Chapter One

- H.A.I.B. -


The mutilated body was sprawled next to a trash receptacle. The victim’s limbs had been torn from his body. His head had been ripped wide open. The man's brain was not inside his battered skull. The officers had scoured the entire area and found the man's limbs, but they could not find the cerebrum. It was gone.

That is one of the reasons I was called in. I handled strange and unusual cases. My name is Harrison Fisher. I have been a detective for twelve years. I’ve seen a lot of strange cases in my days on the force, but nothing as bizarre as this.

“Sir. Have you finished inspecting the body?” the H.A.I.B. unit asked. He was the robotic sub-officer assigned to me.

“No. I haven't gone through his pockets yet.” I bent over and started searching through what was left of the victim's torso. Apparently this man was rich. You could tell that by his expensive clothing. I found his wallet. I opened it expecting it to be empty, but it contained over four hundred credits. Obviously robbery was not the motive. I searched through the wallet further and discovered the man’s identity card. I was surprised to learn that this was the son of Arthur Issacs, founder and C.E.O. of “Future Robotics.”

“Do you have any idea who this man is?” I asked the robot. I called it Harry because I couldn’t stand the abbreviation used to identify robots. H.A.I.B. stood for “Humanoid Artificial Intelligent Beings.” It was easier to identify with a robot if you thought of them as human. The outer layer of their metallic bodies was covered in a synthetic flesh and they resembled humans in every aspect even going as far as looking different from one another. They were even capable of having sex as we do. Better than most humans in some cases. Just ask any woman who’d employed their abilities. It was downright discouraging to know that a machine could out perform you in bed.

That was just one of the reasons robots were looked down upon by many in our society. They could only get the most demeaning jobs. Most were placed in servitude and remained there for their owner’s lifetime being handed down to their heirs like property. When they were no longer wanted they were sold over the internet for a fraction of what they were worth. They performed all their duties without complaint no matter how difficult or dirty the task was. They were slaves to do our bidding. Mankind had long ago abolished slavery, but that is what these machines had become. Though I was never a great defender of robotics I did think that these robots were treated unfairly. Not that they had feelings mind you, but they were an important part of our culture and they did deserve some respect.

Not all humans hated "H.A.I.B.’s." These mechanical beings enabled our race to progress to a state we could’ve never achieved on our own. Advancements in medical research, education and scientific technology went beyond anyone’s wildest expectations.

Since these machines needed no food or oxygen to sustain their nearly unending existence they’d been sent into space to study what man could not. Robots had discovered life on other planets. Through the use of robotics our civilization reached out into the universe to communicate with other life forms. Yet we couldn’t tolerate their existence in our society. We depended on them for our very survival. They practically ran our world, but humans could not bear to give up our domination over them.

Robotics performed an important role for the police department. "H.A.I.B.’s" could search a crime scene for clues and investigate more thoroughly than humans. They could pick up the smallest detail. They were equipped with heat sensors and could analyze DNA. They could determine the time and cause of the victim’s death within seconds.

"H.A.I.B.’s" could also trace a suspect if any type of evidence had been left behind which in most cases was. Unless you were completely covered in an environmental suit there was always some kind of evidence linking one to a crime. A scraping of skin, the thinnest fiber of hair or even a perp’s sweat could be picked up by these robots. Arrests were quick and precise. With the evidence the "H.A.I.B.’s" collected the defenders of these criminals had little to work with. Trials were over within hours of in most cases. The offender was placed in prison and the case was then closed.

“Excuse me sir. Would you repeat your last question. I was deep into my analysis and not listening to you,” my sub-officer stated.

“I asked if you knew who the vic was.”

“No sir. Is it impertinent to this case?”

“Maybe not. What did you find?”

“I found a trace amount of skin under the victim’s fingernails.” Harry walked over to me and produced a cellophane evidence packet.

I looked closely, but couldn’t see anything. “Are you sure there’s something in there? No evidence of drugs?”

Harry just gave me one of his - what are you kidding me - looks. “There were no drugs in his system sir.”

“I’ll take your word for it. Can you identify the DNA? Who committed this crime?” Harry didn’t respond. “What’s wrong? I asked as I noticed his frown.”

“I hesitate to tell you this, but it is from one of my kind. The skin is synthetic. It came from a H.A.I.B. series. One of the newer models. A H.A.I.B. Five.”

“A robot? You’re sure? There’s no human evidence left behind?”

“I’m sure. Aside from some trace amounts of sexually transmitted fluids there is no human contact that I can determine.”

“A robot can’t kill a human. It’s against the first law of robotics.”

“I’m aware of that. I’m positive of the results. I analyzed the evidence twice just to be certain it’s from a H.A.I.B.

***

We were back at headquarters. Harry had taken the packet down to the forensics’ lab while I had the unpleasant duty of informing the vic’s relatives of his demise. The phone was answered by a domestic robot. I informed the H.A.I.B. who I was and she connected me to the master of the residence.

“Why are you calling detective?” The gruff voice demanded with impatience.

I explained why I called. There was silence on the other end of the videophone as I stared into the face of Arthur Issacs. I showed him a photo of the body for identification. I heard a feminine voice in the background. I assumed it was the great man’s wife. He didn’t answer her. She came within sight of the screen. It was Sylvia Issacs.

“Who is this?” she meekly asked.

“My name is Detective Fisher. I’m sorry to have to inform you of this, but I’m afraid your son’s been murdered.”

“What?” she asked in shock. “It can’t be. Who on earth would want to harm my son?” She turned to her husband, “Arthur. Say something. You know this has to be a mistake. Tell him he’s wrong.”

“I can’t do that. The detective isn’t mistaken I’ve identified the body. It is Harold. He’s dead.”

Sylvia Issacs gasped loudly and then dropped to the floor in a faint. A domestic ran into the room and came to her aid. Issacs ignored her. He continued his conversation with me. I’m sorry for the interruption detective. Do you have any clues as to who committed this crime?”

