Similis (Dominix Kemp Book 2) by Mel Dufresne

Author:Mel Dufresne [Dufresne, Mel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-10-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

I leaned over the cup in front of me. The smell of synthetic coffee tickled my nose. I thanked my sister, even though I wished for something stronger. A bottle of bourbon came into my field of vision as I moved my chair back.

My brother must have been of the same mind, or else he had read my mind. I poured a large amount of amber liquid into my cup before pushing the bottle back to the center of the table.

Loïc had finished the plate Nova had prepared for him. On the other side of the table, Ketsia was peeling some fruit with much too much concentration. She had not spoken to me since the bridge. I sighed and finished inspecting my crew. They all looked grim.

“The theft of our cargo was not a fortuitous event.” Ketsia raised her head, frowning. I pointed at my sister. “It's her fault.”

Nova folded her arms and gave me a murderous look. Loïc shook his head, exasperated.

“Our involvement in Generis' downfall has earned us some enemies,” he explained.

This was a first; my brother being more diplomatic than me. I summarized the events of the past year for Erwan's benefit and then set about explaining our meeting with Eleanor.

“So, not only do we need to get our cargo back, but we also need to stop Eridani Element from eliminating us,” Teo summarized.

I nodded. At least Ketsia didn't look as mad anymore.

“We will get our hands on the Hubots that attacked us, disassemble them and mail them to Eleanor. Then we'll get our cargo back and blow up Eridani Element’s headquarters. Once this is over, I will pay my membership to the Human Above All Association and actively campaign to unplug all AI.”

My sister leaned towards me.

“Come on, Dom. Hubots were human before they were modified. And as employees, they’re probably just following Eleanor's orders.”

I folded my arms, far from being soothed by her words. My sister continued. “If Eridani Element deals with criminal groups, there are certainly tracks. We can find a way to put them out of business without getting our hands dirty.”

“Sure,” I said with a good dose of sarcasm. “That's what we did with Generis and it happens to be the cause of our current problems.”

Teo raised one hand and I lifted an eyebrow.

“The cause of our problems is actually that we got caught. We just have to be smarter this time.”

I took a sip of coffee and reached for the bourbon. Ketsia was quick to grab it and put it out of reach. I frowned. Several disparaging comments came to mind. She shook her head knowingly, and I rubbed my temples. She was right and I knew it. I had to keep a clear mind. My reputation was more important than a passing well-being brought on by the effect of alcohol.

“Our priority is the cargo,” I said.

“We should hunt down the Hubots,” said Loïc. “Chances are they still have it. Eleanore didn't seem to know she was in possession of the crates.

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