Reboot

Part 3

"You can't open that door!" Sara pointed out, feeling a spike of panic, "The basement is flooded!"

The robot went motionless, and Sara glanced at the remote, wondering if it would talk again.

They stood in silence for long minutes, and Sara began to think the robot had shut down, until she realized that there were faint sounds coming from the robot, like machinery working.

Suddenly a strip of blueprint shot out of a slit in the robot's body, it drifted to the floor a few feet from Sara's boots.

She stooped to pick it up; the paper was warm and burnt onto the back of it was text.

This lab is several steps above the rest of the basement. I have scanned the area and determined that the water in the basement does not reach the lab doors.

Sara looked up at the robot with raised eyebrows; she was impressed with the robot's abilities, "Ok, but how will you get above ground? The elevator is blocking the shaft; you won't fit."

A few moments later and another strip of paper shot out, Sara sighed and retrieved it.

One problem at a time.

Sara pursed her lips, "That's a bit short sighted don't you think?"

The robot was still again for a long time.

Sara sighed and folded the strips of paper in her hands, "Well, I'll meet you on the outside if it's all the same with you. I don't like the idea of swimming through water to get out." She turned to the vent, not quite sure if she believed the robot could get above ground.

"Wait..."

Sara jumped when the robots voice cracked from the remote, she held it up and frowned at the robot.

Another strip of paper shot out.

This printing system is rudimentary and cumbersome, I will need time to perfect it. Please bear with me.

Sara glanced up at the robot skeptically but waited for the next message.

I have determined the water in the basement is approximately two and a half meters deep. You would be well above the waterline on top of my body.

Sara's eyes shot up to the flat top of the robot. A corner of her lips quirked up, "You want me to ride on top of you?" she asked, holding on to her sense of caution.

I am able to keep my body parallel to the floor, you will be quite safe. Please trust me Sara; I am meant to assist humans.

Sara chewed on her bottom lip, "Ok... I guess we could give this a try." She clipped the remote to her belt and walked towards the robot, "What was your name again?"

Reb. 16. Until I successfully design a way to stop the paper from shooting out, we will have to manage without communication... at least until we are past the water.

"Smart," Sara agreed, before she even finished speaking another note shot out.

Now I will open the doors.

Sara backed up glancing nervously at the double doors; how exactly would Reb.16 open them?

To Sara's surprise, the robot extended a single leg and merely pushed open the door.

"Here I thought they were sealed!" Sara mumbled, feeling foolish as Reb.16 propped both doors open. Sara stepped forward and peered down the hallway beyond the doors, she could not see far though, as Reb.16's lights were not at a good angle to see down the hall.