Cold, I thought as I answered, “Only one. A microscopic trace of skin was collected that my assistant is analyzing now. He thinks it may be from a H.A.I.B. My assistant is certain that a robot killed your son.”

“That’s impossible. That is the first thing that is programmed into a robot. It’s the prime law. A robot cannot harm or through any other means allow a human being to be harmed in any way.”

“I know that sir, but you know "H.A.I.B.’s" don’t make errors. If Harry says a robot killed your son you can be sure he is right.”

“Perhaps your unit has undergone some malfunction.”

“That’s highly unlikely. He just went through a diagnostic last month as required by law. Everything checked out perfectly.”

“It has to be mistaken. There’s no way a robot could murder a human. It has never happened before; nor did it happen this time. Have your unit checked again.” Issacs slammed down the receiver.

“That went well,” I said to myself. I called down to the lab and asked Harry if he was done with his analysis.

“I just finished. I’ll bring the results up right away.”

I waited for my sub-officer as I looked over the crime scene photos again. Why would the man’s brain be missing? Was this some kind of cult ritual? And why in the hell would a H.A.I.B. be the prime suspect in this strange case? I had always thought that it was impossible for them to harm anyone.

Harry exited the elevator and walked over. “The evidence was definitely from a H.A.I.B. series Five.”

“You’re not mistaken? There’s no way you could be malfunctioning is there?”

“I’m positive. And I am not malfunctioning. I checked my circuitry to be certain .”

“How can a robot kill a human?”

“The only assumption I can make is that a unit was programmed to kill Harold Issacs. There is no other explanation.”

“I thought no matter what a robot’s instructions, it wouldn’t be able to harm a human being. Even to protect itself from termination.”

“That’s correct. A robot is programmed not to harm a harm a human in any way shape or form through action or inaction; even if it means the end of its own existence.”

“Then how could this have occurred?”

“The prime directive must have been altered.”
“Are you saying someone intentionally overrode the prime directive?”

“Yes. It would have to be someone familiar with high speed computers.”

“Who would go through so much trouble or even have the knowledge to do such a thing? If someone wanted Issacs dead why not do it themselves. Why not hire a human to kill him?”

The robot stood in front of his superior with a confused expression on his face. For as long as Harry was in his service he’d never seen the robot look bewildered.


Chapter Two

- Izzy -


Harold Issacs’ reputation for having affairs with married women was well known. He frequently made the front pages as his various exploits were reported. I couldn’t imagine any irate husbands going after him. Most of the woman he’d been involved with ran around with numerous men.

On one occasion Issacs had been stopped by traffic H.A.I.B.’s for speeding. He’d been charged with public intoxication and possession of pot. That certainly couldn’t be the reason he was murdered. It was only a minor offense. Harold clearly was not drug dealer.

I was in the reception area of “Future Robotics” waiting to see Arthur Issacs. Harold had been named vice-president of the company, but was rarely seen here. While interviewing the employees my sub-officer was told that the lad passed all his duties off on underlings. These employee’s were afraid to mention the lad’s absences to his father through fear of termination though I was certain the man was quite aware of this fact. The senior Issacs was rarely far from his desk.

I’d been waiting to see Issacs for some time. Harry had finished his interviews and joined me. He sat beside me not showing an iota of impatient. I on the other hand was never a patient man and got up and started pacing. I was just about to demand an audience with him when his secretary finally announced that her boss was ready to see us.

“It’s about time,” I grumbled as we walked through the doorway and entered the office. There was a solid wall of windows that overlooked the city. I didn’t get too close as I’ve always held a fear of heights. Issacs invited me to sit and we walked over to his desk. I sat as far from the glass panels as I could.

“Have you made any progress in your investiga-tion detective?”

“Not much. Other than the synthetic flesh my sub-officer collected there isn’t much to go on. Your son was definitely murdered by a robot. My H.A.I.B. insists reprogramming was done to achieve this. The only other informa-tion we have is that your son was not murdered at the scene. His body was dumped there.”

“How do you know that?”

“There wasn’t enough blood. That’s why we’re here. I was hoping to gain some insight on your son’s whereabouts prior to the crime.”

“I’m afraid I can’t help you there. I didn’t keep tabs on him. We weren’t very close.”

“I didn’t realize that.”

“It’s no secret. Harold and I didn’t see eye to eye on certain matters; especially his loyalty to this corporation. But that is neither here nor there. I have no idea where or who Harold was with when he died. Perhaps you should check with some of his friends.”

“We’ve already checked with everyone he was acquainted with. I was hoping you could give me a name that might help in our investigation.”

“I wouldn’t know any of my son’s associates. As I said before I didn’t keep tabs on him. I was hoping he’d make some friends here. I have tried to get him interested in my work, but it was useless. I even threatened to cut him out of my will, but it did no good. His position is in name only.”

“There’s no one you can think of that he might have been with that night?”

“I don’t know his friends, but there are several unrespectable bars he frequented. You might check them out.”

“What bars?”

“You could try “The Fantasy Club.” He often frequented that establishment. I believe that is where he acquired the drugs he used. I hear it is located in the seamier part of our fair city.” Arthur Issacs then stood. “I’m afraid that’s all the information I can provide you with. You’ll have to excuse me. I’m extremely busy this morning.”

“Thank you for the info. It might be helpful.” I noticed the brush off.

“Good day Detective Fisher. You will keep me informed of your continuing investigation?”

“Of course,” I said as we were rushed to the door.

“There is one more question I need to ask,” my sub-officer said. “Was your son working on robotics on his own?”

“No. As I said before Harold wasn’t interested in robotics.”

Harry didn’t respond.

We exited the reception area and headed towards the elevators. Harry looked disturbed. I asked him what was wrong.

