653 by Suzanne D. Williams

Author:Suzanne D. Williams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: science fiction, romance, futuristic, apocalyptic, Christian fiction, inspirational, world building, advanced genetics, alien encounter, robotic
Publisher: Suzanne D. Williams
Published: 2015-03-14T00:00:00+00:00

Closing the bedroom door behind him, 653 faced his brother, one hand on his hip. “Why are you really here?” he asked. “And don’t tell me they sent you.”

852’s face didn’t alter much from his usual blank expression, yet 653 could still see the humor on it. Nineteen and barely over the edge of adulthood, of all his brothers, 852 was the one most likely to do things on his own.

“I volunteered to come,” 852 replied. “Your heartbeat skipped, and we saw they were concerned. I said it’d be better for me to talk to you before they did.”

So both sides had noticed. It’d occurred to him they might. But the Organization knew he was capable of caring for himself, and 852’s handler that he’d report in if needed, so he’d hoped no one would respond.

“I don’t need a tune-up,” 653 replied.

“Is it the human woman’s fault?” 852 asked. “She is unable to control herself, and it has affected you.”

Though the statement was truthful and not meant in criticism, 653’s insides heated, and he curled his hand into a fist. “She is emotional, yes,” he replied.

852 tilted his head. “So are you.”

Surprised, 653 sagged a bit, his fingers flattening. His brother saw it in him? This was the second time he’d reacted emotionally without thought. Being angry had no more part in him than sadness or happiness.

“If they knew, they’d call you off this duty,” 852 continued. “But I’m more interesting in how you got this way.”

“We are part human,” 653 replied.

“Advanced, yes,” his brother stated. “But emotion has no part in us.”

653’s face warmed. “Emotion has a part in being human. Spend one day with Lexie, and you’ll realize that. They are largely controlled by their feelings.”

They both fell silent for a time. Then his thoughts shifted. “She says we ought to think for ourselves.”

852’s eyebrows rose. “Why, when we have all the direction we need?”

“Because we’re capable. Because we can do good that way.”

“We do our best ‘good’ by following orders.”

653 looked at his brother for a moment and then strode over to the window. “It’s not like you to argue right and wrong. I can recall many things you did that went outside of the rules. The bus incident, for one.”

Hearing a laugh come from his brother, 653 turned. “Laughing? Who taught you that?”

852 shrugged, the smile on his face obvious this time. “As you said, we’re human. It’s my flaw, one they’ve tried to correct. And failed. I hide it most of the time.”

653 gazed, unmoving, at his brother, knowledge forming inside. “You’re here for fun,” he said. “You were bored, and that is more like you.”

852’s expression said it was true. He was always up for a bit of sport, poking his nose where it didn’t belong. His being here was no exception.

“I’ll tolerate it,” 653 continued. “But you have to make yourself useful. I’m supposed to be the gardener, so you can help. Plus, Father Royce has to be guarded. Use your eyes for me and your ears.

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