Chapter 96: Clone ships

The big cyborgs dominating his office made the air feel thinner. Sam stepped back from them and went to take a seat against the wall. John didn't blame him. The cyborgs had perfected intimidation down to an art. Nebuchadnezzar had honed in on Sam and loomed over him, and John had to give it to his aide: he hadn't backed down and had waited until the cyborgs sat down on the couches John had indicated before he found a seat against the wall.

Anatu still wouldn't look at him. Fine, she didn't have to look at him, but she'd take her proper place beside him.

"Anatu, sit next to me." He'd have liked to face them from the dominant position behind his desk, but he'd decided on the four comfortable couches so that he'd have Anatu next to him.

She didn't move from where she stood next to where Balthazar sat on the couch opposite John. Her beautiful lips were set in a stubborn line.

"Wife, come and sit next to me." He held out his hand.