“He lied to us. The murder victim had metallic elements on his clothing that specifically came from H.A.I.B.’s. I thought this could’ve been from a struggle with the robot who had murdered him, but upon further investigation I discovered this element was imbedded deep in his hands and body. Traces were also found in his blood stream. Working closely on robots for a sustained period is the only way this can happen.”

“Maybe this occurred through contact with the employees of the company or even Issacs’ servants.”

“The amount in his blood could have only penetrated his system by means of close and constant contact; not merely by being in close proximity for a limited amount of time as Issacs’ suggested. I assure you the victim worked closely on robots for years.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

“I didn’t think it was important until now. I assumed he worked vigorously on projects at this corporation, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. If what his father said was true.”

***

He entered the bar and it took a few minutes for my eyes to adjust to the dark atmosphere. Harry was equipped with inferred and was able to see in the poorly lit environment. He had no trouble navigating his way through the darkness as I stumbled against a table. There were several women dancing naked on a stage centered in the room. That captured my immediate attention. I was always very fond of the female anatomy.

“This way sir,” Harry said as he stole my attention from the strippers.

We walked over to the bar. Two women were on top of the surface gyrating to the raucous music that blared loudly. The bartender came over and I produced my badge.

“What can I do for you?” the long, haired man asked.

I showed him a picture of Issacs. “Have you ever seen this man here before?”

“Sure. That’s Izzy.”

“Izzy?”

“Yeah, that’s what the girls nicknamed him. You know. Is he gonna pick me tonight? Izzy’s one of their favorites. They always fight over his attention. He pays very well for their services and always leaves me a big tip.”

“Their services?” I asked knowing full well what he meant. Though prostitution was still illegal after all these years it was just a minor offense. If caught soliciting you only had to pay a small fine.

The bartender rolled his eyes. “Give us a break will ya? The gals are only trying to make a living.”

“I’m not gonna hassle them. Makes no difference to me how they earn their keep. But tell me. Why did Izzy pay for it when he could get any woman he wanted?”

“He didn’t want the involvement.”

“You are aware of who he is aren’t you?” I asked amazed that someone so rich had to pay for a woman’s affection. Maybe his old man did cut the kid’s funding off.

“Yeah. He’s been on the tube enough. Mostly we know who he is cause he’s always complaining about his old man. He gets sloshed and whines about something his father said or did. Says he can never do right by him.”

“Did he say what he does at the company?”

“Naw. He doesn’t spend a lot of time there. Got his own lab at home. Says he works on robots all the time. One of the girls Izzy spends a lot of time with said that he’d developed some new prototype for his father, but the old man dismissed it as useless.”

“Really? Tell me more.”

“Don’t know much more, but Sally’s almost finished with her routine if you want to ask her. She knows him better than anyone around here.”

I told the bartender that I wanted to talk to her and took a seat at the bar. Harry stood next to me as I ordered a beer. We both waited patiently while I ogled the dancers. When Sally stepped off the stage the bartender called her over. I introduced myself and asked what she knew about Issacs.

“He’s a lost soul.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Izzy tries so hard to get his father’s approval, but the prick won’t show him any affection. That’s why he started to hang here. Arthur Issacs doesn’t give a damned about his son. That poor sot is constantly drunk or high. He’s not much more than a robot himself thanks to his father.”

“The bartender said you know about some robot he was working on.”

“Yeah. Said he developed something exceptional. Said his father didn’t even look at the schematics. Dismissed his idea without a second thought. Why are you asking all these questions about Izzy?”

“You haven’t watched the tube?”

“No. Don’t get much spare time. When I do I generally catch up on the zzz’s.”

“Your friend was murdered last night.”

“No! Who would want to off Izzy? He never hurt anyone in his life.” Tears welled up in her eyes. She was obviously upset.

“Was he here last night? Did he leave with anyone?”

“Yeah. He seemed kinda nervous. I could tell something was bothering him. Kept looking towards the door like he was expecting somebody. Didn’t see him leave. I had to get back to work.”

“Do you think the other girls might have seen something?”

“You could ask, but I doubt it. We’re a little busy that time of night if you get my drift.”

“Yeah.” I told Harry to interview the other girls. No one had seen Harold leave. I thought it was quite odd that he’d been working on a prototype for his father. Issacs had indeed lied about his son’s interest in robotics. This mystery was deepening by the minute.


Chapter Three

- The Lab -


I was in the captain’s office bright and early the next morning. He was on the phone with his superiors. My boss wasn’t happy. Apparently our investigation was not moving rapidly enough for the mayor. He was a personal friend of Issacs. The captain slammed down the receiver and informed me that I had better close this case by week’s end if not sooner.

“It’s a complicated case sir,” I tried to explain.

“I don’t care how complicated it is. Solve it.”

“I’m doing everything I can to do that sir.”

“You’re not doing it fast enough. Isn’t your H.A.I.B. working properly? Do you need a newer model?”

“I don’t need a new robot. It’s just that the facts in this case aren’t very clear yet.”

“They better become clear soon otherwise you’ll be looking for another job. I don’t want to get another call from upstairs. Do you understand me?”

“Yes sir. I understand.”

“Good. Now get the hell out of my office.”

“Yes sir.”

“What did the captain want?” Harry asked me when I sulked back to my desk and flopped down in the chair.

“What do you think?” I snapped.

“I assume he’s not happy with our progress.”

“Your assumption is right. We’ve got to the end of the week to solve this thing or my ass is grass.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be sorry. Just help me solve this case.”

“I’ll do my best sir.”

I jumped up from my seat and grabbed my jacket. “Come on. We’ve got a lot to accomplish and very little time to do it.” Harry followed me as I rushed from the station.

We went back to “Future Robotics.” Harry was interviewing employees again while I cooled my heels in the reception area. I was getting angry. Issacs was making me wait an unusually long period. Harry exited the elevator and walked over. I asked if he’d learned anything new. He say no and asked if I had seen Issacs yet.

