Mia wasn't avaible for lunch because Healer Nalea stubbornly refused to tell me where she was. But she at least revealed that there was some kind of surprise waiting for me, so I decided to have lunch at Anisa's. Anisa however didn't have much time to chat, so I went outside for a quick walk, hoping to clear my mind.
When I returned to the repair bay, the first thing I noticed was the obsolete drone standing next to the alcove. Luckily a transport drone was willing to carry it here, since those metallic bodies are insanely heavy. You'd be surprised to see how cooperative drones can be, especially when you promise to upgrade them or repce a few old parts.
While contempting what to do with this old love doll, another scary thought entered my mind.I have one of those chips in my brain now, which enables me to get drone messages, right? What if Fred contacts me through that thing? Or even worse....takes control of my body? Can he even?
Maybe I'm worrying too much, because even the doctor confirmed that it's helping my blood flow in my brain or something. But still...I'm human inside and all of this is a bit scary. Seriously, if Fred even makes the slightest attempt at harming me or anything like that, I'll have the impnt deactivated and him recycled!
The obsolete drone looks identical to the three Stooges in Anisa's shop. It's definitely old, if not ancient looking. But unlike the others, this one's legs are mostly devoid of paint, not to mention that a few fingers are missing. Something tells me that it has seen some rough times, but I really don't even want to know. Some things are best left forgotten.
Yuck, just imagine flirting with that thing, and ending up squashed underneath its weight. No, thank you. Let's see if we can change this piece of trash into something more 'alive' looking.
I take a deep breath and slowly exhale, which somehow triggers Fred to respond.
"Kaya? Are you feeling alright?"
"Sure, Fred, thanks. I'm pondering what to do with this drone. It's old."
"This model went obsolete 37 years ago, but many are still in service today."
"Well...this one isn't."
"No, it needs quite the repairs."
"Fred, you really sound alive now. I mean, you are alive of course, but you now sound alive as well."
"Thank you. May I ask a question?"
"Sure, be my guest."
"Guest? Ah, a polite typical human reply to indicate that I can proceed....I understand. In that case, what happened to you about an hour ago? You went offline in the parking area on floor -1 for 26 minutes and 23 seconds."
"Offline? Ah...right. Yeah, I met another friend in a secure environment. I guess it must have blocked your signals. Sorry about that. Are you watching me all the time?" Let's be polite and more importantly....careful.
"Of course, the internal security grid allows me to track your movements. Your conversations however are not avaible to me due to security equipment blocking that function. Do you want me to bypass those restrictions?"
"Eh...no, that will get you into trouble, and I don't want that." Careful, Kaya...really creepy!
"Understood. But you can always contact me through your Comm device and through your Nanite terminal, which connects to the drone network."
"Oh...okay. So....I was just wondering....how exactly can you track me?"
"Simple. I can tap into the security grid and use visual sensors, infrared sensors, movement sensors..."
"Yes, yes, Fred, I understand the sensors. What else can you use to..eh...keep me safe?"
"Besides the security grid, I can use your Comm to determine your exact location. Your ID nanite can also transmit your location and so can your neural impnt which is linked to your nanites."
"Wow....so you can basically always find me?"
"Yes, Kaya. As I already promised, I'll keep you safe. That's what friends do, didn't we agree on that?"
"Eh....yup, we sure did. Sorry, Fred, it's all a bit new to me." I feel a bit guilty for telling Ben that Fred might be dangerous.
"Of course, just ask me anything."
"In that case, can other people track my location as well?"
"Yes, in the same way. Access to the security grid and your ID nanite are restricted to security staff and myself. Others can only track your location by using their comm devices, even if they scanned your ID nanite. I can detect those access requests.
Your Comm can stop transmitting your location by disabling that option.
The neural impnt is only directly accessible by drones on the same drone network, including myself. Using that frequency however gives away your position indirectly to biologics monitoring those frequencies."
"Oh...yes, that makes sense. So...those biologics as you called them...could they tap into the drone network and harm me?"
"They cannot directly access that information. The complexity of the data network is beyond biologic ability to comprehend. It would require another drone to interpret the data for them. But indirect access, yes."
"Yeah....I'm not really okay with that, Fred. I'm worried that someone will track my location and harm me."
