Page 68 - Demo

2030-JONE
“I have already done some preliminary planning on how this scheme should work. As you can see, it is basically simple, ex- cept for the encryption, which I have almost worked out. Once we get the central system set up and a practice arm, the others will be duck soup. We also have access to almost any hardware or software we want so study the diagrams today and if you have any questions or concerns, give me your feedback tomorrow. I also need one volunteer to assist me in a different project. Paul, you appear to be the spokesman for the group. What about you?”
“What the hell. This is not going to take forever. I’m in.”
“Good man. The rest of you get comfortable and study these plans. By the way, there may be bonuses for special features. So keep that in mind. Paul and I are going for a walk. We will return shortly.”
Tom and Paul left the cabin, both aware of two men shadow- ing them at a distance. Tom knew they were armed.
“Tom, you know we’re all scared to death don’t you?”
“I know, and I know telling them not to worry won’t help. But I will be looking out for all of us. I know it’s hard, but just trust me.” “I do. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here. So what’s this mission?” “You have to assist me in getting ten killers on the payroll and make sure each of them has certain equipment. I know,”
said Tom, looking at his friend’s face twisted in disbelief.
“All I have to say,” said Paul, “is make sure you know what-
ever in the hell you are doing because this sounds scary.”
“I have most of what I need,” Tom said. “But you and I will work on getting the killer software ready, so it can be linked into the main program. We must set up offshore accounts, payrolls, get pictures, and make sure they get the packages of computer
equipment, so the boss can contact them when he is ready.” “Tom, I trust you. And I know we can do this, although I
have no idea why. But if we get dead, I’ll hate you forever.” Tom realized that his friend was trying to say something to relieve his own fear and lighten the moment. Still, both men just
stared at each other.
The Reaction Factor 67