((May be a bit long for an epilogue, but eh... what the hell. So I'll split it into parts too. To make it a bit easier to read, I guess...))
I was in the studio, painting my latest masterpiece. After Carl had passed, and with me and Ralph moving into the manor, I decided to pick up painting myself. Following the tips and tricks that Carl had told me about, as well as what he sees painting to be. A way of interpreting the world, and improving it. And while I agree on that statement, I'd say it's more important to have fun with art.
The ringing of the front door bell, caused me to put the brush down in some water. Just to avoid the paint drying. And I do plan on continuing as soon as I can. I
I walked over to the front door, passing the old scarf hanging on the wall, answering whoever was visiting. Being greeted by a few androids, with the exact same face. "Well, ain't this a merry crowd" I stated, leaning against the door frame. "Are you (Y/N) Manfred?" the one right in front of me asked. "That'd be me, yes" I answered, getting intrigued. "Our name is Jerry, we heard that you could help us" the first one continued. He seemed to be in pretty good nick himself, but the others were missing limbs, scarred, and who knows what else. "Well, yes. But I'll need to know your model number. And you have to be willing to pay too. Need to make a living somehow" I answered. Yes, I know that I've inherited Carl's wealth, but it doesn't feel right to just live off of it. I mean I use it, since it's mine now, but I still like to make a bit of money myself. And I unfortunately haven't been able to help every single android who come by, since I've been missing the bio-components they've needed. Or they're just a unique model, with unique parts.
"It's EM400" he answered. The smile never faltering. "EM400" I repeated to myself. "An entertainment, and service, model, specifically designed to fairs of amusement parks. It's not often I see one of you... I'm not sure how much I'll be able to do, but I should have some compatible parts. Step right in" I answered, stepping out of the way to let them inside. "Just go straight through that door, and make yourselves comfortable. I'll go and fetch the parts, and be with you soon enough" I added, before running down to the basement. I rummage through a few shelves, while I had a list of compatible parts for the EM400 model in my hand. I put the parts in a crate, and carried them back upstairs and to the living room.
I went over to the couch, and covered it in a white tarp, which I keep under it. The amount of thirium on it would make it look like a crime scene, but it's a good thing that it evaporates after just a few hours. Making it invisible. Unless you're equipped with the ability to see it.
I asked the androids to line up, from the most critical to the least. Of course starting with the most critically damaged first. Striking up a friendly conversation with each of them, unless they had to be idle for the repairs. When I got to the second, I quickly learned that they were working as a hive mind, and pretty much just continued the save conversation, as if it was the same person. But of course, they do have individual memories and experiences. I also asked how they found out about me. Apparently had Kara told them who I was. It's always interesting to hear where they know me from. Some had learned from people they know. Others heard it from the streets.
Tai trudged into the room, greeting the androids that had been repaired. Enjoying the attention she was receiving. Even for her old age, of fourteen, she's still quite energetic, and playful. Laying down on her side to get her belly rubbed. She's gotten much more used to strangers visiting, and seems to now enjoy it.
As I finished up the last repairs, the sun had already set long ago. Who knew that repairing twenty androids would take this long? I stood up, and stretched out my back. Sitting in the same position without moving is not good for you. And yet, I do that on a regular basis. While I was stretching, I did the maths in my head, and gave them the price. And soon after got a notification on my tablet that I've received a payment. And since it was so late, I politely asked them to leave so I could rest.
