"I think you have something I want," Silveria said. 

     "Yeah?" Adam replied. "And what might that be?"

     "I believe it's something the size and shape of a coin." 

     "I'm sorry. I never carry money on me." 

     "We need Claudia to have even the slightest chance of going up against The Fours."

     When Silveria said, "Claudia," she meant the computer, the artificial intelligence, Adam created to be the finest in the universe.

     "Claudia was atomized by Tindriss, the Coal Maiden," Adam replied. "The first thing I'm going to do if I ever get the chance is build another Claudia."

     "Please stop lying," Silveria replied. "Show her to me. I don't want her. I just want to know you've got her."

CONTINUE