Glass

Xavier had no plan, apart from the syringe, which would deal with two clones at the most, if he could distract the others while he used it. Then he had to close down a third, while persuading Emma and Delphine to support his work. There was also Kim and Joe to manage. He had no idea how any of this could be accomplished now. He had been programmed to be efficient but no options presented themselves. He needed time to think.

‘Well?’

‘There are too many parameters to compute accurately,’ he hedged. ‘ I do not have the precise locations of the people concerned and they are too numerous, in my judgement, for one individual to overcome them without assistance. Continuing without a revised action plan will lead to failure.’

There was a brief silence, while Euron considered Xaver’s response, but the logic of it was irrefutable.

‘Very well. I will organise some support. Stay where you are for now.’

It was the best Xavier could hope for. Euron was not a person to be trifled with. He shifted his position awkwardly. There were several immediate and personal issues preying on his mind. He was in a cramped position and his leg muscles were all complaining. His internal systems were letting him know all was not well: grumbling noises from his stomach region indicated fuel was needed, or at the very least a glass of water, but more worryingly, the waste disposal areas were full and there was considerable pressure for them to be emptied. And Euron had told him to wait in place.