The Clean Slate Accord Read Online Free Page A

won’t be able to help with the Accord.”
    He was grasping at anything to delay the inevitable and as Alexa watched his eye twitch, she felt a moment of pity for him. “I think you’ve done enough helping . I’ll be extra careful so there’re no lasting effects.”
    Alexa opened a drawer and took out a long syringe. She tried to hide it, but Jonas saw it and yelped. “Please, Director, I’ll work very hard at controlling my behavior. I’ll double check, no, triple check all of my calculations from now on. If you just leave me alone for a while, I can come up with a solution.”
    He looked like a small, frightened animal. His eyes became glassy and the frames slipped down his nose. “Jonas, it’s not just about this…miscalculation, but about your general attitude. Even the crew are starting to notice and we can’t have that, now, can we?”
    â€œYou mean David. But I’m a good worker. Nobody else knows the system like I do. I’m just trying to fit in, I really am. Does David hate me because I’m human and he’s not?”
    â€œOf course not, and he can’t hate. You know that perfectly well. Just close your eyes and I’ll take the sample as quickly as I can. We may need to make a few adjustments to your DNA. If we do, you can help me with that, too.” Alexa knew how much he liked being included in genetics, whether or not it was his own.
    â€œBut I’m afraid, Director. My brain is different. What if you poke the syringe in the wrong place?”
    He was on the verge of hysterics and trembling so much that his feet were tapping the metal of the stool. Alexa kept her voice calm and soothing, “Hold still. I know your brain better than anyone. I designed it, remember?” She waited until he shut his eyes and then circled around behind him. “Keep your eyes closed.”
    She examined the base of his skull and positioned the needle tip carefully, then applied enough pressure for it to puncture his skin and slip into the area above the spinal cord where the lower portion of the medulla was located. She did her best to tune out his cries and concentrate on extracting the smallest amount of cells necessary.
    With a small push on the plunger, the cellular extractor extended from the syringe tip and scooped a sample of cells. Alexa made one smooth motion and withdrew the syringe. Jonas quivered and sniffed. She came around and placed her hand on his shoulder.
    â€œAll done, Jonas.”
    His eyes fluttered open and he wiped away his tears through his empty frames. “I cried. I should not have done that.”
    â€œWhy not? It hurt and you cried. That’s a natural reaction. Now, relax while I run some tests on these cells. If there’s something wrong, we’ll fix it.”
    After packaging the syringe into a protective case, Alexa paused and watched as Jonas rubbed the back of his neck and scooted his stool closer to the microscope. He was her little anomaly. Turning away, she went directly back to her room.
    After locking the door, she called out, “Lights. Mirror, activate.” She stood before the mirror and took out the syringe.
    The mirror lights brightened. “You look lovely, Director.”
    â€œStop it.”
    â€œEvery woman likes a compliment.”
    â€œAnd men don’t? You’re being a bit gender biased, aren’t you? Here’s the cellular sample.” Alexa held up the syringe.
    â€œWhat tests do you want first?”
    â€œCheck for genetic breakdown, spontaneous mutations, anything that might explain increased independent behavior, paranoia and carelessness.”
    â€œIf you’ll allow me, I’d like to comment on Jonas’ change.”
    With a sigh, Alexa took a few steps back and looked at her own reflection. “You don’t even know him. How can you possibly tell me anything I don’t already know?”
    â€œI have access to every record