Chapter 2
Chapter Two
They took the same path back to the lobby.
This time, the decorative arch gave no notice of his passing.
The security guards, however, did look across his weapons.
Jealousy, he thought, trying not to smirk as they examined his gear.
Few people could afford the type of equipment Legates wore like a second skin.
Mr. Briggs pointed to his left, indicating a room just inside the main entrance. "The receiving room is this way. All Ingénues pass through here, so make sure you have the right one before you leave."
"Clones?" Because that was the rumor.
"Some. They're all coded." He pulled open a white door and gestured for Sin to precede him. "To your right is the scanner. Under her wrist is the primary barcode. She has an RFID chip behind her ear as well. Either of these can be used to verify the legitimacy of your..." He smiled. "...client."
All of those identifiers were there for a reason, and it made Sin wonder why. "Got a big problem with people impersonating geniuses?"
"No, but we do have one with jackers trying to get the questions."
Sin chuckled. "Is that what you're calling it? Questions? You make it sound like someone asks her what color the sky is, and she makes a trip across the city to hook into their system and leave the word 'blue.'"
"Basically. Although the questions are more along the lines of wondering how to cool a superconductor within a specified space, or which politician in the Andromeda sector will be making a run in the next election based on their social schedules."
"So, what's her specialty? Am I going to be rubbing elbows with Andromedans?" Sin crossed his arms and leaned casually against the counter.
"Thinking, Legate. That's her specialty.
Primary Ingénue R1554-9370S-02K16 handles any problem asked of her.
Some of those problems are worth a fortune, and it's no longer a secret.
To date, we've had nine cases of civilians trying to obtain the data illegally.
Three handlers have been lost this week. "
"Which is why you've asked the Legion for help. I see. So I assume you want the Ingénue back more than what's in her head?" he asked.
Mr. Briggs nodded. "The question is always replicable.
If she's solved it once, she can solve it again.
Her mental enhancements, though? They're worth a small fortune.
More than you'll see in your lifetime, I'm sure.
Our investment in her is considerable." He sucked at his teeth.
"Yes. We want the Ingénue back at all costs. Conscious or not."
That was the answer he'd been looking for. It also explained the need for an RFID chip behind her ear. Barcodes could be altered, but both? If the girl was out cold, or dead, the company could still extract those precious answers from her synthetic mind.
Sin nodded slowly, making his decision on the spot. "Then I'm not gonna stand and have a shootout with the rabble, Mr. Briggs. I'll get your damned brain back, but if shit gets bad, I'm doing it my way."
"She is highly cultured, Legate. She will not do well in a run and hide scenario."
Sin grunted, making it clear how little he cared.
"She will with me. If you want to protect your damned investment, then trust me.
If I fail, the Legion will notify you of my demise.
Otherwise, I will notify you of any loss to your property.
If you hear nothing, then I'm just bringing her home.
" He shrugged. "We cost so much because we don't fucking fail, Mr. Briggs. "
Finally, the man smiled. It was an oddly cruel look. "I know. Not even when you lose your right arm to do it."
"Most of it." They seemed to have done their research. "Was a bit of a problem trying to crawl out of there, but I still protected the client."
"And used three other Legionnaires to do it," Mr. Briggs remarked.
"Your Praetor made sure I knew your contract fee doesn't cover only a single Legate.
Now, today's assignment is simple. RightGen is expecting their solution this evening.
Once she has received the data, you'll make sure she arrives safely.
If you return after hours, there is a door on the west side of the building, and your retinal scan will get you in. "
"Cybernetic," Sin corrected.
"Yes. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any problems or concerns." The CEO glanced at a screen quickly, then gestured to a chair. "Your Ingénue will be with you shortly."
Fucking arrogant corporate snot, Sin thought, smiling politely as he moved to find a seat, watching the man leave.
Mr. Brigg's cologne stank like overripe flowers.
His smile was as plastic as they came. Sin was sure the man had been aesthetically enhanced, yet he wanted respect for simply being wealthy?
Sin hated these assignments, always had, and the Praetor knew it.
The only thing he didn't understand was why he'd gotten it. This didn't seem like God's work.
Babysitting some pampered brainchild was not something that would help their cause.
He didn't have the social graces to impress the corporate types, and the damned mental monkey he'd be escorting was about as friendly as a doorknob.
The worst part was this wasn't a one-time assignment, but a recurring one.
Every time that prissy little stick had a job, he'd be heading over to hold her hand and make sure she didn't stub her delicate fucking toe.
He couldn't understand how this would help anyone live a better life. That was why he'd sold his soul to the Legion. He was tired of watching hard-working people get nowhere, himself included. He was supposed to protect the weak, not some fucking pampered, cybernetically modified walking mind.
Before he could slip down that spiral of thought, a door at the back of the room opened, and a blue-robed woman glided out with a technician beside her. The man's hand gently touched her elbow, escorting her forward, and Sin glanced at her hooded face again.
"Ingénue," he said politely.
"Legate," she responded, her voice barely more than a whisper.
The technician passed him a package. "RightGen, fourth floor, five o'clock tonight.
That contains all pertinent information, along with your company credit card, and any necessary identifications you might need while working with her.
Now, you may either wait here while she solves the problem, or arrive early.
This one usually completes the task ahead of schedule.
" There was a hint of pride in his voice.
"Do you have a preference?" he asked the Ingénue.
She twitched, her head barely tilting toward him, but her eyes stayed locked on the ground. "I prefer to complete the task early, Legate."
"Can you think and walk?" he asked.
Her answer was completely stoic. "I can't really do anything else."
The technician looked at her quickly, but Sin laughed. "C'mon, girl. Let's get this over with so you don't spoil your pretty little gown."
He gestured to the door and saw her lift her chin slightly, but she didn't move. With a sigh, he took the first steps, hoping she'd just follow along obediently. She did. Maybe this job wouldn't be quite as bad as he'd expected. So long as the bitch did what he told her, he could make this work.