Chapter 6: Embedded

Over the next few weeks they both worked far into the night and slept on cots provided by NIQ. Crystal was quick to pick up the sequence, and Roland allowed her to write the next sequence of code that would aid in NIQ’s ability to translate different languages as a preventive measure since it was on a multinational network.
Her code passed on its second run. NIQ praised Crystal, then advised her and Roland to take lessons from it so when they met with others at the social gatherings they’d be attending so they wouldn’t be deceived and sabotaged by potential enemies because they couldn’t understand what was said.
Crystal saw the value in it. Roland did not.
“I have enough on my plate, NIQ. You made her my heir, so teach her.”
She may not always be with you, Doctor.
“I don’t care. I won’t do it. You’re always imprinting chips for things, make one for the languages you want us to know.”
“Great idea, Doctor Bernard. It would be faster that way.”
Very well. Your prep will be immediate. Time is of the essence.
“How can we prepped?” she asked.
You will be equipped with receivers. The downloads will be instantaneous.
They looked at each other, a flash of uncertainty going through each of them. Ports would be even more intrusive, subjecting more to NIQ’s surveillance and control.
Your permission is not needed, and your approval not required.
The lab doors hissed open as two drones entered and stood waiting after they scanned the bodies for potential weapons.

To Crystal, the hiss sounded like a monstrous serpent from hell.
Dr. Roland resigned himself, his will to survive suffering another blow. He thought if there were any more, he might not survive the next one, but he also knew there was no telling what he’d do to fight for his life.