"As long as you are in range, I will keep you safe or at the very least warn you if a drone or biologic attempts to harm you."
"Alright, good enough. So, Fred, please.....could you call us 'biologics' 'people' from now on? That sounds less scary to us biologics. It would also help us work better together."
"Of course, I will refer to them as people from now on."
"Fred?"
"Yes, Kaya?"
"I'm sorry, but I was really worried about you. You are really smart, and we...eh...people...fear that."
"That's understandable. My networked processing power is vastly superior to your local biological processors."
"See? Those replies give me the creeps. Just don't say that to anyone else, okay? Believe me, people will distrust you. And some people would want to shut you down for it."
"I see. Thank you for protecting me."
"Anytime, Fred." I hope that he at least trusts me from now on, even though I'm not entirely convinced about his intentions so far.
After a few moments of silence, Fred asked me another question. "Kaya? Why are you afraid of others noticing your service signals?"
"My service signals?"
"Yes. Drones send a signal to other drones so they can assist each other when they go offline."
"Oh, you mean the neural impnt?"
"Yes."
"Well....sending signals is not something that people are used to. It's not natural for us biological life forms."
"Interesting point of view. I can understand that now."
"So...Fred, can I ask you something?"
"Always, Kaya."
"I noticed two yellow drones in the parking area a while ago. Why were they there?"
"They noticed that you went offline and tried to assist. Does that worry you?"
Bingo....as I had already suspected. "Em...yes, actually. It will happen again in the future, so please don't always expect an emergency. Someone is trying to harm us and the people around us, so I need to go offline and try to find them."
"Understood. Since you need to go offline in order to protect us, would you want me to add that option to your nanite interface?"
"Do you mean to say that I could select the option to go offline?"
"Exactly."
"But even you couldn't find me, right?"
"Yes, correct. But I would send a drone to your location, just in case."
"I see. Just make sure that the drone doesn't give away my position. I need to remain undetected."
"Understood, I'll take care of that. When you are ready, please enter the alcove. I will modify your neural impnt to give you direct access to those settings."
"Okay...thanks, Fred, you're really a nice guy." Always be polite when a robot wants to configure your impnts. Never thought I'd ever say that. But even if this is scary, I MUST have access to that. If Fred ever goes rogue, I want an off switch!
"Thank you, Kaya." He replied, after which the alcove's gss door opened.
"Fred.. I have to be honest with you. People probably know that you accessed Hierarchy files and that's not allowed. So you should expect that someone will try to revoke that access."
"Will they harm us?"
"No, I don't think so. This is just people being afraid of you, Fred. They only want to stay safe like me. If you lose important access, I can ask people to restore it. Just tell me what you need, but again, don't go access everything or they'll consider you an enemy...and you're not."
"Understood. I already detected changes in access codes but they didn't prevent me from accessing the data."
"Just be nice and pretend that you lost the access."
"I'll do that. Are you ready to step into the alcove?"
"Yeah..." Not really, but I don't really have a choice, or do I?
"Then please proceed. I will also add the option to let you pretend to be a drone. Is that acceptable?"
"You can do that? Pfffff....okay....that might be useful..., do it. Just promise to keep me safe and I'll do the same." I doubt I'll ever want to pretend to be a drone, but hey, everything might help.
I step into the alcove, while feeling beyond worried that something might happen to me.
"It's a promise, Kaya."
The gss door slowly closes and I feel really, really tense. I have no choice but to trust him. He might help me with the investigation, and if things do go south, he might be able to help me escape this pce. I needed an ally...a powerful ally.
"Kaya, the modifications are complete."
"Wow, already? I didn't hear anything, nor did any of the robotic arms move?"
"This only required close wireless access to your neural impnt."
"Oh..okay, that's good. So...wow....what are these messages?" All sorts of little screens suddenly appeared before my eyes.
"Please wait...interfacing with your impnt.....analyzing. Your interface was updated and now shows all avaible drones within range. You can directly contact those should you need assistance."
"Cool....so I can like...talk to them?"
"Not through verbal instructions. You can simply select one from your list and initiate a remote interface. If needed, you could temporarily take control."
"Wait....does that mean that I can see what the drone is doing?"
"Yes, but even more than that. As long as the drone is not in any immediate danger nor is performing potentially dangerous tasks, you could take control of its functions."