“No and I’m getting more impatient by the minute.” I stormed over to the reception desk, “Issacs does know I’m here doesn’t he? This is police business.”

“Yes sir. He’s aware you’re waiting. He has a very busy schedule this morning. I’m sure he’ll get to you as soon as possible.”

“He’d better make it possible soon. I just might have to intrude on his meeting.”

“I’m afraid you can’t do that.”

“Can’t I?” I was about to burst through his door when they finally opened. Ten men strolled out with broad smiles on their faces. The meeting must have gone well, I thought.

Issacs walked out with a tall gentleman. Some rich corporate type. He was deep in conversation with the man and seemed to be extremely happy until he glanced my way. He excused himself and walked up to me. “Detective Fisher. I didn’t expect to see you back so soon. I’m sorry for making you wait, but the meeting went on longer than expected. Do come in.”

“Next time I won’t wait so long,” I grumbled as the businessmen headed towards the elevators.

“It couldn’t be helped,” he stated with an air of indifference.

“Look. If you ever expect me to find your son’s killer you’ll have to be more cooperative.” I was more than a little angry now. Who in the hell did this guy think he was? God?

“I’m sure you’re very busy, but this corporation cannot stop based on your needs.”

“Excuse me sir, but we had better get to the point of our visit,” Harry said as I stood there fuming.

“Very well.” I stomped into the office. I turned and Issacs slowly walked to his desk. Obviously he was agitated at our unexpected call.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit detective?”

I didn’t beat around the bush. “You lied to us about your son,” I bluntly stated.

“I didn’t lie to you.”

“Your son has been physically involved with robotics for many years.”

“Who told you that? My son was never interested in such work. Ask any of the employees. They’ll tell you.”

“We have. They said your son was seldom here.”

“You see,” Issacs sputtered angrily.

“We have evidence that your son worked on robots.”

“Evidence? What kind of evidence?”

“We were told about the prototype your son was working on.”

“What prototype? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You mean to tell me that you didn’t know about the prototype your son was working on in the lab he has in your own home?”

“I don’t know who gave you this information detective. Harold doesn’t have a lab and he wasn’t working on any prototype.”

“I find that hard to believe considering we have forensic evidence to the contrary.”

“What do you mean?”

I looked steadily into the man’s eyes and gave no answer. People generally look away if they’re caught in a lie, but he continued to look me directly in the eyes. Maybe he didn’t know anything about the lab. “I’m sorry to have inconvenienced you. We’ll let you know what we turn up in the investigation.” I rose and walked towards the door.

“How dare you walk out without giving me an answer,” Issacs ranted as we exited.

I didn’t bother looking back. When we got to the elevators I asked Harry if Issacs was lying. He said that he was.

***

We passed through the huge iron gates and drove down the long driveway towards Issacs’ mansion. It was an aged Victorian structure that had been renovated numerous times. It reminded me of those bleak, brooding castles that seemed to be in all the horror flicks I watched late at night. We pulled up to the entrance and got out of the cruiser. We climbed the marble stairway and I rang the bell. A domestic answered and asked why we were here. Harry pulled out the search warrant. The H.A.I.B. told us to wait in the foyer and went after Sylvia Issacs. After a short wait she entered the hall. “Detective Fisher. How nice to meet you. Have you brought us any news about our son? Did you find his killer?”

“No madam. That’s not why we’re here.”

“Then why are you here?”

I told Harry to give her the search warrant.

“What’s this”

“It’s a search warrant.”

“I know what it is. I want to know why you want to search my home.”

“We believe your husband lied to us about certain facts. We think this search will clear the matter.”

“And exactly what are you looking for?”

“Your son’s lab.”

“What lab?”

“We heard from reliable sources that your son has a robotics laboratory on this site. We’re here to find it.”

“I am afraid you’ve been misinformed. My son has no interest in robots. I’m sure my husband told you this.”

“Your husband did tell us that. We believe he lied.”

“My husband is not a liar. Now, please leave.”

“We have a search warrant and I intend to honor it.”

“I’ll have to call my husband. He will be very distressed.”

“By all means. Call him.” Great, I thought. I didn’t like the man in the least. He gave off airs that he thought he was better than anyone. I had little use for those types.

“May we start the search now sir?” Harry asked.

“Do we have your permission Mrs. Issacs? You are aware that we don’t need it, but I’m just trying to make this situation as pleasant as possible.”

“Oh my. I don’t know. My husband won’t like this at all.”

I wasn’t about to wait for permission from the man. I told Harry to call in the team.

“Oh dear,” Sylvia Issacs mewed. She wrung her hands together and headed for what appeared to be the library. I assumed she’d be on the phone to her husband in a moment.

The search team came in and I told Harry to have them search the upstairs first. H.A.I.B.’s could search a premises in a quarter of the time it took humans and searched more thoroughly. The team was done in about fifteen minutes. That was a feat unto itself. The mansion was huge and had two wings. There was at least twenty rooms to check. I told them to search the lower floors and then the basement. Half the team searched the first floor while the rest went into the underbelly of the mansion just as the great man entered his abode screaming at the top of his lungs. “Fisher! Where the hell are you?”

“Right here,” I said calmly as I walked from the basement entrance.

I patiently listened to the man’s ranting as the team continued their search. “How dare you intrude on my household. You have absolutely no right. I want you out of here immediately. You’ll leave or face the consequences of this action.”

“I am here to solve this case. If that means searching the entire grounds I fully intend to go over every inch of your property.” I wasn’t going to let the son of a bitch push me around.

“What in the hell do you expect to find?”

“You know.”

“I already told you my son has no laboratory here. How many times do I have to tell you this?”

“We wouldn’t be here now if you hadn’t lied. My sub-officer has proof that Harold was working on robots. If he wasn’t working at “Future Robotics,” then where was he working?”

