James figures he’s already committed at this point, so he repeats, “Do you like servicing Jett? You know, do you enjoy what you do? Waiting on him, and other things.”
The manupartner tilts his head to the side quizzically. “When Jett is happy, then I am happy.”
“I see.” He isn’t going to get anywhere with this creature, is he?
A grin brightens Decci’sface, as if it’s pleased it answered correctly. Then it inclines its head and asks, “Do you like servicing Kate?”
It seems the programming to make it polite is working. “I haven’t serviced her yet, but the prospect is thrilling.” He assumes the manupartner won’t pick up on his sarcasm. It is hardly more than a glorified robot. Ah—that’s where Kate gets the termflesh robotfrom. He knows she’s intelligent. She proved that when she quickly figured out that he’s from the past. It seems she’s witty too.
They set the trays on the table, offloading them as he studies her. Then James follows Decci over to a bin where they discard them. He arrives back at his seat in time to watch Kate’s pink tongue dart out and lick the foam off her upper lip.
“Mmm . . .” she sighs, nodding at his identical order, and winks. “Good selections.”
Decci picks up on their little interchange, brightening. “James is very eager to service you, Kate. He told me and I thought that would please you.”
James chokes on the sip he took, while beside him, Kate drops the metal cup of coffee. It clangs as a bit of brown liquid sloshes on the table. The manupartner and Jett wear very different grins.
Kate gathers herself quickly, shooting Jett a knowing glare. “If I’d known he was so eager, I’d have rearranged the plan.” Slowly, she turns to face him. “What do you think, James? Shall I have a ride tonight?”
He knows the flirting is an act for Jett’s benefit, but his stomach jumps all the same. The wordrideevokes thoughts, namely of certain body parts bouncing, that he doesn’t want to be having. Therefore, he resolves to keep his head down, murmuring, “If that would please you.” He’ll survive the rest of breakfast, making as little eye contact as possible until they make it back to her unit. Once there, he’ll sit her down and set a few boundaries. Just another item to add to his growing agenda:
Set some boundaries.
Learn about the future so he can find a way to make an income. Plan and execute.
Become self-sufficient so he doesn’t have to rely on Kate.
Pay Kate back with interest.
Figure out what Kate’s problem with the manupartners is, why she finally got one, and why she can’t seem to get a real partner.
Granted, the last item is only for the sake of his curiosity. In reality, Kate and whatever led her to get him doesn’t have any bearing on James or his future plans. Still, that doesn’t stop him from wanting to know.
9 – Her New Roommate
K8
James Alexander Fletcher. K8 repeats the name in her mind until it seems normal. What a strange thing, to have three names. And no numbers at all. How would the system know which municipality he belonged to? Or where to apply his charges?
