Duke Binder-mar strode with the measured regal cadence of a man accustomed to appearing calm in a crisis. Meanwhile, King Bel bounded up the stairs with youthful abandon, taking two steps at a time. He plowed through the royal bedroom doors and pushed aside the attendant androids. “Are you hurt? Is our baby okay?”
Queen Nordhi’s eyes glistened with tears. “We are both fine, thanks to Artee,” she said, brushing away teardrops. “Attendants, please give us some privacy.” Once they were alone, she continued in a guarded tone. “Bel, I... I don’t think Artee is a human. Weapons came out of his arms.” Her eyes pleaded for reassurance she had not imagined what she saw.
What can I tell her without violating Artee’s conditions? Bel smoothed her hair and cupped her face while staring lovingly into her eyes. “I’m so glad you are safe and Artee was here protecting you.” He leaned in until they were cheek to cheek. “You are right. He is an android. I should have told you.”
“I had no idea. He looks so human that he’s become an inseparable member of our staff and family.”
“Artee is a rare... advanced security droid. It is crucial that we keep his identity secret.”
“I don’t know if I’m more surprised to learn he’s an android or that you never treat him with the same level of disdain as the other androids.”
She’s right. When did I stop thinking of Artee as 'him' and not as an 'it'? Have I adjusted to living with him, or has he actually become more human?
He dismissed his unanswered thoughts. “You are right. Artee has become an inseparable part of our life. Perhaps I have treated him unfairly. Despite his contributions, letting go of my disdain for androids is difficult.”
Bel’s mind drifted to memories of his youth. “There’s a childhood secret I never told you. My parents were constantly busy, so I spent every day surrounded by androids. I despised them because they could not joke or play with me. They could not comfort me when I was sad or share in my accomplishments, like parents should. I eagerly awaited the days when I could play with you. You reminded me that I was human.”
Nordhi kissed his cheek. “I had no idea. I only saw you happy and playful when our families were together.”
“Artee is so exceptional, I forget he is not human. I entrust him with our lives, but even as sophisticated as he is, machines are incapable of experiencing emotions.” Bel brushed her hair back and held her face. “Let’s make a vow to not let our children be raised by androids, no matter how busy we get.”
“We could move the nursery closer to our bedroom,” she murmured.
“I will have them convert the room next door.”
Nordhi gave him a wan smile as her eyelids drooped. The king piled more pillows behind his wife and pulled the covers up to her chin. “You should rest. I need to check on Artee.” He kissed her forehead. “Then I will return to take care of you.”
* * *
Bel found Artee in his study with a towel draped over the damaged arm. “Words cannot express how appreciative we are for what you did today.”
Artee pivoted. “Thank you, sire. Is the queen unharmed?”
“She is. And in bed resting.” Bel lowered his voice. “She saw your arm and figured out you are an android. No one else knows.”
Artee’s expression altered subtly. “That is regrettable. I hope she is not afraid of me. It would affect my ability to protect her.”
Bel watched Artee inspect the damaged arm, marveling at the intricate internal workings. “More shock than fear. She remains fond of you and is concerned about your well-being.” He sank into a chair next to Artee. Until today, all I wanted was a way to get rid of him. Now I need to find a way to keep him here.
Artee held the arm up for Bel to see. “The damage exceeds my ability to repair. I will have to return to the Assassins Guild.” He locked eyes with Bel. “Another assassin will take over the contract. It will not come knocking on your door to politely introduce itself.”
A nauseating sensation seized Bel. I can’t let that happen. “Do you think the royal technicians can fix you? You saw their work on Nordhi’s parent's droid.”
“They are very skilled and have all the equipment necessary. However, it would expose my true nature to more people who would need to be sworn to secrecy.”
“Given the alternative of having to survive another assassin, it is the option I prefer.” The techs may also learn something to defeat you when the time is right.
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Bel helped Artee conceal his damaged arm. They walked to the android repair lab and were greeted by the manager. “Your highness, how can we be of assistance?”
In a low voice, Bel confided, “I am sure you heard how Artee fought off a lion earlier today. He sustained considerable injuries... injuries a doctor cannot heal if you get my meaning.”
“I do your highness. Ever since we went to fix that service droid, we have known what Artee is.”
Artee asked, “What gave me away? My emulation of human behavior is nearly flawless.”
The manager chuckled, “Your design and programming are truly state of the art, but your designers forgot a minor, but significant, detail. People are covered in hair from head to toe even though it is nearly invisible. You, however, have no peach fuzz.”
Bel placed his hand on the manager’s shoulder. “Who else knows about this? Artee’s position at the royal estate could be compromised.”
“Only myself and the technician who went with me. You can count on us to keep it secret. Our work often requires us to muck around in their brains and we learn things we know not to divulge to anyone.”
