40 – A Simple PlanHector followed the synth to a less populated hallway, then around a couple more corners where they came to an elevator that required a key-code to access. The synth opened it, and inside, the walls were lined with genuine wooden paneling, and soft instrumental music played. “He’s up on the executive level,” the synth said as the elevator hummed and lurched upward.Hector nodded, his mood firmly in the grasp of something dour and melancholy. A thought came to him, though, and he asked, “He’s okay with being seen with me?”“Well, sir, he didn’t mention any concern; however, it is important to note that Mr. Janus is the head of security for RMC.”Hector looked at the synth sharply. “I thought he was a, uh, VP of robotics or something like that.”“VP of robot acquisitions. That’s one of his titles, yes, though his interest in robots is geared toward security. Many of the synthetics employed by RMC have Mr. Janus to thank for their bodies.” He bowed briefly, clearly trying to imply that he was one such case.“Synths aren’t robots.”“Not exactly. It would depend on the degree of customization; however, our bodies are largely robotic—add in some synthetic flesh and a synthetic mind, and you have an individual like myself.” The elevator slowed and dinged, and the synth chuckled, gesturing to the doors as they swished open. “What a stimulating turn our conversation took! Well, I can see why Mr. Janus is eager to speak with you. Right this way.”Hector followed him into a plushly carpeted hallway, and as they passed by a pair of suits—a woman in a clinging executive skirt and a man who smelled like a roving spice garden—he suddenly felt the weight of the grime soaked into his clothes and, probably, his hair. They glanced at him, but maintained their neutral expressions, only resuming their conversation in low tones when they were several steps away. Hector glowered—what else could he do? (...)