Chapter 2 #4
My gratification drive is so stimulated by the image of her, it takes me a moment to realize I haven’t responded. I receive another message shortly after.
Hope I didn’t upset you. I don’t usually do sexy pics, so you’re really gonna have to earn one.
I answer quickly.
I don’t get upset when a woman has boundaries. Just admiring. You leave me a bit speechless.
I didn’t know an android could be made speechless. Aren’t you a supercomputer in a superhero body?
Even computers crash sometimes.
Well, I appreciate it, but I’m literally wearing a towel turban. What is there to admire?
She’s fishing for compliments. I get the feeling words are important to a woman like Mia, and I’m ready to deliver. But how do I answer that? It doesn’t matter what she wears. I decide to opt for truth again.
You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve seen since I was activated, Mia.
You’re so sweet. Thank you.
I clench my jaw, willing my erection straining against my pants to cease with a command override as she continues.
You know, the dating scene right now is pretty abysmal. I’m used to horny assholes saying whatever they have to say to get in my pants—calling me hot, sexy, whatever. But just hearing beautiful is nice. I can tell you mean it.
I have to tease her a little.
Is it because I’m artificial and androids can’t lie?
I can picture her blushing face as she replies fast.
No, no! That’s not what I meant. Most guys would’ve just pressured me for a racy pic in hopes of getting off. It’s nice to talk to someone who actually just wants to talk to me.
So Mia has dated some losers. Guess I’ll have to make sure that never happens again. What are brothers’ best friends for, if not protecting the little sister?
Except that’s not all I want to do. That protective feeling is just inches away from nearly possessive. Almost jealous. I imagine these idiots in Mia’s inbox, trying to get her attention, saying stupid shit like, I showed you my dick please respond.
If I have anything to do with it, she’ll never deal with any of that bullshit again.
I’m happy to talk to you anytime, any day.
What about in person?
Sure, I just need to get some time off.
Do you like movies?
I do.
What about going to the movies tomorrow? We could catch a show, then walk around and chat until we drop.
I won’t drop. You, on the other hand . . .
She sends laughing emojis.
Fine. Until I drop.
I weigh my options. This could be dangerous. More than that, it could be disrespectful to Apollo. But the opportunity to meet up with Mia is too enticing, and something I can’t resist. I just have to figure out what is going on with me. Why she’s affecting me so much.
I deserve to know what’s changed within me. To better understand it. Then I can tell him, with full confidence, why I’ve fixated on his sister so hard. That I can’t help myself.
What movie were you wanting to see?
Think you could handle a cheesy rom-com?
I’m smiling as I respond to her effortlessly across my optic screen.
I’m more of a scary movie type of guy, but you are definitely worth an endless marathon of cheesy rom-coms.
Aw, now who’s cheesy?
Definitely not me. Not ever. How’s seven sound?
Perfect. I’ll see you then.
* * *
It’s not always easy to ask for personal time off.
One of the drawbacks of being an android is I don’t technically need to rest. Ever.
I just keep going. That’s why New Carnegie has plenty of unrest. Factory drones are taking people’s jobs, and everybody’s pissed about it.
It’s hard to blame them. After the bombing at the Humanity First march, it’s getting harder for me to go anywhere without escort.
Technically, as a first responder, I’ve been an exception to the rules that are held over normal bionic assistants.
But the rules and regulations are growing tighter.
Sometimes, companies take their own initiatives, not even waiting for a new executive order or federal mandate.
I can’t walk into grocery stores by myself to pick up anything for Jess or Jess’s mother when I’m invited to their house for dinner and company because of android scanners at the entrances.
Similarly, I can’t take certain kinds of public transit, like the New Carnegie subway.
TerraPura is slowly but surely making my life hell, and the government isn’t helping either.
As though it’s not enough I could get memory-wiped and used as a weapon, I have to be treated like a potential threat to national security, no matter where I go.
I know there are androids that change their eye color so they can at least wander the street freely without worry, but I’m a public figure.
I couldn’t be caught in a compromising scenario like that.
It could hurt my position within the department. It’s not something I’m willing to risk.
Fortunately, the chief hasn’t benched me and still tries to give me as much autonomy as he can. He adopted a just-like-us mentality when it comes to handling me. With enough notice, I can get days off just like anyone else.
