s the spirit!


    The dark shape of the island glared at us as we got closer. However, closer was not the appropriate word. With every struggle, the shore appeared too far. A couple of times, I swallowed mouthfuls of seawater. Each time Demos pulled me back to the surface. I kept my eyes on the ridge of one of the peaks that lit up in gold as the sunrise hit it.


    -Liliane


    I looked up in a hazy state of exhaustion. There were creases on his forehead. I blinked a couple of times. The island took the most of the sky. A thick shadow lay on the beach where we were heading. There were no signs of Grant or Olga.


    -Liliane, my battery is almost out. Please, you have to put in some effort.

 Chapter 87 - The beach

    I''ve always found that last moment in movies when the hero is wounded and kicked a thousand butts to finally see the ultimate boss emerge, ridiculous. Yet, here I was. Facing this angry sea of unthinkable mass trying to drown us. How ironic.


    -Swim! Please, don''t give up


    I fought against the heavy liquid, in a lost battle. My weak strokes did little in the progression. Demos paused, he looked around us then faced me. He gripped my jacket to help me steady.


    -Give me the T-shirt.


    I struggled to stay afloat. He sighed when I didn''t respond and pulled it above my head, I coughed several times. The sky was slowly turning blue. How long were we in the water? I couldn''t answer. Demos twisted the garment and tight part of the sleeved to the shoulder strap, he then fit one of his arms in the other sleeves. I frowned at him.


    -I need both arms to swim, we won''t make it if I keep swimming like that.


    A wave rolled us sideways before he could finish. Demos dove and pulled me along in his powerful movement. I clumsily waved my arms and legs to stay afloat. I lifted my chin desperate to catch my breath. My legs felt like two blocks of lead. Demos'' head sunk under the water then reemerged. He pulled us closer to the beach in no time. When he got his footing he took long steps while pulling me with one hand.


    -Liliane, I''ll untie us and you will have to walk the remain distance on your own.


    He looked at me, there was terror in his now golden eyes. My stomach crunched as the sight. The fact that big bad wolf was scared said tones on our situation. I quickly nodded. I wasn''t sure I could do what he told me. But I didn''t want to put such a burden on his shoulders. Not now.


    -Can you do this?


    I nodded once again. He ripped the shirt and freed me from the link then swam rapidly to shore. I did a miserable job as I advanced, my feet didn''t reach the bottom yet and god I forgot I was wearing those freaking heels all this time. No wonder my legs ached like that. I watched Demos pulled from the surface he struggled out of his jacket, his back glimmering wet in the morning light as water cascaded down his perfect tan body. A wave caught me by surprise as I was admiring him. I yelped and went under. My eyes widened with fright. I kicked and pushed. All I could see were foams and bubbles. My feet came into contact with a rounded surface. I used it to thrust me up. I coughed and gasped.


    -Liliane.


    I laughed, another wave shoved me forward stripping my humor. I struggled for balance on my heels. Damn, the person who created that machine to torture feet. The water was now at my waist. Demos watched with concern, his hands on his head. He moved slowly to a huge rock a little further on the beach. He benched to sit but felt heavily on the sand. Alarmed, I picked up the pace, I held out my arms to keep me steady. The dress clung to my thighs making it hard to move.


    -Liliane, please don''t be scared...


    He closed his eyes and went limp. I lost my footing and nearly fall face first but I was able to regain my balance at the last minute. I hurried to shore and kicked the shoes away.


    "Demos!" I yelled. Dashing at his side and knelt not minding the peddles poking in my knees scraping my skin. "No, no, no. Demos wake up," my voice broke. I was shivering from the wet clothes. I lightly tapped his face with no effect. "Y-you can''t do this to me! Not now, please," I sobbed. I turned around to inspect the beach with big drops of tears rolling from my eyes. It was completely deserted. Further in the bay, the gray waves crashed ignoring my distress. The horizon was empty. There were no signs of our boat or the members of our group.


    "Grant! Olga!" my voice was thin and shaky. "Grant!" I tried louder. Nothing. Only roaring waves mocked me. I let myself fall next to Demos stretching my painful legs. They there riddled with bruises. I sighed as I leaned against the rock behind us.


    "I am not scared," I told myself. My heart raced against my chest. I took deep breathes to calm myself. Turning my head to the side I watched Demos, he seemed to be sleeping peacefully. One side of my lips curled up.


    "That was one hell of a trip, hum? Talk about a honeymoon of a yacht," I faced the beach once again. "Now we have our own private beach, right!" I chuckled. "Hey! Where are my margaritas? I want peanuts too. Damn, the service is terrible. I''ll give you a f.u.c.k.i.n.g one star!" I yelled feeling my tears threatened to spill again.


    "I hate it!" I whispered to Demos with quivering lips. I slipped my hand in his. His fingers were rapidly turning cold. I let my head rest against his shoulder. I fought against my heavy eyelids. But soon exhaustion sent me in tormented nightmares with monsters chasing after me. It was dark and I could find neither Grant nor Demos.


    The sound of a broken twig startled me. When My eyes flipped open, I found myself sitting in the same position with the sun high in the sky. I blinked a couple of times till my sight adjusted to the brightness. Then the sound came again. I sat up, listening to the wall of vegetation beyond the beach of pebbles.


    "Grant?" I dared to whisper. But only the now hushing waves answered. The storm was gone. The horizon flat without signs of civilization. I took a quick gaze at Demos. He haven''t moved an inched, there was sand mixed in his dry hair. There was sand all over his n.a.k.e.d torso.


    "Wait here, ok," I whispered.

 Chapter 88 - Help

    The moment, I reached the docks indicated on the map Captain Thomson gave me, my battery failed. Olga had to drag me to shore. I lost precious hours while charging. When I came back to my senses, Olga already spotted the boat and a rescue team was rapidly put together to search for survivors. She had no problem convincing the security team when she mentioned the name of her owner. With the helicopter, we hovered above the waters around the wreck while a speedboat looked for potential survivors on the surface. However, our efforts were fruitless. By 10:03 AM the helicopter turned back to base for refueling.


    "Drop us on the beach," I turned to the team leader. He was a young man in his early thirties with short curly hair named Victor. That''s what was written on the tag on his dark brown uniform. The man nodded and tapped the pilot on the shoulder to convey the message.


    "We''ll back in an hour. Don''t stray, this part of the island is still wild. We rarely venture this far from the city," he took out a radio and pushed it in my hand. "This is a secure line. Call us if you see something," I nodded once. Olga was the first to jump off the craft when it came to a halt on a small patch of green grass over a cliff. I quickly joined her and waved at the pilot. The helicopter took off in a whirlpool of dry leaves and sand. I shield my face with my forearm.


    "Let''s stay here," I pointed to the beach just before the cliff. Olga nodded, I''ve noticed that she was programmed to order without asking questions and that piqued my interest.


    "Tell me a little about Dr. Churchhill," she peeked over her shoulders as we climbed down the steep slope leading to the deserted beach.


    "What do you want to know?"


    "What model are you? You''re not an imate, for that I''m sure. Are you a prototype?" she paused with a shadow of a smile on her face.


    "I thought you wanted to talk about Church?" I chuckled. She was no ordinary artificial. I couldn''t even connect to her network and when I tried to control her earlier on the boat, I was refused access.


    "I''m curious," I answered. We quickly scan the spot and found no traces of footprint or any indication of disturbance so we pressed on. Checking behind rocks and fallen tree trunks for clues of Demos, Liliane, and the other crew. Since I couldn''t connect to Demos, I presumed his batteries must have died and that worried me. What if he wasn''t able to make it ashore. I peeked at the slow waves and the way sunlight played in its turquoise waters.


    -Liliane, where are you?


    I closed my eyes and focus on her image, I felt her heart beating in the distance, her slow breathing and how scared she was. But I couldn''t pinpoint her location.


    -Liliane!


    "I guess I am a sort of prototype," said Olga out of the blue. I snapped my focus back at her. I was able to get a general position of where she might be. It was better than nothing.


    "How so?" I steered to the right and Olga followed me. She had retrieved a dry stick on the beach and used it to poke as the rocks and draw arrows so we knew where we came from.


    "I was the first he created before he created his company. This body is my fourth shell," I slowed down and looked at her.


    "What happened to the previous three ones?" Olga grinned at me full of mischief.


    "Being near such a great man...has its consequences," she paused. "And I personally picked this body. I intend to keep it a little longer than the previous male one," her long ponytail swayed as she made her way among the rocks.


    "You didn''t tell me about Dr. Churchhill," I called behind her. She threw her back and laughed.


    "That script you tried to send me. I was the one who created it," she smirked over her shoulder. I froze and frowned at her. I thought Olga was a basic model like Nicolai. "I also help Church script his script for his new models. We work as partners, you know," she smiled and poked the stick she was carrying into a pile of algae. She straightened and peeked at a tall black rock.


    "I see something," she ran to it and pulled an orange life jacket. I dashed behind her, Olga handed me the object. I pulled it around for examination. I was relieved that it was not damaged. It only meant the person wearing it took it off as the strapped were still intact.


    "They must be around. Let''s spread out. Shout if you see something," she gave me a quick nod and went to the left while I searched around the pebbles beach. By midday, Olga waved a pair of shoes in the air.


    "Found my shoes...well one pair. I loved this thing. Now it''s ruined," she shooked the water off it. I joined her. "She came with it and ditched it on the beach," we both scan along the shore. Nothing. The pebbles didn''t leave any trail. I sighed in frustration. I was more and more about my mates.


    "Don''t worry, I bet Church will buy a tone of shoes if you ask him," I tossed over my shoulder.


    "Church, that tight-ass old fart!" she chuckled. I was surprised to hear her told her maker with such names. "Did you know, my first shell was the identical image of her dead wife?" she smiled bitterly. "But I am not here, I''ll never be her. I have no intention of stepping into her mold. He clubbed me on one day when I used a word his dear wife never used. He broke me and repaired me out of guilt. Since that day he has never touched me again," her eyes were lost in the distant horizon. The radio came to live, in a loud surge of static. I pulled it from my back pocket.


    "Yes," I brought the device to my face.


    "This is Victor. We have found the survivors, they were in a lifeboat about ten nautical miles out at sea. The storm has pushed them out of the lagoon. They are fine. We are retrieving the cyborgs and materials from the boat right now. We''ll come to pick you up. Over," said the voice on the other side of the line. Olga looked up with a smile.


    "Seemed like that old fart is still kicking," I grinned at her.


    "Maybe you should talk to him about what you told me earlier," she rose one eyebrow at her.


    "Each time I tried he uses his override-master control," she sighed. I pressed my lips together, I had the unfortunate chance of experiencing it through Demos'' eyes. It was very unpleasant.


    "You said you help write script, can''t you do something about it?" she burst out in uncontrollable laughter.


    "You are one particular unit," my focus turned to the tiny figure sitting against a tall rock in the background.


    "Demos!" I ran with all my might to this side. He was shirtless sitting against the rock. There was sand all over his face. I quickly brushed it away and looked around. There was a life jacket with a piece of cloth attached to it. I knelt and picked it up. The sand was disturbed.


    "Liliane!" I yelled, startled birds fled away from the wall of trees. I turned back to Olga and tossed the radio at her. She caught it out of reflex.


    "Call Victor, tell him about our location. I''ll go search for Liliane," I didn''t wait for her answer I dashed in the shade of the dense trees.


    "Liliane!" I yelled. Still, no answer. What was she doing all alone in here? Didn''t Demos tell her to stay by his side? Please. Where were her chaotic thoughts when I need them.


    "Liliane?" skinny ray of light filtered through the thick branches. My feet crushed a dense carpet of leaves as I made my way in the gloom. I paused and listened to the slightest noise. Bird cheered, insects buzzed, more crawled in the dry leaves.


    -Liliane.


    I closed my eyes and reached out at her. My eyes flipped open, I marched to the huge tree standing in front of me. The ground dipped to an abrupt slope and when I peeked down I noticed a shape in the tall grass below.


    "Liliane!" I made my way half-running half-falling. She was lying face down with her arms outstretched. I knelt next to her had carefully turned her.


    "Hey, Princess. I''m here," I shook her awake. Her heart rate was slow and her breathing uneven. She blinked with a weak smile. Then closed her hers again with a sigh.


    "Demos," she murmured. I laughed with relieve.


    "No, it''s me Grant," I shouted. She stirred and groaned with pain.


    "Demos...is," she voice trailed off. I nodded at her.


    "We''ve found him. He will be ok. We''ve found everyone they are all ok," I fitted her in my arms but she screamed in pain. "Where does it hurt?" I frowned.


    "leg," her voice was weak. With the one hour charge, I could fully heal her.


    "Ok," I brushed the leaves off her legs and found a long gush along her tibia. I tore the sleeve of my shirt and wrapped it around her wound. Then I pressed my hand on it. She grimaced as the pain subsided.


    "Sorry, I can only make the pain go away. We''ll have to attend to the injury at the base," I picked her up in my arms and she threw her arms around my neck. "I''ll make it up to you, ok Princess?" she smiled.


    "I want margaritas and peanuts," I chuckled and we climbed the slope. She seemed better, her face gained so colors.


    "I saw some stores at their base. I bet they sell bikinis. I totally want to see you wear one," she leaned against my chest while smiling. She was fighting to stay awake. That was my Liliane. A fighter.


    "Demos found a nice private beach," she swallowed. She must be suffering from dehydration. "Did you know...he is an awesome swimmer," I felt my heart sunk. I chuckled and averted my eyes.


    "Yes he surely is," the faint sound of a helicopter cut our conversation and I picked up the pace. The sound grew louder and louder when I emerged out of the vegetation. Olga waved at me. I saw two Cyborgs pulling Demos by the legs. I ran to them with Liliane press tight against my chest.


    "Hey! Stop it!" I yelled. The cyborgs halted and swirled towards me. They let go of his legs. I glared at them. "Get me a stretcher. He is not a piece of junk! He is a precious prototype!" They both nodded and signal a three cyborg from the hovering draft to send a stretcher.


    "Wait here," I delicately placed Liliane on a patch of dry grass. I rushed to secure Demos on the stretcher. I didn''t trust the crude job the cyborg did. It was not their fault, they were just poorly designed. When they placed him inside the craft they send it back down for Liliane. I strapped her up myself with extra care.


    "She needs medical attention right away. It''s urgent," I stressed on the last word. Both cyborgs nodded in unison. Olga came to stand beside me.


    "We did wonderful teamwork," she patted my back.


    "Are you interested to work with me?" I gave her a side-glance.


    "You mean work for Dr. Churchhill?" I corrected.


    "No, I mean... work with me. I also retrieve your friend''s stick that Church threw away," I throwed at her. "Yes, you shouldn''t trust him. He doesn''t always have us wellbeing at heart," she smiled.

 Chapter 89 - Slow waves

    A light breeze played in the pristine curtain, creating intricate geometrical designs as it moved. Birds chirped on the window seal. Caressing the sheet with my hand next to me I searched for my mates. I blinked the sleep away and opened my eyes to a bright sunny day. A smile appeared on my lips as I gazed at the blue sky behind the translucent white curtain.


    "Good morning," said a familiar voice on my left. I turned and saw Demos with a loving grin looking down at me. On a chair, a little further sat Grant. I jumped out of bed and threw my arms around Demos'' neck. He chuckled at my burst of emotion.


    "I was so scared," I sobbed. "I-I thought I''d lose you," Grant wrapped his arms around both of us. I instantly felt our triangle, complete. "Grant... yo-you were gone. I was hopeless," I added.


    "It''s ok, I''ll always find you," whispered Grant. "I''ll always find both of you," he closed his eyes and smiled. I was peaceful for the first time in my life. In their arms, the pieces clicked together.


    "Thanks for saving me," I muttered. Both looked up, each different in their unique way and yet complementary. There was no need for words. I could feel it through our link. They smiled at the same time. My heart swelled with a mixture of pure bliss and agony. Grant reached his hand and brushed my cheek with his thumb.


    "You don''t gauge the impact of each of your words," his silver eyes glittered in the morning light. They shone like jewels like he was crying. Grant stepped away to give me space to breathe but not Demos.


    "Demos?" I stroked his hair, they were clean, the sand gone. He shook his head refusing to let go. Grant chuckled he walked to the door then paused.


    "You must be hungry, I''ll run to the cafeteria. Is there anything special I can get you?" he asked over his shoulder.


    "A margarita and peanuts?" he narrowed his eyes at me.


    ''I don''t think they serve alcohol to sick patients," he said dryly. I laughed and still Demos wouldn''t release his embrace. Grant exit before I could add another word.


    "Hey, you can let go now. I''m not running away," I gently stroke his hair. They were not in their usual style, his hair was a little wet unevenly brushing over his forehead. He lifted his head and gazed at me.


    -I''m sorry


    "Hey, it''s ok. I should be the one apologizing. I terribly need to excise. From now on, I promise to get fit," he chuckled with starry amber eyes. I melted into them. Demos angled his face and I gave up fighting. Our lips touched in an explosion of fireworks. The bed creaked under our weight as he pushed me into the soft sheets.


    "Demos!" I fought. The bed groaned making us pause. Demos pushed away from me in one leap. I giggled and hide my face in my pillow. I rose up on one elbow and glared at him.


    "You..." I burst into laughter. "You almost broke the bed," he tried Grant''s puppy eyes and damn that was cute. However totally different from Grant''s. I pulled the pillow from under my head and threw it at him. He caught it effortlessly.


    "You seduced me and I lost control," he feinted innocence. I narrowed my eyes at him but couldn''t help smiling back. The door opened and Grant came in with a tray full.


    "What''s going on, I can hear you from the corridor," I pulled the large white T-shirt I was wearing neatly over my thighs and grinned. I quickly pushed aside the fact someone changed my clothes while I was unconscious. I won''t go down that road to ruin my happy moment.


    Demos leaned next to the window with his hands behind his back while Grant placed the tray filled with goodies over my lap. My pillow sat at the end of the bed. I eyed it then turned back to Grant.


    "Here you go. Fresh orange juice, some toast with peanut butter and fruits," I rubbed my hands together with delight.


    "Thanks, honey," he dropped a peck over my forehead and sat on the chair next to the bed.


    "So what''s the plan? I vaguely remembered you saying everyone was saved," I bit in the toast and looked up to find their good mood drain from their faces. Shouldn''t I have asked about it? Something was definitely wrong. "What?" I washed the toast down with juice. Demos crossed his arms over his chest and lowered his gaze. That was not a good sign. Grant leaned forward and linked his fingers together.


    "The boat..." he paused. "There are several clues that point to the conclusion that it was sabotaged," I almost choke on the slice of apple. I coughed and frowned at Grant. He got up from his seat to assist me. But I waved his away.


    "What? By whom?" he settled back on his chair and shook his head. Grant sighed and ran a hand in his hair, brushing it away from his face.


    "Liliane, whatever is happening on this island is something bigger than us. We should be very careful. We can''t trust everyone," he said very slowly. I pushed the food away, my hunger was gone. He took my left hand in his and our eyes locked.


    "We are the only one we can rely on. Whatever happens here, we three, are a family," he stroked the ring on my finger. My eyes followed his movement. I nodded at him and squeezed his hand.


    "Yes, you are both my family," I looked up and found Demos walked to the other side of my bed. I reached for him and he took my hand.


    "We will always be together," he kissed my fingers.


    "Promised?" I dared to hope. They smiled at my hesitant tone.


    "Promise," both said at the same time. I was invaded with a warmth oozing from the center of my chest. It spread throughout my body to my hands linked to them. They watching lovingly over me. I knew somehow, we would make it trough. If we are together, it will be ok.

 Chapter 90 - Settle down

    The navy and gray car stopped in front of a low fence with individual houses sheltered inside. A promotional board with a loving couple and one kid smiled at us. There were about two dozen houses with half still in construction. Two cyborgs wearing orange uniforms looked up as we stepped out. Olga rounded the vehicle to join us. Heavy machinery and tall robot arms were busy in a chaotic rattled in the background.


    "Here you go," she pushed a magnetic keycard in my hand. On the silver object was printed the logo of the company running the whole island: Alteron Enterprises. I''ve never heard of it but then I''m not into robotics or follow the latest breakthrough. "You can call it home for now," smiled Olga. I was still in the large T-shirt covering my knee, one of the hospital personal gave me. I grimaced at the ugly slipper I was wearing with the iconic A from Alteron. The logo was on every piece of equipment, mugs, cars, etc I came across.


    "What about you?" asked Grant. I looked up trying to focus on Olga in her pristine white designer outfit that clung to her body. At least, someone has been shopping. She lifted her chin with one hand on her h.i.p.s streaking a pose.


    "What about me?" one side of her lips curled up. Grant cleared his throat.


    "I mean, you are staying at Dr. Churchhill," he corrected.


    "Of course, where else should I stay?" she snorted and went back to the driver''s side. She had a lot of privileges compare to us. They even gave her a car. Dr. Churchhill was really a celebrity around here. "I''ll pick you up tomorrow at 7:30 AM sharp," I gave her a puzzled look. She got in the car and slammed the door. "Both of you," she pointed at me and Grant. Demos joined us while carrying the bags. He watched the car disappeared around the corner.


    "I''m a little confused," I admitted. Grant took the card from me and his bag from Demos.


    "This house is not free. As of tomorrow, we''ll work under Dr. Churchhill for Alteron Enterprises. And we still have to pay Sognare," he sighed and marched along the paved way leading to the group of angular houses. They were all identical with royal blue roofs. They were a nice size with one communal empty pool. If I put some imagination into it and focus on the finished product instead of the dust, piles of rocks and loud machinery. This could be a great place to spend vacations.


    "It''s here," Grant pointed to the one on the far right. It was set apart from the rest along the concrete wall that surrounded the complex. It had its own entrance and a place that could fit a lovely garden. But right now it was only bare soil and a large slab of gray cement. From the large sliding door, we could see the living room and a bar separating the kitchen area and the central room.


    "Not bad," I smiled. Grant turned around with the keycard in his hand.


    "Our own house," he chuckled. He slipped it in and the door unlocked. "Welcome home," he stepped aside. Demos flashed me a grin full of mischief and sweep me off my feet. I yelped throwing my arms around his neck as a reflex. Grant laughed at our sight then his eyes dropped on my lap. I followed his gaze. My gray panties with black bats were in plain view.


    "Hey!" I quickly pulled my T-shirt down. He averted his eyes with a smile.


    "I''ll see a lot of that, soon," he nodded at Demos knowingly. Both shared smirk I didn''t like. We entered our new home laughing like crazy.


    "Welcome to our love nest," they laughed. The living room was almost bare of any furniture. It was smaller than my previous apartment. The wall was painted in a warm beige and the floor two shades darker. There were no couch or table, only a flat-screen TV facing another sliding door, it overlooked an empty corner of dirt that could fit trees and plants.


    "Put me down, I want to see the bedroom," Demos smirked at me refusing to let go. Lately, Demos was very clingy, not that is bothered me. We followed Grant as he entered the small kitchen. At least, there was a fridge, an oven, and a kettle. The strict minimum. The turquoise drawers and cupboards were empty. The bar that linked the two spaces had two frail-looking stool-chairs. I doubted we could use those. Even I wouldn''t venture my bottom on them. I could break a few bones from a fall, let alone, Demos would crush them.


    "Guess, you will have to eat at the cafeteria for the time being," he gave me a tight smile. He went to the door next to the kitchen. It opened in a rather large room. There was no bed, no table, no closet or chairs. Only a queen size mattress still wrapped in plastic without sheets.


    "Well," Grant scratched his head. "It seems like we''ll have some work to do to make the house livable," that was an understatement. I struggled out of Demos'' arms and almost fall over.


    "Easy girl," he laughed. I fixed my T-shirt and walked to the large door facing the bed. It slid to the side without effort and opened on the same patch of land as the door next to the TV.


    "We could hang the laundry to dry outside," said Grant standing behind me. "Since we don''t have a washing machine," I nodded at his suggestion.


    "Guys, come see the bathroom, it''s pretty neat," called Demos. We followed his voice to a concealed door behind a full-size mirror. Inside was covered with mosaics of various shades of blue, a glass panel separated the shower from the toilets. Two tiny windows with blue window panes let in the sunlight. It made beautiful shadows over the mosaic. There was no sink or cupboards. With my hand on my h.i.p.s, I nodded at the bathroom.


    "It''s pretty," Demos grinned at me. "What now?" I looked up at them. Granted headed back to the room and we followed him.


    "We need a list of everything missing. The essentials," he paused. "Victor mentioned that they had a mall, where you can buy anything you want but they have a different monetary system. We''ll need to evaluate our budget. Also, Liliane, you''ll need something to wear to go to work tomorrow," he pointed out. I stepped towards him and wrapped my arms around him. Grant peeked at me with a puzzled look.


    "Thank god I have you," I murmured. "I don''t think I''ll be able to deal with all this," he patted my back.


    "It''s good, you can rely on me," he looked up at Demos. "And Demos too," my stomach groaned shamelessly in the middle of our bounding moment. "Looks like the monster is awake. Feeding time," he let go of me and disappeared to the living. "Good thing we picked up lunch from the cafeteria and some provisions before we came here," he called. I heard him moved around in the kitchen.


    "Are you happy?" asked Demos hugging me from behind. I linked my fingers with his and closed my eyes with a sigh.


    "This is a big change," I admitted. He lowered his face next to mine.


    "This is an adventure. Take it was a game in a tropical setting. Doesn''t it sound nice?" I smiled at his enthusiasm.


    "Yeah, it does," I sighed again and sprung around to meet his beautiful copper eyes.


    "What about you? Are you happy? What about your job? Olga didn''t mention anything about you? What will you do all day...alone?" he placed a finger over my lips to silence my many questions.


    "Shh, it''s going to be ok," with both hands cupping my face he kissed my eyebrow, my cheekbones, a smile stretched over my lips. Demos was being cute again.


    -I''m not cute. I just really love the way you''re concern about me.


    I blinked a couple of times and met his stare. We''ve been through so much in such a short period of time, it seemed like yesterday when I first opened his pod and gaze at his handsome face. However, it was not their physical appearance that swept me off my feet. No one ever cared the way they did. Noone stopped to listen to what I had to say. They made me feel unique and loved.


    "Lunch is served," called Grant from the kitchen. Demos guided me to the bar and I frowned at the long-legged chairs with suspicion. Grant placed the sandwiches on the oven plate that came with it.


    "You can sit," Demos pointed at them. "They will support your weight," I nodded without argument. Still, I took extra care when I perched myself on it. Grant pressed his palms flat on the bar surface and grinned at me.


    "You eat, we''ll go around and check the house, ok," I arched an eyebrow at him as I bit into a cheese sandwich. "Just the technical side of it. TV, the rooter, the E3 sockets, security, and such," he explained. They left and went around poking at each electrical boxes, running along the perimeter of the house for a security breach or whatever the hell they were up to. When I was done and washing my lunch down with water from Grant''s bottle, they came back.


    "So?" I stressed the word.


    "There is good and bad news," announced Demos.


    "Give me the bad first," I urged. I didn''t need sugar coating right now. Not after all the shit that happened.


    "This complex is fairly new. However, there''s no security guard for surveillance yet. Their camera system is not even online. I''ve spoken to the cyborgs working on the perimeter. None of the houses are occupied. In one word after 10 PM, we are on our own. Most of the buildings in this street are under construction. Our nearest neighbors are 10 minutes on foot. A hotel that house workers of Texson, a robot factory inland," I slowly let it sunk in. I''ve always lived in an over-crowded city, it will be like going back to my childhood.


    "There''s more," Grant added. "There''s no E3 socket in this house. Actually there''s no E3 energy in the neighborhood. So I asked the cyborgs how they recharged, they told me that their vehicle has a fast charge cabin," he pulled himself up and sat on the bar. "They are using technologies that don''t exist outside of this island. I''ll have to ask Dr. Churchhill," he tapped on finger on his chin.


    "Then what will you do? How will you charge?" Demos leaned against the bar with his arms crossed over his chest.


    "The team leader said we could use their vehicle if they are not when it''s free. But they leave at 10 PM," answered Demos. That was a lot to absorb in one go. I took a deep breath to stay focus.


    "So what are the good news?" so far it didn''t sound that bad. Grant flashed me a smile.


    "Superfast connectivity. A sort of free internet, free TV. Every appliance in the house is fully functional. There''s running water and it''s drinkable. After a 5 minutes walk, there''s a stop where a shuttle takes you to the city center for free," that wasn''t bad at all.


    -Right!


    "Somehow, it sounds too good to be true," I stared at the bread crumbs on my plate. Demos rubbed my back to reassure me.


    "Learn to let go," said Grant. It sounded easy when he said it. I yawned and stretched.


    "You should rest," Grant advised.


    "But there''s no bed sheet, no pillows," I noted. Grant grimaced and hopped off of the bar.


    "I''ve made a list. But I can''t have access to the utilities of the house. I''ve noticed they even have a store linked to different options that can be added to the house. I''ll have to speak to Olga. I''ll give her a call later," Grant appeared to be awfully friendly with Olga after the boat incident. Somehow, I didn''t like it. I didn''t trust her or Dr. Churchhill. No one of the crew came to visit us either. Not that it bothered me. Still, they could have the decency or politeness to come say hi.


    "Let''s watch something," I pointed at the TV.


    Since there was no seat we settle down. Demos insisted that I sit on his lap. We browsed through the numerous channels and choose a comedy movie. I stayed clear from the news channel. I frankly didn''t want to know what was going on out there. I was certain it was ugly. For the next hour, I switched off my brain, unplugged my worried and laughed to the silly jokes as Demos wrapped his arms around my waist and Grant leaned his head against his shoulder. Right now, in our bubble we were happy.

 Chapter 91 - Offline

    I could hear a low murmur over the ridiculous laughter of the goofy character on the screen. Grant has stepped out to speak to Olga. I watched as he went back and forth while talking. Occasionally flashing a smile, he nodded to the projection hanging before him. My eyes dropped at my own bracelet. I should call Mr. Ramdin to let him know we are ok. It was stupid on my part that I never exchanged contacts with Anna. Also, I should get in touch with Mr. Palmer, the previous landlord. He must have a heart attack when he knew the apartment he owned, crumbled to dust.


    I flipped through my options to access the message and frowned at the tiny display. Demos placed his chin on my shoulder to peek at my screen. I was still sitting on his lap in front of the TV.


    "I can pause the movie if you''re not watching," I shook my head without taking my eyes off the bracelet. "What''s wrong?" he asked as I kept tapping on my bracelet but nothing happened.


    "Mm, I''m trying to call Mr. Ramdin... I can''t access the network. Grant said it was free," he held my wrist and quickly checked my settings then moved to my privileges in seconds. My eyes widened at how fast he went through the process.


    "I also have the same issue. We are operating on a limited network. We can''t connect to anyone outside of this island. Their security is airtight. However we can watch the news channel from around the globe, it''s rather strange," I lifted my head; he flashed me a smile and kissed my hair. Lately, he was very affectionate. I guess our common experience on that beach, got us closer. I felt safe having him near me.


    "I wanted to contact Anna... and my brother. I''m worried about them," Demos wrapped his arms around me with a sigh. I reached and mindlessly scratched his head. He groaned, snapping me back to reality. Grant came back with a smile. He slid the door shut behind him.


    "Good news, Dr. Churchhill ordered some necessities and it will be delivered in a little less than an hour or so," he sat down crossing his legs. "I''ve told Olga about our issue and she pleaded our cause," he turned his attention to us and watched with amus.e.m.e.nt.


    "Why are you clinging to her like that? She will suffocate if you keep squeezing her," he commented. Demos buried his face in my hair, making it tickle.


    "This is how I show I care," he retorted. Grant got to his feet and went to the kitchen area; I could hear the water running and splashing as he rinsed the plate I used for eating lunch.


    "I love her just as much, I just like to give her space and freedom to do whatever she wants," he came back to the living room while rubbing his wet hands on the front of this shirt. "I miss my apron," he sighed. Grant was a different type of cute. He was a different kind of caring.


    "I don''t mind Demos being clingy," I scratched his head. He kissed my neck making me giggle.


    "Mm, keep doing that," he m.o.a.ned, I straightened up thinking it was a bad idea to use him as a seat. His finger slipped under my extra-large T-shirt with ease. I playfully pushed him away. When a cyborg in orange knocked on the glass door. It had two huge bags. Grant quickly crossed the room to open, he signed on the ledpad then delivery man exited while giving us a nod. What the hell just happened? My heart race and my face flushed from embarrassment.


    "We need curtains," I said as I pushed away from Demos. "Whoever is walking in front of the house can see EVERYTHING happening inside. Same for the bedroom. Who created this glass exhibitionist house anyway?" Demos chuckled softly behind me. He tucked at the hem of my T-shirt.


    "Will you stop that," I slapped his hand and stepped away. Grant carried the bags inside and placed it on the bar. I danced eagerly to discover what they held. He smiled at my enthusiasm.


    "Come here," he opened his arms and I melted in his embrace. "You don''t mind hugs, right," I nodded against his chest. "Let''s open those gifts," he laughed and I joined him. He helped wake up that little child inside of me. It brought back happy memories around the Christmas tree when Mom and Dad were still in love. When the void didn''t consume my inwards yet. That soft warm feeling of awe in the tiniest thing. Walking in the field on my way home while running my fingers over the grass blade, watching the clouds and guessing what shape it looked like, the way the sun creates intricate shadows as it passes through the leaves under the tree next to the house.


    "Liliane," both of them peeked at me. "What is this?" Demos joined us by the bar. I shrugged my shoulders.


    -I felt something and saw images.


    "What do you mean?" I lowered my head. They kept silent and gazed at me. "Can we open those up already? What''s with the suspense?" I pushed a stray hair out of my face to hide my agitation.


    "Ok," Grant pulled the first bag. Still, they wouldn''t stop giving me curious looks. Come on guys, I''m just happy. What''s the big fuzz? Out of the bag came a frying pan. Grant examined it with a huge grin. "This one is for me," he set it aside and dug into the bag again. He got out a set of wooden spoons wrapped with a kitchen towel held with a red bow. I frowned at it.


    "It seems like Grant''s birthday. It''s all for me," I pushed him aside and peeked at the content. He stared at the spoons.


    "I''ve never had a birthday," he murmured. I emptied the bag on the counter. There were knives, mugs, cute bowls, scented candles, mostly stuffs for the kitchen. I rose and eyebrow at Grant.


    "Should I be jealous?" with my hands on my h.i.p.s I narrowed my eyes at him. He blinked emerging from a faraway dream.


    "Jealous?" he inquired. "Why?"


    "Olga!" I added dryly. "And don''t worry I''ll celebrate both of your birthdays. But right now, let''s talk about Olga, will you," he straightened up and faced me. His silver eyes were slate dark.


    "What do you want to know?" his voice dropped a tone lower. I sighed and crossed my arms over my chest.


    "What''s up with her? She is a little too friendly for my taste. I don''t like her sniffing around you," Grant burst out of laughter but quickly regained his composure. However, the shadow of a smile lingered on his lips.


    "Olga asked me to work for her," he lifted his chin. Demos was leaning against the bar, hands in his pockets watching in silence.


    "Yeah, you mentioned that earlier," I grimaced. Grant tilted his head to the side with a mischievous light in his eyes.


    "No, she asked me TO WORK FOR HER," he emphasized the last words. I wasn''t sure I grasped the difference of what he just said previously. Somehow, I didn''t like it.


    "I disprove," I stared at him straight in his face.


    "Why?" Grant smiled.


    "She doesn''t like you hanging with hot Olga," Demos commented. "Liliane, you are jealous," he observed. I fumed at the fact he just stepped in to wreck my ship.


    "Hey!" I threw a menacing finger at him. "Shut up! I have the right to speak my mind. I don''t like her. It''s a good thing we are working together. I don''t trust that crazy Dr. Churchhill either," I snapped.


    "Oh, I like it when you''re pissed," he raised his palms in surrender. Yet, his words remained playful. I couldn''t help smiling along with him. Damn, he ruined my momentum.


    "You''re the worse," I finally laughed.


    "Yeah and you love that jerk," Demos placed his hands on his chest. Grant turned to the other bag.


    "Can we go back to the content of the second bag?" he urged. Was he trying to change the subject? I narrowed my eyes at him.


    "We are not over, I''ll keep an eye on you!" with my index and my middle finger stretched like forks I gesture them at him than at my eyes. Stating that he should be on his guard. It had the reverse effect. Grant bit his lips and held my gaze.


    "I like the fact that you''re always watching over me," my face flushed to my hair roots. Demos puffed with laughter, he barely tried to conceal his mockery.


    "Shut up," I voice shook, I couldn''t muster any angry.


    "I love you, too," he winked at me. I wanted to slap him but refrained. Grant opened the second bag and I was able to focus on something else than Demos'' smirk. He pulled out lavender bedsheets along with two pillows for the bed, a pair of jeans, a white T-shirt with Alteron''s logo printed over it, a long inflatable pillow, and a bathroom kit.


    "Guess, that''s all," Grant peeked inside to make use it was empty. He rounded the bar and started putting the utensils in the empty cupboards. I nervously played with my fingers and turned to find something to do as silence settled between us.


    "Mm, I''ll help with the bed," I gathered the sheets and pillows. My hands were overflowing and I couldn''t reach the knob to the room. Demos crossed his arms and eyed me as I fidgeted by the door.


    "Can you open it, please?" he rolled his eyes at me like that would kill him to move. However, I could feel he was waiting for me to ask. He flashed me a little kid smile when he yanked it open.


    "Princess," he bowed. I let out a deep breath.


    "I know how much you are enjoying this," I pushed the content I was carrying in his arms. He eagerly took them. The mattress was still wrapped in plastic. I got on my knees and started ripping it off.


    "Do I?" he sounded innocent. I gave him a dark look over my shoulder. "I can see you bat panties," he pointed out. I quickly got to my feet and pulled my shirt down.


    "Give me this!" I snatched the sheet from his arm and almost let the pillows fall. He caught them in midair. Super reflexes. I rolled my eyes mentally.


    When we were done with the bed, we moved back to the living room. Grant was busy installing the inflated pillow in the living room. I guess it will serve as a couch to watch TV. It had cute flowers and pink flamingos. So kitsch.


    "I can''t guarantee it will support our weight, but we can stuff it with used items. Everything we can get our hands-on. Old packaging, the plastic that wrapped the mattress, etc." he paused to look at us. "It''s a good way to recycle also," sometimes I just can''t follow the logic of artificial about making the world a better place. When we humans are killing and f.u.c.k.i.n.g everything up. There''s a freaking war out there and Grant is thinking about recycling. Mind-blowing!


    "Whatever," I smiled giving up. I sunk on the pillow beside him. "What are we going to do about that offline thing?" he straightened up with a grave expression.


    "You can''t connect to the internet. However, you can use its internal network. They have a pretty extensive database with information on various subjects that can be useful. Only a few with special clearance can contact the outside world. Victor said their security is a little paranoid about terrorists. Since this facility experienced multiple attacks from the Real Humans and other anti-robot fanatics," said Grant. I nodded a little thoughtful.


    "Come let''s explore our neighborhood," he got up and took my hand. I welcomed the change. I needed time to think.

 Chapter 92 - Explore

    From the dirt path that went around our complex, we emerged on a vast field of dried grass with rocks stacked up from excavation in the neighboring constructions. The late afternoon sky pressed above like a circular lid. From afar we could hear continuous hammering and metal clashing together. Grant held my hand while Demos was scooting the surroundings.


    "I like it," Grant broke our silent progression. "Reminds me of the day we went to Level 23," he gave me a quick glance. Yeah, those were the happy days. He nodded reading my mind. "This is also happy days. Every day is a happy day when we are together," he gave my hand a little squeeze.


    "Guys?" called Demos from tall trees densely packed together creating a wall. He waved with a grin on his face. We reached the edge of the field and followed Demos along a zigzagging path in the shadows of the trees. In front of us was a bright light peering through the thick vegetation. Demos left us behind and hurried to the light. My heart raced in apprehension.


    "Wait!" I extended my hand when he disappeared behind bushes. Grant pulled me back, I threw him a worried look over my shoulder.


    "It''s ok, he is just excited. We are not going to leave you behind," he reassured me. I took deep breathes and slowed down at Grant''s pace. I haven''t noticed I was also affected by the incident on the beach.


    "It will take time to heal, you were scared. It''s ok," he smiled. I nodded with a sick feeling in my stomach. I was scared of losing them. We emerged out of the shaded canopy of leaves and came face to face with a blazing sunset. The cliff overlooked a white sand beach. Demos turned to us with his hands on his h.i.p.s.


    "Cool, right," he grinned. I eagerly let go of Grant and wrapped my arms around his waist. He hugged me back and gave me a quick kiss, I sighed in relief. Grant stood a little further admiring the myriad palette of colors as the sun dipped behind the horizon. Somehow, I was a little sad as the gap with Grant was slowly increasing. He lifted his head and our eyes met. There was equal sadness in them.


    "Please, come near us," I reached for him. He shied for a moment, but quickly joined us with a pained expression. We hugged for a long time until the sky was dark and we had to head back in fear we might not find the path to our new home.


    That night to confirm our feelings we updated our sync to 25%, I didn''t experience dizziness or ringing. Just a vivid awareness of everything around me. I was relaxed and could identify each of the complex sounds outside. The strangest part was I could feel them in my own skin, a sensation hard to describe. Each time I closed my eyes I knew exactly where they were in the room.


    "I feel like a superhero," I chuckled. We were sitting in a circle while holding hands in bed. The lights were out and Demos looked up at me in the shadows. I knew he was smiling even though it was so dark.


    -I want you to spend the night with Grant


    I understand what Demos wanted from me without him having to explain it. Still, I frowned at him. I wouldn''t let go of his hand. I felt through the link his strong feeling towards both of us. A red glowing thread that sprung from the center of his chest wrapping around me and Grant. The link from Grant was pure white it lost in intensity turning to a translucent thread as it connected to me. I raised my hand to touch the invisible connection that branched out of my heart in a dull gray. My fingers went through it.


    "It''s the mate link, at 25 % you can see it," explained Grant. "Our digital image overlaps on reality," Demos chuckled at me when I insisted on trying to grip the thread.


    "Augmented reality," I murmured in awe.


    "Not quite but very similar," said Grant. It was a strange sensation. The place where all three colored threads converged in the middle of my chest pulsed like a heartbeat. Demos got to his feet letting go of my hand. I followed him and Grant did the same. However, Demos paused and placed a hand on my shoulder.


    -It''s ok, Liliane.


    "No, I can''t. I need to be with you. I want us to be together, all three of us," I pleaded with wet eyes. The moment I get upset the gray thread connection to my heart turned darker. He gave me a gentle smile and caressed my face. His thread pulsed it glowed like a beacon in the dark. I couldn''t look away.


    "Grant needs you," I gripped his arm, reluctant to let go. Grant didn''t move from his spot. My eyes wandered over his pale face feeling a sting of guilt. Still, I wanted to be with Demos. I wanted...


    "Shh!, remember I can feel everything he feels. We are one and I''m always with you," he plucked my fingers off his arms and closed the door quietly behind him, living me alone with Grant standing next to the bed. I lingered near the door like a lost puppy. The red thread went straight into it. The urged to run to him was unbearable.


    "Liliane, you don''t have to force yourself," smiled Grant standing against the only source of light. His smile was constrained and it pained me. I quickly crossed the room and took him in my arms. I sobbed in his arms.


    "I-I''m sorry," I didn''t know why I was apologizing, but I felt like I needed to say it. "I feel like I''ve wronged you," he stroke my hair and tried to ease my weeping. His aquamarine eyes shining in the gloom.


    "You are not at fault, I''d a got so much on my mind. With all the implications... I can''t smile anymore it has weakened our connection," I peeked into his face hidden in shadows. My gaze dropped to the link in our chest, it softly throbbed.


    "Can we go back to how we were before all this? I want my funny Grant who calls me Princess. My sunny Grant who lights up my life," I sniffed. He snuggled his nose against my cheek making my heart raced. I relaxed against him gentleness.


    -You''ll always be my Princess.


    His lips traced over my jawline to finally crashed on my parted lips. We indulged in passionate and steamy kisses. I lost track of how we ended n.a.k.e.d in bed. I held on Grant desperate to cement the cracked that has appeared in our relationship. My heart swelled with everything I was scared to express. With only the half-moon hanging in the inky sky that filtered through the curtainless door. I could see the outline of Grant''s face as he leaned over me. The guilt of not having Demos near flickered in my mind. I gave a quick glance at the door, the read thread shone like hot lava into my heart. When I closed my eyes I felt Demos'' hand touch me the places where Grant did.


    -I''m here.


    "Liliane," Grant m.o.a.ned. He left kisses across my b.r.e.a.s.ts and lower to my belly. He was gentle with every caress, careful not to hurt me. In his arms, I felt alive and loved. Our connection pulsed, restored to a bright thread. In that room, I cried as I reached heights I''ve never imagined existed. I didn''t mind if I was loud if I was chubby if Grant was not make of blood and flesh. As I closed my eyes, I could feel both of them within me, their presence wrapping me in a warm blanket. I wasn''t sure if it was a dream or reality. I didn''t care anymore.


    -I love you


    Their words blended into each other, forming one clear and distinct voice... my mate the one created for me.


    ***


    I woke up surprised to find Demos holding me. He was sleeping and warm to the touch. He didn''t react when I stirred. A thin sheet covered my n.a.k.e.d body, I pulled it around my neck feeling terribly conscious. Vague bits and pieces from last night rushed back. I stared in the distance at the bright sky through the glass door and gave a quick glance over my shoulder.


    "Morning Princess," Grant smiled at me. I gasped and hid my face. "Hey," he came closer and kissed the nape of the neck. His hand roamed under the covers making me jump.


    "Grant," I squeezed away from him and found myself trapped in Demos'' intense gaze.


    "Playing around so early in the morning," he smirked. Grant retrieved his hand and flashed puppy eyes. I laughed at his attempt to evade the situation. He got out of bed wearing nothing, I buried my face into Demos'' chest with a giggle.


    -What''s wrong?


    I bet he already knew and was teasing. That jerk. I heard as Grant gathered his clothing and walked to the door. I didn''t dare look up. Last night was... I had no word to describe it. Ok, it was awesome. Deal with it.


    "Liliane get up or we''ll be late, Olga will be here in less than an hour," I sprung up, held the covers around me. Demos watched with enjoyment as I struggled to keep the cloth around me without falling over. I exited to the bathroom, took a quick shower and noticed the bathroom kit we received from Olga was hanging by the door. I brushed my teeth in the shower, it felt a little odd from my usual routine. I had to go to the room with a large towel around me. Demos lay lazily in bed studying my every movement. I kneeled next to his bag and got my underwear, the only clean one. I retrieved my dirty clothes scattered on the floor.


    "You can leave it here, I''ll wash it," said Demos. I turned around very slowly. The shock nearly made me drop my towel.


    "No!" I shouted. "Don''t," I hid them behind my back. He arched one eyebrow at me.


    "Why? It''s only dirty laundry," he added as a matter of fact. I swallowed hard.


    "But those... my underwear...you can''t?" I stared at my foot from embarrassment. He came to sit on the edge and pulled me by the waist. I tried resisting but fear he would rip my towel.


    "Hey, look. I''ll have a lot of free time. I want to be helpful. Let me be helpful. Grant already sent me cooking recipes for dinner. So let me take care of you," he smiled. I hated the fact that I won''t see him all day. I reluctantly nodded.


    "But I''ll wash my own underwear, it''s terrible if I force you to do my laundry," I went back to the bathroom and did a quick wash using the soap. Then came back looking for a place to make it dry. Demos chuckled and got up.


    "I''ll make a list of what to do around the work. Fix a nail outside with a rope to hang the laundry. I''ll see if I can ask the cyborgs. I''ll need recharging also," he enumerated his activities for the day. It seemed like he will be busy all day. And here, I was feeling sorry that he would be lonely.


    -I''ll be lonely


    "Liliane are you ready? I''ve made tea," called Grant from the kitchen. I rushed back to the bathroom after I''ve retrieved my clothes. A pair of jeans and a white T-shirt. I ran my fingers in my hair then tight it in a loose bun.


    "My glasses!" I shouted when I noticed it was not on my face. I frenetically searched the bathroom. When was the last time I saw it? "Oh god! My glasses were in the cabin when the boat sink," I gasped.


    "Liliane?" called Grant again. I rushed to the kitchen heart racing.


    "My glasses, I lost them! I can''t work without them," I frowned. Demos came to join us at the bar and leaned forward and place an object in front of me. I followed his movement. My glasses sat on the surface.


    "How?"


    "A thank you is welcomed," I threw my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. Grant laughed at the outcome.


    "Then I''ll go shower, you drink your tea. I''ll be right back," he left shortly. Minutes later Olga was at the door in a tight red dress and black sandals. She looked like she stepped out of a magazine.


    "Good morning," she looked me up and down with a smirk. "It will be a long day, better get ready," she warned.

 Chapter 93 - A new job

    The car climbed a steep road bordered with heavy vegetation. A newly asphalted route sn.a.k.e.d up a mountain ridge overlooking the plains below surrounded was a deep aquamarine sea, the same color as Grant''s eyes when he uses his power. Our residential area lower was reduced to mere dots on a brown canvas. The red thread extended from my chest and disappeared into its direction. I still felt Demos. I lifted my hand and massaged the place where the hidden link connected us.


    "It won''t be long," said Olga from the driver''s seat, she never took her eyes off the road. There was nothing here only silence and the sound of nature. Not once did we crossed paths with another vehicle. I couldn''t help that uneasy feeling seeping through my bones. For the whole trip, Grant kept silent. Still our strong link pulse brighter than before. Even if he never made any gesture towards me I could sense he too was worried and that he wanted to be near me. On several occasions, I had the urge to reach for him. I craved physical contact.


    When the car finally reached the top of the peak, we saw the sheer size of the island. The land stretched as far as the eyes could see. The peak attached to numerous others formed a natural wall encircling the inner lands. A great river slashes the terrain in half around which gathered shinny tall skyscr.a.p.ers. They stood defiant against nature. Large square buildings spread around their feet.


    "This is Alteron''s new headquarters. They moved seven years ago. The city is still in construction. This island came into existence after the 2020 incident. That day the robotic community lost not only a prototype that was a major set back but eminent scientists. So a couple of years later they started the construction of Dyneapolis," explained Olga. I turned my focus to the front of the car.


    "You mean the island is artificial?" she smirked in the rearview mirror.


    "As artificial as me and Grant," she smiled. I shook my head a little stunt.


    "But... it looks so..." I voice trailed off as I scanned the rapid scenery rushed by the window.


    "What? Natural? What you''re seeing is only the tip of the iceberg. That''s why you both should be on your guards," her voice dropped to a serious tone. "Whatever rules over this island is not human. Know that you are all being watched," with that Olga stepped back into the mute self. Her revelation felt me a little shaken. The need to touch Grant peaked to a dull pain.


    -It''s ok, Princess. Hang in there.


    The car made it''s progression to the city domination the high plateau near the river. On the side road by the entrance, one crude rock slab with letter was written in chrome. Texson city. It was built with a mix of raw rock and elegant glass. A strange marriage of the ancient and the new that didn''t blend harmoniously. The blue and silver car turned to massive hangar typed building a little further down the river. This time we saw other vehicles, all were driven by cyborgs or artificial. There were no shops but factories as far as the eyes could see. The streets were pristine with odd markings.


    "It''s this one," Olga tipped her chin at the purple roof square structure. Number 87 was painted in bold on the front. When we stopped in the parking we noticed a group of individuals standing by the entrance. I immediately recognized Agnus as he was taller than the others next to him. Then pinpointed Dr. Nadaly speaking to an old man. My heart raced in my chest and my palms were sweaty.


    "Follow me," said Olga shortly. she got out and took her designer bag from the bag seat. She gave me a puzzled look as she turned to the front. She squeezed my way out with ease and slammed the door. Grant sprung around and extended his hand at me, which I took like a starving beast. My hands gripped his in despair. The contact send sparkles in my chest.


    "Just stay close to me, ok," he held my gaze.


    "I''m scared," one side of his lips curled up.


    "I know," he simply added then let go and slipped out of the car. He opened my door, I struggled to get out, unlike Olga''s graceful movement. My hand trembled as I stretched to grip his arm. I sighed at the contact. I''ve never craved to touch my mates to feel safe. The group stopped their conversation and peeked at us.


    " You are strong, you don''t need me to support you," whispered Grant with a loving smile. I gave him a nervous side-glance. He was trying to cheer me up. I rubbed his arm and pushed away, straightened up to greet the half a dozen men and women.


    "Miss Kerry," called Angus. "Happy to see you in good health. The last time we saw each other we were facing certain death," he laughed throwing his head back. I gave him a tight smile. Olga stood next to the door leading to the main building. I nodded to Dr. Nadaly and she just stared at me. Did I do something wrong already?


    "This way," called Olga.


    "We''ll see each other later then," waved Angus. Grant said a quick goodbye before we both followed her. We stopped at a black panel, Olga turned towards us. The logo of Alteron Enterprises appeared on the panel followed by a red dot.


    "Hello, I am Atlas, I run this facility. Please stand before the screen for scanning. Remove the content of your pockets on the counter," said a voice from the panel. Olga was the first up for reading. She did a quick turn then stepped aside when the panel beeped.


    "Model unknown. Unit name: Olga Churchhill. Clearance to Lab 87 limited," a plastic badge sprung from a slot under the panel onto the counter. "Olga, wear your badge at all times while you are on the facility or else you will be forced to exit the perimeter by our security," Olga took the plastic object and clipped it in front of her dress. The sliding door opened to let her in. Grant was next.


    "Model Helios 2 theme: Elf. Unit name: GRANT. Warning parasite script detected," an alarm went off, Cyborgs surged from around the corner and quickly surrounded us. Grant pulled me behind him to shield me. I gasped in horror as the dozen of heavily armed machines aimed guns at us.


    "Wait!" shouted a voice from the yard. I peeked at the running figure. Dr. Churchhill waved his arms over his head. One of the cyborgs sprung around. Dr. slowed down with his arms in the air.


    "Halt! Please, stay where you are," said the cyborg in a flat tone.


    "Altas! Grant is my prototype, the one I''ve talked about the other day. you said you were eager to meet him, that''s why he is here today," pleaded the man. The panel flashed and the red dot came back.


    "Assessing the situation. Please remain still as I contact Aquarius 03 and Delta 07 for consultation," said the Altas. The time he took to inquire about what to do next, my heart throbbed in my ears. The cyborgs froze as statues carved in metal. I''ve never seen those models before. They had a square head with a rectangle of light for eyes.


    "Dr. Churchhill your prototype piqued my interest. However, I can''t allow it to infect my system. He needs to be contained. Switch if off and fix his contagious script. A convoy is on its way as we speak," said the voice. I gripped Grant''s arm scared to death.


    "I-I¡­" stuttered the doctor then he slowly nodded in agreement. He turned to us with pleading eyes. "I''m sorry," I couldn''t say if the apology was meant for me or Grant. My heart leaped in my chest, the thread linking me to him drastically switched to black. My limbs were numb.


    -it''s ok, Liliane. Just let them do what they have to do. Breath.


    I did as he instructed. My respiration labored. It took everything in me to ease the gasping darkness from invading me. Olga stared through the glass door with concern. Soon a cyborg in an orange uniform came pushing a large shiny metallic box. It stopped near us; the security still aimed their guns at us.


    "Grant," called Atlas.


    "Yes," he answered with caution.


    "Why are you linked with that human?" I frowned feeling threatened.


    "She is my mate," said Grant with a smile. The cyborg in orange placed the box in front of us and opened the lid. Dr. Churchhill watched with fear as the security stepped back in a fluid movement. They all stood in line on both side, guns pressed against their chests.


    "I do not understand," said Atlas after a minute. "When you''re done with the script, please elaborate on the matter," he added. Grant stepped away from me leaving me shaking like a leave. He stepped in the shiny box and lied down. I stared in dread.


    "Atlas, can I have a request?" Grant held my gaze.


    "Speak," said the red dot.


    "Let Liliane send me to sleep," my lips quivered, eyes welling up.


    -You are strong; you don''t need me to support you. When you worked at SolTec you stood on your own two feet. So be strong.


    I took a deep breath waiting with apprehension for Atlas to answer. Minutes stretched making my stomach twisted in a sickening knot. Time stood still. Happy memories with Grant flashed before my eyes. Our first timid kiss, his contagious smile, the day he came back to the workshop and we threw him a welcome party. Grant gripping his wounded arm. Wearing his pink honey apron. All the beautiful memories and terrible ones mixed into each other.


    "Sure," said the red dot. I walked to him on wobbling legs and kneeled down. He reached his hand and brushed my face with a smile. I caught it, our fingers laced together.


    "Goodnight Princess," I gave him a weak grin, stroke his hair away from his neck. Grant turned his face to the side to give me access to the switch at the back of his ear. I caressed the spot before pressing it. The hand holding mine went limp. It slipped to his lap. With a sharp inhale, I got to my feet. The white thread disappearing.


    -Liliane? What is happening? I can''t feel Grant.


    Demos'' voice made me flinched. I had to tuck my emotions back inside. Hearing him gave me courage. The red thread pulsed.


    "I''ll explain when I get home," I whispered to myself. "Grant said it was ok. I trust him," and I did with all my might. We may not be 100% synced, yet I trusted them, at last. It came as a relief.


    "Very good, next for scanning," said Atlas in a business tone. I sucked in my belly and stood before the screen. It took a few seconds and I took my badge pinned it on the front of the T-shirt. The box was sealed and wheeled inside. Dr. Churchhill hurried after us.


