I finally made it to Anisa's shop after walking all the way here in Nena's body. The shop's lights have improved again and even the music is different from st time. Still not what I had expected, but the gentle beat of the futuristic sounding music really adds to the ambience.
Stationary green and blue ambient lights are shining here and there, further adding to the rexed atmosphere. Suffice to say that Anisa knows what she's doing now.
I take a seat at the counter and notice that Anisa is already walking towards me. There are again more people here, but they are only diners because I can see all three drones still waiting for 'action.' Perhaps Anisa has given up on them and changed the pce into a modern looking restaurant? Who knows?
She approaches me with her usual warm and kind smile."Good morning, miss! You are welcome of course, but we're currently testing a few upgrades to our shop. The music and lights might be a bit inconvenient."
"Ah, I see. But 'inconvenient' is hardly the word I'd use to describe this very nice ambience. The lights and even the music are...perfect." I pretended to stare at the lights for a moment, then focused on her again. "This pce is perfect for rexing."
I let my left hand rest on the counter, so she can clearly see the bracelet's red lights, showing her that this is a drone's body.
"How kind of you to say. Wait...no way....don't tell me....are you really a drone? You look...so real!!" She's definitely surprised and takes a moment to study my face.
"Thank you, but yes, I'm a drone. My name is Nena, and I represent the very test in drone technology. My new AI and appearance should be very satisfactory to your customers. Don't you recognize me....master?" I stare into her eyes while showing her a polite smile.
She touches my hand to feel the temperature, after which I put my right hand on hers.
"You called me master, didn't you?" She swallowed. "I believe you are mistaken, I could never afford you, miss." She's surprisingly polite to me, but then leaves me to help another customer.
When she finally returns, she finds me leaning against the wall with my arms crossed. I'll try flirting with her, just for fun, but I'm not sure how she'll react to that.
She simply stands there... studying me from head to toe....until I step in front of her. She turns around to face me, still at a loss for words. I lean over and then put both my hands on the wall, leaving her head in the middle. "You're cute....when you are at a loss for words."
"Eh...." Yes, it worked! She's blushing!
I take a step back and straighten my outfit, just like Nena did earlier, then I put a strand of my hair behind my furry ear on top of my head, trying to look as feminine and real as possible.
I smiled when she blinked a few times....probably trying to decide whether to get rid of me or not. "You really are my owner, master Anisa. Don't you like what I have become?" I twirl around and show off this new body. "Kaya has upgraded me. I'd like to work for you again....master."
She blinks again...then surprisingly gawks. She finally seems to realize that the drone standing in front of her is actually her old obsolete drone. "What did you say? That old thing is you?!!!!"
I raise my hands, time to stop this. "Ha ha ha....alright, sorry Anisa. It's me, Kaya. I'm controlling this drone remotely. I thought I'd return her to you like this. And this body feels absolutely real to me now! I made lots of upgrades!"
I sit down at the counter again and wait for her to take a seat to my left, still in awe.
"Yes, I can see that, Kaya. She's... perfect! You look...I mean...it looks like....I dunno....I'm speechless! For the Sanity of the 14 Obelisks of Waduluu... how did you manage to do that???!!!!!!!"
"WAAAA? 14 what????"
"Nevermind that, Kaya! It's...SHE's incredible!!! And what about the functions?"
"Duh, fully functional of course. Well....not that I tested any of that. I mean, that's your job. Everyone with the proper interface can control these and it feels absolutely real. But even when using the AI, the drone will act much more lifelike than before. So remember, when the AI is in control, it will behave like an upgraded drone, but when people like me drive it, they can make it appear even more alive."
Anisa's amazed expression slowly changes into a grin and then whispers "don't tell anyone about this...this has never been done before and might be very, very profitable. How about we work together and both benefit from this?"
I'm sure that some people will get the wrong idea when they see two grinning dies whispering in a pce like this, but I couldn't care any less."Sounds like a great idea, partner."
"See? I knew I would like you. Could you do me a favor?"
