Chapter 87: Deception

Duet's face contorts, her metal half twisting in anger, this time the faster side to act. I see her green eye flash, know her rage is rising and grab her hands before she can do something foolish.

"Get them," she snarls.

"They can't hurt us in here," I say. "We're safe, Duet."

She growls like an animal, terrifying, though she stays where she is. "Hurt us."

"They can't, Duet." I reach out and lock the doors, using the button on the console controlling them, hear the click as the truck obeys even as it shudders its unhappiness, tied to Duet. "They can't break in. We're fine. Let them try."

A low moan rises from her, the scent of burning plastic and overtaxed metal ready to fail filling the cabin. I fear suddenly she might break, mind shattering as she fights for control, but after a moment she stills, the terrible frown fading a little.