Read Online The Bloodlight Chronicles: Reconciliation by Steve Stanton - Free Book Online

over the rim, licking her upper lip with a pink tip of tongue. She took another sip and returned the glass to a silver serving tray.
    She leaned forward with both palms flat on the desktop, safe behind her barrier of polished teak. “I’m not Eternal,” she said. “I wish I was. Soon I will be, if all goes well.”
    Zakariah sat quietly recording data, piecing it all together.
    â€œI undergo chemical rejuve regularly. I take Eternal blood once a week. I really am eighty-seven years old.” She paused and seemed disconcerted, and Zakariah took strength from this small show of vulnerability.
    â€œWhen you squeezed my breasts, I felt it,” she said finally.
    Zakariah nodded. “Weird quantum science.”
    â€œSynchronous wetware. Two minds in a single avatar.”
    â€œIt had to happen.”
    â€œDo you want it all at once, Mr. Davis?”
    Zakariah focused his eyes on her pretty face, the inquisitive arch of her eyebrows, and playful tilt of her head. He smiled. “Call me Zak.”
    â€œThank you. Call me Helena.”
    Zakariah took a long drink of nutrient water to put her at ease. He had enough information now to recognize a cloud of responsibility condensing around him, a game plan coming into focus.
    â€œYou kidnapped me, Helena.”
    â€œBetter me than the local bloodlord.”
    â€œYou screwed with my synapses.”
    â€œYou’re vastly improved.”
    â€œIt’s the principle of the thing.”
    â€œYou would never have agreed in advance.”
    â€œYou don’t have the right to jump into my brain.”
    â€œI take what I want, Mr. Davis. I pay for what I need.”
    â€œWhat is the ERI to you? Some strategic corporate alliance? Do you think you can buy Eternal life?”
    She straightened, her face suddenly austere. She pulled up an office chair and sat behind her desk. “Our interests coincide. Surely you can see that.”
    â€œI see a rich old woman who wants to live forever.”
    â€œI see a cowboy plughead who wants the virus for his only son.”
    â€œWe’re incompatible.”
    â€œWe’re complementary. Don’t you at least want to hear my proposal?”
    â€œOkay, fine.”
    â€œWe’re going offplanet to the Source. You and I. Together.”
    His body galvanized at the possibility, his quest come true. “Well, then, you got yourself a runner, ma’am.” He raised his glass as though in ceremonial toast.
    Helena pursed her lips at his quick change, then pressed her advantage. “I’m giving you a position as a field operative here at the Institute. You work for me. You will follow each detail with precision. Doctor Mundazo is the Head of Operations.”
    â€œDo I get paid?”
    â€œRoom and board just like everyone else. All the money goes into the lab.”
    â€œFor what?”
    â€œWe’re planning a public inoculation program.”
    â€œIs that right? What’s the price tag on immortality?”
    â€œThat will depend on supply and demand. You’re in charge of supply.”
    â€œSo I work for free, while you get rich?”
    â€œI’m not taking a salary from the Institute. I’m funding operations until the money runs out.”
    â€œYou’re a dangerous woman.”
    â€œWhy, thank you.”
    Zakariah paused for a quick survey of his options. The woman had already hijacked his brain. He would be a fool to trust her, but he felt exhilarated by this new challenge. “I assume you have some guidance on the target?”
    â€œNot a lot. The communications interface may be foreign, perhaps alien. Your special talents will be instrumental.”
    â€œSo you want me to hack heaven and bring you the treasure on a pillow?”
    Helena smiled. “That would be nice, if it’s not too much to ask.”
    Rix decided it was time to confront his hostess, whom he now suspected was little more than a prison guard. She had