My Friends • Fred (Updating)

Chapter One - First Thoughts

Beep beep. Beep beep.

A small, weak light seemed to flicker in his head. It glowed bright, brighter, filling his mind-storage with warmth. Electricity started running through his wires. His limbs loosened. Dim voices seemed to come from a far distance, calling...

"Hello?" "Mommy, is it on?" "I'm sure it will turn on in a moment, dear." "Be patient. Of course he will turn on."

Light seeped through his lens. He blinked, opening his eyes for the first time. Slowly, swirling colors stilled. A warm orange light floated above him. A wooden table and chairs placed next to a kitchen. A tech-TV sat in a corner, where a brown fuzzy rug was ringed with soft cream couches. And in front of him sat five humans. He blinked again, focusing on them. A man with brown hair, dark green eyes, and round glasses. A woman with long blond hair and bright blue eyes. Two girls, probably twins, with golden brown hair and leaf green eyes. And a boy, with blond hair and sea blue eyes. They stared at him with excitement and awe.

Why are they so amazed? You are a robot. You work for humans, his disc hummed. He blinked. That's right. Why are they so amazed? I work for humans. He gazed at the humans and said, "Hello, I am a Vylix, a special robot capable of performing all kinds tasks. I can upgrade and evolve to adapt for you. What are your orders?"

The man smiled. "I am Mark, and this is my wife, Fiona. These are our daughters, Lily and Mary, and our son, Luke. We are your family now." The Vylix tipped his head.

What is this man talking about? You have no family! his mind hissed. He stared at them questioningly. "I have no family. You are my owner, my boss, my master. I am not your family. I am your servant. Now, what are your orders?"

The girl, Lily, sighed unhappily. "Daddy, they are all like that. You won't be able to change them." The man, Mark, shook his head, still smiling at the robot.

"Honey, don't be fooled. This is a Vylix, the best invention yet. They upgrade, evolve, and adapt fastest. They can complete anything you ask them to. They can be your best friend and your worst enemy." He paused, gazing at the Vylix with adoration. "I intend to turn him into a best friend."

Friend? Careful, don't be beguiled. You will always be his servant. You don't have a high enough status to be a friend. Stay forever as his faithful helper, never his friend. That's right, the Vylix thought. What a weird human. I am his slave. Not his friend. I will stay his servant. He opened his mouth to speak, but Luke interrupted him.

"Would you like a name? What do you want as your name? It can be anything!" he exclaimed earnestly. "As long as you like it!"

The Vylix's drive nearly exploded. No way! Your name is their choice! They name you! Never choose; You absolutely have no right! The Vylix shook his head. "Master, it is your choice, your opinion. Need not to confide with me about my name." Mary sat forward eagerly.

"What if I order you to choose a name?" Never! You can deny this kind of outrageous offer. A young, naive girl does not know the matters of a robot. You cannot choose your name! That is right, I am not treated right, the robot agreed.

"Then I must deny your order. According to the the Law: Robot Section fifth - " The father sighed.

"Very well, then go clean the living room, please." He stood up and sulked away. The family smiled sadly at him and hurried off to their business. Only Lily sat there, disappointment written all over her face.

I have... disappointed them? Of course you haven't. They always react like that when robots deny their ridiculous orders. Now, you should get sweeping! That's right. The Vylix stood up and raised his hand. Lily watched as it turned into a vacuum cleaner. He started vacuuming.

Lily got up and stared at him. He immediately stopped and bowed his head. "Yes, Master?" She snorted with disdain.

"You better think of a name, robot. Or else!" she snarled. She stomped away, leaving a shellshocked Vylix behind.