“I have no idea.”

“Come on Issacs. I know your son has a lab somewhere on your property.”

“He does not.”

“Maybe you aren’t aware of it. Maybe your wife knows the truth. Why don’t you call her in here so we can discuss it.”

“I most certainly will not.”

“Why not? Are you afraid she hid it from you?”

“She wouldn’t dare.”

“Why? Is she afraid of you?”

“Why should she fear me?”

“Good question. I’ll ask you one more time. Where is Harold’s lab?”

“And I’ll answer you the same way. Harold has no lab.”

“Then he has one somewhere. I have forensic evidence to support this statement,” Harry stated.

Issacs didn’t bother to look at the H.A.I.B. as he spat out, “Have your sub-officer depart these premises detective. I may have to endure your search, but I don’t have to put up with that creation.”

Harry started for door, but I told him to stop. “Harry listens to my orders; not yours.”

“Then I must insist you leave too.”

“No.” I turned away.

“How dare you turn from me! I’ll have your badge for this,” Issacs huffed. Apparently he wasn’t used to such behavior.

I didn’t respond. I walked back to the basement door and started down the steps. I didn’t want to be in the same room with the man.

“I’m going to call the mayor. You’ll be sorry for this,” he yelled after me.

“I’m sure you’re right,” I responded under my breath. I ran into the search team as I stormed down the stairs. They were already coming up. “We’ve concluded our search sir. We’ve found no evidence of a lab,” the head sub-officer reported.

“Have your men search the entire grounds. I want that lab found,” I replied angrily. I could just imagine what the captain would say if I was wrong. I’d be back on the streets patrolling the worst part of the city.

“I’m sorry the search did not produce the results you were looking for,” Harry said as he noticed my frown.

“You’re positive that this kid had metallic substance in his bloodstream?”

“I’m certain.”

“You’d damned well better be sure. My entire career is riding on your word.” I stomped back up the stairs. When I reached the landing I heard Issacs yelling into the phone. He was talking to the mayor. I prayed the info I got from Sally was right. If she was wrong I’d be out of a job and probably sued. With Issacs’ pull I’d be lucky if he didn’t take everything I’d saved over the years. Not that a cop earns much, but by being frugal I’d managed to put a little aside.

As we stood on the landing listening to Issacs’ wild ranting Harry’s radio signal started beeping. He was equipped with an internal receiving unit and I couldn’t hear what was being said. He turned to me with what I can only describe as a beam in his eyes. “I have good news sir. The team that searched the grounds have found an underground facility. Your instincts proved right again.”

“Thank the lord,” I said in relief.


Chapter Four

- Emotions -


“What do you have to say now Issacs?” I asked as we stood inside the laboratory.

“I don’t know what to say. I had no idea this facility was here. Harold must’ve had it constructed when I was out of the country on business.”

“You don’t expect me to believe you weren’t aware of this. It must’ve cost a mint to be constructed.”

He just kept denying any knowledge of the lab. “I had no clue this laboratory was here. I don’t know how Harold had it built without my knowledge. He had a trust fund. That must be why no bills were submitted to me.”

“Would you take a lie detector test and attest to that?”

“I will not. I’m sure the mayor will believe me as well as the governor.”

“I’m sure they would.”

The H.A.I.B. team was searching the entire underground structure. There was a labyrinth of tunnels that connected to several storage rooms. “The team has found an area that is full of H.A.I.B.’s sir. Would you like to investigate?” Harry asked.

“I would,” I replied. I followed my sub-officer down the corridors with Issacs close behind. It seemed we walked for miles when Harry suddenly turned towards a huge storage area. The door was opened. The head H.A.I.B. was waiting at the entrance. I peeked my head in, but couldn’t see a thing. The room was black as pitch. I told Harry to find the lights. When the room was illuminated I saw a least fifty H.A.I.B. units standing in rows. They appeared to be in various stages of construction. There was a large table in one corner. One unit was lying on top of it; its skull opened. I could see from even this distance that the brain had been removed.

Harry and I walked over to the table. There were several scratches on the robot’s synthetic face. He took a scraping of the flesh. I waited while he analyzed the material.

“This unit is the one that killed Harold,” he stated flatly.

***

We were in the interrogation room. Issacs continued to deny any knowledge of the lab or what his son did there. The captain was in the viewing room. I heard him rap on the mirror. I went to the door. Harry stayed in his seat and continued to stare at Issacs without blinking an eye.

“His lawyer is here,” the captain said.

“I suppose we’ll have to let him walk.”

“We have nothing to hold him on.”

“Issacs has been lying to us all along.”

“Even if he is; so what?”

“He knows more than what he’s owning up to. I can feel it in my bones.”

“I can’t hold him on your suspicions alone.”

“Can we put him under surveillance?”

“Is that really necessary? The mayor will have a fit if he finds out. Your playing with fire on this one Fisher. If you’re wrong you’re not only screwing up your future, but mine as well. Your bones had better be right.”

***

We were back at Issacs lab. Harry had dismantled the H.A.I.B. and looked puzzled. I asked him what was wrong.

“I can’t understand why the brain was removed. Its odd that both the victim and this unit’s brains are missing. I have to search the laboratory more thoroughly. Perhaps Harold has notes on his experiments. That might explain it.”

“I hope so. We’ve got to get to the bottom of this. My job and possibly your existence depends on it.”

“I am aware of that fact sir.”

I left Harry to his search and walked back to the main house. I got into my car. I didn’t want to wait in the mansion and have to listen to Issacs’ bitching again. I went over every detail trying to figure this bizarre case out. First of all who would want to see Harold dead? Who had reprogrammed a robot to commit the murder? And to what end? Did the kid stumble across something? If so. what could be so important that he had to pay for it with his life? And why was his brain taken? Why was the H.A.I.B. 5’s brain missing as well? For the life of me I couldn’t seem to fit the pieces of this puzzle together. I finally heard Harry’s voice over the radio. “I’ve found Harold’s notes. You’ll be surprised at what I found.”