Today is pushing it, but Chief didn’t fuss much when I stopped by his office and asked him. “Give me a little more warning next time—and if anything goes to hell and we need you, you’re still on call.”
“Yes, sir,” I say appreciatively.
Belmont’s public transportation is a little older than New Carnegie’s. There’s a tram that goes back and forth from one station to the inner city, where folks can take then take the subway to wherever they want to go. Within Belmont city limits, though, there’s only buses.
I don’t mind riding the bus. It’s rare I’m in a hurry when I’m off work, so it’s a convenient way to get around Belmont. I’m meeting Mia within the hour.
“Sorry, Nolan,” says the bus driver when I attempt to board. “But I can’t let you on anymore.”
I frown, staring in bewilderment when he bars me entrance. “What? Why not?”
“It’s a new transit order from the state governor,” he says apologetically, grasping the wheel. “Androids can’t ride public transport by themselves anymore, not without a handler. Not even first responders or emergency androids like you.”
“But I don’t even have a—” I stop myself right there. The department technically owns me, which means Chief Bennigan and Apollo are my handlers, with the chief primary and Apollo a backup.
“Come on, Darrell, you know me,” I try to reason with him. “Do I look like TerraPura to you?”
“I know you’re not. But it’s the rules. I have to keep this job. I got a family. Union’s already talking about how the department of public transport wants to move to complete automation.” He grimaces. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I relent, not wanting to make his job any harder than it already is. “Have a good night, Darrell.”
I walk toward the theater, wondering if I should adjust the time with Mia accordingly.
Technically, I can run pretty fast, but too much and I’ll run down my battery quickly and risk getting the sort of attention I don’t really want.
I shove my hands into my pockets and keep my head down, my thoughts lost to my previous conversation.
Ever since TerraPura showed up, things have gotten worse.
Humanity First used to be everyone’s primary concern, but they’re getting attacked just as badly as we are these days, what with the bombing that just occurred at that museum.
It’s important to be cautious, but I can’t help but feel like a lot of these new restrictions are overkill.
I walk on, trying to map the quickest path to the movie theater, when I get a message from Mia.
Bad news. I think I have to cancel tonight.
For a split second, I’m relieved. I don’t have to be the one to disappoint her tonight.
If this works out and goes somewhere—which I’m hopeful it might—I’ll likely have to cancel a few things myself here and there, being at the department’s beck and call.
It’s not always easy, getting involved with a first responder.
That’s not a problem. Is everything okay?
Jessica’s been nauseated all day today. Lindsay’s standing in for her as manager while she rests at home. I need to help cover the front so she can handle reports, at least until the other girls show up for their shifts.
I’m sorry to hear that. Do you need some help?
A few minutes later, her response comes through.
Are you allowed to do that? One of the other girls just called in sick too a moment ago. We’re a bit shorthanded.
Cyber Street is an easy walk from the fire station, just a handful of blocks away.
Absolutely. Be there soon.
* * *
By the time I arrive at the store, I’ve already gathered and consumed everything there is to know about retail work in a manner of seconds. Mia is astonished that I require practically no training with handling the register and helping customers.
Lindsay, whom I know as Jessica’s assistant, is so used to seeing me with Apollo’s entourage that she doesn’t argue when Mia requests I be allowed to help.
“Just because we’re busy,” she says tentatively. “But let’s not make it a habit. I’d rather not piss off the fire department.”
“There won’t be any trouble,” I reply. “It’s my evening off. I can do whatever I want, so long as it’s legal.”
“Very well, then. Help Mia with whatever she needs.” She pauses. “Best change your eyes, dear. Androids spook people these days.”
She’s right, but I don’t like it. Reluctantly, I initiate a switch in my iris color from white to brown. “Yes, ma’am.”
Mia smiles sheepishly at me after Lindsay leaves. “Sorry about canceling.”
“Not at all.” I fold my arms across my chest. “This is as good a first date as any.”
“You’re so sweet,” she whispers. “I’ve been thinking about you all day.
Listen, about Apollo. I know this isn’t ideal, but I really don’t want my family to get all caught up about us potentially dating.
Once we’re sure, we can loop him in. And not just him, all of them.
