Page 11 of Tyton: The Spider and the Dragonfly
“Because we need one that works with Model 21.”
Siku raised an eyebrow.
“This shit,” Sesi gestured to the very expensive box of jute, “is somehow grown this way.”
“Fluorescent proteins?”Siku guessed?
“Nope, it responds to PalmInter connections.That means it takes commands.”Sesi put on her glove and picked up a cord.It blazed to life, the cool white glow refracting off the Hexaline walls.
“Neat trick.”
“It’s more than a neat trick.I want to know how they’re growing processors.”
“And an AI psych is going to tell you this?”
“Maybe.The arsehole I just took care of said it was one of Model 21’s projects.We’ll need someone with access to ask about it.”
Siku nodded pensively.“Thatarseholeyou took care of was to put an end to your obsession with avenging mom.What does this have to do with it?”
Sesi leaned forward on the desk, propping herself up by her elbows.“You think this pion was working by himself?”
“No, I just want to know where your endpoint is.Are you planning on taking out the whole system?”
Sesi massaged her forehead with her palm.“No.Just part of it.”
Siku hobbled over to the chair and sat with more grace than his crippled leg would suggest was possible.
“Promise?”
“No.”
“This isn’t your fight anymore.”Siku took his sister’s hand.She squeezed.
“So are you going to get me that AI psych, or…”
“Or what, you’re going to fire me?”
“Yes.”
Siku rolled his eyes.“Fine.I might have a contact.Minor things, just grey market tech and beta soft, but she might prove useful.”
“How much do you know about her?”
“She has a friend.”
“Think she’d come willingly?”
Siku bobbed his head back and forth as though he were weighing the options.“I don’t know much about her, just that she keeps her nose clean.We can send a couple of ours to follow the contact and see if we can gather more intel.But if I’m being honest, unless she’s got a really good reason already, you’re going to have to resort to blackmail, money or both.”
Sesi waved it off.“I can live with that.How soon?”
“New Year’s is coming up.Everyone will be out and about, so we’ll have a chance then.Probably not more than a couple of weeks.”
Sesi frowned.
“Don’t be like that.It’ll give you some more time to play with this.Maybe figure out what makes it tick.”Siku knocked his hand against the box.
Sesi took a deep, cleansing breath.“Okay.You do your thing, and I’ll go punch Tornit.”
