Chapter 8 #2
Kate rattles off her order much more quickly.
He does his best to memorize it, but the jumble of words gets lost in his scrambled thoughts.
Hopefully, the manupartner will remember.
Otherwise, how many options can there possibly be?
Surely, he’ll get close enough. Or he could completely screw up the order and enjoy watching as Kate pretends like she’s pleased with his selections.
But that could backfire. She is doing him a favor by not reporting him.
Notwithstanding the ethical implications that she acknowledged, which give him a shaky sense of security.
Decci directs him through the lobby, which is less crowded than it was the night before.
In the corner sits a vending machine like you might see in a hospital waiting room that distributes coffee and a handful of other machine-produced drinks.
As they walk, he considers what else he might learn from the manupartner.
And how safe that might be. He figures it has to be relatively safe because the thing that looks exactly like a real man doesn’t really have a vested interest in what James is.
Decci points to the touchscreen on the CaféPress. “You put your partner’s unit number in first, and then you select the items required. It’s easy. Watch and it will make sense. Us manupartners have to stick together.” Decci gives an uncomfortable laugh as if that was a programmed line he recited.
James forces a chuckle and nods, watching Decci demonstrate. A moment later, the machine starts making whirring noises and then a claw hand drops three metal cups and two muffins onto the tray below. Decci takes the tray and nods toward the machine. “Your turn.”
“Shit.” Kate’s order has officially drifted out of his memory. She really should have spent more time debriefing him on what to expect before they went out in public. “I’m afraid I don’t know Kate’s unit number.”
Decci, unfazed, recites, “CA25-163-11.”
Before he forgets, James punches the number onto the touch screen, then makes a last-ditch effort to remember Kate’s order. He gives Decci another helpless look.
The manupartner happily grins as it supplies, “A pick-me-UP nourishment packet, a Café Italia, double XPRESO, double foam, and two bean puffs. And of course, whatever you choose to fuel.”
James figures it added that last part despite its waning solidarity.
Behind them, another manupartner set on a mission to do its master’s bidding says, “I’m happy to wait, but my Lolla needs her order. Will you please hurry faster please? Excuse me.”
After the twenty-four hours he’s had, he doesn’t give a shit.
He shoots the woman-shaped thing a masterful glare, wondering how many of the people he sees are manupartners and how many are their owners.
If he really is Kate’s first one, that says even more about the woman he’s agreed to live with for the time being.
Decci explains, “She is a PickMe Partner. It’s a generic brand and probably an older model. Not a premium manupartner like CHOICElover.” This time, James is sure the line is implanted.
He shakes his head before turning to search for the items on the list. Decci only has to correct him twice, which he is rather proud of.
As he swipes, he looks for eggs, bacon, or even a cup of yogurt for himself.
It seems future people really enjoy their carbs.
He needs something though, so he edits the order to include two of everything.
Later, he’ll talk to Kate about getting some meat and vegetables.
The machine whizzes and buzzes like it did before.
When the tray is filled, he picks it up, turning to follow Decci.
He clears his throat. “How long have you . . . err . . . serviced Jett?” Internally, he cringes, but he can’t think of a better way to say it.
And it was, after all, the thing’s purpose. It was in the name. CHOICElover.
“I’ve been Jett’s companion for over four months.” Decci stares blankly ahead as it answers.
“And do you like it?” James presses.
Decci stops, slowly turning to look at James as if his question has caused the thing to short circuit. “Can you repeat the question?”
James figures he’s already committed at this point, so he repeats, “Do you like servicing Jett? You know, do you enjoy what you do? Waiting on him, and other things.”
The manupartner tilts his head to the side quizzically. “When Jett is happy, then I am happy.”
“I see.” He isn’t going to get anywhere with this creature, is he?
A grin brightens Decci’s face, as if it’s pleased it answered correctly. Then it inclines its head and asks, “Do you like servicing Kate?”
It seems the programming to make it polite is working.
“I haven’t serviced her yet, but the prospect is thrilling.
” He assumes the manupartner won’t pick up on his sarcasm.
It is hardly more than a glorified robot.
Ah—that’s where Kate gets the term flesh robot from.
He knows she’s intelligent. She proved that when she quickly figured out that he’s from the past. It seems she’s witty too.
They set the trays on the table, offloading them as he studies her. Then James follows Decci over to a bin where they discard them. He arrives back at his seat in time to watch Kate’s pink tongue dart out and lick the foam off her upper lip.
“Mmm . . .” she sighs, nodding at his identical order, and winks. “Good selections.”
Decci picks up on their little interchange, brightening. “James is very eager to service you, Kate. He told me and I thought that would please you.”
James chokes on the sip he took, while beside him, Kate drops the metal cup of coffee. It clangs as a bit of brown liquid sloshes on the table. The manupartner and Jett wear very different grins.
Kate gathers herself quickly, shooting Jett a knowing glare. “If I’d known he was so eager, I’d have rearranged the plan.” Slowly, she turns to face him. “What do you think, James? Shall I have a ride tonight?”
He knows the flirting is an act for Jett’s benefit, but his stomach jumps all the same.
The word ride evokes thoughts, namely of certain body parts bouncing, that he doesn’t want to be having.
Therefore, he resolves to keep his head down, murmuring, “If that would please you.” He’ll survive the rest of breakfast, making as little eye contact as possible until they make it back to her unit.
Once there, he’ll sit her down and set a few boundaries.
Just another item to add to his growing agenda:
Set some boundaries.
Learn about the future so he can find a way to make an income. Plan and execute.
Become self-sufficient so he doesn’t have to rely on Kate.
Pay Kate back with interest.
Figure out what Kate’s problem with the manupartners is, why she finally got one, and why she can’t seem to get a real partner.
Granted, the last item is only for the sake of his curiosity. In reality, Kate and whatever led her to get him doesn’t have any bearing on James or his future plans. Still, that doesn’t stop him from wanting to know.