Imperfect Android

Chapter 16

Teagen laid on her couch, staring at the ceiling.  It has been two days since her father died. 

Teagen hadn't left her apartment since then.  She barely ate and was in a state of grief.  Suddenly, the intercom system began to beep.  Teagen slowly got up and shuffled over to answer the call.  She pressed the button allowing the caller to speak.

"Hello Teagen." Mr. Gallows said.  "I just wanted you to report to my office to discuss your father's funeral service."

"Okay." she said softly.

Teagen made her way down to Mr. Gallows' office and entered the room.  He was sitting at his desk with a blank look on his face.  "I just spoke with your family about the incident." he said.  "I said that he had a heart attack while walking down the street to work."

"That never happened." Teagen said angrily.

"Yes, but I rather not reveal that I am using his body for a new android.  That would sound quite terrible.  And I don't want you revealing the true incident either."

"They are my family.  They deserve to know the terrible deed you committed!"

" If they found this out, they wouldn't allow you to work for me anymore and would take this to court."

"Serves them right!  You deserve to be imprisoned for what you have done!" Teagen yelled. " And who says that I still want to work for you after all the pain you have caused me!"

"It truly baffles me why you care for Jerdin so much.  He isn't even your real father.  I built you and gave you life.  You should be calling ME father."

"I rather die than call you my father!" Teagen screamed.

"I gave you a choice Teagen; to work here and be rich or run and be hunted for the rest of your life.  You willingly came to work with me."

"Well maybe I made the wrong choice!  I would rather be on the run for the rest of my life than work for a greedy bastard.  At least I would have a chance to escape you."

"Never doubt me Teagen.  As I have told you before, I have a personal task force team ready to do whatever it takes to hunt you down.  Either way you would still be working for me.  The choice was how long you wanted to delay it."

"I can't take this anymore!  Just shut up!" Teagen yelled

"Enough!" Mr. Gallows shouted.  "I will see you tomorrow at the wake.  Return to your living space."

Teagen glared at him and left the office.  On the way out, someone bumped into her.

"Sorry."  They said as Teagen kept waking.

Teagen returned to her room and laid back down on her couch.  She took deep breath.  "I wonder how Lore and Naru feeling about this"  she said aloud.