Relaxing his grip, Bel asked, “Do you think you can repair him?”
“Sire, we have the finest shop outside of the factory. We can also machine new parts so we don’t have to order anything that would raise suspicions.”
“Your expertise and discretion are appreciated. If you can fix him, I will be indebted to you.” Especially for the tip about hair. Now I know how to identify other advanced androids.
The assistant technician handed Artee a wireless diagnostic probe. “Please plug this is in.”
Artee peeled back a patch of skin over his groin. “For my safety, you will need to destroy all digital records once the repairs are complete.”
“Speaking of digital records,” Bel said, “Can you erase or modify droid memories? Multiple androids witnessed the attack.”
The manager continued to monitor the incoming diagnostics data as he spoke. “The brains of royal servant androids are encrypted. We will need you to provide your encryption key, your highness.”
“I will have to look it up and come back later. Just to be safe, schedule all the royal servant droids for a selective wipe of all data related to Artee.” Bel turned to Artee. “Anything else we are missing?”
“Security camera footage of the battle, which I will personally scrub.”
“Thank you, Artee. I will have the attack classified as a state secret and have the publicity office put out a cover story about the queen.”
The manager uploaded Artee’s diagnostics to a surgical assistance robotic arm. “If you’re ready, we’ll commence with the repairs.”
The assistant technician had Artee lay on a surgery table and started repairing his arm.
Bel questioned Artee. “How did a lion get through your security measures?”
“Although the sensors are configured to ignore wildlife, they do alert for anything larger than eight kilos. I also find it a curious coincidence that the largest population of Doaban Mountain Lions is on the Isle of Modhikat.” Artee turned his head to lock eyes with Bel. “Someone smuggled it in.”
Bel paced intently. “Could a lion have escaped from the zoo and wandered onto the grounds by accident?”
“No, your highness. I inquired and the zoo has a single, small female. Still in its cage. Regardless, they rarely are aggressive to people except when defending their young. I believe the lion was trained to be aggressive.”
* * *
After the repairs were complete, Bel led Artee to his private study. “Nordhi praised your many contributions since coming to the royal estate. Despite our unconventional relationship, I should have been treating you like any other employee. That changes now. I am appointing you to the newly created position of Minister of Security. You will receive a salary commensurate with the position. I am also granting you my private study as your permanent office.”
“My own room. I am honored. Thank you.”
Bel squeezed Artee’s left shoulder. “It is well-deserved.” He joked, “No bragging to the other droids or they will all be clamoring for rooms of their own.”
“I killed a lion in personal combat. Would it not be out of character to not brag?”
Bel laughed harder than he expected. “Fair point. I will make it official policy that anyone who slays a lion, bare-handed, is to be awarded a private room in the royal estate.”
The mirth left his eyes, and his tone turned serious. “As the new Minister of Security, your first task is to find the culprits. My cousin Keerat lives on the Isle of Modhikat. Perhaps he can provide some information about the lion and who might have smuggled it here.”
“Yes, your highness.” Artee hesitated before stating, “Sire, I know this is ill-timed, especially after the great honor you bestowed upon me. However, it is time to tell you that I am here to assassinate you. Prepare to die.”
Bel’s eyes grew wide with alarm as he cried out, “Someone is trying to kill my wife and unborn son! Oviously, I cannot die until the perpetrators are captured and punished.”
The android worked his repaired arm through its full range of motions while he spoke. “I am willing to grant you another delay.”
“The investigation could take many days and require you to travel.” Bel pulled back the sleeve of his jacket. “I am wearing the tracking bracelet and every day I will provide the same reason. Is it necessary for you to threaten to kill me every day?”
Artee stood silent for a moment. “I cannot find a flaw in your logic and the crown is under threat. Likewise, we are now entangled in a conspiracy to hide my injuries from the guild. Therefore, I will postpone your assassination—on the condition you do not take revenge on the perpetrators. You must give them a trial.”
Bel placed a hand over his heart. “I promise.” If I am lucky, the brutes will put up a fight and die in the process.
Artee left to search the garden for clues. Bel waited until he could no longer hear Artee’s footsteps before he collapsed into a chair. It’s not enough to live in fear of Artee, now until the perpetrators are apprehended, I have to live in constant fear for the lives of my wife and son. On a positive note, the attack has shown Artee is not invincible. If I can neutralize him, that will be one less concern. Perhaps the droid techs can help me devise a solution.
He checked the time and sighed. I’ve been away from Nordhi for two hours, but here I go again, placing duty over the needs of the ones I love. Bel pulled himself out of the chair and returned to the android repair facility. An hour later, he was finally free to comfort Nordhi.