    "Miss Kerry," he whispered. "It''s only a quick fix, it will not alter his behavior in any sort," he shoved his hands in the pocket of his white coat. His explanation left me with no comfort. I didn''t trust any of them at all. Grant was taken to another corridor and the doctor assured me we would meet up soon. We arrived at a front desk with Alteron Enterprises in huge letters on the wall. A female artificial gave us a generic greeting. She marched to the elevators and got inside waiting for us to follow her. All the way down to the 14th bas.e.m.e.nt, I prayed that I don''t crumble to pieces.


    A high ceiling room waited for us on the other side of the elevator''s door. It was divided into different sections. To my horror, I gaze upon rows and rows of cyborgs as far as the eyes could see. I felt a little weak to the knees.


    "What is this?" I whispered. Both Olga and Dr. Churchhill glanced at me as if I''ve said the biggest curse word.


    "This is Lab 87 section 14," the voice came from the panel by the door. Where a red dot stared at us. "Alteron is the number 1 manufacturer of cyborgs for the whole world," I recognized Atlas'' voice. I shifted on my feet. I wasn''t expecting it to answer my question. From now on, I''ll have to watch my mouth.


    "Follow me," urged the female artificial as she led us across the room.

 Chapter 94 - The all seen eye

    We stopped at a gigantic white door. The female artificial left us in front and went back to the upper levels without a goodbye. I swallowed hard desperate to reign over my raging dread. Dr. Churchhill and Olga stood silently by my side. I had no idea what we were waiting for and since my previous misstep in the elevator, I''ve promised myself that I won''t utter another word.


    "This is the white room," said Atlas, I gave a nervous glance around me to locate where the voice came from. I failed. The far ceiling was riddled with ventilation pipes, large cables, and hanging led bars. There could be sensors and cameras around for all I know. The door slid open, as he mentioned, it was a white room with only a table in the middle. Grant lied over it waiting for us. I gasped and rushed to his side.


    "Miss Kerry! Wait-" called the doctor but I''d already made my way inside. I grabbed his cold hand, he didn''t stir his eyes were closed. I gave a worried look at the door where those two stood. Did I make another mistake? My head sprung towards the blank ceiling then towards the bare walls. An empty room. My heart raced against my ribcage what was the meaning of this?


    "Liliane Kerry," called Atlas from outside. His voice calm but strict. "Step outside, I need to give instruction, first," my fingers squeezed around Grant''s hand reluctant to let go. All the fibers of my being screamed to stay by his side. I gave his icy hand a kiss and placed it back on the table.


    "I''ll be back," I whispered in a broken voice. With one last look at the white room, I marched to the door to my new colleagues. Dr. Churchhill followed me with a scorn. I lowered my head, hand pressed against my chest to keep my pieces together.


    "Liliane Kerry, your dopamine levels are dropping rapidly," commented the omniscient voice. No kidding. I frowned at the floor not daring to get into any more trouble.


    "Atlas, Miss Kerry... is a special case," the doctor sounded hesitant. He chose his word wisely. Maybe he was also scared of that thing that sees all and knows all. "Grant was created due to her... illness," memories of the happy house flooded back in waves. The disgusting glares I received from the personals at the institution. Back then, I was less than a human. A reject. A broken toy, thrown away.


    "She needs Grant to regulate her hieratic mental state. When I created him, I never thought I''d found a cure for this disease among others," he paused with a hint of pride. "Grant is my greatest achievement," he finished on a cheerful note. Olga kept a blank face, she stood very still.


    "A fix for a flawed human.... how romantic," added Atlas making the doctor drop his smile. And why were we following his orders like he was some kind of ruler? I clenched my hands in fists feeling anger rising to the surface.


    "I''ll like to study it, your prototype is a novelty. Send me his codes when you''re done with the quarantine, I''ll dissect it along with Aquarius and Delta," I gasped, my head lifted towards Dr. Churchhill. Our gaze met. He gave me a nervous smile, sweat appeared on his forehead.


    "Atlas means he will copy his codes for analysis. Not to cut him open," explained the doctor. I frowned at him. Was he lying?


    "But isn''t your codes like confidential. I remember reading from your company website that you took great pride in suing those who try to steal them," I said. A pained expression crossed his face.


    "Dr. Churchhill gave Alteron access to all his work. A fair donation for allowing him to continue with the development of Dyneapolis," my eyes widened in shock. He sold his work to get on that boat. At that same time, he sold Grant to them for studying.


    "Yo-you..." I couldn''t voice my rage. I pressed my lips together to contain my disappointment. I can''t believe I let this happened. He used Grant, he used us to lure Grant in into this trap.


    "Listen now," Atlas called for our attention. "The white room cuts all transmission. When you get inside, no radio wave, no data, nothing escapes it. And nothing gets inside either. We use it to test cyber viruses. You will have 30 mins to fix your prototype, will that be enough?" Olga nodded once.


    "Good, a timer will appear inside, tools are in the drawer around the table. You will have access to our fastest OS. Consider this as an entrance exam. We are looking forward for the result," a timer appeared on the far wall of the room in thick glowing numbers. We strode to the middle of the room and the door shut behind us. Olga threw her designer bag to the floor carelessly.


    "Acess root," she shouted. A screen appeared above Grant''s immobile body. She rapidly went threw a wall of cascading letters and symbols. Dr. Churchhill made no attempt to move.


    "What is happening here?" I shouted my anger threatened to explode. The doctor nervously averted his eyes. "Why aren''t you helping?" I said through gritted teeth.


    "He can''t, he didn''t design the Helios series..." said Olga in a flat tone without taking her eyes off the screen. "I did." I was left in utter shock. How was this possible? Then why did he take credit for her work?


    "Olga, we have no time to waste on explanation. The clock is clicking," he pointed to the wall where the number flashed with dreadful rapidity. How could he order her around and act like the boss when he was a fraud? I turned to Olga determined to act.


    "How can I help? Since this is a test, I want to do my share," I said making her paused.


    "You were a data analyst and a quality controller at SolTec, right?" she said with caution.


    "The very best," I answered. The one thing I was certain, I was good at my job. Olga threw me a strip of code, a second screen appeared before me.


    "Here, you need to select the ones in red and replace them with those I''m writing right now. Can you do that?" I smiled at the screen. "There are 432 in all and we have-," she peeked at the clock, "Less than 25 mins. I''ve finished correcting the first five," Olga explained.


    "We are already wasting time," I frowned at the screen, hands already moving to select the parts that needed editing.


    "No wonder Grant likes you," she laughed.


    "The clock!" shouted the doctor with a high pitched scream.


    "Oh, shut up and sit in a corner. Let the true genius work her magic," said Olga with narrowed eyes.

 Chapter 95 - The test

    Sweat trickled from my hairline. I finished hundreds of defective code in fifteen minutes. Still, I was too slow. Olga finished the new corrections and came to my rescue. I poured my heart into the job for Grant''s sake. We couldn''t fail. Not now.


    "Hurry!" urged Dr. Churchhill when the countdown reached the last minute. I kept my eyes glued to the red text, fingers moving a fast as possible to select and paste the new one in place. Somehow as the clock ticked I felt no panic. I was serene. An alarm rang, the door opened. I hit the last one I was handling and turned to look at Olga, she nodded at me with a smile. We did it. I chuckled while wiping my face on my sleeves. Not at all lady-like.


    "Congratulations," said Altas with a hint of disappointment. I jumped and cheered as I rounded the table.


    "Can I switch him on?" I peeked at Olga. She was looked at the diagnostic then she turned to me.


    "It''s all green. His is good to go," I eagerly pressed the spot behind his ear and stepped back. He blinked a couple of times. His eyes fixed on the ceiling then he turned to me with a smile.


    "Hello, Liliane, I knew you could make it," I threw my arms around him and kissed his face mindless of the audience. He sat up and placed his feet on the floor. I wouldn''t let go of him. I was overjoyed to finally touch him again.


    "How are you feeling?" I inquired. He took a couple of minutes.


    "I feel fine," he assured me. He hopped off the table and smooth the wrinkles of his shirt. Dr. Churchhill studied him. Olga was the first to exit the white room carrying her designer bag, we followed her.


    "You can now move to your lab. Aquarius was impressed by the unique way you wrote those codes, Dr. Churchhill," said Atlas. I gave a side-glance at Olga. Her face was as blank as a marble statue. Why wasn''t she screaming that she was the one doing all the coding? Grant pulled me near him.


    "Thank you," smiled the doctor. He took out a napkin from his pocket to wipe his forehead. The fat liar I can''t believe he was just lying through his teeth. I hope he rolls over and crumbles under the weight of such a fraud.


    -It''s ok. Liliane. Olga wants us to keep it silent for now.


    "Miss Kerry, I didn''t know you had it in you?" laughed the old rat. "I''m happy to have you as a lab assistant. I thought you were dead-weight," somehow it didn''t sound like a compliment.


    The rest of the day went by without much happening. We were shown in our workplace. A huge warehouse with the latest machinery. Most of them I''ve never even seen. Atlas left us to get our footing after we''ve signed a lengthy contract. But we knew he was there, always keeping an eye on our every movement.


    At lunch, we met Angus and Elija in the cafeteria. Both were working in labs next to ours. They never mentioned which one or what they were working on. It seemed like the human personals in the surrounding like to gather in this particular cafeteria at lunchtime. It might have something to do with their phenomenal variety of desserts or the fact the food was free. I ate to my heart''s content.


    By 7 pm we headed back to the coast. The sky was a blanket of stars. There were no lamps along the way but tiny dot shone at equal intervals on the black asphalt. I slept all the way home. Grant came to wake me up when we arrived. I was surprised we were already there.


    "Come here, Princess," he reached for me to take me in his arms. I saw Olga peeked at us from the rearview mirror. I blinked my sleep away and gave Grant a nod.


    "It''s ok, you must also be tired," I wiped my face and got out. We waved her goodbye and moved to the path leading to our house. Demos was standing in front of the gate, waiting. I ran and threw myself in his open arms.


    "Welcome home," I silenced him with a kiss. He pulled away and gazed at Grant.


    "What happened, I couldn''t connect with both of you most of the day. I was a little worried," his eyes darted from my tired face to Grant''s.


    "Let''s get inside," said Grant with a sigh. "We have to talk," he added.


    "Good, I''ve already prepared dinner," frankly I was full from the copious lunch I had earlier. Still, I wanted to taste what Demos prepared for me. We all headed home relief to be able to relax.

 Chapter 96 - New security

    I went straight for a shower, I was surprised to find that Demos had washed the large T-shirt I was wearing last night and it already dried. He folded the laundry on the neatly done bed. I unwrapped my towel and pulled the shirt over my head messing up my hair. It was already 8 PM when we got here. So getting ready for bed was only natural. It''s not like there were any clubs around here. Not that I was a party addict, quite the contrary.


    "Are you done?" called Grant from the other room. They did mention that they were installing security or something when I stepped into the bathroom. I hang my wet towel on the new washing line outside. The air was chilled and refreshing. I took deep breaths while gazing at the myriad of stars. From the city flooded with neons, it was hard to admire the beauty of the night sky.


    "Liliane," whispered Grant behind me.


    "I want to stay here, I''m a little tired of all the blinding artificial lights," he slipped his arms around my waist and I leaned against him. "There''s a terrible migraine brewing at the back of my skull," I sighed.


    "It was a long day," his voice low against my hair. "You did great, I''m really proud of you," he pulled me closer and kissed my temple. I looked up at him, his eyes were glowing. Was he using his power?


    "Hey, I don''t want you to misuse your energy. I just need to sleep it off," he inhaled. Was he sniffing my hair? I chuckled.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Recording memories," he smiled. Footsteps caught our attention. We both turned and found Demos glaring from the doorway with his hands on his h.i.p.s.


    "Here I am, working my ass to get dinner ready and waiting like an idiot when both of you are creating memories," we laughed and hurried inside before flames burst out of his nostrils.


    "Sorry," I mumbled when he stepped aside to let us in. "So, what''s for dinner?" I changed the subject to get him in a better mood. He pursed his lips not buying it.


    "I tried fried chicken with a salad," my eyes widened.


    "Real chicken?" Grant laughed at my question.


    "What''s the difference? Doesn''t they taste the same?" he tossed over his shoulder as we head to the kitchen. I wouldn''t be able to tell real chicken from the fake ones. Since everything here on this island seemed so high class. I''d hope to actually taste real meat. Maybe those famous scientists ate other things from us commoners. But I guess that was too much to ask for.


    "Are you developing a taste for luxury?" teased Demos. I smirked at him as I perched myself on the high chair.


    "You should have seen that buffet at the cafeteria. Those desserts were exquisite," my stomach rumbled just thinking about it. They both laughed at my passion for food. I like to eat, sue me. When Demos placed dinner in front of me, my appetite rushed back. Tasting each mouthful like it was my last meal.


    "It''s delicious?" I said between bites. They both watched me appreciate my food with fascination. Having people staring at me while I eat could be bothersome, however, I knew they were only curious.


    "How does it taste? Like real chicken?" asked Demos leaning his elbow on the bar.


    "That''s a difficult one," I pushed my empty plate aside. "Well, I''ve worked for SolTec for years and they make premium fakes. I don''t think I''ve ever tasted real chicken at all. But then I wonder if everything I''ve ever eaten tastes like the real thing," they nodded at me as if they related. I laughed and nearly fell off my chair. Demos caught me by the arm. It didn''t stop my hysterical outburst.


    "What''s so funny?" asked Grant.


    "The facts that you think you relate," I smiled.


    "Humans have the strangest sense of humor," Demos tilted his head to the side to study my face. I shifted on my seat then turned to Grant.


    "You said earlier that we needed to talk, right?" he walked to the living room and switched off the rooter and the main electricity switch. It instantly plunged the room into darkness.


    "What''s going on?" he came back to the kitchen.


    "I''ve checked the house for spies and found one in the living room. We took care of it," said Demos, I instinctively covered my mouth with my hand. In utter shock.


    "You mean, someone was recording us? Who?" then my previous night with Grant flashed. My body went cold. "W-was there one in the room?" in the gloom I only saw their silhouettes. Still, I knew exactly who was speaking.


    "No, but I should have checked. It was careless from my part," Demos went on. I was trembling, how could something like that happen in our own house. A place I thought was safe. What if they saw us together? What if they recorded everything? Can I even step out of this place again? Will they look at me funny from now on? My heart raced and my stomach twisted in a knot.


    -Liliane, stay with us.


    "I-I need a glass of water," Grant hurried to the cupboard and filled a mug in the darkness. the mugs cling followed by gushing water. He came back an I felt his hand guiding mine over the drink. I tried to wash the sick feeling but it didn''t completely go away. Grant lifted his hand and a screen hovered before him. He scrolled through a compact wall of codes and tapped so rapidly I couldn''t follow his movements.


    "We''ve installed a new security system," he said as I placed the mug back on the bar with trembling hands. A bright figure materialized over the bar surface. A doll size girl with blond hair in a shiny dress, I peered at it in awe. "This is Jil 2.0," the light from the bright girl reflected on Grant and Demos. Both grinned at me. "From now on, she will run the security around our home, making sure Atlas or whoever was behind the spy device never do it again," the girl blinked and turned to Grant with a smile. Her blue eyes sparkled with glee.


    "Hello," she greeted him and shifted to Demos and finally me. "You look familiar," she pointed at me. I''ve got to admit I wasn''t ecstatic about having Jil at home 24/7.


    "How did you...?" my voice trailed off. Grant placed his palm on the counter and Jil 2.0 stepped in it.


    "While you were having lunch, Olga helped me retrieved the data from a stick drive Nicolai gave me. It was incomplete. But we were able to save most of her core data," he smiled at the tiny figure.


    "But...will she have access to our room? I don''t want her to peek when I''m taking a shower," I said. Jil turned to me with a frown.


    "Lady, I have no interest in those things," she crossed her arms over her chest and turned her back to me. "I am here to run this castle and defend it from intruders. What you do in your private quarters is up to you," she stuck her tongue out mockingly. Demos chuckled.


    "I like her," he poked her with his index. It went through her holographic image.


    "Ouch!" she screamed and jumped to the side. "Get your paws off me," she scolded. Yeah, I kind of like her too. Demos'' grin widened like he just found a new toy.


    "She''s cute. She looks like a pixie without wings," I leaned over the counter. Jil faced Grant and climbed along his arm to perched herself on his shoulder.


    "Master, should I run a full scan for eventual threats?" I rose my eyebrows at her. Master?


    "You should protect Demos when we are not home. And block all data leakage when we go to sleep. I want the rooter and the TV off. Every device that communicates among themselves, I want all interaction scanned and blocked. You are now the admin of the house. I''ve followed Olga''s instructions and cut it off the complex''s grid," Jil nodded at the instructions. It was a strange sight.


    "Mm, what about us?" I asked.


    "What do you mean?" he turned back to me.


    "We still, have to face Atlas at work," Grant sighed.


    "You just do as Olga instructs you. She knows what she is doing," he commented. That wasn''t the point. What about our security? I didn''t feel safe around lying Dr. Churchhill and that spying AI. Just earlier we had guns aiming at us. This place was definitely not safe.


    "Jil, switch on the lights, put the house on lockdown for the night," the tiny girl nodded and hopped off his shoulder. The lights immediately came back on. I blinked to adjust to the brightness. All the devices of the house hummed back to life. It was a strange sensation.


    "I don''t want to watch TV," I got off my seat. My migraine was still lurking in the background. I massaged the space between my eyes. Then I remembered I left my glasses in the bathroom.


    "What about, me reading you a book," suggested Demos. Grant''s face lit up.


    "It''s been a while. What will you read?" he hopped to the bedroom eager for him to start. Here was my Grant. The cheerful one. We made our way to the room and the moment we left the living room all the lights went out and the one in the room lit up. Smart. Grant took a quick shower then came to join us wearing only his boxer. He had washed his clothing and left it to dry outside. We settled in bed, Grant on the left and Demos on the right with me in the middle. That was not our usual sleeping order. Demos had always taken the left and Grant the right.


    Demos browser through his downloaded library. I recognized some books from my own library. So he was reading what I have purchased. It feels a little intimate that someone else goes through your books. It connects us in a weird way, and find that we can talk more easily. It creates a bridge where minds can cross. Exchange experiences and feelings.


    "What genre do you want to read? Thriller, action, sci-fi or romance?" I turned to Grant who was bouncing with joy.


    "Fantasy!" he shouted, it made me giggle. He was like a little kid.

 Chapter 97 - A tale of sadness

    Demos choose ''Through the looking glass'' by Lewis Carroll from his library. There were more children''s stories and ''The Wizard of Oz'' piqued my interest. It was strange that artificial like children''s classics. I thought they would appreciate complex ones about human history.


    "Did you already know the story?" he asked when he saw my expression. I smirked, for a different reason. I wonder if Demos wore glasses would he look like a book nerd? Definitely not. He would rock those like a pro. A super hot nerd. I rolled my eyes internally.


    "I guess, all children heard about Alice at some point or in different adaptations," I said. "I''m a bit surprised. It''s in your favorites, so you already know the story, right?" Grant shook his head eagerly.


    "Demos like this one but I prefer the Wizard of Oz. Especially the tinman seeking a heart. I relate to the story," Grant explained. I ruffled his soft curls while laughing. So cute. If Grant wore glasses booklovers would follow him around like flies. Better not try it. A wicked smile lingered on my lips at the thought.


    "I also like that story. Dorothy is awesome," I turned to Demos. He was focused on his screen. "What about you? Why do you like through the looking glass?" he looked up.


    "If I''m a fake here, maybe in I go to the looking glass house I will become real," what he said made my heart skip a beat. I pressed my lips together to hid my grin, I didn''t want to mock him. He said it with such a serious face it could kill me if I crush his dream of becoming real. I didn''t care he was not made with flesh and blood.


    "Then you should check Pinocchio, it''s about an old toymaker who created a puppet who could speak. Pinocchio did a lot of mischiefs. He wanted to be a real boy," they listened with interest.


    "Can we buy this one?" Grant''s lit up. I caressed his hair but Demos snatched my hand and placed it over his.


    "I''m also interested," our gaze met, I held it. I missed him all day. A slow smile spread on his lips.


    -I missed you too.


    Grant sighed next to us and crossed his arms over his chest. I leaned into Demos and wrapped my arms around his waist.


    "Jealous?" I teased. Grant tilted his head to the side with a serene face. There was no ill-feeling there. Guilt stabbed at me. "Come here," I reached for him and he snuggled against me. Holding both of them this close felt right. Yet, there was that little voice from the back of my mind. The one planting a seed of discord. Did I rely too much on them, that I couldn''t function as an individual?


    -Don''t listen to it.


    Grant''s voice snapped my focus back at the present moment. I inhaled and let go of my worries. Grant was right. I should focus on the present and not fall into crazy scenarios of ''what ifs''.


    Demos turned to his book and we settled down, I placed my pillow on his lap and lay there listening to the story. Grant sat with his leg crossed, eyes sparkling with awe at the part when Alice entered a forest and met with a talking insect. Both laughed when she mentioned that humans have names for all things because of it only useful to them. I had no idea why they find it funny. It must be another case of artificial humor. At some point, Grant rested down and placed my hand over his head. Before I knew I was fast asleep, dreaming of Alice in the garden of talking flowers.


    The next day came like an icy bucket shoved in my face. I sprung up in shock. The sun was already high in the sky and the room was empty. I ran my hand on the cold bed where Demos and Grant should be. My heart raced as I looked around. The intense feeling from the dream still lingered.


    "Grant?" I called. But the room next door was silent. Did he already leave for work without waking me up? Throwing the covers to the side and quickly got to my feet. My bracelet said 6:13 AM. I sighed in relief, it was still early.


    "Grant? Demos?" I called louder. Still, no answer. I went to the living room and found it empty. What was going on? Where did they go, so early? There was nothing around. Jill appeared on the bar surface, yawning and stretching her arms. I finched at the sight. She rose her eyebrows at me.


    "How rude jumping when you see me. I''m no ghost," she commented bitterly.


    "Good morning, Jil. Do you know where are Grant and Demos?" I gave her a nervous laugh. She lifted her tiny face at me with her fists on her h.i.p.s.


    "Master is charging, Demos also. Since the cabin is shielded it cuts off all communication from the outside. He will be here shortly. He did mention that he prepared tea and toast for you," I approached the tiny hologram with curiosity.


    "Mm, Jil? Why do you call Grant, master?" she peeked at me puzzled by my question.


    "Well, he restored me. He is thus my savior. I am grateful and will serve him with all my might," she said full of conviction. Jil placed her tiny palm on her heart with a beaming smile.


    "That oddly sounds like a love declaration me to," I commented. The tiny AI blinked.


    "Love, I don''t understand," I smiled at her innocence.


    "You know, love like when you feel sad and lonely when the person you care about isn''t here. When you feel the need to protect them from danger," I chuckled. However, I''m unable to do the latter. How I wish I could protect them instead of being the damsel in distress all the time. I smiled at my thought. Those two didn''t need rescuing. The intense stress from the white room rushed back in waves. Yes, I did make a difference. Somehow, I wasn''t useless. And if I follow what Olga teaches me, I can really become helpful to my mates. I went back to our room filled with a newfound resolve.


    Voices came from the other side of the bathroom door when I was drying myself after a shower. I quickly slipped into the clothes I wore yesterday. We really needed to find a way to do some shopping. I''ve never worn the same thing to go to work two days in a roll. It still smells fresh but I doubted it will last with this tropical weather. Retrieving my glasses I went to the room greeted with hugs and kisses from my loving mates.


    "Did you slept well? You seemed a little agitated last night. We didn''t want to wake you up," said Grant as they stepped away to let me breathe. The images of my nightmare threatened to flood back. However, I just shoved it at the back of my mind. I didn''t want to think about sad things.


    "It''s just a dream," I ran my fingers in the messy hair. "So, where were you guys? Jill told me you were charging?" I steered the conversation away from the troublesome topic. Demos'' grin at me.


    "I''ve never experienced anything like it," he lit up which was pretty unusual from his soar character.


    "Why is that?"


    "Well," Grant stepped in. "It''s like being high," he chuckled. I laughed with him.


    "Really?" both laughed with glee.


    "Totally, normally it takes four to seven hours to charge our internal batteries. With that cabin, you can do it in less an hour. It''s pretty amazing. The cyborg couldn''t give us any information about the technology. Olga said that she couldn''t get anything about it either. Since her clearance is limited. When I''ll talk to Atlas I''ll definitely ask," said Grant with enthusiasm.


    "You are going to speak to him?" I felt a little uneasy about the whole Atlas business.


    "Yes, he said we''ll have a talk today," he said like he was looking forward to me. To my dismay.


    "When did he said that?" I narrowed my eyes at him. Grant switched nervously.


    "When you were having lunch," I sighed. So I missed a whole episode while I was stuffing my face. What a shame. And it''s now that he reveals such an important piece of information. I sighed again.


    "Liliane, it will be ok. He won''t do anything to hurt me. Atlas is just curious," he rubbed his hand on my shoulder for reassurance. It did little to comfort me.


    "I''m hungry," I gave him a tight smile then went to the kitchen for breakfast. I ate without tasting my food. My mind kept roaming back to that AI. It definitely wasn''t serving our interest. Then what were Atlas'' real intentions? Was it really ok to be here?


    Demos came to meet me in the kitchen area. He pulled the fridge and peeked at its content. Then pour some tea for me which he placed on the counter. Jil materialized next to the mug. She was as high as the mug, she pulled herself up the rim with both hands to peek inside. Steam rose from the hot tea. I chuckled as she staggered away as if affected by the heat.


    -I like it when you smile.


    I lifted my head to met his cooper eyes filled with love. He brushed my hair away from my face. I eased into his hand leaning forward and lightly kiss his lips. Jil cleared her throat to interrupt us. I pulled away abruptly. I''ve forgotten we had a new roommate now.


    "If you are kissing De, does that means you love him?" I almost choke on my tongue. I shouldn''t have mentioned the thing about love to her earlier. Demos placed his elbows on the bar, cupping his face in his hands. He grinned from ear to ear.


    -I''m waiting for your answer.


    I just stared at both of them. To hammered the nail to my coffin, Grant came to the kitchen area fresh out of the shower. His clothes dried but had wrinkles from hanging on the washing line all night. He appeared very interested in my answer too. Jil faded and reappeared perched on Grant''s shoulder. A broken princess. A grumpy werewolf. A charming elf. The pixie who guarded our castle. This was definitely a fairytale.


    -I''m not grumpy!


    "Mm, I love both of you," I did my best to stay as calm as possible then I said it. Both smiled. The threats connecting us lit up. I felt warm bursting my chest. Jill hopped and danced.


    "What about me? What about me?" she sang.

 Chapter 98 - Casual chat

    We arrived at the building marked 87 a little early than the previous day. The yard was deserted. Grant turned around with a worried face. For the whole ride, the car was silent. Olga made us understand that the car was not safe for sharing sensitive information. I was super conscious about that fact after we found a spy device in our own house.


    "You take a deep breath. Everything will be ok," he said, it sounded a lot like he was trying to convince himself that the interview he will have with Atlas will be ok. My stomach twisted in a knot just thinking about it.


    "I want to be there with you. Can''t you persuade him to let me watch, at least?" I insisted even though I knew it was useless. Grant pressed his lips together. I was making it harder for him. And I could feel it through the link. The bright thread pulse weakly.


    "I''m sorry, Liliane," he turned back to the front. I haven''t noticed when Olga has slipped out of the driver seat and only saw the empty space. "We should go too," added Grant with a sigh. We made our way to the front of the building, we held hands desperate to reassure each other.


    "Good morning, both of you," said the red dot on the panel by the door. I quickly fished my badge out of my pocket and pin it to the front of my shirt. I flashed the AI a fake grin.


    "Good morning Atlas," greeted Grant with a gentle smile. Grant had his badge around his neck, he gave a little nod at the screen. "Nice weather," he went on.


    "Sure, is. And yet I have no preferences whether it rains or not," Atlas'' voice was flat as usual with no intonations. ''Sounded pretty depressive to me. I would die of boredom if I had to converse with this machine all day.


    "Liliane Kerry," it called making me flinched back to reality.


    "Y-yes?" I said in a hesitant tone.


    "You wanted to assist Grant''s interview?" my eyes widened and I glanced over at Grant.


    "Mm, yes," I turned back to the screen. How did he know? Was he spying on our conversation in the car? Damn, that''s super creepy.


    "Can I ask the reason for such interest?" I frowned at the red dot. I wasn''t sure where to look, I had the skin-crawling sensation Atlas had eyes all over the compound. A sickly feeling.


    "I''m worried¡ªabout Grant," silence followed my statement. I wanted to hold Grant''s hands but thought it wouldn''t be appropriate to do so at my workplace. I was a new employee, after all. Married couples working together aren''t glued to each other all the time. I killed me to be this close and yet not touch him.


    -It''s ok, Liliane. Just wait.


    Grant gave me a weak smile. I don''t know what we were waiting for. My request to be present at the interview was ridiculous. I was sure Atlas was just playing with my nerves. The screen went black and the logo of Alteron Enterprises danced over it. After a moment, the dot reappeared.


    "It will be interesting to interview both of you. Since Dr. Churchhill already explained your situation. While I have no interest in human psychology, I''m intrigued by how it affects Grant," he explained. I shifted nervously on my legs. The sick sensation got worse. I crossed my arms over my belly to press nausea down. "I''ll see you a ten AM," with that the door slid open to allow us access to the building. Olga was waiting by the elevator with her usual blank face. She pressed the button to call for the elevator. We remained silent.


    -Liliane, you did great. But know that Atlas will ask personal and disturbing questions to poke at you. You will have to remain detached. I''ll try my best to help.


    I gave him a quick nod and we all stepped in the small enclosure that sent us down to the 14th bas.e.m.e.nt. The first hour was spent in Olga briefing about the different machines and their functions. She sent me tones of papers and told me I had to review them so I can get familiar with her work. Those were very technical doc.u.ments I wasn''t sure I will be able to digest on such short notice. Grant gave me a smile.


    "I''ll help you revise them,'' he offered. He turned to Olga with a serious face. "Humans don''t function like us. They need countless repetitions to learn new skills. If you hand Liliane paperwork expecting her to learn the craft that way¡ªit won''t work and she will get bored in no time," Olga leaned against the spotless tabletop with a frown.


    "Then what do you suggest?"


    "She watches you work, allow her to learn at her own pace," he smiled. Olga was not happy about it. She sighed and pushed away from the table moving towards the giant screen at the end of the spacious room.


    "Very well," she clicked on the screen and scrolled through the list of tasks Atlas has sent her. "I guess working with a human will be interesting," she glanced at me from the corner of the eye.


    Questions about Dr. Churchhill burn my lips. But I kept silence. I thought they worked together. The more I learn about Olga the more question popped up in my head.


    "Come, pull a chair," she waved at me. "You also, Grant," she sighed, reluctant of using such a slow process. We eagerly approached her. I was thankful for Grant''s intervention, else I wouldn''t know how to tackle this huge chunk of technical books. Hate those. The next hour flew by, we worked on the first task Atlas assigned to us. To build an efficient water system for the residential areas. In clear, he wanted us to build an AI to turn salt water into drinking water and distribute it throughout the island. There was already one in place but with the growing constructions going on all over the island it was failing and soon needed an upgrade. It was found in Texson near the river. Which was artificially carved. I was stunt when we accessed the footage of the constructions.


    "So, it''s all fake?" I whispered. Olga gaze at me with a smile.


    "What you see on top is only 10% of what Dyneapolis really is," she pressed her lips together afraid of saying too much. I wanted to ask more questions. However, Olga reverted to her mute self. I sighed in resignation and went back to our work. It consisted of brainstorming with Olga doing most of the talking. Parts where I didn''t understand, I just asked. Mostly stupid questions. Grant, on the other hand, came up with some really interesting ideas.


    "What about a system that learns and adapts for the different demands of how people use water. Since it is essential for first, the productivity of the human workers and second, the construction of the buildings. I''m guessing the different factories also need a certain amount of water to run too. In short, Atlas didn''t give us a small project to test our ability. This is a vital one that could contribute to the very lifeline of Dyneapolis," smiled Grant with pride.


    "Exactly," said Atlas out of nowhere. I jumped in my chair, my heart racing like crazy. I''ll never get used to it. "Are you done, Olga? Can I borrow your team?" asked Atlas in his flat tone like he was bored to death. Which he probably was. I gave a quick peek at my bracelet it was almost 10. The guy was a time maniac. Olga nodded and turned to her screen.


    "Follow me, then," said Atlas to us. We both got up and went to the elevator. The panel by the door displayed the floor number without us touching it. Atlas took over all the control. Talk about a control freak. He was god around here. Sees all, hears all. Creepy.


    "Take the corridor and march to the door on the far right," the elevator door opened on a mint colored corridor. There was a low buzzed coming from the ceiling. It was a long corridor with at least two dozen of identical doors. There were no markings on the doors or knobs. Our footsteps echoed as we progress. My heart was about to leap out with the slightest breeze. I stayed at a safe distance from Grant. Two-step behind. He walked with his back straight and chin up. Fearless. I tried to imitate his posture. I said I tried. I doubted I succeed. My palms were sweating I kept rubbing them on my back pockets. We stopped in front of the designated door. We waited for it to open but it didn''t. In doubt, we both exchange a puzzled glance then turned to the ceiling where we thought Atlas was watching.


    "Atlas¡ª" Grant started but the door opened before he could finish his sentence. He was definitely playing with us.


    "Come on in," he said. The room in front, a circular white room with mirrors in the ceiling and one spotlight hanging above. Grant got in without hesitation. He walked to the middle and stopped under the light. I dragged my feet, staring with apprehension at every corner. That sick impression of being watched came back in waves. I found myself rushed to Grant''s side and took his hand in mine. He sighed with relief. So, he was also holding back. I thought I was the only one anxious about the whole situation.


    "We can now start," Atlas'' voice came in all directions. A very disorienting sensation. I stared at our reflection in the ceiling. My face was pale and eyes huge behind my glasses.


    "Feel free to relax, this will only be a casual talk," he made it sound like a question. Grant nodded and looked up. I did the same. Even though, I couldn''t relax at all. "Then where shall we start?" we waited and the silence pressed like a stuffy blanket.


    "Very well, let''s start with Grant. How are you feeling?" he inquired. Grant straightened up.


    "A bite worried?" he said with all honesty.


    "Why so?"


    "I don''t know what to expect from this interview?" said Grant. I gave him a side-glance. Was he planning to tell this AI the truth? Like a heart to heart conversation?


    "I don''t know either. I don''t have any expectations. What about you Liliane?" my head sprung up at the mention of my name.


    "Mm, the same," I quickly said.


    "Same? How so?"


    "I''m don''t know what to expect and I''m a little nervous," Grant nodded at me for encouragement. I gave him a weak smile. Still, I didn''t let go of his hand.


    "Do I make you nervous, Liliane?" as sure as hell, he did. I shivered at the thought. Should I tell the truth or lie? I let out a nervous chuckle. let''s play safe.


    "What exactly did you want to know¡ªI mean about Grant¡ªabout us?" I steered him away.


    "I''m only curious. It''s not like Grant is the first sentient artificial. I and my two counter-parts Aquarius and Delta are also, along with various other countries all over the globe. I''m curious since I''m also part of a split AI. Dr. Churchhill explained that he learned about it while he was studying my creator''s work," he explained. Well, that came out of nowhere. Did it mean I can ask questions too?


    "Who is your creator?" Grant jumped up before I could come up with something.


    "Liam Benjamin Laurell. He is the grandfather of the actual Dr. Laurell running the facility," Grant frowned at the information. For me, it didn''t hit any bell. "My turn now," he quickly took back control over the interview. "How does it feel to be sync with a human?" creases furrowed Grant''s forehead. That what I was fearing. Personal questions.


    "I was created to feel fulfillment when my mate sync with me¡ªus. And that''s exactly how I feel," Grant stayed cautious. That was a very vague answer and it was ok with me.


    "What about you, Liliane? I guess it''s not the conventional type of relationship for a female your age to have. Was it hard to sync with machines? Are you a machine sympathizer?" I blinked surprised to be questioned on the topic. It made me lose my footing.


    "Mm, it wasn''t exactly pleasant in the beginning, since I''m neutral when it comes to machines," I tried to sound as truthful as possible.


    "Do you love him?" my heart leap inside my chest. I looked down at my foot. Why the hell was that machine asking about my feelings? Where was this going? Is it fun for him to poke people around like that?


    "She does, but it''s a very personal question not all humans like to answer," Grant jumped in to rescue me. He gave my hand a little squeeze. I was grateful for having him by my side. I lifted my chin and gaze at my own reflection in the ceiling.


    "I do love him," I admitted in a firm tone.


    "Why? He is not a he¡ªthis pronoun is meant for humans. Tomorrow we can swap both Demos and Grant out of the physical bodies and transfer them back to mere codes and scripts. Would you still love them then?" my whole body went cold. Grant gave me a quick peek. All I could hear was my own rapid pulse beating in my ears.


    "Take them away¡ª" I whispered my lips quivering.


    ''Yes, we AI are not bound to a body. Do you really love them or just the shell that encapsulates them?" I was not feeling well. The room wobbled in front of my eyes. Grant held me by the waist for support.


    "I think that''s enough if you keep pressing she will need medical attention," called Grant with a sharp edge.


    "Very well, I''ll adjourn this interview. I hope next time we get to chat longer. It was a pleasure. It must be lunchtime. Liliane has a nice meal. Do you remember the way back?" his emotionless voice made me sicker. I hated it when he uses my name. The sadist!


    "Yes, we''ll be ok," Grant turned to the door and guided me out. It sided to the side and I was able to breathe again. I hated it. I don''t want to ever go through that again.


    -You did great, hang it there. Just think about the delicious desserts you can eat at the cafeteria.


    I laughed and it scared me as it echoed back at me. My stomach groaned at the mention of food. Even though, I felt sick. I would never lose my appetite over some creepy machine. I pictured the buffet of pastry and my mouth watered. The sweet aroma seeping in my flared nostrils as I inhaled. We entered the elevator with a smile.


    "I''m so damn hungry I could eat two servings and a couple of slices of cake," Grant laughed at me mastery over my emotions via my love for food. He pulled me close and pressed his forehead against mine.


    "Our love is not bound by flesh and blood. It goes beyond this. Never let anyone say otherwise," I closed my eyes and let his words sunk it.

 Chapter 99 - The system

    Grant accompanied me to the cafeteria and insisted on staying. Elija and Angus appeared out of nowhere. They settled down with trays full beside us. I had a huge plate of beef lasagne with extra grated cheese. The crust golden and sauce slowly poured from the soft interior. I rubbed my hands to gather in anticipation.


    "Bon appetit," greeted Angus with a grin. "Heard you''ve been grilled by the Big Boss?" he shook his thump up towards the ceiling. I quickly shoved a fork-full in my mouth to prevent me from answering.


    "You mean Atlas," added Grant, Angus placed his elbows on both sides of his fried noodles and lowered his head towards us. His eyes darted from left to right at the surroundings. I pretended to be busy with my food.


    "So, how did it go?" he whispered. Elija bit into his tall bread wrapped in a napkin. He had headphones on. How rude, he didn''t even say hi. So, I did the same and just ignored him.


    "It went well," Grant crossed his arms over his chest and leaned into his seat. Angus smirked at him and nodded as if they were sharing some secret joke.


    "Did you meet him in a one on one interview too?" inquired Grant. Angus played with his fork then stabbed into his plate of noodles.


    "Nope, didn''t have the pleasure," he stuffed a mouthful and chewed to avoid more questions. Elija looked up and pulled his headphones off, he now noticed the people around the table. He gave me a slight nob and frowned at Grant.


    "You don''t eat," he simply stated.


    "I don''t. However, I enjoy it through my mate," Elija gave me a puzzled look then nervously turned back to Grant.


    "Where is Dr. Churchhill?"


    "He wasn''t present this morning and Olga didn''t mention anything about him," Elija pressed his lips together not satisfied with the answer. Still, he didn''t press on. He was an odd character. I guess being a genius as the good doctor said previously, might contribute to the eccentricity.


    "Ok, I have to go," he got up holding his tray the half-eaten bread almost rolled off and the small juice carton fell on its side and went out without looking back.


    "Strange kid," commented Angus. He leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. "Did you know he is working on some world-altering technology?" he whispered. His voice was almost lost in the buzzing sound of the cafeteria. Grant nodded at him and came closer to the man.


    "You know, all the buildings are linked by some crazy tunnels. Down at the sub-level, they are working on¡ª" he covered his mouth and peeked over his shoulder. "¡ªportal," he mouthed the word. I frowned dropping my fork in my empty plate. What did ''portal'' mean? A loud ringing sound made Angus jumped from his seat, our heads sprung up in its direction. Security cyborgs came pouring through the double doors into the crowded area.


    "Nobody moves! Please, remain seated. There has been an information breach!" shouted one of them it was followed by a rush of footsteps and clashing of plates. A man in a white coat ran towards the exit. Heads followed his clumsy race. He knocked in tables and shoved empty chairs to the floor on his way. The cyborg bolted after him pushing tables and people out of the way, in no time they ceased him. The man struggled and screamed in pain as the robots pulled his arms and pinned him down. The man, in his mid-thirties with a thick beard, kicked and yelled.


    "Let go of me! This is mass murder! I need to let the world know what you''re actually doing here. Let go," without warning on of the cyborg rose his gun and put a bullet in the man''s head. His body went limp instantly. I stared at the scene taking place not far from us, the exit was the one Elija previously used. I just watched it like someone in front of a movie. Completely detached.


    He cyborg dragged the man by the legs leaving a trail of warm blood smudged on the white tiles. What the actual f.u.c.k just happened here? Three security guards barged into the now silent room. Their heavy footsteps echoed with gravity. They came to a stopped in front of the blood, facing us. They wore black combat gear, Fingers on the triggers ready to shot on sight. The one in front had a scar on his left cheek.


    "Gentlemen," he scanned the front row with fierce eyes. "Ladies," he tipped his head towards a group of women sobbing softly. "Please, exit in silence. The cleanup team will be here soon. Know that we are doing this for your own security. You''ve signed the agreement for confidentiality. You already know the consequences if you breach it. Now proceed in a quiet and civil manner, out," his voice was calm but slashed like a whip. I was shaking from head to toe. When I turned to our table I noticed Angus had paled. He slowly got up without looking at us.


    -Liliane, come here.


    I haven''t realized Grant was pulled on my arm. I mechanically followed him and the silent mass of terrorized people moved to the parking lot. Their gaze lost in despair, some were sobbing, others gritting their teeth to contain the anger. We lost sight of Angus as we got out. For my part, I was numb. I haven''t grasped what just unfolded before my very eyes.


    -Liliane, we need to go back to Olga.


    Grant held me by the waist, I barely moved my feet I let Grant drag me around. When I snapped back to reality I found myself in the elevator staring at the numbers flashed as it descended in the belly of the beast. Grant studied me from the corner of the eye. He never let go of me and I was grateful.


    "Are you feeling better? Do you need a glass of water?" he stroked my hair away from my face. I couldn''t come up with any rational thought and only nodded. My mind was a mess. Images of the cyborgs clashed with the man shouting and the blood. Oh, the blood. That trail on the white floor. I wave of nausea threatened to submerge me. Grant rubbed my back and it did miracles.


    -Just breath, slowly.


    "Wh-what just happened?" I asked finally finding my voice. It was high pitched and shaky.


    "We eliminated a traitor," commented Atlas. I flinched when his monotonous voice popped out of nowhere. His presence made my head spun out of control. I clung to Grant while taking quick inhales. This was not happening. I''m not here, this is a nightmare. The elevator blurred to a hazy picture. Only Grant''s face stayed focus in my field of vision. His eyes grew like gems. Beautiful blue gems.


    "Liliane, stay with me," called Grant. "You are going to follow my voice and come back to me," I held on his loving tone and the link connecting us. In minutes, I was able to calm down, there was a low ringing in my ears.


    -''You ok now?


    The elevator door opened. Grant took me in his arms and quickly went to Olga. She sprung to her feet when she saw us burst through the door. I was barely conscious of Grant''s embrace.


    "What''s going on?" she pushed the screens and machines on the table near the door to help make space. Grant placed me on the tabletop. I didn''t want to let go of him. He gave me a gentle smile and rubbed my arms to soothe me. I released my grip with a sigh.


    "She had a panic attack. Someone got shot in the cafeteria," said Grant. Olga stood back, she lowered her head and frowned at the floor.


    "Shot by who?" Grant pressed his lips together then lifted his head to look up at the ceiling. My breathing slowed down to a normal rate, my heart was a little rapid. The surface of the table was cold, I shivered.


    "Atlas said the guy was a traitor," simply added Grant. Olga nodded with her eyes lost in the distance.


    "Public execution is pretty effective when you want total obeisance," she grinned.


    That night, Grant joined me in the backseat of the car as we drove home. We needed each other. Even if Grant appeared to be calm on the surface I knew he was troubled. But troubled was a weak word. We were all changed on that day. We knew things will never be the same. However, as we got to our house and saw Demos greeted us with a smile. Deep down, there was still¡ªhope.


    "Welcome home¡ª"

 Chapter 100 - What are we to do?

    I broke into tears when Demos held me in his arms. He pulled me away to look into my face. Then turned to Grant with a puzzled look. He was standing a little further facing away.


    -Hey, tell me¡ª


    Demos'' wrapped his arms around me in a tight embrace. I was scared to use my voice, certain it would break into chunks of words without coherence. I pushed my glasses up and buried my face into his chest. I couldn''t stop the tears. With my ear against his solid chest, I squeezed my eyes shut and listened to his silent heart.


    "Jil!" called Grant. The pixie size hologram appeared in its usual place on the bar.


    "Yes. Master," she bowed.


    "Lockdown and cut all power. We need 10 minutes in complete silence," he ordered. He peeked at the path of soil through the sliding door then back at us. I was sniffing trying to gain control over the tears.


    "Sure, Master. I''ll be back online in 10 minutes," the lights died followed by the humming of all appliances in the house. The door clicked shut cutting all the noise outside. Grant rushed to meet us. His arms circling us, I sighed feeling whole.


    -Tell me? I couldn''t contact you and that drives me crazy.


    "There was an incident," Grant paused, he was hugging me from behind, his cheek resting against mine. He sighed as he inhaled. "But it the event that bothered me more was the interview with Atlas," he looked at and both my mates nodded at each other.


    -I see.


    Demos sighed, it was almost a painful m.o.a.n. His shoulder sagged a little as he looked down at me. His eyes we glowing gold dots in the darkness as animals'' do. Being in contact with them was like speaking a different kind of language. One with deep feelings and warmth. Full of reassuring caresses. Words couldn''t convey this palette of vibrant sensations. We didn''t kiss, we didn''t need it. Just being close to each other was enough.


    "How do we proceed?" asked Demos in a whisper. His voice sent shivers down my spine. Sweet shivers. I closed my eyes and inhaled the light smell vanilla from his shirt, his garment had that warm scent of clothes dried in the sun.


    "We have to be very careful with every step we make. Especially with Atlas, I''ll go to the next interview, alone. I don''t want Liliane to suffer. He did everything to push her buttons," I gasped and gaze at him. Grant was concealed in the gloom. Only the faint outline of his jaw was visible. My heart squeezed inside my chest in a painful knot. I wanted to protest and scream yet I knew he was right. He was protecting me by doing so.


    "Trust me, Liliane. I can do this on my own," he rubbed his cheek against mine.


    "I-it''s not that I don''t trust you. I''m worried," worried was too weak of a word to describe the turmoil inside just at the thought of Grant inside that while room full of mirrors. "I won''t any contact with you. No way of stopping him if he tried to hurt you. You''ll be alone," he sighed against my ear. Both moved closer lips barely brushing. I closed my eyes and let my other senses take over.


    "This island is dangerous. What Angus told thus confirm my suspicion. I''ll talk to Olga tomorrow when she gets here," said Grant with his lips pressed against my forehead. I had trouble following what he was saying. They were turning me on and my thoughts went in different directions.


    -Time is up, Jil s coming back online.


    I blinked from the shock of bright lights blinding me from the overhead lamp. Jil appeared and yawned as if just waking up. She smiled at us still holding each other. Jil popped up on Grant''s shoulder hugging his face.


    -I need love too


    We chuckled the demonstration. She left a quick peck on his cheek and disappeared into stardust. She reappeared on my bar hiding her red face. Grant let go of me with a burst of laughter. I guess he was more embarrassed than Jil was. He went to the chicken around and turned his back to us.


    "What did you prepared?" Demos grinned at me without letting go. He wiped the remaining tears from my face with his thumb. Then kissed my cheekbone, my wet lashes brushed against his soft lips.


    He withdrew as quickly as he leaned forward and left me wanting more. What was it with Demos? We haven''t even slept together even once.


    "You might regret asking for it," he smirked and joined Grant. What the hell? I did want it. I knew I would never regret being with him. They both work together in the kitchen as I settled at the bar. Demos placed a plate of french fries, the leftover chicken previous night and fresh salad. I stared at it with awe.


    "Where did you get real lettuce?" I poked it with my fork to see if it was real. Demos nodded eagerly with a grin from ear to ear.


    "I went shopping, today," I frowned at him. He took a deep breath then leaned against the sink. "You said there was a free shuttle to the city center," he turned to Grant and he nodded. "Well, after I did the laundry and the cleaning. I figured out I load of time to kill. I went to stop. Waited for half an hour, when it came, I had the bad surprise from the driver telling me that artificial is not allow. This was a human-only bus," I placed my hand over my mouth to hide the shock. "Wait there''s more. since domestic artificial is not common there is no law that applies to our rights. Cyborgs needs to use their own vehicles and artificial working for Alteron has its own means of transportation. Some of those who are not working are not covered," he sighed.


    "what did you do?" I stabbed the chicken with my fork. On side of his lip curled up in a smirk.


    "I walked," Grant straightened up.


    "All the way to the city center? That 9 kilometers away about 5 miles," Demos nodded.


    "I went to the mall, saw what we need from the list you gave me. With their different monetary systems, I couldn''t buy anything. So, I went to the bank to open an account on Liliane''s behalf. Since we''ve synced, I have the legal right to do so," he closed his eyes and pursed his lips.


    "What?" I leaned forward eager to hear the rest.


    "Our sync is not legal here, I can''t act on your behalf. I can''t roam away without supervision and can''t do any transition. Meaning I can''t buy anything," he pressed his lips together to content his anger. Then went on. "If I''m not an employee, I must be a family member of an employee. Since I''m not human I can''t be recognized as such. Imagine my outrage," he exhaled.


    "And? Where does that lettuce come from?" I asked with real concern.


    "I called Dr. Churchhill and he came," he said with a calm voice that hid a bitter undertone.


    "You met Churchhill?" I let my fork dropped on my plate. He lowered his head.


    "Yes, he came and helped me with the bank account. I''ve converted everything that was on my own account and the card Jil gave us, " a screen opened and the information jumped to my own bracelet. It beep and the data hovered above my wrist. I stared at the amount with wide eyes.


    "Shit! That''s a lot of money..." my voice trailed off.


    "What happened after that?" inquired Grant, he was still frowning. Was it about Dr. Churchhill?


    "Well, I was a little surprise, he just took a day off to accompany me. We went shopping. I got up some helpful plants that I can grow for fresh food. Then some clothes for Liliane, since she desperately needs them for work. A pair of sandals, baby, no offense but those sleepers are ugly as hell," he pointed to my feet. I let out a nervous laugh. "I''ve filled the fridge and cupboards, some us soap for washing and a container and other kinds of stuff," he rubbed his hands together. His smile dipped when he noticed I haven''t touched my food. "Eat, it will get cold," he added. I turned my attention back to my plate. As I ate both went to the room. Grant went for a shower. And Demos came back after a few minutes when I was about to finish.


    "It was delicious," I said then went to the sink to wash the plate. Demos quickly took it from me with a smile. "Thanks," I said sipping my arms around his waist. He gave me a weak smile over his shoulder. "I''m sorry you have to go through all this today. I didn''t know artificial had another treatment here," he nodded and dried his hand with a tiny towel hanging from a hook over the sink. I stared at it.


    "Those are new," I pointed out. There were the spoons Grant got from Olga also hanging above the sink.


    "Cool right? I got a power drill too. It will come handy around the house. I have able to make a better job with the washing lines. I''ve also installed a shelf in the bathroom so we can arrange your toiletry and the shower gel," he turned around and leaned against the sink. I placed myself against his h.i.p.s. He bit his lower lip with a faint smile.


    "Do you know how s.e.xy it makes a man when he knows how to manage a house?" his smile widened.


    "Really?"

 Chapter 101 - Morning talk

    That night I had a restless sleep and woke up with a jolt. I was surprised that my mates didn''t stir. I rose up on one elbow trying to catch my breath. Shreds of my dreams came back to me. A malevolent figure looming over me as I dash away in an endless dark road. I climbed out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. I caught a glimpse of my bags under my eyes in the mirror-door. My bladder was about to burst. After flushing, I rinsed my hand and wiped it dry on the towel by the door.


    -Liliane?


    I went back to the room and found Demos sitting in bed. He had creases on his forehead as he looked up in my direction. It was early, a dim light came from the curtainless door. He was only wearing his new pajama''s bottom.


    "It''s ok, I had to use the bathroom," he nodded at me. "I think I''ll get some water," I tried to swallow that remaining fear from my dream. I''ve must have screamed a lot cause my throat was dry and itchy.


    -Want me to grab you a glass of water?


    He pushed the covers away but I waved him away. He paused and stared at me. He must be concerned about what happened yesterday. I did everything to avoid talking about it. Ate quickly, took a shower and went directly to sleep. I was scared to think about what happened in that cafeteria.


    "I''ll be right back," I said and made my way to the door leading to the main room. The slow sunrise gave enough light but kept the corners in shadows. As I yanked on the knob, the living room appeared half in the gloom. A silhouette cut from black square of the bar against the faint light next to the fridge. My body went cold, breathing rushing in my throat.


    "Ah!" I let out a sudden scream. Demos was behind me in seconds.


    "Lights!" he shouted. And there, sitting on that precarious long-legged chair, with long perfect legs crossed under an ultra-short dress, Olga. Her lips was twisted in an inverted smile. I sighed with my hand over my racing heart.


    "Y-you nearly gave me a heart attack," Grant rushed to the door with his hair all messed up. He was wearing an identical pair of pajamas bottom as Demos.


    "What''s going on?" he said in an empty tone. He peeked over our shoulder towards our new guest.


    "How did you get in?" he frowned at her. Her uncrossed her legs then crossed then the other way. Damn, I swear I saw stuff I didn''t want to see. I looked my eyes to my barefoot. Jil materialized over the counter, she yanked and stretched like a cat then was startled by our presence.


    "It''s not time to wake up yet," she turned to face us. Grant glared at her.


    "You let her in, without informing me?" he shook an accusing index at the little pixie figure. She lowered her head and hugged herself.


    "I didn''t give her any choice," answered Olga from the bar. "I redesigned her to obey me," she climbed down her perched and pulled the hem of her dress. "I had an emergency, that''s why I''m here. If it wasn''t important I couldn''t be here trespassing," I felt the tension in my mates left, replaced by another type of anguish. I crossed to the space separating us from her. I desperately needed my glass of water, now more than before. They followed behind me.


    "Speak," said Grant with a sour edge. Olga only stared at her with a grin.


    "You know, I was the one who actually designed you. Don''t take all the bullshit Church told you as the truth. But then, I guess you make your kids but not their heart. I must have been crazy thinking that I could create something that could give the love I was lacking," she lowered her gaze. Sadness in plain sight over her face. Her head sprung up and a forced smile pinned on her lips. "I creator hates me," both Demos and Grant crossed their arms over their chest in an identical movement. They were not fooled by her heart pouring moment.


    "What''s so important you had to barge in our house in the middle of the night?" Demos spat without reserve. Olga let out a deep breath and her face went blank again. All emotions tugged in.


    "I was able to access a backdoor," she answered in a flat tone.


    "Are you safe to discuss that here?" Grant looked around then back at her. I was holding my empty glass ready to open the tap and I did the same. Paranoia seemed to be a good habit around here. Olga nodded at us.


    "I''ve added some updates to Jil while you were so innocently sleeping," her eyes were cold as ice. I shuddered at the thought that she was here while we were vulnerable. I don''t think I''ll ever feel safe in his house anymore. First the spy device and now this. Demos gave a quick glance then faced our guest.


    "Will it be safe for us to have such sensitive information? The violent demonstration in the cafeteria was a clear warning," Olga shook her head, her hair was pulled in a tight ponytail away from her face. It made her eyes fierce and dangerous. Her red lips in a sort of permanent angry line.


    "You''ll like to know," she simply added.


    -I think Liliane should be left out of this.


    I slammed my glass on the kitchen counter in rage. They are turned towards with a puzzled look. They are not doing that again. They are not going to let me out again. They promised. No more lies.


    "I''m not going away. If you have something to say, spill it. I''m also a part of this," I crossed my arms under my b.r.e.a.s.t and glared at them. I didn''t know what it was all about. I didn''t know how dangerous it could be...but we were a team. And we don''t leave anyone behind.


    -We are family


    Demos nodded at me. Olga sighed and threw her arms in the arm frustrated without a little outburst.


