Read Online Programmed To Protect (The Tau Cetus Chronicles) by Jenna Ives - Free Book Online

order to get to the bottom of it. I just wanted to alert you, in case there’s no way I can avoid Carron’s camera this time.”
    Theus’ smile faded. “Everyone projects their own needs and desires onto a Beautiful Doll, agent Wyatt. We make them what we want them to be. There’s nothing ‘different’ about this particular one, believe me.”
    “Maybe not. But I’m looking for information.”
    Theus frowned. “What sort of information could a sexbot possibly have that would affect your assignment to keep Anson Carron in line while deploying our robot soldiers?”
    “I’m not sure. It’s just a gut feeling. But I need you to trust me on this. Or at least give me enough leeway to pursue something that may turn out to be valuable to us.”
    Theus’ expression turned dark. “There is no law against fucking a Beautiful Doll, agent Wyatt, even though the sexbots no longer exist as a business. But don’t let your cock get in the way of your job. If it does, I promise you it will mean the end of this assignment as well as your career.”
    The premier paused to let his ominous words sink in, but Wyatt didn’t need the threat. He had a job to do and he was determined to complete it successfully. “Yes, sir.”
    “Tell me about the deployment preparations.”
    Wyatt shifted again in his chair. Now was the time to inform Theus about Titus Veraine’s allegation that Anson Carron would be smuggling diamonds inside the robot soldiers. But something held Wyatt back, and he knew what it was. First, he needed to figure out if he was being played.
    After all, Veraine was a liar. He’d lied about the cameras in his lab, and he could be lying about the diamonds as well.
    “Carron’s army will be up to its full complement in two days. I’ll be organizing the transportation details tomorrow. I assume you’re planning to send a military strategist with us?”
    Theus nodded. “Yes. Callex Industries will be supplying five-thousand particle disrupter weapons for the soldiers’ use. Marque Callex’s personal assistant, Zan Talesin, has proven himself extremely valuable since Callex was relocated. He will be accompanying you.”
    “Then I’ll make arrangements to include Talesin as well as the weapons.”
    “Very good.”
    “One last thing, sir…”
    “Yes?”
    “Five-thousand robot soldiers with five-thousand particle disrupters should be a strong deterrent to the aggression demonstrated by regulator Egidia in Terra Radix, but we still haven’t accounted for those two stinger missiles Chavis Smith stole from Callex Industries months ago. If Egidia has those stingers, he could take out a large part of our robot army. Have you considered that?”
    A slow smile spread across Theus’ face. “I have. And, frankly, I’m hoping Egidia does possess those missiles and that our army deployment incites him to use them against the soldiers. Robots can easily be replaced, but those stingers cannot. As you know, the Council keeps close track of every weapon on Tau Cetus. Maintaining the balance of power is how we ensure the safety of the planet.”
    Wyatt’s eyebrows rose. Theus had obviously considered this scenario months ago, and drawn up a plan accordingly. Always one step ahead of an opponent. The man must be a master chess player. Wyatt’s respect for the premier grew. “So this is a ploy? A feint?”
    Theus nodded briefly. “Of sorts. Let’s hope Egidia falls for it. And let’s hope you’re nowhere near the line of fire if or when the explosion occurs.”
    #
    “What do you mean there’s no tape?”
    Anson Carron stared at his programmer Titus Veraine, his anger growing by the minute.
    “Didn’t I purposely stay away today because you said it would take the pressure off that asshole Wyatt if I wasn’t here?”
    Veraine shifted on his feet. “Yes, sir. I thought agent Wyatt would be more… relaxed… and therefore more susceptible to Ginger if you weren’t around.” He shrugged. “The good news is that