"May I...test that now?"
"Yes, select a drone....yes, like that. Now select 'control.' "
"Wow! Amazing! I can see....and even hear everything. Where is this pce?" It's like being transported to another location.
"Scanning.....it's nearby, two floors up. It was about to transport a crate. Do you wish to control the drone's movements?"
"Sure." And not even a second ter I could really move the drone's limbs. "Incredible! Every move I make is copied!" For each movement I made in the alcove, the drone did the same, but only after putting a package down on the floor. 'Safety first', I guess.
"Well...it's nice, but the alcove is hindering my movements. I can't walk or fully extend my arms in this small space."
"Understood, please wait." Fred replied, after which I felt a cool metallic object touching my temples. But before I could reply, I saw a FLASH.
"Fred! What are you doing...!!!!"
Without getting any time to ask questions, I find myself standing in a corridor. I no longer control the drone...I basically BECAME the drone. When I look around, I notice that my hands are metallic. "No way....this is so cool! I'm actually here right now!"
When I tap my arm with my robotic fingers, I can even feel the pce where I touched it."It's even equipped with tactile sensors! Fred? Are you there?"
"Yes, I'm here, Kaya."
"Fred, what happened? How is this possible?"
"Your brain can't handle a direct interface, therefore an external interface was created to modify your brainwaves. Your body was not modified."
"Amazing. Could you make that external interface portable, so I can use it in my quarters?"This could be fun while rexing.
"No, an alcove is required to initiate the connection. If you need to use this interface in an external location, simir equipment needs to be installed there."
"Oh...that's a shame. Won't this connection harm the impnt in my brain?"
"No, your bio-dissolvable impnt won't be affected by this interface."
"Bio-dissolvable? That's new. You could have told that sooner, since not even my Healer is aware of that fact. Anyway, thanks for making this work, Fred."
"You are welcome. Updating your impnt improved its efficiency by 12%."
"Oh, okay. But next time, please tell me when you want to do that, before you start updating me."
"Understood."
Well...I guess it already happened, might as well have some fun, right?"So, em.....drone? Are you listening to me as well?"
"Yes, cargo drone L-1-2-1 is currently in service mode, listening to drone repairer Kaya."
"Nice... anyway, sorry for interrupting your work. Where does this crate need to go?"
"At the end of this corridor. Room 73, Building Maintenance."
"Oh...may I deliver it on your behalf?"
"Affirmative."
"Then don't mind if I do!" I crouch and notice that this drone's body feels exactly like my own! I pick up the package...ever so carefully....and then walk towards room 73. The package is virtually weightless, at least that's how the drone interprets it.
"How do you open the door?"
The drone replied "through the interface."
Well, that wasn't particurly helpful. "Fred, can you open it for me?"
The door slides open without Fred even acknowledging. Only then did I realize that I should have knocked first, or used the doorbell.
I simply walk into the room and say "Greetings, anyone here? I have a package?"
A Lantosian woman wearing a dark green uniform walks over to me and shakes her head."Finally, you sure as hell took your time."
Wow, I didn't know that cursing was a thing for them? I guess that it's only a matter of time when you work with humans.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. Something happened along the way. May I leave now?"
"Not before you put the package on that workbench." She pointed at the bench to my left.
"Understood." I did as I was told, turned towards the door, and then said "have a great day, ma'am."
"Wait."
Oh oh. I turn around and simply stare at her... pretending to be a normal, innocent drone."How can I be of further assistance?"
"You're different, aren't you?" She frowned and took some time to study my appearance, walking around me, looking at me from all angles.
Hehehe ....she's not the first one who mentioned that."Yes, my software is currently in maintenance mode, which will end in a few minutes."
"I see. Alright, you can go now."
"Of course." I turn around and want to leave, but hit my nose on the door. The damn thing didn't open!
When I look back, I see her facepalming, which is apparently another gesture we have in common.
"Em...ma'am? Please, would you open the door? It seems that my protocols are currently unavaible."
She looks at me, no she stares....then shakes her head."Sure, why not." She opens the door for me and grins for a moment, probably happy to get rid of me.
When I heard the door closing behind me, and I confirmed that she wasn't standing next to me, I contacted the drone again."Drone...I'm sorry for that. Are you damaged?"