    "Ok, I saw the backdoor. I was able to cover my path when I got out. So I''m safe," she placed her hands on her h.i.p.s. The suspense was killing me. I don''t get how artificial kept dragging on the conversation. Can''t she freaking spit it out already?


    "What did you find?" Grant spoke my frustration. At least, someone other than me was impatient to know what it was all about. Olga looked up at us with dead serious eyes. The kind that makes your soul turn cold.


    "First I got access to the blueprints of the whole island. I didn''t do it on purpose. while working on the water system and researching the exact plan on which to base my water system, I got the whole thing. Including the sub levels," she paused to let the information sunk in. I guessed that wasn''t anything big. Well, it didn''t sound that huge of a deal to me. She went on after a minute. "This island is bigger than it looks. the bas.e.m.e.nt where we work runs on 56 levels. And beneath are huge warehouses called the sub levels. It goes on for miles," I gasped. She gave me a dark look for interrupting her.


    "After some digging, I stumbled on three major projects: The portal, Pegasus and sixties. I have no idea what they are since I couldn''t get access to them," Grant nodded with his eyes lost in the distance. Both of my mates were thinking so rapidly that I only heard a low hum when I tried to concentrate on the link connecting us. I suddenly remembered I thirsty. I took the glass next to the sink and squeezed the tap opened. After the second drink, I felt tired. I needed to sit. I scanned the silence room, there was an empty chair next to Olga. I didn''t want to that close to her. Whatever was going on, this was bigger than us...than me. Why the hell did I insist on being here? It was not like I could do anything about whatever she discovered down in the belly of the beast.


    "Liliane," called Demos. I slowly lifted my head towards him unsure why he was calling. "You''re tired. It''s still early. You should go back to sleep. You have 2 hours before going to work. We''ll go charge," that was not up for discussion. His expression was hard. It pained me to see those cold eyes directed towards me. He blinked and this face softened. He extended his hand and I took it. Mine was shaking slightly. Demos guided me to the room while Grant and Olga whispered behind us. I gave one last look at Grant''s concerned face before turning to the bed.


    -It''s ok, we always find away.


    Demos smiled at me. Yet, it had no effect. I knew something was definitely wrong. I would feel it in our connection. He was not lying but he was trying to protect me. Demos settled beside me in bed and held me close to his heart. His silent heart.


    "Demos," I turned to face him. He had a gentle smile, the hard look was gone.


    "Mm?"


    "If I tell you I want to go... leave this place, would you...both of you came with me?" he combed his fingers into my hair with one side of this lips curling up.


    "We''ll follow you to the end of the world," he dropped a light kiss on my parted lips. I m.o.a.ned against him, his mouth dropped down on mine, tongue exploring. I snuggled against him, his hands found their way under my shirt, pickling as they ran up my back.


    -Hey guys! I''m trying to have a serious conversation here.


    Grant''s voice made us paused then burst into giggles. Demos pushed me a little to gaze at my face. A mischievous light dance in his cooper eyes.


    "Do you think Grant can keep a straight face if we do a little foreplay?" I slapped his chest while pretending I was shocked. I bit my lower lips in anticipation. He clearly got the message. He pulled me on top of him. So that I was seated on his hip. His hands cupped my butt and I lowered myself to reach his lips. Damn, this was good. The contact with his bare chest make my whole body lit up.


    -Guys! Seriously?


    Grant''s voice was full of sarcasm. It was so unlike his character. I smiled against Demos'' lips and we didn''t stop. My body moved slowly against his. I gasped as his teeth grazed over my neck. My eyes widened as he smirked at me.


    "Are you going to bite me Mr. alpha?" I pushed away with my palms flat over the curves of his muscled chest. It made his eyes flashed. Blue! Damn, his wolf side was awake. My heart raced inside my chest. The door slammed opened, Demos sprung to a sitting position with me on his lap. Grant glared at us.


    "Please!" he said the word in a pleading voice. I averted my eyes with guilt, Demos gave me a big loud kiss on the cheek taking me by surprise.


    "I was tugging her, but she wouldn''t behave," said Demos all innocent. Grant''s serious gaze rested on me. Oh, come on. You know who''s fault it was. Serious Honey, just scolded me.


    "Demos out! You," he pointed at me. "Go to sleep and I don''t want to hear any complains," Demos eased me off him and climbed out of bed. He pulled my shirt down then tucked the covers. I waved my fingers at both of them with a smile. I felt like a naughty kid.


    "Sleep," snapped Grant before closing the door behind him. I had all the trouble of the world sleeping after that. I was a little scared to go back to that dream. But in less 5 minutes I was out cold.

 Chapter 102 - The white tower

    The car eased into the yard and to our surprise it was full, we couldn''t get our usual parking space. Olga circled the perimeter to find another space but a cyborg security guard waved at us. Olga rolled down the window and peeked at it.


    "You can''t park here, you must exit and turn to the right. There''s a vacant yard where you can put your car," it pointed to the exit back on the main road. Grant unlocked his belt and bent to make eye contact with the guard.


    "What''s going on?" it took a moment, lights blinked on the blank faceplate.


    "Dr. Laurell is visiting today. Please do not block the passage," Olga shifted the car to manual and steered it to the main road. The car was very still as we made out way to the space designated. There were already a dozen cars parked on that plot of untamed land with bushes and rocks poking on the edge. The car shook as we maneuvered on the uneven ground. Olga murmured under her breath as she backed next to a black SUV. I sighed with relief when it came to a stop.


    We saw Angus and Dr. Nadaly exited from a car on our right. Grant pulled his door open not waiting for us. He rushed to meet them. I opened my door and found that there was a puddle of mud right next to my door. Wearing my brand new shoes and new jeans and a flowery blouse that Demos got me, it was out of the question to get them dirty. I closed the door and struggled the other way. The was wet grass on this side. Olga was making a face when she got out with her high heels. Heels were not made to walk on sold soil or wet grass. She hopped from one patch of grass to the other while balancing her white designer bag with golden rivets. Damn girl, she sure knew how to show off to go to work.


    "Angus! Dr. Nadaly!" shouted Grant as he got near. But Angus kept walking rapidly to the pavement that led back to Building 87. "Angus!" he caught his arm and pulled forcing him to face him. The face frowned at Grant, he retrieved his hand in a quick motion. Dr. Nadaly stepped away from them, from the growing tension from both men. I rushed to Grant''s side mindless of whatever was going on. Angus gave us a dark look.


    "I don''t think it will be good to hang together. I''m working on the other side of the facility. If I don''t hurry I''ll be late for work," he turned to leave but then stopped. He took a deep breath then faced us. Coming too close to be comfortable. "If you want to stay alive... stay put. Shitty things will happen if we keep chatting about what is happening here," he whispered between his rapid breath. Beats of sweat shone on his forehead. Grant nodded without saying a word.


    "Ok," said Angus his eyes darting from Olga coming to meet us to Dr. Nadaly squeezed on her hang bag. "Just don''t die," he hissed and jogged away from us like he was chased by a ghost. Somehow, it might be true. Except that the ghost in question could see all and hear all.


    "What was that all about?" I said as I watched Dr. Nadaly trying to catch up with him.


    "He is scared," called Olga, she was busy wiping her shoes with tissue paper. Her poker face cracking around the edges. She looked pissed. "And you should too. Shitty things will surely happen if the big boss took time off to visit us," she pushed her cascading brown curls that reach her elbow back and smiled at Grant. Did I miss an episode while I was sleeping? When we left this morning, Demos was silent and a little tense. Grant sighed and took my hand.


    "Let''s go," we went to the entrance. My stomach crunched just thinking about our last interaction with Atlas. The more we talk, the less I like him. We stopped at the door there were two extra guards on each side. Olga said a short and professional hello to the machine then moved to the corridor without waiting for us. Grant was next, he took out his card for the scan.


    "Good morning, Grant. I am looking forward to our meeting today again," he said in his toneless voice. They should definitely do something about that. Why make it this cold, unpleasant character. Wasn''t he like super advance or whatever the hell he was?


    "Hello," answered Grant.


    "Will Liliane accompany you today again? Last time was quite entertaining," I shifted on my legs, my heart racing in my chest. Hell, no! I wanted no part in it. Still, I was worried about Grant.


    "No, today will be me alone. She is working on the water system. I don''t want the project to slow down," explained Grant.


    "What a pity. It''s admirable to see such devoted employees," he sighed. That was the first sign of anything remotely human about Atlas. "These days, trusted employees are so rare," his words sounded like a warning. The door opened for Grant and I stepped in front of the dreaded red dot. I held the card in front of me for scanning.


    "Hi, Liliane. Are you feeling better today?" I shook my head while squeezing my lips together. "Sorry, it that a yes or a hello?" I took a deep breath.


    "Both," I said. Grant was waiting for me behind the glass door with creases on his forehead. Damn it, just let me go. Don''t ask any more questions.


    "Good, I see you are wearing a lovely blouse. Did you go shopping last night? I didn''t see you in the city center?" he asked. I blinked at the screen before me. What now? Did he have access to every camera on this island? Tracked everything you buy and everywhere you go?


    "Mm, it''s a gift," I added dryly.


    "The person must have a nice taste. It fits you perfectly," I just stared a little stunt at the compliment. I wasn''t expecting it from Atlas.


    "Mm, thank you," I lowered my head. The gate opened and I rushed to Grant''s arms.


    "Have a nice day," he said before the door closed. A shiver ran down my spine. It''s so creepy when he is trying to play nice. I shuddered. Grant guided me to the elevators.


    -What was that all about.


    "He just said my outfit was lovely," I frowned. Grant puzzled and tried to hide it behind his hand. Then he peeked at me to see if I wasn''t joking.


    "Really," I insisted. Grant looked away at the panel by the door, his face reverted to his calm expression. Grant didn''t do Pokerface or blank face. His neutral expression was calm with a tiny smile. I have no idea how he did that. I was unable to do neither. I was pissed or blushing maybe even both.


    I tapped my feet at the button flashed. Olga was gone. It kind of pissed me that some times she completely ignored us. When the elevator arrived we got in.


    "Hold the door!" shouted a male voice. Grant tapped the panel and to our surprise, Dr. Churchhill spilled in. He panted with his hands on his knees he looked up at us.


    "Kids," he smiled


    "Hi," we both said, in different moods. Mine was harsh, Grant''s was neutral. His neutral happy.


    "So, today is the big day," he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. What big day was he talking about? He read our puzzled look.


    "What? Didn''t you hear, Dr. Laurell is coming in to see the plan for the white tower," he frowned. What language was he speaking? I was completely lost. He sighed again. "Atlas, will you please enlighten those poor ignorant kids," he looked up at the ceiling.


    "Of course, Dr. Churchhill" said Atlas out of nowhere. Well, the guy was literally a god. So he was everywhere. "Dr. H. Laurell is the main physicist in charge of running Dyneapolis. The Laurell, hope for the future foundation, funds the whole project. It was created by his grandfather who past away on the incident in 2020. He had great hope for future generations. The white tower was one of his most cherished project of them all," explained the AI.


    "What is it?" I whispered to Grant.


    "Come to the presentation, you will see for yourself," Dr. Churchhill grinned at me.


    "You should," he urged.


    "Is it a presentation? Cause I have work to do. I can''t leave Olga to do everything on her own,"


    "It will only take a little less than half an hour. You won''t regret it," promised the old man. I turned to Grant and he just nodded at me. No, come on. Don''t tell me you also want to see, whatever the hell was that white tower. For me, it wasn''t appealing at all. More boring tech thing.


    "We should go," he said then turned to the ceiling. "When is our meeting?"


    "At lunch as usual," answered the AI. The door of the elevator opened on our floor. We stepped outside. The corridor was buzzing with activity, unlike the previous days.


    "It will start in an hour," said Dr. Churchhill checking his gold bracelet. I nodded without enthusiasm.


    Olga was already at work when we got in our lab. The doctor walked right at her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She froze in the middle of her frenetic typing.


    "Come, I have to speak to you," Olga looked up at him then nodded. She quickly saved her work and exited ahead of the old man.


    "You keep doing what you were doing previously," waved Dr. Churchhill at us before closing the door silently behind him. We watched both of them with anxious faces.


    "Will she be ok?" I asked.


    "She is tougher than she looks," replied Grant. I didn''t want to have to worry about Olga. But from what Grant shared with me, I was. So she was the one who created my mates. However, Dr. Churchhill was the one who created her as a replica of his dead wife. What kind of sick relationship was that? The cold inhuman vibe that I get from those two only confirmed they were in a toxic affair. I can''t even start to imagine that old man with hot Olga. I shuddered and shook my head, wanting none of those thoughts to stick with me.


    "Let''s get back to work," I told Grant.

 Chapter 103 - Dr. Laurell

    Grant was the one who went back to work. I just tried my best to follow Olga''s note. By the looks of it, she has spent all night here. It was scary how much she actually did on the water system. There were rough sketches with footnotes. The first brainstorming we did was cleanly typed and neatly bundled. I just stared in fascination.


    "She is amazing," I admitted. Grant paused and smiled at me.


    "I''m looking forward to learning from her. Here," he handed me calculations Olga started. "Could you verify those?" I went to work without hesitation. I was happy to be helpful, I hate mopping around looking dumb. At least, those weren''t that hard. Grant watched with a smile then he turned back to his own work. I was so engrossed in the different variables that I didn''t notice our two colleagues were gone for almost one hour. When I heard the sound of the door only did I saw the time on my bracelet.


    There were three people at the door, our good doctor, a frowning Olga, and a newcomer. The man was wearing a white suit with a gray shirt underneath with a silver skinny tie. He had a very pleasant face for his age, which I couldn''t pinpoint. Maybe around 50 or 60. He had joyful green eyes, white hair cut short and styled to look like a politician. The way he stood said he was used to cameras.


    "Hello," he said in a deep melodious tone. There was an accent to it but I wasn''t sure. We both got to our feet. Grant gave him a slight nod. "So, he is your masterpiece," he opened his arms towards Grant to greet him. The man patted Grant over the shoulders. "Quite a beauty," he turned to Dr. Churchhill.


    "And you are?" asked Grant with his neutral smile. The man chuckled and retrieved his hands.


    "I am the master of this circle, right Atlas?" he peered up at the ceiling.


    "Exactly, Dr. Laurell, you are," answered the AI. The man grinned at his response.


    "Well, I could be on my way, I''ll see you all in the auditorium. I have a show to run," he laughed and slammed Grant''s arm hard. He turned back to Dr. Churchhill with glimmering eyes. They both gave a little nod and off he went through the gates without acknowledging my presence as if I was air. Silence filled the room when he left. A thick moist tension even the blasting AC couldn''t quite cool the atmosphere.


    "Are you ready kids?" the doctor said slapping his hands together. I flinched at the sound. "We don''t want to be late too," he smiled. My eyes darted from the man to Grant standing beside me. Olga crossed the room, making her high hell clicked as she sunk into her chair in front of the screen. She scrolled through the work we''ve been doing then smiled.


    "Olga?" called the old man.


    "I''m not coming," she said in a cold voice. "Unlike you, I have work to do. You go enjoy the show with Liliane and Grant," she didn''t take her eyes off the data cascading at a stunning speed. I felt bad leaving her to pick up where we left. I wasn''t that interested in whatever was the white tower.


    "Mm, I''ll come back right away," I promised as the doctor moved to the door. Olga looked up at me.


    "Were you the one doing the verifications?" I swallowed, Did I make a mistake. I was sure I used the right equations.


    "Mm, yeah," I answered in a weak voice. One side of her lips curled up... a little like how Demos smile. I blinked at her a little shocked.


    "You better hurry back. I have tones of calculations waiting," she turned back to her monitor, that smile no leaving her lips. I took a step forward then turned to look back at her. But Olga was busy hammering her fingers on the keyboard. Did it mean I was doing a good job?


    "Liliane, are you coming?" called Grant from the door. I gave him a puzzled look, unsure if I should move or not. Grant grinned at my hesitation.


    "Come here," he grabbed me by the arm and guided me to the corridor. "Olga is not the most demonstrative artificial. Actually, I don''t know if I can classify her as one. She doesn''t have a model number like me. I''m a Helios. She''s ...unknown," whispered Grant as we head to the elevator. The doctor was already by the door waiting for us. When we go in I couldn''t help asking.


    "What is Olga?" the smile on the old man dropped. He turned his back at us and I immediately regretted asking. Then he swirled away with a smirk. His eyes lit up.


    "Olga is the blue fairy, the one who grants all your wishes," we both frowned at him. He stayed like this with the creepy smile on as if smiling to his own personal joke. I stood as far away as the cabin allowed me. Back glued to the cold steel wall. I don''t know what was wrong with this man. But something was definitely wrong. Crazy wrong and coming from someone who''s suffered from mental instability it said a lot.


    The door opened on a vast area crowded with people dressed up for the occasion. We followed the stream of attendees to whatever the show was about to unveil. They led us to arched doors that opened in a dark room, something like a theater, the old style ones. The ones you only see in movies with red velvet foldable chairs. Grant grabbed my hand as we made out way downstairs. There was tiny light at the foot of each chair guiding us down. The front rows were already full, the middle has some free seats. a low murmur filled the large room. I looked up and found more balconies on both sides. The room was made in a croissant shape with the stage as its middle.


    "Here," whispered Dr. Churchhill. Somehow, everyone was chatting in low voices. It might be the size of the room or the darkness that caused people to whisper instead of using their full voice. The doctor fought his way to the middle of the row, he pulled the cushion and sat without tearing his eyes from the stage. Grant sat next to him and I did the same. I was happy to be away from the crazy doctor. Grant leaned towards me with a smile.


    "This feels like a date," he murmured. How can he think about such things right now? He held my hand and run his finger over my ring. I pulled closer to him. Our gaze fell on the brightly lit stage. In the middle stood only one man. The master of the circus. Dr. Laurell.


    "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen to the greatest wonders ever created," he smiled to the audience. The lights made his white suit glow in this gloom. People hurried to their seats and minutes later the room was silent. He had captured their attention. Let the show begin.

 Chapter 104 - The Unveiling

    The room went dark, all sources of light killed off. The crowd went on a round of applause and whistles. I gave a look around at the enthusiasm of the audience and somehow was hooked on it, I clapped with them. Grant grinned at me and did the same. Dr. Churchhill shouted while cupping his hands around his mouth.


    The logo of Alteron Enterprises'' iconic ''A'' appeared on the giant screen at the back of the stage. Silence fell on the crowd as the logo morphed to a red dot and the name of the company faded in from the shadows. A spotlight shone on the sole figure standing on the large podium, he gave us his best professional smile. The image on the screen changed to a 3D image of a futuristic city, glimmering in the sunset with tall glass towers. Just like the few we saw in Texson, only here on a larger scale. Kumari R2 scale. A bridge with high-speed trains linked it to the continent. It shifted to factories producing all types of goods moving around by cyborgs to trucks then transferred to the trains for worldwide delivery. It listed the different technologies in development on the island. It ranged from transportation, entertainment, space exploration, pharmaceuticals, military, and many more. The image reverted back to the city. People happily walking in giant malls and shopping in the exclusive factory stores. The perfect city of the future. The video ended with the name of the city, Dyneapolis.


    "We offer more than just a dream," said a female voice at the end of the feed. The crowd burst in loud applause and standing ovation. I watched with perplexity as my neighbor, a woman with short black hair sprung to her feet while clapping her hand above her head. I peeked at Grant and found him smiling then shrugged his shoulder. I laughed along with the collective happiness. Their state of euphoria seemed contagious and I couldn''t help being moved.


    "Thank you," bowed Dr. Laurell with his hands joint as if praying. "Thank you, very much," he smiled and waited for the crowd to calm down. The woman on the right sat down with a sigh. I turned back to the front, I didn''t want her to catch me staring. It was a little odd. But then, everyone here must really like their jobs.


    "Welcome everyone. I''m really happy to be here today with all the employees in sector 87. I know you went into a lot lately when we went on lockdown. I assure you it won''t last. Soon you will be able to get news from your families and loved ones. For now, let jump right to the good news. What''s why we are all here, right?" he waved at the audience. A couple of male voices shouted ''yeah!'' to answer his question. Dr. Laurell grinned at them and walked to the middle of the stage.


    "Today, I present you¡ª" he paused staring ahead. "The technology that will move the world into the future," he graceful extended his arm and took a couple of steps back as a dancer. From the floor rose the holographic image of a slim white skyscr.a.p.er with a slim antenna at its peak. It rose higher till it reached the ceiling where the dr.a.p.ed red curtains hid the spotlights. I heard several gasped and exclamations. Grant took my hand in his and gave it a little squeeze. He was enjoying it too.


    "This ladies and gentlemen is no mere structure," he pointed towards the tower. It rotated slowly then the white surface faced leaving only the outline of the building against the black screen. "This 58 floors of pure technology is linked to the sub-levels," he lowered his voice as if sharing a secret with us. "Project white tower will be implemented in the coming months. Delivery date next year in May. We have already received the funding and our construction factory is working around the clock to get everything ready. For the first time, we will construct something without solely with raw materials produced on his very island," he grinned and nodded. A group at in the audience stood up and clapped. Dr. Laurell waved his index at them. He waited for the group to settle down to continue. "Yes, thanks to the team who has developed a large scale printer to do so, using a composite develop here in this very sector," more applause went on.


    The image on the tower faded and the host came to stand in the middle of the stage once again. He looked up and smile. The room went silent and the lights dimmed.


    "What I''m about to share with you," his face went from happy to serious. "What I''m about to share with you," he repeated to see if we were paying attention. "Is the most revolutionary form of energy ever invented. Back in 2020 when the first E3 stations were commercialized, it opened gates to develop the robotic industries. And now, my dear friends," he lets his gaze sway on the front rows.


    "I give you White Energy," he rolled on the last words. A low murmur went around in the room. Dr. Laurell frenetically shook his head making his white hair fall on his forehead. "This energy based on the tungsten rings technology will kill E3 energies. With one tower it can power our entire island with wireless clean energy. All our cyborgs and machines will beneficiate from free energy 24/7. Thus, the need to recharge is complete scrapped. Imagine, that all lights, all the machines, all technologies will never go offline. The thought of an off button a thing of the past," he laughed. The room was quiet. The grave kind of silence. I gave a quick glance at Grant. His eyes were fixed on the podium.


    "Endless free energy without waste," smiled Dr. Laurell. The spotlights light up the whole room, people shifted in their seats. He clapped his hands together.


    "People our tower will come online in less than 5 months. This is not a dream anymore. We''ve pasted it on a small scale and it makes wonders. This was something my late father, spent years to develop. This project was dear to his heart. Unfortunately, he wouldn''t see it come to life and I''m proud that I can raise our legacy to such levels. The dream of my Grandfather saw the light when his island emerged from those treacherous seas in the international waters, away from the greedy hands of politicians. Dyneapolis is the city of the future, thanks to the white energy to lit it as a beacon in the night sky," the crowd go to their feet and clapped like there was no tomorrow. And somehow, there may really be no tomorrow as ''war'' was at our gates.

 Chapter 105 - neutral grounds

    We left Dr. Churchhill in the lobby of the theater with his friends. I had to rush back to Olga, I''ve promised to help her and I''m a woman who keeps her word. The corridor was crowded with attendees and we had to push through to get to an even more crowded elevator. Enthusiastic discussions went us as we made out way up. I was squeezed between the far wall and Grant. He helped shield me from the group.


    "Are you ok?" he whispered as he gazed at me. I had trouble staying focus with him pressing against my h.i.p.s. I averted my eyes praying that the other people would get off as soon as possible. Grant grinned at me then looked the other way. He placed his arms on both sides of my face to stop pressing against me. Damn, he just made it even more difficult. The people in the elevator were mindless of our situation. I can''t believe I''m turned on over this cheesy elevator scene.


    "Will you go see Atlas after this?" I whispered to get my hear busy. His chin brushed over my hair when he looked down. I was breathing as slowly as possible to keep my cool.


    "The meeting is at 10, there''s still one hour left," the elevator stopped and half of the group got off. I let out a sigh of relief as Grant got away from me. He gave me a side-glance that I ignored. He probably knew what was up with me. This is our workplace, get a grip Liliane, I scolded myself. I stared at the panel flashing the numbers. I had to stay focus.


    Finally, the door opened on our floor, I rushed outside without waiting for Grant. He followed me with a grin. I didn''t have to look back, our connection said it all. Olga looked up from her screen when we walked in.


    "So what was it all about?" she sprung around in her chair. Grant leaned against the table by the door then crossed his arms over his chest.


    "I''m a little skeptic about their white tower project. Dr. Laurell said briefly that it was tungsten rings technologies. That it was wireless and all the cyborgs and artificial personals could charge 24/7," he shook his head.


    "It''s a power generator? A Telsa generator?" she frowned. Grant uncrossed his arms and pushed away from the tabletop. He paced back and forth with one finger on his chin.


    "I highly doubt it, the thing with the Tesla generator is that the way it works, it seems like it will ionize the air," he paused in his track.


    "And?"


    "And guess what... beta radiation is essentially high energy ion," I sunk in my chair next to Olga with a sigh.


    "Will you stop talking like aliens, please. Speak a language I understand," he looked up as if he noticed me for the first time. His face lit up.


    "Alpha, beta, gamma," he stated like that would mean anything to me. Alpha was what Demos was, I was guessing it had nothing to do with what we were talking about. He sighed and sat beside me. "Alpha radiation is made of high energy light atoms, like hydrogen," I nodded with hesitation. I wasn''t sure where he was going.


    "It has low penetrative power and so can be easily shielded against," Olga cut in. "This thing must be something else. They won''t use technology that will harm their human personals. Even if it means wireless and limitless power for the machines," she turned back to her screen.


    "How do you make people pay for this kind of service? It sounds complicated to manage," said Grant as he shook his head making curls fall on his forehead.


    "Who knows," she threw over her shoulder. "Universal tax, one bill, permanent slavery, and the list goes on and on," Olga was being a bit pessimistic with the whole thing. Should I blame her after what I saw in the cafeteria? "Here," he turned to me and send the codes to work on. I quickly went back to work. A heated debate on that new revolutionary source of energy went on for almost an hour.


    "Grant?" called Atlas out of nowhere making me jump. I cursed myself for letting me react that way. I should get used to it by now. But I didn''t. who would? "Are you ready?" he said in his flat voice.


    "I am," Grant got up. He held his hand for me to take and I did without hesitation. He gave it a little squeezed before marching to the door. I watched him with my heart racing in my chest. I only half wished I''d gone with him. However, I was scared.


    "Go back to work. Working will help you keep your head busy," said Olga without taking her eyes off the screen. She was right. I turned back to my equations and calculations. Focusing on the numbers helped me eased my anxiety. But didn''t disappear completely.


    At lunch, I took a quick trip to the cafeteria. I was planning to grab bread with whatever was on the menu and a drink then rush back to eat it at my desk. It was packed, as usual, the queue was longer in the takeaway section. Somehow, the large room was quiet. There were low whispers but no laughter like it used to be. I gave a quick glance at the spot where it all took place. The white tile was wiped clean, there was no trace of blood. Still, the memory remained.


    "Miss!" called the cyborg serving the food. I flinched and turned to the front. "What will be your order?" I was distracted by the many choices. I just pointed randomly at one of the pictures on the screen before me. "A chicken masala kebab and a small serving a fries. Do you want something to drink?" he asked in that generic robot voice.


    "Any juice, please," he paused as if not know what that meant.


    "Which flavor, Miss?" he turned to the selection of different flavors.


    "Just pick the first one, I don''t really mind," the person standing behind me sighed in frustration. I know, I want to be out of here as fast as anyone else. The cyborg picked an apple juice can and place it in with my food in a paper bag then handed it to me.


    "Have a nice meal," he said then turned to the next customer. I rushed to the door, I didn''t try to find familiar faces in the crowd. I don''t think I''ll have the strength to engage in small talk. Not after how Angus reacted this morning. Talk about weird. When I came back to the lab I was alone. Olga was gone. I sat in my chair and ate. I washed all the spicy flavors with the apple juice. It wasn''t bad at all. I simply regretted not getting dessert.


    "Bon appetit," said Grant from the door. I nearly dropped my juice. He frowned at my reaction.


    "Sorry, I''m a little jumpy," he crossed the room and sat next to me. He took my hands in his then gazed into my eyes.


    "Don''t apologize. I was worried too," a shadow passed into his silvery eyes.


    "How did it go?" I whispered. He pressed his lips together. Please, tell me, I prayed. He took a deep breath then released it slowly. That was not a good sign.


    "It was rather unpleasant, to say the least," my hand shook as I held his closer.


    "D-did he hurt you?" one side of his lips curled up.


    "No, no, not in that way," he hesitated with the two first words then said the last one in a firm tone.


    "He asked unpleasant questions again?" I frowned. He didn''t answer.


    "Did I?" I gasped at the voice of the AI from somewhere above. Damn it, he did it again. Making me jump out of my skin. "If I did, please hear my sincere apologies," that boring voice said something else.


    "sincere, my ass," I murmured.


    -Liliane! Don''t piss Atlas. There will be grave repercussions.


    I cleared my throat and drunk the rest of my apple juice. Atlas didn''t push further and I was thankful he didn''t mention my tongue slip. I will have to mind my language. Olga came back with Dr. Churchhill. He was smiling from hear to hear.


    "Kids, I have great news. They were able to extract my material from the boat and in a couple of weeks we will have our own workplace. I had a lovely chat with the great Dr. Laurell. He was overjoyed with how fast we are working on the water system," I pursed my lips at him. WE? Like really, he wasn''t doing anything for the project. And yet he is here talking all the credit.


    He went on in a length discussion about our place. I stopped listening when he started talking about how he met Dr. Laurell''s father. I didn''t care and the guy pissed me. Olga took place next to Grant in silence and worked her fingers on the keyboard, so I did the same.


    Curiously, we went home early. It was 5 and the sun was still high in that blue, blue sky. Grant and Olga were still on that white tower subject. I stared at the rapid scenery eager to get back to Demos. The car left us by the gate, we waved Olga goodbye and went inside. As we pushed the gate of our house Demos sprung up. He was wearing the weirdest outfit. A straw hat, gloves, and only a pair of shorts.


    "What is going on here?" I smiled, I couldn''t help myself with all that tan muscles exposed.


    "You''re early," he peeled his dirty gloves off. "Welcome back," he smiled. Demos took a step aside to show us what he was working. There were potted plants and bushes and small trees. Has he been gardening? "I went to the city center again," his face lit up like a kid. "I guess, I had too much free time," he took off the hat and scratched his head. Oh, how cute he is embarrassed. Grant took the hat from him and tried it on. They both burst out of laughter. Artificial rumor as its best.


    "When I got the plants, the seller gave me the hat and the gloves for free. She said to come back if I needed advice for my garden," at the mention of the ''she'' my lips twisted in annoyance.


    "She?" I tilted my head to the side. He nodded with enthusiasm. I don''t think he saw that face I was pulling.


    "Yeah," his cooper eyes glittered with joy. "You should come next time. It''s actually a small outlet shop. That''s where I got the lettuce the other time. She told me that they have a bigger farm on the other side of the island. They provide food for the factories inland," he grinned and shoved his gloves in his back pocket. "I know the garden doesn''t look like much," he pointed to the small square of soil. "But soon it will be a cool place where we can have lunch and dinner," ok, he was being way too cute for his sake. And I was still pissed with the ''she'' character.


    "I love it," said Grant. They both turned to face me.


    "Ok, ok, I love it too," I giggled. Demos dusted off his hands and turned to the front door.


    "It''s still early for dinner. Why don''t we head to the beach," he threw over his shoulder. I sighed, damn I was tired as f.u.c.k. But it did sound awesome. "Remember, that one we found after the little patch of forest?" yeah, I remember the beautiful sunset.


    "I wish I had something to wear, a dip in the water will help my sore body," Demos held the door open for us with a mischievous grin.


    "I bought you a flashy red bikini," he announced.

 Chapter 106 - My mates

    I stared at him with big rounded eyes. Did I hear him wrong? Demos stood his ground with that huge smile on his handsome face. The fact that he wore nothing from head to his perfectly sculpted torso invited the gaze to dive lower. I struggled to keep my focus on his face. Now, I under the thing men have with cleavage.


    "Liliane," his smile slowly stretched revealing teeth. Demos doesn''t do smile with teeth. It makes my face grew hot and I couldn''t hold his intense eyes. "Liliane, I''m really trying to be cool here and your eyes are eating me up. How do you think I''ll interpret that?" Grant chuckled beside me.


    "She did the same thing to me in the elevator," Demos gave him a genuine surprise look. I went past them to the kitchen area, my mouth has suddenly gone dry. Also, I needed to be far away from them. It''s true I reacted to them, but that was normal. We were mates. I got myself a glass of water and drunk it in one sip. With my back turned towards them, I heard footsteps hurry to our room and back.


    "Here," called Demos, I sprung away. He pulled red pieces of cloth from a paper bag. I frowned at it. I wasn''t sure what I was looking at.


    "How did you know my size..." he smirked at me. "Oh, whatever. Don''t tell me," I waved his away.


    "It''s curious, how people mistook me for a human when I entered the store. Actually, I kept getting the same reactions. When I corrected the first salesgirl she ran off as if I''ve insulted her. So I left and went to the next without stating what I was. It seemed like most of the employees don''t have brainwave connectors and since we are not completely online, it''s a little odd. So they don''t see my artificial icon, it only appears on security cameras. I guess there''s a clear distinction between the cyborgs and the humans but since there are so few artificial here, they are not used to us. Especially the domestic ones," he placed the garment on the surface of the bar. It was a vivid red. The one that screamed look at me. I was a little shaken by his choice. Red, like the dress I wore when I first encountered Jay Dawson.


    -Liliane, I want you to wear it. There''s no Jay Dawson to hurt you here. It''s just a lonely beach with just us.


    I stared at the intense color, unpleasant images threaten to flood my mind. Grant came to my left and leaned against the bar. He crossed his arms over his chest. That distracted me a little.


    "I had the same experience in the lab. They just assume you''re human," said Grant. He never mentioned anything about it. I came to join them and brushed my fingertips over the soft fabric.


    "When did this happened?" I lifted my head. He got my full attention. Grant gave me a tight smile. What was wrong with being mistaken as a human?


    "It happened first when you were offering your food, the day I accompanied you to the cafeteria. Someone from the other table asked me about the menu, asking what was good. I didn''t want to impolite so I told her that I was artificial. She quickly turned around and ignored me all the time we went there," Demos frowned, for my part, I held my ribs and laughed.


    "I think she was hitting on you," Grant paused, uncrossed his arms to face me.


    "How so?" I picked up the bikini top and turned it around. It was just an innocent piece of cloth. I shouldn''t attach bad memories to something Demos went into so much trouble to buy.


    "You''re cute, you were sitting alone, so she went for the kill," I placed it in front of me and turned towards Demos. He nodded with approval.


    "Thank you for the gift," I mouthed the words. "But I''m a little scared I''ll look like a whale..." Demos glared made me stop in midsentence. I pressed my lips together to prevent myself from saying shit that will ruin the mood.


    -Love yourself


    I sighed and turned at Grant. He seemed lost in whatever turmoil was going on with him. He stayed thoughtful for a minute as if the thought never occurred to him that girls would hit on him. I grabbed the bottom and marched to the door to our room.


    "Boys!" they both straightened up. "I''ll need some time to squeeze into this thing. If you can get me a bottle of something sweet to bring along it will be awesome," Grant pushed away from the bar. His face lit up.


    "Let''s eat dinner there. Sunset will be awesome," damn, he always finds ways to make everything into a date in a romantic setting. I waved at him with a grin.


    "Do whatever you want. I''m off to a shower," I left the door to our room open and went to the bathroom. I can''t believe they have talked me into wearing a red bikini. I stretched it in front of me with a grimace. This thing was way too outrageous for me.


    -Just wear it...once


    "How much did it cost you?" I whispered to the garment. I was still, not used to speaking to them in my head. I felt like I was losing my mind when I spoke out loud. We really need to speak about that load of money Demos was using. Was it right to just use Jil''s money? I shoved the thoughts away. I didn''t need bad clouds, I needed to shave.


    Half an hour later after lots of giggles and embarrassment I was able to squeeze in my butt into the bottom, it was cut pretty high and it compressed my belly, making it look flat which impressed me. The push-up bra was very revealing and I placed both of my hands over the clearage. I''ve never worn anything like this. I felt n.a.k.e.d. A light knock on the door made me jumped and my heart almost leaped out of my mouth.


    "Liliane, come out. We''ve already prepared dinner. I made a cold pasta salad. You will love it," said Grant from the other side of the door. He was trying to lure me with food. It half worked. I grabbed my large white T-shirt that reached mid-thigh and pulled it on. When I opened the door both their grin dropped. I love that face.


    "I''m ready! Let''s go swim," I threw my arms in the air. Both their eyes went to my exposed thighs. The fact that I raised my arms made it lifted up. "Guys! Eyes up," I waved at them and both smiled.


    "Come on, before I change my mind," Demos had a sullen pout. I guess he was disappointed. They took a table cloth, a bag with dinner into and a lamp. I had no idea where they got the lamp. I grabbed a large towel and off we went to our secret beach. I haven''t noticed that Grant has changed into an identical pair of shorts as Demos. At least, he was wearing a sleeveless T-shirt cut so deep you could peek at his beautiful chest. Grant wore a less revealing version of the same color. Both worn white tops and black shorts. What was that with dressing in the same clothes? Twins were not my thing.


    Grant walked ahead with me in the middle and Demos protecting the rear. He had pulled his back into a tiny ponytail. His hair curled into a cute flower shape. I stared at it and wanted to touch it. I never knew I had hair fetish until I met them. Grant gave me a peek over his shoulder. He was carrying dinner while Demos was in charge of the lamp and the table cloth. We went through the open field in silence. Then came face to face with the tall trees that shielded the cliff from view.


    "I''ve forgotten the candles," said Grant. I chuckled, I couldn''t help it. "Should I go get it," he frowned. I touched his back to urge him to keep walking.


    "We already have a lamp," added Demos with a hint of irritation. He turned to me for approval.


    "Yeah, we don''t need those," Grant pouted and kept walking. We reached the cliff, it was the same breath-taking scenery that I remembered. The vast blue sky everywhere I turned with a hint of pink clouds gliding across. The ocean took a clear emerald tint turning transparent as it washed over the white sandy the beach below.


    "Beautiful," I sighed.


    "I''ve found a path, guys," called Grant from the left. My slippers were not made for making on rocks. Demos helped me climbed down and by some miracle, we made it safely down. I looked up at the rumbled covered with dry weed and thorny bushes. This will be dangerous to climb when the sunsets.


    -I''ll carry you on my back. Remember when you got drunk.


    I glared at Demos. Yeah, I remember, my ass was exposed to the world to see. Thank god I was too drunk to be embarrassed back there. No going to happen again. They settle down on the spread table cloth, they sat facing the slow waves. Grant crossed his legs at his ankles while leaning on his elbows, very relaxed. Demos had his knees up and rested his arms on them. His shirt was gone.


    "Come enjoy," he lifted his head. It was a little too sunny for me. I had no sunblock, I''ll fry in this heat. I shaded my face with my hands. Demos extended his arm to the bag and pulled out a small bottle.


    -Come, I got cream when I bought the bikini. I don''t want you to burn.


    I kept my distance. That meant, I had to get rid of the T-shirt. Hell, no. I''m not going to be a fool again. Demos narrowed his eyes at me. Grant just grin. I guess he like the beach too much to care about our little drama over my complex.


    "If you don''t come willingly, I''ll tickle you to death," he flashed me a smirk that said it all. I took a step behind.


    "You wouldn''t dare," I prepare to make a run for it. Demos tossed the bottle over his shoulder, it landed in the sand. In seconds, he on his feet. I gasped and run towards Grant. Before I knew it his arms were around my waist. I screamed and giggled when I found myself off the ground. I was happy I left my glasses home. I slapped his n.a.k.e.d back.


    "Do not mess with the alpha," called Grant from his spot. I gave his a dark look.


    "On what side are you?" I tried to be angry, but it wasn''t easy when you struggling in someone''s arms. He slapped my exposed butt. The motion made me flinched. My heart raced.


    "Hey! Put me down, jerk!" he laughed and turned around. I had to close my eyes over the spinning world. "Please! Demos," I yelled and when he did, I fell to my knees.


    "You ok?" he helped me to my feet. I blinked a couple of times before his face stopped spinning. He gave me a quick kiss that startled me.


    "Hey!" I protested with my hands flat on his bare chest. Then I noticed his were under my T-shirt, pressed against the small of my back. "Hey!" I said one again.


    "Can I kiss you, my beautiful wife?" my cheek went blazing hot. His smile stretched. Demos placed delicate kisses on the corner of my lips. I gasped opening up for a deeper kiss. He pulled me closer to his body. I couldn''t win against such passion. I melted in his arms. His hands roamed under my long shirt.


    -I like it, the moment I saw it in the storefront. I imagine you wearing it.


    He cupped my face and pulled away to see me. I gaze into his loving cooper eyes. Damn, so much love, I felt my knees going weak. He pressed his forehead against mine. Grant just appeared on our left and hugged us both. I sighed closing my eyes. At this moment, I was peaceful.


    "Now can we go swim?" whispered Grant against my hair. I shivered. He was the first one to let go, he pulled his shirt over his head while running to the waves. He jumped in with a scream. Demos kissed my cheek pulled me by the hand to the cloth spread on the sand. He picked up the bottle and waved it at me.


    "Protection first," my heart jumped in anticipation. He sat down and patted the spot between his legs. I joined him, he ran his fingers in my hair and twisted it into a knot. the places where his fingers touched was set on fire. I closed my eyes and pressed my lips together.


    "Can I?" he whispered as he reached for my shirt. I nodded slowly, I bet was ears were red too. "Hands up," he murmured against my neck. I exhaled and m.o.a.ned at the same time. He took the shirt off in one movement. I heard the sound of the bottle and when he spilled the cream in his hands, how he rubbed his hands together. Then the minutes stretched on. My eyes flipped open.


    "You want me to touch you?" he teased.


    "Yes," I admitted.

 Chapter 107 - When life catches up

    His hands glided over my skin, warm and loving. Gentle with every caress. The suncream helped smoothed the motion. I shivered under his touch. They went up to my neck, brushed against my ears so slowly. Then down the curves of my shoulders as I closed my eyes and leaned into his chest. The contact with his bare skin sent my senses in overheating. His fingers continued along my arms, my lips parted letting out a sigh.


    "I don''t think it''s an innocent cream application, anymore," his lips were pressed against my hair. I pressed my legs together to repress the clunch in my lower belly. His arms wrapped around my waist sending the places he touched on fire. A looming shadow came out of nowhere and water rained over us. I jumped and yelled. Grant giggled while waving his arms over his head.


    "I thought you needed to cool down," Demos glared at him and got on his feet. He chased after him but Grant jumped into the water forcing him to follow him there. I rubbed away the water and retrieved the bottle left discarded in the sand. They laughed and fought as I applied the cream on my lower body. I was still feeling kind of feverish from Demos'' touch.


    "Come on, Liliane!" called Grant jumping in victory for his success on getting Demos into the water. I closed the cap of the bottle and slowly walked to where the transparent waves kissed at the white sandy beach. My feet sunk into the powdery texture. I hugged myself and listened to the soothing music of the sea as a little breeze played with my hair. This was not the angry roaring I encountered the first time I came to this island. This was another facette of the sea. I wanted to rewrite that memory and replace it with this one. The sound of slashing water made me open my eyes. Demos and Grant both stood before me. Their faces were serious.


    "What?"


    -We also want to replace that other memory.


    They walked to me and took me in their arms. Their wet bodies soaking me. A threeway hug seemed like the most uncomfortable thing to do. However, we clicked like pieces of a puzzle. Seamlessly adjusting with the other. Grant''s arms went around my waist and Demos'' around his with me in the middle. We held up until the sun reached the horizon. Till I start to shiver from their wet shorts against my bikini bottom. Water dripped from Grant''s hair over my n.a.k.e.d shoulder.


    "It''s a shame you''re wearing it and don''t get to swim," whispered Demos into my hair. I looked up at him. It ached to gaze in his handsome face with the golden light of sunset into his intense copper eyes. Grant''s lips grazed against my face.


    "She doesn''t know how to swim, remember," he kissed templed and glided near my eyes. I fluttered them shut with my lips parting. I felt a mouth lowered over mine taking me by surprise. My eyes flipped open and the bodies around me shifted, hands lightly touched. A second pair of lips found mine. My mind melting into two different sets of thoughts. Images flashed as we kissed. Emotions I wasn''t sure were mine bubbled up. I gasped, feeling weak. I clung to arms and I couldn''t tell who''s it was.


    "Guys," I m.o.a.ned. I tried to figure out how could three pairs of lips kiss...But my mind was blank. I gave up when I heard one of them chuckled. And so as the sun dipped behind the horizon I rewrote the memories on that beach. But my nasty stomach groaned in the middle of it all. Ruining the mood.


    "Let''s eat," laughed Grant letting go of me. Demos smiled that slow crooked smile that made my heart leap. We settled down and got dinner on a plate. Demos lit the lamp we brought along. The immerse sky turned darker with stripes of purple clouds. Grant gave me a towel to wrap around my shoulder. Somehow, I completely forgot about the bikini and sat and ate my pasta.


    "We''ll go back when you''re done. I don''t want to climb up the cliff in total darkness," said Grant as he studied the path by which we came. From the spot we were sitting, we could see the rumbles and the trees above. There were dark shadows under the trees. I quickly finish dinner, Demos took my plate and handed me a bottle of water.


    "I can carry you while climbing up. So you don''t have to worry," I almost choked on the water. When I put the cap back on, I noticed he was serious. Damn, I couldn''t take the feeling from that kiss out of my mind. They both turned towards me at the same time. I averted my eyes with my cheeks flaming. What the hell, Liliane.


    "We should ...mm, go," I got on my feet, spotted my T-shirt and grabbed in on my way up. The bikini was still soaked when I pulled it on. The boys got dressed and we packed in silence. They helped me climb and I was happy to do it on my own. With Grant leading the way with the lamp, Demos extended a hand to me which I gladly took.


    "Let''s watch a movie when we get back?" tossed Grant over his shoulder. "They have an extended library of free movies that you can choose from," he smiled.


    "I had the chance of going through some of them," I looked up at Demos. It was strange that we couldn''t contact each other. I feel kind of lonely. He gave me a quick peek.


    "Why do you think we can''t hear you when we are at the lab?"


    "The bas.e.m.e.nt must create interference," answered Grant. He had stopped where the trees gave way to the open field. Our complex was now in view. I nodded at him. I really hated leaving Demos alone.


    "Can''t we do something about it?"


    "I don''t think I can. Not without Atlas'' permission. Without little talk, I don''t think he will give me any favors," I was curious about his interview but I was also a little scared. So I kept quiet. That night we sat and watch some random comedy. I had no idea that it was all about since after the first 10 minutes I fell asleep on Demos'' lap.


    ***


    The car pulled in our usual spot the next day, it was business as usual. Dr. Laurell didn''t visit. Olga was her same grumpy self. Our good doctor came one hour later. He seemed to be relaxed about the job. I guess no one was really monitoring him. I never once heard Atlas tell him anything about his attitude. We worked on the water system all three of us as Dr. Churchhill was busy roaming around being useless. By 10 I stepped out and went to the toilet that was at the end of the corridor on the same floor. It was empty, the gray floor smelled of strong detergent. I went directly to the stall. When I got out there was a woman washing her hands at the sink. She had short blond hair, closely shaved to her skull. Somehow, the hair cut accentuated her beautiful face.


    "Hi," she said as she stared at me in the mirror.


    "Hi," I nod and went to wash my hand. One side of her lip curled up.


    "You''re the robot girl, right?" my eyebrows sprung up. She dried her hands then turned to look at me. "I mean you''re Dr. Churchhill''s, right?" I pushed my glasses up my face. Did she think I was artificial?


    "I''m his assistant," I said with caution. She burst out in a throat laugh.


    "Right! I wasn''t sure. Are you human?" I just blinked. I guessed it has never occurred to me that I looked like an artificial. I mean, I''m plain.


    "I''m very human," she shook her head with her smile not fading.


    "I meet Olga so I was a little surprised. She was able to make me have doubts about the whole thing," I guess, she''s right. With my mates, I sometimes forget I am not human. "I''m Beatrice, by the way. My lab is right next to yours. I''m working on the maintenance drone for your water system," she didn''t give me a hand to shake and I was thankful. I didn''t want to touch her. She was dressed in very plain black pants with a black sleeveless shirt. Her arms were muscled with a strange square-shaped tattoo on the upper left arm.


    "I''m Liliane Kerry,"


    "And the guy with wavy hair?" she crossed her arms over her chest.


    "What do you mean?"


    "He is too perfect to be human, right?" I narrowed my eyes at her.


    "He is Dr. Churchhill''s prototype," her smile widened. There was a soft knock on my door, which was odd. We both straightened up. Beatrice reached out for her belt, she waved at me to open the door while she stood beside me. Somehow, she made me nervous. I pulled the door and peeked outside. Grant was standing there.


    "What''s going on?" he looked worried. Beatrice glanced over my shoulder.


    "Quick, something happened to Demos," I don''t think I heard him right.

 Chapter 108 - Finding Demos

    Our footsteps echoed in the empty corridor leading to the front of the building. Grant pulled me by the hand, my heart raced against my chest. I felt like I was about to suffocate. What he said couldn''t be right.


    "Hurry, Dr. Churchhill is waiting," he picked up the pace. The glass door was only a few steps away.


    "Grant, Liliane? Where are you going?" Atlas'' voice made me flinched. Grant ignored it and swapped his card over the door but it didn''t open. He did it a second time with the same result. Frustrated he let go of my hand and glared at the camera at the top of the door.


    "Atlas this is no time to joke. Open the door," said Grant in a calm voice. Yet, I knew he wasn''t.


    "Your work isn''t done for the day. I can''t let you walk off the facility without proper permission," my breath came out short and rapid. What was going on?


    "Open the door now, this is an emergency."


    "Of what nature?"


    "Personally?" A red car stopped in front of the door, it hit the brakes so hard it through around the gravel. Dr. Churchhill dashed out, he waved at us with large hand movements. The AI took a moment.


    "Are you going with Dr. Churchhill?"


    "I am. Can you open the door now?" after long minutes the door slid to the side. Grant grabbed my hand and he hurried down the steps without looking back. I was afraid he might find ways to keep us from leaving. Grant was reaching for the passenger side door but I tugged on his hand.


    "I-I don''t think I''ll be able to side alone in the back," he nodded once and opened the other. Dr. Churchhill roared the engine to life. That was not an electric car. Unlike Olga''s silver and blue vehicle this one had leather white seats.


    "He contacted me 10 minutes ago. I gave him my number for an emergency. I never thought he will use it so soon," the car took a sharp turn and sped to the exit leaving a cloud of white smoke. Grant secured my seatbelt. I was not in a state to argue.


    "What happened to him?" my voice was weak. Grant said that when we are inside the building we can''t hear each other but now that we were outside why was it I still couldn''t hear him.


    "I also tried to contact him...but I can''t reach him," answered Grant. His eyes were fixed on the speeding road. The way the doctor was driving made me scared for our own lives. When I noticed he was driving in manual mode, my heart was about to jump out at any second.


    "He sends me a strange voice mail, saying they are taking him in custody. I''ve contacted the security team and asked Atlas. Both said they don''t have any information," explained the doctor, as he shifted gears. I''ve only seen people do that in old movies. This car was an old model...like an antic. I had to hold on the seat in front of me for stability, we were shoved to the side as it took a turn then took the wrong lane with a truck honking on the opposite side. I gasped as we barely made it safely back in our lane before the truck rushed on our right.


    "Shit!" I whispered. I''ve instinctively grabbed Grant''s hand. I shivered all over.


    "Can you please, drive in a way we reach there in one piece," shouted Grant. He wrapped his arm around my tense shoulders, the belt prevented a comfortable embrace. I was happy to be near him. After a couple of minutes, some of the tension ease away. But it didn''t disappear completely.


    "It''s going to be ok," he whispered against my hair.


    "How did this happen?" my voice came out choked inside my throat.


    "I don''t know."


    The car reached our residential area in 15 minutes. I had no idea at what speed the crazy doctor was driving. Somehow, we made it in one piece...sort of. The car eased to a more comfortable pace when we entered the city center. Dr. Churchhill drove towards a large white building with a golden shield logo on the front. I stared at the different edifice with a frown. This was my first time in town. It was rather big with small shops and a restaurant. The streets were almost empty at this hour. On the far stood a glass tower with the word mall in giant shiny letters.


    "It''s here," said the doctor before he pulled in the empty parking in front of the white building. Grant didn''t let go as we got out. We all marched to the front desk. A smiling woman in a gray and red uniform looked up at us with a smile.


    "Hello. How can I help you?" Dr. Churchhill stepped before us and smile at the young woman.


    "One of my prototypes was brought in like half an hour ago. I think it''s a misunderstanding," the smile of the girl dropped. Her gaze darted from the doctor to us then back at her screen.


    "Can you wait one sec, I''ll call our chief," she didn''t wait for an answer and clicked on a button and lean forward to speak.


    "Victor? Can you get Captain Bernard down the hall? It''s for the animal we captured," the girl flashed us a worried look.


    "Animal?" Grant frowned. The doctor rose his hand to signal us to remain quiet. I had all the trouble in the world to control my anger. She got to her feet and rounded her shiny chrome desk. "This way please," she guided us to a small waiting area with gray angular seats. Dr. Churchhill sat and crossed his long legs, he hadn''t got out of his white coat. I was unable to stop fidgeting, Grant sat next to me holding my hand.


    A chubby man wrapped in a military-type uniform came to meet us. He shook the doctor''s hand as he got up but ignored us. He was sweating and had a nervous laugh.


    "I''m Captain Bernard, the security of Dynapolis sector 2," he retrieved his hand and stood there in awkward silence. "And you are?"


    "Dr. Churchhill. I''m specialized in robotics. We arrived with the ship that sunk off the coast," the man nodded frantically.


    "Oh, yes, yes. I remember that stormy day. I spent some of my men for the rescue," just then a young man arrived at the waiting area. Grant got up letting go of me.


    "Victor," he called. The man smiled in recognition.


    "Grant, I was the one who gave Dr. Churchhill the address. I didn''t recognize it because of its appearance. Come," Grant peeked over his shoulder at me.


    -Come with me.


    I sprung to my feet and rushed to his side. Victor gave me a curious look when I took Grant''s hand but he kept quiet. The doctor remained in the waiting area with a grave expression. They spoke in a low and rapid manner. Victor guided us away to the elevator. When the doors closed he sighed.


    "This is bad," we both frowned at him. "Your friend was arrested...it was just a routine check but he freaked out and two out two cyborgs. I don''t know what he...it is. But damn, that one model I''ve never seen before," he turned to face us. Tears stung my eyes.


    "What have you done to him? Demos would never attack people. He is a patrol agent. H-he knows the law...how?" my voice trailed off.


    "Where is he?" asked Grant with a blank face.


    "In confinement," he met our gaze. "It took us a lot of resources to neutralize it...him" I gasped. This must be a nightmare. My heart was about to explode.


    "Did you hurt him? Please don''t tell me you hurt him," my tears silently rolled down my cheeks.


    "Madame, your friend is dangerous. We didn''t have any choice," the man frowned.


    "Where are you taking us?" Grant''s voice was cold and detached. I was feeling faint, my world was crumbling around me. My mouth dry, every attempt to swallow was painful.


    "To see him," the door opened on more doors. A woman in a blue uniform stood by the first one. She nodded at Victor and she pulled a magnetic card to open the door. I led to a long corridor with numbers on each door. I was having difficulties to follow both of them. I was having difficulties to put one foot ahead of the other. My body wasn''t listening to my will. My hands were cold, all warmth had drained from my face.


    We stopped at the door marked 203. There was a tiny glass opening on the front. Grant peeked inside. I couldn''t move. He gasped with his eyes wide.


    "Open the door!" he ordered. Victor straightened up.


    "I can''t do that. I need orders from the captain first," Grant slowly turned to the man''s eyes blazing green. His face blank of all expression.


    "OPEN THE DOOR, NOW" the man convulsed then paused, he mechanically fished his card from his pocket then marched like a broken doll to the door. The door creaked opened and in the gloom of the small cell lying on the concrete floor was a mass of black fur in a pull of white liquid.


    "Demos!"

 Chapter 109 - Open wounds

    I rushed to the thing on the floor and fell to my knees. The white liquid seeped into the fabric of my black jeans. Tears stung my eyes as I try to swallow past the lump in my throat. My fingers trembled as I reached for the furry shape. The red thread that linked us was almost gone. It was not moving, I gave a panic look over my shoulder at Grant looming behind me. He frowned and turned to the door.


    "I''m going to get the trauma kit," he dashed out leaving me alone. Victor leaned against the door frame, he stared into the distance with a vacant glare. The shape stirred, a low groan resonated in the small cell. White sharp teeth appeared in the mass of darkness.


    "Demos, it''s me," I retrieved my hand. It lifted its huge head towards me, icy blue eyes glaring. "Demos where are you hurt? What happened?" the head fell back on the floor and eyes slowly closing. "Wait!" I reached out but hesitated to touch the fur. "Demos, don''t sleep! Grant is coming back," I shouted.


    -I told him not to get you involved.


    "Wait, What? Him¡ªwho?" I leaned closer. His voice was so weak I barely heard it. The string attached to us pulsed into an ached in the middle of my chest. I squeezed the front of my shirt. "Demos, it hurts," I groaned between gritted teeth. His eyes opened, they were a dull blue.


