Noble Lies

by Gary Inbinder

Chapter 2 and Chapter 4
appear in this issue.

Chapter 3

Ludwig awoke gradually, like a surgical patient coming out of deep anesthesia. As his consciousness returned, he felt refreshed and revitalized, without the slightest trace of a hangover. The subtle, lingering odor of citrus and floral essence on silk pillowcases and sheets reminded him that he had not spent the night alone.

Turning to his left, and propping himself up on one arm, he noticed a small sprig of violet and yellow flowers, with a card attached. Lifting the tiny, colorful artificial spray, he sniffed its spicy scent, smiling as he read the back of the card. Call me anytime. Love, Bambi. The android had even kissed the card, leaving a faint coral-red imprint of her lips.

Ludwig grinned, and shook his head. Placing the card on the bedside table, he glanced at the clock radio. “Damn, it’s almost ten-thirty.” Accustomed to getting up at five a.m., Ludwig jumped out of bed and hustled to the bathroom for a quick shower and shave.

Back in his bedroom, Ludwig checked the thermostat; apparently, Bambi had turned it down five degrees. Shivering and covered with gooseflesh, he adjusted the temperature while recalling some rumor that pleasure androids functioned optimally in slightly cool environments.

The state provided Ludwig with a fashionable civilian wardrobe, suitable for a Republican Guard officer on leave. Ludwig chose a comfortable, blue long-sleeved shirt, gray flannel trousers, tan camelhair jacket and dark brown loafers. Having dressed, he went to the videophone, intending to order a late breakfast. A flashing red light brought him back to reality; he checked his one message: it was Aurelia.

She had called at eight; sound asleep, he hadn’t noticed the beeping phone. Aurelia wanted to meet him for lunch at noon; she recommended a popular seaside restaurant about one mile from his hotel. Ludwig called her cell phone, leaving a message saying that he would meet her at the time and place she suggested.

Ludwig walked out the front entrance of the hotel at about eleven forty. Crossing hover-car bustling Memorial Boulevard via an underpass, he entered the Gold Section of Memorial Park, heading in the direction of The Piscator restaurant.

The marine-layer cloudy sky was a slightly overcast blue-gray; the moist salt breeze blowing in from the sea moderately cool and invigorating. Briskly striding along a cement walkway, Ludwig made quick mental comparisons between the park’s Gold restricted section and the Silver area he visited as a boy. Except for the more fashionable attire of the Gold citizens, the carefully manicured expansive green lawns, pink, white and yellow flowerbeds, black wrought-iron chain link fences, clipped hedges, and tall, shady oaks and elms, seemed much the same as the Silver section he remembered. However, Ludwig took special interest in the superior quality of the sparkling new hover-cars in the Gold parking areas.

At the center of the park, Ludwig stopped briefly to enjoy the spouting, intricately carved marble and alabaster fountain, surrounded by bronze statutes of heroes of the Republic. Checking his watch, he moved on, picking up his pace so as not to be late.

Arriving at the restaurant at noon, he found Aurelia waiting by the entrance. Upon seeing him, she smiled warmly, and waved. Like Ludwig, she was out of uniform; her pearl-gray cashmere sweater, ivory silk blouse, charcoal slacks and black leather mid-heel pumps were casual, yet elegant and costly products of the finest Republic Boulevard designer shops.

Ludwig greeted her sheepishly. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting?”

“No problem; I just got here myself. Actually, I planned on being early; I love to walk along the breakwater.” Aurelia came close to him, put her hand on his arm, stood tiptoe and gave him a little peck on the lips. She took his hand, and led him toward the terrace. “Our table is ready; I hope you don’t mind going alfresco? It’s a bit brisk today.”

A veteran of winter campaigns where soldiers froze to death on guard duty, Ludwig smiled, and replied, “The terrace is fine; I like the view, and the breeze is refreshing.”

An android hostess led them to a wrought iron table on the flagstone patio; above them, a black and white striped awning snapped crisply in the wind. A silver painted iron chain-link railing ran the length of the terrace on the seaward side of the restaurant; a grassy slope dropped precipitously to the limestone breakwater. Once seated, they had a magnificent view of the ocean, and the Capital City skyline.

In the shade of the awning, Aurelia removed her sunglasses, so Ludwig could see her luminous emerald eyes. “I love The Piscator, Luddy; I eat here all the time. If you have any questions about what’s best to eat or drink, let me know.”

Ludwig scanned the menu; like the Intergalactic Aureus, the fare was a bit sophisticated for his taste. However, he managed to find a familiar favorite. “How’s the charcoal-broiled T-bone steak, fried potatoes and coleslaw, with a large draft lager beer?”

Aurelia laughed, and said, “That may be a good choice somewhere else; not here. Will you let me order for the both of us? Trust me on this.”

Ludwig nodded in agreement, adding, “You’re the boss, Colonel.”