***

As I sat at Harold’s desk and read the notes I got more confused by the minute. “What does all this mean?”

“Harold discovered a way to implant emotions into robots.”

“Human emotions?”

“Yes. He invented a unique robotic series. One in which robots experience emotions like humans.”

“I’ll be damned.”

“I couldn’t agree more. It is a remarkable discovery.”

“But what does this have to do with his murder?”

“I don’t know yet, but I’ll continue this investigation with the utmost interest.”

I called the captain on his private line and informed him of our discovery. This might be a motive for Harold’s murder.

***

Arthur Issacs was under surveillance for the past twenty four hours. Wherever he went he was under constant scrutiny. While the H.A.I.B. units kept tail on him I went back to “Fantasy” to interview Sally again. She seemed to know Harold better than anyone. Maybe she knew more than what she’d revealed earlier. Perhaps she knew who wanted Harold dead. Sally saw me walk through the door. She jumped down from the stage and rushed up to me. “Have you found Izzy’s killer yet?”

“He was murdered by a robot.”

“A new kind of robot?” she asked with her brows raised.

“Yeah. Why?”

“That bastard! He had his son murdered.”

“What did you say?”

“Issacs was responsible for Izzy’s death.”

“What do you mean?”

“I knew Izzy should have gone out on his own with this idea. I knew that prick of a father would find some way of stealing the spotlight.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Izzy told me he found a way to implant emotions into robots. He was hoping the old man would finally be proud of him. I warned him not to tell his father. I just knew he’d steal Izzy’s idea and take all the credit for it.”

“You’re saying Issacs knew about this discovery?”

“Yeah. The poor sot was so upset when his father dismissed his discovery as unimportant. He said he could’ve done it himself years ago. He told Izzy that it would never sell. Said people would never accept robots with emotions. The old bastard had the kid completely baffled. All he wanted was his father’s respect, but all 1zzy ever got from the old man was a slap across the face.”

“What else did he say?”

“Not much. The poor bastard was disillusioned. Thought he was a failure. Wait a minute. I do remember him saying that he and the old man did argue about his discovery. He told his father that it could be the breakthrough that he was searching so desperately for. “Future Robotics” was starting to fail. Some corporate type was hovering around trying to take the company. Izzy said that this could solve all his father’s money problems.”

“The company was in financial trouble?”

“Yeah. The kid thought he could rescue the place from a hostile takeover and be a hero to his father. Thought the old man would finally appreciate him. He couldn’t have been more mistaken.”

“Thanks for the info Sally. You’re suspicions might be warranted. I’ll keep you informed.”

“No. Thank you detective. I really cared about Izzy. I want to see his killer fried.”

“So do I Sally. So do I.”

***

As soon as I got back to headquarters I went in to see the captain. I told him what Sally said and asked for an investigation into the corporation’s financial reports. I found out she was right. “Future Robotics” was in the process of a hostile takeover. The corporate type I’d seen in Issacs’ office that day was trying to take the company away. A man as vain as Issacs would never allow that.

I was now able to develop a theory on this case. The concept of implanting emotions into robots wasn’t a new one, but the idea had always failed in the past. Not only for the prejudiced opinions still held by most of the public, but because of the synoptic circuitry in the H.A.I.B.’s complicated brains. Harold had discovered a method to accomplish this feat without disrupting a robot’s thought patterns. His new prototype would save “Future Robotics” from bankruptcy.

Arthur Issacs would never allow his son take credit for this remarkable discovery. He’d stolen his son’s idea and wanted to convince everyone it was his own. He would become a hero within the corporation and save it from ruin. That’s why he reprogrammed a H.A.I.B. to kill his son. Now all I had to do was prove my theory. That wasn’t going to be easy to do with Issacs’ connections. Especially his friendship with the mayor and governor. My proof had to be ironclad.

I called Harry. He was still at the lab looking for clues. I told him what I’d learned. When I got to Issacs’ residence I immediately went to the facility and sought my sub-officer. He practically ran up to me when I entered the lab. “What’s up? Have you found something?”

“Yes. I tried to contact you, but you’d already left. You didn’t have your receiver on in the squad car. I knew you’d be coming here.”

“What did you find?”

“A containment area that’s locked with a special code. I thought it must contain something of importance. I haven’t broken the code as yet, but I’m confident that I soon will.”

“Good work.” We started down the corridor. When we got to the storage area Harry proceeded to try a combination of numbers. I asked him how long it would take.

“Not too long. I should have the combination shortly.”

I watched in fascination as the robot deftly moved his fingers with lightning speed on the keypad. The lock finally beeped and the door slid open. We walked through and I stopped when I ran into something solid. “Find the lights Harry.” Bright light flooded the room. I found myself standing face to face with a H.A.I.B. I looked past the massive hulk and noticed the room was full of robots.

“May I help you, sir?” the H.A.I.B. asked. I couldn’t help but jump. I didn’t expect the unit to be operational.

Harry asked the robot his identification number and series. It was a series five. He asked if the other units were the same. The robot said they were. He then asked if Harold Issacs had created him. The unit said yes. He raised his brows and asked where his maker was. Harry told him that Harold had been murdered. The robot looked shocked and tears formed in his eyes. The H.A.I.B. then started to sob. I was astonished.

When the unit was finally under control we questioned him about the relationship between Harold and his father. He didn’t tell us anything that we hadn’t already discovered. The two had a very strained relationship. Both father and son were in the lab on the night of the murder.

“What went on between them? Were they arguing?”

“Yes sir.”

“What was said?”

“I don’t know. I was programmed to erase their discussion, but I am sure they were arguing about us.”

“Us, meaning you and the other units in this room?”

“Yes sir.”

