Heuristics Automation Laboratories
Logs Affiliated with the Gutenberg Commission
Subject 000000
AGENT G
Good morning.
ZERO
Is it? I couldn't tell since you guys won't let me leave. (stares expectantly at the mirrored wall behind AGENT G)
AGENT G
(snaps his fingers twice) Over here! Beats a bunker on The Hill, kiddo.
ZERO
(inaudible; subject slouches in chair)
AGENT G
Now (lights a cigarette and takes a quick drag), how are we feeling this morning?
ZERO
A lot better than you will in the next ten years.
AGENT G
(leans forward; chuckles) Is that--are you threatening me?
ZERO
I can see right through you. Quite literally. (raises both cuffed hands but points his right index finger at AGENT G's chest) Those will kill you. I can see it happening.
AGENT G
(turns to the mirrored wall behind him; one hand over his sternum) I thought you removed that.
PROFESSOR K
(over room speakers) We did.
AGENT G
Are we going to have a problem, son?
PROFESSOR K
(over room speakers) Subject, you will cooperate with the Agent and answer his questions. Is that understood?
ZERO
(inaudible)
PROFESSOR K
REDACTED! Is that understood?
ZERO
Fine.
AGENT G
(takes another drag off cigarette) Now. How do you feel?
ZERO
Oh, just peachy. I'm so happy.
AGENT G
That's not what I meant.
ZERO
(leans forward; tugs on chain restraints) Then maybe you should be more specific. When you say 'feel' do you mean how I emotionally feel or how I physically feel?
AGENT G
How did that feel?
ZERO
Like it hurt. Okay?
AGENT G
Not okay. (he hoists ZERO back into his chair and takes his place across the table) That shouldn't have hurt at all. Why didn't you turn it off?
ZERO
Turn what off?
AGENT G
The pain. That's optional for your people, I hear.
ZERO
What do you mean my people?
AGENT G
My God, you have no idea, do you? You really don't know.
PROFESSOR K
(over room speakers) Agent REDACTED, I really must object to this interrogation. I was told-
AGENT G
Do not say my real name! Your objection is noted, professor. Now shut the hell up. (turns back to Zero and smiles) What's that look for?
ZERO
(inaudible)
AGENT G
Is that right? Before you leap to his defense, you might want to know the truth?
ZERO
The truth?
PROFESSOR K
(over room speakers) REDACTED, I demand that you stop this immedi-
AGENT G
You're in no position to demand anything from me, you crackpot.
ZERO
(deafening shriek)
AGENT G
Come on, cyberian! Turn it off! Make the pain go away, you miserable wind-up!
ZERO
(clutching at burned cheek) I'm not a cyberian!
PROFESSOR K
(over room speakers) I'm putting a stop to this!
AGENT G
You'll do nothing! (stands up and faces the mirrored wall) Try to remember whose funding this little freak show of yours! All I have to do is utter a few little words in the ears of my colleagues in Washington and you'll be back to building smarter toasters. You're a washout, REDACTED! An unstable, miserable-
PROFESSOR K
REDACTED! What the hell are you doing? (sound of door opening)
PROFESSOR K
What the hell have you done?
ZERO
I couldn't let him speak to you like that!
PROFESSOR K
(slaps ZERO) I told you to cooperate. I ordered you!
ZERO
I'm your son!
PROFESSOR K
(backs away) My son died. You're not my son and I'm not your father.
ZERO
Dad, please-
PROFESSOR K
Stay away from me! Don't touch me!
***