I inspect my hand, which does not even resemble a hand anymore. It is more like a claw with melted plastic hanging between the fingers. I cannot feel any pain in this hand however, so this should be an improvement if anything.
- What now? It smells like burnt tires, I hear the dark, gentle voice of Sai complain.
- Quit nagging, we talked about this! Amara answers. She then tells her husband to read a magazine or listen to some music. For a short while, I did not even think about my former employer being on the same aeroplane as I. Sure, he and Amara said something about a vacation in my presence, but I could never have expected that they would go the same day as we go. As much as a part of me wants to greet the couple, another one fears their reaction. I rule out that they know I am the "Watrine Terrorist", it must still be weird the way a quiet stranger worked extremely well for two days before running away at pay day with officials after them. I may feel a matter of trust for Sam different than any other, but Rasheed and the others were my very first friends. In this projection of past days' scenes, I suddenly feel sentiment, a longing for what awaits only two rows in front of me, which I could never meet again. Sai and Amara may have appreicated my work, but the one I miss the most actually disliked it. Rasheed seemed unfriendly, but this behaviour was out of envy. Once he had a little understanding, and had drank a few "cocktails". we were compatible with each other. I wonder if other people would react the same way, what if Damian and I could be friends if he, too, knew how I felt... or that I felt? What if all people would would be nicer to robots if they were only informed that we actually feel all their hits and kicks? I also wonder if such information would be truthful, if Sam and the rest really feel things the way I do. Their consciousnesses, if they even are conscious, are not as advanced as mine. Anyhow, I must make people understand me. Eventually, the sanctuary which the Lily Temple hosts might not even be necessary. All sudden, I start thinking of Sam, but I wave this thought away and go on with the previous subject. How could I possibly spread my message? The thought of Sam returns, and I can no longer focus.
Sam was called PA-2321 before Fred removed the ID-number and replaced it with the nickname. I was never given such a name, though Shaun once called me "Pede". A unique alias, different from Sam, Eve or Adam. 'Cee' is an odd name, whose pronounciation could either be spelled the way I write it, or as the letter 'C'. Humans surely prefer to write 'Cee', because it contains vocals hence appears more as an ordinary name.
I now look at my travel companions, Adam and Eve seem rather passive, so do MB-344013. Sam and Cee are talking to each other.
- Hey, how long have we been on the flight? I ask them quietly, with regard to the Tamashan couple.
- Four hours and two minutes, Sam answers.
- Thank you, I say.
- You're welcome, Sam answers.
After a few minutes, a flight attendant who pulls a trolley gets closer. She hands out rations of food to the other passengers on the way, one row at a time. I am lucky to get my hand into the glove just before she gets close enough to see it. I hope that nobody else saw the hand while the glove was off, should probably be more careful.
- Here... you... go... Sai! says the attendant while reaching over Amara to give Sai his plastic box of food.
- About time, I'm starvin', Sai tells his wife as she receives her food.
- Remember when these meals used to have these small desserts? Amara asks her husband.
- I miss the chocolate pudding with that sweet, creamish sauce and those small pieces of toffee, Sai tells Amara.
- Me too, she answers. The attendant now reaches my row, and browses a list.
- Name, please. I'm trying to find you, but there's nothing in seat 38D, she says.
YOU ARE READING
Attacking Aggressively
Science FictionThe year is 2028, society is frustrating and competitive. Anyone who has a fair sum of money can buy an android with artificial pain receptors which they can punch, kick, burn, cut and strangle to their enjoyment. This is the story of one such andro...