Princess of AMBER

Chapter 22

„I think, you have been looking for me." I said.

He stared me down, his expression deadly serious. I expected him to be more emotional outwards, but seems like it is not his thing. Cole still has that robot like aura. His eyes and rest of the face don't give away any hint of his possible thoughts or feelings. Quite opposite of me. Maybe the SEB virus have not progressed so far for him to behave like me.

But his stance and body language tells a different story about him. I noticed it even before he got infected. Confidence, bravery, arrogance is radiating from him. His loyalty to his superiors and a strong sense of duty.

„How do you feel?" sarcasm seeps through my question and I wonder, will he be able to understand the meaning behind it.

„Nothing special." was Cole's blank statement, his face still dead as a rock.

„You know, this is a first time meeting someone like you, someone so similar to me." a small smirk appears on my lips.

„I would like to point out - we are nothing like each other." another sharp response came from him. „Did you come to confront me?"

„Yes!" I went straight to the point. He did not seem to be a chatty type and I liked to get things done straight away too.

„You are stupid. Do you not like your newly acquired freedom? You will lose it, for being here, for making a decision to face me."

„I do not crave freedom. And.... „ I did not get a chance to finish my sentence, when his arm came to my face with lightning speed. I moved my head just in time, but he managed to grab on my hood, which covered my face previously. My arm grabbed his hand and I pulled him closer to me in order to deliver a kick by my knee to his stomach. He stumbled back, little bit swayed by my quick response. Cole gained his posture and came back at me, but my foot stopped him. It connected with his chest, sending him few feet other way. His body flew back and landed on the floor with a hard thud. I did not want to continue this fight and went straight to him. He was slowly pulling himself up, but I made sure to knock him back on his stomach. My leg was pressing hard against his back, not allowing him to get back on his feet. The force was strong enough to limit his movements, but not enough to cause any damage.

„You are right. We are nothing like each other. You were made to fight and stand against humans, me, on other hand, to face the robots. You will never get upper hand on me." I said lowly.

„I can tell you are not using your full force on me. Why? What do you want?"

Considering his position, Cole still had the layer of arrogance plastered over him. He did not seem to be fazed by my strength, nor afraid. But I know for sure, that he is not the same, as before. Before SEB took over his mind. The way he talks is different, despite of all the robotic characteristics in his behavior.

„Because .... I need you in perfect condition for a job. You are the only one capable of accomplishing the task without any intervening or difficulties."

„What task? Do you think I will help you? You have got a wrong 'thing' for that task."

„Don't you call yourself a 'thing'. You are not one anymore." I said it close to his ear, as he was still beneath me. „You see, I need you to deny access to any kind of weaponry, for citizens of Amber. Lock them away, do whatever you want, just make sure no one carries firearms in this city. I mean .... humans. I don't care about robots. They can do whatever they want."

„You are insane. I will never be a part of your sick plan."

„It is in your best interests, Cole. Do you know, why people are making trouble around the city? They are afraid. And you know from what? Infected robots. And believe me, people will do anything to get rid of them. AND I want to remind you something.... as it have slipped through your memory. You are one of them. You are infected. When they will discover, that their beloved and trusted police sergeant is one of them, people will not hesitate to eliminate you. If you don't want to end up as a part of ... a toaster.... later in your life, than better consider my convenient offer. It is better for you and everybody else. Believe me." I said the last sentence with a wicked smile on my lips.

Cole went silent. I decided not to linger here anymore and released my grip on him. Without looking back at him, I left the small building.

I hope he will accept my request.