All summer, Genesis worked hard on her Spanish, learning a little more each day along with her other lessons. By the middle of January, thanks to an high learning capacity, Genesis was able to communicate quite easily, albeit with a noticeable accent. It felt liberating to be able to talk with everyone in the compound.

During a week of especially hot and humid weather, the big day finally came. Genesis had been up before dawn, making final decisions on what to bring and checking that it all fit into her luggage nicely. She was very excited, but also a little nervous. She would be in Meridiana for a week, and away from von Reichter, which had never happened before. He had given her a cell phone to call "just in case," but that too would be a new experience. And she didn't know what to think first about the airplane flight.

Wearing one of several black dresses and matching heels, Genesis stood in front of her creator. The luggage had already been taken outside and they were alone in the main hall. Von Reichter tooks her hands.

"You know you can come back at any time if you feel homesick," he reminded her.

"I know."

"And don't hesitate to ask the servants at the mansion if you need anything."

"All right." They looked at each other for a moment, then embraced one last time before Genesis went down the hall and was gone.

The doctor was not particularly concerned about her safety in Meridiana. He knew his creations would do anything to keep such an important guest safe. He had made very clear what would result if they didn't. Besides, he had taken precautions himself when she was only a tiny cluster of cells, giving her strength and speed equal to the Cyber series. She could defend herself in an attack and even, if necessary, him as well. The only thought that really gave him pause was how Jose would conduct himself when he met Genesis. That boy had an agressive fixation on his rank. And whenever he thought that it was being challenged...

Jose looked at the time and snorted. Genesis was probably off the plane and in the limousine right now. His limousine. She couldn't come in an ordinary car, oh no. His father didn't want his precious little creature to have to settle for anything less than luxury.

After being informed by von Reichter about the little visit a few days ago, Jose had been incredulous for a moment as he hung up the phone before bursting into laughter. His father couldn't possibly have created a girlfriend for himself! Imagine him in love! It was just too hilarious!

But in a way, it was true. Jose later managed to pry it out of Krumens that she was a clone of the doctor's dead wife. That was even funnier. Marriage! How could he ever have persuaded a woman to marry him? She must have been crazier than he was!

As funny as it was, however, Jose couldn't help but wonder what this meant for him. After all, this Genesis was not just another experiment to von Reichter. She could wield a great deal of power if she wanted to. Maybe even take control of operations in Meridiana. He was becoming very worried about the whole strange situation.

The airplane had turned out to be good adventure for Genesis. She was nervous at first, holding on tightly to the armrests, but once the plane had leveled off she began to enjoy the flight. Arriving in Meridiana late in the afternoon, the journey began to wear on her and as the limousine left the airport she was fast asleep.

Genesis, two Technos and two Fixed Ideas sat in the back of the car. The dark-haired Techno had answered the phone first and was nervously bouncing his leg on the ball of his foot.

"Yes, sir, it's all gone smoothly. Well, she's fallen asleep now, sir. Of course, sir." He held the phone in one hand and gently shook the shoulder next to him with the other. Genesis woke up and turned to look at him sleepily.

"Miss Genesis?" The Techno began, covering the reciever with his palm, "the doctor wants to speak to you."

"Oh, thank you," she smiled and took the phone. Her fellow passengers tried not to pay attention to her conversation, but they couldn't help being curious when she started to speak in German.

<"It was fun. I could see the Amazon River and part of the ocean. Yes. No, I'm just tired. All right. I love you, Max. Goodbye."> She hung up the phone herself and sat back again. All eyes were on her, admiring but uncertain. Genesis suddenly felt self-conscious.

"So tired," she sighed, and stretched in an attempt to appear relaxed and nonthreatening. If it worked, no one made any indication. She looked out the window, embarrassed. *It's as if they're afraid of me,* she thought.

Heads turned as the doorbell rang, its deep tones reverberating all through the mansion. This was it. No screwing up. Jose yelled at his usual volume as everyone assembled in the front hall: "So get the door, huh?" He descended the staircase with arrogance and stood just below the bottom step, crossing his arms unamiably.

It was Helmut, opening the door, who was the first to be surprised by the visitor. Expertly regaining his composure, he pulled the heavy door all the way open and announced (as he had been instructed):

"Genesis von Reichter, welcome to Meridiana!"

Jose stared, along with his saluting minions, in astonishment at the graceful redhead they would be living with for the next week. This was the clone of his father's wife? But she was so...

Jose pushed his surprised emotions down inside and put on his usual airs. "All right, everyone's dismissed. Helmut," the boy paused, "Not you." Someone closed the door behind Genesis and soon the hall was quiet. Jose approached her with a critical look in his eye, as if evaluating her like a sculpture.

"So," he finally spoke, "You are the famous Genesis."

"Uh, yes...sir." She wasn't sure what to call him. She wasn't even sure what to think of him. *He's just a little boy! How can be in charge here?*

Jose perked up in amusement at her accent. "Aha! He taught you German first, didn't he?" Suddenly a smug grin crossed his face. <"Tell, me how much do you know?">

Genesis was beginning to feel very uncomfortable. "I...well..."

"I suppose," he began to circle her, enjoying her shyness sadistically, "that makes sense. It looks as if this is going to be an interesting week." He came full circle and stopped with his back to the young woman. "Helmut, show our guest to her quarters. I'll be in my study."

The blond-haired little boy led Genesis to a spacious room on the second floor. It was handsomely furnished with old colonial pieces, framed artwork, and even had its own ensuite bathroom. Her luggage had been brought in already and everything looked perfect and orderly.

"If you are hungry, your dinner can be brought to you here. Please call if you need anything. Someone will always be nearby to get it for you," stated Helmut.

"Thank you, I'll remember that," replied Genesis as she walked over to the bed and sat down. "Good night, then."

"Good night, Miss Genesis." He paused at the doorway. "And Miss?"

"Yes?"

"Don't let Jose intimidate you," he smiled. "My job here is to control him."