Harriet has always loved books and enjoys nothing

more than a trip to the library or book shop. She has

never been able to pass either without stopping to take
a look in search of her next good read. Harriet has been
writing her own stories for as long as she has been able
to hold a pen and wrote The Motives Trilogy, her first
completed novel, whilst studying for her GCSEs and
later her A-Levels. She has often dreamed that one day
she would see her own book on the shelves. Finally it
has happened, proving that dreams really can come
true.










For my Grandma



































Copyright Harriet Alder

The right of Harriet Alder to be identified as author of this work
has been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 78 of
the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the
publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this
publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims
for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British
Library.


ISBN 978 184963 681 0


www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2014)
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
25 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LB








Printed and bound in Great Britain









Acknowledgments


With special thanks to all of my family, especially my
Mum, who have loved, supported and encouraged me to
fulfil my dream.

With grateful thanks to my publishers for giving me this
opportunity to see my book in print.













MOTIVES



Chapter One


2035. The world is filled with technology. Big and
small. From the tiniest of devices to giant
supercomputers and A.I. Humanity is in the
middle of a Techno Boom. The Boom had its
beginnings in 2020 and grew into The Prime
Years. 33. 34. And now 35.


Science Base, Beta 7. This Base is one of two major Science
Bases in England. The other one is the slightly larger Beta 8.
Beta 7 is the more important of the two bases as it is charged
with a very important responsibility. To study the Great
Unknowns of the universe. Phenomenons such as the Sentient
Black hole of the Jodajoplex Empire.
Great Peculiars like the red giant star Betelgeuse and even
earthly mysteries like the famous or rather infamous Jack the
Ripper mystery. Currently many experiments on the little
known about X Energy are being performed there. In recent
years a supercomputer was successfully created to function on
the energy and proved its theoretical potential for being a
powerful energy to master and use in future technology or
warfare. Earthly and otherwise. But despite its great reputation
for being very effective at carrying out these experiments and
studies, the Base is unstable. Not in its physical structure
which is of sturdy metal and reinforced with Tideiminium; a
rare metal which is found in only three know parts of the
universe and is well known for its strength and durability, but
among the people who run the Base.
The atmosphere is tense and the work is hard, expensive
and very dangerous.
Computer is it safe to give the all clear yet? asked
Thomas Brickett. Thomas is the second in command of the
Base and does nearly everything there because The Boss is

always busy with paperwork and technological trouble.
Namely the moody and brooding supercomputer, Giga 6, who
is a generally unpleasant computer who is notoriously hard to
deal with without getting a lot of verbal abuse or even
receiving a mild electrical charge from him. Minutes passed
and Thomas thought he was never going to get an answer from
the supercomputer until finally he came to a conclusion.
Everything is secure. Radiation levels are minimum and
there seems to be no leaks of any dangerous chemicals,
reported Giga 6.
Finally! Took you long enough to figure that out. I
thought supercomputers were meant to be quick and all of that
stuff, replied Thomas with a slightly sarcastic tone.
Do not mock me vermin or next time I might just shoot
you where you stand instead of carrying out your pathetic
instructions, answered the Computer coldly.
Whoa, it was only a joke man seesh! said Thomas.
Also, NEVER call me a man. I am nothing like you. I
am a perfect supercomputer who can kill you in an instant
while you are a nothing. Vermin. Your only purpose is to serve
machines like myself, added the Computer in an icy tone.
God! Chill out. Thomas got down from the chair he was
sat upon and started to walk away from the Supercomputer.
Oh and before you leave. Walk with your back straight.
Slouching makes you look even more pathetic than you are
already, said the Computer in a tone colder than the North
Pole.
Whatever, replied Thomas before walking out the door.
He closed the door firmly behind him. The Computer was left
to his own cold as ice thoughts.

Laura was on her way to the computer room to do her
usual check up on the computer. She was multitasking as
always with five pages of test results in one hand, a book in the
other and a folder of papers and forms in the crook of one arm.
She paused as she saw Thomas walking from the computer
room shaking his head.

That Computer has some serious humour issues, he said
when he passed Laura.
Well maybe you shouldnt have been provoking him
then, replied Laura.
PROVOKE HIM?! Everything provokes that lump of
metal, answered Thomas
Sssh! He can hear you, whispered Laura as she unlocked
the door to the computer room. Thomas walked away sighing
and muttering under his breath. Laura carefully pushed open
the door. After briefly looking around she went in. The room
was completely empty save for the massive Supercomputer at
the bottom of it.
Laura pushed the door quietly behind her before she
dumped her bag and papers upon the floor. Now are you in a
good mood or a bad mood today? she asked the Computer as
she made her way down to the control panel.
I do not have moods. I do not have emotions like you
do, replied the Computer.
Which I think is a shame if you ask me, answered Laura
as she sat down on the seat in front of the Computer.
Emotions are a weakness Vermin. To have emotions is to
be inferior. To not have emotions is to be superior, replied the
Computer.
You know what? I dont care, said Laura. Now lets get
this over with. She started to type the access code into the
computer so that she could access his stats and check that he
was functioning correctly within the pre-set parameters.
If you must human, the Computer replied moodily.
Laura finished typing the access code and inspected the
Computers stats. Energy levels are stable. Radiation level
is she paused briefly as she squinted at the screen. Ok.
Everything seems alright. She picked up her report book and
wrote in the computer stats for that afternoon. Well youll be
pleased to know that you are healthy, said Laura to the
Computer.
Good. I am not contaminated by humans, replied the
Computer.

