Broken Brakes 8

The cell phone rings. Laila slows down and drives more cautiously. Switches the speakers on.

'Hello?'

'Laila?...This is Ben Jamin.'

'Oh!..Hello there!....what's up?'

'What's up ?!... A lot is up !...Remember Subject USB091?...The last one you implanted.. The DS.'

'Defendant Subject... Yes... Something the matter? How is it going ?'

'Bad!... He came from a mission all covered in blood... Blood!... You understand ?'

'A human ?! He killed a human ?...He's not supposed to be programed to do that ! There are a few humans left. We are the only source of Memories...'

'Well! Yeah! One less now!...I was wondering... What was the procedure with that Memory?'

'The usual. Scope and scan. Download to the Memory Program. Extract. Reveal. Implant'

'Well, something went wrong along that line somewhere!...Can you follow the process and see what can possibly have gone wrong ?'

'Yeah! Sure !...I'll need a couple of weeks ,though.'

'That long ? We'll have to put him on quarantine then.'

'I'm sorry, but I can't do it in less time.'

'OK then. Give me a call when you finish.'

'Count on it ! Bye, Ben !'

Laila tries to focus on the highway. Is this happening? A flaw in the system...that sounds so bad ! what if...

The phone rings again.

'Hello?'

'Laila?...Sil Vester here ! Are you on your way ?'

'Yes!'

'I have to tell you something!'

'And I have to ask you something! Something I couldn't ask the other day, as I was in a shock! Why was Ray's memory implanted in another Ray? ...That is very confusing !'

' That is what I want to talk to you about ! Listen !...You have to use Code E-17 on approaching the Subject!'

'So I don't let him know who I am... Shit !'

'Only in the beginning...See how things go... If he remembers you ...Well...You know...'

'Yes ! I know ! It can be hurtful to me...You know !'

'A risk you have to take....It's a shame it went this way... We did everything in our hands to...But...'

'Why I don't believe you !...You set this up, didn't you ?'

'How you dare !...I couldn't have been in Dr. Zeus mind, couldn't I? He's the one to blame !'

'Oh!...Yes! I see !... I'll talk to him, eventually. And I hope he has the answer I'm looking for!'

'Are you threatening me ?!'

'No!. I'm stating a fact. We have our differences, but I never thought you were going to go this far! Messing up with Memories !'

'Messing up with Memories... That's a very serious accusation, Laila, dear ! I see you're a little bit upset... Will talk to you another time. good day !'

Laila is furious! She stops the car on a side road and breathes deeply to calm down. She dials a number.

''Good afternoon!... Can I speak to Dr zeus, please?'

'And who's this ?' A curt, strong male voice answers.

'Miss Laila MSA '

'I'm sorry Assistant Laila, but Dr. Zeus is not available at the moment'

'Can I leave a message? It's very important!'

'Sorry... But as you insist, I must tell you Dr. Zeus is dead.'

'Dead?!...What happened? ...Was he ill?'

No, m'am! He was shot in the Wilderness a week ago. A grave and terrible mistake !'

'I...I can't believe it !...'

'Well...Unfortunately it's true!'

'God!...I need some information. Maybe you could be so kind as...'

'No information available . The Programs have been erased.'

'Erased ?! ...But!... But...'

'I can't help you!...I'm sorry, I have to go now. This offices will be shut down tomorrow. If you need something else you should call Central Assistance. Good day!'

Laila looks out of the window, without seeing anything ,really. It's almost dusk. Everything looks sombre and opulently ominous. Every shadow, every cloud, every gust of wind, full of evil omens and threats.