Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

The next day, Clara was once again greeted by Ms. Alvarez as soon as she entered the Tower. "Dr. Hayes, you're needed upstairs. The board would like to meet with you." She led them to the elevator, putting in the number for the relevant floor. 

The elevator ride passed quickly, silent aside from the occasional clink of Connor's coin. Maria not longer tried as hard to engage Clara in conversation, which didn't bother her in the slightest. Once they came to a halt, the intern rushed out, leading them once more to the conference room. She opened the door, gesturing for Clara to enter. "Just have a seat, and they'll be with you in a moment."

Connor moved to follow her into the room, but Maria held her hand out, stopping him. "Connor, you're to wait outside."

The android nodded, taking his position next to the door instead. "Very well."

Clara sat down at the large, empty table, hearing the door click closed behind her. After a few seconds, the lights dimmed, and the hologram in the center flickered to life. Once again, Clara found herself face to face with the Amanda AI. 

"Good morning, Dr. Hayes," the AI said crisply. 

Clara nodded in response. "Hello, Amanda."

The hologram expanded, focusing in on Amanda's face. "What progress have you made in your research? Are there any new developments that Cyberlife should be aware of?"

Clara sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You do realize it's only been three days since you coerced me into working for you, right? I've hardly had time to get settled into the lab, let alone make a breakthrough."

"We expect a researcher of your caliber to produce results quickly, Dr. Hayes," Amanda said stiffly. "It would be in your best interest to find out something useful sooner rather than later." Clara did not miss the underlying threat in the words. 

"You cannot rush these things. Cutting corners is more likely to cause complication than convenience. The board will just have to be patient." Her voice was tight with frustration. "You said I had a month, so trust that I'll learn something by then."

The hologram frowned. "Your time is running short. Do not forget what Cyberlife is capable of if you do not deliver on your promise."

"Believe me," Clara hissed. "I know very well. Now, if you're done threatening me, I'll just get back to my research. Like you said, my time is running short." She moved to leave her chair. 

"One more thing," Amanda said, causing Clara to pause. "The android, Connor. He informed us that you used him for your research. Do not repeat that."

Clara scoffed. "What, are you afraid I'll corrupt your precious protégé? That I'll make him go deviant?"

"Connor has his purpose, and you have yours. Do not make the mistake of mixing them up. He is there to observe, not participate." Amanda frowned, voice growing serious and mechanical.

"And yet, you want me to trust him. To spill all my secrets." Clara felt the venom in her tone. "Well, you're doing one heck of a job convincing me."