Version Innocent

Chapter 8

  Dr. Warran watched her go, but he wasn't smiling. After Terra was out of sight, he walked back to his office and contacted Damon Harding through his implants. After a moment a life sized image of Damon Harding appeared in front of him.

  “Dr. Warran, how are you doing? And how is our patient faring?” Damon asked. He was totally attentive, something that made Dr. Warran extremely nervous. Usually, it seemed that he was preoccupied with other matters, but his whole attention was fearsome. Even so, he felt he had to let Harding know how he felt about the situation.

  “She has left the center, Mr. Harding, allbeit against my better judgment,” Dr. Warran said, managing to sound sure of himself.

  “Oh,” Damon replied, looking concerned.

  Dr. Warran continued, “I don't think that she was well enough to leave the center. It was very clear to me in her interview session that she is not coping well with the news, and that she felt it necessary to lie extensively to me to get out of the center.”

  “I see.” Damon paused for a moment then said, “You understand that we need her to find Sam Storm 6.7 and bring him to account for his actions. And please believe me, Doctor, when I say that she will be well taken care of should she experience problems relating to her restoration. We will have her under constant observation until this matter is resolved.”

  Dr. Warran had heard this all before, but it just didn't seem right. The poor woman had experienced a terrible emotional shock, but on the other hand, he recalled, she hadn't seemed shocked enough when he told her about the circumstances of her restoration and the involvement of Sam Storm. It had almost seemed to him that she wasn't totally surprised.

  “Yes, Mr. Harding, you explained that to me before. And I presume that you and the department know what's best in this respect for the whole situation, but as Terra Gates' doctor I must be concerned only with her welfare, despite circumstances.”

  “Of course, Doctor. I understand your reservations, but given the circumstances we need to consider the greater good.”

  “I know, I just don't like it,” Dr. Warran said, but he was reassured that it was all for the best.

  Damon smiled, knowing that he'd won. “Thank you for your help in this matter, Dr. Warran. You are doing a good service for your country and for your department.”

  “One more thing, Mr. Harding. When I told her that Sam Storm was behind the virus attack, Ms. Gates didn't ask who he was. I think she may have known him.”

  “She did, Dr. Warran. He worked as an engineer for her department for a few months before her 262.3 backup was made.”

  “Do you think she knew about the attack?” Dr. Warran asked. He was feeling much better now about letting her go, especially if she was involved.

  “I don't think this version knows anything specific. But just the same, the FBI agent assigned to the case will probably question her,” Damon said. Dr. Warran just nodded.