Page 29 of Master B-1901

“I was just talking to my slave about how amazing the mind is.”

“Your slave?” she laughed.

“Yes. Mine. They’re all mine, Mistress Two. Every last one of them.”

“So informal. Oh, no. Am I in trouble?”

“Is there a reason for you to be?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. What happened? Nineteen told me Braddock went into another episode.”

“He did.”

“Then how is she alive?”

Elec’s stare stayed locked to mine, but I saw his amusement.

“The female slaves are special.” He squeezed my hand. “There’s almost nothing they can’t do. We’ve come far from the first males we released. We had to make some upgrades along the way. It’s been a learning experience, but now…” His smile grew as he searched my eyes. “Now, we’re getting somewhere.”

“What are you talking about? How can they be any different than the males? Blank slates are all the same.”

His head shook, but he didn’t turn away.

“You’re wrong. Let me show you.”

“I really don’t have the time. I just came to see how my patient was doing.”

Elec did turn then, but not for long.

“Sit.”

The threat in his tone had my body stiffening. If he was angry, I was angry. If he saw a threat, it was mine as well.

Rustling sounded, and I could tell she returned to the chair.

“Hello, slave.Allison.”

Allison. Allison. That was me! I smiled, feeling happy at the address. Feeling at home for the first time ever. My heart was racing, and bliss was all I knew.

“Hello, Main Master.”

“Look at that beautiful smile. I’m proud of you for protecting yourself and your Master. You did protect him, didn’t you.”

It wasn’t a question. My eyes wanted to drop so I could think over what he must have meant, but I didn’t have to. I was already talking, feeling memories flood me as if I were reliving them in hyper speed.

“There was a knock on the door.”

“What is this?”

He ignored the doctor as he continued.

“You didn’t remember that before I asked, did you?”

“I did not, Main Master.”

“Perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

“This is pointless. I have another appointment. Now that I see Braddock is fine, I’m going.”