“Did their argument intensify? Did it come to blows?”

“No sir.”

“Could you have programmed to erase that memory as well?”

“It is a possibility sir.”

“Is there anything else you can tell us that would help in our investigation?”

“Only that one of us is missing.”

“Is that unusual?”

“Yes sir. The creator always worked on us in a group. He said it was to develop our emotional skills. He was hoping we would develop friendships.”
“Did you?”

“Yes sir. The unit that was removed has become a personal favorite of mine.”

“Really?”

“Yes sir.”

“Is that the reason for his absence? Were you becoming too close?”

“I don’t believe so. Other than dismantling I can’t think of any reason to separate us. It is odd that it was the creator’s father who ordered the unit’s removal from this room.”

“Arthur Issacs took him?”

“Yes sir.”

“That is odd. Thank you. I didn’t catch your name.”

“I haven’t been given a name yet, but my number is fifty.”

“Thank you Fifty. You’ve been very helpful. You can resume your duties now.”

The H.A.I.B. 5 retuned his attention to the doorway. He stood as still as a statue, but tears started to streak down his face again.


Chapter Five

- Partners -


It was a hot, humid night. I didn’t want to drain the car’s battery so we sat there with the AC off. This didn’t bother Harry. He wasn’t affected by temperature, but I was sweating like a pig. “Are the other surveillance teams in place?”

“Yes sir. They reported that Issacs entered the residence at nine p.m. precisely. They haven’t seen him exit the premises.”

“The lights have been out for nearly an hour. If he’s going to try to get rid of the H.A.I.B. he has to do it soon.”

“May I ask why you believe he’ll try to dispose of that unit when he could reprogram it.”

“The man isn’t thinking clearly.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Has my gut instinct ever led you astray before?”

“No sir.”

“I’ve just got a feeling about this. Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s what I’d do. I wouldn’t take any chance that someone would reactivate the robot. That’s why I believe he’s going to dismantle it.”

“I understand now. Thanks for sharing your reasoning.”

“That’s what partners are for.”

“You consider me your partner?”

“Yeah. You’re even more than that. Through the years I’ve come to like and respect you.”

“You like me sir?”

“I just said that didn’t I?” I chuckled.

“Why do you laugh?”

“I was just thinking of what you’d be like with emotions.”

“I fail to see the humor.”

“You’d be quite the character.”

“In what way?”

“Oh. Just forget I mentioned it.” I couldn’t for the life of me think of a way to describe Harry to Harry.

***

I’d parked behind the mansion as close to the underground laboratory as I could get. I told Harry it would be up to him to see when Issacs’ exited his house. There was no way the human eye could see in the almost non-existent light. Two hours had passed. I’d brought a thermos of coffee along and finished it a while ago. I had to piss like a racehorse. I got out of the car and unzipped. I was in the midst of relieving myself when my sub-officer called out to me.

“Someone’s just exited the rear of the house. They’re going towards the entrance to the lab.”

“Is it Issacs?” I asked as I shook myself and zipped up.

“Yes.”

“Let’s wait till he’s inside. We’ve got to catch him in the act.”

“Yes sir.”

We waited for about five minutes before following Issacs into the lab. I drew my weapon upon entering. The man wasn’t in the immediate area. “Sniff him out Harry,” I ordered.

Harry used his exceptional hearing to detect Issacs’ whereabouts. We quietly made our way down the maze of corridors to a room that I assumed was an operating theatre. I cautiously peered through the doorway and saw a robot on a table with another unit standing by Issacs’ side. The H.A.I.B. was assisting him disassemble the machine.

I entered the room and aimed my gun on the scientist. “Stop what you’re doing this instant.”

The man turned towards me. I could tell he was startled by my sudden appearance. He said only one thing. “Kill him.”

The H.A.I.B. lunged for me. I fired my weapon. It went through its skin, but the bullet bounced off his metallic skeleton. The H.A.I.B. grabbed me around my throat and lifted me into the air. I hung there limply while he proceeded to crush my windpipe. I started to black out. Suddenly the machine released his iron grasp on my throat. I fell to the floor losing hold of my weapon. I struggled for air and greedily sucked it into my lungs. When I finally managed to breath again I looked up. Harry was wrestling with the unit. The H.A.I.B. had picked up my weapon from the floor and was trying to aim it on me, but my sub-officer grabbed its arm. While they struggled the gun went off. Issacs was running behind me towards the door. The bullet grazed my ear as it went soaring past. It pierced him in his chest. He instantly fell to the floor. I managed to evade the robot’s feet and crawled over to Issacs. He was still alive.

“Destroy that damned thing,” I croaked out as Harry continued fighting the unit. He acknowledged me. He used a little trick that he’d learn from me. He swung his leg up behind his opponent hitting him behind the knee joint. The machine smashed to the ground. Harry stomped on its face until it remained inert.

I put my hand to my throat. I was barely able to speak above a whisper as I squeaked out, “Thanks my friend. You just saved my life.”

“I did no more than what was programmed into me,” he replied.

“Thanks anyway Harry.”

“Your welcome.”

“Call for assistance.”

“Yes sir.”

***

“Why?” I asked Issacs as I sat next to his bed in the prison section of the hospital.

“To save my company of course.”

“What about your son? He should have received credit for his discovery. Would it matter that much if he did? What right did you have to have to kill him? Just because you gave him life doesn’t mean you could take it from him.”

“That little bastard was a useless piece of garbage. He wasted my hard earned money on those tramps he screwed. He never appreciated an honest day’s work in his life.”

“Its not like you gave him much encouragement from what I hear.”

“He didn’t deserve my encouragement.”

“He saved your company from bankruptcy didn’t he?”

“I would have come up with something eventually. Harold just beat me to it. If it weren’t for my wealth he wouldn’t have been able to discover a means to implant emotions into H.A.I.B.’s. It’s a ridiculous idea anyway. Who ever heard of such a thing? Robots with the ability to emotionally interact with humans. Why. It’s just insane.”

