Chapter 2
Doctor Spencer cracked his knuckles; he always did that when he was nervous and I knew the figure who sat opposite the desk made him more nervous than usual.
With her stiff dress jacket, buttons and stars of her uniform glittering, Commander Carla Avery looked severe without even trying.
Dr Spencer licked his lips and looked at the screen, as if that would make the bad news go away. He broke the tense silence. "I'm afraid we need some time to investigate, Ma'am."
"Time? How much time?"
"That depends on what we find."
Commander Avery fingered her upper lip. "The construct is still alive?"
"He is, Ma'am. His organs may be damaged, but his brain functions normally. We can replace the organs, but... whatever is wrong in his mind might take much longer to repair."
"What sort o
