egan O'Flannery is an expert in the competitive field of robotics,
developing software for the labor-saving devices which perform menial work
in the 2020s. With a comfortable position on the teaching staff of MIT,
she is at the top of her field, researching new ways to combine human
beings with life-extending robotic parts. Then she is offered a chance to
work on a real android, a robot designed to pass for human in every
possible way.
Despite misgivings about the project's Defense Department funding, Megan
is unable to resist the temptation to create this new machine. Soon she is
at a top-secret installation in Nevada, working with the unstable
fourth prototype of the android. Dubbed Aris by Megan's predecessor, the
prototype is hampered by unrealistically strict behavior safeguards. There
are very good reasons for the restrictions--Aris has been designed for spy
and commando work, and has all of the deadly training this entails.
However, Megan quickly sees that she must eliminate some of his programmed
inhibitions if she is to keep the young android's development on track.
Her initial successes are endangered, though, when a new person enters
the equation. Raj Sundaram is a reclusive genius who specializes in robotic
hardware, a perfect addition to Megan's team. But by the time he arrives,
Aris has already developed a strong crush on Megan. Her obvious attraction
to Raj is devastating to the android's psyche.
With the skills of a commando, a superhuman ability to hack computer
systems, a stunted conscience and the emotional maturity of a child, Aris
takes them all down a deadly path. Megan must turn him off before
someone gets hurt. The question is, will Aris stop her from shutting him
down?
An unlikely but appealing triangle
In The Phoenix Code, author Catherine Asaro mixes a potent brew
of science, romance and adventure. As in her earlier novels, these
elements are given equal time in the spotlight. She also explores some of
the ethical consequences of creating a new life form, especially one
designed for military purposes. Other technical elements--the discussion of
life-extension technology and business applications of virtual
reality--give this book an up-to-the minute flavor.
For most of the story, the three characters are isolated from the rest
of humanity, carrying a heavy load in terms of maintaining narrative
interest. In general, they succeed easily, without a supporting cast. Megan
is a strong protagonist--smart, attractive and resourceful. Raj makes an
appealing love interest, and Aris--particularly as he develops resistance
to conforming to human standards of behavior--creates engrossing problems
and conflicts as he struggles to come to terms with his identity.
Unfortunately, the three sides of this bizarre triangle--man, woman and
machine--are out of balance. Megan's relationships are strong and
affectionate, but Raj and Aris maintain a one-dimensional antagonism toward
each other. As a result, violence erupts amid the trio, but neither man is
sufficiently conflicted for the suspense to ring wholly true. Aris lashes
out at the humans because he needs to resolve what boils down to a
high-tech Oedipus complex. Unfortunately, the outcome of this clash is
never in doubt.
The Phoenix Code will appeal to readers who want a little of
everything--action, romance, philosophy and scientific discussion. It would
have been more successful, though, if some of its many elements had been
plumbed more thoroughly, their depths revealed. Fans of Asaro's work will
nevertheless appreciate her ever-strong sense of humor, her user-friendly
handling of science and her eye for a strong heroine.