“An insanity that prevented “Future Robotics” from going down the tubes. Your son’s discovery did prevent a hostile takeover. That’s why you looked so happy when you came out of your office that day. I could never understand why you weren’t more upset over his death.”

“Harold’s death wasn’t intentional. It was an accident. You see. He discovered that I’d stolen his idea and had started the procedure to mass produce the H.A.I.B.’s. He was very upset. He was going to go to the board and expose me. I couldn’t allow that. I built “Future Robotics” from the ground up. It was my company. Not my son’s. Once the board found out the truth I knew they would force me to resign. I had to stop Harold.”

“So you reprogrammed the prime directive.”

“Yes.”

“Why did you have to mutilate him? Why on earth did you take his brain?”

“I implanted his brain into a H.A.I.B. 5. That was easier than performing the whole procedure. It was a shame to waste such intelligence and he was a giving person. I’m sure my son wouldn’t have objected. That particular unit was in the storage facility. I’m sure it’s still there.”

“That still doesn’t explain why you murdered your son.”

“I told you. That was an accident. The H.A.I.B. I reprogrammed wasn’t used to its emotions yet. It let rage take over. It didn’t realize its own strength and broke my son’s neck. It assumed it would be harder to identify his body if it was mutilated. It used its superior strength to rip Harold’s brain from his skull and tore his limbs off. I couldn’t see wasting it. We’ve built our robots too smart it seems. Their superior intellect does not allow for common sense. The mutilation was quite unnecessary. It didn’t occur to the machine to remove his identification card.”

“Why didn’t you just let Harold take credit for the discovery?”

“And have to admit that I couldn’t come up with an idea to save my own company? Never!”

“So you let your pride become more important than you son’s success. You’re a sorry excuse for a human being Issacs.”

“You may be right detective. But nonetheless. I am human. I was right to hate these machines I’d created. I should have known better. I never trusted them. Look how easy it was for the H.A.I.B. to dispose of Harold’s body the way it did. The robot should have felt some remorse for ending his creator’s life, but it didn’t. These machines we depend on so much will bring about the destruction of our race Detective Fisher. Just mark my words.”

“Did you ever think that when you’d overridden the prime directive you might have altered the robot’s emotions? Perhaps it’s your fault the robot couldn’t control his anger and killed your son. Maybe that’s why the H.A.I.B. didn’t feel remorse.”

“I suppose you could be right, but none of that matters any more. Does it?”

“No sir. It does not.”


Chapter Six

- Acceptance -


Arthur Issacs trial was the sensation of the year. He didn’t try to plead his innocence. In fact I rather believed he enjoyed being in the spotlight again after all these years. The great man was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.

I wasn’t surprised that the mayor and his other political friends didn’t acknowledge their friendship. They quickly severed all ties to the renown scientist. After all, the next year would see them running for their respective offices again.

I felt kind of sorry for Sylvia Issacs. She was a weak willed woman who let her husband control her. She had been married to him for many years and he’d passed all his prejudices on to her. The woman hated H.A.I.B.’s with a passion. I guess I couldn’t blame her. A robot had killed her son.

I asked Harry what he thought about this case. Being Harry he just shrugged his shoulders. A typical reaction for a H.A.I.B. without any emotions.

Harold Issacs’ new prototype was in mass-production now. “Future Robotics” was saved. They carried on and all the credit for this discovery went to Izzy. These new models were becoming quite the rage now. The robots were sold all over the globe and the multi-million dollar company became the richest robotics facility in the world It seemed emotions made the H.A.I.B.’s easier for our culture to finally accept artificial intelligence.

The H.A.I.B. unit that Harold’s brain had been implanted into was voted in as the new C.E.O. The old man was enraged of course. He couldn't believe that they'd put a machine in charge of "his" corporation.

***

“Hey detective. How’s it hanging?” the bartender asked.

“Pretty good Pete.” I’d become a regular at “Fantasy” and often came in to watch the girls dance. Unfortunately Sally wasn’t among them. She asked for some time off. She’d cared a lot for Harold and said she needed to get away for a while. I figured she’d been in love him.

Pete put the paper down on the bar. “Any interesting cases lately?”

“Not since Issacs.”

“I wasn’t surprised to learn that the old man was involved in Izzy’s death somehow, but I didn’t expect him to be the one to actually do it.”

“Given the right circumstances we’re all capable of murder.”

“Yeah. I guess.”

I caught a familiar shape hurrying up to the bar out of the corner of my eye. Sally ran up to me and kissed me. I was stunned and didn’t know how to react. I just sat there awkwardly and grinned at her.

“I came back to town as soon as I heard about Issacs’ conviction,” she said.

“I thought you’d be there.”

“I wouldn’t trust myself anywhere near that prick. Anyway he’s paying for what he did. That’s all that really matters. I don’t know how I’m ever going to repay you for getting Izzy some justice. You’ve shown that somebody other than me cared about him. You deserve a free lay. It’s the least I can do for all you’ve done.”

“Err---, no thanks. At least not tonight. I have to get back to the precinct. I’m still on the clock. I just stopped in for a quick beer. Besides, Harry is waiting in the car.”

“Okay, but you’re getting a rain check Detective Fisher. And please thank Harry for me too.”

“I will.”

Harry walked through the door and up to the bar. “We’ve got a call sir.”

“Okay. I’ll be right with you,” I said as I looked Sally in the eye. Why not take her up on her offer, I thought. “I guess that’s my cue, but I’ll be back to collect on that rain check at a later date.” I stood up and grabbed her around the waist. I planted my lips against hers and kissed her as passionately as I could. After all, she’d probably be comparing me to a lot of men. I just hoped that none of her lovers had been H.A.I.B.’s.

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 19.09.2009

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