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He scowled at her. “Clones aren’t permitted to leave the surface for any reason. Besides, you can’t trust them to keep you safe and not try to run away.”
“I did my research before I came here. A new batch of security model clones just arrived a few weeks ago. I figured they could guard you on the trip. You know how loyal clones are at first with all that fresh programming inside their heads. They also wouldn’t know it’s odd to be sent on that kind of job.”
“Me?”
“Well, I thought you’d be the one to go. Since you can’t and I’m stuck taking this trip, that’s changed. I’d feel safer with newly woken clones. It’s my ass on the line, right?”
He nodded. “There’s one thing you didn’t consider. Clones couldn’t pass security scans on Jabler. You’d have to leave them on the shuttle while you conduct business. That wouldn’t be smart.”
“Jabler customs officers only scanned me the last few times I visited there and didn’t look twice at my security detail. Everyone recognizes my grandfather’s name and is aware of my association. Do you honestly believe they won’t be giving me VIP treatment?”
That seemed to appease him. “True. You’re the heir to Clone World.”
Marisol had to exert effort to resist snorting. Her gramps was never going to allow that to happen. She knew for a fact that he kept a medic with him around the clock, and two sets of cryo units were hidden inside each of his highly secured vaults kept at his main residence and at the retreat home.
After her parents had been killed, he’d felt the need to share his big plan with Marisol. If he died, the already-created clone of himself would be woken from the first cryo unit, so people would believe he still lived if they saw it from a distance. Meanwhile, his deceased body would be put into the second cryo unit and shipped to Earth, and an illegal clone would be made with all his memories intact. He’d exist in a clone body, but no one would be the wiser.
For all she knew, it might have already occurred. Her gramps wouldn’t bother to tell her since he was a paranoid bastard. The only thing that made her feel better about him living an extended life was he’d be forced to have the clone aged to advanced years. Otherwise, everyone would guess what he’d done.
One day, she figured he’d fake having a son and then get to take on a younger body when he switched his memories into it. That would afford him the ability to do it. Then again, he may have already set that plan into motion. Rico Florigo always thought ten steps ahead. He’d keep her in the dark for as long as possible, hoping she was foolish enough to work harder to inherit everything he owned. Marisol knew her Gramps too well.
Straton tore her from her thoughts when he spoke. “Anything else?”
“Double my security team.” She needed four clones, not two. “One team can escort me while I do business, the other to remain on the shuttle. Then the pairs can split shifts and watch over the statis units the dolters will be transported inside on the trip home.” It would also make Straton feel more secure that she’d be fine.
“Any preference for a pilot?” He looked at her, his eyes narrowed. It might have been a hint of suspicion.
“No. What do I care? Just get me a competent one. He or she won’t be privy to what the trip is for. That’s why I want the statis units watched around the clock. The pilot won’t be able to sneak a peek inside to see what they contain. They can’t blab if they have no information to share about the contents of the cargo.”
“Brilliant.” Straton went back to work on his computer by ordering her a shuttle and a security detail.
She hid her smile. “I’ll go pack. When do I leave?”
He finished. “Two hours.”
“That fast?” She tried to look upset and put out. “Fine. Yeah. It’s best if we do this as quickly as possible. What flight pad?”
“Six. Shuttle twelve.”
“Thanks. Gramps is going to love our gift. Did you look up dolters?”
“I did. They look like something he’ll really get a kick out of. He did love that damn dog.” Straton shuddered in his chair. “I don’t like pets. They smell.”
“That’s why I don’t own any pets either,” she lied. Marisol worked long hours and knew she would neglect them since they deserved time and attention from their owners. “These alien monkeys are going to be the perfect gift. Dolters sing when they are happy. And give back rubs to their owners. We’re going to be his two favorite people.”
Straton grinned. “This is a great plan, Marisol. Thank you for including me.”
“To be honest, I thought you’d be the one going to buy them.” She forced a laugh. “I want my gramps to get exactly what he deserves.” She winked. “Even if I do have to share the credit for this gift. I’m off to pack. I’ll totally get the job done.”
Marisol almost made it to the door when Straton called her name. She turned, facing him. Her heart pounded.
“I do expect that audit to be done.”
She forced another laugh. It was from relief that time. He’d just played right into her hands. She needed an excuse for taking sealed cargo containers to hide the clone plasma they planned to steal. “Of course. I’ll work on the flight and have plenty of time to complete it. That means I need to take my printed files with me since the network won’t be secured off-planet. Notify the landing field guard that I’ll be having boxes delivered.”
That caused him to frown. “That information is confidential.”
“Then order them not to open the boxes to view the files. I can seal them to assure privacy and have the clone guards protect the boxes with the stasis units I’ll need to transport the dolters.”