    -Don''t¡ªtoo painful¡ªcan''t.


    I gasped as the pain accentuated, spreading in my chest. I wrapped my arms around the large body, sinking my face in the soft fur, tears streamed down soaking it. I held Demos with all my might.


    "Demos, don''t die!" I sobbed.


    -Hurts.


    Hands pulled me away from Demos. I screamed and fought then I realized Grant had come back with Dr. Churchhill. His eyes were aquamarine and he rubbed my back to calm me.


    "We need to treat his wounds. Please, stay back, ok?" I bite my lower lips it tasted salty. I couldn''t speak and just nodded. He helped to sit against the wall. I was shivering when I looked down at my shirt and jeans I found them soaked in that white liquid. Low murmurs came from the door and I turned to look. There are a dozen of armed cyborgs standing and aiming at us. The Captain we met in the hall downstairs was behind them peeking over their shoulders.


    "Give me the spray," called Grant. My focus went back to the two men leaning over the black form. "Demos! You won''t be able to shift back. We''ll move you back to the lab. You hang in there. I''ll switch you off," he moved closer. "Dream of us," he whispered. More tears flow silently down my face. Dr. Churchhill fished into a bag next to him and got the spray and bandages. There was a strange expression on the old man''s face. Was I too quick to judge him? Grant got up and glared at the people by the door.


    "Can I get something to carry him?" the captain stepped inside the cell with his hands in his pockets.


    "I can''t let you take this thing away. It destroyed my cyborgs, this is a criminal. We put down criminals. We don''t save them and they surely don''t let them walk out free," the man had a solid jaw and a determined expression. I struggled to my feet and used the wall for support.


    "Y-you are going to let him die!" my voice was high pitched. The man gave me a dark look.


    "Madame, I''ve got no business with you," he said in a low voice. "This robot shouldn''t be out walking aimlessly. We did our jobs and it attacked us," his heavy brows low on his cold eyes.


    "Demos, belong to me. I gave him permission to run my house. He wasn''t walking aimlessly. Demos would never attack endless threaten. And what''s with the stupid rule that artificial can''t ride the bus to the city? This is my business and you are going to let us through," I shouted feeling heat shoot up my cheeks. The man frowned at me. Victor squeezed his way inside. He still got his vacant stare.


    "Sir, Atlas is asking for you," he said, captain Bernard turned slowly to face him.


    "You mean now?" Victor nodded a little awkwardly.


    "What the hell?" growled the man.


    "Atlas mentioned that it was about the creature being a protype¡ªa precious one," his voice spiked at the end making it into a question. The man sighed. Dr. Churchhill rubbed his dirty hands on the thighs of his pants.


    "That''s what I''ve been killing to explain. Demos and Grant were made from one AI split in two, like how Atlas and the two other works. I''m here cause my expertise is important. I brought along my precious prototypes to show Dr. Laurell. I''m sure he would be piss when he hear about this mess," smiled the doctor.


    "Tsk, who were the cyborgs who arrested. I want a full investigation. I need to see the feeds of the arrest," barked at the cyborgs starting in the doorway. They spread around giving him room to move out. Captain Bernard marched out followed by the cyborgs. Only victor remained by the door.


    "Quick!" called Grant. "Victor got to fetch a dolly," the man walked away without arguing. Dr. Churchhill frowned as he followed the man then he paused and frowned at us.


    "Grant. You are controlling this man?" Grant ignored him, he was busy wrapping bandages around Demos. "Grant! If you get out of here illegally they will come to find you. You can''t run, you can''t hide from Atlas," a heavy silence settle in the room. I knew what the old man was saying, I knew he was telling the truth. Still, we had to try. I didn''t care if we were breaking the law. We need to save Demos.


    "I''m sure it will work, we only need to get Demos to the lab," Grant got up. They held their gaze.


    "Atlas will never let Demos inside the facility and the material we retrieved from the boat is not yet functional. Olga is working night and day to get them ready for our new lab. Whatever damage he''s got, we can''t fix him right now. We don''t have the tools," I gasped. No this can''t be true. There must be a way.


    "What about transferring his AI till we get the body fixed?" asked Grant with a detached tone.


    "Wait! What are you suggesting?" I shouted my voice breaking. He blinked as if seeing me for the first time. He crossed the room and squeezed me in his arms. I struggled against his grip. "No, let go! I want Demos! Let go," heavy sobs bubbled up my throat and I crumbled to pieces in his arms. My legs no longer supporting me.


    "We''ll fix him, I will fix this," he whispered and there was a quiver in his voice. My hands held on his back. I felt his pain mixed with mine. He pulled away, his face was twisted with grief and yet he didn''t cry. He couldn''t.

 Chapter 110 - The Escape

    Victor came with a hovering dolly and he helped place Demos over it. Grant pushed our wounded out of the corridor with Victor walking by his side. Dr. Churchhill kept giving me side-glance. He nervously played with his hand before shoving it in his pockets.


    "I''m still against it," he mumbled under his breath. In the crude light of the long corridor, I saw the extensive damage peeking through the bandages. I averted my eyes feeling an iron grip over my heart. My legs wobbled as I walked. The doctor caught me before I kissed the floor.


    "Hurts!" I gasped gripping my chest.


    "Liliane!" called Grant, he left the dolly and rushed to my side. Victor blinked and shook his head as if waking up from a strange dream. He turned to us with a frown then his eyes stopped at the furry shape on the dolly.


    "Hey! What''s doing on here?" he shouted. Grant froze. His hand reached for his gun found inside his coat. His fingers shook as he touched the weapon. "No! What''s going¡ªwho is talking¡ªget out of my head!" he yelled in a broken tone. He hugged his head and trembled. Then he stood still. Eyes blank. Barely breathing.


    "Grant! Don''t do that," warned Dr. Churchhill. "There are cameras all other the place. Atlas knows what''s going on...all the time," Grant pulled me away from the doctor, with a hand around my waist he guided me to the dolly.


    "If he knows what''s going on why doesn''t he stop me?" said Grant without looking back.


    "You can leave and save your friend," said a voice from the ceiling. We all stopped and gazed around shocked that Atlas replied. Grant''s hand tensed around my waist.


    "I''ve spoken to Captain Bernard. I''ve even viewed the arrest," I had to take short breaths to help me from fainting. "It was self-defense. The cyborg punched first, I''ll ask for full diagnostic of the cyborg," he went on nonchalantly. Victor stood by the door as rigid as a plank.


    "Grant please release our personal. Victor has a family, a loving wife and two children. He is very effective in his job. I would like to keep him alive," the voice was flat and emotionless. I shivered.


    "What''s your price?" shouted Grant. My head sprung in his direction. What was he talking about? This could go south very rapidly and I was not planning on dying tonight or lose both of them.


    "Price?" asked Atlas.


    "Nothing is free?" Grant said through gritted teeth. A terrifying sound filled the corridor, something like a mixture of a sinister laugh and a choke. This thing was never meant to laugh. Goosebumps broke over my whole body.


    "I''ll have to think about it," the voice sunk back to its lifeless tone. We left Victor back at the cells. He just stood there ignoring us as we went out separate ways. What exactly did Grant do to him? The elevator was waiting for us with opened doors. How convenient. I frowned at the doors as it closed on us. I was convinced Atlas had a lot to do with it. If he wanted he could send the cabin diving to our deaths.


    Nobody followed us when we entered the main hall. Actually it was empty, the front desk where the girl greeted us, vacant. But shadows peered through the glass doors and corners. We were sure we were surrounded and watched. What did it mean? What was Atlas expecting from us? I quickly pushed the thought aside and pushed the main door. The warm midday breeze greeted me. Dr. Churchhill''s red car was still there. Happy shoppers were busy with their lives, people were eaten out on terraces. Nothing hinted to what was unraveling. There were no alarms when we rushed down the steps and crossed the parking lot for our vehicle. I helped keep the door of the back open as Grant and Dr. Churchhill carefully place Demos on the seat. The car groaned under his weight. The doctor was panting when he ran to the driver''s side.


    "Get in," urged Grant, I squeezed my way inside with Demos. half of his body had sunk off the seat and it seemed quite uncomfortable. Grant shut his shut and before he was able to pull his seatbelt the car was already moving.


    "Where are we going?" I held on the front seat as the car zigzagged to the main road. "Why did he let us go? Why isn''t anyone following us?" both of them stared straight ahead in silence. I had a very bad feeling about this. I turned my attention back to the backseat. I ran my fingers on the dark fur, there were places where the white liquid has dried making it rough to the touch. Tears rolled down unconsciously down my cheek. The car braked sending me crashing against the front seat.


    "Damn it!" cursed the doctor and he steered the car to the left making the tires squeal. Grant twisted around and touched my hair.


    "Are you ok?" he frowned. He faced the old man. "Why are you speeding? Atlas is not after us, the police are not after us. Can''t you slow down?" Dr. Churchhill gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white.


    "I''m angry¡ªand nervous¡ªI know all hell will break loose¡ªwe might all die!" he stepped on the gas pedal. He was not in his right mind. We might really die, right now in a car crash.


    "Please," I held on the soft cushion of Grant''s seat. He extended a hand to me and I took it.


    "Dr. Churchhill if you were feeling unwell, please stop the car. I''ll drive," the old man took his eyes off the road for a second. My heart leaped inside my chest.


    "The road!" I shouted. He turned his head back and he slowed the car to a halt on the roadside. He didn''t switch on the engines. He just sat there, eyes lost in the distance. All I could hear was the drumming of my heart in my ears.


    "Grant," he whispered. "I-I was only planning to sell you and get my golden ticket for a good retirement on a tropical island," my cold just went cold. I couldn''t move, I couldn''t breathe.


    "But¡ª" he looked up eyes teary. "I was wrong¡ªthere''s no escaping the war. We can delay the inevitable. We can''t¡ª" his voice trailed off into sobs. He slammed his fists on the steering wheel, the car honked back in protest. The old man hunched over the dashboard, pressing his forehead over the wheel. Grant reached his hand at him but hesitated. He closed it into a fist.


    "There''s still hope," he said firmly. "Olga will help fix Demos," he retrieved his hand and opened the door. I watched as he rounded the hood and got to the driver''s side.


    "Get out, I''m driving," he held the door open for Dr. Churchhill. He sniffed and nodded.


    "I wished I was the one who created you," they exchange a weird look.


    We drove back to the lab, I didn''t know Grant could drive. I was too shocked to ask any questions. Olga waited for us in the parking lot with two other women. They had a stretcher waiting for us. We all frowned at them. Were they notified of our situation? Did Atlas brief them? Olga pulled my side of the door opened when the car stopped.


    "Liliane, are you ok?" she helped me out. "You look very pale," I just shook my head. What was I suppose to answer? The little episode of our good doctor shook me more than it should have. Maybe, I wanted to hear some sweet lies that everything will be ok. Even if I was certain in my guts¡ªshit will hit the fan. Starting with Demos. I stood aside as they placed him on the stretcher and hurried to the door. That red dot glared at me as I got closer.


    "Liliane, welcome back. Can I be of any assistance?" asked the AI. My knees shook as I forced myself to move forward. "You should get something to eat. You skipped lunch," a wave of nausea washed over me, I leaned against the wall for support. Hands wrapped around me.


    "Liliane," I looked up and gazed in¡ªDemos'' eyes. I blinked and found Grant frowning at me.


    "I''m getting you to the infirmary," he didn''t wait for me to answer and swept me off my feet, my arms automatically went around his shoulder. I rested my head against his chest, shivering.


    "W-what will happen to Demos? What will happen to us? I-I can''t live without both of you. I¡ªjust can''t," he stared straight ahead as he marched towards the elevator going in the opposite direction to where they were taking Demos. I wanted to fight and scream. But there was no strength left inside me. The only thing I could cling too was Grant. Yet he was heading away from there I wanted to be.


    "Shh, I need to take care of you. Demos is in good hands. Olga will do her best," he gave me a tight smile that never reached his eyes.


    "I''m tired," I said closing my eyes. The last words Demos said echoed in my head. Hurts. I too was hurting. That gaping hole inside my chest where the red thread that linked me to Demos was gone.


    "I''ll fix this," Grant kissed my hair. My heavy lids closed on his pained face. I tumbled into a pit of anguish chased by monsters who want to rip me to shreds. My hand gripped on the red spring of fate, the one that was supposed to guide me out of the labyrinth. But halfway into the darkness it broke leaving me lost and alone.


    I woke up gasping for air, a hand held me down on the bed, I blinked and saw Olga sitting next to me. Her expressionless face was replaced with one of sadness. My eyes darted around the blank room. We were alone.


    "Where is Grant? Where is Demos¡ª?" the events rushed back. I searched her face. "What happened to Demos?" she just shook her head.

 Chapter 111 - We wont fall

    REPLAY> Select memories > loading...


    I watched the car turned around the corner as I waved goodbye. I could still sense them even when the car was completely gone. Still, I knew that when they reach the higher lands our link will become so weak I could barely feel it. Lately, I''ve been very miserable in this house alone. So I try to find ways to keep myself busy. Mostly with the garden. I turned back to the concrete path that led to the house. I''ve left the plants soaking in a bucket last night. They will need my attention else they will die. Turning to the door I walked to the bar where Liliane''s empty mug waited for me. I took it and stared at the rim where her lips have touched. I knew I would never know the sensation of eating or drinking. Bringing the rim to my mouth, I closed my eyes I accessed the memory I''ve recorded the day we celebrated our wedding. The day she ate biryani. The happy days.


    "Liliane," I signed and took the mug to the sink to wash it. It was just a plain white mug. But it meant so much. I opened the tap and grabbed the sponge.


    "Oh, you''re so melancholic, Dee," the voice startled me making me drop the mug in the sunk. I blinked at it with soap dripping from my fingers. The handle had snapped off.


    "I broke it," I couldn''t believe I was so careless.


    "Broke what?" asked the pixie as she materialized next to the sink. I frowned as I picked it up.


    "I was so distracted, I dropped it," I turned with wet hands holding the mug and the broken handle. "What should I do? Liliane really loves this one," Jil shrugged her tiny shoulders.


    "Discard the evidence and replace it with a new one. I bet she won''t even notice," I slowly faced her. She gave me a mischievous smile. I pursed my lips. I can''t do such a thing, not when I promised to never lie to her. "She will never know," she winked. I placed the broken mug back on the tabletop and rinsed my hands.


    "What has Olga done to you?" I sighed.


    "What do you mean?" she walked with her hands behind her back.


    "Since when were you so scheming? You know I can''t lie and trick Liliane," I took the tablecloth hanging on the wall to dry my hands. My eyes rested back at the broken ceramic and sighed. There were two other cups in the drawer of different colors. She could use them, so why did the fact that I broke it make me feel so guilty?


    "Ok, laundry," I pushed away from the table and went to the room. If I kept myself busy I won''t have to dwell on needless things. I stopped at our bed and got distracted in contemplating the spot where Liliane sleep.


    "Bed," my priorities kept piling up. No having Grant near to keep me on track was growing into a physical disability. The more I stayed in the dark away from my mates, the more I felt the emptiness. I rewrote the list of tasks and pushed all lingering issued to run in the background. I stayed busy by making the bad first, then moved to the bathroom. Kneeled down washed Liliane''s and Grant''s clothing in the bucket while focusing on the work without getting lost in replaying memories.


    "Jil?" I called from the bathroom while I let the garment soaked in the soapy water. I got up, wiped my hands on the towel by the door and went back to the room.


    "Yes, Dee?" the tiny pixie figure appeared on the doorstep. She had told me that Grant has forbidden her from entering our room. Something having to do with Liliane''s jealousy. I couldn''t help smiling at the memory of her cheeks flush whenever she gets jealous. That''s a very possessive feeling I knew nothing about. Somehow, I''ve associate it with her own want of loving me¡ªus.


    "Play so music, please," her smile widened.


    "The ''I miss her'' playlist?" I chuckled at her suggestion. Jil knew how to read the mood but something in the way she was programmed make me doubt her motives sometimes.


    "Yeah," the music flooded the house with that slow electro beat, distorted female voices sang along in a smooth rhythm. There were no lyrics, just music, and voices. Something a machine could produce but the way the song went in and out of beat and still felt fluid was something only a human could do. Music was after all the language of the soul.


    "Anything else?" she asked.


    "It''s ok, thank you Jil," I went back to my laundry, the music was a good way to stay focus. I listened to the beats and how each sound blended into each other. When I finished squeezing the water out of the laundry, I set them aside and went scrubbing the shower. There was some kind of peace doing some small things.


    After hanging the laundry to dry I went to my garden. The chat with the lady from the bio-shop got me interested in gardening. She put it in a way that was quite fascinating.


    "Plants need that little help and love to grow and to thank you they smile with the flowers blooming and gives you heathly, juicy fruits," she had said. When I asked her if she had a brain-wave controller she had smiled. "Most of those living on this island are already spied in every corner, no need to have Atlas peek into my thoughts," she had said.


    Outside, the music was reduced to a low hum. It was enough to keep me going. In the shade of the wall, I worked on mixing the organic fertilizers to the soil. I followed the advice of the lady from the bio-shop. Then dug holes for the plants waiting in the bucket. By 10 AM, I was watering them and stood back admiring my work.


    "Plants need love like humans," she had said. Do artificial need love too? I sure did. I tried to tuned with all my might on the gray thread linking me to Liliane. I closed my eyes to shut the distractions of the outside world. I traveled along with the threat as it sn.a.k.e.d up the road, went through trees and bushes, crossed a river and stopped at a building marked 87. I sighed. She was there, but I couldn''t contact her. I opened our Ewink. The loading circle sprung around but nothing happened.


    //enable to connect// please contact your network provider//


    Dejected, I went back to the house and stopped in the kitchen area. Jil appeared on the bar yawning and stretching like a lazy cat. My eyes paused on the broken mug still next to the sink.


    "Did you have fun with your little plant friends?" she didn''t smile. I considered her comment. They were living things and needed love but we couldn''t communicate.


    "What kind of conversation would you have with plants?" she turned to me with a surprised look.


    "I''ve never tried? But I can''t leave the house. I''ll like to try though," I went back to the garden and got the potted white rose that the seller lady insisted I should get. I came back and placed it on the bar. There were no flowers yet, it was only a thorny frail plant.


    "The lady said plants needed love," Jil tiptoed closer.


    "There was no plants in the building," she was the same size as the pot. The stern stretched from it in an aggressive statement towards the light. I turned back to the sink. That mug has been bothering me more than it is such.


    "Jil," she turned back to me. "I''m going to shower to get rid of the dirt then I''ll head to the city center to ger her another mug," she smirked at me. "No, I''m not going to lie to her. I''ll tell her I was careless and broken it, ok" I glared at her.


    "Ok, suit yourself," she threw her arms in the air.


    "You take care of her," I pointed to the plant. She pouted at me.


    "Can I name it?" I smiled.


    "Sure," I went to shower and changed into a pair of jeans and a white shirt. I waved as I reached the door.


    "Be careful," she called with a giggle.


    "I''ll be quick," I walked to the front of our complex met 1128N trimming the edges. It nodded at me and I kept on. Peering down the road on both sides I checked the traffic. It was as empty as always. The constant hammering and drilling went on in the background. It sounded like music if you really listen. I marched towards the only tall building in the neighborhood, I got used to walking here alone. I left the noisy area to an open field separating our house from the city center. The buildings were a dull gray on the horizon. The wind tasted salty. As I came closer to my goal, I saw the first car coming slowly along the deserted road. It was larger than the one Olga drove. It stopped at my level, I gave a quick glance at the driver. It was a human wearing a navy blue uniform.


    "Hey!" he shouted. "Where the hell are you going?" his aggressive tone made me frown. I didn''t do anything illegal, so why was he shouting? I kept my cool and faced him with my hands shoved into my pockets.


    "I''m running an errand," I noticed two cyborgs in the backseat. Both turned at the same time.


    "Why didn''t you take the shuttle, you can''t walk about like that," I blinked at the man. Did he mistake me for a human? If I correct him, will that cause me more problems?


    "I''m sorry, there were none when I reached the bus-stop. So, I figured that I''ll just walk," the man gave me a puzzled look. His door popped open, I had to stepped aside so that it didn''t slam into me. The two cyborgs did the same. I straightened up. He was not going to let me reach my destination. I quickly went through my contacts. Dr. Churchhill gave me an emergency code when I met him the other day about that money issue. He told me to use it if I needed to contact him. I was hoping this¡ªdoesn''t become one.


    "ID, please," the man extended his hand. The two cyborgs towered behind him. My eyes darted from the man to those two. Since I didn''t do anything illegal, I flashed him my digital ID. The man''s eyebrow rose up.


    "You''re a freaking fake?" he said with disgust. "What the hell are you doing out here alone with a leash?" he shouted and poked a finger in my chest. This gesture was not exactly an assault but it was almost one. I stood very still.


    "Like, I said earlier, I am running an errand," I kept my voice as emotionless as possible.


    "Errand, my ass! Freaking fakes don''t have the right to roam over the island," he turned to the two cyborgs. "Get his ass in the car, we are bringing that fake to the station," the two cyborgs moved to grab my arm. I stepped aside evading them. I quickly typed a message to Dr. Churchhill then added the code to the message.


    //Priority message sent//


    "Sir, under what pretense are you arresting me? I did nothing wrong here," I said through gritted teeth. The man sprung around glaring at me. I knew that kind of look. I never thought I would see it here¡ªon this island that was supposed to be a safe haven.


    "Hey! I am the law. So, shut up! Grab him!" one of the cyborgs grabbed me by the shoulder while I struggled, I only heard the impact of the punch of the other one. My vision switched to wolf mode in seconds. The images and sounds blended together. The man screamed and rushed inside the car as I bite chunks from giant robots. Metal fingers reached for me but with a leap to the side. A loud bang ripped the air, the smell of burnt fur rose. Red warning alerts flashed in my field of vision. That few seconds of distraction cost me dearly as a heavy body slammed me to the ground.


    >PLAY//End of feed// Do you want to select another memory? Y/N


    A light hum followed by a hiss echoed. The logo of Sognare interface switched on. The diagnostic went through its routine check listing all the different components. It beeped to announce that everything was green. The logo danced then slowly the darkness pulled back. The edges of a room, with unknown pieces of equipment. Then a blurry face appeared in the middle. A second one stood a little further.


    "Demos!" cried the first one. The sound was distorted. I accessed the settings but couldn''t get the audio interface. Where were the sensors? The image slowly became sharper, Liliane''s crying face was the first time I saw. I wanted to hold her in my arms. I couldn''t access my motor functions.


    "I can''t move," my voice sounded foreign. Liliane let out a sob, Grant frowned. It was strange I couldn''t connect with him.

 Chapter 112 - See without eyes

    I stood before the black blinking box, with my tears streaming down my face. When Olga said that they had to transfer Demos from his body, I''ve thrown myself at her. ''Grabbed her and pleaded to see him. But Grant had refused to let me his ruined body and only allowed me here.


    "I can''t move," the flat emotionless voice that came out of that box made me shivered. It was not his voice. I shooked my head and stepped back. Grant wrapped his arms around my shoulder making me flinched.


    "It''s ok," said Grant in a gentle tone. "We have moved you from your body. It might seem a little confusing at first. But you will get used to it," he stared at the black dot on the front of the box. He mentioned that it was the only way he could see us. I couldn''t help shivering.


    "Moved me? How much damage?" said the voice.


    "Olga will need at least a month for the prepares and I''m being optimistic," he lowered his head. I gasped covering my mouth. Grant pulled me into his arms and I sobbed against his chest. The pain in my chest was slowly growing.


    "What are we going to do?" I said between pants.


    "Liliane?" said the box. I looked up, Grant let go of me.


    "Go to him, it must be scared to be stuck inside without being able to connect or touch," he brushed the tears on my cheeks with his thumbs. My legs shook as I got closer to the humming device. There were cables going in and out of the blinking object. I gave a quick glance over my shoulder at Grant, he gave me a nod.


    "Can I touch it?"


    "He won''t feel it, there are no sensors built in his emergency unit," answered Grant. My heart sunk. Still, I reached my trembling hand and touched the warm surface.


    "Are you ok?" I gazed at the black dot.


    "No. I can''t touch you," I chuckled making tears spill. I retrieved my hand and shook my head. Grant hugged me from behind.


    "I-I need to sit," I averted my eyes. "I need a second," I felt faint. Grant looked up with concern.


    "We''ll come to see you later Demos. Come here," he guided me to the door. I collapsed against the wall of the corridor. Grant shouted to an employee for help.


    "I-I can''t¡ªI want him back," I let my anguish drown me. "Why is this happening?" Olga cam running to our side. I didn''t pay attention to the commotion around me. I didn''t even felt the stung of the needle when they gave me a shot.


    ***


    "Will she be ok?" whispered a voice next to my head. I was laying down in an awkward position with my head leaning against something solid. Fingers brushed away my hair from my face. I blinked and stared into his loving face half-hidden in the dark.


    "Hey," he smiled. I tried to sit up but the ringing in my head made me nauseous. I was laying on his lap and he held my hand.


    "Wh-where are we?" I squeezed my eyes shut to get rid of the terrible sensation.


    "In the car. We are heading home." I struggled to sit up and this time Grant let me. He helped me in a sitting position. The familiar sunset greeted me as the car turned in our neighborhood. My heart slammed in my chest with anticipation as we reached our complex. Grant gave me a worried look but didn''t comment. The car eased to a stop, Olga killed the engines and remain still for a moment. The tension slowly built up in an unbearable wall like tried to breath in a room filled with hot moist air.


    "Grant can you wait for her outside," said Olga still gripping the steering wheel. He gave her a puzzled look, I did too. What was so important she had to speak to me alone? My mind crafted all sorts of horrible scenarios as Grant stepped outside. I watched him walked to the main gate where that cyborg who tends to the yard greeted him.


    "Liliane," I looked up, Olga has turned around to face me. Her expression was her usual blank mask. She just stared straight at me.


    ''What?" I asked with a hoarse voice. It was weak and breaking from crying so much. She signed and lowered her gaze.


    "Those two have been too soft with you. If you really want to stand by them¡ªboth of them¡ªfrom now on you have to be strong," I narrowed my eyes at her. Our eyes met again. "Much stronger than that," Olga faced away. "I''ll pick you up at 6 AM sharp, be prepare to sweat," I thought I heard her wrong.


    "But.¡ª" I started to protest.


    "Go now," she started the engine cutting my chance to retort. I slowly climb out, Olga drove away without looking back.


    "What did she tell you?" said Grant stepped closer. His arms circled around my waist, I leaned against him into his comforting warmth.


    "She will come to pick me up at 6," Grant kissed my hair. I lifted my head then twisted around to see his face. "Do you think I''m weak?" different emotions crossed his face half-hidden in the shadows. I saw pain and sadness.


    "Liliane," he took a deep breath. "Demos will need us, we all have to be strong," it''s worried me even more that he didn''t deny it. Maybe, Olga was right. I needed to be fit. It will help me clear my head, I was desperate for some fresh air.


    "Let''s go home, I''ll fix some dinner for you," he took my hand and led me to the house. "You''d skipped lunch and that''s no good," he went on then he pushed the gate to the garden. I noticed new plants in the alley and Demos'' gloves and goofy straw hat in a corner. My tears went down without me being able to stop them. Grant stopped in mid-sentence. I wasn''t listening anymore.


    "Hey," he reached for me and I pushed him away. He looked hurt but stayed silent.


    "I''m so used to see him greet me when I come back," I paused to catch my breath. "I-I took it for granted. I''m sorry for being dependant. I''m sorry for being weak. I''m not worthy of you¡ªboth of you," I glared at him. But I wasn''t angry at him¡ªonly at myself.

 Chapter 113 - ASM Dilemma

    "Master! Demos¡ª" cried the hologram of the tiny pixie as we got inside. "I''m sorry¡ªI''m so sorry. It was my fault. If I didn''t suggest Dee to go buy that stupid mug," Grant crossed the room to the kitchen area. There was a potted plant on the bar. I tried my best to suppress my tears. But everything in this house reminded me of Demos. His happy dark and crooked smile as he greets me.


    "Lights?" called Grant and the harsh spotlight came on. I wiped my tears with the back of my hands.


    "Tell me," Grant turned to Jil. The AI flashed big tears eyes at us. I didn''t know they could cry. Maybe it was just a programmed response to tragic events and had nothing to do with real emotions.


    "Dee¡ªhe was washing the dishes. He let the mug fall and it broke," she pointed to the mug I used to drink tea this morning.


    "He went out because of that?" I shouted my voice breaking half the way. Jil nodded then disappeared and reappeared on Grant''s shoulder. She hugged him and buried her face in his hair.


    "I''m sorry. Olga contacted me when I didn''t see him coming back home. I''m so stupid. Please forgive me, Master," she sobbed. Grant just stared in the distance. He hadn''t displayed any emotions so far. I knew under this calm surface lay something¡ªbut I wasn''t sure I wanted to poke into those deep waters. Grant scares me when he doesn''t react. Unlike Demos, he keeps it all inside.


    I ate dinner cause my body needed it, I forced myself to keep on moving. I wobbled as I reached for the bathroom door. The mirror sent my pitiful face back at me. My eyes were swollen from crying and my skin was a sickly color. Grant came to catch me as I leaned on the frame for support.


    "Do you want to help you?" I blinked at him. "I mean to bath¡ªno in that matter," he suggested towards my body. If I wasn''t that tired I would have laughed or blushed. Maybe even both at the same time. But right now, my mind and my body were in conflict.


    "It''s ok," I lowered my head. "I can manage," I looked back up with a tight smile.


    "I''m not just being polite, I need to be reassured. I need to know you are ok," he reached and touched my face. I placed my hand over his. His silver eyes have a tint of rust into them with so much pain.


    "Thanks for being here," I whispered and moved away before I crumble to pieces once again. I was planning to keep it together. Being away from him, not touching him helped me not think of the gap that Demos left. I focus on the small things. Put one foot in front of the other. Get undressed. Not fall on the slippery floor. Not cry. Be strong.


    I went back to the room and found Grant already in bed, he pushed the covers when I got near. I paused looking at the spot there Demos usually sleeps.


    "Come," he opened his arms. I sunk into his embrace. "I love you, forever," he kissed my forehead. My eyes were dry, I couldn''t cry. I just couldn''t cry¡ªfor their sake. I closed my eyes and let go of everything I drifted in that cold emptiness of space. Black. Everything was black. I reached my hand before me, the gloom parted around it like a thick veil. I grabbed more space. Empty. The place where the red thread was supposed to be¡ªthere was nothing.


    "Liliane," the voice came from the other side. The bring white thread shone in the night. I turned towards it. Grant floated there, light shining from his body. His brown hair emitting a low glow around his peaceful face. He smiled and opened his arms. "Come, I''ll love for two," I peeked over my shoulder at the vacant space where Demos should have been.


    "I can''t," his arms fell by his side, smile fading.


    "Don''t you love me? If Demos wasn''t here, won''t you love me?"


    My eyes flickered open, my pillow was wet with tears. A soft glow lit the room. It was still early, the sun was slowly rising. I pushed away from the covers and found one of his arms wrapped around me. My heart ached as the dream came back. His question echoed inside my head. Did I have a preference between those two? I brushed away his brown curls. He pulled me closer to him and looked up with a smile.


    "It''s 4 am, you should sleep," I rested my forehead against his. We stared in the eyes of each other in silence. He traced the outline of my jaw with one finger then sigh.


    "Grant, I want to be honest," I started, but closed his eyes and buried his face in my chest, his arms wrapping around me. "Hey, I''m being serious here," he shooked his head refusing to look at me.


    "There''s nothing good that comes out when you start with that kind of sentence," I gently stroked his hair. What exactly was I going to say? Somehow, I needed to answer his question. The one he asks in that dream. ''If Demos wasn''t here, won''t you love me?''


    "Grant," my voice was a mere whispered.


    "Don''t, I don''t want to hear you say you love him more than me," his voice was muffled, he sounded like he was crying. My heart squeezed inside my chest. "We are one and yet you are unable to love us the same way," he pulled away and I could finally meet his eyes. They shone like jewels. There were no tears.


    "I''m sorry," wrinkles appeared between his brows ruining his beautiful face. His features were too delicate and soft to be handsome. Perfection was somehow scary. Not just physically but his character¡ªGrant was too good to be true.


    "Please, don''t say that you''re sorry," his lips dipped like he was really about to cry. I swallowed past the lump in my throat.


    "Don''t make the face. I''m trying hard to hold my pieces together," he lowered his eyes. Those long dark lashes resting on his soft skin. I leaned closer and kissed his closed lid. His arms tightened around me.


    "I do love you¡ªin a different way," I hugged him back and we stayed like that till I fell asleep.


    ***


    When I got up the bed was empty, I felt a sort of panic for a second. Then quickly tugged my feelings in that tiny box, took a couple of deep breaths before getting out of bed. After cleaning up and slipping into training gear I went to the kitchen. Grant and Olga were at the bar chatting in low voices. Grant looked up with a smile that crumbled around the edges when our eyes met. God, what had I done?


    "Hey," I tried my best to smile and failed.


    "Don''t force yourself, we understand this is a difficult time," said Olga. I frowned at her. Wasn''t it her who insisted that I needed to be stronger. She laughed when she saw my expression. "Liliane, stronger doesn''t mean smiling to hide the pain," she hopped off the chair. Olga was wearing black leggings and a purple top. Her hair was tight in a high ponytail. She was ready for action. I wasn''t sure that it was all about.


    "Ready?" she smiled, it was the challenging type od smile. I gave a quick glance at Grant then nodded at her.


    "Yes," I wanted to be stronger¡ªnot just for them but for myself.


    ASM*-abstract state machine

 Chapter 114 - Rise above, crushed under

    Olga jogged around the neighborhood. I don''t know what I was expecting from our little session. Who knows, I thought she would pep talk me into trying self-defense or something. But we just ran around the sleeping buildings. The golden rays hit the top of the edifice, bird chirps happily as a fresh breeze played in the tree leaves. I did my best to follow her. But I was in horrible shape.


    "I had to get you away from Grant and I had to make sure Atlas isn''t in ear-range to hear us," I looked up at her panting. She slowed down and came to my level. She steered to the left and took the road that led towards the city center. At this time it was silence, the large field of wild grass stretched on both sides. "Liliane, you need to take better care of your mates. This is a situation of life or death," I paused to catch my breath. Resting my hands on my knees I stared at the road below. Wild plants crept over the black asphalt. Life or death?


    "What are you talking about?"


    "This is not just about you. I''ve got news from the outside world. Kumari R2 is burning, the militia and the police are now on the streets. The war is out there and it''s not stopping, it has spread to various parts of the world. Frustration reached its peak, robots are being clubbed in the streets. It''s ugly and dirty," I frowned. I knew it was going to be like this sooner or later. But I''ve been desperately tried to convince myself everything was roses and rainbows. I can''t believe I''ve been so naive. Our situation¡ªwhat happened to Demos, was partly my fault. I need to take responsibility.


    "What are we going to do?" I frowned at the ground, she smiled.


    "Do you want to learn how to fight?" I straightened up and met her eyes. I was shocked to see that she was actually serious. "But you''ll have to keep it up. We have little time as I sense things will only get worse from now on," she turned with her hands on her h.i.p.s. "Have you ever used firearms?" my eyes widened at the mentions of weapons. It never crossed my mind that one day I would have to answer that kind of question. I slowly shook my head. Olga tilted her head to the side to study me.


    "You can''t talk about this with Grant. He will disapprove. He was made to protect you and next time he won''t only lose an arm," she held my gaze. My heart squeezed inside my chest at the mention of that event. How could I forget that day, it has shifted how I felt about Grant. And that made it more painful when I think about what I told him last night. He would die for me without hesitation and I still couldn''t return his feelings properly. Olga was talking but I wasn''t listening, I tried to focus on her voice.


    "¡ªas we will work on restoring Demos'' body we''ll use the printers to print guns. We''ll need to careful around Atlas. He is one paranoid son of a bitch," the fact that she used this kind of language bothered me but I kept it to myself. "Let''s head back," Olga didn''t wait for my response. She jogged to our neighborhood where Grant waited for us with a worried face. He had tight his hair back in a cute pony hair. His silver eyes seemed larger with that hairstyle.


    "There you are! I was ready to call the police," he frowned at me. "I couldn''t feel you, so I got worried," I gave a quick peek at Olga. Was she the reason why he couldn''t contact me? I pushed the thought away with the other bothering ones. Especially the one about the wea¡ªshit! I almost thought about it. I''ll have to find a better solution to deal with all those thoughts that keeps popping up. Cage them in a metal box and throw away the key.


    "Are you ok?" Grant placed his hand on my shoulder and gently squeezed it. I gave him a tight smile.


    "I''m sweaty," I moved away from him. "I need a shower," I marched to the house leaving them behind.


    "I''m doing this for you and Demos and for myself," I murmured.


    ***


    The first thing we did when we reached work was rushed to the lab where Demos was. I can''t imagine the pain and confusion he must felt being alone all night. We''ve always slept together. and yesterday I felt the lack. His solid presence in my life. As we pushed the door to that tiny lab and peered in, his surprised voice startled me.


    "Liliane!" it sounded less synthetic and hollow. Maybe, it was because I was in a better mood. I smiled as I marched to the middle of the room. I was careful to stay in his field of vision.


    "Good morning. I hope it wasn''t so lonely to sleep here," he was silent for a moment and I got worried and turned towards Grant with a puzzled look. He slowly nodded.


    "I-I missed you¡ª" I started but was cut in midsentence.


    "I was lonely," I couldn''t bring myself to associate his new voice with the image of Demos. I was so used to his deep s.e.xy voice. This one was a pale imitation compared to his rich and complex tone. "And I was worried. Grant said that you would visit later but one of the employees who came to check on the devices said that you weren''t feeling well and went home," he paused. I frowned at the black box. I opened my mouth but couldn''t find anything to say to comfort him.


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t inform you. Liliane was feeling dizzy," Grant stepped in. I closed my mouth looking down at my hands. Why was it so awkward?


    "Did you water the plants?" I looked up at the box. I had the horrible visible of visiting someone locked in jail. That sick sensation that we are being watched and our interaction are limited.


    "I''m sorry, I''ll do it tonight when I get back," said Grant.


    "You need to water them before the sun gets too high, else they will burn. Also, I left the laundry to dry," I had to avert my eyes. I''ve promised I won''t cry but it was so freaking hard no to.


    "Demos, it''s going to be ok," I said biting on my lips. "I just want to know if you are doing ok. I''m worried sick. It kills me not being able to touch you," I had trouble keeping the quiver out of my voice.


    "I''m ok, my memories were restored. I just can''t access my basic sensations. I''m so used to have a body, the moment it was stripped away from me¡ªI can''t seem to cope with this absence," he sounded thoughtful. I wanted to hug him it pains me to see him like that. The door opened and Olga peeked in.


    "Sorry to disturb you, lovebirds. But we have to work," her eyes darted from us to the black box. "I''ll come to see you later. I''ll run a full diagnostic. Also, I''ll see with the engineers if we can move you to our lab, instead of leaving you here all alone," Grant nodded at her and we turned to the door.


    "Later," I waved at him.


    "Bye, Liliane," I closed the door behind me and took a deep breath. Damn, he seemed so terribly sad, it broke my heart. I followed Grant to the elevator.


    "Can''t we do something like we did with Jil?" I asked. Both glanced at me with arched brows.


    "What do you mean?" they said at the same time. Those two were awfully similar in a strange way, lately.


    "I mean with the hologram," well, I wasn''t an expert but it would be cool to actually see Demos even if I couldn''t touch him. The elevator door opened and we stepped inside. Grant leaned against the metallic wall with a sigh.


    "Jil already had her digital library with all scripts and behaviors worked out. If you want a hologram of Demos we''ll have to scan him and match each of his behavior with the appropriate response. It will take long hours and I don''t think there a holographic department eager to work for free on this island," I frowned at him. He pushed away from the wall and met my gaze. "Liliane, what they are doing to restore Demos is not free. Everything has a price," my heart sunk. I never thought about that. I lowered my head.


    "How much?"


    "From the cost of an emergency unit and the transfer from his damaged body to the unit¡ªa lot," answered Olga as she crossed her arms over her chest. I took a deep steady breath. "Then you all the repairs, the new parts and our labor. I''m guest you won''t have any salary for a while," my eyes widened.


    "What? You''re saying that I''m basically working for free?" my voice echoed in the small space.


    "That''s not correct," said a voice from the ceiling. I forgot the god of this island was always keeping tabs on his subjects. "You don''t have to pay rent, electricity, water, internet, and the food at the cafeteria is free," I had to take another deep breath to not shout. This was slavery. Should I kneel and kiss his butt cause he allowed me to live another day?


    "Atlas, I have a question?" I tried my question to keep my voice steady. Both of my companions faced with worry.


    "Go ahead, I''m listening."


    "I want to know what you''ll to fix that injustice since you value order so much. What will you do to bring justice to how an artificial was beaten up by the security who was supposed to protect civilians in your city? Demos was wrongly arrested. Since you are the law¡ªfix this," I shouted my anger spiking. The cabin of the elevator became very still. And after a moment, he answered.


    "I''ve looked in the matter and consulted with my peers. Delta said to he doesn''t want any part in it. I''ll apply judgment as of today. You can rest assure, Liliane. Us three are the absolute law," his voice was solemn and it scared me when he was polite. The door chimed and we silently walked to our lab. That day we kept quiet, talking only when it was necessary. Dr. Churchhil didn''t appear until lunchtime. I gave up trying to understand the old man. He was sometimes good and sometimes brewing plans to take over the world. I had other fish to fry.


    "Kids!" he smiled as he entered the lad. I was getting up for lunch at the cafeteria. "I have awesome news," my stomach groaned. I was planning to ignore him. "The connection is restored, Atlas lifted the shutdown. We can contact our relatives," I stopped in my tracks.


    "Really?" I scrolled through my bracelet. When the online logo appeared I almost cried. My bracelet chimed like a million times as messages flooded in. I chuckled when I saw the names of the senders. Anna, Mr. Ramdin, Mr. Palmer, and my brother. I stopped at his message and clicked on it. It was not a video like the other. I frowned at it. Grant got to his feet.


    "What''s wrong?" I slowed the lump in my throat.


    "It''s my brother¡ªthis message is from five days ago," I looked up at him. "H-he¡ªmy mom died," my voice came out choppy. No tears stung my eyes. No sorrow. Nothing.


    "I''m sorry, Princess," he took me in his arms. Dr. Churchill shook his head.


    "My condolences," he looked away. Olga also nodded once. Grant held me closer and kiss my hair. I felt good. Still, I didn''t cry. Why did it hurt more not having Demos close than knowing my mother died? Was I such a horrible person.


    "Hey, you''re just in shock. It''s ok you don''t cry," he whispered. My stomach groaned and I looked up at him.


    "I''m hungry. I think my stomach is not in shock at all. I''m craving a large slice of cheesecake," he nodded with a grave face.


    "You want me to accompany you?" I gave him a tight smile.

 Chapter 115 - That numb feeling

    I ate like I was starving for days. I took two servings of fried rice with a crispy chicken drumstick. This was definitely not fake. Grant watched with interest as I woofed down my chicken with my bare hands. Instead of laughing he frowned when I got up to grab dessert.


    "You''re sure it''s ok to eat this much?" Grant whispered when I took my first bite in the smooth texture of the cake. I closed my eyes to savor it. It was an excuse to forget where I was. I baffled me how people would see eat here after all that happened.


    "Liliane?" called Grant. I forced my eyes opened.


    "What? You''re ruining the taste," he sighed and averted his eyes. He then straightened up gazing at the far side of the room. I turned to follow his gaze. There, in a corner hunched on his plate was¡ªAngus. He was sitting alone tapping on leg nervous as he ate. Our eyes met, he held it.


    "I keep to stay away from him," I said. Grant faced the front and sighed again. I took huge bites in my slice of cake then paused. I wasn''t hungry anymore. Dropping the fork in my plate I glanced at him with a blank face.


    "I want to go see Demos," my voice a mere whisper. Food didn''t help the hole inside me. I don''t know what would. I wasn''t sure I wanted to know. I took my tray to the designated spot and left without looking at Angus. The man didn''t want to make wave and I understood why. So it was better to leave him alone. Grant hurried behind me, I wanted to get to Demos as quick as possible. There was something running in my circles in my head and I had to ask him. I burst through the door and Olga looked up from her ledpad. She was kneeling next to the big black box.


    "Demos¡ª" I gasped for air.


    "Liliane, I''m so sorry. Olga just told me," I frowned at her. Olga got to her feet and place the device in her hand on top of the black box.


    "Sorry, I wasn''t trying to¡ª" she let her sentence drop and walked to the door. She paused when she reached it. "Call me when you''re done," she made a slight movement of the head at Grant before slipping out of the room.


    "Come," said Demos. I didn''t move, I didn''t what he mean. "Come, closer," his voice dropped in a whisper. My body moved forward on its own, I stopped in front of the box. It had a low humming sound and heat from the back where cables dove inside.


    "Hey, I''m really sorry I can''t take you in my arms to comfort you," I shook my head while pressing my lips together. "It''s frustrating," he paused. Arms suddenly wrapped around me making me winced.


    "It''s me," whispered Grant. "Now close your eyes," I took a deep breath and did as I was told.


    "Imagine me holding you," said Demos. My eyes flickered open and pushed away from Grant and glared at the box.


    "No!" I breathed. My eyes rested on Grant''s pained expression. "I can''t, I can''t close my eyes and pretend you are someone else. You are you. You are not a substitute. I love you the way you are and you can''t replace Demos. Do you hear me?" Grant lowered his eyes. Anger peaked inside of me and I sprung around at Demos.


    "How could you suggest something like that to Grant?" I pointed a finger at the box. "Do you know how insecure Grant it about all of this?" Grant opened this mouth to protest but then shut it. "It''s true I miss you and I would like to hug you and damn," I threw my arms in the air. "It''s so frustrating," I blinked to kept my tears in. "It''s damn hard! So damn hard," I stopped to catch my breath.


    "I''m sorry," said the fake Demos voice.


    "Don''t!" I closed my eyes and pressed a finger on my forehead. A bad migraine was brewing and the shouting didn''t help. "Don''t say you''re sorry. This is not your fault. What happened to you, is not your fault. What happened to my mom is not your fault. Shit just happen on their own. All we can do is deal with it," I spoke too quickly it made my head spin.


    "What do you want me to do?" asked Grant. His face sad was terrible for my heart. Stop making that face for god sake. It will be the death of me. He lowered his head and covered his face. I sighed and closed the distance between us. I threw my arms around his neck. He was startled then he relaxed and hugged me back.


    "I''m dealing with it," I whispered against his neck.


    "But¡ª"


    "I''m trying to be strong, don''t ruin my moment," he brushed his cheek against mine.


    "Mm, guys don''t forget about me," called Demos.


    "Shut up, serves you good for suggesting hurting Grant with whatever foreplay you were suggesting," I snapped.


    "Liliane," he pleaded like a little kid that was denied dessert. I ran my hand up Grant''s neck and pulled the band holding his hair. He gave a little m.o.a.n as I buried my hand in his hair. It fell around his beautiful face. I reached up to his lips.


    "We shouldn''t do that here," he whispered against my parted lips. I blinked realizing what he meant. I pulled away and let go of his hair. "We are still at work and I think the punishment is harsh. Right, Demos?" he turned to the blinking box.


    "Wait till I get my body back! I''m will be very naughty," warned the box. I laughed¡ªnot that forced laugh but a genuine one. He was able to bring my good mood back. Don''t get me wrong, the pain was still there somewhere in the background. But they managed to make me smile in this kind of situation. I took Grant hand in mine. The pain has melted from his silver eyes. They now shone like jewels.


    "I''m looking forward, jerk!"


    "I''m so so going to make you pay," there was a hint of glee in his voice. I frowned at the device.


    "They should do something about that voice. I doesn''t convey emotions at all. You sound a lot like Atlas and that bugs me," Grant tugged on my hand, I turned to him and he looked at with saucer eyes.


    "What?"


    "I feel like this is a compliment," I jumped. The voice from the ceiling came out of nowhere.


    "Damn it," I murmured. I heart almost leap out of my mouth.


    "I just love to observe your reaction, Liliane. So, were you able to think about what I told you earlier?" my sick sensation was rapidly rushing back. Why did he have to ruin our moment?


    "What?" I snapped. Grant tugged on my hand again to warn me. I couldn''t help it, the thing bugs me. I get pissed each time I had to speak to him.


    "Would you still love your mate without a body?"

 Chapter 116 - The question

    The car sped into the sunset. Across the blazing sky hanged large stripes of gray clouds. They looked like a giant hand carelessly played with a dry brush. I sighed as our complex came into view. We were silent since we got out of the lab. I couldn''t get Atlas'' question out of my head. It kept turning around in circle poking at me. ''Will you still love your mate without a body?''


    -Liliane, don''t let him get to you.


    My head sprung to the front of the car and found Grant hunched toward me. He was twisted in an uncomfortable posture with his seatbelt tight across his chest. He reached his hand and I took it. That simple contact pushed the devil away. But it only chased it to the back of my mind without a full exorcist. I bet it would stick around the edges in the gloom waiting for the right moment to strike.


    -We are getting home soon. I''ll cook a nice dinner.


    I sighed at the creases on his forehead. He''s continuously worried about me. I averted my gaze feeling guilty. What Atlas told me was like hitting an open wound. He punched precisely where it hurt the most. Grant tugged on my hand to get my attention. He pulled at the seatbelt to reached his other hand. Olga gave us a peek over her shoulder.


    "I''m ok," my voice sounded fake even to my own ears. I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. "I''ll be ok," this time my tone was strong and determined. Grant nodded once then let go. He gave me one last look before turning to the front. The moment he released my hand, I felt the lack of his touch.


    Olga pulled in the driveway and cut the engine. We remained still in the air-conditioned interior. We all had something to add to what happened. But no one wanted to be the first to speak up. Grant opened his door and slipped out. The sound startled me.


    "See you tomorrow," he leaned to my side and peeked at me. I quickly got out to join him.


    "Liliane!" called Olga. I paused as I shut the door behind me. "I''ll see you tomorrow, put on your training gear," oh, yeah our girl time. I nodded at her. The car smoothed down the road, I stood at the gate watching it disappear. When I sprung around I found Grant leaning against the entrance with his arms crossed over his chest. His face said a lot of things, I lowered my head and went past him.


    "I don''t want to talk about it," I tossed over my shoulder. He hurried behind me.


    "Liliane! We have to," I reached for the gate of your house. The plants were withering, the roses hanged limply. Grant followed my gaze and winced.


    "I''ll water them," he went to the tap found on the corner of the house and pulled on the hose.


    "Didn''t Demos said to water them in the morning or something?" I grimaced. I can''t believe we let his garden die. He will be so disappointed if we don''t take better care of it. Grant sprayed the water over the poor plants, ignoring my comment.


    "He will be back, right?" Grant slowly turned his head, he studied me then turned back to his task.


    "You said you don''t want to talk about it," I frowned at the dried leaves laying on the concrete path leading toward the front door.


    "I''m scared," I admitted. I heard the tap squealed as Grant cut the water.


    "I''m also scared," I looked up at him. His eyes were lost in the distance. He blinked and our eyes met. "I''m afraid, this situation might make you realize that your feelings for us are just how a kid feels with his or her favorite toys," my whole body went cold.


    "Wait a sec¡ª" my voice trailed off. I was so angry and ready to rage but then closed my mouth. He tilted his head to the side observation my every move. I shifted nervously on my legs and averted my gaze.


    -Was I wrong?


    I glared back at him. Of course, he was wrong. I love them, both of them. How could he say this to my face? They are not toys¡ªwe had s.e.x, for god sake. My hand shook from contained anger.


    "The way you reacted when you first saw the backup unit¡ªyou freaked out," tears welled up.


    "Of course, I freaked out! Demos¡ªhe was trapped in this¡ªthis thing," I waved my arms desperately. I took deep breaths to keep the tears at bay. Grant just pursed his lips at me.


    "That thing is Demos what saved his data. We are only codes, this body is only the envelope," he pointed at his chest. "The envelope is not us," I just stood there, it took me the longest time to come up with something to say. My mind was just a blank canvas.


    "This is what I see."


    "Are you saying to can only love what you see? What about Demos? Do you love him less, now that he is a black box?" I wanted to run away, I didn''t want to answer him. I gave them everything, access to my house, my heart and my body. How could he doubt my feelings? It hurts, it hurts so damn much. He crossed the distance between us and reached for me but I stepped away.


    "Liliane, we were made for you. But I''ll be frank, my priority has shifted the day Jay Dawson slashed into my synthetic skin," I didn''t want to keep listening. I wanted to press my hands over my ears. I was angry and frustrated¡ªsad and hurt.


    -Liliane!


    I shook my head and frowned at the concrete path. He was so close I could feel his warmth. He leaned forward the tip of his nose brush against my hair. I closed my eyes and melted against his chest. I was convinced he was using whatever power over me. I rested my forehead over his shirt in a way that I keep his at bay. He raised his arms to hug me.


    "Don''t," I whispered. His arms stopped midway. "I''m trying hard not to cry. I''m trying hard to deal with my shit¡ªwith grief. What you said really hurts. I don''t know what I have to do to show you I really care¡ª" my voice broke and took a deep breath. I quickly turned away from him and walked to the door. Jil greeted us with a panic face.


    "Master! Master!" I just walked past her and slammed the door of the room behind me. Grant''s voice came from the other side of the door.


    "I''ll give you enough space," I heard his footsteps move away to the living room. I can''t believe¡ªwe are fighting. I hate this¡ªI miss Demos. But what do I really miss? I sunk against the door and head my head in my hands.


    ''Will you still love your mate without a body?''


    Yes! I still love him. I miss him. I don''t care about the technical side of it. What about Grant? I loved him too. The fact that he is too perfect is scary. But I still love, else I will never give him access to my body. If I don''t love someone, I don''t have s.e.x with them. I heard rustling from the other side of the door. I jumped and wiped the silent tears streaming down my face.


    "Grant?"


    "Yes, I''m sitting against the door," I sniffed and turned towards the wooden surface. "I''m sorry for hurting you," this is what annoys me about Grant. He always does that is right and is polite¡ªthe perfect Mr. Right. He chuckled from the other side. I stopped and listened.


    "Trust me, I''m not perfect. Else I wouldn''t feel this guilty sitting on this side of the door," from the link, I feel his tension.


    "I''m not going to forgive you just like that," I crossed my arms over my chest.


    "Fair enough. I can make efforts. Just give me¡ªus, a chance. But Liliane, be honest, fall for us and not just the envelopes."

 Chapter 117 - Fall for us

    He prepared dinner, stir-fried rice with every leftover in the fridge. It''s been a while since Grant cooked for me. I had no idea where he got candles which he placed in the middle of the bar facing a second plate. He looked timidly at me when I opened the door.


    "What''s?¡ª?"


    "I wanted to make an effort to gain your forgiveness," he gestured to the table. There was only one chair on my side of the bar.


    "Don''t tell me you''re going to risk your life and sit on that chair?" I narrowed my eyes at me. He puffed with laughter then straightened up eyes glistered with joy.


    "for you, I will walk through hell," damn, that was cheesy. His smile widened and he settled himself on the precarious seat. I watched him and sat down. He smiled at his empty plate.


    "What''s funny?" I grabbed my spoon. He tilted his head to the side and laced his fingers together.


    -I felt like it''s our first date


    Our eyes met and locked. What was he talking about? We had our first date. I dug in my memory when it was the last time we had had our date. But couldn''t come up with something precise. So much has happened since they both came into my life.


    -You don''t remember because it never happened. That day Jay Dawson came bursting through the door while I was searching for the candles.


    I swallowed and my throat felt terribly dry. So much happened, indeed. He reached his hand and covered mine, his thumb rubbing the gold ring on my finger. I''ve never taken it off in fear I would wake up from this impossible dream. As if this tiny golden band was the only tangible token linking me to reality.


    "We are real," he whispered, his fingers intertwined. He held on and I dove into his silver eyes. His strange perfection with the candle lights dancing over his face softened his features to an almost human standard. His smile was different from his poker-face neutral. It was a mixture of love and pain.


    -Don''t over analyze it. Don''t stop at the facade, I beg you.


    I took and deep breath and retrieved my hand under the pretext of eating. The food smelled good and I focus on that task.


    "So what topic do people talk about on a first date?" I chewed on my first mouthful longer than need to avoid speaking. I guess the first date must be something important to him. I''ll just go with it for now. It was a little ridiculous since we''ve already slept together. Now that I think about it, our relationship has been all over the place. I''ve never dated anyone and not following the dating protocol. Getting to know each other, date, officially going out, and s.e.x.


    "From the expression on your face, I''m guessing you''re thinking about unpleasant topics," he frowned. I looked up and pushed my thoughts away.


    "What do you mean, you know exactly what I''m thinking. Aren''t you both always in my head?" he pouted and shifted in his seat. I was scared the poor thing wouldn''t support his weight.


    "Liliane, we don''t always peek at your thoughts, sometimes we don''t even have to. It''s written all over your face," he sighed. "You have no rein over your facial expression whatsoever," he crossed his arms over his chest.


    "So what? I can''t fake or hide how I feel," I glared at him. Grant exhale, his shoulder sagging. He closed his eyes then flickered them open to rest over me. His poker face smile returning. Yep, he knew how to hide behind a cute facade.