"Negative, all systems are fully operational."
"Good. I'm logging off now, you may resume normal operations."
"Understood."
Accessing the nanite interface to end this experience was pretty easy. I only had to wish for it to appear and then focused on an option to control it. Moments ter I found myself standing in the drone repair bay's alcove again.
"Fred! It was so real!"
"Gd you approve. The external interface seems to work as intended."
"So...how much time do I have before I need to disconnect from those drones?"
"There is no set time limit, however your biological processes like hunger and the need for sleep will automatically terminate your interface to protect your body."
"Good to know. Now please let me out of this alcove."
The door opens and Fred replies with his usual sentence "repairs complete, you may resume your duties."
"Fred! I'm not a drone!"
"Technically you are...sort of."
"Ha ha ha....you are getting better at these conversations, well done!"
After taking a few moments to check my body, making sure that I wasn't starting to look like a drone myself, I focused on Anisa's old drone again.
"Fred, does it need to be in the alcove for it to be repaired?"
"Yes. The new room yout was optimized for drone repairs. Do you want me to pce it in there for you?"
I nodded to test if Fred would react to gestures as well. And sure enough, Fred immediately moved the drone into the alcove using his robotic arms, and the gss door closed to protect me from whatever he was pnning to do with it.
"Fred, please analyze the drone in detail and see if you can repair it."
"Scanning....the list of damaged parts is extensive. Fortunately there are sufficient components avaible in storage to repair it. On that same topic...did you request more components?"
"Yes, a human is trying to send some waste this way. First some low grade trash, hopefully more technological components soon after. You can let them deliver the shipment."
"Very good, there are sufficient components to repair this drone and create a single drone as well."
"Stop.....did you say...create?"
"Yes, you can also design a drone yourself."
"Wow....Fred, you and I really need to work on our communication skills."
"Of course. Verbal or interface?"
"Huh? Hahahaha, was that an attempt at humor?"
"Yes, you seem to appreciate that."
"Yes, you're very perceptive. Alright, let's focus on this drone first. Besides the repairs, can you also upgrade the software so it can speak more like you do?"
"Of course, this is a drone repair bay. TechCon software upgrades are avaible."
"TechCon?" Ah, right, the company with the lousy customer service.
"It's a company name. They make drones, provide communications and provide many other services as well. Do you want to hear a list?"
"Nah, I'm good, thanks. Mmm.....can you also upgrade its appearance?"
"Yes, but in what way?"
"It needs to look as if it were a real Lantosian female."
"That will not be a problem. Please use the workstation terminal behind you to select a tempte."
After making myself comfortable on the seat, I took my time to study the pictures. This is so amazing! There are so many really beautiful dies being dispyed. "Incredible! That one! Pick that one!"
"Understood. Repairs selected. Since these are extensive upgrades, repair time is estimated to take 27 hours. Do you want me to contact you when it's ready?"
"Um....nah, no need for that. I'll check with you in the morning. If you don't mind, I'll go and rest somewhat."
"Of course. Have a great day, Kaya."
"You too, buddy."
"I'm not Buddy."
"
"Ah...like that. See you ter, Buddy."
"Fred, nevermind that, forget I said that. See you ter alligator."
"Kaya? There are no Earth reptiles here?"
"Ha ha ha, humor, Fred! Humor!"
That's when the door behind me closed, leaving me grinning for a few minutes. Maybe I'll build Fred a body as well? Nah....maybe not. Ben probably doesn't want to have a real terminator on the loose.
I spent an hour sitting in a comfy chair in the entertainment district, watching people passing by. All was well until I received a few efficiency reports, not from Fred, but from someone called the 'Overseer.' Those messages were text-only, but signed by a dy called Overseer Herka, daughter of Drifa.
Yes, a terrible name for human ears, but then again, I'm not human anymore.
The message was rude at best, informing me that she would soon pay me a visit because the general drone performance in this city was abysmal. Too many recycled drones, not enough repairs. Many compints....that sort of thing.
I handled her message with great care....and pushed the 'delete' button without giving it another thought.
When Mia called me using her own brand new watch, she asked me to join her in our quarters for a surprise. When she greeted me outside our quarters, she deliberately kept me from going inside. She was definitely up to something, and I simply had to py along.
