‘We discovered that Osborne and Griffiths have a short term agreement with the facility management as speculative investors, to develop an enhanced model. We believe they have not been entirely honest about their intentions.’
‘And losing the sentient clones can’t have been part of the plan,’ said Kim.
‘Agreed. They are no doubt very keen to track down and repossess their experimental models. We cannot rely on Jean-Claude, sympathetic as he is to our situation, not to reveal what he knows.’
‘If I’m understanding this correctly,’ said Joe, ‘that means that you and Emma are at risk because he knows where you are, but the others are relatively safe?’
‘Not exactly. There are other risks.’ Xavier grimaced. ‘Although some of them we planned for.’
‘How do you mean?’ said Joe.
‘When Jean-Claude established the basic signalling system in us, we realised there were unused channels. It took us a while, but we focused on stray airwaves that meshed constantly across the unit, and picked up on the APRS. As I said, it’s hard to tap into it if you’re not looking for it. Jean-Claude has not found it. We thought it would be a useful tool, once we left the facility.’
Joe nodded, as though he understood. Xavier was pretty sure he didn’t. He hoped not.
‘These other risks…?’ prompted Kim.
Joe’s stomach suddenly gave a prolonged series of gurgles.
‘Sorry. Can’t help it. It’s way past lunchtime.’
‘Oh my goodness, yes,’ said Kim, looking at her watch. ‘It’s nearly three o’clock. I need to make us some lunch.’ She got to her feet and hurried out of the room.’
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