"Very touching," a voice said. "One would think you are in love with her, Earl Frye."
"Oh no. I—That is...." Earl stopped in amazement at the self revelation.
"Look at her," the Cyberene's voice said. "In spite of most careful conditioning starting in the lab tank in her pre-breathing stage, she feels the same way about you."
Nadine's lips were trembling with a smile. She was nodding.
Earl was irritated. "Did you bring me here just to tell me that?" he asked. "Or to torture me further?" he added bitterly.
"No. I brought you here to show you that I'm grateful. You did what I wanted done. The fact that it was done in spite of you makes no difference. It's done and can't be undone by you. You realize that?"
"To gloat. I might have known," Earl said contemptuously.
"Not that either. I want to reward you. I've thoroughly explored your mind. I know that if you give your word, you will keep it. I understand a little about your feeling on personal freedom. Now that the vital fluid is known to enough people so that nothing you can do would undo that, I'm willing to let you have Nadine. The real Nadine."
"Yes?" Earl said warily.