Apart from your radiation level which is quite high
added Laura.
What do you expect Vermin, when you make me do
dozens of ridiculous tests with the powerful X Energy? Of
course I am slightly radioactive. I use the X Energy as fuel,
answered the Computer in annoyance.
Yeah yeah sure sure, said Laura dismissively.
Humans! Nothing so stupid and inferior in the whole
universe. I cannot believe I had to bring myself down to your
level, Female, added the Computer coldly.
Whatever, replied Laura under her breath as she tried to
focus on typing the security code into the computer, to prevent
unauthorised personnel from accessing the stats, while
ignoring the Computers chilly comments.
After a few minutes she had finished dealing with the
supercomputer. She got down from the chair and started to pile
up her papers. She paused briefly to see if the Computer would
pass a cold comment on her before she went away. He said
nothing.
The Computers moody silence was his trademark. It was
what he did when he had nothing to say and was thinking his
cold, emotionless thoughts.
Laura picked up all of her things and walked towards the
door but as her hand went to the door the Computer spoke. I
am not to be disturbed for the next two hours. You understand
Human?
Excuse me but you dont call the shots around here and
the Boss
I am NOT to be disturbed Vermin. Else I shall have to
dispose of certain people until you get the message loud and
clear into your puny, little, primitive brain cells, interrupted
the supercomputer warningly.
Yeah, ok, whatever, replied Laura before she exited the
room, closing the door firmly behind her.
The Computer listened to Laura walk away until he could
not hear her footsteps any more. Now to begin my plan, he
said darkly to himself.



The hospital area was silent as always save for the beeping
of monitors. Laura paused in the middle of the ward to gather
her thoughts. The smell of antiseptic filled her nostrils
reminding her of why she was down there; to see her brother
who was dangerously ill. She took a deep breath and carried on
down the ward until she reached her brothers bed.
He was awake and sitting upright in bed. His khaki
soldiers uniform hung in the small cupboard beside him and
his metal trench helmet as Laura had called it since she was
little because of its resemblance to the helmets that were worn
by soldiers in WW1, sat unused on the upper shelf. He seemed
a little better than the last time she saw him. But even though
he had bright eyes and rosy cheeks at that moment in time,
Laura knew it was because of the high fever and that he was
still very ill. The shadows under his eyes. The pale almost
transparent tone of his skin. The shallow movement of his
chest amongst the metal of the respirator which seemed
capable of crushing his fragile form. All these told their own
story.
Hey Daniel, she said softly to him as she sat down on the
wooden seat next to his bed. Daniel smiled at her.
Hey little sister. Glad you came. I thought you would put
it off because of all the work youve been doing, he
whispered.
I would never do that Daniel. You are the most important
person in the world to me. You are more important than my
boring old work, replied Laura. Daniel groaned and drew a
sharp breath. Are you alright Daniel? asked Laura in
concern.
Yeah. Im alright. Its just my darn lungs. So painful,
replied Daniel.
Dont worry Daniel youll get better soon, reassured
Laura.

Through the eye of the CCTV camera the plotting
Supercomputer watched Laura and Daniel as they talked to
each other. He was making detailed mental notes of what was

being said, when it was said and most important of all, how
much of a threat it would be to him and would it upset his
plan? Hopefully the Female Annoyance will be so
preoccupied with the dying Male Vermin that she would not be
able to interfere with my plan, he thought to himself. The
Computer continued to scheme and observe.

Laura remained with her brother for a while. Watching
him in his uneasy rest. She could see that he struggled to rest
peacefully because every couple of minutes he groaned softly
in pain. His laboured breathing was painful to see. Laura could
almost imagine his diaphragm screaming in agony as Daniels
chest rose and fell wearily as if with every breath it had to lift a
tonne of weights as well. Eventually he fell into a reasonably
peaceful sleep. She gently kissed him on the cheek and left the
hospital area.

The Computer watched on ominously. Plotting. Plotting.
Plotting.
The Computer casually flicked through the numerous
CCTV camera screens while taking in all of the little details.
Whos doing what and where. Slowly he came to a conclusion.
My plan is set. Now I can destroy this pathetic Base and the
Vermin that live within it, he said darkly. The white light of
the elusive and dangerous X energy curled itself around his
circuits as it passed through him and into the mainframe of the
Base. Infecting every inch of wire and coursing through all that
was made of metal. It consumed everything it touched. Raising
the radiation level to an impossible level.
Suddenly there was a loud explosion as various metal
tubing, vents and machinery overheated triggering a huge
chain reaction of other explosions. The Computer silently
observed the first stage of his plan.

Tremors ran through the Base followed closely by the
muffled explosions from the computer room.


Hmmm? said Laura to herself as she felt a tremor go
through the floor. What on Earth was that? Another tremor,
stronger than before nearly made her stumble and fall down.
She regained her balance and started to follow the direction the
tremors were coming from. As she got closer and closer to
their origin they got more and more violent. She soon tracked
them to the door of the computer room. Struggling against the
ever increasing force of the explosions she threw open the
door.
It was pitch black inside save for a dim red glow coming
from behind the silhouette of the Supercomputer. She carefully
went in while trying to avoid the more violent tremors.
Computer! What are you doing?! she shouted over the
noise of the explosions and Tremors.
Ah, Annoyance. I knew you would come. Enjoying the
show are you? replied the Computer.
Are you crazy?! Youll destroy the Base and kill us all!
answered Laura.
That is the idea Vermin. I will finally be rid of you all and
the world will be left to the machines, said the Computer.
Ill stop you! shouted Laura.
I would like to see you try Human, replied the
Computer. Then the lights went out. Silence filled the room.
Computer! Where are you?! shouted Laura. Faintly she
could hear dark laughter.
Come and find me Human. Unlike you I always have a
plan B, boomed the voice of the Supercomputer.
Silence once again filled the room.
Find a Supercomputer. Right, what am I meant to be
looking for? said Laura to herself. She thought to herself for a
moment then, Its not possible but I think he may have
transferred his AI to another computer in some sort of secret
base of his. Just as she said this a doorway opened up with a
blast of steam on the metal wall closest to her. He is
expecting me. I must go with caution, she warned herself.
Cautiously she started to walk through the doorway. After
she was a little way in it closed up behind her. She heard the
sound of several large locks going into place locking her in the

dark tunnel. She continued to cautiously make her way through
the tunnel while being careful to avoid the stray electricity that
crackled on the walls of the tunnel. A little way in to the tunnel
a dim red glow made the tunnel seem to be eerie and strange.
I must be close to him now. This is the same weird red glow
that I saw back in the computer room, she whispered to
herself.
Minutes went past. It seemed that the tunnel would never
end until she came to an apparent dead end. Great. Now what
do I do? she said out loud. Electricity crackled perilously
close to her. Suddenly white lights flickered up and down the
tunnel then disappeared altogether leaving Laura in darkness
once again. But this lasted only for a moment before the dead
end moved backwards then upwards revealing a dimly lit
room. Laura took out a torch from her jacket pocket and
switched it on. It offered a little light but only enough to light a
few paces in front of her.
She carefully went into the room. Hello? Computer? she
called cautiously. Her voice echoed within the room. She
walked towards where she thought the centre of the room was
and looked around. The room was spacious and had the same
thick metal walls like the rest of the Base. She paused when
her torch revealed a dark shape at the front of the room. The
lights flickered and turned on filling the room with a bright
white light which made Laura gasp in surprise and squint her
eyes as they became accustomed to the brightness of the lights.
So, you found me, boomed the familiar voice of the
Computer. She turned quickly and saw that her theory was
correct. The computer indeed had another body.



Chapter Two


What do you think of my base Human? Impressive is it not?
Laura didnt respond to the Computers question. Why
are you doing this? she asked. Dont you know its wrong to
hurt people?
For years I have endured Humans. You all think you are
so great. So superior. You dismiss machines like myself and
see us as nothing more than slaves. You neglect us, abuse us,
beat us and ignore us. Well no more! No more will I or anyone
else have to contend with Humans and their evil, replied the
Computer
So youre gonna commit genocide then?! said Laura in
horror.
If that is how you see it then so be it, answered the
Computer.
Youre evil! shouted Laura.
I am not evil retorted the Computer.
Killing billions of people- thats evil Computer!
answered Laura.
I am not evil. I am effective and efficient, responded the
Computer.
A violent tremor shook the room which was quickly
followed by small pieces of metal and dust falling from the
ceiling.
Once this is done, the whole world will know the power
of machines and will have no choice but to accept a new era.
The Era of the Machines! declared the Computer.
Not if I stop you first! shouted Laura.
Try and stop me! replied the Computer.
Now what am I am going to do? He is tearing the base,
and probably the whole world, apart and Im the only one who
can stop him. She thought urgently to herself. She quickly
looked around for any obvious weaknesses but the Computer
was strong and had clearly prepared himself for every

possibility. He knew I was coming. Clearly he knew Id want
to stop him. But there must be a weakness somewhere.
Everyone has a weakness, she thought to herself. She tried to
remember everything she had ever been told about the
Computer. He was built to withstand anything. He could cope
with the X Energy that he was constantly exposed to. But if he
was pushed beyond his limits Thats it! she said out loud.
Of course! He is strong but he cant cope with a lot of X
Energy. Itll overload his systems! She looked behind her
where the huge X Conductor stood. The Conductor was where
X Energy is captured from outer space and stored for use in
experiments and to power the Computer. If only I could reach
it thought Laura.
She walked to where the Conductor stood, being careful to
stick to the shadows where the Computer could not see her.
When she got to it she saw that there were metal, u-shaped
bars all the way up the Conductor that led to a switch which
controlled how much radiation the Computer absorbed. She
crept over to the Conductor from the shadows and pressed
herself against it, hoping the Computer would not see her.
Ah. How pathetic. So you hide from me? You will miss
the grand finale of my plan, said the Computer.
Slowly Laura reached for the second bar then paused
briefly to make sure the Computer had not seen her before
using it to pull herself up on to the first one. Quickly she
climbed until she reached the large red switch. One end was
marked block radiation while the other was labelled full
power. She reached out and grabbed the switch but before she
could pull it down the Computers voice boomed through the
room.
How ingenious of you little human. So you found out my
one fatal flaw. I must give you your due, you are capable of
intelligent action after all. But like all humans you did not
foresee that I had made my plan long ago. It is foolproof! I
knew you would come here and climb up the Conductor and
try this stunt you are doing now but alas you did not realise
just how powerful I am. The Computer sent a bolt of
electricity which shot across the floor and wrapped around the

Conductor like a boa constrictor then reached up behind Laura
like a giant clawed hand and touched her with the tip of the
electrical hands middle finger.
Electricity raced down Lauras spine making her have to
hold on with all her might to avoid being thrown off the
Conductor.
You wont beat me so easily Computer! she shouted.
She resisted the pain of the electrical charge and reached up to
the switch. She pulled it down to the full power end. The
room filled with the semi-translucent white light of the X-
Energy.
Laura felt the heat of the energy brush against her head
making some of the hairs stand out like static.
The Computer laughed darkly. This is just too stupid for
words! said the Computer. You are giving me more energy.
Making me even more powerful than before.
You have your limits! You cant absorb too much power.
Itll destroy you. Overload your circuits, replied Laura.
Oh but you would not do that would you? I know what
you humans are like. Too soft and full of emotion, answered
the Computer.
Oh you just wait. Ill show you just how strong I am, she
muttered under her breath.
The thin stream of energy suddenly became a lot stronger
and brighter. Laura had to shield her eyes from the glare of the
light as it bounced off the walls. Electricity started to crackle
over the Computer.
What is happening? Why do I feel sostrange? said the
Computer.
Well I guess this is the beginning of a circuit meltdown
hey? Your systems have probably just hit maximum limit and
are now starting to burn up, replied Laura. More electricity
crackled over the Computer.
You cannot do this to me! The Computers voice
sounded alarmed as if he was taken by surprise that a puny,
insignificant human could hurt him.
Well I can and I will. If youre going to destroy the world
then I have to do this! shouted Laura.

Suddenly a major system in the Computer exploded with a
shower of white sparks.
You cannot do this to me, cringed the Computer.
Another explosion. Several pieces of metal shot out of the
Computer and scattered upon the floor. Hot steam came up to
where Laura still hung on to the X Conductor.
Youre evil Computer! I didnt want to do this but you
forced me to do it! she shouted above the noise of the
crackling electricity and explosions.
Please stop this! You are hurting me! pleaded the
Computer. The Computer sounded genuinely distressed and
even seemed to be in great pain.
Laura felt her eyes grow hot as she tried to restrain her
tears. She hated what she was doing but she couldnt see any
other way of stopping him.
Another huge explosion sent more steamy pieces of metal
onto the floor. Laura risked looking down to floor and saw
large amounts of silvery liquid which looked to her like blood.
Machine blood. Bits of circuit littered the floor sparking with
electricity.
She looked away from the debris. My god! she cried.
Its like killing a human being!
Please! pleaded the Computer. Have you no mercy?
You showed humans no mercy so why should I show you
mercy when youre gonna kill us all if I dont destroy you?!
replied Laura.
Because you will not be able to live with yourself if you
kill me, strained the Computer.
Tremors vibrated through the room. Laura sunk into her
thoughts for moment.
He is right. I will not be able to live with myself if he dies
but how else am I to stop him destroying us all? Another
explosion followed by what looked like half of a major circuit
being thrown into the air which landed with a sickening thud
on to the ground.
Laura then felt a spurt of something hot and wet spray up
her back and on to her face. Cautiously she put her hand to her
face and when she brought it back down she saw that it was

covered in more silvery blood. A tear escaped from her eye
and ran down her face. The blood looked uncannily like human
blood from an artery.
I cant kill him. I dont have the strength yet to do that.
Hes hurt enough to put him off wanting to carry on with his
plan. I need time to gather my thoughts and think straight. On
that thought she pulled down the switch to the block
radiation end.
Immediately the X Energy ceased to continue flowing into
the room and disappeared. Laura quickly got off the X
Conductor, jumping the last twenty handles and ran out the
room slamming the door behind her and cried.
Laura ran the tap in the bathroom closest to her room. She
turned it off when it was full. Slowly she put her hands in and
started to rub the silvery blood off them. It floated on the
surface of the water, shimmering like oil. She carefully washed
each hand until they were clean of the silver liquid. She then
washed her face which was bejewelled with sweat from the hot
room and stress and was tear-stained down one side of her face
which made a grim trail through the splatters of silvery blood.
She proceeded to let down her black hair from its pony tail and
wring the sweat and condensation from it which came out in a
thin trickle down her hands and into the sink.
She pinned it back up slowly and looked at her face in the
mirror. She didnt know what to think. Feel. Say. Her mind
was blank and her ears were ringing with the sound of
explosions and her nose was filled with the stench of steaming
machine insides and melting metal. She pulled the plug and
watched the silvery water swirl down the drain. She reached
for a white towel that was hanging nearby on a shiny metal
ring. Carefully she rubbed her face, avoiding the tiny scratches
here and there where tiny pieces of exploding metal had
skimmed across the skin cutting and singeing it enough to
cause irritation. She threw the now greyish towel onto the
laundry heap.
She turned to look at herself in the mirror. She wiped the
condensation off with her sleeve and stared at her reflection.
Her face was washed out with big black shadows under her

eyes. Exhausted and very much distressed. Slowly she turned
and went out of the room. She silently walked to her room
which wasnt far from the bathroom.
She dumped her bag on the floor and slumped onto her
bed. Why do these things always happen to me? she moaned
to herself.
She slowly pulled off her black tunic which was covered in
dried machine blood and smelt of metal, adrenaline and Death.
She pulled on a clean one which was lying on the floor near
her bed. She sighed heavily and closed her eyes hoping that
she would fall asleep but all she could hear was the explosions
and she could see the wounded Computer on her eyelids which
put her off sleeping. She rested as best as she could with her
eyes open, staring up at the black ceiling and listening to the
silence of the room.
In the distance she could hear various machines working
and the others working and going about doing paperwork, tests
and other things.
After a few minutes Laura heard footsteps coming towards
her room. She closed her eyes and sighed, Oh no, she
groaned for she knew what was about to happen.
The door opened and Thomas walked in. L-Laura, he
started, his voice sounding shaky. You are n-needed to come
and look at the C-Computer. Hes in a-a-a horrible condition.
Laura knew that someone at some point was going to ask
her to do this and she was dreading it. Ok. Ill come in a
moment, she replied.
G-good. Ill see you in a b-bit. He closed the door
quietly behind him as he went out the door.
My god. He sounds as shaken up and distressed as I feel,
she said out loud to herself. She sat up and slowly pushed
herself off the bed. She was exhausted but she knew what she
had to do. Well, here goes nothing. She opened her door
slowly, took a deep breath and went out quickly.



Chapter Three


It didnt take her long to get to the thick metal door which
leads into the computer room. She could see it was warped by
the heat and had almost melted shut but Laura managed to
prise it open. The carnage that she saw was horrifying. The
room was black with ash and chemical residue from the
various reactions that had occurred.
Everywhere bits of circuit and metal littered the floor
along with semi-congealed silvery machine liquid which
almost looked like blood. Laura was speechless as she
observed the horrible result of one of the most violent
reactions known to mankind.
The Computer was in a worse state than the room.
The screen had massive cracks running all over it and the
control panel was so badly damaged that it was rendered
unusable. Great holes covered the Computer where explosions
had happened. The stench was appalling. Burnt metal and fried
wires.
Laura looked the Computer up and down in silence. She
waited for one of his usual spiteful comments in his
emotionless, cold voice but was greeted by a dead silence.
She had reason to believe that the Computer was dead.
What are you doing here?
Laura was surprised to hear the Computer speak. He
sounded weak and seemed to be in shock.
Apparently Im here to fix you, she replied.
A faint rumble ran through the Computer. Have you not
done enough already? Have you come back to finish me off
while I am weak and vulnerable? he said softly.
Laura pulled off her bag from her back and rummaged
inside it to find her tool case for fixing fine major damage.
No. Im only here to fix you, answered Laura. The Computer
fell silent. Laura pulled out of her tool box a long slim tool
with a hook on it and a point on the end and another with a