"Sure, what?"
"Log out of this one and join me here. I mean...the real you. Let's watch together what happens, how people react to it."
"Sure, but can you expin something to me first?"
"Of course!"
"I just talked to the Hierarchy and..."
"YOU WHAT?" She interrupted me. A few customers were surprised about the outburst for a moment.
I whisper again. "Shhh! It's nothing, I swear. They apologized for making me....you know....whatever. I'm also working for them now, sort of. Don't worry, I'm one of the good guys."
"Mmm....alright....what was your question?"
"They talked about css points, but I'm confused. Is that the same as credits?"
"No, css points are...how do I expin it? A way to show how important you are. More css points will give you more credits. And credits you can spend almost everywhere to buy what you need."
"Ah....okay. I think I understand. Anyway, I'll return in a few minutes. No, wait, I forgot to tell you that this drone is still in learning mode, so it still needs some time to improve, okay? I mean...she's fine, but she needs a bit more time to sound less like a drone."
"Okay, that makes sense." She nods a few times.
"Yup, so I'm disconnecting and.....eh......hi there." A Lantosian man distracted me when he took a seat to my right.
Anisa looks at me, not sure if I'm still controlling this drone, so I wink at her. Yup, she got it.
"Hi there, dies. Mind if I join you?" The man next to me said with a confident smile. He pushes a button on his uniform, and somehow his arms are now uncovered, making the upper part of his uniform resemble a t-shirt. It definitely looks more casual now, but I didn't know that these uniforms could do that! His well developed arm muscles are hard to miss.
"Not at all, we were feeling...lonely." I tried my best sensual voice, and I think it worked.
When I gnce at Anisa, I notice her blinking again. Yup...sorry, can't help it. Someone needs to teach this drone how to flirt, right? And it is also the perfect opportunity to teach the drone how to behave in general.
Anisa takes her pce behind the counter and offers the man a drink, which he accepts. I think that she actually means to show him that she isn't....'avaible.'
I make sure that my 'bracelet' is visible to him, so he should feel more at ease flirting with me. I mean, my instincts are telling me that he's not only stopping by for a drink.
"So....I'm Bork, may I have your name?" He asked me.
"Of course, Dork, I'm Nena." Oops, I almost said 'Kaya.'
"No, it's...Bork...actually."
Sorry, the effects of sleep deprivation. Can happen to anyone, right?"Oh, sorry, my bad. Bork, it's nice to meet you."
"Likewise. So...are you...like..free?"
"Of course I'm free, as in 'avaible.' You can talk to me...enjoy a drink together... maybe go for a walk... just tell me in what sort of mood you are. It's just that my software was upgraded a few moments ago. I'm afraid that I need about an hour before I can reboot. But for now we can at least ....enjoy ourselves like this."
He looks at my lips and of course my assets, which was only a matter of time. "Incredible. You are...so real. You look and sound like a real woman, not like those useless drones."
"Thank you, Bork. Yes, I'm the most advanced doll avaible at the moment, but again...I need some time to improve. Please...be gentle with me."
"
He focuses on me again and smiles. "That's all I need to know. I want to make reservations for you, starting in 1 hour."
Really? It's still morning? Whatever. "Em.....Anisa? Could you please make a reservation for us?"
"Sure, Nena." She remembered the drone's name, thank god, and then entered something in one of her devices, knowing all too well that Nena's schedule was completely devoid of other reservations. Well, it looked professional, I'll give her that.
When I put my hand on his resting hand, to get his attention, I say "oh, and I'll sound a bit different ter after I have finished rebooting. So, please remember, just keep telling me what you like or don't. I'll try to improve, okay, honey?"
"Um...yes, but can't you stay like that? You are perfect the way you are."
"Awww.....that's so sweet of you to say, but my AI needs to reboot or it will damage my systems. Ah...I should probably stop talking like a machine. I'm sure that's a complete turnoff."
"See? That's what I mean...you are not a braindead machine....you are real! You know what I want."