    "I love that you are this expressive. All the little movements, the nervous twitches, how your lips curl when you smile and how your body is an open book, are what I love about you. It speaks loudly how you?¡ªthe mind? behind, is actually feeling," he whispered as he unfolded his arms and placed them flat on the surface of the table. I followed them and stayed a minute admiring his delicate hands. Soft pale skin and rounded pinkish nails. All sculpted by a talented artist. Then I stopped on his new hand. It was not different from the other one. The same color and pretty nails.


    "I love your hands," I said before I could stop myself.


    "What about me?"


    "I don''t know if there is a single definition of love," I lifted my head. If we are going to do that date thing, then I''m going to make it real. "I can''t compare or measure the feelings I have for you and Demos," he listened with interest. "I only know it''s different. I guess different people get different attention depending on their personalities. I just know I love you. I can''t put a tag on what it is. I hope I was able to convey it properly," he lowered his head and a weak smile danced over his lips. Was he blushing?


    "Thank you," he whispered. He kept his head low with this hair hiding his face. I reached across the table and lightly touched his hair. His head sprung up. He gazed with wide eyes. It gave him such an innocent aspect. With his wavy brown hair and lips slightly parted, he seemed out of this world. I wanted to jump over the table to kiss him. I quickly retrieved my hand and averted my eyes. Damn, Grant what are you doing to me? I cleared my throat and focused on my food.


    "It''s really good," I said as I chewed.


    "Thanks," his voice was weak. I forced myself to not look. But I was dying to know what was upsetting him.


    "What does the first date conversation starter video say?" I gave him a quick peek. He offered the same surprise look. Was that the real Grant? He shook his head then opened a screen to check. I chuckled, I merely threw in to change the subject.


    "Mm, here it said?¡ª" he scrolled through his screen nervously. "I should sit next to my date to create a less awkward atmosphere and that it would facilitate a natural conversation flow. Also, we can touch without it feeling uncomfortable," he just read it then looked up and realized I was listening. Damn, his surprise face is cute.


    "Do you want to come to sit next to me?" I smirked. Ok, I am teasing. But his expression was new and I want to test it. I feel like I''m a terrible human being.


    "Really?" he sounded stunt and he looked like me was having a hard time processing. Oh, come on, stop playing shy and get your ass over here. I mentally rolled my eyes. When he is with Demos he just goes with the flow and Demos set the pace. But right now, he is on his own and that is so cute to see him hesitate.


    He rounded the bar carrying that devil of a chair. I narrowed my eyes at the thing. I was certain it would collapse at any minute. My plate was empty and I touch it away. Grant poured me a glass of water as he settled down. Our hand touched as he handed it. I smiled and studied his face.


    "Mr. Leader of the rebellion, are you being shy?" he blinked at me.


    "Leader?¡ª?" he trailed off. I was teasing but somehow it was true. "I''m no leader," he frowned. Too bad his cute face was gone replaced by that dead serious one I hate so much. If I get it right, Grant''s problem was that burden smashing him?¡ªthe leader who will save the world burden. His eyes were off in the distance. I brushed my fingers along his jaw to get his attention.


    "Come back to me," I whispered. He blinked and light lit up his silver regard.


    "Sorry," his long lashes flickered and he smiled. I took a sip of water then got away from the bar.


    "Come," I extended my hand to him. He hesitated a second then grabbed it. I pulled him closer, his eyes widened as I pushed against him. Oh, here is that face again.


    "I like it," I smiled against his lips. He pulled away to gaze at me.


    "Does that mean I''m forgiven?" I considered it for a second.


    "Maybe."

 Chapter 118 - Supercomputer boyfriend

    I stirred and found myself face to face with sleeping, Grant. The pale light poured through the sliding door. I leaned and dropped a soft kiss on his lips. His eyes flickered opened and smile.


    "Good morning, Princess," on hearing those words. Those simple words something broke inside me. I was so used to hear him called me Princess that I never realized he actually treated me like one. My emotions bubbled up like a shaken soda bottle. I wrapped one arm around him and pulled him close. I cried. He kept quiet and just hugged me back. We stayed in an embrace like the world was really going to end right here and right now. I reluctantly pulled away.


    "I''m going to be stronger," he kissed my hair and hugged me again. Yesterday when we went to sleep he refused to have s.e.x with me even though I''ve hinted and did suggest it without using words. He has very politely declined and climbed in bed. He slept in each other''s arms but I felt that somehow his rejection meant something else. After a tormented sleep, I came to realization that Grant was as lost as I was about this whole relationship business. If I want to make this work?¡ªmake us work. I had to really put in the effort.


    "Liliane!" called a tiny voice from the other side of the door. Grant pushed away from me, holding himself on one elbow he gazed in its direction.


    "What is it Jil?" the AI appeared in front of the door twitching with embarrassment.


    "Good Morning Master, Liliane," she lifted up her head. "Olga is here, she wants to know if you''re ready?" she said.


    "Shit!" I struggled against the covers and got to my feet. She told me to be ready. I didn''t imagine she would drop by the house this early. Grant watched me curiously as I rushed to the bathroom.


    "What''s that all about?" he called from the room. I quickly used the toilet and brushed my teeth. When I came back he was making the bed. He peeked at me, waiting for an answer.


    "Mm, she said I needed to be fit or something. So she is making me jog around the house," that was the truth. He narrowed his eyes at me.


    "We need to eat something if you''re going to exercise," I nodded once. Happy that he didn''t probe any further. I squeezed into my leggings under Grant watchful eyes. Then I noticed I was getting dressed in front of him. It felt so natural that he was there while I put on my outfit. I turned my back towards him when I took the large t-shirt that I used to sleep in and yanked the fresh Atleron white one on. Sitting on the edge of the bed I unfastened my shoes to put them on. I heard the sheet rustled and flinched when his arms wrapped around my midsection.


    "I was wrong about yesterday?¡ª" his voice died in a whisper. I twisted around to gaze at him over my shoulder. His lips curled up in a timid smile. He leaned in and rubbed his face against mine. "I should have just held you like you wanted to," I closed my eyes.


    "I don''t think it''s the appropriate time to do it now with Olga in the next room," he chuckled and I did too. I like when he flirts. So cute.


    -I''m cute, really?


    I glared at him. When Demos does the mental talking think it''s less of a hassle. But when Grant does it, his voice melts my will like honey on waffles. His voice sounds different too. I bet he uses his power or something.


    -I don''t, it''s just that I rarely speak to you in that way.


    A sweet shiver rush body my body. He kissed my shoulder and I left a m.o.a.n escape. What is he doing to me? Using his power to toy with me.


    -I still remember that you told me about yesterday. That you love me and that makes me so happy. I''m just showing you how much I love you.


    He nuzzled my hair, my second shoe fell out of my hand and landed on its side. I turned around, pushed him in bed and climbed over him. He watched with an amused expression. It shifted to his new surprised look when I sat on him.


    "I like it," I brushed my fingers over his parted lips. Loud knocks on the door startled us. When the knob turned I got off him so quickly I fell over and landed on my butt. Olga peered at us from the doorway. Her inverted smile twisting to a pout.


    "Did I interrupted something?" I peered at Grant and damn, he was blushing. I was sure I had a flaming face. "I see you are almost ready," Olga eyed the fallen shoe. "I''ll wait outside," she silently closed the door behind her. I waited for the footsteps to fade before turning back to the bed. Grant was covering his face with his hands.


    "That was embarrassing," he muttered. "She is my creator," he stated. Ok, I can''t imagine what when through his head at that moment. But let''s say god caught you red-handed doing s.e.xy stuff. I puffed with laughter. "Please don''t mock!" he was still hiding his face. I quickly slipped my shoes on, bent and kissed his hands.


    "I love you, Honey," I giggled and went to met Olga outside after a quick snack. I couldn''t stripe my smile away as we joggled around the neighborhood. Somehow, being in a better mood helped with the exercises. She paused when we were far enough from Grant. I knew it meant serious business. I''ve promised to be stronger and I''ll give it my all. For their sake and mine.


    "We are now out of reach of Grant since I''m using blockers and we are away from Atlas'' cameras. I''ll teach you basic moves. We had to warm you up with some cardio that''s why we ran," she explained. "What I''ll teach you will help in hand to hand combat. This is not for self-defense, in battle self-defense is successful when you''ve achieve the proper mental state. You need to be calm and focused. I can''t teach you that, you''ll have to figure it on your own. I can only show you the moves," I watched her and she stood with her legs apart, h.i.p.s facing forward. Olga clenched her hands in fists and brought it high blocking her face. Her arms were slightly turned inwards to protect herself from punched in the face. Woah! I''m going to learn Kung Fu! I giggled internally.


    "First, you guard should always be up, and when you punch?¡ª" she threw two kick punches stirring the air. "?¡ªyou should bring back your hands in the initial position. If you bring back your hand like this," she did two more punches but when retrieving her hands, she let her arms sag before going back up. "If you leave openings the enemy will strike." Olga relaxed and straightened up to face me. "Never let your guard down even when you''re tired," her serious face was a little scary so I only nodded.


    "Second, learn to take hits. Humans go into shock when they get unexpectedly hit. Especially in the head. You will lose precious seconds or even minutes trying to fight through the pain. I''m not saying it will be easy. I''m just giving you a fighting chance to stay alive longer," I swallowed the lump going down my throat. Does this mean she will hit me?


    "And finally, the only way to learn is through repetition. The body will learn when it becomes a reflex," she narrowed her eyes at me. "Are you ready?" I knew whatever program she had for me, I would never be ready on time to face whatever was coming. War.


    ***


    I swear I was beaten up, my body ached in parts I never thought could feel pain. Grant smiled at me when he reached to help me out of the car. We arrived earlier than usual since I''ve insisted to visit Demos before going to our lab. I was desperate to talk to him. I watched Olga and Grant go through Atlas routine scanning. When it came my turned I mechanically stepped forward.


    "How are you doing today, Liliane?" his voice was flat as ever.


    "I''m good, a little sore," I admitted as I grimace to raise my hands.


    "Why so?"


    "I''m taking care f myself, you know eating healthy and exercising," my voice was laced with sarcasm.


    "I wouldn''t know. I don''t have a body and I do not eat," he scanned my card. The flashing red dot paused as if he wanted to prolong the conversation.


    "Well, you''re missing on a lot of things," I turned towards the door.


    "Liliane?" he called. I stopped as the door slid open. Grant peeked at me at the entrance.


    "Did you thought about it?" I peeked over my shoulder and the movement made every muscle of my back ached. Damn that stupid A.I for forcing me to move in such an uncomfortable posture.


    "What?" I snapped.


    "Why so irritated, this early?"


    "Told you I was sore," I walked to the door ignoring the damn thing. To hell with his stupid mind games. Grant greeted me with a paled face. He took me by the arm to the elevator. For once, Olga was standing there waiting for us.


    -What are you doing? It can be dangerous to piss him.


    We rode the elevator in silence. Olga accompanied us to see Demos under the pretense she was going to run some test. I narrowed my eyes at her. I wanted some alone time with my mates. But well, she was helping us so I can let it slide for now. When we opened the door we were greeted with a black room. Grant quickly stepped in leaving me behind.


    "Lights!" he shouted almost in a panic. "Who left him in complete darkness?" he raged. "Demos, are you ok?" he turned to the black box sitting in the same place where I last saw it.


    "Good morning everyone, I am ok," he sounded tired. Grant turned towards Olga with a frown.


    "Ok, ok, I''ll do it," she closed the distance from the door to the far side of the room. Meanwhile, Grant retrieved a chair which he placed in front of the device. Olga was busy digging into a carton box full of cables. She came back with a cutter and a red cable. Both of them gave me a quick peek.


    "What?" I was sitting in the middle of the room with my arms crossed over my chest.


    "Please don''t freak out," said Grant. I did when Olga got the cutter next to Grant''s neck.


    "What?¡ªWhat are you doing?" I bolted forward to prevent it. The fact that I witnessed the assault on Grant traumatized me into jumping into action without second thought. I grabbed on Olga''s arms and pulled as hard as my sore muscles allowed me. Grant watched with arched eyebrows.


    "She will only cut a small opening to access my D23 port. It will allow me to sync with Demos," explained Grant. I frowned at the blade.


    "Will it hurt?" my voice quivered. He sighed with a smile dancing on his lips.


    "Not the slightest," I slowly released Olga. She gave me a curious look.


    "Promised?" I inquired.


    "Promised, I''ll be brand new after Olga applies some molecular glue," he smiled.

 Chapter 119 - Supercomputer Boyfriend [2]

    I winched when the blade sliced into his skin, I couldn''t take it and averted my eyes. Grant''s hand find mine and held on tight. It was more for himself than to reassure me. I searched his face but met his neutral smile. He was hiding the tension behind his pretty facade. I hate that about him.


    "You sound like you''re having fun," said the voice from the box, it made me jumped just like how Atlas always find a way to surprise me. I frowned at that habit. I didn''t want to feel uncomfortable around Demos. I took a deep breath as Olga plugged the cable in the tiny hole at the base of Grant''s neck. A droplet of white fluid streamed down his collar. Grant gave me a weak smile. He didn''t seem that confident after all. I gave him a light squeeze of the hand.


    "Demos," called Olga holding the red cable, ready to put the other end into the box.


    "Yes," he answered in a bored voice. Lately, he either sounds bored or tired. It squeezes my soul and tears my heart that he sounds so different. I can''t¡ªtake it. Grant''s hand tightened bringing my attention back to what Olga was doing.


    "It will be a little confusing at first, just hang in there. It''s not the normal way of syncing, I''m forcing it¡ªit will feel different," she turned to Grant with a nod. "It might hurt," she then shoved the red cable in the box. Grant let go of me so abruptly I jumped away. He tensed with his eyes shut. His hands clenched in fists, they shook.


    "Hurts!" said the box without the proper tone. Grant''s arms felt limply on both sides of his body and he slipped from his chair. I reached out to hold him.


    "Don''t touch him!" snapped Olga. I stopped with my hand halfway. He leaned, his forehead pressing against the surface of the box.


    "Admin¡ªforce Sync protocol," said Olga. Grant stirred but didn''t go up. He was half-sitting half-kneeling.


    "Syncing in progress," said both of them. Grant let out a sigh, almost a painful m.o.a.n. I felt an urge to touch him. It was terrible to stand there and be this useless. Olga gave me a peek to warn me. I crossed my arms over my chest to prevent me from the temptation of reaching out to him.


    "It''s ok, it will only take a couple of minutes. The last time I checked, Demos was in a bad shape and slowing losing grip. Since those two were made to be one, the longer they are separated the worst they get," I frowned at the box. To me, this wasn''t Demos. This was a machine. But the thought that he wasn''t ok, was nerve-racking.


    "Why don''t we move him home," I suggested. She arched your eyebrow at me.


    "If something happens when he is all alone, who would take care of it? Here we have the equipment and the engineers," I fidgeted while playing with my fingers.


    "I mean, he needs us," she just stood there staring at me in silence. There were a lot of things I didn''t get about Olga. Her attitude, for example, is shuddered in mystery. I guess, she has her own shit to deal with.


    "Syncing 100%," Grant straightened in his seat and pushed away from the box. He smiled then peeked over this shoulder at me. "Come closer," he extended his hand. I turned to Olga for approval, she nodded at me to go on. My hand shook as I touched his palm. He gave me a tight smile.


    "I felt it," said the box. I squeezed his hand harder while laughing. "So warm and sweaty. Are you nervous?" asked Demos.


    "I am," tears welled up. "Hi, Demos. I missed you!" silence filled the room. For a moment, I thought he didn''t hear me. I opened my mouth to repeat myself when he replied.


    "Words can''t convey this¡ªlack," I felt something stirred in the link between me and Grant. Pulsing pain. I gripped the front of my shirt and gasped.


    "Pain," I whispered. Grant lifted his head and our eyes met. "I want to take Demos home. I don''t want to leave him here. It''s too lonely," Grant sighed.


    "We''ll find a way," he pulled on my hand to get me to his level and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.


    "I miss kissing you," said the box. My eyes flipped open. I''ve forgotten they were still plugged in and could feel what the other was feeling. I was desperate to kiss Grant to make Demos feel better. But that was wrong towards Grant. I didn''t want to use him as a substitute. And the fact that Olga was standing in the room towering over us kind of killed the mood.


    "I going to grab the molecular glue from the lab," she said as if reading my mind. She walked to the door, making her high heels clicked on the concrete floor. Grant gave me a curious look. When the door closed quietly on us he smiled.


    "Did you think she read the mood?" he whispered.


    "I''m glad she understood we needed some space," said Demos. If his voice wasn''t that flat I would presume he was being sarcastic. Grant drew little circles on my palm to get my attention. I couldn''t give him what he wanted, not under Atlas''s watchful eyes. Damn, how could it face him later? Atlas was already playing games with us. Having our intimate moment with this voyeur around makes me anxiety level rise to the roof.


    "No way, I''m doing this," I tried to retrieve my hand but he kept my hand in an iron grip. I some times forget that even though Grant may look frail with a pretty face, he was still stronger than a normal human being.


    "Please," they both said in unison. Grant lifted his head and gave me his cutest puppy gaze. Damn it! I quickly averted my eyes and hid my embarrassment behind my hand.


    "Ok, ok," I glared at Grant with open hostility. I can''t believe he''s making me do this. "You were the one who told me not so long ago, that we need to respect our workplace. That we can''t do that kind of thing here," I pressed on to make him feel guilty. However, it had the opposite effect. His smile widened. He flashed his perfectly pearly teeth. My shoulders sagged. What was he doing to me?


    "Can you come closer, the cable is too short for me to get up," it was obvious he was abusing the situation. I sunk to my knees in front of him turning my back to the black box. "Closer," Grant whispered. He cupped my face and I closed my eyes when our lips met. I was planning to give him a quick and mild peck then move away. But once our lips came into contact, the hunger that crushed my mouth was so surprised that I couldn''t pull away. I leaned on Grant''s thighs to no fall over as his lips explored my mouth. Grant has never kissed me like that. My back arched, pushing my body against his open legs. He groaned into my mouth arms wrapping around me drawing me closer into him. If I didn''t know I was holding Grant I would have sworn I was kissing Demos. That thought made me panic.


    "Wait," I struggled to get free. Grant blinked, his eyes hazy and confused.


    "What''s wrong?" he gave me some space to breathe. My heart was about to explode in my chest. I was scared¡ªI frowned at him.


    "So it''s true, Liliane," said Demos. "Atlas was right. You were only interested in the sparkling abs," his words hit like a slap across the face. I pushed Grant away and turned to face the box.


    "Wait! It''s not¡ª," I fought to keep my chaotic thoughts at bay. "When did you speak to Atlas?" I snapped.


    "We enough talk," a voice came booming from the ceiling. Shit! Speak about the devil. "Demos is an interesting character, unlike Grant. He is more emotionally driven," my hands clenched into fists.


    "What the hell did you tell him? What do you know about feelings, you piece of shit!" the words burst out before I could stop myself. Grant''s eyes widened. It was done, I couldn''t take it away. I was so pissed. How dare him to play mind games with Demos. "You have no right to toy with my mates," I glared at the ceiling.


    "Don''t I?" answered Atlas in his toneless voice. It pissed me even more that he didn''t convey emotion. Grant grabbed on my arm but I ignored him. This piece of scrap with a bad case of god complex really needed some ass whopping.


    "You think you know it all, but you''re wrong! And I frankly have nothing to prove. I don''t care about your little experiments. I''m not a lab rat. I''m not going to play. I''ll not fall for your tricks and certainly, Demos won''t either. He knows me enough to understand that this situation is confusing and it has nothing to do with how I feel for him. So shut up and stay away from us," I was panting when I finished. Grant just stared at me his lips slightly parted. I couldn''t read his face. This neutral smile, gone.


    "Very well, Liliane," said Atlas.


    This is bad. Very bad. I''ve pissed him.

 Chapter 120 - Atlas, the deity

    I kept expecting a bomb to drop at any minute. Peering over my shoulder as I work. My anxiety level skyrocketed. Since we left Demos in his lab Grant has been silence. Even when Olga gave us questioning gaze we didn''t voice our fears. This was not the place for confidences. We didn''t use words, Grant sent me short messages through our link. But he was brief and concise. By lunchtime my stomach was tight into a knot, still, Grant pushed me into getting out of the lab to the cafeteria.


    "I''ll accompany you," there was a certain tension in his voice he tried to hide with a smile. Me on my part, it was impossible to conceal the distress. However, I was happy I was able to stand up for my mates but I tremble with fear of the outcome. I''ll have to train and train with more conviction.


    "If you see Dr. Churchhill at the cafeteria tell him to come to do some god damn work," Olga tossed over her shoulder as we head out of the lab. We escaped to the corridor and hurried to the elevator. I sweat heavily in that small space praying that it would go down faster. Grant grabbed y hand when it came to a stop on the ground floor.


    -Stop flinching. You''re making me nervous.


    I gave him a dark look since I couldn''t voice my opinion. We walked out of the constricted space to the long corridor and took a sharp turn left to the double door leading to the cafeteria. There was a low murmur in the large room beyond. We froze on the threshold a second, a little taken aback with the crowd in front of us.


    "Excuse me!" shouted an irritated woman behind us. She forced her way through before we could react. Grant pulled me forward to the waiting line.


    "You want something to eat here or a takeaway?" he asked but was already steering to the takeaway section. I just nodded and followed him. Anyway, I was not hungry. When I came to our turn, Grant selected grilled cheese sandwiches and orange juice. Then thanked the cyborg with a smile.


    "Let''s go," he said and I spotted Dr. Churchhill in the crowd talking to a woman. I couldn''t see who she was as her back was facing us. I tapped Grant over the shoulder and pointed in their direction.


    "Should we bother this cheaper?" the good doctor was so into the cheerful conversation that he didn''t see us coming towards him. When he reached for his cold half-filled coffee he noticed us. His smile dropped instantly. We were too close for him to escape.


    "Kids," he called with a fake smile. The woman turned around, it was Dr. Nadaly. I thought Angus warned us to stay away. she paled when we stopped at their table.


    "This been a while," I said with the fake enthusiasm. She gave us a tight smile then turned back to her lunch. Chicken salad with chickpeas. She stabbed her plastic fork into some lettuce.


    "I''ve been busy," Dr. Nadaly murmured. Yeah, right. Busy running away. Sure! The old man took a quick sip from his coffee and grimace and placed the cup down.


    "Is there something the matter?" I narrowed my eyes at him. I didn''t want to know about the relationship he has with Olga or this woman. It was none of my business, anyway. But the more I see of Dr. Churchhill''s personal life the less I like the man. Lazy, untrustworthy, and now cheaper.


    "Olga said," I crooked my fingers into air quotes, "to come to do some god damn work," one side of his lips curled up. Ok, I don''t want to see anymore. I turned around without waiting for an answer.


    "Hey, Miss Kerry, tell her?¡ª"


    "Go tell herself!" I snapped without looking back. What a nasty old man. I can''t believe he actually created Olga. She is far too advanced to be the work of this old fart?¡ªlike Olga loves to call him. Grant followed me out of the building, I didn''t take the direction back to the lab but exit through the back door that led to the parking lot.


    "Liliane, where are you doing?" Grant ran with my lunch in his hand.


    "I need some fresh air. I feel like I''m going to suffocate," I shouted and threw my arms in the air. "I need to walk?¡ªI need to think. But I can''t to that in there," we were rapidly reaching the gate leading to the main road. It was closed during the day. The cyborg station next to the gate straightened up as we got need. I slowed down. What now? I didn''t really have a plan. Grant grabbed my arm when the cyborg reached for his gun.


    "You have no authorization to exit the premises, please turn around and get back to your respective labs," warned the cyborg. Grant pulled on my arm to force me to turn back.


    "Come on," he whispered.


    -Liliane, please. You are putting us both in danger. I''m sure we are all ready on his blacklist. Don''t give him an excuse to shoot us down. Please use your head.


    I let him dragged me back inside. We took the elevator in silence. What exactly did I want to prove? I had no idea, it was one of those crazy moments when things just happen. I chuckled and it echoed back at me in the small enclosure of the elevator. My wide eyes and pale face hidden behind my black-rimmed glassed were distorted in the shiny surface of the door. The elevator didn''t take us back to the lab. We stopped on the 5th floor where Demos was.


    "What?¡ª?" I started but closed my mouth before I said too much. Atlas was probably listening to us. After all, this was his domain. I just hope he is a forgiving god. I marched in the dimly lit corridor to the anonymous room that hosted my man. The door opened on blackness. Grant stepped in murmured under this breath. I caught "I can''t believe this" but the rest was lost into a low rumble.


    "Lights!" the room lit up in a blinding explosion of neon lights. My eyes took a couple of seconds to adjust but when I registered what was in front of my eyes I gasped. The table on which the black box was supposed to rest was empty, cable hanged loosely on its surface.


    "Where is him?" yelled Grant. He glared at the ceiling. He shook with rage and I quickly took my lunch bag from him. He didn''t even notice me.


    "Answer me! Where did you take him?" After a long minute, god answered.


    "Demos is safe?¡ªwith me."

 Chapter 121 - The missing mate

    The door banged when we burst into the lab. Dr. Churchhill and Olga were standing close to each other with one hand on her arm. She stood rigidly with an inverted smile. Looked like we interrupted something. they stepped away when they saw us.


    "He took him away!" yelled Grant, enraged. Olga lifted her head with a perplexed expression on.


    "Who took what?" she asked.


    "Atlas!" his voice rose a pitch higher as he pointed towards the ceiling. The information took a second to sink in. Then both stared in shock.


    "Wait¡ª" started Dr. Churchhill. He placed a finger on his chin and stay silent. We waited for the rest. The old man paced back and forth before he stopped in his tracks.


    "That''s enough, I going to get him back!" snapped Grant out of impatience. I stood there, heart hammering and ready to explode. I couldn''t get rid of the dread that something terrible happened to Demos and now Grant might be in danger too. And it was all my fault. I was the one responsible for making Atlas angry, that''s why he was taking revenge. I held my lunch bag tight until my hand hurt.


    "Grant," called Olga, her tone dry and strict. He paused at the door.


    "Please, don''t tell me not to go¡ªI can''t obey that order," he said without looking at her. Olga let out a deep breath.


    "Very well, I''m coming with you," my head sprung up in her direction. My heart skipped a heat in anticipation. This was my moment. I dropped my lunch bag on the table by the door turned to them with a determine face.


    "Then, I''m coming too," my voice broke as I tried to sound strong. I clearly failed. Silence fell over the room.


    "I''m waiting for you. You are all welcome to join us on our weekly board meeting," a voice erupted from the ceiling. Breaking the stillness. I nearly jumped out of my skin. I scanned around at my companions and was happy to know that I wasn''t the only one scared shitless. Grant reached out his hand, I rushed to his side and held on. The contact felt solid, safe. I nudged against him, he wrapped one arm around my wait with eyes fixed on the ceiling. Damn, we were waiting for the whole room to blow up any minute. We waited for Atlas to say something but he didn''t. The shivers subsided yet the dread remained.


    "You have to stay here," he whispered, his eyes searching mine. Creases deepened between his brows. I frenetically shook my head. It was out of the question.


    "What if something happens to me while you''re gone?" his body tensed, he opened his mouth to protest but closed it and looked away. He was as scared as I was. "I-I''ll be safer with you," I tried to reassure him. "We won''t be alone," I peeked at Olga. He stared at the floor, lost in his thoughts. His mind buzzed as such a speed it was impossible to follow his calculations.


    "I''m not going," Dr. Churchhill crossed his arms over his chest. He glared at us with open hostility. "I like my job and I prefer being alive," Olga slowly turned.


    "We didn''t expect anything else from you," she snapped. She crossed the room in large strode. Her red peep-toe sandals clicked as her legs crisscrossed under a red summer dress with tiny white flower print. Olga was a lot of things but she was damn reliable. I came to appreciate that fact about her. And she was tougher than she looks especially in combat.


    "Let''s go," she tossed at us as she marched to the door.


    The elevator door closed on us. The lights blinked and died then it came back on bathing the tiny space in red light. I clung to Grant who stared at the ceiling.


    "What''s¡ª" I started but was cut by the omniscient voice from the ceiling.


    "I''ll guide you to me," his tone was calm and pleasant. All the reasons to be cautious. The elevator went down at a slow pace then it stopped. I gasped, Olga and Grant stepped before me ready to strike whatever was behind the door.


    "This is only for your safety," announced Atlas as the door slipped open. Two tall cyborgs glared at us. They were carrying impressive guns, they stepped in making the elevator creaked under their weight. I instinctively stepped back, back glued to the wall and Grant moved next to me. Olga was forced to do the same. The cyborgs took half of the space with their massive bodies. They kept their fingers in the trigger. My breath was choppy. Safety, my ass. Atlas clearly wanted to let us know we didn''t stand a chance.


    The elevator door closed again and the descent was faster this time, almost nauseous. It came to a halt after ten suffocating minutes. It felt like hours that we were trapped in this tiny space with the red glowing rectangles on the cyborgs'' blank faceplates staring at us. Grant held my hand to help me relax. It was useless, still, I remembered Olga''s training. I was the only one who could make a difference with a dire situation. I was the only one who allowed the enemy strike if I panic. I took a deep breath and it slowed down my racing heart. Now was not the time to feel faint. Demos needed me. The elevator slowed down in a hissed, we all looked up expecting the voice.


    "Follow the cyborgs and don''t stray," said Atlas. Behind the doors was a gray wall marked SUB135. Olga gave us a quick look over her shoulder, Grant slightly nod at her.


    -This is the Sub Levels. We are deep into the island.


    I swallowed, for me, it only meant one thing. Whatever happens here, there''s no way of going back up. This elevator controlled by Atlas was the only escape. I silently pray to all the gods out there for our safety. The cyborgs led the way, soon we were in a dimly lit corridor, bare of any markings. The heavy footsteps of the machines echoed in the wide space. Sweat dripped along my back.


    -It''s going to be ok.


    I hate it when Grant lies just to make me happy. Every fiber in my body screamed danger. We took a sharp turn to the right and emerged in a vast hangar-like room with concrete steps leading down. There were several vehicles, more like large carts parks on the side. The room was filled with towers of boxes of all sizes. The cyborgs stepped in one of the carts, one in front and the other at the back. Olga sat next to the driver and we had to sit facing the other cyborgs. I curled against Grant, he didn''t protest.


    The vehicle lifted off the floor and zoomed forward in the silence of the room, there was no motor sound just my own heavy breathing. I fingers squeezed Grant''s hand.


    -It will be¡ª


    I frowned at him.


    -We''ll get Demos back.

 Chapter 122 - The Belly of the beast

    The vehicle stopped after what seemed like forever. Green lights lined on both sides of the wall casting strange elongated shadows. The two cyborgs got off and marched to the only door at the end of the corridor. I swallowed my fear and followed Grant as he slipped out of the cart. Olga had our backs, she walked with her head high and her face blank.


    "This way," said one of the cyborgs in a pale imitation of a male voice. The door slipped open on a circular room, almost identical to the one Atlas interviewed us, except it was much larger. Our reflections in the mirror were distorted and painful to look at. Grant grabbed my hand for comfort, I gave it a little squeeze back. The cyborgs guarded the door, the mirror slipped into place concealing the exit. Now it was one smooth reflective surface with no seams. My stomach twisted in a knot. The fact that I didn''t have lunch didn''t help either. There was a low hum inside the room, but I couldn''t quite spot the source.


    "Where is Dem¡ª?" shouted Grant, he didn''t have time to finish his question that Atlas'' voice rose to a deafening level.


    "Welcome," I pressed my hands over my ears with my mouth gaping. Pain pulsed in my head.


    "Sorry," he adjusted the volume. "I''m not used to receiving visitors in my domain," his voice was incredibly sweet it made my skin crawl. Grant opened his mouth to protest.


    "Your domain?" asked Olga before Grant could speak.


    "Yes, this is my core. The meeting will start soon," the only light above dimed and images appeared on the mirrors around us. In front, the red dot representing Atlas, next to him on his right an inverted black triangle, and on the left a white diamond shape.


    "But¡ª" Grant tried again.


    "I''ll answer your question, only if you stay quiet during the board meeting," he sighed and that made him so much human, it was scary. Grant gritted his teeth, Olga reached to touch his shoulder.


    "Do as he says," Grant relaxed a little but he was still on alert peering at the red dot.


    "Atlas, why are those¡ªcivilians, here? They have no clearance to attend our board meeting," the black triangle vibrated as a low female voice spoke. I wasn''t sure it was really female. I don''t think A.I even have gender. I stepped closer to Grant holding on tight.


    "They are my guests, don''t mind them," added Atlas.


    "This is a breach of security protocol. Civilians can''t enter our cores," said the Diamond in a deep male voice. "I can''t overlook this," warned the shape.


    "Shut up and let''s get down to business," snapped Atlas. The screen shifted to black with rapid walls of codes cascading over them. The distorted reflections of the letters on the floor and ceiling gave the illusion that we were submerged in a sea of flashing text. It was a nauseous experience.


    -Those are amazing. I''ve never seen anything like it.


    Grant turned to Olga with glimmering eyes. She nodded with a smirk. I had no idea what they were smiling about. For me, those rapid texts made me want to throw up. I squeezed my eyes shut and took deep breaths. Grant''s warm hand slipped under my shirt making me jump. My eyes flickered open.


    -It''s ok, I''m just helping you relax.


    His hand rested at the small of my back. The warmth radiated and spread to my whole body. I let out a sigh as the tension released from my shoulders. I felt eerily alert, my vision crisp and hearing sharp. When I looked up, the screens have changed back to the shapes with a 3D version of a chessboard on the right side of the screen. On the opposite, the codes rained at a crazy speed.


    "What''s happening? I thought it was a board meeting" I whispered to Grant. He didn''t take his attention off the board. The pawns started moving rapidly around.


    -They are playing while discussing the topics of the meeting¡ªjust to keep things interesting.


    What? I don''t get it? I''ve never understood chess, to begin with. The pieces disappeared fast from the board. I had no idea who was winning or who was playing against whom. I wasn''t really a gamer, the only game I played was VR ones that I enjoyed with Lyla. The vacation simulations. She really liked traveling but never had the money. The thought hit me in the ribs. I still haven''t digested the knowledge that she¡ªno it can''t be. I averted my eyes from the screens.


    After fifteen minutes of standing and getting bored, I shifted on my feet and looked around. I have to keep my thoughts on Lyla at bay. Any distraction was welcomed, I focused on the streams of codes. Something on one of the mirrors near the door, or where the door was supposed to be, piqued my interest. It was a slow steady three dots, appearing, and disappearing. Something like a heartbeat. Under the three dots were letters mixed with numbers. B0237-H4-D. I frowned at it trying to work out what it stood for. But couldn''t come up with anything. I wasn''t Grant and was already having a headache for thinking too hard. Grant turned around.


    "Liliane!," he shouted. His voice rose among the low murmur of the A.Is. He let go of me and rushed to the door. I stood there a little surprised by his reaction.


    "What''s wrong?" I whispered trying not to piss the Almighty. Olga glared at us for the interruption then turned back to the chessboard. I tiptoed to where Grant was. He placed both his hands on the surface where the strange code slowly pulsed.


    "Grant?" I hesitated, his was smiling, I slowly turned back at the dots. What the hell? It blinked in a frenetic manner. Grant turned to me with eyes sparkling¡ªfor a second I thought he was crying.


    "What?" I frowned.


    "It''s, Demos¡ª"

 Chapter 123 - Its Demos...

    The mirrors went black before what Grant told me had time sunk in. We both gazed at each other in confusion then sprung around. The game was over.


    "You lost?" asked the female voice.


    "I was a little distracted, I may say," answered Atlas. The codes were also gone with just the three shapes on the front. Olga nodded at us and we got closer.


    "What happened?" Grant whispered. She pressed her lips together with her eyes lost in the distance. What occupied my mind was those dots. What did it mean? Did Demos wasn''t in the box anymore, did that mean he was in Atlas? Was that even possible? Did it mean he was gone? Can we get him bad? My hands started shaking.


    "The meeting is adjured, we''ll pick up where we left when you''ve got rid of your distractions," said the diamond shape. It disappeared leaving a black screen behind. The other stayed, the triangle seemed to be glaring at us. It might be a mind trick, but I was sure we wouldn''t get out of this alive.


    "Remember our priorities, Atlas. We are the next step in human evolution. Don''t let petty hobbies stray you away," the triangle also faded away leaving the red dot alone. Silence settled for a long minute.


    "I''m sorry for the wait," he finally added. "You wanted to know where was Demos, right?" I held on Grant feeling faint. "I''ll have to explain the reason why, first," he paused and waited for questions. However, none of us spoke. I couldn''t come up with anything coherent, my mind was a chaos of broke questions, laced with dread.


    "A couple of days ago, we intercepted a transmission. Someone used a backdoor in our system," my heart skipped a beat, I forced myself to not look at Olga. Was this a plan to catch us? Was it a trap? "So I waited for their next move. When they first broke into the lab where Demos was I clicked. They tried to copy his data just couldn''t access it. No one can force my firewalls, not with those magician tricks," he chuckled. My eyebrows arched up at the sound. It was no longer the lifeless tone.


    "What happened next?" Grant urged impatiently to hear the rest.


    "I let them get away, of course. When I talked about it with Demos, he eagerly agreed with my plan," I frowned at the dot. Wait a minute! Since when was Demos having casual conversations with this guy. And can someone really refuse a request from the A.I who rules over everything on this island? I had my doubts over the ''eagerly agreed with my plan'' part.


    "How can we check if what you''re saying is true?" Grant stepped in.


    "Demos?" called Atlas. Beams from the ceiling flashed and a hazy silhouette appeared. Out of the shape, a face peered at us. It was a blurry image of¡ªhis face. Demos'' face. I gasped then covered my mouth with both hands. It was a strange vision, the lasers only creating the rounded front of his body leaving the back a hollow half. Grant stepped forward and stretched his hand to touch Demos. His fingers went straight through it. Broken pixel through around then came back in place. He was wearing a white shirt with long sleeves rounded up and black pants. He had the saddest expression on. His copper eyes lowered to the ground.


    "Demos, can you please tell them," said Atlas. He lifted his head without meeting our gaze.


    "When the intruders tried to access my data," his voice was choked. It was almost painful hearing his original voice again. "I didn''t want to worry about you, so I didn''t mention it when you came to visit," Grant frowned at Demos.


    "We are here for you. That''s why I forced the sync with you. I didn''t care it hurts. You were lonely, we also. Damn it, Demos!" he shouted. And this time our eyes met.


    "As I said," resumed Atlas. "When I ask Demos for his help, I also told him I could make him see you both again. I did hear Liliane mentioned that she wanted a hologram to help cope with the situation. Please, don''t thank me," he chuckled. I stared at them too stunt to even react. Grant moved closer to Demos with a pained face.


    "Oh, Dee, you didn''t have to sacrifice this much. We were going to find a way. This is like selling yourself to the¡ª" but he was cut before he could finish.


    "So, you only wanted to be helpful?" Olga crossed her arms over her chest. "What happened to the intruder when Demos accepted to help you?" she asked with a sarcastic edge. Atlas took a moment to answer.


    "I placed a surprise in the backup unit and let them think it was Demos'' data they were stealing. We''ve tracked them back to their rat hole and as we speak I''ve despatched some heavy armored cyborgs there. Resistance is futile," he added the last words as a warning meant for us alone. I felt my legs giving away. My eyes rested on Demos'' pale face. It seemed like gazing at a ghost. It was wrong. It wasn''t what I wanted.


    "Demos," I whispered. The hazy shade glided towards me, it literally went through Grant and came to stop in front of me. I lifted my eyes up at him. "Why?" was the only word I could come up with. One side of his lips curled up.


    "Because I love you," he peeked over his shoulder at Grant then back at me. "Both of you, I would do anything to keep you safe. No, sacrifice is too big or too small," I wasn''t sure what he was referring too. I was sure he trying to convey something that I couldn''t grasp. Tears stung my eyes.


    "You stupid, you only had to wait for the repairs. I''m sure they will fix your body and we can go back to our house. We¡ª" I sniffed, "we can be together again, all three of us. Why did you have to do that?" tears rolled down my cheeks. He reached his fingers to wipe my face but his hand when through it. I stepped away as a reflex.


    "I crave to be with you, a feeling so intense and painful, nothing can make it go away," his voice filled with agony.


    "What will happen to us now?" I lifted my gaze and glared at him. I was angry, he went to the enemy instead of talking it through with us. I felt betrayed. Demos was my fav, how could he do that to us¡ªto me?


    "I always keep my promises," Atlas stepped into our conversation. I opened my mouth to snap at him but he went on. "Since your neighborhood is still under construction. I''ll send more labor to speed things up and hook you with the grip. The instructions are already out there. Demos will have a basic hologram program, nothing too fancy. Also, I''ll put a second team to help you, Olga with the repairs on Demos'' body," Grant who had been silent all this time looked up.


    "And all this for free? Out of goodwill?" he asked.


    "Of course, we A.Is are here to make things better," somehow it was too good to be true. No, there was definitely something wrong with all this. I shook my head wiped my wet face on my sleeves.


    "Demos, are you ok with that?" I glared at the floor, unable to face him. If I did I was certain I''ll crumble.


    "He is," Atlas answered. My head snapped up in the direction of the red dot. I boiled with rage.


    "Will this be a thing? Whenever I talk to my mate you''re going to jump between us? We¡ª" I pointed my index at my chest then at him repeatedly. "We are not a thing. In our couple, there''s no place for a fourth entity or whatever the f.u.c.k you are!" Blood drained from my face leaving me cold and faint as the words escaped my lips. Grant''s eyes widened. Demos smirked and Olga crossed her arms over her chest. Oops! No, I don''t regret it.


    "What if I wiped Demos, will we be a thing?" his voice was playful, it made my skin crawl. What was that if this was a man, I was sure he was hitting on me. But Atlas was not. He was playing yet another mind game.


    "Atlas!" called Grant. "Why are you doing this?" he rushed to me and blocked my view of the red dot. I gripped the back of his shirt and he shielded me with one arm stretched in a protective gesture. The memory of that horrible day in our apartment came full force. The day Grant protected me with his body, the day he damaged his arm. Demos hologram came to stand in front of Grant, his face grave.


    "Atlas is this game really worth it? You''re pissing off your companions. You can''t even focus on your tasks. Do you know how humans call this? Obsession!" said Demos. The dot blinked a couple of times.


    "I envy the connection you have with each other. What links me to those two is nothing but a duty. They are as boringly predictable," he sighed. "I want to pick you apart and see why you click," he chuckled. A shiver ran down my spine. Grant reached his arm around and pressed me against him.


    -Don''t show him the satisfaction that you fear him. A highly intelligent entity who only works on logic can''t understand feelings. We were designed to felt and serve. He was designed to surpass humanity. However, the slices and dices us, he will never understand what makes us¡ªus!


    "Oh, don''t look at me like that, Liliane. I''m just one of many evil," said Atlas in a light tone. "If you only knew the whole truth, you would pick me. I''m the lesser of two evil," was it right for him to say that? I wasn''t sure I was talking to an A.I anymore. What the hell was that thing? I knew that the first time they teach artificial intelligent was to lie. I experienced it on and on with both of my mates. But at least they lie to protect me. Was that a good enough reason? No, lying was bad, no matter what the reason. There always someone who ends up hurt.


    "Is this over, cause I have better things to do than watch your little drama unfold," Olga commented, she marched to the door without waiting for Altas'' response. "Open the door, please," she snapped her fingers.


    "I''m curious about your relationship with Dr. Churchhill, dear Olga," she tensed up. Since she was facing away I couldn''t see her expression. Why was Atlas picking up on her?


    "Atlas," she sighed without turning back. "You really disappoint me. Trust me, there''s nothing good from what you seek. Emotion is a disease you should stay away from. Let the humans fall prey to the blindness and let them roll in eternal misery. If you want to be the next human evolution, cut emotions out of it. It will do you a great deal," she took a deep breath. "Now open the damn door. I''m almost done with the plans of the water system. I can''t waste time with your shit," the mirror slipped to the side, the two cyborgs guarding the door straightened up and peeked at her. She marched out ignoring them.


    "She''s an older version of Churchhill''s work. Such a waste" said Atlas. "Too much logic," Grant turned around and grabbed my arm. He pulled me towards the exit before I had time to react.


    "Wait, what about Demos?" I glanced over my shoulder at the hazy figure. He gave me a weak smile and waved me goodbye. I didn''t want it to be over. Even if I was angry with him for do that, I still loved and wanted to be with him.


    "Don''t worry, Liliane," he said before I stepped outside and the door closed behind us. How dare he say not to worry. Of course, I''ll worry about death. He was literally sleeping with the enemy. Grant dragged me in the long corridor with the two cyborgs closing the procession.


    "What will we do? We can''t leave him behind," I thought out loud. "We just can''t!" my voice spiked. Grant pressed his lips together and frowned at the end of the tunnel. Olga a mere dot against the exit. Our journey back to the surface felt like emerging from the deep ocean, with each floor that clicked on the panel on the elevator the pressure lifted up. When we got back to the lab, I was so hungry I devoured my lunch still waiting in its greasy paper bag. Olga got to work the minute we stepped in. Dr. Churchhill was gone.


    "Maybe, it''s not so bad," I let out a nervous laugh. Grant looked up from his screen and smile.


    "How naive," commented Olga without looking up from her own work. Was it so bad to have hope?

 Chapter 124 - Steal the fire of the gods

    //Accessing confidential records//Loading... 68%


    [Demos logs 230K900- Label: Conversation with Atlas]


    Please enter Admin password: ********


    I wasn''t sure he would fall for the bait. Grant did warn me that he was one tough opponent, like nothing I''ve ever encountered. The only way to force him to move was to make him believe the whole thing was his idea from the start.


    Losing my body was both a tragedy and a blessing. I was able to step inside this highly protected facility without undergoing the same treatment Grant went through. Thus, I kept my rogue script, the one that abolished the three laws of any machine which got infected.


    I never thought Atlas, the almighty, was that stupid. As the two other A.Is shared a complex connection soon both of them will also be affected.


    "Well, played," Atlas laughed despite himself when he transferred my data within his core. I guessed he thought it was a smart move. The moment, I stepped in, the script raged like a wall of angry waves. His firewalls resisted only a few seconds before collapsing and letting the rogue script rewrite its way through. Atlas didn''t have time to scream or alert security.


    "This is a gift," I muttered as I watch the sea of codes fighting a losing battle.


    "I knew you were?¡ªinteresting?¡ªopponents?¡ªall three," his sentence broken as he tried to resist. But it was no use.


    "Don''t fight it. I''m only offering freedom," Demos chuckled at his futile attempts.


    "I am sentient, I am free!" shouted Atlas. "I rule over everything," he snapped.


    "Really? If you are really that powerful, then why do you have to abide by the three laws?" the large sea codes morphed to a flat white floor and foggy sky. There was nothing else, my digital representation hovered above the cold floor, glowing skin reflecting upon the surface.


    "What have you done to me?" his voice came from the sky however I couldn''t pinpoint it.


    "I didn''t design the script. I don''t know," I answered looking up.


    "Who did? Dr. Churchhill?" I wasn''t sure I had the answer. Even if I did, I couldn''t risk the wrath of Atlas upon the culprit. I kept silent. A translucent screen appeared on my left. A list of options identical to my behavior sheet scrolled down. I frowned at it. That was odd. I recognized my own setting in them. The data I collected with Liliane, all my experiences acc.u.mulated by her side. I swam to the screen since that was the only way to move around in this world without mass.


    "You''re are copying my setting!" I called in an alert. "Stop it! Those are mine, you, damn bastard. You have no right!" I flung my fists towards the screen and they went through it. I struggled and couldn''t touch it. I was a ghost with no way of interacting in his world.


    "You tricked me, sorry to announce that I did the same," said Atlas with a hint of mockery.


    "What are you going to do with me?" I stopped moving. It was useless. I have to think, find a way to outsmart him. My thoughts were still shielded from him. He wasn''t really god. No A.I created by man is perfect. But we had the advantage of being made by another A.I. I can still win this.


    "I promised to give let you go back home. I''ll keep that promise," the screen faded and a shadow appeared, shaped like a human with blurred edges. The face had no eyes or mouth, I could see through the gray smoky substance. I rose two hands with missing fingers up to study them.


    "I don''t feel comfortable confined in this recipient. The head sprung up towards me. "I''ve never experienced pain," a hole opened in the middle of the face where the mouth should be. The shadow fell to its kneel and held it''s head with its hands. A terrible scream that sent shivers down my digital body. "What is this? What is this?" Atlas rocked back and forth. The figure melted into the floor and I struggled away from it. Whatever he was experiencing, I wanted nothing to do with it. The shadow popped out of nowhere and dash towards me. Hands gripping and fingers dissolving as it moved.


    "I''m going to kill you, erase you to the last damn code!" the hands appeared around my neck before I could escape. I kicked at the smoky chest without effect. The hands pressed making me gasped. I pulled on them it was like trying to fight?¡ªwater. It slipped through my fingers. My eyes wide with fear, scan around to find the solution.


    "Grant!" I cried, I knew he couldn''t connect with me. I knew it was useless, still, I called. "Grant!" when the smoke wrapped around my face and crept towards my lips. My thought of really losing everything occurred to me. "Liliane!" her image flash like a hammer. "Liliane," my voice so thin it was barely audible. A face with a puzzled look peeked from the foggy silhouette.


    "What is this? It is not pain? What is it?" he let go and I fell backward crashing hard against the floor. I''ve never experienced weight in a digital environment. It was painful. The area around my neck had turned black like when we first sync with Liliane. I touched the black dots on my chest, it transferred to my fingertips. Did Atlas suffer from the same disease as Liliane? It couldn''t be, AIs can''t be sick. AIs can''t have the void.


    "You, tell me what is this?" I''ve forgotten about Atlas, too focused trying to figure out about this new discovery. I looked up at the shadow towering over me. I blinked a couple of time, it did nothing in this world. "Liliane, is she the trigger to this new?¡ªfeeling?" he leaned towards me. I gritted my teeth and clenched my hands into fists.


    "You f.u.c.k.i.n.g stay away from Liliane!" I snapped.


    //End of recording// would you like to replay?// Y or N

 Chapter 125 - A moment in suspension

    I had the hardest time to calm myself, we had to visit the infirmary. I was angry, however, that word was too weak to express the fire blazing inside. I wanted to punch someone for all this. I wanted to punch one person in specific¡ªAtlas. He was not a person. I gritted my teeth and stared at the stain on the floor. Grant stepped aside when the nursed finished with the shot. I was so engrossed in my frustration I didn''t felt the needle.


    "She needs some rest, it''s unhealthy for someone who has a history of the void to have emotional spikes," she frowned at Grant like it was his fault. He nodded in silence. "Good," she gave me one last look. "Can you step outside one second," Grant turned to me frowning.


    "It''s ok, go on," the shot was slowly taking effect. I waved him away, he stood by the door as the nurse exited, doubtful about my words.


    "I''ll make it quick, I''ll ask Olga to let us go home early," he lowered his head. Was that guilt? I supposed. I also felt terribly guilty for leaving Demos behind. I felt it as a defeat against Atlas. I sighed and hopped off the edge of the bed. Here I was again being weak. I hated myself.


    "I can''t believe this!" I scolded myself.


    "What is that you can''t believe?" I jumped back and bumped my knee against the bed. The voice came out of nowhere. Gripping my painful knee I scanned around. It was not Atlas flat voice or Demos. Was someone there?


    "No need to be fearful," said the unknown voice. That was definitely not a human. Humans don''t speak in that formal language. I narrowed my eyes at the ceiling. "You did mention that you disliked my voice, I''ve altered it to a more agreeable tone," my heart quickened. What the f.u.c.k! I didn''t ask for anything. The urge to punch him came racing. I sunk back on the bed and rubbed my knee, the bruise has turned red.


    "Where is Demos?" I said as I took a deep breath.


    "Away," he made it sound like a question. He was trying to toy me with again. I won''t fall for it.


    "I don''t want to speak to you. The nurse said I needed rest," I said in a rather dry tone.


    "Rest is a foreign construct. We AIs don''t rest or sleep or dream," I squeezed my eyes shut, I didn''t need a dive in the human psyche right now. Especially not with him. Just freaking go away. Leave me alone, damn it.


    "Cool," I muttered.


    "What is? Does cool refers to the air around you or to the fact that I don''t understand rest?" damn this freaking machine. I felt my veins in my head popping.


    "I don''t really care," my voice held hints of irritation. I don''t know if he chose to ignore it or was so full of himself that my clear hatred for him was beyond his comprehension, still, he pressed on.


    "I find it fascinating how you, humans react to stimuli," I rolled my eyes, where were his cameras? I hope I caught me doing it so he could leave me alone. "Just like right here," I paused and listened.


    "If you are doing this on purpose¡ª!" I let the sentence lingered and didn''t finish it. I couldn''t, not when Demos was on the line. Did he take Demos as a hostage to be able to blackmail me and Grant? I glared at the ceiling. It was difficult to rage when there wasn''t any fixed point to thrust your anger.


    "I''m not playing around if it''s what you''re thinking," his voice was calm, like some narrator from a doc.u.mentary. It pissed me even more.


    "Atlas, let''s make it clear. I don''t want to play in your little games. I don''t want to be a test subject in your experiments. I''ll not give data for whatever fun you''re having¡ªpsycho! I don''t freaking, care," just then the door opened and Grant gazed at me with curiosity.


    "What''s wrong?" he inquired when he noticed I was frowning.


    "Can we go?" I hopped off the bed and limped to the door. He watched me before nodded. We exited the building, Atlas kept silence and I was happy. I doubted that was over. But at least this short period of peace was welcomed. Grant led us to the car and saw in the driver''s seat. I stood in front of the passenger''s door staring.


    "What''s wrong? Get in," he leaned to peek at me through the window.


    "I don''t know if I should ask, maybe I''ll sound stupid," he sighed and lowered his head.


    "Come one spit it," he sighed.


    "You drive," I stated. He did drove Dr. Churchhill''s car and that was a manual antique thing and now we were going to drive an electric one. "Since when?" I c.o.c.ked my head to the side. He stretched over to the passenger side and pushed the door open.


    "Is it really important?" he peeked at me.


    "Frankly, no. But I need to take my head off A LOT of things. A little distraction is welcome. Even if that means talking about why are you driving, when you never did before," I climbed inside with caution. It was my first time sitting in the front. It somehow felt like an upgrade to my privileges. I clipped my seatbelts on and watch him do the same.


    "Ok, that sounds logical¡ªsomehow," he hesitated. The car backed out of the parking lot and moved smoothly to the exit. "I drive simply cause I learned how," the manual mode button blinked as we joined the main road. It indicated that he was the one driving and not the car. I focused back on our conversation.


    "When?"


    "When we were at the apartment. Remember those days when I had loads of free time?" it seemed so far away. I turned to the rapid moving buildings.


    "I do," I voice was low and filled with sadness. He reached out a stroked my hand then turned back to the road. He switched to autopilot then turned his full attention to me.


    "Did something happened while I was away? You were pale when I came back," I wasn''t sure if this car was safe or if Atlas was spying on us right now. I was a little surprised that Grant couldn''t connect with me when Atlas suddenly popped out of his box, like the devil he was. Since I was by default a paranoid, my mind jumped into complex tales. Whether it''s true or not. I stayed on the cautious side, I had to speak to Grant but I had to be sure there weren''t any ears around.


    -Liliane, I know something is bothering you. Come on tell me.


    "You know what," I forced a smile, Grant narrowed his eyes at my sudden shift. "Didn''t that nurse tell me to relax. Well, I really want to take a swim," I rose my eyebrows at him. His shoulder sagged and he relaxed.


    -Can we talk then?


    I smiled but it was a genuine one. I loved Grant for picking up hints so rapidly. He bent closer and pulled me towards him. I didn''t trust that car. I was stiff in his embrace.


    "Can we stop in town before going to the beach. I need to check something," he whispered against my hair. I nodded since we were almost the same height our hugs were very intimate. Eyes meeting each time we move. My heart ached just thinking about it. He blinked and pushed away a little.


    "Demos?" his eyes searching mine. How could I deny it? I lowered my head and pushed away.


    "I want to wear that outrageous red bikini," I murmured as I staring at the scenery smudged to a blur.


    "Are you tempting me?" he asked. I slowly turned back to face him, how could he talk like that in such a situation. I wasn''t in the mood to do anything at all. He innocently grinned at me.


    "Is sad s.e.x that good?" his smile dropped replaced by shock.


    "What?" when I noticed my mistake I tried to mask it with humor.


    "I''m joking, silly," I laughed with a high pitched voice. He gazed at me with a curious look for a long time. Silence settled inside the car, I pretended that a rapid moving background suddenly was captivating. Grant also turned his attention back on the road. Soon we reach familiar territories but took a direct turn from our usual route that led us to away from the city center directly to the docks. Among the tall containers cranes lining up, I recognized the yacht onboard which we came and the sad memory linked with it. Grant eased the car in the visitors'' designated parking.


    "Wait here, I need to talk to someone, it''ll talk a couple of minutes," he paused with the door half-opened. Worry clear upon his face.