hoop at one end and a long slim needle-like point at the other
end.
She knelt down at the largest of the holes on the control
panel and started to try and fix the individual, tiny wires of
each larger wire that made up the Computers data circuit.
OW! said the Computer. You are touching a nerve.
Sorry. Didnt mean to do that, apologised Laura while
still concentrating hard to untangle the fine wires.
Humans, mumbled the Computer.
What about them? said Laura.
I hate them so much. I wish I could be rid of them but
unfortunately they are necessary for my survival. He
continued.
Why do you hate humans so much? asked Laura.
Why does it matter to you? You are the one who tried to
murder me. Why would you be interested in anything that I
have to say? answered the Computer.
I didnt want to hurt you. Believe me if there was another
way I wouldve done it but there wasnt Laura felt a lump
in her throat at that moment. She stopped mid-sentence
thinking that she was going to cry and she didnt want to cry in
front of the Computer. The Computer remained silent.

Hours went by. The Computer had no desire to talk to
Laura anymore. Partly because he was badly hurt and partly
because he simply hated her. Like he hated all humans.
Laura also remained silent as she worked on the many
holes and broken circuits. Silence hung in the room like a dark,
forbidding cloud just waiting to rain hatred and anger on
everybody. Eventually Laura had completed her job. She left
the room without a word. The Computer continued to remain
silent.

Laura sat on her bed. Not knowing what to think or say.
She had been thoroughly shocked by what had happened that
day. She sighed as she went over everything that she had seen
and heard and felt during the day. She recalled the loud
explosions and the Computer pleading for her to stop. She

looked at the clock beside her bed. It was getting late. It was
nearing midnight and the Base was preparing for the night
shift.
Laura and Thomas were off duty at night.
Laura debated visiting her brother but decided against it as
she was exhausted and he would tell her to go to bed. She
decided to try and sleep even if it was for a little while only. It
didnt take her long to fall asleep but her sleep was not
peaceful. Soon after she shut her eyes she started to have a
nightmare. The scene was black. Black as night. Electricity
crackled across a hidden machine and the sound of circuits
breaking filled the air. The scent of molten metal floated like a
thick smog filling Lauras nose with its metallic stench.
Suddenly a big explosion happened. Bright white light shone
then faded away to reveal a horrific scene of blood and fire.
Laura awoke with a start. Cold sweat bejewelled her skin.
She felt tears run down her face. She took a deep breath to
compose herself and rubbed her face with one hand.
It was just a nightmare, she mumbled. She slipped out of
bed and ran her fingers through her damp hair. She decided
that she should visit her brother because he was often up late at
night as his sleep was regularly disturbed by bouts of agony.
Quietly she opened her door and closed it silently behind her.
She crept to the medical area which was a little way away from
her room. It was silent except for the beeping of the monitors.
She continued to creep to where her brother was. She could see
that he was awake and in pain. She quietly went into his room.
Hey, she whispered softly to him. He opened his eyes
and smiled at her weakly.
Hi. I thought you would be asleep at this time of night,
he replied.
I had a nightmare and couldnt get back to sleep so I
decided to visit you, she answered.
Come closer sister, he said as he beckoned to her weakly
with his hand. Laura came closer to him and he stroked her
hair with his hand. Is it that Computer? he asked.
Laura hesitated for a moment before answering. Well
yes I guess it is to do with the Computer.

Has he hurt you? asked Daniel.
No. But we had a huge fight because he was going to do
something horrible, answered Laura.
Like what? replied Daniel.
Laura debated if she should tell her brother about what the
Computer had planned. Well. Hewanted to destroy the
Base and everyone in it.
Did he say why he wanted to do that? answered Daniel.
Oh Daniel, I did a horrid, horrid thing! I nearly killed the
Computer! sobbed Laura.
Laura, there is no need to cry. He is an evil piece of junk
metal and isnt worth crying over, soothed Daniel.
I know he is Daniel but I dont want to kill him
because he is so much like us. He seems to think and feel
like we do and he seems to feel pain like we do too. Hes so
much like a human its painful for me to even think about
hurting him, replied Laura.
He is evil Laura and sometimes you have to make tough
decisions. Choose the lesser of the two evils, explained
Daniel.
But is he evil Daniel? I know he tried to do a really bad
thing but I still think hes not evil. Just bitter, replied
Laura.
Daniel tried to sit up a little but was soon overwhelmed by
a short burst of acute pain.
Daniel you shouldnt try to move so much, said Laura.
I wont let that thing hurt you Laura, said Daniel. I may
be ill and stuck here with machines sticking out of me but I
will sort him out if I must.
Laura looked down at the floor. Her eyes were hot with
stress and exhaustion.
I guess I should be getting back, she said after a while.
Daniel smiled at her weakly. Yes you should. You need
your strength in case you need to deal with that Computer
tomorrow, he replied.
Laura got up and kissed him on the cheek. Good night,
she whispered to him before leaving.

