Chapter 16

A few hours later, I am deeply involved in my plans for the new Space Center, when Mark and Princess enter my Ready Room. I am so engrossed that I actually do not notice their presence until they are physically in the room.

Darn. So much for allowing them to continue this 'relationship' they seem to have developed.

"Oh, Zark!" Princess says in a surprised tone, "You're okay! We were concerned, when you didn't answer us… all of that beeping and burbling…"

"Yes, Princess." I reply, "I'm thinking hard about the plans for the new Research Center. In fact, I'm almost finished with them."

"That's great, Zark!" Mark exclaims. "In no time, we'll be back to full operation!"

"That's the idea, Commander!" I answer.

"We were worried about you, all alone down here, during the attack, Zark." Princess says with concern.

If I were capable of it, I would be blushing right about now.

"I was perfectly fine, Princess." I insist. "After all, I had 1-Rover-1 by my side!"

Rover yips to place the appropriate emphasis on my statement.

Mark coughs… or is he trying to disguise a laugh? Somehow, I think he has a good understanding of Rover's true capabilities. After all, he would never agree to share his number with a robot that threatened his position.

"Still, Zark," Princess continues, "I'm so glad that you're all right!"

And then she kisses me.

For the briefest of moments, my circuits go haywire. I think I'm having a short circuit.

These feelings… they're wonderful! At last, I can grasp at a limited understanding of human relationships. This is what Mark and Princess were feeling every time they played their flirting games in this very Ready Room!

The giddiness persists long after the pair has left the room. It feels wonderful.

But it is merely a pleasant interlude.

I still have work to do for Lord Zoltar.

88888

It is well after midnight when I finish up my plans. I have designed the new Research Center perfectly, if I do say so myself. It incorporates the latest in technological advances, building upon the strengths of the old center.

But most importantly, it has a number of disabling features, which can easily be taken advantage of by Spectran Intelligence. Of course, these features have been well-hidden, and are in fact fundamental to the foundation of the design itself. It is highly unlikely that they will ever be discovered.

Until it is too late, of course.

Just as I am saving these plans in the main Galaxy Security databanks, I hear the door to my Ready Room open.

This is unexpected. I don't get many visitors, who could this be?

I turn and look around. No one is there. Was I imagining things? Or did my door get damaged in the attack? Perhaps it is opening at random.

Swiveling back toward my station, I am met with a terrifying vision.

Jason is standing in front of me.

"Jason!" I exclaim, in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

He grins slowly, an evil expression on his face. Suddenly, I notice that he is wearing his Birdstyle.

"Are… are you going on a mission, Jason?" I ask nervously.

"I am on a mission." he drawls. "But I am going to take care of it right here."

"Right here?" I repeat. "What kind of mission takes place here? Any task requiring these computers falls under my area of responsibility."

"That's exactly the problem, Zark." Jason states. I get the feeling that he is toying with me.

Suddenly, I understand what's wrong with Jason.

He knows. I'm not sure how, but he knows.

Fear springs up inside my circuits, making my electrodes vibrate uncomfortably. An involuntary gush of warm oil rushes down my legs, and onto the floor.

Jason smirks. He seems to be… enjoying… this!

Frantically, I consider my options. I am no physical match for Jason, but if I can just access my control panel, I could send a disabling command to his implant.

Furtively, I inch toward my computer, as Jason speaks.

"I've never liked you, Zark." he admits.

"I've always suspected you felt that way, Jason." I confirm.

"But until recently, I always thought that you had the best interests of Galaxy Security at heart." he continues, ignoring my comment.

"Of course I do!" I protest his implication.

"And now, I've discovered…" Jason leans in close, and I can see his contempt for me deep in his icy grey eyes. "that you've been working for Spectra all along."

"Spectra?" I sputter indignantly, "This must be some kind of joke!"

I am almost at my control panel. If I can just reach the activation button, I can incapacitate G-Force's second-in-command with one push.

"It's not a joke." Jason growls menacingly. "I wish to God it were. But it's not. I have evidence."

He stares at me, waiting for a reaction, and when I say nothing, he continues.

"You've been in contact with Spectra, Zark, and taking orders from them."

Rather than make another pointless denial, I stretch out my arm, to activate the implant disabling sequence.

Only to be blocked by an inane robotic dog.

"1-Rover-1!" I exclaim in shock, "Where did you come from?"

Rover yips, but it is a threatening sound, not the friendly, idiotic noise I am used to. He is sitting on my control panel, right next to the access button I require.

In response to my query, Rover bites my hand.

"1-Rover-1!" I exclaim angrily. "What are you doing? Clearly, you need a maintenance check!"

Jason laughs at my words. But it is not a happy sound. It is a laugh full of bitterness, and menace.

"Didn't you know?" Jason smirks, "1-Rover-1 has been watching you for weeks, now. He's been reporting your odd behavior to me. He knows your true motivations, just as much as I do."

This can't be happening. I've been betrayed by a robotic canine? It's my worst nightmare.

I quickly revise that thought as Jason reaches toward me, yanking my arm from its socket. A vengeful Condor is my worst nightmare.

And it has come true.