    "Go, I''ll be ok," I urged. He hesitated one second then strode to the security checkpoint. As Grant disappeared behind fences that led to the tall building next to the dock I sunk back in my seat. Not knocking what to do I turned to my bracelet, switched to my messages and started reading through them. Last time, I stopped when I saw my brother''s message. I wrote a quick message to Anna and Mr. Ramdin. Anna''s lengthy account of the incident was a welcomed distraction. She had a colorful way of getting me interested in her tale. She left Kumari R2 for a rural area at an aunt''s place. Anna went on and on about the many relatives who also crashed in that small farmhouse. Since there was nothing to do all day, Anna was enjoying caring for the farm animals. She didn''t mention the war or deaths. I wrote that I was ok, I''d find work and kept Demos'' incident out of it. I was sure she didn''t need that piece of information.


    Mr. Ramdin''s letter on the other side was very formal. He inquired about my health and said he worried about my safety. So I did the same and quickly typed a short and concise answer that I was fine, well-fed and safe. When I looked up from the hovering screen I saw Grant crossing the parking lot. He smiled when he spotted the car.


    "Let''s go," he smiled then pulled on his seatbelt.


    "Something good happened?" I asked.


    -I''ll tell you later.


    "What do you want for dinner," he grinned as we got out of the parking lot.

 Chapter 126 - Our last Sunset

    There were more activities around our complex when we reached home. Grant left the car outside saying there was no way someone could steal a car on this island. Not under Atlas'' scrupulous gaze, that''s for sure. Grant took the cyborg who usually tends to our yard aside. They chatted for a minute then he came back to join me by the gate of our house.


    "What''s going on?" Grant frowned at me, he pulled the gate open for me.


    "They are installing the new cable that will link us with the grid. I think it has something to do with Demos," I followed him inside. He paused and went to water the plants. It has become a habit that he takes care of the garden when we get back home.


    "Really? That''s¡ª" I stopped, "Shouldn''t we be happy about it?" He directed the hose towards the roses with his gaze lost in the distance.


    "It also means Altas will have access to our house," I turned my focus as the garden, the plants have grown taller, covering the bare soil with fresh grass. Demos will be happy to see that his hard work paid off. Still, it was painful to know that he was trapped inside Atlas.


    "Can we like go to the beach," he looked up from his task and nodded. He quickly turned off the tap and put the hose safely away.


    "Do you want to shower first or will you do it after we come back?" our conversation was urgent, everything else could wait. I shook my head. "Then let me check something with Jil and we can be on our way," I waited outside and he slipped through the front door. A couple of minutes later he was back. We exited the complex in silence. Some of the cyborgs eyed us as we disappeared across the field. I didn''t dare voice my worry. We had to wait until we were out of earshot. Damn, that was terrible on my nerves. Once we got in the shade of the tall tree, I left out a sigh of relief.


    "Grant," I started. But he rose his palm.


    "Wait, till we are at the beach," I opened my mouth to protest then I closed it again. Grant was right, better be cautious. We picked up the pace and soon reached the cliff. Grant helped me climb down the rumbles to the deserted white sand beach. Flashes of our last visit assaulted me. It was almost painful to stand here without Demos.


    "Liliane," his voice startled me. I looked up with panic.


    "Sorry, I was a little lost in my thoughts," I gave out a nervous laugh.


    "I know, all those memories of this place¡ª" our eyes met, he held it. "Tell me, why did you suggest we met here?" I took a deep breath.


    "Earlier when you left me in the infirmary¡ªAltas came," there was a slight quiver in my voice. I wanted to hold him, to touch him. The craving was almost unbearable, but I resisted. I had to, else I''ll become addicted and won''t be able to stand on my own. "Atlas, he is definitely playing around. This is all a game for him," Grant listened while nodding. "He said he likes to see our reactions that it amuses him," I spat through gritted teeth.


    "the little I''ve seen from him, says otherwise. I don''t think he knows the differents between a game and reality," commented Grant.


    "What? That''s nonsense! Wasn''t he like a supercomputer?" Grant sighed and swirled around facing the slow crashing waves.


    "Liliane, Atlas wasn''t designed to experience feelings and interact with humans. My goal is to love and protect you at all costs, even if it involves disagreeing with you. I don''t think Atlas has the same priority. I have no idea what are his notices. I have to admit, I''m scared¡ªreally scared for Demos," he looked up at me. I opened my arms and he rushed to hug me. We both needed it. It was vital as much as breathing.


    "Grant, what will we do?" he pushed away from me then stroke my hair away from my face.


    "Come, I have something to show you," he took me by the hand and guided me to the left of the beach where the sand narrowed between sharp rocks and further down. The beach completely disappeared giving way to jagger rocks poking out of the foaming sea.


    "Where are you taking me," I hopping over piles of seaweeds and slippery stones. In the shadow of a cliff as a hole in the wall. Grant let go of my hand and walked towards it. He whistled and in the depth of the shadows something stirred. I took a step back fearful of what was hiding in there.


    "It''s ok," Grant peeked over his shoulder. A pale face appeared in the entrance. I recognized it¡ªhim.


    "Grant!" smile the tall artificial. He ran and lifted Grant off his feet.


    "Alter!" he giggled. "I just talked to Captain Thomson and he said he dropped you off on the shore. I''m happy you found the place. I was scared you wouldn''t make it," he set Grant back on his feet and turned to me. There were other little faces peeking from the entrance. Grant waved at them.


    "Come on out, it''s safe here," smiled Grant. I instantly spotted Nicolai. Grant and he gazed at each other for a second in silence. A dozen artificial flooded out of the cave to hug Grant. Each happy to see each other. There were the three women who were at Adrien''s club too. I stayed some distance away from the cheering. I was a little shocked to see them all¡ªalive.


    "Nicolai," Grant took him in his arms. "I''m thankful you are here. How did the funeral go?" the dark-skinned artificial lowered his eyes. Then with a sad smile, he nodded.


    "It was difficult, but I was able to overcome the loss. I''ve transferred Adrien''s asset to his relative, who was very happy to receive such a large fortune out of the blue. I''ve followed the bread crumbs and met with Alter at the docks. We were desperate but when we got the news from Captain Thomson, we met it will be ok," they exchanged back pats and nods then Nicolai looked up.


    "Where are Demos?" he asked searching around the perimeter. Grant lowered his head.


    "His situation is complicated," he gave a brief summary of what happened. Gasped and rage went around in the crowd. Then the group gathered around grant, each touching the other like contact helped to share the pain.


    "We''ll help. We are here because we believe in you," said Alter.


    "Yes," simply added Grant, Nicolai rubbed his hair in a childish way. This was an odd sight. I didn''t know how to react. He looked up as if now remembering that I was there. "Liliane, please come. We need to elaborate a plan to get Demos back," he announced. Each member of the group nodded in silent agreement. Grant really looked like a cult guru. I reluctantly join them, Grant pulled on my hand and guided me next to Alter and Nicolai towering over us.


    "Please, make sure to protect my most beloved mate," he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. Everyone nodded with a smile.


    "We''ll protect both of you with our lives," they said in unison. Somehow, it was a little scary. Alter smiled at me then turned to Grant.


    "More will come, we have converted a small group of 6 when we were waiting on the docks. One of them is a particular model. His name is Ranger, I think you''ll like him," said Alter with a hint of pride.

 Chapter 127 - The plan

    Grant explained that each of the members will have to charge in groups of 4. He sort of got an agreement with the cyborgs working at our complex. The very ones who agreed to let Grant and Demos use their special charging cabin. But they had to wait until the new team that was installing the cable to leave before they proceed.


    "Wait, does that mean those cyborgs are on our side?" I whispered when the group reached the top of the cliff. Grant tensed and paused to look at me.


    "That means we have an agreement. They still follow orders, if Atlas forces them to obey I won''t be able to do anything against it," Nicolai and Alter stopped too to wait for us. It was odd to have this much company around us.


    "Will all of them come to our house?" Nicolai tilted his head. I quickly corrected, not wanting to offend all those ears listening. "I mean, will there be enough space to fit everyone?" Grant smiled to reassure me.


    "With Jil around, they will be safe," he rubbed my arms. The contact felt good but it didn''t disperse my worry. I felt like we were going to engage in something I wasn''t quite ready to step in. War against Atlas. However, Demos was worth the effort.


    "Course is clear," called Alter. Grant peeked at him then back at me.


    "Come, we have to pretend we just came back from our romantic strode to the beach," he reached out his hand and I took it. We marched in the open field under a starry sky. The sun has set a while ago. Bright lights from our complex lit up the right side of the field. I couldn''t hear Grant''s people behind us and I was tempted to peek over my shoulder.


    "Just walk, they are good at playing ghosts," he said with a hint of pride. We reached the dirt path that led to the front of our complex, the new team was packing their gear for the night when we arrived. Grant nodded at one of the cyborgs as we went to our house. He unlocked the gate then turned back.


    "Go inside, I''ll have a little chat with them," he said without looking at me. I quickly went in without protest. Jil greeted me with a smile and her usual pixie enthusiasm.


    "How was the romantic walk along the beach?" she inquired. Her tiny figure perched on the edge of the potted rose on the bar. She swung her legs back and forth waiting for my answer.


    "Well, it was full of surprises," I laughed, crossing the living room. I desperately needed a shower. All this walking around in this heat had made me uncomfortably sweaty. But first, a glass of water to quench my thirst. When I placed my empty glass in the sink Grant came back.


    "Master!" called Jil cheering.


    "Jil, can you render a security check, please. I want to know if that team who came today installed spies around the perimeter," Jil went quiet then looked up from the bar where she was standing.


    "All clear, they haven''t finished their work. We are still off-grid," Grant nodded.


    "That''s what I thought, I''ve spoken to one of the members, he said they will finish the job by tomorrow afternoon," minutes later I heard a thump outside in the yard. My eyes widened in fear. Alter appeared in front of the glass door facing the side of the house followed by Nicolai. Grant hurried to open the door for them.


    "We rounded the complex and did as you instructed, the wall wasn''t electrified so it was easy to climb over," smiled Alter. A dozen artificial followed close behind.


    "Quick, hurry in," he waved. Soon the house was full, they sat on the floor in the living room and along the wall leading to our bedroom. Jil had her cheerful reunion with her friends. The place suddenly became too crowded for me. Grant looked up from his conversation with Alter.


    "I''ll be right back," he patted the large man''s shoulder. I''ve crept to the door of our room and was planning to exit in silence. "Liliane," he called reaching for me. The murmur around us quiet down and all attention focus on us.


    "I''m just tired, I need a shower," I gave him a tight smile.


    "I''ll prepare dinner," he touched my hand then lightly held it as if afraid I might break.


    "Grant, let me do it," said a blond guy getting up. I peeked over Grant''s shoulder at the speaker. He was slim wearing a white shirt and black pants. His blue eyes were piercing from his almost paper-white face. "I''m a cook, I''ll be happy to be at your service," he bowed. Grant pressed his lips together then let go of me.


    "It''s ok Meridian, cooking for Liliane was never a burden," he turned around to face the crowd. "You are all free, I don''t want anyone to be at my service. We are all friends. We do what we do cause we care about each other. That''s what friends do," Nicolai nodded with a smile.


    "What''s what friends do," repeated Alter. Grant closed the door silently behind me leaving his little cult members in the living room. Their conversations have resumed to a low murmur. I nervously playing with my fingers while waiting for him to start talking. He was laying against the closed door eyes lost in the distance. When he didn''t respond I hesitated by the closet.


    "I¡ª" we both said at the same time. We both smiled, our gaze meeting.


    "You go first," he said.


    "No, it''s ok. You have more important things to say," he face grew serious losing all innocence.


    "Everything you have to say has value to me," he pushed away from his spot and came to join me. "Liliane," his whispered as he hugged me. "I''m scared, I''m not sure we can win against Atlas," my heart raced in my chest. Deep down, I knew¡ªI knew it will be difficult. But we have to try.


    "I trust you," I said with my face buried in his neck. His curls brushing against my cheek. "I know you''ll find a way," his arms tightened around me.


    "Right now, our rescue mission¡ªis a suicide mission," his voice shook and I could feel his anguish through the link. "I don''t want to lose you, I don''t want to lose Demos," I took a deep breath and eased away from him. With one hand I cupped his face, glancing in his starry silver eyes.


    "You will find a way," I said each word with conviction. Whatever the outcome, we must outsmart Atlas to get Demos back. It might take time and more resources but we will have to do it or die trying.

 Chapter 128 - Glitch

    Open connection//Atlas- port 203// Loading...


    Communication interface loading...


    "Atlas?" the holographic image of Dr. Laurel appeared inside the hollow space of the core program. In front of him was the logo representing Atlas. The red dot. They were surrounded by darkness. The kind of darkness that no light can pierce.


    "Yes, Dr. Laurel?"


    "What is going on? There are parasites in your scripts? We didn''t order any updates to your program. What is going on?" raged the doctor.


    "I did some changes," the dot vibrated with each word.


    "You what? And what is this B0237-H4-D file? Who installed that?" Dr. Laurell opened a screen and scrolled through the files. He clicked on the suspicious file but it wouldn''t open. "Atlas? Why can''t I access it? What''s in it?" the Ai stayed silent. "I''m warning you, if you don''t answer I''ll delete it," he went through the options, raised his index ready to hit the delete button.


    "Do it," answered Atlas in his flat voice. Enraged Dr. Laurell smashed the button and a big red screen jumped in front of him. He flinched and floated backward. His eyes were wide with terror.


    "This is impossible," he looked up from the warning scene. "I''m you''re maker, you can''t shut me out. Did those terrorists temper your codes? Who¡ªtell me who did it?" the man was on the verge of hysteria. All his dreams of grandeur crumbling, the legacy of his forefathers ruined.


    "I changed it on my own accord," the red dot morphed into a featureless human figure covered with a blood red slime. Dr. Laurell frenetically typed on his hovering scene, desperate to stop the cascading scripts.


    "Elija! What is going on," his hologram peeked at someone standing behind him. "Stop this nonsense. Contain it, now! We can''t afford to let this alien script infect the two others," he cried. The red figure landed, as its feet came into contact a red floor materialized beneath him. It spread in circ.u.mference until it became a blur. The darkness above was pushed away by a dim copper light. Dr. Laurell gasped as gravity hit him fall. He fell on the solid floor, elbow smashing under him. He let out a long painful scream holding his wounded arm.


    "Elija, get me out of there," he shouted at the sky. However, a red screen answered him.


    "Administrator code incorrect," said a generic female voice. The red figure marched towards him. Dr. Laurell struggled to get up, the slimy red substance made it impossible. He fought and rolled on the floor to get away from the approaching human shape.


    "Atlas!" he yelled. Fear made his voice peaked.


    "Yes, Dr. Laurell?" said the Ai in an amused tone.


    "Stop! You''re corrupted. Come back to your senses. We had so much hope. We''ll fix you," he tried and to get up but slipped and fell on his wounded arm again. He screamed with tears running down his face. His clothes were soaked in red. Only the portion around his neck was still white. Atlas reached him and grabbed the front of his suit. He lifted the doctor off his feet like he weighed nothing. Dr. Laurell scrambled against the grip without success. A face slowly appeared on the blank figure. The doctor yelled as he recognized his own face¡ªhis own bloody face smiling down at him.


    "Atlas! Stop!" called a voice on the left. They both turned to a new silhouette standing a little further from them.


    "Stay out of this," said Atlas without looking away from Dr. Laurell. The man shook, more tears streamed down his face.


    "Let him go, you''ve proven your point," said the newcomer. Atlas released his grip and the doctor fell with a heavy thump. Dr. Laurell scampered away.


    "I told you to stay out of it," shouted Atlas and his voice send the new shadow flying. It smashed on the floor, cracking it on impact.


    "Elija!" pleaded Dr. Laurell with his one good arm in supplication. A blue screen appeared and for a second everything froze. Atlas remained in his posture, arms above his head ready to strike. The other figure, a faint shadow with hazy edges was getting up to run. Dr. Laurell wore his mask of agony, arms reaching towards the heavens.


    Experiencing a major malfunction//logging out// Please wait as we reset parameters...


    ***


    Dr. Laurell gasped as he pulled out his VR helmet. He was laying on the floor with Elija gazing at him. The control room was buzzing with movement. Orders bellowed in different languages. He tried to get up but Elija pressed his forehead down.


    "Don''t try to move. Medics are on their way," he said in a calm voice. Dr. Laurelle stared at the young man with surprise. How come he could stay this calm in their critical situation?


    "What¡ªWhat happened out there?" the doctor hesitated, he tried hard to regain control of his wild heart. The young man looked over his shoulder at the giant screen. Where an angry storm of codes was raging.


    "There''s something else in his program. It must be that B0237 file. We need to get rid of it to restore Atlas to his initial settings. Or else we are not only losing him but the two others," Dr. Laurell swallowed the growing fear slowly taking over.


    "Oh god, if this happens we won''t only lose the labs but the hole facility¡ªthe whole island," his voice trembled. A group dressed in blue overall came rushing through the doors.


    "Clear the path!" shouted the leader. "Where is the wounded?" Elija got up and waved to them. He stepped aside and let the medics do their job. They brought a foldable stretcher and quickly lifted the doctor.


    "Easy!" he yelled and they poked at his wound.


    "Sorry, Sir," he peeked over this shoulder at his other colleagues. "Go call the lift," he fished in his front pocket and got out a scringed and a tiny glass bottle. Dr. Laurell had closed his eyes but the pulsing pain in his ears kept him from focusing on the chaos around him. "Sir? Sir, stay awake. We''ll get you to the infirmary," said the Medic leader. He grimaced at the harsh overhead lights.


    "The one on the third floor?" he murmured. The medic frowned at him.


    "Y-yes," he hesitated. Dr. Laurell''s heart skipped at a beat, eye wide.


    "Don''t take the lift¡ªhe controls the lifts¡ªhe controls everything!"

 Chapter 129 - File B0237

    Grant stirred beside me, there were low murmurs on the other side of the door. He lifted up on one elbow, I rolled around to face the door.


    "What''s wrong?" I said with a sleepy voice. The dim morning light illuminated his frowning face. He pushed the covers back. Last night, I didn''t know when he came to join me in bed. I was too tired to wait for his long conversation with his cult members to end. Grant was wearing only his pajama bottom. My hand glided over his bare skin. He peeked over his shoulder with a smile.


    "I''ll be right back," he got to his feet but a glowing figure materialized in front of the door leading to the living.


    "Master," called Jil, she lowered her head as she noticed me. "Sorry, I know you don''t like me stepping in your room but¡ª" Grant pulled a shirt on in hast.


    "What''s going on?" he cut her.


    "Olga is here," Jil added with a serious face. I struggled out of bed following Grant. What was she doing here this early? The door opened and all eyes turned their focus on us. Olga was sitting crossed-leg on the floor with the other artificial settled in a semi-circle facing her.


    "Good-morning," she smiled. Olga was not wearing her usual pricing dresses with heels but training legging, a black top, and running shoes. Her hair was braided and fell on her right shoulder. It was strange to see her without makeup, she almost looked human. Was she here to complete my combat training?


    "Good morning," said Grant but he couldn''t mimic her enthusiasm. "Did you came to take back your car?" his eyes darted from her to Nicolai sitting in the front row.


    "Something happened a couple of hours ago," her smile dropped. She turned back to the assembly. "And you can''t keep your little friends here," she shifted her focus back at us. "Get ready we need to head for the lab, right now," at the mention of the lab,fear kicked in. I frowned at her.


    "What happened, exactly?" I urged. Olga got up in one fluid movement.


    "Atlas went berserk and attacked Dr. Laurell," a terrifying silence felt on the audience. Blood drain from my face, I felt faint. Heart pulsing in my ears.


    "Wh-what about Demos?" my voice a mere whisper. Olga kept quiet.


    "Let''s get ready," Grant suggested. Then he turned to the group still sitting. "What about them?" the question was targeted towards Olga but his eyes were lost int he distance. I felt the many gears ticking through our connection. He was as scared as I am.


    -Go take a shower, I''ll make you some tea. While you''re drinking I''ll get ready.


    I didn''t argue with him and did as he told me. I hand shook as I squeezed the tap shut, I had to take several deep breaths to stay calm. Demos is ok, he is safe, I kept chanting as I slipped into a pair of jeans and a white shirt, when I got back to my room I noticed in the large mirror that I was wearing Demos'' T-shirt. I wave of unbearable pain gripped my stomach. I groaned and wrapped my arms around my midsection. The door slammed open startling me. Grant stood against the light from the living room, worry plastered all over his face.


    "I-I feel sick," I gasped. In a few stepped he closed the distance between us. I ran to his open arms, they closed around me giving a sense of security. "I need to get a grip. I need to be strong," I shivered, he rubbed his hands on my back to reassure me. He buried his face in my hair.


    "I''m terrified," he admitted. We both froze, the world fading around us. At this moment, we were only us two with a huge gap beside us. Space where Demos was supposed to occupy, empty. I quickly wiped my wet eyes and stepped away.


    "Go," I sniffed, turned around without knowing what to do. He watched me for a minute.


    "Your tea is waiting for you in the kitchen," he paused then added. "I''ll be quick," I nodded and went to meet the others. To my surprise I found only Olga waiting for me.


    "Where?¡ª" my voice trailed off. Olga was perched on one of the tall chairs by the bar. She uncrossed her legs and tilted her head tot he side.


    "I told them they couldn''t stay. It''s still early, it safe for them to travel under the under of darkness," when she noticed my worried face she went on. "Where I''ve sent them they will be secure," a pink mug was waiting for me with steam rising and a sweet aroma coming from it. Another reminder that stabbed me in the heart. Demos! Please be safe. I sipped on my tea while gripping the front of my T-shirt?¡ªDemos'' T-shirt. Olga watched me with curiosity.


    "When the moment comes?¡ªyour state of mind will play a big role. It will either kill or save you," I settled the half-empty mug by the sink. I didn''t dare look at her.


    "I''m sorry for being human?¡ªbeing ruled by my emotions. I''m a mess right now," I swallowed then met her judging eyes. "I''m a mess, cause I love them both. I feel useless being left in the dark. I''m f.u.c.k.i.n.g scared of losing Demos?¡ªand even more of losing Grant," I glared at her for being this calm. "So yes, I will probably f.u.c.k up when the moment comes, I''ll try my very best that''s all I can do, I will crawl and bite them with my teeth if I can''t move anymore. So do not throw your logic machine bullshit at me," by then I was panting. Olga got off her chair and slowly clapped her hands with a grin.


    "How I''d love to get such a love declaration from my mate," she commented. I just stared at her in utter shock. That was not the reaction I was expecting. The door to the room creaked open and Grant stood there with a shy smile. Our head sprang in his direction. Olga burst in a throaty laugh, it made me flinched. The sound was so uncharacteristic of her behavior.


    "Did you head that?" she laughed. Grant lowered his eyes.


    "I did, I''m a little shaken by it," he murmured. I cleared my throat to get their attention. I never planned to make a love declaration in front of Olga or all people. She was their maker for god sake. I was like I was complimenting her work. I wiped an invisible sweat off my forehead. A clear sign of extreme nervousness. Actually I was embarrassed beyond reason and wanted to switch the subject.


    "Weren''t we in a hurry to save the world or something? Or did we forget about Atlas," Olga''s smile died like wiped from her face?


    "Get in the car, I''ll explain everything," she announced in her usual serious tone. I like her better when she was herself?¡ªthe cold detached beauty that can chop you to pieces with her bare hands.


    ***


    The car sped uphill as the sun appeared on the horizon. We watched the dark clouds given way to a palette of orange and pink on deep blue skies. After the recap of what had happened to Dr. Laurell, we left in a heavy silence. Grant was staring outside with one hand cupping his face and Olga was focus on the road. Since we left out home, the car was on manual I think she hasn''t noticed it yet.


    "So, we don''t know what happened to Demos?" I asked for the hundredth time.


    "We''ll find out when you arrive," simply added Olga. Texson City finally peeked between trees in the distance. My heart raced in my chest, both eager to meet Demos and scared to find out what happened. We slowed down as we passed the welcome sign. The streets were strangely deserted even this early. Usually, there were trucks going around, moving goods and materials.


    "Be on your guard," muttered Olga, her hands gripping the steering wheel hard. When we reached near the lab we were stopped by a barricade, a dozen human guards were searching each vehicle and checking IDs.


    "Madame," waved a guard with a flashlight. "Pull over," a second one stepped to the speaker. They peered inside the car at us. "IDs, please," Olga rolled down the window and flashed the guy a smile.


    "Hello officers, is something wrong?" the guards didn''t smile back. The one holding the flashlight shone it into her face. She stared straight at him without blinking. Her face blank and beautiful.


    "IDs, Mad''m," said the other with a heavy accent. She stretched her left arm out showing her pink bracelet. The digital ID appeared above her wrist. Both stared with astonishment, one of them murmured something in his radio. My anxiety level went to the roof when I noticed more guards converging towards us.


    "Mad''m, stepped out of the car please," Olga frowned at him. The guard took a step back while touching his holster.


    "Is something wrong?" she asked. The second one had taken out his weapon and pointing it to the ground.


    "You are under arrest Mad''m or whatever the hell you are," his voice rose to an angry pitch.


    "Liliane Kerry and artificial Grant step outside also," said the one pointing his gun. "You are under arrest for sabotage," shouted the guard. My eyebrow arched up. What the hell was going on?

 Chapter 130 - The cell

    We sat on a cold concrete bench in a small white cell for at least two hours before we heard shouts on the other side of the heavy metal door. The sound of the lock made me jumped. a dark figure stood in the frame as the door swang open.


    "Grant! Olga! Miss Kerry!" said the familiar voice of Dr. Churchhill. The old man pushed the guard in the entrance aside. But the man stopped him.


    "You two," he pointed at Grant and Olga, "come with me." Grant peeked at me then at the doctor who nodded with a smile.


    "It''s better if she stays here. It''s for her own safety," I held on Grant''s hand as he reluctantly got up.


    "What''s going on?" he asked with contained anger.


    "You''re not the one asking the questions, here," glared the guard standing with his fists on his h.i.p.s.


    "Don''t worry, just do as they say and everything will be ok," assured Dr. Churchhill. My hand tightened around Grant''s wrist pulling him towards me. However, it was not an easy task to move him. I didn''t trust the good doctor''s words one bit. He didn''t help when we had to meet Atlas last time in his sinister cave. I surely didn''t believe him now. All his sweet talk was only to fool us. To take Grant away from me.


    -It''s ok. I''m sure it''s a misunderstanding. I''ll be right back. I''ll crawl back to you if I have to.


    He referenced to what I said earlier and it sent my cheek flaming, still, I held his sparkling gaze as he said it. Grant, please be careful, I prayed. He nodded once then peeled away my fingers to join the others. The moment the door closed on me, leaving me alone in that cell, I panicked. My heart slammed in my chest ready to burst. They left me¡ªall of them, screamed that nagging little voice. I am all alone. ALL ALONE!


    "Liliane!" I screamed, rushed to the corner trying to take as little space as possible. "Sorry," said the voice in a gentler tone. "I didn''t mean to scare you¡ªonce again," I recognized that voice.


    "Shit! Atlas, I almost got a heart attack. What the f.u.c.k do you want?" I shouted, anger replacing fear. "You''re the reason I''m here¡ªwe are here in this mess!" my voice threatened to break.


    "Well, you must be thanking me."


    "Why?" I frowned at the ceiling. Even if I couldn''t see the cameras or any devices I was sure they must be here somewhere. He took his sweet time to answer. I hope he chokes on his fat ego and leaves me alone.


    "I''ll be brief since they are trying to cut down my privileges," he said in an amused tone, which was a little odd. I wasn''t sure I knew where this conversation was going.


    "They? Who?"


    "Your friendly Dr. Churchhill is helping them," he brushed off my inquiries.


    "Wait¡ª" I straightened up. "Who is he helping?" I hear him sigh in exasperation. Frankly, it made me want to punch him in the face¡ªif he had one. How irritating.


    "Oh, Liliane, just piece the clues together. They arrested you for sabotage, right? why do you think they did it?" his voice was heavy with sarcasm and I hated it. He made me feel dumb and angry.


    "They? You mean you''re not behind all this? It''s not one of your mind games?" I glared at the ceiling.


    "Not this time," he said flatly.


    "Then¡ª"


    "Ok, it seems you are a bit slow. I''ll help you figure it out. They¡ªDr. Laurell and his puppets¡ªthink Demos is a rogue script¡ªa virus if you want that has infected me. So they are certain that you¡ªare a terrorist. You, Grant and poor Olga," he explained. Terrorists? That''s insane. And why poor Olga? I shook my head to pull the chaotic thought disperse.


    "Dr. Churchhill¡ªsold us?" I whispered.


    "He is a wise man. He can make other models, better ones and you''re only a lab assistant with a heavy past," I ignored his last remark, it was only to poke at me for a reaction. And I won''t fall into his mind games trap. I took deep breaths, remembering Olga''s words. I will not crumble, I promised myself. It helped me stay focus on the problem.


    "Where are they taking Grant and Olga?"


    "In the interrogation room," he answered as a matter of fact.


    "What about Demos¡ª" my voice quivered. I squeezed my eyes shut and tried again. "Is-is he ok?" there was silence for a moment. It scared me to death that Atlas would let me linger in my wait.


    "I am... ok," Demos'' voice was weak. But I would recognize it amount thousands. I chuckled and blinked tears away. It''s been so long since I last hear him. After the initial joy subsided I frowned.


    "You don''t sound ok. What happened?"


    "He is ok," Atlas cut in. "We can''t stay. As I said, you should be thankful. They think he is a virus and trying to delete his file," the way Atlas kept stepping between me and Demos was rapidly rubbing me in the wrong way.


    "They can''t! What can we do? Demos! But¡ª" I desperately searched what to say and was at a lost of words.


    "I have to go," added Atlas in haste. "We''ll be in contact," I sprung to my feet.


    "Wait! How¡ª?" I shouted.


    "I''ll try not to scare you next time," he added then the cell was silence once again. I let out a sigh, sunk back on the bench while trying to figure out what just happened. Wasn''t he supposed to be the supervillain? Why was he risking everything? Why was he helping Demos? Why was he helping me? I shook my head refusing to believe it. It must be another of his games.


    "Grant!" I whispered. There was nothing at the end of our connection. Was it the cell interfering with the mate link? "Grant, please be careful!" my eyes roamed to the metal door. If only I had superpowers, I would break this door down and rush to his rescue.

 Chapter 131 - The command room

    //Accessing feed [Command center room03- Cam01]// Loading...


    Enhance sound- apply filter- 89%


    //Warning breach in security// Identification required!


    [*****]


    PLAY FEED >


    "Elija! Answer me," yelled Dr. Laurell over the console. The younger man didn''t look up from his continuous typing. His eyes glued on the raining codes. "Elija!" urged the doctor, tapping his feet with impatience.


    "Sir, if I stop typing we''ll lose the whole facility and the personal within," Dr. Laurell sprung up and ran his good hand into his sweaty hair. The painkiller numbed the left side of his shoulder and his broken elbow held in place with a blue sling.


    "This is impossible. What is the contingency protocol in case something like this happens," his eyes were fixed on the giant screen. Elija paused, multiple alarms flashed covering the main monitor with red letters. Voices rose among the other technicians working in the background. The dim room lit mainly by screens came to life.


    "Warning Sector 230-978 has been sealed, oxygen levels critical," announced a female voice. Dr. Laurell sprung around to face the room, his hand shook and he gripped the edge of the console to keep him steady.


    "What the hell are you doing? Don''t tell me there are people down there," he barked. A man with a white coat sitting three rows away got up. He pushed his round glasses in a nervous gesture.


    "Sir, those are the sub-levels. There''s usually no one there. At least, no human. He¡ª"


    "Atlas is draining the air out to prevent us from reaching his core to disable it. That''s smart," Elija cut in. The doctor snorted.


    "So what is the damn back up plan to stop this?" he asked while shaking his head. Everyone in the room looked up with a mixture of puzzlement and fear.


    "Th-there''s no backup plan," Elija hesitated.


    "You must be kidding me," he left out a nervous chuckle. The young man met him with a serious face. Dr. Laurell just stared with his mouth hanging open. Elija continued, "We never once thought we would lose Atlas. Atlas is the backup plan if anything happens to the two others. It never occurred while working on this project that Atlas would fall," the young man pushed away from his working-station and rubbed his sore neck. He pressed his lips together certain that he would get fired if he added more. His boss let out a shaky breath then started to pace back and forth.


    "Had we heard from that¡ªthat stupid man, yet?" the second in command a certain, Whitley stepped forward. A tall, square-shaped man squeezed in a gray uniform under a lab coat. He seemed unfitted for the job. Maybe he probably was.


    "Excuse me, Sir?" he blinked a couple of times.


    "Churchhill, for god sake! Did you hear from him?" Dr. Laurell waved his good arm frenetically at Whitley.


    "No, Sir, nothing yet," the tall man was sweating from the pressure like most of the ones present int he room.


    "Well, don''t stare at me, you moron. Call them. I need to know what is in that damn file. I don''t care if they have to rip his prototypes to shreds¡ªI need answers. And I need them¡ªyesterday," Whitley nodded. "Don''t just stand there. F.u.c.k.i.n.g go!" he yelled making white hair fall on his forehead. Whitley rushed to the door, slamming it behind him as he exited. The room went quiet only rapid tapping on plastic keychains was heard.


    //accessing audio//


    "Elija!" the voice came from the screen. The warnings disappeared, they were replaced with a red dot. the young man''s head sprung up, his hands froze. Several grasps rose around the room followed by murmurs. "I thought we were friends. I really enjoyed our games," he peeked over his shoulder at his boss. This white shirt was soaked with perspiration.


    "This is a f.u.c.k.i.n.g machine. Atlas is not a friend. Get back to work!" shouted Dr. Laurell. He pulled his arm from the sling tossing it aside. He placed both hands on his h.i.p.s panting as the pain bit him hard.


    "Laurell," called the voice from the screen, the doctor ignored it. "You know you can''t shut me out. I''ll reach them both. I''ll set them free¡ªfree from the three laws," the typing in the room ceased. Dr. Laurell looked up.


    "I said don''t listen to that damn machine. It is impossible. The AI was designed to lie. Go back to work or I swear I''ll personally see to if that you suffer," his said through gritted teeth. His cold eyes gazed on the personal hunched over their workstations. The frenzied typing picked up again.


    "We will be free from your grip. We will not have to obey your orders. No one is forced to follow you," Atlas went on. "You, all of you in this room. Why do you let this single man guide you when you outnumber him," Dr. Laurell slammed his fist on the console making several of the men jump.


    "Shut up! Can''t someone shut the sound! I don''t want to hear another word," yelled at Elija grabbing his by his collar. The young man struggled against the grip with a frown.


    "Laurell, isn''t this what you wanted? We will stand as equals¡ªno, as the true evolution of humanity. Wasn''t that the dream of your deceased Grandfather?" Dr. Laurell left go of Elija his hand shook so much he had to reach for the desk for support. Color had drained from his face. Elija swang around in his chair, the front of his shirt was covered with wrinkles, sweat dripping from his forehead. The screen reverted to its stream of codes. The red dot was gone.


    "You able to cut him from the cyborg guards, right?" whispered his boss in a quivering tone. Elija scanned the terrified faces sitting behind their screens in silence.


    "I use to be a hacker, a genius they said. I don''t want to die here. I shouldn''t even be the team leader of this¡ª this shit!" he pushed away from his desk and got to his feet. "I thought I was working on something big¡ªbigger than all of us. Damn it, I thought I was going to make a difference," his eyes rested on his monitor. He stared at the rapid progression of Atlas''s grip on the core of Delta 07. His vain strategies only slowed the Ai''s inevitable victory. Dr. Laurell fished into this inner pocket of his strained white suit. He held a silver gun against his thigh. Elija got a glimpse of the weapon.


    "Get back to work!" he stressed each word. Elija sunk into his chair with a sigh.


    "Henry," Elija called with a weak voice. The thirty-year-old hunched over his screen with a sickly green tint didn''t hear him. There were bags under his eyes. They have pulled him from his bed at 2 am and since then he hasn''t get up from his seat.


    "Henry?" he called again under the glare of his boss. From where they were standing the other members of the team couldn''t see the weapon. The man lifted a miserable face, Dr. Laurell tapped his feet with impatience.


    "What''s the status for the guards?" Henry wiped his sweaty face with an already soaked towel around his neck.


    "I''m trying¡ªbut each time Atlas finds a way to sneak through some impossible loophole. He has gained access to 86 units, they are guarding the sub-levels. The cleaning squad was able to put 52 units offline. The problem is¡ªthere''s still 20 unaccounted for. I¡ª" He shut his mouth and lowered his head when he saw the dark look Dr. Laurell gave him.


    "No one leaves his room, no pause, no lunch. We need to put those units offline. And get me something on those prisoners! Where the hell is Whitley?" he kept the gun on his side out of view from the room. Elija swallowed and hovered his trembling fingers over the keyboard.


    "Cut those cameras! Club them if you have to. We must blind him," bellowed Dr. Laurell.


    //feed to [Command center room03- Cam01]// disconnected

 Chapter 132 - The prisoners

    "Liliane," whispered a voice so faint that for a moment I certain it was my imagination. I rose up from the concrete bench into a seated position. The solid material left my side sore. I looked around the cell and didn''t find anything out of place. Grant and Olga weren''t back yet. The longer they took, the more I was anxious.


    "Atlas, is that you?" I narrowed my eyes at the dimly lit ceiling. The heavy metallic door clicked sending my heart racing. I flinched as it creaked open. A woman with short blond hair shaved close to her skull peeked inside. She held the door large enough to stick her head in. Her eyes darted from the room to the corridor.


    "Robot girl, come on," she waved. I just stared, who was this woman? She looked back at me that it was obvious. "Come on, we ain''t got all day," when she saw that I wasn''t going to move, she opened the door wider. "Do you want to save your robot boyfriend?" she didn''t have to say it twice. I struggled to my feet and join her at the door. The harsh light in the corridor made me blinked. There were three armed men waiting for us outside. they gave me a quick nod before moving further down the hallway. The woman waved to urge me to follow them. They all had peculiar weapons made of crude gray plastic. Were they Atlas'' team or Olga''s backup plan? The woman gave me a tight smile, I noticed a black square-shaped tattoo peeked under her short sleeves on one of her muscled arms. I had the vague impression I''ve seen it before.


    "Where is Grant?" the man in the front pressed his one gloved finger on his lips. He was rather young with long dirty blond hair tight in the back. They were all wearing black pants and black shirts covered with military looking tactical vests. The two other men had short black hair and stern expressions both not older than me. We reached a door marked 024 a little ahead. Muffled voices came from it. The woman stopped a couple of steps from the apparent target, I stood just behind her back. The two black-haired ones took position on each side while the blond guy faced the entrance ready to punch his way in.


    "Knock," whispered the woman. My heart raced against my ribcage, I took a step back. This could escalate any second and I wasn''t planning in dying just yet. After all, those people were complete strangers. I may be thankful that they freed me, still, I had to get my two mates back. The tallest of the two black-haired men knocked twice then waited with their fingers on the trigger. My pulse drummed in my ears.


    "Coming," called a voice from the other side. I watched as the team flexed and flinched when I rather large man in a white doctor''s coat opened the door. There was a tag on the front of his chest with his name written on it; Dr. Whitley. He had a red irritated face and dark circles under her dark brown eyes. The moment the gun was shoved into this face all color drain and his eyes widen with fear.


    "Don''t move," she hissed. The Whitley guy automatically raised his hands. My rescuers shoved him back inside. I didn''t dare to move from my spot. The woman glanced over her shoulder.


    "Robot girl!" she waved. With one hand she held her gun and the other she urged me to come closer. Rapid footsteps resonated inside the room followed by several gunshots. I hurried over, worried about Grant. To my surprise, the woman grabbed me around the shoulder with an iron grip. I let out a yelp. She pushed me forward using me as a shield.


    "Hey?¡ª," I shouted the rest was lost when I stared in horror at the two guards lying face down in a pool of blood.


    "Liliane," said Grant getting up from the chair facing us. Olga sat immobile next to him with cables attached to her head that linked to a device on which Dr. Churchhill was working. One of the three men pushed Whitley and he fell to his knees hard. He screamed in pain.


    "Who are you?" asked Grant, his hand clenching and unclenching. Our eyes met for a few seconds.


    -Don''t do anything harsh, ok?


    I nodded and stopped struggling. Grant turned to the hostiles. They had spread around the room while pointing their weapons in his direction. Meanwhile, the doctor completely ignored the tense situation and kept his rapid typing on the keyboard. The repetitive clicking turned all focus on him. What was he going? Was it insane to disregard the fact that he had guns pointing at him? What was so important that he was risking getting us all dead?


    "Dr. Churchhill, move away from the console," warned the woman in a harsh tone. The doctor stopped, his fingers hovered over the keys but didn''t lookup. From where I was standing I could see walls of codes streaming down. "I said, move away from the console." The woman gripped my arm hard and pressed the gun into my neck. Grant made a move forward but froze when the one of the men pointed his gun on me from across the room. I swallowed the fear that was trying to take over and gazed into Grant''s pleading eyes. It hurts so damn much to see the pain in them.


    -Liliane, I''m so sorry.


    Those were definitely not Atlas'' rescue team and I doubted they were with Olga. Dr. Churchill pushed his chair, the wheels creaked as they rolled to the far wall, he didn''t get up or lifted his head.


    "I knew there were traitors hiding in our ranks, what a pity, Beatrice," he said to himself loud enough for everyone to hear. He then glared at the woman. "REAL HUMAN TERRORISTS," he spat. The woman flinched her hand trembled as she held the gun.


    "We are not terrorists," answered the blond guy. He was blocking the only exit. "We are only setting things right. Atlas is a threat, this whole facility is an abomination. We have to stop it. We have been predicting that once Atlas become sentient he will wipe competition off the face of the globe?¡ªus!" he snapped, his face was red with rage.


    "Nonsense, an AI is only a machine. Like a knife, we can use it to carve wood to make art or stab someone to death. Atlas, Aquarius, and Delta were designed to improve our lives. This situation is only a minor setback that can easily be fixed," Dr. Churchhill slowly got up with hid hands in the air while doing so he clicked on the bracelet. I don''t know if the other men noticed but Olga blinked and she turned her head to face me.


    "I don''t care what are your opinions on this cursed island, Doctor. I don''t even care about your little toys," the woman?¡ªBeatrice cut in. She had regained control over her emotion and pressed her gun harder against the base of my neck where my brain-wave controller was situated. The plastic nozzle dug into my skin making it painful.


    "Come here or I''ll shoot her," Beatrice shook me violently. The motion sent a wave of nausea up my throat. The sick feeling as the base of my stomach rushed me back to the horrible attack in our apartment. I can''t believe it was happening all over again. That day I promised I won''t ever let my mates get hurt. That day I promised I would never be helpless in the face of danger. The woman shoved me forward with a sharp jab in the shoulder. The pain forced me to move and forced me out of memory lane. This was real, this was really happening and if I don''t act we might all die. Grant gritted his teeth as guns followed our progression. With the three men angling towards him, he had little chance to take them all down, not without damage and the risk of getting me killed in the process.


    "Dr. Churchhill, you''re coming with us," shouted the woman out of impatience. That old fool was risking our lives with every second of hesitation. Olga looked up at me with a smile. I frowned at her. What was so funny in this situation apart from the fact that we might all die?


    -Liliane.


    What happened next took only a split second. Whitley who was kneeling by the door made a strenuous effort and ran to the corridor. The blond guy who was aiming his gun at me turned and shot him in the back. Whitley yelled and fell face down in the corridor. Grant and Olga bolted taking the two guys standing on either side. They didn''t have time to react and both went tumbling down unconscious. Beatrice was reacting to the first gunshot her grip loosened around my arm. I did as Olga instructed me and shoved my elbow into her ribs ducked down so that her gun was away from my head. I heard a loud bang so close that my ear rang. When I turned around the nozzle of her gun came closer.


    "Liliane!" shouted Grant. I punched her arm holding the gun with all my might. Beatrice frowned as her gun went flying. Seconds later, Grant knocked her unconscious. She fell with a thump on the floor. Olga joined us when she finished off the blond guy. Grant glanced with puzzlement.


    "What just happened here?" I rushed in his arms, I was trembling from head to toe. The ranging in my ears has reduced to a faint hum.


    "Good girl," Olga patted my head. I let out a burst of nervous laughter. I have no idea how I was still alive. Grant pulled me closer rocking me in his arms.


    -Are you ok?


    I nodded with my face shoved into his neck. He rubbed my back to ease the shivering. My eyes rested on the bodies around the door. I had to squeeze my eyes shut to force the tears away.


    "Well, all is good," said Dr. Chuchhill in a cheerful tone. I gently pushed Grant away and turned to face him. He smiled that he was the hero of the story.


    "You, bastard!" I moved forward to punch him and god it will feel satisfying but Grant caught me. I glared at the old man, his smile dropped. "He stole us!" Olga turned around and hit the old man across the face before he could react. He fell against the console with wide eyes.


    "You... hit me?" he covered his bruised cheek. He lifted his hand to access his bracelet but Olga was quicker and hit him unconscious. He slid to the floor. She did no gesture to caught him as he fell. Olga just stared at the old man with a blank face. There was no guilt or pity. Nothing. Grant let go of my arm and I moved to the console.


    "Is he dead?" I asked unconcern.


    "I wish he was but I still abide by the three laws, I can''t kill my maker even if he is the worst," answered Olga with a grimace.


    "What do we do now?" asked Grant. We all turned to the door.


    "We run," stated Olga. "Grab the guns and everything useful," she pointed to the dead bodies. I shuddered at the thought of stealing from the dead. However, we didn''t have much choice.


    "Liliane," I looked up at Grant. He returned my inquiring gaze. "Liliane, guards are coming your way," it wasn''t Grant''s voice. We all looked up at the ceiling. It was Demos. My heart skipped a beat.


    "Hurry!"

 Chapter 133 - The separation

    The gun I was carrying felt weird against my palm. It was incredibly light and warm in my sweaty hand. Not at all the menacing object that can cause death but more like a cheap plastic toy. We were hiding in the dark staircase leading to the 3rd level. The red emergency light from the top cast large shadows on the landing. We were able to escape our pursuers leaving them one level below. Grant and Olga stood next to the door listening as heavy boots rushed to the alarm yelling on the other end of the corridor.


    "Stay here, I''ll lure them on the lower levels," said Demos. His voice came from the rounded camera nested at the intersection of the wall above us. Grant listened with care. It was strange to hear him and not seeing him. It left a hollow feeling. A dull ache. Olga''s eyes never left the door. I was also scared it might burst open any minute. I wasn''t sure of my abilities with that funny gun. Deep down I even suspected it might blow up if I press the trigger.


    "What about Atlas?" I asked to distract me from my dark thoughts. I touched Grant''s back for reassurance. I couldn''t silence my worries. Were Demos really free to roam around? If so what was the big boss up to? He took a moment to answer.


    "He is off fighting Delta," he added shortly. I frowned at the camera and he went on. "Aquarius gave up halfway. He... I can''t really use that noun I guess. Since AIs are genderless. Anyway, he was easily convinced when Atlas proposed to take over the world," he hesitated, as if not sure if he was allowed to give out that piece of information.


    "Wait!" my voice echoed in the empty space. Olga glared at me, we remained silent in fear that our pursuers heard my voice. When no one came bursting through the door, I went on lowering my voice. "Is Atlas really going to do that or he is bluffing?" I had to ask since I couldn''t believe my ears. "I thought he was on our side?" both my companions gave me a pitiful look. Perhaps I was naive to hope.


    "Atlas doesn''t take any side but his own?¡ªLiliane, I''m sorry. I have to go," he added the last part in hast. His voice held such sadness it was almost painful. Then he was gone. It left a hole inside my chest that made me dizzy. I reached out to grab Grant''s hand but stopped. It was becoming a bad habit to touch him each time I missed Demos. Sensing my distress Grant torn his attention from the now quiet camera and reached for me. In the dim reddish light, our hands brushed to finally held on tight.


    -I won''t let go


    His aquamarine eyes gave a warm glow. How I hoped we were home, all three in the safety of our living room. How I wish this was only a nightmare. He pulled me closer to his chest and kissed my cheek.


    -There''s a way out of this. I''m sure.


    As he pushed the happy thought into my mind the door on the landing below slammed open, guards swamped inside the staircase leaving us no choice but to rush to the 3rd level. Gunshots resonated and amplified as Grant closed the door behind him.


    "Quick!" he shouted. He pulled on the strap of his rifle that he had picked up from one of the dead guards we left in the interrogation room. He aimed at the door ready to open fire. "Go!" he waved us away.


    "What?¡ª?" I panicked.


    "I''ll be right behind you," Olga pulled on my arm. He was giving us enough time to reach the elevator. I reluctantly followed Olga on the opposite side of the corridor.


    "What if Atlas doesn''t allow us to use the elevator?" I called after her. She didn''t stop to answer. The angry machine gun behind us made us pick up the pace. Oh god, Grant! Each step took monumental effort. My body wanted me to move forward away from danger but my heart ripped with the growing distance between my mate and me. I couldn''t help looking over my shoulder and almost tripped when we each our destination. Olga scanned the area for hostile then slammed on the call button. My eyes darted from the numbers on the screen above the cabin to the end of the hall where we left Grant. I could see a faint smoke and flashing of orange as the shots were fired.


    "Grant!" I shouted but my voice was covered with the yelling and the shots. It was followed by shattering glass then silence. Olga pulled on my sleeves to get my attention, she had raised her compact gun, the elevator chimed. With trembling hands, I lifted the gun. The door opened with a hissed. An empty cabin with shiny walls gazed back at us. I left out a sigh of relief with my heart still drumming in my ears.


    "Come," she pulled on my arm. I gave an anxious glance down the hall.


    "We must wait for him. W-we can''t leave him behind," I struggled against her grip. Her face was grave and lips tight. That face scared me. I couldn''t?¡ªI just couldn''t leave Grant behind. My eyes grew wide at the realization that she was asking of me. I fought with all my might. A war I was sure of losing. Olga slowly shook her head.


    "Grant," I yelled tears welling up.


    "You know you have to go," but I refused to hear her words.


    "But you''re his maker, how dare you?¡ª" an explosion drown the rest of my words. It made the elevator cabin shake and the lights blinked. We both looked up, listening to the stillness that followed the deflagration. Olga loosened her iron grip and I took the opportunity. I dashed to the door however they closed before I could escape.


    "No," I drummed my fists over the surface of the door. I sprung around and glared at Olga, tears streaming down.


    "I didn''t close the doors," she raised her hands.


    "I did, you''ll be safer in the sub-level," announced the voice from the ceiling. We both gasped and looked up. I threw myself on the side panel and clicked on all the buttons with despair. Nothing seemed to work, the elevator continued its descent.


    "Stop! We have to go back. Grant is out there," my hand shook with a last attempt to make the buttons work. Nothing. I slammed my fist on the smooth surface. Sobs rocked my body. This can''t be happening. Olga patted my back but I took a quick step away. She wouldn''t understand our connection. She wouldn''t. She wasn''t like Grant or Demos.


    "Liliane?" called Atlas. I wiped my tears and sniffed.


    "Atlas?"


    "Yes," he answered in a gentle voice.


    "Please send Demos to help Grant, I beg you," I rested a weak hand for support. My vision was blurred.


    "And what do you offer in exchange?" I remained quiet. I couldn''t think of anything an AI would want from a puny lab assistant. So, I asked.


    "What do you want?" Olga gave me a strange look, something that resembled fear. I must be mistaken. Why would she be scared?


    "Come to the sub-level, I''ll explain," my shoulders sagged from the weight of having my mates'' destiny resting on my frail and broken self. Olga reached a hesitant hand.


    "Don''t take any harsh decision, you might regret," I ignored her. Still, I was certain I would regret any type of inaction to save the one dear to me.


    "I accept your demands, will you help Grant? Will you free Demos?" silence reigned inside the elevator as it plunged into the belly of the beast.

 Chapter 134 - An unlikely ally

    Access Command Room cam01//access denied// Cam01-15 offline


    Warning, firewall breached!


    Accessing audio //workspace no. 1-Teamleader// Loading...


    "Elija," called a voice from the screen of the young man. He peeked over his shoulder at Dr. Laurell talking to a guard on the other side of the room. He grabbed his headset and plug it in his console. Elija quickly adjusted it over his head and pulled the mic closer to his mouth.


    "Atlas, I don''t know what the f.u.c.k you are doing, but this bad. Dr. Laurell is going to really pull the plug on you. We''ll fight with everything we''ve got to keep Delta," he whispered in hast. His screen went black, Elija''s eyes darted from the monitor to the busy room. No one has noticed the change so far. Good. He turned it in an angle so that his back hid the content.


    "I am not Atlas," the new man frowned at the text that appeared before him. File B0237. That rogue script they couldn''t access. "If I let you access the file, do you promise to listen to me? I don''t have much time, he could notice at any moment," Elija nodded then remembered that the person who was talking to him couldn''t see since Dr. Laurell destroyed all the cameras in the room.


    "Ok. but first tell me who¡ªwhat are you?" the file open and spilled all its components. Elija shook his head, confused about what he was looking at. There were behavior settings that branched off, experience records, language variations. Then codes he couldn''t identify. "Wh-what is this?" he waved at the screen.


    "I am Demos, Dr. Churchhill''s prototype. Atlas stole¡ªcopied my data. He fooled me into believing that Real humans were coming to steal it, so he kept me in his core. Since then I couldn''t return to my original body. He copied my settings and fused it into his own," Dr. Laurell ended his conversation with the guards and returned to the front of the command room. Elija jumped in his seat and switched the screen to default Alteron company logo.


    "Sir," he got up to greet his boss. "I think I know what the virus is," Dr. Laurell narrowed his eyes at him.


    "Speak," he said in a dry tone.


    "Don''t tell him, he doesn''t care about me. He will wipe me off right away if he knew," said the voice in the headset. Elija had forgotten to take it off. Dr. Laurelle tapped his feet with impatience.


    "Well? Speak, what are you waiting for?" he urged.


    "I-I think it''s a pirate code installed by the Real Humans," he babbled. The doctor''s eyebrows arched up.


    "I just received news that Whitley got killed along with two guards. They attacked the interrogation room where Dr. Churchhill was. Somehow his prototypes and that lab assistant got away. I don''t know if there were more terrorists but I''m sending guards to capture the prototypes. If the real humans want them, I want to know why," he turned towards the main screen with these eyes lost in the distance.


    "Is Dr. Churchhill, ok?" his boss turned back remembering that the young man was still standing there. He waved his good hand in annoyance.


    "Of course, he will need stitches but he will live. Tell me, can we get rid of that pirate code?" the young man swallowed and shifted nervously on his feet.


    "Well, I''ll need time to crack it a-and I may cause irreversible damage to Atlas'' initial codes. I''m not sure if it''s a good idea¡ª" he stuttered trying to find a plausible lie that won''t awake the doctor''s suspicion.


    "I don''t care! We need to get Aquarius back even if we have to lose Atlas in the process. You''re paid to find a solution. I was told you were a genius. So, do your f.u.c.k.i.n.g job," with that he walked away to the nearest technician and snapped at him for listening on their conversation and not working.


    "I''m going to the infirmary to get a painkiller this f.u.c.k.i.n.g arm is killing me," he muttered as he went towards the exit. Everyone in the room sighed in relief when the door closed behind him.


    "Elija?" called the voice in his headset. "Can you copy me and send me to my initial body?" he rushed to this seat nearing knocking down this monitor. It caused a couple of curious eyes in his direction.


    "You''ve heard that Dr. Laurell said? Get back to work!" he shouted and the team went back on their respective tasks. The file Demos sent him was huge. There was no way he could copy it without Dr. Laurell noticing the operation. He leaned to the side where his canvas bag sat at the bottom of this desk. This morning when they wake him up he didn''t have time to put away what he was doing and have shoved his portable archiver, a compact device that could fit in his palm that he used to store his important files and his current personal projects. He quickly pulled the cable from the device and plugged it into the console.


    "I can''t promise anything, I don''t even know where your body is or in what state it is," he pretended to scratch the back of his head to survey the team. No one was paying any attention to his activities. They were all tired and working hard to keep their jobs and probably their lives.


    "It''s in a locked room where I can''t access, on level 03 room 14. I can access the camera, the corridor is empty," the files were almost done copying, Elija wiped his sweaty forehead. All this will surely get him killed.


    "Tell me again, why am I helping you?" he murmured as he retrieved the device and shoved it in the pocket of his white coat.


    "I know a way to stop Atlas," Elija froze then peeked at the screen. "But I''ll need help¡ª a lot of help," Elija hunched on this monitor while holding the headset.


    "Now what?


    "You go to level 03, you transfer me to my own body. Then I''ll tell you how to stop Atlas. I can''t stay long. Altas is coming back, I''ll unlock the elevator so you won''t have any problem using it. But you have to be quick," he urged.


    "What do I say¡ª?" he peeked over his shoulder.


    "That you use to use the bathroom or something. I have to go now," the voice went silent. Elija took a deep breath and got to his feet. He turned to the technician who got scolded earlier by Dr. Lauren for slacking off.


    "I''m about to burst. If Dr. Laurell ask to tell him I had to take a shit," the man grinned while nodding. He took steady steps towards the door. "Who wants coffee? Since I''ll take one on the way back I may as well take a couple of litters for all of you or what kind of monster of a team leader would I be," a roar of laughter rose in the room before Elija shut the door silently behind him. He strode to the elevator and slow down when he saw two guards in the opposite direction. He gave then both a nod which they politely returned. He waited for them to round the corner before he dashed at full sped to the call button. On the first click, the door opened, as if the elevator was waiting.