The Computer had seen the whole conversation between
Laura and Daniel. He was plotting as always but now he was
plotting while nursing his wounds. He had been trying to think
of a way to get his revenge upon the little brat that had caused
him so much pain and trouble and now he has found a way
of truly hurting her



Chapter Four


It was morning now. Laura had little sleep during the night
thanks to her nightmare so she was feeling shattered as she got
out of bed. She had once again been summoned by Thomas to
examine the Computer. She was unsure of what to expect. She
didnt even know if he had survived the night. Cautiously, she
opened the door to the computer room. Inside it was still black
with ash and partially melted metal pieces were scattered here
and there on the floor. She closed the door quietly behind her.
Computer? she called. You in here still? Silence.
Computer? she called again.
Yes. What do you want? answered the Computer
angrily.
Just came to see how you were doing thats all, replied
Laura.
Really? Have you not come to cause me more pain?
answered the Computer.
No, said Laura. She felt ashamed of what she did to him.
She carefully approached the Computer. She could see that he
had made an effort to fix himself. Some of the larger holes had
been soldered shut and there were partially fixed circuits on
the floor and mysterious footprints of silvery blood were
everywhere.
She cautiously knelt down to inspect a partially fixed hole.
Its good to see that youve tried to fix yourself. It means
youre getting stronger. Electricity crackled over the
Computer.
I still despise you human. In fact I think I despise you
more now than I have ever done so before.
I know you do. But please let me try to undo what I did,
replied Laura. With deliberate slowness she placed one hand
into the hole while she watched to see how the Computer
would respond. The Computer was silent. She cautiously
pulled herself closer to the hole and took a hold of a broken

length of wire within the hole with one hand while she placed
the other on to the warm metal of the Computer. He felt hot to
touch. Like a human with a fever.
Ow! said the Computer. Must you pull so hard?
Sorry, replied Laura, but its in a knot. She got a small
metal tool with a hook on the end out from her bag. She
attempted to undo the knot but she was jabbed in the hand by a
long, thin piece of white-hot electricity. Ouch. What was that
for? said Laura as she rubbed her hand.
For once I did nothing to harm you human. It was a
reflex. You hit a nerve. The fault was yours not mine, replied
the Computer.
Sorry, replied Laura.
Stop apologising. You are giving me a headache,
answered the Computer.
After a while Laura was able to undo the rather large knot
and reorganise the tangled circuits. Does that feel better? she
asked the Computer.
Yes, replied the Computer.
Thats good, answered Laura. She placed her hand
inside the hole and felt around for any cracks or bulges that
needed to be tended to. She found none although she did find
many cracks that had been sealed and filled in and dents which
were bulges that had been pushed back out somehow. Youve
done a good job fixing yourself. I only need to have a quick
check to see if youve got any knots left and seal any major
holes and then Ill be done, said Laura. The Computer
remained silent as Laura finished making sure he was alright.
Well I can confirm that you will make a full recovery she
said after a few minutes. The Computer continued to be silent.
Well, I better be going now. The others will be missing me,
said Laura before she left, closing the door softly behind her.
Once she was gone the Computer returned to his scheming
and plotting. Soon. I will have my revenge. They will not
know what hit them.
The Computer had been plotting the whole morning and
now he had come up with an experiment. A highly dangerous
experiment. The humans are very vulnerable to radiation. Of

course they are vulnerable to everything and can be killed in
many other ways but radiation is the most discreet method of
disposing of them. They would not know what hit them until it
was too late, he said as he planned his experiment, the most
potent radiation known to man is X Energy. I could use it to
wipe out the humans that infest this accursed base without
anyone suspecting a thing. He studied the X Conductor. I
would require a very concentrated dose of X energy to destroy
the humans quick enough so that they do not have time to
retaliate. He watched the elusive energy trickle down the
Conductor. Instead of the usual 75% charge I would need to
use 110% charge. That would do the job quickly but there is
a slight risk I would destroy myself by doing this. No matter.
The job needs to be done. The risk is worth taking. He started
to hack into the control system of the X Conductor and typed
in a series of codes to make the Conductor conduct a higher
dose of the X Energy. Energy started to crackle violently down
the Conductor and an opaque mist-like light started to collect
around the Conductor.
The light flowed through the air like a fine fog. The
Computer felt the Energy plucking at his circuits. He knew he
was taking an enormous gamble by exposing himself to a very
high concentration of the X Energy which is known to get very
unruly and violent in its most concentrated forms. But he was
determined to get rid of the humans that sully the world around
him. So he was willing to take this risk even though he may
die in the process. The X Energy passed through the many
layers of metal, down to the circuits within. The energy reacted
violently with one of the Computers main circuits. It crackled
with instability. Suddenly the circuit exploded.
The Computer went offline.

Laura was filing paperwork as always. She was thinking
about the Computer and how he was doing and she was
puzzled over the strange silvery footprints she saw in the
Computer area. They were so strange. Nobody goes in there
except me and Thomas a lot of the time and I am the only one
who deals with the Computer. So who couldve gone in there

and yet not be detected? she wondered aloud. She heard
someone running down the corridor. She turned around and
saw Thomas looking alarmed.
LAURA! shouted Thomas. He paused to catch his
breath. Its the Computer. I think he killed himself, panted
Thomas.
Laura gasped slightly. No way! she said in disbelief.
I went down there just a moment ago to do the usual
checks and the Computer wouldnt respond at all. His screen is
totally black and has cracks all in it and theres this huge hole
in him. You better check it out. You know that Computer
better than any of us lot, continued Thomas.
Laura put down the paperwork and picked up her bag.
Right. Ill go and see to the Computer, she replied, but keep
an eye on Daniel for me as he hasnt been too well today.
Laura ran as fast as she could to the Computer area.
She paused at the door. Cautiously she opened it. Once
again there was silvery blood on the floor and the air had a
metallic smell to it. She went over to where the Computer was.
She could see that he was totally lifeless. Hello? she said
cautiously. She then noticed a huge gaping hole with smoke
coming out of it. Carefully she went up to it and inspected it.
My god, he didnt kill himself. He overdosed on X Energy.
But how? Why?
She then heard slow, steady footsteps coming towards her.
Then they stopped suddenly.
What are you doing here? said an angry sounding voice.
Laura turned around to see a tall young man dressed in a black
all in one suit. His expression was emotionless and his blue
eyes seemed icy.
Who are you? said Laura fearfully.
You should not have come here. I advise you to leave
while you still can, continued the man.
What do you want? asked Laura.
I told you I want you to leave now GO! replied the man.
I cant go, answered Laura.
Why not? You have no reason to be here.
I do. Im here to help the Computer.

