A Riddle For Love

By Lara Nance

She’s everything he ever dreamed of...

Dr. Avar Elsier has spent the past ten years developing the ideal human-like android for his company. In his spare time, he’s created the perfect persona for his dream woman that only needs the right body to make her real.

Unfortunately, such a body costs more than he possesses. When an emergency forces him to insert his “woman” into a unit designed for a high-paying customer, he falls in love and cannot bear to let her go.

Will he find a way to make their love last and escape from Mars before his secret is discovered or worse, the woman he loves is lost forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Decadent Publishing
• Release date: Jul 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781613336991

Book preview

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A Riddle for Love

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2014 by Lara Nance

ISBN: 978-1-61333-699-1

Cover art by Syneca Featherstone

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

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www.decadentpublishing.com

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Chapter One

Once upon a time in outer space....

Avar glanced up from his computer screen, his gaze traveling to the lovely female form supine on a shiny metal table. FC-ZM120 or Female Companion-Zeta Model 120. She represented the absolute pinnacle of android biogenetic engineering.

He sighed and rolled his shoulders. After years of hard work, the time had come to test his theory on her. The need for success bunched his muscles in stress. A silver metallic sheet covered his subject from throat to knees. Electrode patches dotted her from head to toe. He’d seen every inch of that glorious body over the past six months. As head biological engineer, he was the prime developer of this latest attempt by the Genetacept Corporation to produce a human-like female android suitable to perform as a companion, or even a spouse, if so desired. As far as he was concerned—mission accomplished.

Still, he couldn’t help thinking of his personal research project... Lily. He worked on perfecting her persona every night, every spare minute. Then, when he could afford a high-level body like the one on his table, he’d have the woman of his dreams, both mentally and physically. He needed that woman badly—a partner and lover to share his life.

These last bio markers are right on target, his assistant, Boron, said as he punched in data on the wall information unit. Despite the controlled diet of inhabitants in the Mars Community Habitat, his belly seemed to always be on the verge of popping out of his gray jumpsuit. At first glance, even a doctor would have trouble detecting she’s not human.

Good, Avar murmured, returning his attention to the numerical values flashing across his screen. A quiver of excitement left his hands shaking. She’s almost ready for the persona insert.

I can’t believe it, Boron said, grinning. After all this time, we’ll finally be able to test your theory of Innate Personality Insertion.

He nodded. IPI—his chance for a huge contribution to the advancement of artificial intelligence science following a lifetime of work. If his theory proved correct, this lovely android would have the personality and interaction ability of a typical woman. The theory and technology could be applied in any setting, including the military. He hoped it could eventually save lives by keeping human soldiers out of wars or putting androids in other dangerous jobs in order to avoid devastating accidents for humans—work like terraforming or exploring hostile environments. Of course, he worried about his invention being used for criminal activities or worse, but fortunately the Galactic League of Android Exploitation kept a firm hand on deviant use. They weren’t perfect, but no one was. His fingers itched to complete the sequence of commands that would initiate the insertion.

We should name her. Staring at the silver-draped form, Boron crossed his arms. We’ve been together a long time. Seems like we should be friends or something.

She’s the first of the three prototypes to reach this stage. He jerked his chin toward two identical androids stacked on metal shelves behind a locked glass door. We could call her Una.

Una. His assistant nodded, brushing unruly, black curls from his forehead. I like it.

Avar rose and strode to stand beside his creation. It would have been more interesting to build units with different physical traits, but for some reason, the customer wanted three totally identical units. Fortunately, he could stare at this beauty forever, so three only made his environment that much better.

Una’s alabaster skin shone under the bright lab lights and her full lips begged to be kissed. Honey-gold hair spread across the table and draped over the edges. He cleared his throat and glanced at his assistant. It’s so odd looking at my idea of the perfect woman. I’ve dreamed about her for so many years.

Once your theory proves successful, you’ll make enough money to have one of her for yourself. Boron adjusted the wireless generator’s controls to prepare for the transmission of data.

I don’t know. I can’t imagine I’ll have that much money for a long time.

The lab door slid open with a swish. A tall, thin woman with high cheekbones and a piercing gaze breezed in.

Avar stepped away from the table, irritation burning in his gut. Great. Kava Atmer, CEO and head bitch in charge. He couldn’t help thinking of her as a wicked witch. He didn’t need this right now.

How’s it going? A tiny frown between her brows, she glanced at the prone form.

According to schedule, Avar said, moving to block her view of his computer screen.

Excellent. The client is most eager to pick up the trio, and our board of directors is even more eager to finally be in the black on this project. Make it happen. She tugged the silver sheet a little higher on Una’s chest. "What’s the next step?’

We’re actually ready for the persona insertion, Boron said, rubbing his hands together.

Avar cleared his throat and gave his assistant a sharp glance.

Interesting. She used her hip to push past him and stared at his screen. What’s this? University English Professor? No, no, no. We’ve discussed this, Avar. Insert Sexy Girlfriend. I don’t want the client disappointed. He won’t appreciate discussing literature.

Avar gritted his teeth. We can always upload another personality later. I just wanted to see what she’d do with a higher level interaction mode.

Kava tapped her foot. We don’t have time for you to live out your fantasies. Once we have this order complete, we’ll have more time to experiment with different models.

He directed his gaze at the floor, unwilling to argue the point, but disappointed nonetheless.

She took a step toward him. "Come on, Avar,