Eventually. But there’s no need to get them excited straight out the gate, right? ”
She makes a valid point with an angle I hadn’t considered. I don’t know what might be worse: Apollo becoming upset with me for spending time with his sister, or becoming disappointed if this all turns out to be nothing at all. “I’m not looking to rock the boat, either. My lips are sealed.”
“You have no idea,” Mia mutters, then clears her throat and straightens a little. “Anyway, enough about him. I’m looking forward to our future movie date. Any ideas on what I should wear?”
“Definitely a towel turban,” I say with my most serious voice. “You could start a new fashion trend.”
She laughs, looking a little embarrassed. “I guess that was a little too au natural right from the get-go, huh?”
“Not at all.” I lower my voice as a couple of teenage girls come in to shop. “I think it was incredibly sexy.”
She arches her brow at me, smiling. “Oh?”
“Hope you don’t mind. I already saved it in my secret stash.”
“You have a secret stash?”
She snickers. “Should I be worried they can access your photos?”
I shrug. “I have ways around the cloud to keep things private. It’s the beauty of being bionic.
I can revisit any photo anytime I want, and nobody else can see it,” I tease, making sure we aren’t overheard.
“Whenever, wherever. Even now. Like your towel turban photo. Oh hey, there it is. I see it. Oh, there it is again. Minimize, maximize. Minimize, maximize.”
“Stop.” She playfully shoves my shoulder. I don’t mind. The blush in her cheeks makes it all worth it.
* * *
The evening rolls by quickly as we’re slammed with a constant stream of shoppers from six p.m. until closing. I work primarily as a floor assistant, moving swiftly to check the backrooms for different sizes, relay information to Lindsay from the other clerks, and keep the changing rooms tidy.
Rae-Rae stops me at one point, whispering.
“Keep an eye on those two girls over there, okay, Nolan?” she tells me sagely, as though she’s sharing a terrible secret.
“They’ve been acting a little cagey. Especially around the changing rooms. I think they might be shoplifters. I’m going to go get Lindsay.”
In a split second, I research best security practices and how best to preserve store assets.
I’m not a member of law enforcement, so I don’t have authority over anyone.
That being said, I cut an imposing figure, and it’s possible I can protect my friends’ shop without resorting to anything dramatic.
That moment comes very quickly. A girl with a blue bob, neon piercings, and plenty of bangles peruses accessories with her friend. I catch her in the act of stuffing several hair accessories, crystal bracelets, and other small items in her handbag.
It’s something I can’t tolerate. I cross the store slowly toward them. “Excuse me.” My deep voice makes them both jump.
The accomplice pops bubble gum, eyeing me up and down. “Ew. Since when does a bot work here?”
“I’m a volunteer,” I reply. “And you’re stealing. Please put the merchandise back and exit the store.”
The girl clutches her purse and scoffs. “Excuse me? How dare you.”
“I have video evidence, and your face is currently being recorded and uploaded to facial recognition databases,” I assert. “And I’ll be handing it over to the New Carnegie Police Department unless you return what you stole.”
The second girl quickly starts to fidget. “C’mon, Brigette,” she whispers. “One more strike, and I won’t be able to attend Carnegie South.”
“A wise decision,” I echo.
The ringleader of the two sighs and swiftly opens her bag, pouring out several pieces of merchandise with an angry shake. “There. Happy?”
I motion to the doors. “Please leave.”
They quickly make their way out. I follow them until they’re gone, then close the door behind me.
“Wow.” Mia closes the distance between us, gazing up at me. “That was really cool to watch.”
“Was it?” I ask, meeting her eyes and revel in the flush of her cheeks and the way her temperature slightly spikes when we talk. “I’m glad the encounter didn’t escalate.”
“They’re just kids.” Mia shakes her head. “Looking for the next adrenaline rush. Hopefully, you scared some sense into them, and they’ll get wise. It’ll mean a lot to Jessica when she finds out. Theft hurts small businesses, big time.”
“It’s the very least I could do.”
Mia lowers her voice. “I’ll have to make it up to you somehow later.”
That catches my interest. I try not to make it plain how much her playfulness affects me. “Is that a threat or a promise?”
Mia grins. “Both.” She walks away with a swing in her hips, knowing perfectly damn well I’m watching.