The Fletcher's Paradox

Three.

Carlos hopped off of the bus at roughly 6-7 pm and started his tread home. He was completely worn out from endless piles of paperwork and catching a suspect in a chase that took maybe an hour or more. The latter half of the chase was on foot because the guy had crashed his car to hopefully get a bit more time. They- well, Carlos caught him in the end. So yes, he wasn't exactly fit to be looking forward to the small walk from the bus stop to his front door, then through to his couch. When he thought of that relaxing image, his mind went to a small detail that would be waiting for him.

He has an android. In his house.

He stopped for a moment and heaved a sigh before continuing his tread to the quaint home. He had completely forgotten about that major fact. It lead him to some other thoughts. What the hell was it doing? What does an android do in its free time, when everything is complete? Does it just... walk around aimlessly? Does it shut down? He probably should have asked about it when he was at the store. But for now, he'll just simply ask the android itself.

Carlos unlocked the front door and opened it to find something surprising. The smell of fresh herbs and garlic hit his nose first, of all things. His mouth was already watering at the mere thought of food, but now he might as well be Niagara Falls. The second thing that hit him was his cat, as always, weaving through his legs for attention. He closed the door behind him and set his stuff down, taking his place on the couch. He looked around and saw that nearly everything was clean, aside from his table of strings and paper. He also saw that the Android was cooking in the kitchen — the source of the delicious smell. He pet the squeaking tabby and turned on the tv to the news. Might as well see what's going on in the world of politics.

Etienne was doing his perfect, android chef thing. On the stovetop sat two different pans. One had mushrooms frying, the other was a type of sauce being made from leftover oils. To the side was a plate of chicken. He put them all together into the pan with the sauce and let them reduce and blend flavors nicely. He stirred it every so often.

Carlos got up and walked to the kitchen. "Hello, Etienne. Um..." he looked around a bit to look for conversation. "W-what're you making?"

The android smiled a bit. "Hello, Carlos. This is chicken marsala. I ordered groceries for you today and cleaned around the house. I was sure to avoid cleaning up anything work-related. There is more food in the fridge. I packed lunches for you to bring to work for the next week in microwave-safe containers." He poured the food onto a plate and grabbed some utensils. He held them out to the human. "Dinner is served."

Carlos blinked a bit and took the food from the android. "Oh! Uh- thank you." He gave a nod and sat on the couch.

"You're very welcome. I hope it is to your liking," it gave a smile and nod before turning around and starting to clean.

He cut a small piece off of the chicken and took a bite. And one of two things happened. Firstly, he doubted that this was made from an android. This seemed to be made with love and care and nurturing humbleness, whatever that was. It tasted like a warm hug on a freezing winter day, a fire pit at midnight with your friends all cuddled up in blankets. Needless to say, he was hooked. The second thing that happened was his face mimicking this feeling. He might as well have been having sex.

He was starting to like the android a bit more.

Carlos was savoring every bite as long as he could. Why didn't he get an android any sooner? This was amazing! His thoughts were soon broken from a loud, curious cat next to him. She pawed and bapped his arm a few times as if to say 'give me some! I demand you give me this food, human!' Carlos chuckled and cut a small piece off of the corner and let it cool off as he took another bite. He took it in his hand and spread it out slightly, so that she wouldn't take it in one bite and choke to death.

Death by chicken. How tragic.

Carlos held out his hand and let her munch on the tiny piece of heaven. She was very pleased. 'Perhaps today I'll spare your life, human.' He scratches under her chin for a moment before resuming his own munching. He changed the television to different news channels every so often, mostly just to catch up on the current events status of the world. A few were talking about the 'rogue android epidemic' and he would roll his eyes.

Etienne watched from his place in the kitchen. He processed the information, then gathered more for himself. The android was... curious. He continued to gather info for a moment. There were lots of voices on either side of the fence. But there was one voice that was missing. The creator of the androids. He blinked and shook the thoughts away. This wasn't part of his programming. He looked around the kitchen and saw that his work was done. Excellent. He grabbed his coat and walked over to the door. He carefully placed it on the coat hooks messily nailed to the wall.

The man looked over at the android and watched his movements. He really was just a perfectly crafted human. His brain wandered back to his question from when he first got back to his home. He shifted in his spot. "Hey, um... Etienne?"

The android turned to him and placed his hands behind his back. "Is there something more I can help you with, Carlos?"

He shook his head and picked at his food. "I just have a question, is all."

Etienne walked over slowly and sat next to him on the couch. Pumpkin seized this opportunity and jumped into its lap, curling up into a tight ball. It smiled and gently began to pet the kitty.

Carlos watched curiously. "What did you do all day, when your tasks were complete?"

Its LED flickered to yellow, then back to blue. "Today was a rather busy day, since it was my first day. I spent a few minutes with Pumpkin in-between tasks, though. If there aren't any other commands for you to give, then I have accomplished all of my tasks. I will remain in free-roam and simply stay here until your cat leaves my lap."

Carlos smiles and reached over, giving her some head scratches. "Well... I guess I don't have anything else for you to do. Thanks."

The android looked up at him. "There is no need to thank me, for my tasks are my purpose. But if it helps make this living arrangement less awkward for you, then..." the LED went to yellow and stayed. "You're welcome," he spoke softly, offering a smile.

He blinked at him for a moment before turning away quickly, clearing his throat. He took off his shoes and placed them under the table. "Well! I um... I-I'm gonna... y'know, hit the hay, so-to-speak. Yep. I uh-" he started to step away and nearly tripped over his own feet. "Haha, um... y-yeah... goodnight." He stood in the hallway's entrance for a short moment, just looking at the android.

It offered a small smile and a nod. "Goodnight, Carlos."

The man stared for a moment longer before giving a nod. "Yep. It is. Yeah. Good- goodnight!" He gave another nod and scurried off to his room, nearly slamming the door. He rested against it and hit his head with his hands, muttering stupid stupid stupid stupid.

The android stared after him with confusion. He just gave a small laugh and looked back to the cat. She was peacefully asleep. He sighed and arranged himself to be more suitable on the couch. He turned off the tv and closed his eyes, shutting down.

Day one, successful.