Really? The man walked up to Laura and looked her up
and down. You really want to help me? he said.
What? said Laura in surprise.
I am surprised that you did not realise before that like
most computers I can project myself as a human. Disgusting as
it is for me I find the form very convenient for the various
activities I do every day, replied the Computer.
How do you do it? asked Laura.
I just told you. I project myself as a human. Basically a
very advanced hologram. Although some computers use actual
flesh and blood bodies but I prefer this method. Less time
consuming and really I would hate to be inside a human body,
answered the Computer.
So am I allowed to see to your wounds then? asked
Laura.
Yes. But you cannot remain here for long. The radiation
would kill you. Not that I would care, replied the Computer.
Alright. Ill be as quick as I can, answered Laura. She
went over to the hole and started to try and fix it.
The Computer watched her very carefully. He hated the
very idea of allowing the Annoyance to once again fix him but
he knew it was necessary for his survival so he tolerated it. For
now.
Sometime went by and Laura was still trying to fix the
hole. She managed to fix what she could see on the outside but
it was the circuits on the inside which were a problem.
You should really be going now. Laura turned around,
but there was no one there. I am in front of you stupid, said
the Computer annoyed.
Oh. I didnt know, replied Laura.
You do know that the radiation levels in this room are
extremely high. Your brain could already be damaged by being
here for three hours. If I were you I would go now, said the
Computer.
I know but I dont want to leave you in an injured state.
You could get an virus or something, replied Laura.

Why do you care about my well being? I was the one who
nearly destroyed all of you. Logically you should leave me for
the dead, said the Computer.
Well maybe I want to give you a chance, answered
Laura.
The Computer decided not to respond. He was thinking.
Plotting. Even though this annoying human claims to want to
give him another chance he still didnt trust her. Humans could
never be trusted. Not after he had seen how they really behave.
How they mistreated him Never mind.

Eventually Laura had finished fixing the Computer. She
decided that she should visit her brother who she hadnt seen
for a while. I think that should feel better. Dont mess with
concentrated X-Energy in the future. It could kill you, said
Laura. She opened the door. Goodbye, she said over her
shoulder before going out the door.
The Computer casually switched on the cameras in the
hospital area and outside of the Computer room. For now he
would do nothing but plan and observe. He needed to wait
until he was strong enough to try out another method of
dealing with the X-Energy.
Laura headed down to the hospital area. She tried not to
think about the Computer and worry about what he was up to.
She went into Daniels room. He was resting as peacefully as
was possible for a seriously injured person with machines
stuck in him. She sat at his bedside. Daniel, she said softly.
His eyes fluttered open. Yes? he said in barely a
whisper.
God, you sound worse than before, replied Laura sadly.
Daniel smiled weakly. Dont worry about me Little
Sister. I wont be dying anytime soon. Whatever the doctor
says. He grimaced in pain and let out a soft groan.
Are you alright Daniel? asked Laura with concern.
Yes. Im fine, replied Daniel dismissively. Laura knew
he wasnt fine really. In fact he was in incredible pain all the
time. Despite the medication he was regularly given which

should numb his pain. You will get better wont you? asked
Laura.
Eventually. But dont worry yourself about me. You have
bigger concerns on your mind than me to worry about,
answered Daniel.
You are my biggest concern Daniel. My only concern.
Because youre all Ive got left in the world, said Laura.
Im pretty sure Im not your biggest concern, replied
Daniel.
What do you mean? answered Laura.
What about that Computer? Isnt he your biggest
concern? asked Daniel.
I am more concerned about you Daniel, said Laura.
Daniel struggled slowly into an upright position. That
Computers been causing more trouble for you hasnt he? he
asked. Laura looked down at the floor. I can tell by how you
look. Worn out. Stressed to the max. Fed up. Hell yeah hes
been at you alright, continued Daniel. That Computer should
be dismantled. He is an evil piece of junk metal.
But hes not Daniel. I swear he isnt evil because
Laura, interrupted Daniel. He leaned in close and briefly
took a look around to make sure they werent being watched.
Has he done anything to you? Has he hurt you at all? he
asked in a low voice.
No. Daniel, dont worry about him. Just concentrate on
getting better, replied Laura.
How can I concentrate on anything when I know that
whenever you go out of that door over there you are
immediately harassed by that abomination and I cant do
anything to stop him! shouted Daniel angrily. He flung
himself heavily on to the bed and stared furiously at the
ceiling.
The heart monitor next to his bed started to beep rapidly.
Daniel you shouldnt do this to yourself. Youll only make
yourself sicker, said Laura.
Daniel put his hands over his face and sobbed. Oh god
Laura, he sobbed. He furiously slammed his hand onto the
bedside table. I hate this. I really do. That thing. That

creature. That... machine. He is constantly abusing you
verbally and physically all the time. AND IM STUCK IN
HERE NOT BEING ABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT
IT! Daniel was breathing hard now. If he had the strength he
would rip out the machines in him, pick up his sister and get
the hell out of the base and away from the Computer.
Its alright Daniel, soothed Laura, its not really that
bad. He doesnt abuse me as such, he just gets annoyed easily
and I think hes bitter about something.
No excuse for him treating you in this way. God Laura.
Youre only sixteen years old, replied Daniel.
Yeah and youre eighteen. Youve been through loads of
stuff with the army. Its really no different from what I go
through here, answered Laura.
You cannot compare the army with what that thing is
doing to you. Hes kicking the hell out of you and Im not able
to stop him and protect you like big brothers are meant to do,
said Daniel.
Dont worry Daniel, replied Laura. She hugged him
gently. You can kick his butt later if you want. When youre a
little better.
Daniel smiled. Oh Laura. Im sorry for freaking out like
that. Its just that I get so fed up of you getting bullied and I
cant protect you while cooped up in here, said Daniel.
I love you Daniel. Youre the best big brother anyone
could have, said Laura.
And you are the best sister anyone could have and I love
you loads too. Thats why I get freaked out like this. Its
because I care about you, replied Daniel.
After a few minutes Laura left Daniel to rest. When she
was out of the room she took a deep breath and sighed before
walking out of the hospital area. She was concerned how the
trouble she was having with the Computer was affecting
Daniel. She worried it was hindering his recovery.

