He hated to admit it, but that was actually a reasonable point. It galled him to send these scientists into slavery, even a gentle one that they chose for themselves. But what if doing so was the best option for all parties involved, while sticking to his principles just caused more trouble for everyone?
Deep down lurked the niggling realization that no matter how good his intentions, his stake in this venture would subconsciously bias him. It would make him press the scientists to pick the option that was best for him personally, and even knowing it was also best for them didn't completely alleviate his guilt about that.
The facilitator was giving him a knowing look, as if she could read all his thoughts and knew she'd won. “Call me after you've had your chat with your new passengers,” she said in a businesslike voice. “Or just meet me at the rendezvous point where you'll be delivering them.”
She paused, voice hardening. “And don't be stupid about this, Thorne. If I can skate around ERI's defenses to arrange this kind of raid on their facility, what do you think I could do to a lone pirate ship that's already being hunted by the entire universe?”
Her images on the displays winked out as abruptly as they'd appeared.
* * * * *
Terra Sarr wasn't sure what to make of this unexpected opportunity.
Oh, not being rescued from this facility by mysterious benefactors who hadn't been sent by HAE, and whose motivations were unknown. That was just a matter of wait and see; there were far too many variables involved, and she didn't have enough information to reach any reasonable conclusions.
And that was assuming this “Captain” hadn't been lying. She'd met other people who seemed to relish the unpredictability of humans, but she just found it tiresome.
No, the opportunity that consumed her thoughts, even as they prepared to escape onerous slavery to a corporation operated by one of the most oppressive regimes in human history, was this chance to study the stolen adult companion.
The possibilities! The companion had no doubt imprinted to one of their rescuers, probably Captain given the undue attention she paid him, and had been operating entirely outside the knowledge and oversight of HAE for over a year. It was impossible to ignore the potential data to be gained from a prototype who'd been performing her intended function outside the sterile environment of beta testing.
This prodigal companion could provide valuable insights into their attempts to make the model authentically human in every respect. As well as the deeper, and more important, goal of providing all humans with someone they could create a close and intimate bond with. Not just sexual, but one of friendship and trust and affection.
Terra wanted to know everything about this companion's experiences. Especially how she'd ended up as a member of a group of “free agents”, as Captain had called them.
She sidled up to her object of study, who was currently examining the stasis pods the Vindicator had brought them in to make sure they were all functioning optimally and would carry them safely. “You imprinted with Captain?” she said bluntly, assuming the tone she always used when interviewing companions.
The AI glanced at her wryly. “If I had imprinted, Miss Sarr, I could never betray the confidences of my human by telling you so. Not unless he wished me to.”
She frowned, irked by this unexpected roadblock. All the test subjects who'd bonded with companions, most seeming deliriously happy at the chance to do so, had of course signed agreements to fully disclose all details of their interactions for purposes of the test.
She'd have to speak to Captain about getting permission to debrief his companion, as well as convincing the man to let her interview him as well for feedback on his experience. Until then, she wanted to get whatever information she could wheedle out of this rogue companion. “What about your unit designation?” No response. “Have we met, at least? I had close interactions with most of the prototypes we sent out, since I was a project leader in the Adult Companion Quality Assurance Division.”
“AQUA,” the companion agreed. “Yes, I know. And yes, you worked with me. Were I not in disguise for this raid, you'd likely recognize me.”
Interesting. A lot of information could be inferred by what information the subject was willing to provide, more than just the information itself. Terra wished she'd thought to bring the new pad ERI had issued her. Or better yet, still had the one she'd used for most of her career that had all the information she needed on it and was customized to her preferences.
Failing that, her memory would serve. “How have you functioned since you began autonomous operation, then? Were you able to perform your assigned roles to the satisfaction of the humans in your care?”
Terra could've sworn the companion hesitated. “In the main, I've been highly praised for both my utility and aesthetic value. However, there are some areas where I am beginning to find myself . . . lagging behind the requisite skills needed to protect the humans in my care.”
“Not unexpected, considering our logs show no sign of you connecting for your routine synchronization updates, in order to maintain optimal performance.”
The companion looked away and didn't respond. Also interesting; was Captain refusing to let her sync because she was stolen? Rational, if so. Although showing a woeful lack of understanding of HAE's strict policy on privacy, confidentiality, and protecting the wellbeing of humans.
Even ones who brazenly stole incredibly valuable prototype companions meant for high ranking Deek officials, thoroughly embarrassing HAE in the