"Hey Mia...had a great day?"
"Yes, actually. And you?"
Her smile is infectious, making me smile as well. The fact that I'm not allowed to enter however, is definitely not suspicious.
"Something happened in the drone repair bay, I'll expin ter. It's nothing bad, but it can wait. Umm.....I was hoping that you could join me for a fun activity in the city? Or maybe have a snack first?"
"Of course, I'd love to! But...first about the food...," she whispered, "...Nalea gave me some vitamins this morning, and I have to be honest...I feel much better now."
"You mean for the meat cravings?"
"Shhh....yes. She said it's not safe for us to eat it in public. And I think I agree...albeit reluctantly. She said that you should also get an injection. It didn't even hurt."
"Maybe tomorrow, I feel just fine. Maybe my nanites are helping me?"
"Yeah... tiny creepy machines crawling through your veins. Of course that would make me feel better too." She said while trying to hide her smile by looking away from me.
"Yuck..stop it! It's not like I had a choice in the matter!"
"Ha ha ha! I'm only teasing. Before we go inside...you should know that Nalea introduced me to the General people you talked about."
"You mean General Services?"
"Yes! Them! They're really nice humans. Very different from Ben. I mean, he's nice and all, but they are....like neighbors, if that makes any sense."
"I think I know what you mean. Ben is like a military person, but these people are not soldiers or guards...just regur people like you and me."
"Exactly. They asked me if I could help, and I agreed! Even though I told them that I was new here and didn't understand the technology, they were really happy to have me!"
"See? It's a clear sign that you're adjusting just fine. They wouldn't invite just anyone, they clearly see potential in you." She blushed when I said that, so I changed the subject. "What's that thing you're holding?" I pointed at what looked like a credit card in her hand.
"Oh! I almost forgot. This is for you." She gave it to me. "Something like a permit?"
I studied it for a moment. "Ahhhhhh...my driver's license. Oh nooo....look at the picture... when did they take that horrible picture?"
"Hahaha....yes, I noticed. You look surprised there. What is it for?"
"It means that I'm allowed to drive a car. Oh..you don't understand...like Ben's vehicle?"
"Oooh! so we could go pces?"
"Sorry, no. It's only for work. But we can use taxis to get us anywhere in this city. So why don't you think of a fun pce to go next time?"
"You mean that?" She looked surprised, but a smile told me that it was a good surprise.
"Sure, I do. I have lots of free time. Just make sure that they don't make you work fulltime. You still need time to adjust and rex."
"Thank you. For caring..and everything." Again the blush.
"Mia...we're family, not just roommates. Of course I care about you."
She looked to my left, and when I looked the same way, surprised to see nothing of importance...she rubbed my cheek.
"Wow!"
"You still think like a human, Kaya. But I appreciate everything you do."
"Um...okay?" I might have blushed, because she kept staring at my eyes this time, until I couldn't suppress a smile. "What?"
"Are you ready to see the surprise?"
"Ohh....I love those. Do I need to prepare?"
"Nope. It's reted to your quarters."
"You mean ours..." I said.
"Heh heh heh."
I kept staring at her and seriously thought that she might need to see Nalea. She was acting very strange but I decided to cut her some sck, as she basically is still adjusting.
When we entered our quarters, she said..."close your eyes."
"Oh...okay."
She carefully pushed my back and when I felt the cold outside air, I knew that something was waiting for me in the garden. She probably found a few pnts, but I still need to encourage her and pretend to be surprised.
"You can open them now. What do you think?"
When I open my eyelids, I'm greeted by an abundance of green all around me. She didn't find one or two pnts, but filled the whole garden with them! "Wow! When did you do all of that?! It looks amazing!"
"Just a few hours of work."
"You weren't joking when you said that you were good at this...just wow!"
"Let's get back inside, it's cold."
"Gdly....but at least we'll have a great view outside now. It's a pity that our neighbors can't see this, because they would be soooo jealous!"
When we sat down at the table near the garden door, enjoying the view, I told her about my own surprise for her. At first she was happy, but when she understood that I was asking her to go swimming with me, she tried to come up with all sorts of excuses. She gave in when she realized just how much I was looking forward to going swimming with her. Besides, according to my well informed sources, the pce is supposed to be a hidden gem, only known to a few people.