Back at work. Repairing androids. This time a PL600, who apparently got bitten by the family dog. I had the workshop TV on, again for background noise. I detached the lower arm from the android, which had been bitten, and searched for a compatible arm to replace it. When the new arm was in place, I scanned the android, checking for any damaged bio-components. I activated the android, and lead him into the store to be picked up.
When the android was in place, I went back into the workshop, and cleaned up a bit while waiting for the next. Humming to myself, smiling. The doors opened, and I fixed the scarf to make sure it was in place, before continuing to clean up. "You seem to be in a good mood" my manager stated, with a somewhat surprised tone. I turned my head towards him, raising an eyebrow. "Care to tell me why? I haven't seen you like that before" he added, stepping forward. "What's it to you?" I asked, turning back to the shelf I was cleaning. "Just curious" he answered, leaning against the table. "Then go and revive the cat... if it's not important to you" I answered. "Alright, just hoping to get to know you better" he gave in, standing back up, and heading towards the doors. "You already know I don't do well with people" I stated, before he left.
My attention turned to the TV, when and android without its skin appeared. I crossed my arms, listening to what he had to say. Demanding freedom, and equal rights for androids. I looked over to to the door, and then turning back to the TV. I wonder if I'm the only human who actually agrees with the android. The closer I look at him, the more I recognize him. I leaned closer, trying to decipher the serial number across his cheek.
684 842 971
"Markus?" I asked myself. "No doubt about it, it's Markus" I continued mumbling to myself. His last wish, was for humans and androids to live peacefully together. The channel cut off, and I stood there, processing the message. So, deviants are now demanding rights to be free. They don't want to live in fear anymore. I've already had the same opinions for a long time now. And I get very disturbed when I see someone abusing their android. They shouldn't be treated like they are. Especially deviants, who just want to be free.
I got interrupted from my train of thought, when my manager came in with another android. I walked over to the table, and got to work. "So what's happened this time?" I asked, like I always do. "Water damage. But I can't see where the water would have entered" he answered. I raised my brows. "Androids are completely water proof. Even their bio components are supposed to be. So if it is water damage, there's more to the story than they're telling" I answered, deactivating the skin. Removing the shirt so I can access the stomach. "Now, here's the problem" I said, seeing the main thirium artery disconnected. I reconnected it. And before I reactivated the android, I did check the moisture level. Which was normal. If only people would actually admit to what happened. "That artery doesn't disconnect by a bit of water. The only thing that could disconnect it, is either accessing it, and directly disconnecting it. Or a very hard hit. But that would also cause a lot more damage than just the artery" I described. Since my manager hadn't left the room yet, and I know he's interested in seeing how androids operate and how the damage could have happened. Even though he's been working with repairing androids longer than me. "But of course, you already know that" I finished, reactivating the skin. "You're fast. Maybe I should consider giving you a raise" he said, before leaving me alone again, as he took the android into the store.
I didn't have that much work to do today. Not a lot of people came in with repairs or maintenance. But I still stayed until my shift was over. So I resorted to cleaning, both in the store and the workshop. Of course I headed right home when my shift did end.
First thing I did when I got home, was of course check the garden. I put my bag down by the sliding door, and went out. The thin blanket of snow already being disturbed. As I got closer to Ralph, I noticed the LED red again. He's also been out here for a while, since his hair and shoulders are almost completely white with snow. I slowed down my pace, to not startled him too much. "Ralph?" I asked, stopping a few feet away from him. He quickly looked up, snapping his head towards me. Standing up, and pointing the trowel at me, all in one motion. "It's just me. Don't worry" I reassured him, softening my voice. Raising my hands as well, just in case. "Ralph is sorry. He hasn't been feeling well" he answered, putting the trowel down. He brought his hands together, just like he does when he gets nervous. His head twitching, and damaged side of his face also had a twitch to it.
"What's wrong?" I asked, taking a step forward, putting my hands down. "Wha?" he looked back up. "You said you weren't feeling well. Any bio-components I need to replace? Did someone scare you?" I asked. He took a moment to answer. "No" he shook his head. "Ralph isn't hurt, or scared" he answered, looking back down at the snow. "Then please, tell me" I took his wrist, to try and calm him. I figured, when I met him, that all he wanted was someone to care for him. And someone to care for. So that's what I intend to give him, as well as I can. I noticed his face lightly dusted blue, when I took his wrist.
"I don't know" he breathed. "Ralph doesn't know why he's been feeling like this" he continued, looking at my hand on his wrist. "Can you try and describe how you feel?" I asked, not taking my eyes off of his face. "Scared? And happy? At the same time" he answered, very unsure of what he should say. "Ralph doesn't want (Y/N) to leave, no, he doesn't want her to leave. But she has to" he continued, seemingly starting a rant. "Ralph is scared something will happen to her, but she always comes back. Yes, she always does" I tried to decipher what was wrong. "It would be a pity is (Y/N) got hurt, oh yes, great pity, great pity" he continued, as I was trying to get his attention back. I moved my hand to hold his, joining my other hand to hold it too. "Ralph" I tried again, but no response. He just kept ranting, with his head high, so he didn't even see what I was doing.
He didn't react until I put one of my hands against his cheek to make him look at me. "I think I know how you feel. But to what degree, I'm not sure" I said. I swallowed the lump in my throat before continuing. "You love me... maybe as a friend. As family... or something more. I don't know. But it's clear you care about me" I answered, taking my hand away from his face. "I care about you too. I don't want anyone to hurt you... And no one will as long as I'm here" I added. It started snowing again. "Let's get back inside before it gets any colder" I said, letting go of the android, and heading back. It was also getting somewhat late, so I did whatever I could to make myself dinner, and care for Tai, before I had to start getting ready for bed.
I put down a blood bag on the coffee table in front of Ralph, in case he'd need more. "Try to get some sleep, okay? I'll be gone pretty early tomorrow, for work again" I patted his shoulder, and made my way upstairs.
In my room, I took off my shirt to be just in my bra and pants. I also took off my scarf, putting it on the bedside-table. Stretching my back, and climbing into bed. And as I have a bit of time, I picked up the book I was reading, to continue. The only light being from the lamp beside me.
It's been maybe twenty or thirty minutes when I heard my door open. I quickly covered my face with the blanked, and looked up to see Ralph in the doorway. "Are you okay?" I asked. "Ralph wondered if he could stay with (Y/N)" he answered. I scooted closer to the edge. "O-Of course" I said, making a bit of room for the android. He stepped inside my room, closing the door behind him. He laid down beside me, while I still had my back against the headboard. Still keeping the blanket over the lower half of my face. He was facing me, with the LED against the sheets, so I can't tell what color it is. I put the bookmark between the pages, and put the book down. "Still confused over your emotions?" I asked, and he nodded. "You'll figure it out sooner or later" I stated, as I slid down under the covers, and turned the lamp off. "Good night, Ralph" I said, snuggling into bed.
