How to Date an Android

Chapter 10 Part B, revised

Chapter 10 Part B

Continued from Part A...

She nodded.

"Subject changed then. Consider it done," she confirmed.

"OK so what's that about you guys said you needed me? I'm also pretty analytical so don't give me any bullshit," I said. But after the fact I added, "Please."

I didn't mean to be tough on her. But I had to try to sort through ... basically how our civilization was becoming a dumpster fire with how bad things were.

She gave me a peculiar look. "I believe your response wasn't as cute as you thought it was." It wasn't like she was laughing at me but like a laughing because of things are working out and problems are being solved goodness, I guess. "No worries Jack."

I was feeling tired so I didn't respond.

"OK, let me show you something Jack. Do you have some time?" she chuckled.

"Well, it's not like I can run away if you bore me," I joked.

"That's not funny," she said, while slipping out her datapad. She still smiled at me though. She activated the 3D video feed mode that people use for watching shows or for seeing the evening news. But rather than the news when she activated it, it shows my picture, my biographical information, and all kinds of text flowing down the screen rapidly about my work history. Somehow she'd really gone way overboard in things that shouldn't be acquired in even some advanced background checks.

Of course I hadn't been in trouble so I didn't have to feel any shame or worry about her finding stuff. But it did bother me that someone could actually dig up a lot of things.

"Well maybe it was a little bit funny," she admitted. Wow, she picked up on my surprise that I couldn't joke with her and changed her dialogue?

"Hey what's this for?" I grumbled.

Naturally I'm a bit surprised that she's done such an extensive background check on me. That's a LOT of information.

"It's not what you think. I just thought I'd show you a couple of things," she said lightly. Using a laser pointer, she clicks on the display and brings up my academic history tab, among several other 3D tabs. She even air projected it so I could look at it; such tech exists but its not for the poor. And even middle class (which mostly don't exist) have trouble affording it.

"We've noticed that you have a really strong knack for working machines and not only cars. You run your own personal shop well, and don't need to send work to other ships for things you can't figure out, except for only when it requires tools that are outside of your ability to afford. You have a well trained mind, and no vices." She's standing near the projection, while using the laser light pointer much like a teacher would in front of a class.

"Yeah, I guess that sums it up," I said, wondering where she was going with this.

"You took and excelled in a lot of classes in college and other areas that involved machinery and do well in diagnosing problems. You've been able to get your shop running easily, but more than that, you do it honestly without actually cheating people or overcharging. You don't have any icky vices to worry about. So we were quite surprised when an opportunity like this presented itself," she flashed a smile again.

"Are vices a big deal?" I asked.

She sort of rolled her eyes, "to androids some human vices...I won't specify which ones right now, resemble like taking a bath in tar. So if we were to pick someone that had them and be stuck with them there would be a permanent personality core deficiency in effect for the rest of our lifetime simulating revulsion."