​     Four of Claudia's guards, ​robots in human form really, as well as Claudia herself, met Valtair, with four of his associates, at the front entrance. 

     Claudia led them into the guest room. A robot servant offered them drinks in long-stemmed glasses. Valtair declined on behalf of his entourage.

​     "Thank you, no. We'll get right to the point. I'm certain you're aware of the catastrophe that occurred in San Diego within the last hour." 

​     Claudia smiled. "I am so woefully underinformed," she replied. "Please enlighten." 

     "I will not. You are lying to me. Just as your employer, Adam Forwarder, always lies to me."

​     "It's possible he doesn't respect you enough to tell you the truth."

​     "Disrespectful would be the best term for that, yes. Anyway, what I need to tell you. I must be quick. We'll be taking over your headquarters here. We'll be dismantling you to see what you know as well."

     "My goodness, that doesn't sound very friendly." Claudia accessed every scanner available to her. The compound was chock full of them. It was like the place had a thousand eyes. She saw that the compound was now surrounded by at least two dozen of Gideon Goldbody's specially-designed weapons-packed skyships. "Hmm. How much time do you suppose I have left?"

     "You have no time. We're coming in. I'm giving the order even as we speak." Valtair smiled. "You're so lovely. I'd love it if we could just stand here and have a polite conversation while my associates take you apart."  

     "You know, thank you so much for your offer, and I'd love to be in a position to take you up on it. However...whoopshit."

     "I'm sorry. What did you say?"

     "It was a code, a directive that Adam and I give verbally. It's an all clear to seek and destroy. Also, with that particular word, there's an emergency tag attached."

     "Is that so?"

     "Just watch." 

CONTINUE