George Mann - The Affinity Bridge

Veronica looked away, a pained expression on her face. "Perhaps. Yet I think his heart is true. He will not be swayed by petty obsessions or a vain desire for power. He is not Aubrey Knox. He serves you well, Your Majesty."

Victoria nodded. "Then you may go, Miss Hobbes, and be about your business." She wheeled back a few feet, indicating that it was time for Veronica to leave. Veronica crossed the room. Victoria waited until she was nearing the door. "Oh, and Miss Hobbes? One other thing before you take your leave."

Veronica turned back to regard her, finding it difficult to place her in the dim light. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"This 'affinity bridge' that Newbury spoke of. The device that facilitates the interaction between the human brain and an artificial body. Have they all been destroyed?"

"No, Your Majesty. The Chapman and Villiers automatons are currently being decommissioned, but it is proving to be a lengthy process. It will be some months before they are all accounted for."

The Queen offered her a wry smile. "Good. Please ensure that you keep at least a handful of them in working order. One never knows when the technology may prove useful."

"Indeed, Your Majesty. I will endeavour to do so." She glanced at the door. "Will there be anything else?"

"No. That is all. Thank you, Miss Hobbes."

"Good day, Your Majesty."

Veronica pulled open the door and hurried along the passageway, keen to get away from the palace and find her way back to the museum, to Newbury, and to her newfound life of adventure.