"Thank you, yes, I am very real. And I do feel alive, but I can forget that occasionally. Anyway...thank you for treating me like a woman, with respect. My memories of you might disappear ter, I'm not sure. Please don't be mad at me if that happens."
"Alright....but it's a pity."
"It sure is.....you're a nice guy. Will you please excuse me? I'll reboot and be ready for you in a short while. Enjoy your drink and wait for me." I gently put my hands on his cheeks and pulled him closer, teasing him...but only rubbed my cheek against his cheek.
I winked and then slowly walked towards the back...making sure to walk like a fashion model. I'm not sure, but I think guys like that.
Anisa quickly followed me into the office in the back and said "Kaya! You are so amazing! You were flirting with that guy! Please! Please tell me that your Nena can do this!"
"Well...she should be able to. She's here with us right now, learning."
"Can't you stay like that?"
"Are you kidding me? Anisa! I'm not working for you! Just let her surprise you. And please, please treat her like a real woman...she deserves it."
"Ehh....okay... You seem quite convinced that she is one. I'll try. Does she really have to reboot?"
"Nah, I'll log off and then you can talk to her a bit. Tell her what to do. She has no idea...trust me."
"Kaya! What do you mean she has no idea??!" She suddenly looks very, very worried.
"Well, she's a pure innocent maiden!"
"For all that's holy! I'll need at least an hour for this! Then go already!"
I waved and then logged out. Yup.....not...my....problem. She ordered a repair, nothing more.
After waking up in the alcove, I could feel the ptform turning vertically again, so I could exit with ease.
"Welcome back, Kaya. How did the drone perform?"
"Far above expectations, Fred. She's super amazing. Now I want one of those for myself."
"Please provide the specifications."
"Em...okay. Alright, I'd like..."
But I got distracted by my beeping watch.
"A message for drone repairer Kaya. One of the power pnt drones has ceased operations. A repair request has been filed."
It was only an automated message, so I couldn't reply."Fred, why don't they simply send that drone here?"
"Scanning.....it cannot move, it's fixed to the floor to allow maximum strength."
"Okay, whatever. Oh noo.......does this mean that I have to go there?"
"You do."
"But I can't even fix the thing without your help!"
"I know. Perhaps you should build a repair drone? I could take over from you."
"Now that's an awesome idea, Fred! Let's do that right now." Yeah, totally not going to worry that Fred might take over and become the next Terminator....nuh-huh..
Since the message said that there was no urgency, I took my sweet time to design a really nice drone. It will become a mobile repair drone, but must still look absolutely lifelike. Its limbs must be able to change into any tools it needs, while Fred can take control of the drone and do the repairs whenever needed.
I made Fred promise to tell everyone who would talk to the repair drone, that he's in control. I don't want to confuse people even more. Just imagine that the Lantosian staff around here begin to think that I can repair all of that on my own.
I added a few extras to the drone as well, things that might come in handy. Think of basic defenses and such. I really don't want my precious drone to get damaged in pces like Downtown.
After Fred had started the construction, he ordered many cargo drones to pick up the needed parts here and deliver them to the power pnt so the new drone can start repairs once it is ready.
While Fred was carrying out my orders, I sent a message to Anisa, saying that I was deyed. Surprisingly I didn't get a reply........
I made myself comfortable on the diagnostic table, which looked like a bed, and focused on the sounds of the drone being built. Fred must have upgraded the protective gss door to the alcove since the only sounds I heard were gentle humming and buzzing sounds. I asked Fred to let me rex here for a while, so no drones entering, nor any conversations for a while.At some point listening to those rexing sounds simply made me fall asleep, because I was exhausted.
[ 11 am ]
After my power nap I called Mia, worried that she might think that I was avoiding her for some reason. She then told me that she was still helping out the people at General Services and was enjoying her time there. When she told me that she was hoping to meet for lunch, all was well in my world once more.
While waiting at Anisa's for Mia to arrive, I chatted with Anisa. She told me that the Nena drone had already received more reservations for the next few days. She however lectured me about having to teach her all about her 'duties,' but we ended up ughing.