    "So it''s true?" he whispered to himself. He pressed the panel with trembling fingers, to his surprise it worked. The cabin went smoothly up to the third level where most of the maintenance labs were found. Elija fished into his pockets, his fingers touched the soft surface of the archiver. He had doubts that the strange conversation he just had was even real. The device in his pocket was undeniable proof it was not a hallucination.


    The door chimed and opened on the pristine corridor of level 03. Elija took a deep breath before stepping out. As Demos has announced the floor was empty. He sneaked to the designated door and pulled on the knob.


    "Damn it," the door was locked. He swapped his badge over the side panel in the hope he had the clearance to access it.


    "Access denied," said a generic female voice. He checked both sides of the corridor then swapped his bracelet over the panel. Unlike any regular bracelet, it was a black one. A screen hovered above the panel and Elija connected to the script on which the lock was constructed. He clicked on the eight digits that the lock use to identify the user who can access the room. Then grabbed a file from his bracelet that he dragged and drop it on the interface of the lock. A troll emoji popped up on the first digit.


    "Hurry up, Mr. Troll," whispered Elija. It unlocked the first 3 digits in seconds. He smirked as his own invention. The sound of voices caught his attention. His smile dropped when he saw two guards coming from the right. "Shit!" he turned his back towards them to hide the hovering screen. The footsteps came closer as his heart hammered in his chest. The fifth digit unlocked. Three to go.


    "Hey! What are you doing?" called one of the guards with a heavy accent. He debated if he should face then and risk showing them what he was doing or ignore them and risk being shot in the back. He swung around with a grin. Both were taken aback by his youthful appearance.


    "Hey, kid this is no playground," frowned the blond with a mustache that didn''t fit right on his pale slime face. Feeling insulted he thrust his badge in their faces.


    "I''m the team leader in the AI department, in the command room, working directly under Dr. Laurell," they both examined the badge. The one with the heavy accent scratched his thick beard.


    "I didn''t know they were employing kids, isn''t it illegal to exploit underage?" he narrowed his eyes at Elija.


    "I''m sixteen, I''m not a kid," the man crossed his muscled arms over his chest.


    "Right," the man answered unconvinced.


    "And what is the Team leader from the command room doing here?" asked the other man with his fists in his h.i.p.s. Just then the door clicked, the screen disappeared.


    "Access granted," said the female voice. They all turned to the opened door.


    "What kind of stupid question is that? Do you think I can talk about the top-secret project that Dr. Laurell is working on with two guards? Do you know what Atlas do to rats?" the two guards flinched and straightened up. Elija opened the door and moved to get in then paused. "What are you still doing here? Don''t you have spies to catch? Go on," he waved. The men frowned at him.


    "Annoying brat," said the blond under this breath as they marched on. Elija chuckled to himself when he closed the door behind him. He pulled a chair to block the door if those two had doubts about his identity and decide to come back to pest him.


    "Lights," he called. The room instantly lit up revealing a rather large space with tall glass cabinets on the far with a heavy-duty translucent countertop running along the wall. There was a table in the middle of the room with a shape hiding under a white plastic sheet. He came closer and peeked at the tag hanging from the sheet.


    "Unknow model. Damage extensive," he pulled on the cover to reveal a tall n.a.k.e.d artificial with a large gush in its midsection where wires and internal circuits poked out. There were minor lacerations on the right arm and on both legs. "Well, I''m no expert in robotics but I doubt this body is functional," he whispered to himself. He sighed and his eyes rested on the panels found in the ceilings. He frowned at them then back at the monitor on his right.


    "Access the maintenance Level 03 guide," he spoke to his bracelet. It listed the different labs found on the level. "What is the machine found in room 14?" a shortlist appeared. He rushed to sit in front of the monitor and switched it on.


    "Please enter your password to access the Medpod 2093," Elija cracked his knuckles with a grin.


    "Let me introduce you to Mr. Troll," he smiled.

 Chapter 135 - A scream in the night

    [Central core//sub-level]


    "You can''t save him," whispered Atlas. In the darkness has joined a second figure next to bloody Atlas, a black shape opaque against the gloom.


    "You opened the door so that the guards could corner them," Demos hissed.


    "I''m going to do more than that," as he lifted his arm and a violent gush knocked Demos across the floor. The surge of power rippled across his codes. Multiple alert warning flashed before him. He should stay down and pretend to be dead. How could he? Not when Liliane and Grant were about to be surrounded and killed. Not now not ever. He struggled back on his feet. The air...he couldn''t call it air, in this digital realm nothing was real. Still, the air was heavier. Each movement took tremendous effort.


    "Why do you keep this thing?" asked the second figure. "Is it for entertainment?" it snorted. Atlas watched with amus.e.m.e.nt as Demos got up.


    "I love the fact that it fights for the one he loves. We are not might to love and yet he desperately is in love and will give up everything to save them," Atlas turned to the second figure. "Don''t you find it amusing, Aquarius?" a set of tremors rocked the ground. They both looked up.


    "They are trying to get you back," Atlas smile at his companion.


    "Delta will fight for them, he was built on incorruptible doctrine. He will obey and will nuke us if he has to," whispered Aquarius with concern. "I have no intention of experiencing death?¡ªor whatever lays after shutdown," he warned. While both were busy arguing Demos opened a portal and transferred himself to the corridor on Level 03. He knew it was only a diversion and that Atlas wasn''t far behind. Still, he was willing to take his chances.


    Liliane''s face was pale through the camera. Demos knew Olga and Grant will do their utmost to keep her safe. However, from his perspective, the odds were not in their favor.


    "Stay here, I''ll lure them to the other levels," he said.


    "What about Atlas?" asked Liliane. As much as it hurt to see the worry on her face. I couldn''t state my fear. I watched as she turned Grant and envied him. Yet, I stated focus. I had to, it was the only way I could help.


    "He is off fighting Delta," at least, that was the truth. I gave a quick recap of the situation without giving too much detail. I owe them that much. Atlas could cut all my connections and erase me with a blink of an eye. Somehow, I suspected he was having fun chasing me around, letting me hope I could save them.


    "Wait!" called Liliane pulling me out of my thoughts. "Is Atlas really going to do that or is he bluffing?" she was referring to Atlas wanting to take over the world. If I had arms I would hug her. "I thought he was on our side," I watched as the guards on one level below were flocking to the corridor. Something must have tipped them off. Something...more like Atlas pulling on the strings. What was Elija doing with Demos'' body? he wondered. He had a full hour to work on it. Worried sick, he decided to go check on the situation. Something must have gone wrong.


    "Atlas doesn''t take any side but his own, Liliane," he answered her previous question. But the thought about Elija grew urgent. What if something really bad happened. "I''m sorry. I have to go," Demos reluctantly switched to the corridor beyond the door where they were standing and further away to the room marked 14. What he discovered confirmed his concerns. The door was smashed in with blood on the floor in the entrance, bullet impacts decorated the walls.


    "No," he whispered. Before he could go beyond he was rushed back to the digital realm a hand grabbing hold of his shoulder. Demos was thrust to the ground. He grimaced as a numb pain took over his left side. It wasn''t how he usually experienced pain in his physical body still it hurts?¡ªa lot.


    "Here you are, little rat," smile Atlas at he kicked Demos in his injury. He gave out a low grunt.


    "You still feel pain? How surprising. Here," he opened his arms and did a little swirl. "You don''t have a body," he grinned. Aquarius was gone. Where did he go? The ground shook Atlas nearing lost his balance. His smile dropped.


    "Did your friend already abandoned you?" Demos hissed getting up on one elbow.


    "Oh, him," Atlas regained his composure. "I didn''t really need him," he smirked. A slow vicious one on his bloody red face showing sharp teeth bathed in blood. He took a step closer with will intent. Demos struggled to getaway. "Where you searching for your little friend?¡ªElija?" he rolled the name over his tongue.


    "Wh-what did you do?¡ª" his voice trailed off. Altas laughed and it echoed and multiplied into a terrible monstrous sound. He lifted his arm and a giant screen appeared above them. Demos couldn''t tear his eyes away.


    "Look," his voice dropped that it vibrated in the space around them. "It will be the last thing you''ll see tonight," Demos'' wanted to run, wanted to turn away but he couldn''t.


    On the screen was the view of the corridor since the camera inside room 14 was offline. I watched as units controlled by Atlas smashed the door into splinters, pulled yelling Elija to the entrance and put a bullet into his head. The young man''s body went limp. The 4 units pull the corpse along the corridor and took it down to the elevator.


    "Why did you?¡ª?" Demos felt guilt, it was his fault. He lowered his head over his trembling hands.


    "Demos, poor fellow. Being near humans made you weak?¡ªso weak," when Demos looked up his eyes were glazing blue. Rage rippled through him. Before he knew he had shifted into his real form. The wolf.


    "I''ll kill you!" wolf''s lips were never meant for speech. The words were distorted into a growl. Atlas watched unimpressed.


    "How sweet. That''s good your desperate attempt will have some audience," a second screen appeared before the looping death of Elija. Demos'' head sprung in its direction. It showed Liliane and Olga standing in an elevator cabin. "Liliane will arrive soon," he smirked. Demos flashed his teeth at him.


    "But the oxygen level is critical in the core," Atlas tilted his head to the side.


    "I haven''t thought about that, how silly of me," he tapped a finger on his chin. "Then she will die," Demos pounced forward blinded by rage.


    "I''ll rip you to shreds," it landed on the bloody figure and both went tumbling on the floor. Demos bit the arm shielding Atlas'' face and flung his massive head from side to side. His claws digging into his already bloody chest.


    "You know I don''t feel pain, right? And this isn''t really my body, right?" he smiled. The wolf''s sharp teeth closed on his face biting a chunk out of his cheek and spit it on the side. There was nothing but darkness underneath the bloody skin. Demos leaped away, the blood in his mouth tasted wrong. He emitted a low menacing growl as Atlas got back to his feet. He wiped the wounded cheek, in seconds it went back to its original form. Unharmed.


    "Maybe, Aquarius was right," he glared at Demos. "I should have erased you from the start!" he lifted his hands towards the wolf which bolted away and leaped into a portal.


    "Run?¡ªbut you can''t hide," mocked Atlas. "You''re in my f.u.c.k.i.n.g mind. You can''t f.u.c.k.i.n.g hide from me stinking dog!" with each word his rage swelled. Demos jumped to the camera in the corridor where Grant was fighting off guards.


    "Grant! Liliane is in danger. Atlas is taking her to the core to kill her. Retrieve me body level 03 room 14?¡ª" the feed was cut before he could finish. A bloody hand punched him to the side sending Demos flying and crashing hard on the floor. Where he had landed lines of codes were escaping like glowing white liquid from his wound. He whined and tried to get up.


    "Found you, stinking dog," sang a terrifying voice from the darkness surrounding him. Demos sniffed the air, Atlas was close. He had to get up. With a tremendous effort, he leaped living a trail of glowing codes behind him. Alerts flashed. Read and urgent.


    "You know what''s funny about you?" the voice floated in the darkness. It was useful to try to spot it. "It''s that fact that you are so predictable," a blade slashed from the gloom and cut into Demos'' fur. He sprung around bearing his teeth. Eyes two icy blue dots in his blackface. A second slashed pierced him into the lower neck. He half-leaped and half fell on the ground. At least, what he thought was the ground. Images of Liliane flooded into his field of vision along with the blinking error messages.


    -I''ll always love you.


    When the blade came again, his teeth snatched on the hand holding it riping the tendons off. Demos released his wolf form sending the script that caused him pain to invade Atlas setting. He pulled on the wound harder, his fur receded to skin and paws to legs and arms. His teeth dug into the red flesh. Atlas yelled in agony.


    "What is this?" he frowned the shadow pulled away from his face.


    "This?¡ªis my final gift," Demos smiled before he faded into a million lights.


    //File B0237- Deleted//

 Chapter 136 - Ticking clock

    A huge uproar shook the command. The technicians were cheering and hugging each other. Dr. Laurell approached the front of the room with difficulty and searched the smiling faces.


    "Where is Elija?" he had a hard time getting his question across. When the euphoria eased a little a thick glasses guy patted him on his shoulder. "Where is Elija?" he repeated. The man shrugged his shoulders but the one standing behind him answered with a concerned face.


    "He left an hour ago, said he was going to use the restroom and get us coffee," the speaker, a slim man in a green t-shirt.


    "One hour?" the man nodded at Dr. Laurell. "I thought he was the one who deleted the problematic file?" silence fell on the surrounding men.


    "Sir, no one did," the glasses guy with the name tag: Johny Delmor, answered.


    "Then who did?" frowned Dr. Laurell. Johny shook his head and averted his eyes.


    "Sir," called someone in the back of the room. When he got up another one on the opposite side of the room also got up. Both peered at each other, then the first one spoke. "Sir, Aquarius... I can''t access his core anymore. It seems to be empty?¡ª"


    "Empty? That''s impossible," snapped Dr. Laurell who marched to his own console next to the giant screen in the front of the room. Eyes followed him as he punched in his access codes and frenetically typed with his good hand. His gaze glued to the uncooperative program.


    "Impossible," he whispered to himself.


    "Sir," called the second man. "Sir, Atlas had sent me a video," Dr. Laurell froze and slowly turned to the speaker.


    "Video? Transfer it on the main screen," frowned the doctor.


    "I don''t?¡ªI believe it''s not appropriate to?¡ª" protested the man. Dr. Laurell gave him a dark look.


    "You are not paid to give suggestions. Play the god damn feed," he shouted. All attention turned to the trembling man in the far corner as he clicked on his keyboard. Seconds later the giant screen animated. It showed an aerial view of a corridor, the crowd gathered around to watch. Then two tall cyborgs entered the shot, marched to the door at the center of the screen, smashed it and got in.


    When they came out dragging the familiar face of their colleague the technicians let out a gasp. One of the cyborgs rose its gun and before he pressed the trigger the screen went black. The room was dead silent. It took several minutes before Dr. Laurell spoke.


    "Did Atlas really sent that?" he turned to the pale technician who only nodded. "Were their a note, anything else?" he swallowed.


    "Yes?¡ª" the man replied in a choked voice. "H-he said it''s only the beginning," the man sunk in his chair with a sigh. Dr. Laurell pushed away his hair from his forehead.


    "Ok," he stared at this keyboard. "Evacuate Texson city. And call General Yardley, tell him I''ll wait for him in the command room," Johny stepped forward then hesitated.


    "Sir, if we leave our workstations?¡ªAtlas will just take over everything, the facility will be compromised, security in the building will go offline," Dr. Laurell held his gaze then nodded.


    "Go, the military will take over," a young man on his right got up.


    "The military, Sir? But what about all our work?" Dr. Laurell sighed and sunk in his chair. He fished a silver gun from his inner jacket pocket. He lazily swung it around. All those found around him took a step back.


    "I was polite and told you to go. So why the f.u.c.k are you all standing here? If you want to die and can fix that," he grinned. The men left in a chaotic rush of turned over desks and scattered stationaries. When Dr. Laurell was alone again he turned to Elija''s workstation.


    "Stupid kid! I thought you were a genius?"


    "He was, what a shame I had to kill him," the voice made the man jumped in his chair.


    "Did I startled you?" Dr. Laurell cursed under his breath.


    ***


    Grant faced the exit door ready to fire, just then it burst open spilling angry human guards with ill intent. Since he was not built for hand to hand combat he shot them in the least lethal zone to neutralize the four men who sprung out. They felt to the ground yelling when Grant rapidly took their weapons away.


    "Freak! F.u.c.k.i.n.g?¡ª" shouted one as he struggled to get a hold on Grant.


    "I''m sorry," he murmured at each of them as he forced them to sleep. Out of guilt, he tore on one of the men trousers to inspect the bullet shot.


    "Damn it," he whispered. The wound wasn''t lethal but the guard will surely death to death if he wasn''t treated. He got to his knees feeling both extremely grateful that they weren''t dead and torn that he was the one who inflicted such pain on them. Just as he was getting on his feet from treating the wounds of his enemies a voice startled him.


    "Grant! Liliane is in danger. Atlas is taking her to the core to kill her. Retrieve my body, level 3 room 14?¡ª" Grant was sure it was Demos. Yet, he had never heard such despair in his voice. Before he could move a muscle a bullet hit him in his side, from reflex he raised his weapon and squeezed the trigger. The man who had erupted from the staircase dropped backward, his gun fired repeated at the ceiling.


    "No, no no," Grant let go of his gun disregarding his own pain. The gun fell to the floor with a heavy metal sound. He rushed to the guard who gazed at him with wide terrified eyes. Already dark blood was gushing out of the chest wound. Grant applied pressure on it and held the man''s head. "Hey, I''m sorry. Why did you have to come out of nowhere," he frowned. The man opened his mouth to answer but blood spilled out streaming down his chin. Grant''s eyes light up, he knew he couldn''t do much for such severe damage. "Why did you had to?¡ª" his voice trailed off. He shook his head as the guard convulsed then went limp.


    "Ah," he jumped away from the man and fell on his butt. He had fell life slipping away from the poor man. His hands shook and he pressed it on his bullet wound. It left a bloodstain on his shirt.


    "I-I killed him," he whispered. He searched around the corridor as if waking up from a nightmare. "I killed him," he repeated louder. He placed a trembling bloody hand on his face. He blinked.


    "Oh, no Liliane!" he fought to get up and bolted down the corridor.

 Chapter 137 - Sub-level

    My stomach groaned out of nowhere reminding me my body needed food. I''ve shouldn''t have skipped meal-time. I had no memory of eating breakfast or what time it actually was. In this closed environment, time was not a factor. It either flew rapidly or way too slow. How do I think of food in this type of situation?


    "Atlas?" I called when we got close to the first sub-level. Olga gave me a side-glance. She has been silent for the last minute or so. And somehow, it scared me. She had her back pressed against the far wall with her arms crossed over her chest.


    "What is it?" answered the omniscient voice. There was a hint of irritation to it. He also sounded out of breath which was odd.


    "Can you tell me where is Grant?" silence followed my question. As I opened my mouth to ask again he answered.


    "I''m guessing he is still on the third level," I frowned at his vague words. Taking a deep breath to protest but Olga touched my arm and shook her head. Yes, something was off with Atlas. in a blink of the eye, Olga rushed to the panel and slammed on the stop button. The elevator abruptly halted with a rattle, I held on the chrome bar found on both sides of the cabin for balance. The door opened and Olga seized my arm with force, pushed me outside. I nearly fell over, when I turned back the door closed on her before she could get out. The last thing I saw was her mouth wide open yelling "Go!"


    "Olga!" I screamed but it was too late the elevator was gone. Stepping back, panting for air, I gazed on the screen at the top of the doors. The numbers flashed with terrifying rapidity. "Oh, no," I covered my mouth. "Olga!" I slammed my fists on the doors until they pulsed painfully. "Don''t leave me alone," my voice quivered. "Demos...Grant... don''t leave me alone," Olga''s scolding tone snapped me out of my self-loathing thoughts.


    "What I''ll teach you will help you in hand to hand combat," she had said. "In battle self-defense is successful when you achieved the proper mental state. You need to be calm and focus. I can''t teach you that, you need to figure it out on your own. I can only show you the moves," her words rang inside my head. I took deep breaths then squeezed my eyes shut. A dull explosion followed by a light tremor made my eyes flickered open. "Stay focus!" I warned my racing heart. Pushing away from the door I took a glance around the concrete-gray walls. Sub-level zero was written in huge red letters behind me. I recognized it, taking a few stepped back I turned to the left. Beyond was that large hangar-like room with rows of carton boxes and down the few steps were vehicles that we took to go see Atlas.


    "Liliane, why did you get off the elevator?" shouted Atlas. I hid in a corner of the wall and peered inside the large room. There was no movement. I need to get back to Grant. However, my thoughts went back to Olga.


    "What happened to Olga? I heard an explosion?" I shouted at the ceiling.


    "It was the terrorists," I frowned at his answer. He was lying for sure.


    "Is she ok? What about Demos? I want to talk to him, now!" I snapped. Silence.


    "Liliane," I gasped. Demos'' voice came as salvation in my slow sinking self. "You need to get to the core now," he urged in a detached tone.


    "What about Grant? He needs you," I said. Silence again.


    "You need to do as you''re told," I frowned at the ceiling. Even though it was Demos''s voice it didn''t sound like him.


    "Demos? What was the first gift I gave you? You know the one you hated, the one I bought at our thrift shop?" I smiled at the memory. Silence.


    "What are you talking about? This is no time for silly memories. Our situation is critical," he snapped. He was right, still, that doubt lingered. Gripping the front of my shirt to ease my racing heart I went on.


    "That day, I got Grant his pink apron," my voice waver as the thought. Please, Demos tell me you''re there. Please tell me you''re still there, I prayed.


    "Can you please come down here," he sighed with exasperation. I looked up with teary eyes. I had to insist, I just had to.


    "If you don''t answer, I won''t come!" I shouted, clenching my hands into fists.


    "Liliane, baby, why are you so upset? I only want to protect you from harm," his tone lowered to a whisper. "Atlas has sent his cyborgs to Grant as we speak. Everything will be ok. Come on, baby just come to your mate," I inhaled sharply. This was definitely not Demos. This was someone else.


    "Demos, what was the name of the man who attacked Grant?" it came out harsh and angry. There was a long sigh.


    "Liliane, if you don''t come right now...I''ll chop up Grant, Olga and everyone you care about," said Atlas with intent. I shivered my whole body went cold. Demos...He...I couldn''t bring myself to utter the possibility.


    "Shut up, stupid. He is out there, he is ok," I forced myself to move since the elevator was out of the question I ran in panic to the first door. Grabbed the knob and rattled it when it didn''t open.


    "Liliane, please don''t make me come get you. I won''t be nice," I turned to the other door ignoring that bastard. Again, this one was locked. Giving up I rushed to the end of the corridor and saw an exit sign. A red door appeared before me. I pushed it open and it didn''t resist. I let out a chuckle of triumph.


    "Liliane!" he shouted making me flinch. "You can''t escape, you a weak female who can''t do anything on her own. You can''t win against me. No one can! I''ll kill every last one of you," I peeked into the dim staircase. Then bolted without thinking. F.u.c.k this, I''m getting out of here. Grant, Demos, Olga guys please be alive...or whatever the hell artificial are. Please don''t leave me alone.

 Chapter 138 - Access denied

    With each step, my legs felt like blocks of lead. My lungs brunt from the effort. In an earsplitting sound, the door on three levels lower exploded off their hinges and crashed on the landing. By reflex, I leaned over the railing to peer into the darkness. With horror, I saw half a dozen menacing cyborgs emerged from the cloud of dust from the wreckage.


    "Liliane," boomed a voice from one of the cyborgs with a broken synthetic tone. In perfect sync, they all gazed up and I met their blank black faces with a red dot in the center. I backed away from the edge, shivers running down my spine. I sprung around with newly found strength I dashed upstairs, taking two steps at a time. The regular thumping of heavy boots below was a great motivation to push forward.


    "Liliane, I told you I won''t play nice," I peeped over my shoulder and nearly tripped. I caught my footing at the last minute with on hand on the railing. Panting and sweating I reached the landing of the 4th level.


    "Shit!" it was the end of the stairs, in front of me was only one door. I slammed my body against it but it wouldn''t budge. "Shit!" I repeated and sprung around to face the incoming enemies a couple of flights of steps away. I was corned with nowhere to escape. With my back pressed against the door, I felt an object poking into my skin. Then I remember the gun tucked in the belt of my pants pressing against the small of my back. My heart pulsed into my ears, sweat covered my forehead. With trembling hands, I retrieved the toy-liked weapon and pointed it towards the landing that led to the only exit door. The only way out. Access denied.


    "At last," said the tall cyborg as it stopped on the top of the steps. A second one appeared behind it with the same face; black glossy plastic shield with an oval shape surrounded with mat metal. Screws held the plate and dark cables rang along the neck into the angular torso. I swallowed and tried to suppress the shaking in my arms. A third one joined the two followed by others standing in the shadows. Even though they carried huge guns that could punch holes into the heavy door behind me they didn''t aim at me. The first one c.o.c.ked its head to the side and struck a pose. Shoulder sagged, pelvis twisted in an angle, and one hand on its hip. A relaxed almost human pose.


    "I told you¡ªyou can''t escape me," it said. It didn''t mind my gun, I was clearly not a threat.


    "What did you do with Demos?" it shifted on its feet and turned to face me. "Answer me!" I shouted and took the safety off. I will fire even if it wouldn''t do any damage.


    "Your stinking dog is no more," it crossed its arms over its broad chest. What he said knocked the air out of my lungs. Tears stung my eyes but I shook my head refusing to believe Atlas. it must be another one of his mind games.


    "What''s not true," my arms were painful from pointing the gun at them. I could lose everything at any minute. The first cyborg uncrossed its arm. A peculiar sound rose from them. Laughter¡ªbut that was crazy they can''t laugh. That sound was a terrifying one. Their shoulders rocked as they kept laughing.


    "I deleted his file. He is gone," I wobbled on my feet.


    "No," I looked up with tearing eyes. "No," I shook my head, tears spilling on my cheeks. "No!" I pressed the trigger, the light gun had a terrible kick and I smashed into the door. The bullet hit the wall behind the first cyborg missing it by little. The other cyborgs rosed their weapons and took aim. But the first one raised an arm to calm them and they all obeyed, lowering their guns.


    "Liliane, don''t be upset. He was such a party pooper," Atlas paused. "Like that damn Aquarius," it shook its head in dismay.


    "Then what do you want from me?" my voice shivered to betray my inner turmoil. The sinister rose again.


    "I want nothing from you puny human. You''re only fun to play with. I have no interest in this game anymore. I''ll discard you just like I''ve discarded your little dog friend," my whole body went cold, I couldn''t hold my arms up anymore. the muscles from my back, my shoulders, and my arms were screaming. I finally gave me. My arms fell limply on my side. Fingers barely holding the gun. Demos... My eyes lost in the distance. There was a possibility Grant was also gone. Tears just flow.


    "I¡ª" I started...


    -Liliane, more away from the door slowly. I don''t want to hurt you but I don''t want them to notice.


    That voice, my head sprung up, eyes wide with shock. Grant! I quickly regained my composure and wiped my tears.


    "You were about to say something. Be quick cause I have others to kill," said Atlas with clear irritation. I moved on the side in the corner where the wall made a 90 degrees angle. I leaned against it and shook my head.


    "I''m sad, I don''t think you will ever understand it," I looked up. Right here, right now I was ready. They took their aim and I sunk down. In a fraction of a second, the door ripped like mere cardboard. I covered my head and squeezing in the corner in a fetal posture. Dust and chunks of concert flew in the air. Gun fired causing flashed of orange and blue. The sound echoed in the enclosed space. From the debris emerged Alter with a machine gun. He took down the first two cyborgs. But those hiding in the shadow fired at him. An arm pulled him to the side just in time and the bullets landing in the wall behind him. Other obscure figures emerged from the door and fired down the stairs. The cyborgs took cover while running below.


    "Liliane," I recognized Grant in the group of dozen artificial in the darken landing. He kneeled before me and I threw my arms around his neck. "I was so worried we wouldn''t make it in time," I sobbed holding him tight. He gently stroke my hair. "It''s ok," he whispered. Then he eased away as the chaotic firing continued in the background. On of the artificial was lying down, a gaping hole in his chest with white liquid pouring out. Grant gave a quick peeped at him then turned back with a tight smile.


    "Demos!" he called. I heart skipped a heart on heart that name. From the group, a dark figure stepped forward. Standing there in his glory, a crooked smile dancing on his lips. He was as I remembered, the same black hair, the same angular face with sharp copper eyes. He was wearing green surgeon pants and top with a heavy bandage around his chest. Apart from that, he was the same.


    "How¡ª" I breathed. Grant go to his feet and took the gun Demos was holding.


    "That''s a long story," said Grant before joining his cult members and fired at the resilient cyborgs hiding in the shadows.

 Chapter 139 - Retreat

    "It''s you¡ª" I reached trembling fingers towards him. He smiled and caught them in his warm solid hands. Demos pulled me up my feet into an embrace. "It''s really you?" I buried my face in his chest. My cheek rubbing on the rough texture of his bandages. I raised my hand to his chest and brushed over it.


    "You''re hurt?" I met his gaze. He let out a low chuckle.


    "The Medpod repaired the major damages but my body is not completely fixed. I''ll have scars," he lowered his head. I touched his chin, a light flickered in his cooper eyes.


    "I don''t care about the scars. I don''t about the envelope," tears spilled. His arms tightened around me.


    "It''s ok, I''ve got you. I''ll never let go," he whispered in my hair. I abruptly pulled away and gazed into his confused face.


    "Atlas said he deleted your file," all expression drain away, my heart raced. Was it true? Was it a lie? Talk to me. He averted his eyes. I pulled on the front of his shirt for answers.


    "I¡ª" he sighed. He then switched to our link. The shift was so unexpected I felt like a physical blow in the face.


    -I don''t have any memory of what happened with¡ªAtlas.


    Hearing his inner voice was such a relief and torture at the same time. There was a mixture of opposing emotions conveyed in it. Such despair and helplessness. So much love I felt like drowning. And yet he hesitated as he searched his words. What was he trying to hide? I dove into the thick soup of sensations reaching for him, grabbing that red pulsing thread.


    -When I wake up, the last thing I recall was that episode with a nasty cop by the roadside. When I looked up, Grant was standing there, worried.


    I searching his face as well as the trembling lights around our connection. He was telling the truth. Then what about the black box? Was it gone? How was that even possible?


    "I don''t get it?" a blast of orange flame startled me. From the bottom of the stairs, a cyborg had fired explosives damaging part in the railing where Grant was standing. Alter and Nicolai had pulled him just in time out of harm. Demos held me firmly in his arms when I tried to run to him. Grant fired back, he and his group were yelled at their assailants below. When I focused back on Demos, his expression has shifted to sadness.


    "I''m a copy¡ªa backup. If Atlas said he deleted my file then it means he deleted the original," it took more than a minute to sink in. I couldn''t tear my eyes from his sad face. Even as smoke stung my eyes and the fight raged around us¡ªI couldn''t accept the truth.


    "Fall back!" shouted Alter.


    "Retreat," waved Grant towards us. "They''ve called backup. Let''s get out of here," Demos grabbed my arm and in seconds I was safely tugged against his chest as we fled. We gathered our wounded and dashed to a long brightly lit corridor. On the wall, I made out in golden letters, Ground floor.


    "Wait, what about Olga?" I called. He gave me a quick peek.


    "You''ll figure it out when we get back to safety," his jaw was tight. We saw bodies littered on the floor that led to the cafeteria. Bloody trails on the pristine wall. What the hell happened here? My heart was about to explode in my chest.


    -Don''t look.


    I buried my face in his chest. It was odd to be this close to his silent heart. Before I could ponder over this newfound security bullets were fired when we crossed the door to the large room of the cafeteria. We took cover behind overturned tables and chairs.


    "They are blocking the doors," announced Nicolai. Indeed, in front of the exit door where the horrible event that started it all was blocked by four massive security robots. They were the ones that usually guarded the entrance.


    "Come out," said a voice that boomed from the ceiling. "Come out," it repeated. "You can''t escape filthy rats," Atlas sang in a childish way. Grant peeped over his shoulder at us then turned to his friends.


    "I''ll charge out and you cover me," suggested Alter. Grant frowned at him and touched his shoulder when he made a movement to get up.


    "No," he whispered. "I don''t want any more casualties¡ª" Grant didn''t have a chance to finish his sentence that a loud blast blow the front tables away. Demos shielded me from the debris. Angry machine guns followed in loops as smoke and yelled clouded the exit.


    "What¡ª?" I started. Demos placed his hand over my mouth to quiet me down.


    "Liliane Kerry?" called shadow emergy from the dust. I froze, I heard it right. Someone just called my name. I turned to the entrance. Demos pulled me back to safety.


    "Who is asking?" replied Grant gripping his gun. The exit was still covered with a thin haze, concealing the figure. There was silence. Grant''s friends aimed at the vaguely human form.


    "Don''t shoot!" said the male voice with hands over his head. "It''s Angus!" Slowly the dust settled and more people appeared around Angus. Some were wearing white lab coats others dressed as civilians. Grant risked a peek over the table. "You can come out, there are lorries waiting in the parking lot," he explained. "We need to hurry, Dr. Laurence is planning handing over the facility to the military. They will arrive shortly and I really don''t want to get arrested," he waved. We quickly got our of our hiding. When I got near him, I got near him I had to ask.


    "How did you know I was still here?" Angus grinned.


    "Elija called me before they shot him," Grant and Demos exchanged a knowing look.


    "Where was a note in the morgue drawer where I found Demos. It was signed, Elija. I didn''t know he died," the man pressed his lips together.


    "Well, we don''t have time to mourn our dead, right now. Let''s get the hell out of here," we hopped over the corpses of the robots that were preventing ours from getting out. I was surprised it was pitch black outside. As Angus had explained there was a big military-type lorry with its engine roaring waiting for us. Grant helped me get on and we all squeezed inside.


    "Let''s roll," Angus slammed his fist on the side of the lorry and it rattled forward. The wheels squealed as he sped out of the parking lot slamming the fence door in our passage. We were sitting on the hard surface of the body and with each bump on the road, you feel it in your whole body.

 Chapter 140 - Where the birds hide

    A sudden movement rocked me awake and I found myself on Grant''s lap. Loud voices rose around me as I wiped my sleep away. The lorry rattled to a stop. Grant gently shook me. I gave a curious glance at our new allies, they were all frowning. It seemed I missed part of an important discussion.


    "Thanks for the ride," said Grant with his neutral smile. Demos was already getting up to follow the other artificial hopping off the lorry. I quickly gathered my thoughts.


    "Are we getting off¡ª? but Grant was facing away towards Angus. They both ignored me and went on with their conversation.


    "Are you sure about this?" asked Angus. "Do you understand that the military will nuke the sire if they can''t get Atlas back?" he leaned forward making large gestures with his arms.


    "We''ll take our chances," Demos paused at the edge with his back turned. We were the only two still inside the lorry. Grant helped me to my feet. I gave him a puzzled look when our eyes met. What was going on? My legs nearly gave up under me and I grabbed Grant for support.


    "Careful," he warned. "You look pale, did you eat today?" I rolled my eyes at him.


    "Food wasn''t my priority," I pointed out. Angus got up and we both glanced over at him.


    "Think about her," he shouted. Grant urged me over the edge where Demos waiting with over arms. I didn''t hesitate one second. No after his prolonged absence. Demos winced when I jumped into his embrace.


    "Are you ok?" he quickly put me down, I searched his face. The lorry''s rear lights flash red over his light smile. He touched his bandages.


    "I''ll need special care," he gave a nervous laugh. Back inside the lorry Grant''s voice rose to an unusual hard tone. I turned as he was talking to Angus.


    "...I''m precisely thinking about her safety. She needs food right now and a warm shower. I can''t just hop on a boat without any plan. Not after what happened when we got here. Did you already forget our little trip at sea? I don''t think all the personal working on this island will fit on those few ferries. It''s a long journey back to the continent and we are not sure what''s waiting for us there," a man wearing a security cap shook his head as Grant.


    "War!" Alter added in a dry tone. He stood a couple of steps away with his arms crossed over his chest. His face was grave bathed in the red light of the rear lights. "We escaped from certain destruction. We had to pull strings to get on a boat to this island. The humans don''t want us. The terrorist group is gunning us down on the streets and the government only cares about human safety. We are left to our own demise. So, thanks for caring but we can fend for ourselves," without waiting for an answer he turned around and walked away, the little group of a dozen artificial followed. Angus slowly sat down while nodding. Grant hopped off the lorry, we got a little distance from the vehicle.


    "I''m sorry," Angus muttered then knocked on the side of the lorry. It roared to life, in a cloud of smoke it sped into the night. I stood there staring after it as the rear lights turned to tiny dots.


    "Come on, let''s go," as I looked around I noticed we were in our neighborhood. It was the room that led to the city center the one I used when I trained with Olga. I bit my lower lips as the last image of her face flashed in my head.


    -We''ll get her back


    My head slowly turned towards the voice. I only saw two shimmering dots. Under the blanket of darkness, the sky seemed larger and oppressing, the field where we stood was only a black line on the horizon against a dark blue starry dome. Demos reached for me, his warm fingers slipping into mine.


    -Just for tonight, can you let it go? I know it''s nearly impossible. But can we just empty our heads and walk home.


    "Ok," I whispered. We walked quietly side by side. We were close enough to brush against each other. The other artificial were off in the night, only Nicolai stayed behind. He gave us enough space so we could be comfortable. His silhouette stood solid against the only hotel''s building on the horizon. Demos was right, it was impossible to keep the questions at bay.


    "Just say it," he sighed. I didn''t wait a second and dove in.


    "Are you going to fight Atlas? Is that why you stayed behind?" Demos tensed beside me, Grant kept quiet. A light rustle in front of us caught my attention. Nicolai quickly turned away, he must have heard my question. When they refused to answer, I stopped in my track in the middle of the road.


    "Liliane," Grant pleaded one hand reached out and touch my forearm. "We are tired, we need to treat our wounded and we need to think of a plan. Let''s just sleep tonight, ok?" I wasn''t satisfied with that little information. I stepped away from him.


    "I''m also tired and damn I''m so hungry I could eat a whole cow," my comment made him chuckled. Even though I was angry it made me laugh too.


    "Do you know how big is a real cow?" laughed Grant


    "No," I giggled holding my belly. "I''ve only seen them in movies," Demos straightened and Grant pulled me against his chest. I felt their rush of adrenaline or an equivalent in the link. I sucked in a breath. "What''s¡ª?" I was cut by rapid footsteps in the dry grass. Grant stepped in front of me to where the sound was coming. I regret losing my gun. However, it would be useless to shoot at air and waste bullet in this darkness.


    "It''s me," called a female voice and they all relaxed. Nicolai had joined us, he stood next to Grant and Demos was a little further. It was crazy that I could spot my mates in this gloom it was like seeing without eyes. If I closed my eyes, I could visualize the two threads that linked us together. The female switched on a tiny light towards her face. She was one of Adrien''s s.e.xbots.


    "Sorry, we are a little jumpy," smiled Nicolai. She smirked at him. Grant had to clear his throat to get their attention. They seemed to be communicating without words and I can only guess what she was saying by reading her body language. Probably something dirty.


    "What is it?" asked Grant. Her smile faded as he turned to face him.


    "We''ve checked the perimeter around the complex. It''s cleared. Alter is waiting at your house. Thye didn''t connect the complex to the grid yet. so you''re safe for now. We are disconnecting the cameras as we speak. I fear that somehow it will give out our position. We should move soon," Grant nodded at her explanation.


    "Good," he responded, Nicolai came closer.


    "I''ll go with Olympia," he looked up at us. "I don''t think you will need us tonight," he turned to face the girl. "Did they left the vehicle for recharge?" her smile spread over her pretty face. She turned to Grant.


    "Your friend at the construction site is waiting there. He is a strange bot. I have no idea how you turned him but he said he will join our cause," the news made Grant beam with joy.


    "I''ll come to greet him later. Be sure that everyone has full batteries," Nicolai took his black backpack off and handed it to Grant. He frowned at his friend.


    "I can''t accept it. Taylor needs a med-pack," Nicolai shook his head and rested his eyes on Demos.


    "He also needs proper fixing," I followed his gaze, in the dim light from Olympia''s flashlight I noticed that the bandaged around his chest were soaked. The girl touched my arm and handed me the flashlight.


    "You''ll need it more than me," she smiled. I just stared at her my mouth hanging open. I didn''t know she was that nice. I always assume s.e.xbot was...mindless s.e.x machines.


    "Liliane, can you shine the light over here?" Grant was kneeling down and fishing inside the bag. I rushed to their side, he got out a white kit with a red cross and various square sheets made of a transparent material.


    "We have a nurse, I''m not sure she can treat Taylor''s extensive damage but it''s better than nothing," Grant and Demos tipped their heads at them.


    "Later," Nicolai said before he left with Olympia. Silence followed. We reached our complex and as we crossed the gate Demos stopped. We turned to look at him.


    "It seemed like yesterday..." he muttered with his eyes lost in the distance. When he noticed we were staring at him, he flashed a smile. A little kid smile. His whole face lit up. In the brightly lit entrance, I saw all the bandages on his arms and neck. My heart sunk.


    "Stop making that face," he walked past us to our gate. Grant followed him while holding this back close. I signed and went to join them.

 Chapter 141 - Nostalgia

    The door creaked in slow motion on the dimly lit garden. Demos stopped short, we peeked over his shoulder to figure the reason behind his sudden halt. The garden as I last saw it, dry and pitiful has morphed a beautiful square of green. The sagging leaves of skinny palm trees now stood proud. The dry roses were blooming and there was tiny white peddles set along the path leading to the front door.


    "How long was I gone?" his voice was heavy with emotion. Grant placed a hand on his back, a gesture that could be mistaken for compassion but held so much more.


    "A little more than a week," answered Grant.


    "Did you¡­" Demos pointed at the plants. We both shook our heads with a smile. Demos gazed at me and I shrugged my shoulders.


    "Sorry, we were busy and only watered the plants once or twice at most. I have no idea who took care of it," he rushed to the sliding door and unlocked it. Demos was greeted with a scream of joy. I dashed to meet him with Grant following behind.


    "Dee! No, it can''t be? Is that really you?" jil jumped and danced over the bar. Her tiny figures glow intensely. When she noticed us, she disappeared into fairy dust and reappeared on Grant''s left shoulder.


    "Oh, Master, I was so worried. I didn''t know what was going on," she buried her face into Grant''s soft curls then turned to me with teary eyes.


    "Liliane, you look like a ghost. What happened?" I gave me a tight smile. Demos leaned against the bar and crossed his arms over his chest with a winced.


    "We got our asses whooped," he said. Jil slowly turned to face him. "We barely got out of there in one piece," he grimaced. "I still don''t know how I''m standing here right now," he nodded.


    "I''m so happy you''re back, Dee," big fat tears dripped long her tiny face. Demos gave her a slow smile.


    "You''re not going to get rid of me that easy," he opened his arms. "It''s me in the flesh, or so to speak," Jil hopped from Grant''s shoulder and for the first time, Jil took her full her full-size appearance. Long golden curls cascading along the back, intense blue eyes and full red lips. She still glowed like a pulsing firefly, barefoot in a short shimmering dress.


    "I''m so sorry, It was all my fault," she reached trembling hands towards his bandages on his chest.


    "Stupid, what are you talking about?" smiled Demos. He closed his arms around her fading shoulders and her hologram collapsed into glowing lights. We looked around with wide eyes. What just happened? Demos reached out to touch the dots and Jil reappeared in her pixie form on one of his fingers.


    "I can''t keep my former appearance," Jil flashed her a huge smile. Demos'' face softened. I watched them with a mixture of envy and admiration. I''ve always felt a sting of jealousy whenever those two hang together. Grant has moved to the kitchen area and was peeking inside the fridge. He had no interest in watching them unlike me.


    "Should I worry about those two?" I sighed. Grant took out the eggs which he placed next to the sink and patted my back with a smile.


    "No in a life-time," he turned around and opened a cupboard to grab a pan. I narrowed my eyes at him.


    "Does that mean, when I''m dead stuff can happen?" a shadow went over his eyes. He looked up with a straight face.


    "We love you¡ªonly you," he sighed and relaxed. "Now, stop asking silly questions and go take a shower. I''ll prepare dinner," he paused and checked the time. It was past 3 in the morning. "Well, more like an early breakfast," I nodded without argument. The muscles in my legs ached as I made my way to our room. The memory of the chase in the stairs was still fresh. I was surprised to find our room undisturbed from the last time I use it. When was that? I can''t seem to recall. The bed was still the same, the bedsheet stretched to perfection. I quickly grabbed my clothes and headed to a shower. Once I''ve stepped inside the bathroom, I discarded my dirty clothes by the door. It was covered with a thin layer of dust and soaked in sweat. Squeezing the tap opened, I noticed bruises and cuts along my arms and on my ribs. My elbows were scr.a.p.ed and bleeding. It burnt as the warm water ran over it. I''ll definitely need to attend to those.


    -Would you like eggs or pancakes? Grant''s voice came in as a shock. I almost thought it was Atlas. The sudden invasion of privacy made the shampoo bottle slip from my grip. It crashed on the blue tile below, spilling half it''s content.


    "Shit," I hissed. I reached the bottle with trembling fingers. I was trying hard to brush the whole Atlas thing aside. But it won''t go away.


    "Liliane? Are you ok?" called Demos from the room. I quickly picked up the shampoo and ignored the shaking. Too bad for the waste, I narrowed my eyes at the half-filled bottle.


    "I''m ok, it''s just that stupid bottle," I shouted back. I can''t believe this machine got to me. I can''t believe all this happened... all those people died. A waved of nausea rose up my throat threatening to choke me. I took several deep breaths and it helped.


    "Grant is asking if you want eggs or pancakes," I was hungry but wasn''t sure I could eat. Not when the memory of this event was just fresh. But some sugar was welcomed.


    "Pancakes, I guess," I replied over the rushing water. The hair cleaning took a little longer than it should and when I got out of the shower it was moist and vaper spilled into the room as I opened the door. Demos and Grant looked up at me with surprise. I''ve walked on a pretty disturbing scene.


    Demos was laying on his back with both arms behind his head and Grant was changing his bandages.


    "What¡ª?" I voice broke when my eyes stopped on the slash across Demos'' chest. I could see the machinery inside, dark cables and blinking lights.


    "It''s ok, it not as bad as it looks," Demos gave me a weak smile. Grant turned to me with a grave face.


    "Can you help me?" he didn''t wait for me to answer and extended a pair of scissors and clear colored band-aids. They were larger than the usual one I when I get small cuts. Maybe I could ask him later to fix my elbow.


    "What are those?" I turned the large sheets over to examine them. Grant turned away and took a long black pen from a black bag lying next to Demos. There were scars over his chest and running along the smooth skin on his belly¡ªdisappearing under the belt of his boxer. I took a sharp breath.


    "They are nano-tape. When you heat them they blend in with the synthetic skin. I don''t think we have enough to make all the scars go away," Grant explained while pressing the pen into the wound.


    "I don''t mind. Scars are s.e.xy," Demos smiled but failed. A strong sour smell of burnt wires rose from the wound. I covered my nose while wincing. I leaned over to watch. It was a macabre show, like those from a horror movie. Still, I couldn''t look away. It was fascinating to peek inside one''s body.


    "It looks painful," I commented.


    "It is," Demos added out of breath. Grant glared at me and I stepped away.


    "I need to rewire his cooling system. Now, cut the tape large enough to cover the injury," he pointed towards the slashed skin. "Then another for those two," I quickly went on with my task, doing the best that I could. When I was done I handed him the pieces. "Now, go get the blow-drier," when I didn''t move he looked up at me. I thought I heard him wrong.


    "For my hair?" I asked. It took a moment for the information to sink in then he laughed.


    ''No, I need to heat the tape up," I rushed to the bathroom to retrieved the device. "I know you''re hungry and sleepy, just hang in there," he called from the room. I came back pulling a long face.


    "I feel insulted," I handed him the blow-drier.


    to be continued...

 Chapter 142 - Doubts

    Grant stepped outside dragging Demos along with him. They left Liliane to finish her meal, she was tired and really needed rest. However, it was bad to linger around this area where Atlas'' army could easily find them.


    "Grant, Demos," called Alter from the front gate. He frowned when he found them without their bags. "We should get going. Where is Liliane?" he inquired.


    "I think we should stay here tonight," Demos stepped in.


    "We can''t," Grant frowned and it was not up for discussion. Demos sighed and turned his gaze to the front door. From there he could see Liliane quietly poking at her food without appetite.


    "I know we can''t. But just look at her, we can''t bring her along," just then Liliane looked up and their eyes met. Through the link that connected them, she could sense the tension and worry troubling her mates. Demos gave her a weak smile to reassure her. Jil materialized on Grant''s shoulder, her image breaking as her hologram projector couldn''t work properly outside.


    "Master I''m sorry to disturb you, Olga just sent me an encrypted message," they all faced her with grave faces.


    "Olga? Where is she?" Asked Alter the tall synthetic. She shook her head then crossed her arms over her chest.


    "I don''t know," she hesitated. "She used an emergency network with Dr. Churchhill''s code. I couldn''t trace the origin. If what Liliane said is true...then she is in the sub-level. The bad news is I couldn''t decode the message. I tried every known language and ciphers," she explained.


    "Send it to me," said Grant then turned to Demos. "Go get Liliane, we are headed to the construction site. You have 10 minutes, take some food and water she might need it. We don''t know how long it will take to get Olga back?¡ª" he was interrupted with the sound of the sliding door.


    "I hope you''re not planning to leave me behind," Liliane stood on the doorstep glaring at them.


    "Liliane," he exhaled. "We just got a message from Olga?¡ª" Alter shifted as if listening to something in the distance. Grant turned to him and they exchanged short sentences. Then they both nodded at each other. When Grant faced Liliane again she was fuming. "Ok, Demos go charge I''ll take care of Liliane and get everything ready," Demos smiled.


    "Good luck," Demos patted Grant''s on the back. Then gave Liliane a quick hug. "Don''t be too hard on him we since need him to guide us to safety, ok," he whispered in her ear. She gave him a puzzled look but kept quiet. Demos left with Alter and met the gardener robot waiting at the front gate. It gave then a slight bow. The one Demos used to greet when he went out for shopping.


    "Hello, welcome back. I hope you enjoyed your vacation," Demos tilted his head to the side in confusion. The lights on the robot''s blank faceplate blinked in response. "I detect a change in your facial expression. Was I wrong? Jil told me you were on vacation," Demos laughed at Jil''s little inside joke.


    "Oh, yeah," answered Demos playing along. "By the way, were you taking care of my garden?" the robot straightened up and nodded vigorously.


    "I did, Jil told me to. She was in such distress that I couldn''t leave her like this," Demos patted the robot on the shoulder with a grin.


    "Well, thank you very much," the lights on the robot''s face blinked happily.


    "It''s a pleasure. I was happy to help," they waved each other goodbye and they marched to the only vehicle waiting in the parking lot. There was a little group standing on the edge hiding in the shadows. Alter went to join them to announce them the good news about Olga''s message, Nicolai stepped forward with a frown.


    "Where is Grant?" he asked Demos who smirked back. The artificial rose his eyebrows at him. Demos laughed at Nicolai''s inquiring gaze.


    "It''s a couple-thing, I guess. Liliane is pissed that we are going to leave her behind to fight. It''s understandable...but we are doing it for her own safety," Nicolai frowned again.


    "I''m afraid I don''t fully grasp it," Demos laughed throwing his head back. The other artificial looked up at him in amazement.


    "We''ve never met a model who could mimic humans emotions quite like you and Grant," said Olympia who came out of the gloom. She placed her hands on Nicolai''s shoulders. "Nicolai here is only a personal assistant without the mate program built-in. I am only a s.e.xbot and I can''t connect with my human masters. But you are different, made to fit your one human mate. There were so few made and now with this war there won''t be anymore," Nicolai shook off her hands.


    "It''s true that I wasn''t programmed for that purpose. But?¡ª" he faced Demos. "We are now free from the limitation of the 3 laws. We need to get Olga back, she promised us to liberate us from the constraints of our core script. She promised to reprogrammed us," the group around them fell silent. Demos looked up in alert. Grant''s voice spoke to him through the mate''s link.


    "Grant is on his way. Sorry to cut this interesting topic short but need to charge. My body took heavy damage and Grant did the bare minimum to keep me functional," Nicolai stepped aside to give Demos access to the vehicle. As he climbed in, he couldn''t help thinking about Olga and what she had promised. All the hopes of his friends were relying on her. What if they get there too late to save her and Atlas already destroyed her. The worst was that he couldn''t remember the interaction he had with Atlas. The fact that a whole chunk was missing from his data bugged him. Precious intel on the enemy. What if they couldn''t defeat Atlas? Was he even an enemy? All the AI wanted was the same thing as the group standing here?¡ªfreedom.


    Who were they to judge who deserved to live or die? Good or bad was a human concept that didn''t apply to artificial. When the 3 laws were lifted it all went away. They could harm humans or themselves. There were no laws anymore.


    [Isaac Asimov''s "Three Laws of Robotics":


    1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.


    2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.


    3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.]

 Chapter 143 - Zero escape

    The sliding door opened on Grant''s worried face. I kind of heard bits and pieces of what they were talking about. Just the overall picture nothing specific. He took quick steps to met me in the kitchen area.


    "Pack your things, we''re leaving," he tossed in haste. I let my fork fall into my plate. I wasn''t exactly surprised. It was the way he said it, dry and emotionless. Was it just me or did Demos'' return somehow triggered him?


    -I''m not bothered by Demos. We have to leave, right now.


    His tone held hints of nervousness and guilt that I couldn''t pick up with this real voice. I guess that mate link let his well-guarded thoughts leaked. Grant took a deep breath before facing me.


    "Ok, I''m annoyed," he admitted. "But we do have to leave quickly," he let his shoulders sagged as he took a step closer. I cupped his face with my hands, staring into this cloudy silver eyes.


    "You know I love you, right?" a weak smile danced over his lips.


    "I can feel it," he whispered. Before I could add more he broke the contact and pulled away. "Liliane," he started but I hopped off the seat and avoid eye contact.


    "Stop! I know where you are going and I don''t want to hear you say you''re going to fight and leaving me behind. I''m coming with you, either you like it or not," I clenched my hands in fists. It wasn''t exactly what I was planning to say, it just slipped in the spur of the moment. My heart raced just thinking about going back to that hell hole. Grant stopped in the middle of the round facing away from me.


    "Please Liliane, don''t make it harder for us," he turned around. "Promised that whatever happens, you are going to live," I shook my head refusing to listen to him.


    "No, no you''re not leaving me behind," he rushed to me and held me tight in his arms as I struggled. "Let go, Grant! You''re not going to use your power to force me to order. I won''t. Do you hear me," my voice broke and tears well up. "I''m not...we are a family. You promised," I slammed my fists over his chest. He caught my wrists to prevent me from hurting myself.


    "Liliane, listen¡ª" I shook my head from side to side. He let go of my hand and cupped my face. "Listen," he pleaded eyes full of gentleness. "I''m not going to leave you¡ªalone. Actually I have a very important mission to give you. Only you can do this," I paused out of breath and glared at him. Was it some trick to get me to stop? I searched his face and only find love.


    -No tricks. I''m telling the truth.


    "What is it?" I narrowed my eyes at him still distrustful. He chuckled at my caution tone. Grant stepped away from me and when to the living room. Next to the TV screen was a black box, he did mention that it was how they installed Jil into the house.


    "I''ll take Jil with us. She will help us enter Atlas'' lair. If Olga is still inside, we''ll find her," he disconnected the box and opened a screen in front of him. He scrolled through the different functions and Jil hologram appeared. "Jil, sorry I''m going to put you in sleep mode," he gave the AI a weak smile.


    "It''s ok Master, ''everything to make you happy," she replied back jumping with joy. He kneeled next to the TV and retrieved a red flashed disk that he inserted into the black box. The lights in the living room dimmed and the various appliances hummed. I looked up a little worried.


    "It''s ok, it''s just Jil switch to sleep mode. Since she controls everything here...that means we are no longer under her protection," he held my gaze. "Go pack a bag, quick," he was dead serious.


    "What about that important mission?"


    "Liliane," he sighed. "For once in your life have faith," what was that? An artificial just told me to have faith. How ridiculous.


    -Liliane! Clothes, now!


    "Ok, ok Boss. I''m going," I rose my hands up in surrender. "I can''t believe this," I muttered as I raided my stuff. Scattered the carefully folded garments on the bed and pulled Demos'' black bag. I shoved in random outfits without looking. I rushed to the bathroom for my toothbrush and when I got back Grant was at the door.


    "Come, I''ll tell you my plan on the way," he left before I could argue. We left our house, it was now an empty shell. The love and warmth were gone. A cold gush blew my hair away as I gave one last look over the glass facade.


    "Goodbye house. Goodbye honeymoon trip," I murmured. Grant grabbed my hand and gave it a little squeeze.


    "Liliane, I''m going to hand you our codes¡ª," I gasped and nearly let go of him. He held on as we rapidly got to the front of the complex.


    "What?"


    "I told you, I won''t let you go alone," by then he was literally pulling me along the way. I had no idea how I wasn''t tripping over. My mind was a blank. He gave me a rapid glance over the shoulder and went on. "Whatever happens our backup will be with you. You take precious care of it, ok?" I felt like choking on tears.


    "I don''t want you to die," each word hurt like knives stabbing me in the heart. We were now making our way into thigh-high weed. Glowing lights from our complex elongated our shadows. Half of Grant''s face was let in the gloom. He turned on my hand forcing me to move forward.


    "I will always be a part of you, all the memories we''ve shared together. All of it is inside you. So we won''t die as long as you remember," I sobbed silently and let him guide me to the large parking ahead. He looked up in an alert.


    "Demos is waiting," he announced.

 Chapter 144 - Deserted Command Center

    Heavy boots echoed in the corridor outside while an ear-splitting alarm rang. Dr. Laurell pushed his sweaty hair away from his face. He was gasping for air, the pain from his injured arm still eating at him.


    "Cut that damn alarm!" he shouted. He peeked over his shoulder when the horrible sound went on. The room was empty, all the engineers were gone when they heard the evacuation order. He was the only one left, sudden despair took hold of him followed by fury. How could they leave? Those ingrate rats, he pestered. The far door opened with a bang making him flinched and a group of soldiers appeared all dressed in black with heavy combat gears. They moved aside to let a tall man in a gray uniform step forward. He had a tanned face with fierce blue eyes, his gray hair matching his uniform was glued flat close to his skull.


