Rapture 2:16

[jackofallgeeks]

As his vision swam into focus, she moved toward him like oil across water, fluid in soft leathers and a fitted duster. Yellow eyes fixed on him through tinted plastic; they had a predatory cast. "I see you've awakened," she purred. "And sooner than we expected." His field of vision expended, slowly pushing back the hazy black cloud of unconsciousness. He could see the walls now. Behind her, flanking the door, stood two men of slight build, each dressed in identical tailored suits and mirrorshades. They were expressionless, motionless, cold. "You stand -- or sit, rather -- in a bit of an unfortunate circumstance, Mister... Topher, is it?" He turned his head, focusing back on her face, her yellow eyes; his vision swam, and he felt he might topple. He didn't, he was strapped to the chair. "Michael Topher, also known as 'Lamasu.' A clever handle, by the way, Mr. Topher. The lamasu from ancient Assyrian myth was a creature set to protect cities and forts, and according to our records, you began your career as a 'guardian,' per se, obscuring certain otherwise-traceable datastreams to protect you're clients' 'confidentiality.'" A gloved hand lightly grabbed his chin, brought his face forward, "You're drifting, Mr. Topher. Pay attention." She let go of his chin and took a step back. "Did you ever read about the philosopher Descartes, Mr. Topher?" She began to remove her gloves. "Descartes had an interesting idea about the nature of the world, that one might simply be a mind in a void, and everything we experience is controlled by some 'evil genius,' some god of the machine." She stepped forward, draping her arms over his shoulders and getting very close to his ear. He felt her warm breath on his neck, smelled her faint perfume. "I am that god, Mister Topher." She drew back, caressing his cheek with her fingertips and, with that caress, transmitting the virus which ravaged his mind. Her footfalls were hard and sharp against the floor as she strode out of the room. "Clean him up," she said as she passed the guards. "Yes, Miss Locke." And they went to work.