Page 16 of CHOICE Lover
“How was I supposed to know she didn’t know how to use it?”
“She’s from almost four hundred years ago. Computers were a very recent invention back then. Imagine trying to operate your system without your m-volt.” Tommy shakes his head, moving to take a seat at Res6’s desk.
“So now you’re some type of historian?” Res6 prods, only subtly derisive.
Tommy completes the retina scan, logging in to the system using his credentials. A new window pops up. “I’m informed about our history, as it is each NHOS citizen’s responsibility to be.”
He wants to grumble that he doesn’t have time, but that isn’t entirely true. He just isn’t interested in history, and the last thing he needs is to get Tommy started on one of his political diatribes. “What do you suggest we do?” He steps behind the chair Tommy occupies.
Tommy points to the flashing cursor. “Youneed to do some research. Figure out who she was, so you’ll know what she’s missing. I’ve thought about it, and she’s right. She’s not an orangutan that you can keep caged as a pet. She can’t stay in that room forever, so you’re going to have to figure out how to help her integrate into our world. Get her some proper clothing to start.”
“You thought about it in the last five minutes?” he prods, but Tommy only scowls. “She can’t go out in public. We’ll get caught.”
Tommy shrugs. “You could let her be herself, and if anyone asks, tell them she’s a new prototype.” His pale skin stretches across his fine bone structure as a bright smile erupts. “Think of her as a marketingcampaign! That’s brilliant. I can’t wait to see the sales figures after you’ve had her out on the town for a few months!”
“Fine. She’s a marketing prototype. That isn’t a terrible idea.” Res6 flippantly waves a hand. “Anything else?”
Tommy rolls his eyes. “That’s not all. She said she wants to go to the park to sit on a bench and feel the sun on her skin. She said something about vents and talking too.”
“Vents?” he asks.
“How am I supposed to know? People were into strange things back then, like sun worship and home projects.” Tommy holds up a hand like he does when he’s using his m-volt. He’s probably querying his limited AI assistant, DumBot, again. A minute later he says, “DumBot suggests taking her to a custom rooftop simulation since roofs have excellent sun exposure and various styles of vents. Request a park bench, safely attached of course, and then the two of you can sit. Perhaps plan some conversation topics for the talking aspect. That should make her happy!”
That all seems feasible . . . and if that’s what she wants, he should be able to get her to the simulation chamber in his building without drawing too much attention. It’s the talking part that gives him pause. “What am I supposed to talk about to a woman from four hundred years ago?”
“I feel that this is getting a little beyond the scope of my job.” He must look so pitiful that Tommy says, “DumBot says try asking her questions and then let her direct the conversation.”
He stops pacing abruptly. “What type of questions?”
Tommy gets up from the desk. “Seriously, sir, you have access to the same limited AI assistant as I do.”
“You haven’t been the one interacting with her. The prospect of talking to her is daunting. She asked me when my last girlfriend was.”
“Why would you have a girlfriend?” Tommy scratches his nose as he inches his way to the exit. A ping emanates from his pocket, and he fishes out his device. “Oh, that’s my time for today. You can handle this, right?” He points to the computer screens as he practically skips to the door. “Research!” he whisper-shouts.
The door shuts behind him, leaving Res6 standing alone in his living room, completely lost.
5 – A Reasonable Plan
Res6
“How long have you been standing there like that?” Electra asks, stepping out of his room. She comes to stand beside him and joins him in staring at the bleak image framed by the empty particle panes.
“Not long,” he lies. It’s been almost an hour since Tommy left.
She nods to the smog-filled Minneapolis–Saint Paul cityscape. “Is that the real outside?”
“Unfortunately,” he says, trying to imagine what his world must look like to a woman who could walk outside without a respirator during her time.
She covers her mouth as tears well in her eyes. “How horrible. Was it gradual or all at once? Can you still go outside? What about the plants andanimals?”
He shakes his head, glad he won’t have to be the one to deliver such disappointing news. “Tommy said he downloaded some history videos for you to watch. They’ll answer all your questions.”
“He did. It would have been nice if you’d shown me how to work the tablet.” She crosses her arms defensively.
“I’ve already been scolded by Tommy for my negligence.”
Beside him, she huffs. “Are you sure you’re not a robot?”
