Not Human

Chapter 4: Safety first

The first month of our internship was over. Sharon and I had finished up on 153 cases in total, highest in the program history. The previous high-score was 123, held by our supervisor Billy from when the program was done solo.

For our second month they moved me to testing and Sharon to bionics. I walked up to Billy to get my group changed. What am I, a 2nd class intern? I have rights you know! I think.

I said, "I want to get my group changed."

Billy said, "Oh... Sharon just got her's changed to testing, so how does bionics sound to you?"

Bionics sounded very good. I could only imagine what horrors Sharon would inflict on me if I took her spot after she got herself into testing for my sake.

I shrugged, "I will pass. Testing can't be that bad, right?"

Billy smiled ruefully and walked away. It is that bad, huh.

We were now assigned to teams of three. I was to be with Carter and Olivia. But Sharon being Sharon switched with Olivia.

I greeted Carter politely and shook hands. Carter nodded at Sharon. I had forgotten that others were still wary of Sharon.

In testing we were to primarily check the safety parameters or in other words check the level of indifference in the android's behavior.

The task was easy since all the androids in this age would ace this test. But it was still mandated by the International Society of Robot Affairs.

The day went by slowly and by lunch break Sharon was snoring on my shoulder.

Carter said, "She seems different from before. You guys dating now?"

I said, trying not to smile foolishly, "Yeah."

"Too bad. I was thinking about taking a shot at you."

I laughed instinctively and then realized that he had said 'you' and not 'her'. I looked over at Sharon, she had her eyes open. Oops.

Sharon sat up straight and looked Carter dead in the eye, "He is mine."

Carter smiled playfully, "For now."

I wondered if I should tell Sharon that I am bisexual or that I had a boyfriend in high school. Maybe later. Never sounded better.

***

Sharon and I were taking a walk in the Limbo compound when the interrogation started.

Sharon said point blank, "So what do you think of that Carter guy?"

"He seems- alright. A bit imposing."

"I am imposing. You like imposing?"

"Uh yes."

"So then you like that Carter is imposing?"

"No wait... I'm not even gay so-"

"Your ex-boyfriend would be heartbroken."

What in the actual hell? Did she hire a PI?

Sharon rolled her eyes, "No, I didn't hire a detective."

And now she's reading my mind.

She continued, "It was obvious from your fb profile. You went to fucking prom together."

"It's not like we danced. And this was before you so it doesn't matter anyway."

"Why did you two break-up?"

"I didn't ask about your break-up."

Sharon didn't say anything after that. She didn't show up at work the next day either.