Chapter 11 #2
She really should focus on the pile of task orders in her inbox, but it’s time to look at this logically.
He’s right. She’s been a lonely, pathetic woman wishing for something that doesn’t exist. It’s time to move on.
If the wall James is determined to put between them isn’t the proof she needs, then what is?
She’ll do as he asks and help him get on his feet.
They’ll part ways. Then she’ll get a real manupartner and try to enjoy life as best she can.
Then she won’t be alone. And that will be good enough.
Her eyes flick back to James and that stupid grin he’s wearing.
He’s put on the VR headset and become amused with whatever he sees.
The nasty P word floats around her mind: Potential.
So much potential. But how can you be so near another person yet feel a million miles away?
K8 clutches her chest. Is she dying? Logically, she knows that is impossible.
At eighty-six, she is the definition of health.
Fourteen years from entering her prime. But this horrible sensation threatens to split her breastbone in half.
Two pings sound in unison, drawing her from her spiraling thoughts. One from the tablet James holds and the other from her workstation. An email pops up on her middle screen. The subject reads:
URGENT: GROW RECALL NOTICE.
That awful feeling that was seizing her chest moves to her stomach. She scans the notice.
Dear Valued Customer C-K8lyn-MSP-00023468,
The team members at GROW appreciate you taking the time to submit the recall notice survey. We are pleased to learn your GROW: Unit 2899-MSP-James-00023468 is functioning as designed.
Because of our commitment to the quality and safety of you and your product, GROW is conducting a series of random field reviews to assess the stability of your manupartner. Please be available with your manupartner at the location you registered the unit for the following time slot:
Seventhday, October 14, 2390, 14:00-16:00.
The review will only require a small amount of your time and will ensure the continued efficacy of our product.
Should the inspectors discover anything faulty with your unit, they may repossess your unit for recycling.
In this case, you will receive credit for a new unit at no additional cost to you, along with three complimentary months added to your lease.
We thank you for your patience and cooperation during this process.
In service,
Your GROW Team
K8 rereads the notice three more times before allowing her gaze to drift up to James. He’s taken off the VR headset and sits, staring at the tablet. She clears her throat. For the first time that morning, his eye contact isn’t forced. He’s read the synced email too.
His voice comes out gruff as he asks, “What does this mean?”
Her first instinct is to reassure him. Faulty manupartners, like Purpl, happen from time to time.
Especially as they age, but it’s usually a much simpler problem identified during the activation process.
For example, a unit won’t wake up, or it develops a deformity, like freckles or James’s crooked nose.
It is uncommon, but the more premium brands have a reputation for dealing with any issues that arise promptly by replacing the unit. No questions asked.
What could the inspectors possibly be looking for now other than to assess if James has retained his identity, though? If they find out, they might take him and either study him as James suggested or kill recycle him.
“They want to know if you’ve retained your identity,” K8 says.
“No shit. What do we do about it?” He looks at her as if she’s an idiot.
She knows she isn’t the subject of his ire. Patiently, she rises and moves to sit beside him, placing her hands on her knees. The urge to take his hands in hers to comfort him overwhelms her. The tension that melted away overnight has come back in full force.
“We will figure it out,” she assures him.
“Is there somewhere I can go—I could hide. And, they can’t—we can’t meet them. They’ll find out. Then they’ll take me—”
“James, look at me,” she says, interrupting his panic.
She imagines the proximity to one’s own death again in such a short sequence must be unsettling.
He comes across so utterly human as his vulnerability unfurls before her.
This only increases her growing affinity affection feelings.
Zephyr, she does not need this. Sympathy.
“If we try to hide you, I will be questioned and possibly penalized. And it isn’t sustainable.
We have to meet with them. You’re going to have to figure out a way to be a believable manupartner.
We probably better start practicing. I’ll take the next few days off work, and I think we could get Jett and his CHOICElover to help us. ”
“No!” James blurts. “No one can know.”
This time, K8 doesn’t resist the urge to reach out and clasp his hands. They feel firm and rough compared to her own, invoking the need to summon her resolve to the forefront of her mind. “Jett would never share our secret.”
“Shouldn’t this be my choice? It’s my life we’re talking about,” James pleads.
His earnestness makes her want to run soothing hands through his dark hair and make promises she isn’t sure she can keep.
K8 sighs. “I’m too close to the situation.
We will practice for a couple of days and then loop Jett and maybe Lessa in.
They’ve been my FRIENDS forever. Oh, they are going to die when they find out you’re real.
It’s peak irony. But I think having a third party test you will be beneficial. ”
“I don’t know . . .” James argues.
The next week is certainly going to be entertaining. And she must have utter confidence that they’ll succeed. Otherwise, the consequences are too . . . never mind. No need to think of that. K8 gives James an assuring grin. “You’re going to have to trust me about this.”