He felt no pain. Perhaps, because of the shock, he could not recognize it. But he heard the crunch of his own vertebrae, and realized that his head, blown away by the terrible force, was flying toward the bushes like a ball. His nose hit the ground and crunched too. This time it hurt, really hurt. But then it was gone: the pain was gone, the sounds were silent, the light was gone.
***
Adam woke up in a sweat. Hed never had dreams like this before. No, hed seen all sorts of things, including real nightmares, but hed never had a dream like this, despite the fantastical, realistic nature of it. Adam frantically wiped his forehead with the palm of his hand, turned his head, and almost cried out, startled by the robot that had stealthily approached.
Master, are you all right? The machine said carefully, studying the man with all four cameras.
The man exhaled heavily and leaned back in his chair again.
Master, Robert Audley will be waiting in the lobby in fifteen minutes,» the robot continued to say. I suggest you move to the rendezvous point. It is estimated that the trip and all registration procedures will take twelve minutes using the elevator or fourteen minutes using the stairs.
The assistant gave out the necessary information, then drove a few meters away and suddenly, as if thinking, stopped. The car turned around, pointed its cameras at the man and froze, waiting for an answer.
Yeah, Im coming! blinking rapidly, Adam squeezed himself out. Check the report on the Phasitron 2115 project for accuracy and, if its good, send it to the post-processing department,» he added as he continued to rub his face.
It will be done, master!
The robot found a place in the corner of the workshop and, doing its assigned work, quietly watched as the man stood up, as he shook his head for some reason, as he looked at his reflection in the mirror and, finally, as he left the office.
Adam felt strange. A sense of desolation, of an imminent end lodged deep inside him. Moreover, he still felt a pain in his nose, as if he had actually broken it by hitting his severed head on the ground. The dream seemed to be coming true, intense and dangerous.
Robert Audley stood in the lobby of the Center, staring at the ceiling without much interest. He was a tall, dark-eyed brunette, with sharp chin and broad cheekbones. He wasnt handsome, and he didnt stand out much, despite his position and fortune. Robert was the kind of man who recognized the beauty of neatness, considering egregiousness the domain of empty people. Despite Roberts complicated relationship with the director, Adam liked him, though they had never met in person before. According to rumors, Audley was successful, modest, self-confident, a little crazy, but its not terrible. The main thing was that he was smart, a quality Adam valued more than any other.
Mr. Audley! Welcome to the Center for Robotics and Innovation, long time no see. How are you doing?
Things are going well, thank you,» Audley smiled, shook his hand firmly and asked: I take it youll be giving me the tour?
Thats right! Adam confirmed. I designed the platform myself, as well as the subsequent additions. I dont think you could find a better candidate for this tour,» he added, remembering Agathas words.
Im not even gonna argue.
Robert patted his companion on the shoulder in a strange way, looked away confusedly, and said:
Well, drive, then.
Outwardly, Audley looked as confident and calm as ever, but his eyes were running from corner to corner, bouncing on walls, doors, and other things, betraying an inner restlessness. Under other circumstances, Adam would have asked, wondered what was wrong, but today was different. His own heart continued to tap-dance and it took great effort not to show it to his guest.
So, are you married? As he walked down another corridor, Robert suddenly asked.
Yeah, itll be five years soon, why the sudden question?
You know, I always wonder about that with my partners. Ive got everything, but I dont have a family, and thats probably how my pain comes out. Never mind,» Audley waved his hand and smiled. I think its a great blessing to have a family in its true form. Its a miracle to find someone to live a long life with. Your wifes name is Annet, isnt it?
Yeah Adam stretched out, completely missing the point of the conversation.
Oh, I knew her! Audley exclaimed with a tightening of his lips. Well, come now, how is Agatha?
Shes thrilled to have you here, asked me to make everything perfect.
Of course, old Agatha wont forget her past wrongs after a thousand years! She rather wished me dead, didnt she?
Robert, I just have to show you the platforms. What do you expect me to do?
Honesty and male solidarity.
The mens gazes collided. After a brief pause, Audley continued:
Okay, I get it. I cant ask to talk about it. Well, what about you?
Me? Adam wondered.
Yeah, youve been working here for ten years, arent you tired of dealing with the red tape? Robots, robots, boring! Same old, same old. Have you ever thought it might be time to do something that gives you real emotion? he winked slyly. Man became great because he picked up a stick and a rock. He wanted to assert his right to exist and he succeeded. Now we create tools of awesome power that can serve both dictate and freedom. But the main thing is that, as thousands of years ago, it enables man to defend his right to exist. What is your attitude towards the greatest invention of mankind?
Audleys voice sounded seductive. The only thing that wasnt clear was what he was getting at, and why. Just in case, I decided not to lie, to answer honestly, and then see where this strange conversation would lead.
Weapons are not my passion, I think Im more interested in creating than destroying. And who needs guns these days? Theres been no war for decades, no alien competitors
Robert laughed.
Adam, long ago they used to say, «If you want peace, prepare for war.» If no one needed weapons, would I be walking in front of you right now? Think about it.
And there was a lot to think about. Since 2084, there hasnt been a single conflict on Earth, both external and internal. People were busy innovating, discovering, manufacturing, creating, seemingly everything but war. Despite this fact, the arms industry did not die, but on the contrary, having made a significant technological leap, continued to bring in billions. It is not known only to whom and from whom, because everything related to weapons was hidden from the gaze of outsiders.
Ah, lets do it this way, Robert suddenly suggested. Tomorrow we have an event planned. I invite you to attend it. Im sure youll find it interesting from a professional point of view. Yes, and my engineers will be glad to finally meet you in person. I must admit, Im getting tired of hearing your praise. We start at nine. I dont think Agatha will mind your absence from the workplace. She may seem cold, but shes actually soft and kind inside.
Ill think about it, Adam replied dryly, adding, Were here.
He swung the doors open, revealing to Roberts eyes a huge hangar where hundreds of robots were stamping out future infantry team leaders without stopping. The smell of oil and silicates immediately hit his nose. The visitors walked along the conveyor belt, undistracted by the precise and precise work of the tireless assemblers, and stopped at a cube-shaped room with transparent facets. Fingers quickly ran across the digital panel. A hiss, a squeak, and the door opened smoothly.
I present to you an updated version of the Sergeant platform,» Adam began his presentation, approaching the exhibit hanging on hooks in the center of the cube. The skeleton and armor are made of composite compounds, based on synthesized titanium with increased strength, a two-megawatt battery with no energy loss for twenty years, protection from electrical impulses, and Chameleon paint.