Niko shot a look at Sorenson for the first time since they entered the room and  it was unmistakably one of discontent.

 

"I think you know what I want Bob. I want to be treated like a human being again, not just a source of information. I would like for us to return to the way we did things in the old days before you arrived; the days before you and your superiors changed our relationship. For instance, I would like newspapers Bob, and cable television without the censorship. I would like to see what's happening in the world outside since I am no longer able to participate in it," Niko turned his gaze back to his computer screen.

 

"Of course..." Sorenson was a little slow in his reply, taken by surprise at Niko's mood. "It's just, as we discussed before, a little distracting for you to try to keep up with a world that is...well, so very different than the one you left behind you all those many years ago, and besides Niko, we need you focused on a number of projects which are begging for your attention. The world is full of bad guys, bad science, and it's up to us to keep it safe. Now...can we have just a few moments of your time and we'll get out of here and I'll make it a point to talk to Randall about getting you a newspaper or a magazine or something, okay?"

 

"No Bob. That's not okay. Tell me, who is the President right now. I am just curious. You know I don't even know that?"

 

"What?"

"It's a simple question, and don't tell me again it is not important who is running the country. Who is running the country Bob, tell me."

 

"Well, Barker is still President Niko."

 

Niko looked up again and slammed shut the laptop and leaned across the work table with both hands supporting his weight.

 

"The elections Bob, don't be coy. We did have elections last month did we not. Barker's been in for two terms so he could not run again. So who is the new President elect Bob?"

 

"Alright Niko, no need to get upset. Milton, Sally Milton was elected by a strong majority of voters."

 

"Sally Milton. The former First Lady?"

 

"Yes, can you believe it. The Nation gets it's first woman president, and well, I guess that's over due anyway, right?"

 

"No Bob, it's probably not right. Let's look at this, Sally Milton, whose husband was President Charles Milton who served eight years before Thurmon was elected. And she replaces Thurmon Barker who served eight years, and before him Mathew Zachary who only served two years before falling ill and resigning and that Chase Meadows was thrust into Oval Office to finish his term. And who was President before that? Oh yes, the father, Daniel Barker, who served a single term. So...assuming Sally only serves four years, that ,means when she gets out of office, the Barkers and the Miltons will have dominated the White House for 24 out of 28 years, even worse if she seeks re-election and is put back in, and that seems normal to you?"

 

"I don't understand Niko. What do you have against the Miltons or Barkers, and what difference does it make anyway - to you I mean. The people elected these men - and woman. It's a democracy for heaven's sake, and the people have spoken."

 

"It matters to me Bob because I came here as an immigrant those many long years ago under the pretense I was coming to a place where liberty and justice and equality were guaranteed and where good superseded evil and people had the right to a democratic form of government, but 24 of 28 years represents a two family dynasty, practically a monarchy. Doesn't that seem a little odd to you?"

 

"I don't know what you want me to say Niko, good gosh. Are you certain you are feeling well today? I don't know where this is coming from..."

 

"Let me answer that for you. It comes from being locked into the same chamber now for how long has it been? Do you know, because I tend to lose count. The last time I was not inside this chamber, Franklin Roosevelt was President and Harry Truman was his second in command. And do you know who was President when I first set foot in this chamber? Woodrow Wilson Bob. My problem is I am going a little stir crazy. When Todd and Raymond were running this facility, before you and DARPA took over, there was talk of me getting out of here a few times each year. Enough time has passed that no one is going to recognize me. The threat of someone whisking me off and brainwashing me for knowledge are all but gone I would think. My replacement, the Nikola Tesla that no doubt the world remembers is dead and gone now Bob."

 

"I can understand your unease Niko, but good God man, we can't afford someone getting to you, or something happening to you. We are sworn to protect you - that was out agreement."

 

"Since you and your friends took over Bob, you have slowly and methodically taken away the few amenities that helped me remain rooted to the outside world. Maybe it's time to cancel our agreement and close this project down. Maybe it's time for me to stop being harbored away from the world and time for me to rejoin it. Do you think that might be a good idea Bob?"

 

"Okay Nikola. I get your point, but you know that's simply not possible. Your contributions to this world have saved us many times down through the years, and you know you remain an asset that could potentially prevent a cataclysmic disaster if you or what you know were to ever fall into the wrong hands. But maybe we have been too restrictive, too hard about protecting you from the news in the world. Let me talk to Raymond. We'll just back out of here and let you simmer down a little and I'll talk to Raymond, I promise."

 

Sorenson was slowly backing out of the chamber the way he had come in and motioned to Heinstadt to follow.

"One last question Bob. How long have you and DARPA been monitoring me in my chamber, watching everything I do? Do you suddenly, after a century long relationship, not trust me anymore?"

 

It was a wild card, a shot in the dark. Niko had no foundation to think DARPA had been watching him. It had just popped into his mind that moment, and he decided to see if he could catch Bob off guard. Apparently it worked. Sorenson stopped cold in his tracks and the look on his face was that of a young boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar.