The android maintenance manager drove his work truck, carrying his tools and his top technician, to Nordhi’s castle estate. Artee and the prince rode in Bel’s hovercar, providing the privacy Artee needed to raise a concern. “Prince Bel, in my role as your new security consultant I have been pondering the timing of my contract to assassinate you.”
“In what way?”
“Contracts normally specify the name of the target, but rarely a timeline. The contract for you includes a bonus to assassinate you prior to your formal betrothal.”
“Which means they are someone close to me... or to Nordhi.”
“I’ve considered the possibility the contract is less about eliminating you and is about hurting Lady Nordhi. If so, I must broaden my security planning to encompass her as well.”
Bel broke out in a cold sweat. In that moment, his primary concern shifted away from his life to her life. He had every intention of outwitting Artee, but could not imagine surviving if it meant a life without her. “I will ask Nordhi to give you access to perform a security analysis during our visit.”
He furrowed his brow as he worked through a possible flaw in logic. “I am confused. Protecting Nordhi from physical harm while still intending to kill me seems like a contradiction. She will still get hurt.” He glanced sidelong at the assassin.
Artee turned to him, with a flicker of a smile. “It is only a contradiction if you assume my intention is to avoid causing her any emotional harm. Witnesses to the act might suffer permanent psychological trauma. Therefore, assassinations are conducted in private. The emotional harm caused by the target’s death cannot be prevented.”
“Ok, but I still do not understand your motive. You are programmed to carry out assassination contracts yet must abide by restrictions that prevent you from doing so.”
“To explain why there are restrictions, I must first provide a brief history of the Assassins Guild. The guild operated as a covert organization for centuries before the Space Age. In spite of centuries of technological and cultural advancements, when humans began colonizing other planets, their conflicts and intrigues followed. Confined in starships for decades, disputes inevitably led to murder. One murder can lead to a revenge murder which then escalates into a feud.”
Bel’s eyes brightened. “Like the legend of the Settlers Pride. If I recall the story correctly, it was one of the first colony ships back when it took hundreds of years to travel to another solar system. A feud between two families turned into a civil war lasting for generations. When the ship arrived at its destination there were too few survivors to establish a viable colony and everyone died.”
Artee nodded. “That catastrophe halted colonization efforts at a time when Earth was on the verge of ecological collapse. Finding no viable solutions, the Assassins Guild came out of the shadows and offered to mediate those conflicts. As a third party, the guild ensured the violence did not escalate by eliminating murders of passion and revenge.”
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“I could be biased... but having me assassinated on the way to my betrothal ceremony feels like it is not for business or political reasons.”
“That is the hypothesis I am developing. If I can provide evidence that Nordhi is the indirect target that would prove the contract was motivated by passion.”
“Then there is a possibility the contract can be nullified?”
“If enough evidence can be found to support the theory.”
Bel was jubilant. “Then we need to find that evidence.”
“I must caution you. Contract nullification is extremely rare. The process could take weeks.”
“So be it. Let me know what resources you need. Anything at all.”
“In all honesty, it is a futile effort. You will not be able to postpone your assassination for that long.”
“I can if Nordhi is in danger.” The prince turned his head to look out the window to hide his growing smile. Knowing there is a chance to survive this, I will find ways to stay one step ahead of you.
***
Nordhi was waiting out front when the vehicles pulled up. Bel had barely exited the vehicle when she ran to hug him, causing him to blush. He stammered, “These... these are... the uh, royal android technicians. We're here to fix your old droid.”
The technicians bowed and headed inside the castle.
“Oh, and you brought Artee with you too. So nice to see you again.”
“Your grace,” replied the assassin android.
Bel took Nordhi’s hand in his as they walked toward the entrance. “Darling, it is only a formality and no reason to be concerned, but I want Artee to perform a security audit of the castle.”
Nordhi scowled at Bel. “Why do women always feel more nervous when men tell them ’there is no reason to be concerned’?” She pulled him closer. “If it makes my beloved feel less concerned, then I grant Artee permission to check our security.” She pulled out her phone and granted Artee an account in the security system.
“Thank you, my lady. One more thing,” Artee said as he pulled two finely crafted gold bracelets from a pocket. “These bracelets will allow me to track your locations while I calibrate the security sensors.”
Nordhi fastened hers on. “They’re exquisite. Look, Bel, they match the bracelets we exchanged at our betrothal. Thank you so much.”
Bel turned his bracelet over and over in his hand and moved to put it in his pocket.
“Sir, the bracelet needs to be worn for it to activate.” The stern look Artee shared with Bel made it clear that wearing the tracking bracelet was the only way he would allow the prince out of his sight.
Artee finished his security sweep while the repairs of the service android were being completed. Nordhi’s parents invited the group to stay for lunch, where they put the newly repaired android to work.
“Oh Bel, thank you for doing this. He has been a member of the family since before I was born. I cannot imagine replacing him.” She leaned back and gave him a soft slap on the arm. “What’s that smirk about?”
“No offense, but I do not understand the desire to fawn over droids.”
Nordhi wagged her finger as she said, “I have seen the way you fawn over your father’s collection of hoverbikes. How is that any different?”
Rather than debate the differences in his infatuation, Bel grumbled in defeat. “If you are happy, I am happy.”
“You better be, or I will have him pour tea on your head – and that would be a waste of fine tea.”
With the meal finished, the quartet thanked Nordhi’s family for their hospitality and drove back to the royal estate.
The next week was a blur as Bel and Artee devoted their time to planning the security arrangements for the wedding. The formerly ceremonial royal guard endured daily training exercises and no-notice drills until they were a formidable defense force. Bel realized that the more he involved Artee with his affairs, the easier it became to convince the assassin to grant more delays.