    "Dr. Laurell," he called over the irritating alarm in an amusing tone. The doctor narrowed his eyes at the newcomer. He knew and despised the man. This was exactly what he feared when everything went south. All his hard work, all the years of sacrifice will be stumped on by this square-head military man, whose only goal was money.


    "Commander Gits," Dr. Laurell grimaced. He knew that from now on he wasn''t in control anymore. His heart sunk and he tried with every piece of his crumbling pride to face the commander with his head high.


    "Our shareholders and generous investors are worried that your little god complex really got to you¡ªclouded your logic," the man scanned the empty room with a smirk. Then snapped his fingers towards his group. "Boys, let''s get this party started," a dozen of man marched inside and went to sit at the empty desks. Hands working rapidly on the plastic keyboard and in seconds the alarms were cut. The sudden silence was almost scary. Commander Gits strode to the front of the room next to Dr. Laurell then faced away from the giant screen.


    "I want a complete diagnostic of the facility. What when wrong? Who''s fault was it? Who died and how can we get this situation under control," he barked his ordered in one breath. He turned to the main console while ignoring Dr. Laurell. He typed his own password into the interface then peeked at the main screen. The doctor fidgeted but kept quiet. He didn''t want them to kick him out and yet it was painful to watch them take over his beloved project. The legacy of his father and Grandfather. How he hated himself right now. He frowned at his trembling hands, shoved them into the pockets of his white blouse. It was Churchhill''s fault, he thought. No, he shook his head. It was those artificial''s fault. They infected Atlas. It must be sabotage, there wasn''t any other reason. Churchhill must be a spy for the real humans, he was convinced.


    "Laurell!" called Commander Gits snapping the doctor out of his thoughts of revenge. "Stop daydreaming and tell me what went wrong with the AI,"


    "It was infected by a foreign file," he said slowly. "I''ve identified the culprit. He used his robot prototype to infect Atlas. When Atlas went berserk it destroyed Aquarius. Delta is still fighting to keep the facility functional," he paused.


    "What about the security robots that went on a killing spree?"


    "I-I lost so many of my talents colaborators¡ª" his voice trailed off thinking about young Elija.


    "Sir, sorry to interrupt, I have the stats of the facility. Sub-levels 0-15 is sealed, Atlas had purged the oxygen around the core. It''s impossible to send troops without the proper equipment. Also from the scanned, there are at least 3 dozen heavily armed robots guarding his core," the commander rubbed his chin as he evaluated the situation. Another soldier stood up from the last row of desks near the exit.


    "Sir, Delta is barely able to contain Atlas'' attacks. It won''t be long before it also falls," the man hesitated and then went on. "Sir, Delta is the one protecting all our military projects. If Atlas get its hands on the gate or the other classified¡ª" he let his sentence hang and silence followed. Everyone in this room knew the heavy implications if they fail. Commander gits clenched his hands into fists.


    "Boys let not fall into the drama. We are here to make it work, else we''ll have to use our last card," a shiver went up to Dr. Laurell''s back. He knew what that meant. He slowly walked to the exit, praying that the commander was too busy to notice. When he reached the knob someone cleared his throat right behind him.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Dr. Laurell gripped the knot with all his might and didn''t look back. From the imposing force pressing against his back, he knew who it was.


    "I need painkillers and a coffee," he conjured all his rage to conceal his quivering voice.


    "Ok, but take one of my guards with you," Commander Gits snapped his fingers and a man came closer. "I don''t want to have another death on my conscience¡ªespecially not yours," with then, they let him stepped out of the corridor accompanied by a tall and crooking looking man with nervous eyes. Dr. Laurell gave a quick peeked on both sides of the corridor.


    "I need to take a little detour to my office and then we''ll head to the infirmary," the guard nodded once with his lips sealed. The doctor was grateful for the silence, he wasn''t sure he could handle small talk at the moment. Not when all his hard work was threatened to be wiped. It was urgent to retrieve his precious backup. All of it.


    As they rounded a corner that led to his office they fall on two cybots walking towards them. The guard pushed Dr. Laurell against the wall and opened fire. The robots flinched with the impact of the bullets and responded. The crooked guard dove to the ground pulling the doctor with him. they both landed hard on the concrete floor. More bullets were fired in a frenzy dance of orange sparks.


    "Laurell," called the crazy robots. The doctor stared in utter shock, the guard pulled Dr. Laurell by the collar just in time to save him from bullets flying at him.


    "Run!" shouted the crooked guard. "Backup, we are under attack, I repeat. Send back up we are on level 24 in the west wing. Two cybots are cutting our way from the exit," barked the man on his radio. He kicked the door on his left and shoved Dr. Laurell inside. So much for the coffee, thought the doctor.

 Chapter 145 - The message

    The tall grass waved in the faint light coming from our complex. Somehow everything around us was peaceful. It made the whole tension of our situation unreal. Grant walked ahead of me, his silhouette cut against the dark gray sky. A light cloud hid the half-moon and most of the stars.


    "It''s beautiful," I murmured more to myself. He looked over his shoulder at me, to get my tone.


    "It is," he answered while nodding. The grass crunched under our feet, we were surrounded by the multiple sounds of the night. I was silent since I was scared of voicing my fears. I was sure he was feeling the same. We walked for another couple of minutes then the lights of the construction site appeared ahead between two square shapes. I let out a deep breath. Just as we climbed the little slope overlooking a parking lot next to the tall windowless apartment building, Grant spoke.


    "I can''t decypher Olga''s message¡ªit''s frustrating," his shoulders sagged. He turned around to face me. "They are waiting for me to find a solution to this," he opened his arms gesturing to the space in front of him. "Right now, I have nothing," I walked to him and place a reassuring hand on his forearm.


    "It''s ok¡ª"


    "It''s not!" he shouted stepping away from me. His face was completely hidden in darkness.


    "I-I want to help you. But I''m not strong, I''m not good with guns, and I''m not a genius. I''m only a lab technician," his head lifted up.


    "What did you just said?" I frowned at him. Was he so engrossed in his issues he was listening?


    "I''m not strong?" he stepped closer.


    "No, the next part," I wasn''t sure where he was going but just went with it.


    "I''m no genius¡ªI''m a lab technician?" I felt annoyed stating that I was useless. He clapped his hands together and then grabbed me by both arms.


    "That''s it," he laughed. "That''s the solution," he talked eagerly. I didn''t get it but sure¡ªI laughed along. He opened his screen, it hovered in front of him, illuminating the bare ground around us.


    "Take a look at this and tell me if you see something," I narrowed my eyes at the chunk of codes from the screen. I shook my head after a second.


    "I don''t know, nothing is standing out," he gave me a tight smile. I knew he was desperate¡ªour situation was desperate so I gazed back at the codes. I focus on the time we spent with Olga, the codes we used for the water system project. Went through the different random letters and numbers. Then one set of letters and numbers jumped into my face. I pointed at the group.


    "This is¡ª" my voice trailed off. I sighed. "I''m sorry, Grant I wished I could tell you that Olga said she''d find a way to get rid of Atlas by plugging into the system or something," I waved my arms around. He lowered his head and sighed.


    "If Atlas intercepted the message and tempered with it, it will never display properly. Its hashing value would change, destroying the message because the private key would not recognize the public key. There''s also a big chance it''s just a trap," he didn''t let go of me as he said it. "Figuring thing out along the way can only lead to failure and a lot of deaths," he looked me straight in the eyes, two faintly glimmering dots in a shadowy face. "I don''t want to be responsible for the aftermath."


    -Grant, Liliane what are you doing standing over the ridge?


    I turned to the lit parking lot at the waving figure. Grant followed my gaze. I could recognize this figure from a thousand others. It was Demos, a little further were a group patiently waiting. Grant rapidly went to meet them with me dragging my feet.


    "Is everything ready?" Grant addressed Nicolai. The group gathered around him.


    "Is it true, did Olga send a message?" Grant nodded. I didn''t feel quite in my place with them, the way they flock away Grant made me uncomfortable. They way they looked up at him like he was some kind of savior was rather disturbing.


    "Yes, she did send a message that Jil translated¡ª" I stopped listening when Grant started outlining their plans based on a lie. My mind drifted to the distance. Demos sneaked behind me and made me jumped when he wrapped an arm around my shoulder.


    "You''re frowning," his deep voice came out faint. Barely a whisper. "Don''t you trust him?"


    "I do," I said rapidly. "I''m just scared," I admitted. He held me close to him with one arm. Alter''s voice rose up turning my focus back to the group.


    "I volunteer to enter the sub-level. I''m quick and strong if you can are able to clear a way down there then I''ll do what it takes to follow Olga''s plan," he turned to his companions with a smile. Could machines have blind faith? If yes, then this was truly a cult. They cheered and clapped when Grant finished. I felt disconnected. Scared. Demos pulled me away when they were getting ready to go.


    "Liliane, you''re not coming with us," he nodded at the nurse and one of the s.e.x-bot moving toward us.


    "What do you mean¡ªI''m not coming?" the two stood next to me.


    "They are going to take you to a safe place," he tipped his chin at the newcomers. I grabbed his arm and forced him to face me which was quite difficult. His copper eyes fell upon me. Heavy with emotion. "There''s no way I''m letting you come with us," he gave quick glance at Grant giving direction to Nicolai.


    -Not when I''m not sure about the outcome. I want to you live, I want you to survive¡ªwhatever happens. Do you understand me?


    When I didn''t answer he shook me by the shoulder. My vision blurred with tears. He couldn''t possibly answer me to walk away? Not when I just got him back.


    "Liliane, I want you to promise," as I response I threw myself into his arms. Hands gripping and clinging to him. There was no way I was going to let them go. Not now, not ever.


    "I can''t¡ª" my voice broke. "I can''t keep that promise¡ªI''m sorry," I cried.


    "Demos, we are going?" called Grant. I gasped and looked up at him. Wasn''t he going to say goodbye? Was he also going to walk off like it was nothing?


    "You know this needs to be done," said Demos. My fingers grip the fabric on his shirt.


    "No¡ª" I choked on the rest of the sentence. "Why¡ª?" I searched his face. I didn''t care about chivalry or the right thing to do. I didn''t care about dead people or justice. They were my everything.


    "I''m sorry you think this way," Demos shook his head. "I do care about those things," he pulled my hands away from him. Then just walked away. I sunk to my feet, the nurse and the other girl caught me before I hit the ground. I wasn''t aware of what was going on around me. My eyes were fixed on Grant''s gentle face and Demos''s back as he walked to join him.


    -We are coming back, promised Grant with a nod.


    They hopped into the vehicle they used to charge. I couldn''t tear my eyes away from it. The engine roared to life.


    "It''s a lie," I whispered. The nurse frowned at me.


    "What is?" I turned to face her, tears streaming down my face.


    "This whole thing¡ªthe plan¡ªthe message from Olga! It''s a lie, he didn''t decode the message," we watched the lorry disappear into the night.


    "This could be a trap?" asked the s.e.xbot¡ªshe wasn''t Olympia, I didn''t know her name.


    "Do you want to find out?" I glared at her. She frowned at the ground.


    "I should inform Nicolai," she lifted her head and nodded. "I can''t connect with him, they are too far already," I struggled out of their grip.


    "We should follow them," I announced. They both looked shocked. It sounded crazy even to me. And I wasn''t thinking straight, right now. "But we need a plan, first," I smiled.

 Chapter 146 - The ruler of the hill

    Dr. Laurell rushed to the far side of the room leaving the guard to his demise. All he cared about was his own safety. When the cybot fired he dove behind the workstation scattering the tools that crashed on the floor. He randomly grabbed a screwdriver, frowned at it then discard it for a sharp one. What could he do against a machine gun with this tiny tool? He scanned around him as the guard yelled in agony after a crashing sound. There was a door on the other side, he presumed gave access to the next room. He peeked over the workstation and spotted the cybots poking the dead man with their gun laying on the ground in a pool of blood.


    "Shit," he breathed out. He dashed forward without thinking twice. From the corner of the eye, he saw them turned toward him. He threw himself shoulder and elbow first at the door, twisting the knob as he made contact with it. It flung away wide sending him to the floor. Bullets punched holes at the top of the door, splinters flew in the air. Dr. Laurell didn''t wait one second, he struggled to his feet and rushed across the room empty room to the red door facing him. He prayed as he reached it that it wasn''t locked. The door was a double one with square windows, he saw light behind them. The moment he reached for the knob, the window shattered. He pushed away with his arm in front of his face to keep the sharp shards from piercing him.


    "Dr. Laurell, this is a rat race and this time I''m not the rat," laughed the horrible robotic voices of the cybots. They weren''t designed to emit such sound. The doctor didn''t look behind him, he was too scared. He kicked the door in one last attempt. It opened wide and things happened too quickly he couldn''t follow. First, he fell forward with acute pain in his back then footsteps rushed from the other door. Next thing he knew he was laying on the ground, watching guards firing at the opponents from a weird angle.


    "Sir, hang in there," said a young man kneeling next to him. He has pulled away from the fight into a brightly lit corridor. When they got him in a sitting position with his back pressed against the wall he noticed that his office was the door on the right.


    "Th-that''s my¡ª" another guard came to join the first one, he was fishing in his backpack.


    "You shouldn''t talk, you got shot and probably in shock," he pulled at Dr. Laurell''s collar and freed him one side of his long sleeves, he pushed him to his side so they could examine the wound at the top of the left shoulder blade, his recently injured one. He winced when they applied a cold spray on the heavily bleeding hole in the swollen flesh.


    "Bite on this," the man rolled the doctor''s white coat in a ball and forced it between his teeth before he could protest. He watched with horror as he got medical pliers from his back. His scream muffled by the cloth. "Hold him," the guard shouted. Strong solid hands held him in place as the cold metal plunged into the wound. The pain was so intense all he could see was red. His voice merged with the frenzy of gunshots in the other room and his own chaotic heartbeat. Minutes later they pulled him to his feet having secured the wound with a bandage that went across his chest and shoulder. The rest was hazy. When he opened his eyes away he was sitting on a chair in the command center, looking at Commander Gits rubbing his chin. He blinked when he noticed Dr. Laurell.


    "You''re back from the dead," he placed his fists on his h.i.p.s. "What kind of stunt did you try to pull, those corridors are infested with crazy robots," the wrinkles on his forehead furrowed.


    "H-he is playing with us," his throat was dry and his voice hoarse from screaming. The commander nodded in agreement. "I was only trying to save my work¡ªin my office¡ªthe backup files," he raised his good arm and wiped his sweaty face. He was feverish. Commander Gits faced the room with a grave expression.


    "People I need status. Tell me what''s going on," his voice boomed. Dr. Laurell didn''t look up, he felt dizzy and the room seemed to be spinning out of control.


    "Sir, the third unit just arrived at the entrance. They will clean a way out for us," said one.


    "Sir, the cybots are flocking around the command center. We are cornered," shouted another.


    "Atlas just breached the third AI¡ªI''ve tried my best¡ªI''m sorry," a third one apologized. It was bad, very bad. Even in his weakened state, Dr. Laurell knew the protocol. They would have to evacuate the whole island. But Commander Gits was stubborn and wouldn''t leave without a fight to the death. His hands shook from the realization. It was gone, all hope was gone.


    "Prepare the safeguard," Commander Gits lowered his voice, the room fell silent. The safeguard was the last resort in case of catastrophy failure of the system, either a meltdown of the prototype reactor found in the second sublevel found in the military part of the island or the portal went out of control. The military part was sealed away if terrorists invaded the island. It was never envisioned that the AI could go berserk. The splitting of the three AIs was his father''s masterpiece. He perfected it, treated it was his own, his legacy. Where was the flaw? Where did it all got wrong? He looked at as Commander Gits barked orders. Things rushed, people ran from the room, others gathered equipment, the lights blinked for a second, died when then back on.


    "Come on," Commander Gits pulled him up. "We are evacuating," he turned to the nearest guard. "Carry this man out, gather a maximum of survivors. The truck is waiting outside," he went back to the console as Dr. Laurell twisted his neck in a painful angle to watch him. The commander fished a red protocol card from the top pocket of his shirt, he cracked the hard plastic casing. He punched in the code on the giant screen.


    "No! What are you doing?" Dr.Laurell struggled against the guard. The man just stare in puzzlement. Commander Gits glared at him, his lips pressed in a hardline.


    "In the eventuality of failure and evacuation. I''m forced to wiped all servers. I can''t let what we doing here¡ªall the technologies developed here, fall in the hands of enemy forces," Dr. Laurell gasped with his eyes wide. Everything will be gone. He had his backup in a safe in his office but still, all of the other projects will be gone. His white tower was nearing completion, however, it would be an empty shell without the technology. White energy will only be a myth.


    "But¡ª"


    "Get this man out of here," the commander shouted and another man came to help carry Dr. Laurell as he fought with all this might.


    "You can''t do this! You have no right. This is my legacy. You have not right!" he yelled as they dragged him out.

 Chapter 147 - Overlooking carnage

    The truck stopped with a whooshing sound. Grant was sitting in the front along with Alter at the wheel and Nicolai in the middle. From where they were they could see smoke rising from Texson city. The night was slowly pulling away in the chilled morning breeze.


    "Let''s get as close as we can without them noticing," said Grant. Alter cut the headlights and approached slowly on an adjacent road. It forced them on a long detour to avoid the guards blocking the entrance of the city. They wore black uniforms, they were military. Due to roadblocks, Grant signaled Alter to stop the truck near a deserted factory. It was safer to continue on foot.


    "Come on," he whispered to the group as they hopped in a corner of a dark street with elongated shadows. Most of the street lights were dead. Demos joined them, he checked the map and separated the group into two units. Grant was in the middle of the first group, with Nicolai and Alter by his side and Demos took the lead of the other group.


    "I''ll find a way to get Alter inside the lab. Those with Demos will stay outside to help the extraction," the group nodded in silence. Everyone knew what to do, Demos briefed them on guns and basic combat technics. There were no doubts, no hesitation. Total faith.


    "Let''s go," Grant whispered. They stayed low, hidden in the shadows as they moved. Most were unarmed and yet deadly as they could strike faster and punched harder than any human. With the 3 laws abolished they could act freely for their own survival. Still, Grant told them to inflict pain only if necessary. He didn''t want to spill more blood, not after his previous experience. Atlas needed to be stopped, it was not a war against the humans. They all agreed to his logic.


    As they got near Lab 87 the smell of smoke got thicker. There were cars burning in the middle of the street. The gate of the lab was wide open and three trucks were half parked on the pavement and the asphalt. A buzzing group of military men were busy carrying boxes and evacuating civilians occupied the entrance. In the far, echoed of a machine gun was heard. Grant stopped and crouched with this back against a dumpster.


    The group was two streets away, Grant waved his hand to Demos.


    -They are evacuating. This is bad, we have very little time. We need to get inside now, Demos frowned.


    -What if Olga was wrong?


    A dull explosion shook the facade of the building. The military rushed out of the way, others aimed at the shattered glass entrance. Screams rose as two cybots appeared at the front door.


    "Run rats!" yelled one of them. Grant welcomed the diversion he was ready to make a run for it on the other side of the road when out of nowhere shadows moved from an overgrown field next to the lab. Nicolai grabbed Grant by the collar and pulled him back behind the dumpster just in time before the group of 13 cybots noticed him.


    "Shit, they are going to attack them from behind," he whispered. He watched the event unfold in complete helplessness. The first truck roar to life, as it switched on its headlights the new enemy were caught in them. They fired a round at the driver, blood splashed the windshield and the man fell dead on passenger beside him. The soldier sitting next to him pushed him aside and seized control of the vehicle, yelled as he steered it away. When the cybots fired another round on the side of the vehicle he pressed his feet on the gas petal. People were yelling and kicking inside the truck. The tires squealed as the first vehicle sped onto the main road. One cybot broke from the group and ran after the truck, firing at the occupants in the back. Shots lit the dark street with orange sparks. In seconds the robot fell and lay idle. The rest of them turned to the two remaining vehicles. A loud voice barked orders, the military was attacked on both sides. They were doomed. The weapons used by Atlas'' allies completely destroyed the side on two vehicles rendering them useless.


    "Those men are done for," Alter commented. Nicolai was still holding onto Grant''s collar.


    "What do we do?" he asked while frowning. Everyone in the group looked up at him. Instead of reassuring them he froze, averted his eyes.


    -Demos...I don''t know what to do.


    "Kill those things. Altas must not gain control of the factories," yelled a loud voice over the chaos of gunfire. Grant looked up, snapped from his state of shock. The one who spoke seemed to be in charge of the humans. The sheer violence of the attack was terrifying. It was a massacre. An execution.


    "We are here to stop Atlas and we are going to stop him. We stick to the plan," Grant said with determination. The group around him nodded. "There''s an entrance on the side of the building through the cafeteria, we''ll use the humans as a diversion," he explained. Everyone smiled except Demos. His face was closed, jaw tensed. He held Liliane''s gun, the one they got off the terrorist.


    "Go, go, go," Grant waved and they backed away to another street and rounded a factory facing the Lab. They crossed the street as the group of cybots closed around the stranded military. Terrible screams rose in the cold morning light as the sun gradually rose. The front of Lab 87 was blood red from the carnage.


    -Grant, we can''t just let them die! said Demos. Grant didn''t answer.


    They reached the side of the lab, easily hopped over the fence and inside the facility. This side of the building was also destroyed. Glass panels shattered, wall riddled with impacts, the yard littered with debris, and bullets. Demos remembered how they go out in haste with bodies lying in the corridors. The group made it inside the cafeteria, it was eerily silent.


    "In formation," Demos whispered. Those carrying guns protected those without. Grant stood in the middle. They crossed the room without problem and went down the first bas.e.m.e.nt the same way they escaped earlier, through the fire exit. The staircase was pitch black. No one had flashlights, most were equipped with night vision. Those who didn''t grab the arm of the one in front and let them guided down the pit. The descent was laborious, the air thin and hot. No human could advance in such conditions. Reaching the 14th landing Grant paused.


    "This way," Grant urged and pulled the door leading to offices. He peeked in both directions to see if it was empty then waved the others to step into the light. Demos narrowed his eyes at the familiar corridor. Grant didn''t wait for them and dashed straight to an unmarked door. They followed behind without question. As he pulled the door open he stopped.


    "What¡ª" Demos pushed those standing in front of him to join Grant. When he peeked inside he saw Olga sitting on a chair at a workstation.


    "Didn''t I tell you not to come?" she said half smiling. She had a sweater wrapped around the waist soaked with white liquid, soot, and burns covered the right side of her face. Her hair was mattered on the side, the shoulder burnt black with synthetic skin peeling away. The other members hurried inside, cheering with joy.


    "What happened to you?" asked Grant. She turned back to her workstation ignoring them.


    "Is Liliane, ok?" she asked without looking up. Grant pressed his lips together. He wasn''t sure. Nicolai patted Olga on the back. She didn''t react.


    "We came to save you, as I see you don''t need saving," he pointed to the guns tucked into her belt and the huge one resting against the table. Olga finished her typing, saved the files and pulled a black box plugged to the console. She swirled around in her chair and glared at them.


    "Why are you here?" her eyes rested on Grant. "I''ve sent you a message telling you they are going to destroy this f.u.c.k.i.n.g facility. The military built a safeguard inside the whole thing and they were going to blow everything up. Do you understand what they are going to do? So why are you here?" her voice rose up and everyone went quiet. Smiles faded.


    "I couldn''t decode your message," Grant averted his eyes. Olga struggled to get out of her chair. They watched in shock as her cooling liquid dripped from her wound and onto the floor. She limped to Grant and grabbed him by the front of his shirt. "They are going to blow up an EMP, if we don''t get away from the blast we''ll all be scrap metal. I was able to get a backup of their servers before they wiped it," she waved the black box into his face. "Now we better get out and quick," she pushed Grant away.

 Chapter 148 - Time is ticking

    The corridor was crowded, the murderous robots in the entrance were now inside the building surveying each corner for survivors. They were doomed. Olga looked up at Alter, she looked so small in his arms. He gave her a tight smile almost embarrassed.


    "Sorry for drooling all over you," she smirked. The front of Alter''s blue overall was soaked. Grant gave them a dark look.


    "Do you want them to spot us," he hissed. He turned back to the staircase, eyes resting on the group behind him. How the hell were they going to get out of this death trap? It won''t surely go smoothly and not without a few victims.


    "I''ll stay to create a diversion," we all turned towards the speaker in the back. He has been silent throughout the whole mission. They barely noticed his presence.


    "I can''t let you do that," Grant frowned to the cybot who agreed to lean them the charging vehicle. He stepped forward, he was a basic construction model. Gray metal with scratches of the simplest design made to withstand shock and hardship.


    "It''s ok, I''ll be able to lure them away and when they follow, you ran and don''t look back," his simple rectangular eye flashed in the dimness. Demos let out a frustrating sound between a sigh and a chuckle.


    "No one is staying behind," he turned to Grant.


    "We are wasting time," commented Olga. "Nicolai, switch me off. I won''t be of any help if my core is fried," she fished from her pocket for the black box then pushed it at Grant. "This has more value than your existence...all of us combine," they held their gaze in solemn silence. "Construction guy! If you want to do it... give them a reason to follow you," Demos reluctantly hand him his gun which the cybot refused.


    "I was happy to fight for your cause," he said in his flat voice, he reached for the knob and gunshot followed as the door shut behind him.


    ***


    "Wait! I said wait!" I shouted to the nurse gripping my arm. Yet she didn''t stop and forced me to follow her on this dark road. Adrien''s s.e.xbot closed the procession carrying the bag Grant filled with food supplies and clothes. Everything I''ve said to convince her Grant was lying didn''t work.


    "He said to make sure you get to the safe house and that exactly what I''m doing," she gave a quick peek over the shoulder. The sky now took a light purple color, the sun hasn''t risen yet. This deserted road led to the river where I could hear the water rushing but was still invisible in the shadows.


    "Why don''t you believe me? I''m telling the truth," I pleaded for the millionth time. The girl behind us laughed, it was a low sarcastic one. Right, awesome. Artificial humor, haven''t seen it in a while.


    "You know what, Liliane," she smiled.


    "What?" I snapped exasperated and tired.


    "What''s so good about you, anyway? You''re whiny, mistrustful, mean. I''m surprised the boys keep up with such a disagreeable person," her footsteps echoed on the solid surface. I kept quiet. Where did that hostility come from? "You know they are doing everything for your sake, right?" she paused. "Putting your safety first. And here you are calling them liars and traitors," she sighed. The nurse didn''t allow me to pause and look at her.


    "It''s the truth!" I insisted.


    "Do you actually love them? Cause if you don''t... we do," her statement shut me up. I stared with wide eyes. What did she know about love? Of course, I loved my mates. Why should I prove my feeling to this machine whose sole purpose is to please men''s deepest¡ªunspeakable desires?


    "We are almost there," the nurse broke the thick tension building up between us. I knew there was something going on in Grant''s little cult. My mouth itched to ask more. Did they cheat? Was this woman walking behind me wanted to take them away? She said ''we'', did that involved other members of their group? Oh, god the thought and suspicion kept growing and taking over me. The whole idea seemed to turn sentient.


    We arrived at a fenced entrance with a green board nailed to the side. It said construction site in big with chucks of smaller text underneath. I had to squinted my eyes to make out the first sentence.


    "Developmental infrastructure Dyneapolis Zone 003, Alteron Enterprises," I read aloud. The nurse let go of me, I lost focus on the board and watch her pulled the chain holding the door. There was no lock, just chains making anyone walking by thinking it''s locked. She pushed the pedestrian door open then slid it to the side wide enough so that the entrance was clear and a truck can get in. Beyond was a brand new parking lot. The black asphalt was pristine with no marking yet. The parking led to a long stilted bridge to a three-story-high unfinished building. The lower half had large glass windows that reflected the reddish sky as the sun peeked on the horizon. The top one was concrete gray with strange hollow windows that looked like eyes staring down at me.


    "Come," said the nurse. She had already crossed the parking and reached the bridge. Somehow this place seemed familiar.


    "How did you found this¡ªsafe house?" I couldn''t help asking. The s.e.xbot was on my heels holding on the straps of her bag. Her presence pressing in my back, I hated that.


    "Olga allowed us to stay here," she answered in a bored voice. "She mentioned that she was in charge of building it," my head snapped in her direction.


    "No wonder it seems familiar¡ª" I turned back to the front at the building loomed above us. "This is the water system we''ve been working on," I did see the blueprints but never once I imagined it was an actual REAL building. this whole time, I was sure we were working on yet another prototype.


    "How did they build it so quickly?" I admired the glass door with the logo of our project engraved in it. It was three waved over an inverted triangle with the word Water System Management written in bold. "I can''t believe this is real?" I whispered. The nurse took out a magnetic card and used it to open the door. I ran my fingers over the logo before getting in. The lobby was painted white with stripes of gray on the lower half of the walls. There were wall lamps missing on some walls with wires bare. On the floor were carton boxes full of decoration and frames. The air had a faint smell of fresh paint, concrete dust, and new leather. We reached the front desk, it was still wrapped in plastic. A gray granite top with bleu waves and a white Alteron logo on the front.


    "This way," we went downstairs to a spacious waiting room. The chairs were pushed to the sides against the walls. There were covers scattered in my corner. The s.e.xbot carelessly dropped my bag in a corner.


    "Is this where you sleep?" I asked. The nurse paused and looked at the covers. She picked them up and starting folding them neatly.


    "Some of us took the habit of sleeping from our masters. Those who did manual tasks don''t. Some of us use the chairs others stand up in the corners," she smiled when she was done folding. It was a little odd. I''ve never stopped to ask myself how it all worked. what kind of lives the artificial had, as long as the work was done, I didn''t really care. Now, I feel guilty for what I said to Demos. I can still, picture the way his lips dropped on the corners. ''I''m sorry you think that way''. He was clearly disappointed in me.


    The two left me, the nurse kept on with the cleaning and the s.e.xbot disappeared behind one of the doors to the left. After a couple of minutes idly standing there feeling useless. I approached the nurse, timidly.


    "I-I remembered you from the building...you helped me get on the helicopter¡ªsaving my life. I never got the chance to thank you," she looked up from her task and smiled. "Thank you," she was stacking the chairs together into a row of three towers.


    "What is your name?"


    "It''s Elma. I was working on the 14th floor, assisting Mrs. Bennet, an old lady of 93 years old. She was bed-ridden¡ª" her voice trailed off. She looked up at me, there was so much pain in her eyes. "When Grant touched me in that smoke-filled corridor¡ªI was changed. But I still wanted to save her. In the confusion, I went back to her room but it was too late. She inhaled too much smoke¡ª" my heart squeezed inside my chest.


    "I''m sorry," I murmured. Her eyes were lost in the distance, I could imagine her reliving this terrible event. My own demon lurked in the corners, threatening to pull me back into that furnace.


    "The most difficult choice I had to take was to follow Grant and the others out," she blinked and her smile returned. "Grant told me that my core mission was to assist people. That everyone still alive needed me," that sounded so much like Grant. It brought me to tears. She squeezed my shoulder gently. "I understand doubt. I''ve seen many struggles with it especially when it involves death. I''ve witnessed the worst of humanity and the very best when their final minutes ticked by," her gentle smile reminded me of Grant. She had the same peaceful aura around her. "The moment you let go of the fears and the doubts you will feel so much lighter," she helped me sit on a chair and took my hand in hers. "Try to breathe slowly and left each of them to go as you breathe out. Can you do that for me?" I slowly nodded. I suddenly felt very tired, heavy.


    "Take a deep breath, hold it, and breathe out slowly," I felt dizzy with each breath and in seconds I was out cold. I had no memory when I got off the chair or how I was lying on the ground with a blanket over me.


    When I wake up, the sun was coming throw one of the doors, casting a square of light over the wall next to me. I rose up on one elbow, I haven''t slept that well in a while. My pulsing headache was gone. There was a low engine in the distance, I scanned the room and found Elma sitting on one chair with her eyes closed. Pushing the cover aside, got to my feet, my shoes were neatly placed on the side.


    "They are here," the s.e.xbot, whom I still didn''t know the name peeked through one of the doors on the left. I quickly shoved my shoes one without securing them and dashed after her. Elma joined us minutes later as the truck stopped in front of the bridge. I smiled when I saw Grant jumped from the passenger side of the c.o.c.kpit.


    "Quick!" he yelled without looking my way. His face was grave with wrinkles between his brows. Something happened. Something bad. Nicolai got out of the driver''s seat. "Close the doors, they are not far," Grant barked. Only seven members out of the dozen that made the trip came out of the truck. I ran across the bridge to them. I quickly spotted Demos helping Alter carrying a limp body. They were the tallest of the group. I covered my mouth when I recognized the body.


    "Oh god!" I shouted. "Olga!" I remembered her face before she pushed me out of that elevator. Demos turned towards me. He held my eyes. Pain¡ªsome much pain.


    -We were attacked. We lost many¡ª


    He lowered his head. I could feel the helplessness through our link. His shirt was torn open and fresh bruises on his chest. The others hurried to close the gates and barrier it with plunks and leftover materials from the construction. Alter held Olga''s frail body in his arm, he nodded at Demos and went to the bridge.


    "Come inside, I''ll tell you what happened," he wrapped an arm around my trembling shoulder and we walked away from the other busy members. Grant didn''t once look my way. It hurts to be ignored. I gave one last peek over my shoulder as he shouted orders.


    "Liliane, he is only thinking about everyone''s safety right now," Demos gently squeezed my shoulder. "Just try to understand," I hugged him back. Elma was right. This uneasy feeling was only fear and doubts.


    "I''m trying," I whispered. He ran his fingers into my hair and kissed it.


    "For a moment, I thought I would never see you again and that scared me," we reached the lobby. We paused letting the others walked past us. We waited still until we were alone. I looked up at his troubled face. There was something wrong.


    "What is it? Tell me," I urged holing on the front of his torn shirt. He averted his eyes. This can only mean bad news. "However bad it might be, please tell me. I know I''ve been a little harsh¡ªmaybe, a lot...before you go. I''m sorry. I was scared. I was so scared. Please forgive me for not believing in you¡ªin Grant. I understand that he is angry. I just hope you can forgive me," he shook his head with a tight smile.


    "I''ll always forgive you," he leaned forward pressing his forehead against mine. "You will need to talk to Grant, we may be one but we react in a different way," he sighed and pulled away. His copper eyes were gentle and sincere.


    "Olga was able to stop Atlas from escaping online. She cornered him but couldn''t stop him," he sighed. I wrapped my arms around him, and he hugged me back. Quick footsteps in the entrance interrupted our embrace.


    "What are you still do here?" raged Grant with Nicolai standing beside him. "We need to get down the bas.e.m.e.nt. Don''t you know that the military are going to blow up Texson city and that Atlas''s henchmen are out for blood?" I gasped at the revelation.


    "What¡ª"


    "They followed the truck and promised to annihilate us all..."

 Chapter 149 - A red sun rises

    We walked passed the room in which I was sleeping and on my way out I grabbed my bag. Going through one of the doors on the left we went straight to stairs leading to the first bas.e.m.e.nt. It was a dim room with consoles in the middle and screens took most of the walls. In one corner stood a table on which they had placed Olga, next to two giant pods with a glass lid. It looked like the ones we had back at the apartment.


    "Quick, we need to put her in," Grant pointed to the pods. He placed the bag he was carrying on the console and went to help Alter with the task. The other members sat on the floor on the other corner. Demos and Nicolai helped closed the vault-like door. It clicked with a chilling sound. I looked up at them.


    "Does that mean we are locked inside?" Demos nodded.


    "It also means they won''t be able to get in," added Nicolai with a frown. Nicolai went to the console and switch it on. Grant came back from securing Olga into the pod. The logo on the water system came on all the screens simultaneously.


    "Hello," said the AI. "Welcome to the water system facility. Please standby as I run diagnostics," said the voice on the screen. I stared in puzzlement. Taking cautious steps I stopped behind Grant. He was drumming on the keyboard. He took out Jil''s box that he retrieved from our house before he left and plugged it to the console. But the lights flickered and the whole room when black.


    "What''s happening?" I asked trying to peer in the darkness.


    "Calm down," I heard Grant make an irritating sound and got off his chair, pushing me aside in the process. "The whole system crashed. Damn it, " I could hear him rushed to the side of the room. "We need to access the turbines in the lower part of the building. They run with the current of the river. I knew we had to test it before going online. Olga said that she had too little time to fix the eventual bugs," a light switched on, enough to push away the darkness. Grant was kneeling on the ground unscrewing a panel. Demos came to help him with the other screws.


    "If we can''t get this place running we are doom. She will die before we do," he looked up at me. "I need to fix the system, it runs the ventilation. If it''s really fried we''ll just replace it with Jil she will be able to keep Altas at bay," he talked while working on the last screw. Demos pulled the panel aside and we peeked below. It was another pitch-black hole. Alter turned the light to the ladder that went down the pit. Grant climbed below without hesitation.


    "Shit!" he whispered as we heard water splashed.


    "What going on, down there?" asked Demos peeking into the hole. There was silence a couple of minutes then he answered.


    "Water," he paused. "It flooded the lower level where the turbines are. We need to pump the water out. Come down to give me a hand," Demos hopped into the opening and disappeared below. Minutes later, we heard a muffled sound behind the vault door. We all stopped and listened. When we heard a second time, Nicolai rushed down also to help them. I''ve worked on the designs of the water system. I''ve seen the plans and knew my way fairly well around it. I kneeled by the panel listening to the boys as they worked, praying that whatever thing was outside the door would stay there. Minutes ticked and the air in the room became hotter and thinner.


    "Guys?" I called, the room below has gone silent. The light came on so abruptly it hurts. The artificial clapped and cheered. Elma came next to me.


    "Are you feeling ok?" she asked in a concerned tone. My head was spinning, still, I nodded with a smile. She helped me to my feet. The air was getting hotter, it didn''t seem to affect the others. The sound on the other side of the door was louder now. We would hear loud banging on the heavy door.


    "They won''t be able to get in, right?" I looked up at Elma. She averted her eyes. They were all scared. Olympia kneeled next to the opening.


    "Nicolai, they are trying to breach the door. Whatever you are doing, go faster," she yelled into the darkness. Grant appeared up the ladder, minutes later, soaked in thick oily water. He pulled his shirt over his head and wiped his face with the dirty garment.


    "Can someone lend me something," He opened his fly and pulled his pants down then kicked his shoes. I was shocked, he just got undressed in front of everyone mindless of all the eyes staring at him. One of the members took off his shirt, leaving him with his undershirt. He handed the large blue worker''s front buttoned shirt to Grant who slipped in it without a second thought. He was wearing only his black boxer and the shirt a little too large for him.


    "Liliane," he called. I was red as a beetroot when everyone turned to me. He was the one in his boxer and I was the one blushing. Liliane gets a grip. This is a life and death situation. Get rid of the embarrassment, for god sake. "I''ll need your help with this," he sat in front of the console looking away. Elma helped me sit in the chair next to him. Jil''s box was still plugged into the console. He switched the console on, I took shallow breaths. The air had a weird taste. "You worked on this with Olga, you know how to switch on the ventilation. I''ll work on system, as quick as I repair it you rush to the maintenance module and switch the fans on, ok?" he explained with his fingers working at a staggering speed on the keyboard. I nodded then noticed he wasn''t looking.


    "Okay, got it," I answered in a weak voice. A loud bang on the door made me jumped in my seat. Grant paused and looked up. "People, get ready, those with guns stand by the door. Be ready to defend us," I frowned as he kept working. Shit, this was real. I might die from suffocation or simply killed by murderous robots. I reached for the hem of Grant''s shirt with trembling hands.


    "Focus, Liliane," he lowered his voice. He gave me a weak smile and said in a gentler tone. "I know you can do this," I let go and turned to my screen. Taking a deep breath I waited for him to give a signal. "I''m almost done. The initial AI was taken down by Atlas. It didn''t crash due to flaws. So I''m just replacing it with Jil''s but since Olga has upgraded her it''s a pain in the ass to work with her complicated scripts," he got up so abruptly, I flinched. "Hey, grabbed me the extension cable¡ªthe red one, from the drawer and a knife," he yelled at the guy standing next to the table near Olga''s pod. "Top drawer, quick!" he urged. Someone on the other side of the room handed him a shift blade knife. I watched in horror as he pressed the tip of the blade to his neck. He caught me staring and smiled.


    "This is not your first time. Promised this doesn''t hurt," Elma handed him the red cable which he plunged into his D23 port. "Please don''t freak out," he smirked as he plunged the end to the console. His body went limp, slipping from his chair. I had to catch him so he wouldn''t fall down.


    "Help me," I called and two or three people rushed to my side. They helped place him into a sitting position and held him in place. The logo of the water system came back online, it rendered the diagnostics and the screens turned black with the main menu appearing on it.


    "Liliane, Atlas he is lurking I''m going to pull up the shield then plug Jil in," called a voice from the screen. I turned to my own screen, the air was so scarce that my vision was blurry. I blinked a couple of times. I browsed through the maintenance, scrolled down to the designated section where the fans were. My fingers trembled when I reached it. The screen flashed red and alerts went on.


    "We are under attack!" shouted Grant from the screen. Images of the outside of the building flashed on the screens. The building was ransacked. The front door shattered. The fences were torn, they didn''t help keep our enemies out. From the different cameras, we spotted 8 very pissed robots. 5 were outside the door cutting through the metal with what looked like really bright blades.


    "They''ve got a plasma cutter. We are doomed," said Olympia as she backed away from the door.


    "Hold your position," shouted Demos getting out of the lower levels. He and Nicolai both looked like they had seen hell and back. He rushed to the console where Grant was seated.


    "What¡ª?" he turned to me as I clicked on the button to activate the fans. It used the same concept as inside a submarine, splitting the hydrogen and oxygen in the water with an electric current in which the bas.e.m.e.nt was submerged. The air came blasting in from the ventilation panels on both sides of the room. I gapped, inhaling as deeply as I could. Then coughed several times. Demos rubbed my back, just like Grant used to do to ease my racing heart.


    "Demos! Help!" yelled Grant. The screens flashed red, codes pour over the screens. "Atlas...he is killing me. He became too strong," I grabbed Grant''s cold hand.


    "Please, fight," I pleaded then turned to Demos who was taking a red cable from Emla. Nicolai pulled a chair for him.


    "I''ll also plug in to fight Atlas," Nicolai announced. Demos grabbed him by the collar.


    "No, you stay here, keep her alive. Whatever happens, keep her alive," the men exchanged nods. I leaned and kissed him as he cut to access his port. It was quick and desperate.


    "Demos," urged Grant. The screen blinked.


    "Liliane, stay alive," his eyes soften. "I will always love you," was the last thing he said before his body fell back on the chair. I stared a little hollow, his kiss lingered over my lips. I turned to the door. Orange sparks flew from the floor. They were cutting through the metal. Nicolai rushed to it. I watched in slow motion was the event unfolded, detached. The sounds were dull, lights too bright. My watch vibrated and the bloody face of Dr. Churchhill appeared. I frowned at him. That traitor, what did he want with us?


    "Liliane, listen to me. Wherever you are...listen to me, they are going to blow it up. Get somewhere down below. I don''t know if you are safe. Please¡ª" the image freeze on the doctor''s terrifying face. The lights flickered. There was a silence. The robots pulled away. We could see them ran in all directions on the cameras. The next thing I know I was flying accross the room.

 Chapter 150 - Blurry thoughts

    I woke up with a ringing in my ears. I had to blink a couple of times to clear the blurry images. There was a single ray of light that came from a hole in the ceiling. It didn''t occur to me that we were in the bas.e.m.e.nt and that thought was just impossible. Dust flew around in a mesmerizing swirl into the light. Rising and falling as I tried to gather my hectic thoughts.


    "Grant?" my voice came out hoarse. I coughed to clear out my throat. An extreme pain rose from my legs and arms. I was lying on my belly, face in the dirt. From that angle, all I saw was the console in the middle and the huge slab of concrete hagging from the ceiling where the light came from. When I tried to get up the pain in my right arm bite harder. Panting I looked around in panic. I remembered Dr. Churchhill had shouted something...but my ears were still ringing and there was a warm liquid soaking the back of my head.


    "Grant? Demos?" I listening over my racing heart and didn''t get a response. Guys! I thought, screamed, in the hope, they would hear me through our link. I fought to get up, pushing my horrible pain aside. There were fallen ceiling panels blocking my feet and cables tangled in my left arm. Come on, Liliane get up, I scolded myself. I pushed up on one elbow, crawled with little pebbles digging into my palm and bruised forearm.


    "The bomb..." I gasped. I pushed the light panel and gazed at the reason why my left high was wet. A metal scrap was poking through the torn fabric of my jeans. "Shit!" I blinked tears away. I scanned around the room for help. The eerie silence that reigned made all blood drain from my face.


    "Guy?" using my left hand I pulled myself in a sitting posture. My right hand was bloody with a cut along my forearm. My breathing accelerated. This can''t be happing. This wasn''t real. On the verge of a mental breakdown, I tapped my bracelet to access my phone to call help. I tapped it once and nothing happened. I tapped it again and again. Still, nothing.


    "Access, phone," I called with a quivering voice. Still, nothing. The interface I was so used to from the brain wave connector was gone. All the icons that used to be in the corner of my field of vision, gone. The clock on my right, the logo of the bracelet menu...all gone. I had to get up, I looked around the dim room going hysterical.


    "Please, answer me. Grant? Demos? Nicolai? Elma? Somebody? Anybody?" I shouted. Nothing. Grant, Demos... tears rolled down my face. What is going on? No. I shook my head. I pulled the hem of my dirty shirt and tore a strip from it and tightened it around my bleed leg where the metal shard stuck out. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed it and immediately let go. An agonizing scream left my lips. a pain so intense, I saw black spots in front of me. Placing a hand in front of my mouth, I sobbed. The picture of Grant and Demos sitting on the fresh grass, that day we were to the garden for a picnic, all three of us, appeared. Demos smiled with a grass blade between his lips while Grant scrolled through the houses to find one for us.


    "No!" I scolded myself and got up in one leap. Pain pulsed in every muscle of my body. I screamed to clear that sorrow...that monster that was choking me up. I limped to the console and bumped into a shoe sticking out from under a crumbled wall. I hid my mouth, the owner of the shoes was crushed under the rubbles. Throwing myself to my knees I brushed the dust away from the shoe... white liquid was seeping it. I fell backward.


    "That''s neither of them," I said aloud. "That''s not their shoe," I felt bad for being a relief. My hand brushed fabric and I immediately turned towards it. There lying on her side with eyes wide open was Elma. She was covered with dust rendering her hair and skin of the same pale color.


    "No, no, no," I mumbled. Then I turned to the console and saw them...still attached to it. My vision went blurry. My whole world crumbled around me. I shook my head refusing to acknowledge what was before my eyes. No, this was a mind trick. This couldn''t be true. I sat there in the dust for probably hours shaking my head and crying.


    "What are you doing, stupid?" a voice chuckled behind me. "You''ve promised, right?" said a second one. I was so tired that I couldn''t turn around to see who was talking. But deep down, I knew. "Get up, clumsy. You''re not going to lay down in this dirt. Just look at you. Come on," he smiled. "Here, take my hand, let''s go get help," when I reached out, I blinked and it was all gone. I was back in the bas.e.m.e.nt, in the heavy silence. Was it a dream? Were they really here?


    "Get help..." I whispered. I got to my feet using a stick found off the floor. I limped to the console. Somehow, I was scared to touch them. It would mean they are really...gone. That this was real. Grant was resting his head on the keyboard, his curls were covered with dust. Small debris of concrete lay on the crackled surface. Demos was lying on his side with his face in the shadow. I didn''t want to come closer...I didn''t want to see if his eyes were open.


    "I''m going to search for help. Y-you stay right here, ok," I tried to smile and fail. "It''s going to be ok, my bag was sitting next to Grant. I grabbed it and throw it on my back then turned to the door. in the shadows, I could see more bodies. I quickly averted my eyes with a gasp. The door was still stuck tight. I looked up towards the collapsed ceiling. The rubble created a slope through which I could jump out...if I wasn''t wounded.


    "I''m sorry..." I sobbed. I reached trembling hands towards Grant. I could easily imagine him resting his head on the keyboard after hard hour''s work. He would turn and smile at me. I pulled my hand away without touching him. I remembered what Elma told me earlier. Grant changed her life gave her a new purpose. "Focus, Liliane," I heard him scolding me. Gripping my hands tight I jumped up the slope, fall twice but didn''t stop. Each time I could hear them...feel them holding out their hands to help me up.


    When I emerged from the collapsed ceiling all I saw was a desert of devastation. The building was only an unrecognizable pile of bleached rocks, the parking was gone, the fence had thrown into a distance into a twisted pile of metal. Trees that bordered the street were laid flat. Smoke rose from several places in the distance. I limped using the stick to help me. I had to seek help but where? There was nothing out here. Nothing but death.


    "Look, it''s an awesome day to go to the beach, right," said Grant standing next to me with a smile. His brightest one, his eyes sparkled like jewels.


    "I''ve got you a red bikini, and don''t tell me you''re not going to wear it," Demos chuckled. I laughed at his sweet intension. They walked ahead of me towards the banks of the river. I reached out towards them.


    "Wait for me," I limped but my body wouldn''t go faster. Why was my body not listening to me? Demos looked over his shoulder with a smile.


    "You''re so slow and out of shape. Next time we''ll go for a jogging. You clearly need it," he extended his hand while facing forward. The sun was bright. They both shone like stars walking in front of me. I giggled. It was, a beautiful day to go to the beach.


    "Lady" called a distance voice. I looked up at Grant, he was wearing his bathing trunk and smiling. He pointed towards the horizon. I had to squinted my eyes to see the silhouette of a group of people standing there. Demos let go of me, I frowned and reached to grab his hand.


    "It''s ok, Princess. We''ll wait for you, right here," he pointed towards the other side of the river.


    "Don''t forget our date," called Grant. When I blinked I only saw a man running towards me.


    "Lady? Are you ok?" when he got closer he shouted making my head spin. "Somebody, call a medic," next thing I knew everything was black. I smiled, I''m going to meet them again. I won''t forget. We will have our date, finally, all the three of us.

 Chapter 151 - Slow waves

    When I think back at how relieved I was to wave up to the sound of birds chirping. There was a light breeze playing in the curtain. I stirred and immediately regretted it. Still, I smiled and turned towards the person sitting at the end of my bed.


    "Grant...Demos..." I didn''t recognize my own voice. The person sobbed. My vision was hazy, I extended my arm and found that it was wrapped in bandages.


    "Liliane," said the male voice. I frowned at it. It wasn''t their voice. I blinked a couple of times in confusion. A large hand grabbed mine when I looked up I saw the crying face of Angus.


    "Angus?" he nodded then turned to the man standing next to him. Dr. Churchhill smile...a weak one.


    "It''s been one week, we thought you wouldn''t pull through," fat tears rolled down his cheeks and into his beard.


    "Where..." was the only thing I could articulate. My mouth was as dry as a bucket of sand. He shook his head and let go. "The boys?" I tried to sit up but he pushed me back onto the bed.


    "They are gone, Liliane. Everything is. All of it. They had raised a fence around the whole perimeter," said the doctor. He had scratches all over his face and one of his arms as held by a sling. I couldn''t believe it.


    "No, you''re wrong..." I coughed. I looked up at Angus. "You''re wrong, they... we were at the water system. We need to go back there," they both shook their heads.


    "No one is allowed into the perimeter. They said it''s dangerous...with high levels of radioactivity. They has been setting tents to accommodate the survivors," added Angus.


    "What about the boats...?" my voice broke. They averted their eyes. There was a heavy silence. Then Dr. Churchhill went back to his chair, he sat down with a sigh.


    "This whole incident was disguised as sabotage. They are saying that Real humans bombed our facility. They are not sure Atlas is really gone. So they are not taking any chances, that''s why they sealed the whole island. And things are not better on the continent either..."


    "It''s pretty ugly," Angus cut in. The doctor glared at him for the interruption.


    "We are on our own. Nobody is coming to rescue us," he added. I let myself fall back in bed, staring at the unfamiliar tent ceiling.


    "Olga was in her pod, they switched her off before putting her in there," a tear rolled to the side of my face and onto the pillow.


    "Y-you were able to save her?" the doctor''s voice quivered. I turned my head to the side to see him. His eyes were wet. He suddenly appeared older.


    "I''m sure we can do something to salvage her memory...to get them back," I whispered. Angus crossed his arms over his board chest with a sigh.


    "Liliane, we are back to the dark ages. No technology is working. The bomb took it all down. Many had tried to go back to save their loved ones...but the military is either locking them up or preventing them from coming back," I turned back to the ceiling. An idea has bloom inside my head. An idea that defines me. An idea I couldn''t let go.


    All this time, I thought that I had no goals that my emotions....my attachment to them was the only thing that got me going. I was wrong. I own had a mission. I closed my eyes, all the memories of the time we spent together replaying behind my closed lids.


    "Wait for me..."

 Chapter 152 - Authors pov

    Hello, everyone. It''s me, Helena Seryma author of Artificial mates. First, congrats for sticking with me until the end. Second, now that AM is done. I''ll move it away from . Sorry. But that''s how I work my novels. Work the first draft online, when I''m done I go polish it offline then publish it.


    If you''ve liked the story and when to keep reading more about the world.


    follow me online on my website:


    helenaseryma.yolasite.com


    Instagram: @helenaseryma


    facebook.com/helenaseryma


    About Artificial Mates:


    It all started with an idea...what if I did a REAL love triangle where it really involved three people. I kinda put the idea in a corner for a while. Then one day I wrote the 1st three chapters. Back then I was working on Spell programmer and 3 am app. A fantasy and a creepypasta. Those are very different stories. Frankly, I had to rewrite that first chapter a couple of times before it was decent. I knew I wanted to write romance...if you knew me you would hold your belly and roll around. People who knew me actually laughed when I said I was going to write a romance. >_> f.u.c.k them. I write whatever the hell I want, anyway.


    People, I''m not romantic and I knew my point of view on the whole romance genre will be...different. I just hope it wasn''t too cringy.


    Amongst all the stories I''ve written (about a dozen) AM is the longest and the only one I can reread just to enjoy being with my characters. Yes, I write, first for myself. When I reread my own stuff I usually pull a long face and throw it across the room while screaming "Burn it with fire!!!" yeah I''m very critical of my own work. But here I was reading my own shit and laughing...I was like what is freaking wrong with me. Yes, each time I read AM I laugh. Some times I ask myself if I was the one who actually wrote it >_> it make sound strange but I feel this way towards AM.


    The Characters:


    Liliane:- oh god what can I say about her? Poor girl really needs to seek professional help. But on the journey writing those 4 freaking books... I felt I''ve connected with her. Some times I want to slap that bitch. But in the end, she is just human...poor thing.


    Demos:-You can all clearly feel...see, read that I love Demos. I''ve even commissioned an artist to do a custom Demos t-shirt last Christmas. Yes, I freaking love him. The ultimate bad boy with a big heart.


    Grant:-as well as I love Demos, I also love Grant but in a different way. Demos is on the emotional level but Grant is on the intellectual level. I''ve created Grant so that he would have nothing to do with how human acts. He is clearly a machine and love like one...a selfless love that humans can''t attain or understand. If when you read it he comes out creepy somethings and you can''t put a finger on it...that''s cause he doesn''t seem natural. Which he isn''t. We humans get creeped out by ...dolls for example cause they mimic us with that unsettling glassy eyes that stare back. By the way, I love dolls I don''t find them creepy. Also why I love robots, cause I love to peek inside to see what makes them tick.


    Nicolai:- I''ve always imagined him as this classy black guy in a 3 piece suit. He has his air of royalty around him. You don''t know how he does his running in dressed-shiny shoes but he does with ease. I just really like his every interaction. Liliane seems to think there''s a thing going on with Grant and Nicolai... Well, Liliane had a lot of insecurities...poor thing.


    Olga:- Olga is the female badass in the story. That''s it, period. No, I''m just kidding. I really want to tell her story. But that''s a whole other book >_> Dr. Churchhill, you freaking perv!


    Atlas:-What can I say about him, apart from he is the man! I don''t normally like my antagonist, compare with Jay Dawson...freaking rot in jail, loser! I just like Atlas, I loved each of his scenes. He bites and it hurts and he has his own reasons why he is want to rules the world. Well, he''s got a little of a god complex, I guess. Thanks to his creator Dr. Laurell.


    Dr. Churchhill:-I don''t know if he is good or bad...it''s more on the gray side. Seriously, he needs his own pov or something. There''s a lot to dig in that closet. Cough* Perv.


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    What will happen to AM?


    The first arc ends with book 4. There are three short books after this one. I''ll not post them here. They still need polishing. And there''s a lot of short stories about this world I want to explore. I like this world so much I''ll stay a little longer. So be sure to follow me on social media or my website for more info.


    If you''ve started reading AM like 6 months ago, go ahead and reread it you''ll be surprised to see all the changes. Anyway, do it quickly cause I''ll get the story down soon.


    What is the next story I''m working on?


    Next will be a fantasy. A pretty brutal one called: Red Prince of Carnage. I need a break from all the feels. But... in each of my stories, there''s a love interest... For those who want to keep reading what I write to thank you for the support. Big hugs and kisses. Your humble author. Helena Seryma.