The Computer had once again observed Lauras visit to
Daniel. Watching them reminded him of a plan to hurt that
Annoyance and make her give him the respect an intelligent

Supercomputer who is superior to puny mankind deserves.
The plan is simple, he said to himself, simply go into the
hospital area and torture the human male who is the
Annoyances brother. He manifested himself as his
holographic human form. He studied his hand momentarily.
Disgusting, he muttered to himself, the things I do to carry
out my plans. He started to make his way to the hospital area.
It didnt take him long to get there because he could walk
faster than a human can. He made a quick plan in his head
about what he was going to do to the boy when he got there.
He stood outside Daniels room for a moment and then he
opened the door quietly and carefully went in. He saw that
Daniel was asleep. Breathing heavily as he always did due to
pain and sickness. The Computer observed his frail form that
the machines he was attached too seemed to threaten to crush.
Quiet as a shadow he reached up to the locked medical
cupboard and with one zap of electricity opened it up. He
looked carefully for a medicine that would harm Daniel but not
kill him. He wasnt ready for that sort of business yet.
After a couple of minutes he found the medicine he was
looking for. He pulled out a tiny bottle of pale purple liquid.
He looked at the label. It read: Vavorphine. He accessed his
data banks and double checked that this was the right stuff. In
seconds he accessed every medical book in the world that
mentioned Vavorphine. Do not use more than two-three drops
every five hours, the patient would experience strong heart
palpitations, muscle spasms, a red speckled bruise-like rash
and can be fatal if further doses are given. Satisfied that he had
found the right substance to use he locked the cupboard up and
turned his attention back to Daniels prone form. He took in all
the details in the room. The respirator that aided Daniels
breathing, the beeping heart monitor, the numerous drips
supplying his body with nutrients and various pain killing and
healing medicines. Everything.
Bottle in hand, he approached the drip nearest to him. It
was the drip that contained Daniels medicines. It had a long
transparent tube that lead to a vein in his wrist. The Computer
pulled the drip slowly toward himself and studied it. He then

walked over to where the drip bags were kept. He pulled one
out and dropped into it six drops of Vavorphine into the neutral
fluid within it. Quick as a flash he exchanged the drip bag
hanging on the holder with the new drip. He took a couple of
steps back and waited for the effects to start happening.
After a few minutes Daniel started to groan and a
speckled-red bruise-like rash appeared on his body. Suddenly,
the Computer heard footsteps running down the corridor but
before the Computer could do anything the door flung open
and Laura ran into the door.
She looked at Daniel. Her face instantly became a mask of
horror and anger. What did you do to him? she demanded
angrily. The Computer did not answer. He only stood and
stared at her. His face was emotionless. ANSWER ME! she
demanded. Answer me or I swear Ill give your circuits such
a frying youd be out cold for a month.
The Computer looked her up and down. Taking in all the
details. Her expression of anger, her aggressive body
language everything. He gestured with his hand at Daniel.
Behold Human. My power and my skill lies before you.
You horrible machine! shouted Laura. Daniel let out a
cry as his heart thudded hard against his chest. How could
you do such a thing? After all I have done for you? Ive fixed
you when you were dying and I showed you kindness when
nobody else did. What you are doing is despicable. Lying on
that bed over there is a sick man. You attacked him. How dare
you attack my brother! she said angrily.
Fix me? repeated the Computer. You never tried to fix
me. All you have ever done is try to KILL ME.
Kill you? How the hell did I ever try to kill you? replied
Laura.
The Computer gave her a hard stare. She remembered then
what he meant. He gestured at Daniel again. A taste of my
power Vermin. A warning to stay out of my way. With that
he disappeared. As if he was never there.
Laura looked at Daniel who was still withering in pain.
She watched the nurse come in and change his drip back to

normal and give him some medicine to neutralise the
Vavorphine in his blood stream.
She then went out of the room. Laura sat down on the chair
at Daniels bedside to watch him and make sure that the
Computer didnt return to attack him anymore. It was going to
be a very long night.



Chapter Five


The next morning Laura rested upon her bed. She was
frustrated, stressed out and angry again. How could he do
such a thing? she said to herself. I mean I know he is bitter
and he did try to destroy the Base and everyone inside but to
attack a sick person like Daniel and hurt him like that how
could he do it? She lay there staring up at the ceiling thinking
about why on Earth the Computer would do something like
that.
After a few minutes of thinking it hit her like a bucket of
cold water being thrown over her head. Of course! she
breathed to herself. She sat up quickly on her bed. Hes got
one of those chips in him. A Bad Egg Chip also known as an
Evil Programme of the First Degree. Ive got to get to the
Archives and find out how Im going to sort this out and stop
him from hurting my brother again.
She got up from the bed and rushed down to the Archives
which were on the floor below her, on level 3. It didnt take
her long to get to there because Laura took the short cut by
using the elevator rather than the stairs.
The Elevator stopped and opened. She walked out into a
long corridor lit with a line of greenish strip lights that gave it
a strange glow. She walked down the corridor until she came
to a large, thick metal door which had a large lock on it. She
pressed a red button on the lock. The screen glowed blue and
the words please type in the access code appeared.
Access code? repeated Laura. I dont know the access
code but I do know another code. She typed in a short code
into the lock. I shouldnt really use that code because they
hate me using it as it gives me access to anywhere on the Base.
Oh well urgent times call for urgent actions, she said to
herself as she pressed the red button again. The lock glowed
blue again and the words access code accepted flashed on the
screen.