At that moment, a female android server came to take their order. Ludwig, who had not yet grown accustomed to the most advanced series of androids, did a double take. The server, whose name was Barbie, looked exactly like Bambi at the hotel; Ludwig now realized how closely both androids resembled Aurelia.

“Good afternoon, Colonel Finn. It’s so nice to see you again.” Turning to Ludwig, she added, “Lieutenant Ludwig; we’re honored to have you as our guest.” Returning to Aurelia, the android asked, “Will you be having your usual?”

“Thank you; yes. We’ll both have the grilled swordfish, with saffron rice and mixed vegetables. You remember how I like it?”

“Yes, Colonel: not too well-done, with extra lemon on the side: And to drink?”

“You still have the Chateau Cetus Reserve Chardonnay?”

“Of course, Colonel: an excellent choice.”

Ludwig couldn’t help staring at the android as she took their menus, and then returned to the restaurant with their order.

Aurelia read his mind. “Luddy, do you want to ask me the inevitable question?”

Ludwig wasn’t sure he knew what the “inevitable question” was; nevertheless, he said, “I’m sorry, Aurelia. In the world I come from, we don’t have such sophisticated androids. Recently, I’ve seen two who are identical, and they both look like...” Ludwig didn’t finish the sentence; he just kept staring in amazement at Aurelia.

“They look just like me? Don’t worry; I’ll solve the mystery for you. The “B” series is Plotinus Industries’ newest, most advanced android. My father is the majority shareholder in Plotinus. When the “B” series was still in the development stage, he had the designers use me as a model. Of course, this was done without my knowledge or consent and is occasionally the cause of embarrassment.”

Aurelia’s revelation made Ludwig uncomfortable; he tried to say something positive. “I’m sorry, Aurelia. But, after all, they are really quite beautiful.”

Aurelia smiled, and took Ludwig’s hand, trying to put him at ease. “As the marketing materials say, ‘The “B” model female androids are a remarkable technological breakthrough, not only for their super-human intelligence, efficiency, durability and utility, but, above all, for their highly refined, human-like esthetic appeal.’”

To the extent there was any bitterness or irony in Aurelia’s response, it went over Ludwig’s head. “I think that’s great; having a whole new series of androids modeled after you. Your father must be very proud of you to do something like that.”

Aurelia didn’t reply; she toyed with her napkin, and then turned and looked out to sea. After a moment, she faced Ludwig, and said, “I’m glad you called me; I haven’t heard from you since the funeral. I missed you.”

“I’m sorry; I’ve been meaning to call you. It’s just that there’s something...” Ludwig stopped for an interruption; the server returned with their wine. Following an almost imperceptible gesture from Aurelia, the android showed her the label; Aurelia nodded, the android uncorked the bottle, and poured some wine into Aurelia’s glass. Aurelia sampled the wine, nodded again, and the server filled their glasses, leaving the bottle on the table.

Ludwig continued, “I want to know more about my parents, Aurelia. I checked their I.S.P. file but ran into gaps. There’s additional information I need, and I want your help getting it.”

Aurelia took a sip of her wine, and then responded, “I assume you’re talking about redactions relating to your parents’ contacts?”

“That’s right; I need to know the truth.”

Aurelia put down her glass, taking his hands in hers. “I’m sorry, Luddy; that’s highly classified; way above my pay-grade. Only the First Consul, the Chief and Deputy Director of I.S.P. have clearance at that level.”

Ludwig looked directly into her eyes; her serene too perfect beauty and calm coolness annoyed him. Grasping her hand firmly, he exclaimed, “Aurelia, I’m telling you this in strictest confidence; unless I know why I had to kill my parents, I don’t think I can continue living with myself.”

For a moment, Aurelia seemed to lose her composure; she let go of Ludwig’s hands, and put on her sunglasses, hiding her eyes from his heightened scrutiny. The android returned, and served their meals. As soon as the server left, Aurelia said, “I’ll do what I can. It’s dangerous, but I think I can get you the information you want. However, if I don’t handle it right, it will mean the end of both our careers; perhaps our lives.”

Ludwig reached over, and stroked Aurelia’s cheek and lips; she took his hand in hers, and kissed his fingers.

“You’ll do it, then, Aurelia?”

“Yes, Luddy,” she whispered. “I’ll do it because I love you.”

* * *

Aurelia returned home at three a.m. the following morning; the Consul was waiting for her. Aurelia went to her father’s study; he was sitting on the couch, with the android, Berenice, on his lap.

“Leave us,” he said. The android got up, bowed, and left the room. Once the door closed, the Consul turned to his daughter, and asked, “Did you see Ludwig?”

“Yes, father; I saw him.”

“And?”

Aurelia stared at him impassively, responding, “He took the bait.”

The Consul smiled broadly, and said, “You did well, Aurelia.” Finn arose from his couch, walking toward his daughter, as if to embrace her. She turned her back on him.

Feeling his hand on her shoulder, she said, “I’m sorry, father; I’m very tired.” Without turning around, Aurelia walked out of the study, went to her room, and locked the door.

Proceed to Chapter 4...