When I was checking my watch for new messages, I noticed Mia approaching.
"Hi, Kaya, I missed you. You didn't return to the den." She walked over to me and gave me one heck of a lovely smile, which melted my heart instantly. She then took things further by rubbing my cheek, and I gdly returned the gesture. She didn't rub the other cheek as lovers would do, so she truly wants to give me the time to adjust.
"Heeeeey Mia. Missed you too. It sounded like you had a busy morning?"
She let her forehead touch mine for a moment and then pulled me into a strong hug."Yes, you have no idea. But the humans are all nice people and I poured them coffee!"
We take a seat at one of the tables, Mia opposite of me, and I see her reaching for the tablet which shows the lunch menu. She's in charge of ordering, since I don't recognize most of the food names yet.
"I'm sure they didn't mind letting a cute and fluffy gorgeous woman see to their every need?" I said.
"Heh heh heh, not at all! They were working so hard, I was happy to help them!"
Ummm.....are we still talking about the same? Yeah, probably."I'm really happy to see you smiling. You have the right to be happy."
"Awwww...thank you!" She said with a very kind and sweet voice. "And thank you for waiting."
"It hasn't been that long. Besides, I took a nap in the repair room earlier. Much has happened this morning...and I needed some time to process things. But I'm gd you're here. Did you really mean it?"
"Mean what?" A mischievous smile appears on her lips.
"You know what I mean." I can't suppress a smile.
"Yes...every word. I want us to be together. You and me...in a romantic retionship. But you told me I was going too fast, so why start the topic?" She tilted her head for a moment, which looked surprisingly cute because her fluffy ears joined in the movement.
"Umm....well....I just needed to hear it, I guess?"
"Then I will say it as often as you want. I.....love....you."
She leans forward towards me and motions me to move closer as well. When I do, she rubs my cheek and then stares at me, waiting for me to reciprocate. Seeing me stare at her makes her giggle, but our eyes remain firmly locked.
I had some time to think this over earlier. Yes, only lovers rub the other cheek, and I guess that now is the moment for me to do exactly that. And that's exactly what I did, hoping that she would appreciate the gesture.
Surprisingly she blinks a few times, but then smiles. "Kaya..." is all she says when her lips slowly approach mine. Her kiss is more forceful this time, but only sts ever so briefly. "Kaya...."
"Umm...yeah?"
"You have no idea how much that means to me."
"I think I do. That gesture was intentional and my feelings for you are very real. I love you too."Our faces are still only inches apart.
"Awww.......hold still please."
She then walks over to me, lets her ear brush against mine and then lets her nose touch mine. Suddenly a spark appears out of nowhere, making me scratch my nose.
"What was that?!!!" I said while watching her taking a seat again.
"Ha ha ha.....something only lovers share. It's just some harmless static electricity."
"Harmless or not, it startled me! So...can we do that again?"
"Ha ha ha! Of course...tonight? It's much nicer in the dark when you can actually see it for a moment."
"Absolutely!" Being an alien seems to have its merits!
When Anisa approaches us, not wanting to send a drone to take our orders, she says "just asking. You two do know that you are in a restaurant, right?" She winked at me.
We both nodded and blushed from embarrassment ...after which we pced our orders.
The food was as alien looking as always, but no matter how odd it looked, it was still very delicious.
Eating there together, no longer as roommates, but as more... felt like no other feeling I experienced before. It was a feeling of romance, only overshadowed by my fear that her expectations of a romantic retionship might prove too 'alien' for me.
Mia asked more than once if I felt comfortable, or if she needed to slow down. Her smile was so beautiful when I told her that I wanted to move forward, but she respected my request to take it only one step at a time.
For now, touching noses and rubbing cheeks is fine. Flirting puts a smile on my face too. But the occasional kiss is as far as I'm willing to go right now. But still, that electrical discharge that happens when our noses touch seems really interesting to explore.
Man, I can't wait for the sun to set.