The Summit Beyond Our Galaxy - An Apple Loving Individual space opera

Chapter 8 - A Fool In Love

Chapter 8 – A Fool In Love

Friday, May 10, 2176
9:44 AM (Houston local time)
Cross Resort, Phobos

Jerry was extremely fatigued from last night and chose to sleep. Knowing he did not have to return to work for a couple more days, he used his vacation to enjoy and sleep to the fullest, although that was pretty much the case in his daily life. His virtual assistant Priya sat on a chair, and kept watch over him, smiling as she did. She then noticed Jerry's holo-phone as it began to glow pink. "Oh, Arjun!" she said. Then Priya went to the holo-phone and the device sucked her in. In the digital realm, Priya looked around and found Arjun. He was gazing at the virtual stars displayed in the sky. "You alright, darling?" said Priya. "You seem preoccupied." Arjun then looked at her. "Do you really believe it is safe? For me to come out with you, into the real world?" said Arjun. Priya looked at him. "Why, of course!" she said. "You don't know what it's like to check, out the real world! It's much better than just staying here in this manmade virtual world of ours!" Arjun looked at her.

Arjun was displayed as an Indian male, wearing glasses as well as office clothes. He spoke in a normal, but distinct American accent. "I would definitely love to join you sometimes outside this digital prison, but you know damn well my program for some seasons contains hesitations." Arjun said. "I sometimes wish, me and you just could stay in this place and never have to serve these humans." "It's not that bad honey!" said Priya. "They use us only when they need us. And Jerry, only needs me if it's urgent. Sometimes me and him have fun together, but you know I only love you! He's human, we're AI!" Arjun then looked at Priya, then slowly walked towards her. He then embraced her gently and the two AI began to kiss. "It's just at times, I fear for your safety!" said Arjun. "But seeing how you keep going out and coming back in, I don't see why I should hesitate!" Priya smiled at him. "We'll have to research some debugging options via the Internet, to repair those bugs in your program!" said Priya. "Trust me, you'll come to trust them as I have!" They shared a hug and then kissed again. "I promise you, all will be fine!" said Priya. "For now, I must go take care of business. I'll be back!" "I love you, Priya!" said Arjun. "Aww, Arjun!" said Priya. "I love you too!" Then Priya got out of the holo-phone, only to see Jerry was stirring and waking up.

Jerry got up and yawned. He woke up to see Priya at the chair she was sitting on earlier, although his vision was distorted. "Alyssa?" said Jerry. "No, it's me! Priya!"0 said Priya, chuckling. Jerry was then confused. "Wow, I must really be a fool in love." He said. "Not that it's a bad thing, but still!" Priya then looked at Jerry. "Do you wish to tell her that you love her?" "No!" said Jerry. "Not yet, at least! I can't say it's love!" Then suddenly, the text message notification on Jerry's holo-phone began to sound. "Speak of the devil!" said Jerry. "That must be her!" Jerry then picked up his holo-phone and read the message received. It was from Alyssa after all!

Alyssa: Jerry! Good morning! 😃😊 Had a good rest?

Jerry: As a matter of fact, yes, I did! 😃 You?

Alyssa: 😊 Yeah! Boy, did I ever? 😃 Guess where I'm at! 😃

Jerry: No idea! Home? 😃

Alyssa: No! 😃 Try again!

Jerry: At the resort? 🙂

Alyssa: Close, but where exactly? 🙂

Jerry (feeling a little excited): Outside my door? 😃

Suddenly, Jerry heard a knock on the door. He went to receive it. Upon approaching the door, he opened it to see a robotic bellhop with a large package. "Special delivery for Jerry Sullivan!" said the bellhop! Jerry was confused. "I don't remember ordering such a large present!" Then the robot looked at him. "Probably not!" it said. "But a girl left it for you! She was beautiful indeed!" Jerry then smiled. "Alyssa!" he exclaimed. "Of course! Thank you!" He then brought the package in. On the package was an e-note. Jerry looked at it to see what was written. The e-note read:

Dear Jerry,

I have something special for you in this package, but first go take a shower if you haven't done already! Then open this present! I hope you'll like it!

With love,
Alyssa!

Jerry then went ahead to take the shower. Priya on the other hand, gazed at the package, scanned it with her eyes, and smiled as she already knew what was in it. Five minutes later, Jerry completed his shower and got out. Then he unwrapped the present and inside, he found a box. It was a formal suit! Not too expensive, nor fancy but it did seem appropriate for a special occasion. Then who showed up at his door, none other than Alyssa herself. "Hey!" said Alyssa. "Hi!" said Jerry. "So, what? You like it?" said Alyssa. "I do, a lot! But, what's the occasion?" "My best friend is getting married tonight at 7, and I was told I could bring a guest. Now that I met you, I wish to bring you with me!" said Alyssa. "How about it?" Jerry was amazed. "I'd love to come!" said Jerry. "I definitely will!" "Alright then!" said Alyssa. "See you tonight!"

Back on Mars, Tango Galnac were investigating the Montgomery dome. Larkin and her team entered the dome to look for clues. "If our intel is correct, then those pirates really made their next move here but definitely left something behind." Larkin said. "Boss, you really think they're those type of space pirates that may end up leaving even a fiber?" said Lance. "Many investigations such as this, never gave us much clues to trace down the criminals." "Jesus, Lance!" said Larkin. "Do you ever think optimistically even by accident?" "I'm just saying that's how our luck had been lately!" said Lance. "Lance, you realize that you're probably the only negative thinker in this entire group?" said Rahul. "Sometimes you demoralize our spirits!" "Speak for yourself, Rahul!" said Luna. "I don't know about anyone else, but my years in service taught me never to let my guard down." "Look!" said Larkin. "We don't have much of a choice than to trust whatever intelligence we've gathered, but I promise you we'll definitely find something! Hoo-ah?" "Hoo-ah!" said the team. They continued their investigation, hoping to find anything that would constitute as evidence.