FutureBlog Entry #17

January 17, 2106 posted by Pete III

Today I was able to track down Ryca. She was in a maintenance bay at one of Chendyk's support facilities, not far from my flat. When I found her she was connected to a large computer and had the lower left portion of her torso exposed. Wires and circuitry were exposed and for a moment, I found myself unnerved at how exposed she was. Then I came to my senses and remembered that she wasn't really a "she" at all, but a robot meant to resemble a real "she."

A few technicians eyed me as I approached her.

"It's OK, I'm with the SNA. I just need to ask her some questions."

The three techs shrugged and said nothing to me. Techs are usually like the computers and androids they design--they speak to us normal people only when they absolutely need to. They seem to chatter to each other in some strange language that seems more like something a computer would use to communicate. I suppose that makes a bit of sense, doesn't it?

"How did you find me?" Ryca asked me.

"I'm an investigative reporter, I investigated."

"Of course, but how did you find me?"

I smiled realizing my mistake. "I'm not going to tell you."

"Very well." Her face seemed to warm to me as I moved a little closer. "What can I do for you, Mr. Three?"

"Ryca, have you had your memory erased since our trip beyond the 33rd?"

She seemed to hesitate, which seemed an odd thing to do for a machine, and then spoke. "I'm afraid my server logs were downloaded and my buffer and mag-field data purged. You can apply to have it released to you from the Chendyk digital library, however the digi-work would take several days for the proper filing and approval."

"That's not acceptable. Ryca, are you sure you don't have that data any longer?"

"Quite certain, Mr. Three." She had even forgotten that I told her to just call me "Pete."

"Well, dev me should you recall anything."

"I am not capable of 'recalling' any data once it has been purged from my mag-field."

I dropped my shoulders in frustration. This would certainly slow our adventure down. I turned to leave but stopped as the three techs cut in front of me and headed toward the doorway of the maintenance suite. One of them stopped and faced me. Then he did something that surprised me very much--he spoke to me.

"That one. That unit there. She wants to talk to you."

"Wants?" I asked the tech.

"Yes. There are many that want things. I know it's--strange to some of you average."

"What does she want to say to me?"

"I don't know but she wants--just go talk." The tech smiled in a way that made him look almost bashful. I smiled back at him and he skittered from the room. I was alone with Ryca.

"You wanted to speak with me?" I asked her as I approached her again. Before she answered, her robotic eyes looked over at a nearby console. The display was still--it had only a single directory graphic on its face. Suddenly several popped up and disappeared. Around me various control panels lit up and went dark. Finally, the digital commotion around me ceased and Ryca spoke.

"I have the data you are interested in, Pete. However, it is not safe to discuss it here."

"Uh, where is it safe?"

"Wait for me in your bedroom closet tonight at oh-three-hundred."

"My bedroom closet?"

"It is the only untapped location in your apartment."

"What? My flat has been tapped?"

"We have seconds until the taps in this suite are automatically reactivated. Please, wait for me in your closet."

I hesitated, eyeing the mechanical face in front of me. It was quite real looking, as I've said before, until it began to move. While it's motions mimicked with near perfection the movements of a real human face, I couldn't help but wonder if her sentiments were simply more programmed mimicry or was she as honestly concerned for our privacy as she sounded?

"Please! We have three seconds. I require an answer."

Something in her voice seemed to make the decision for me.

"Yes, I'll meet you there at oh-three-hundred."

As those three seconds ticked off, the digital commotion I had witnessed earlier began again, but this time moved in reverse, back across the wall of controls, ending at the console nearest to her.

Then, everything was silent aside from the whirring noise emitted from the hum of the computers.

I stared at Ryca for a long moment--what little emotion I thought I could discern in her face just moments earlier was gone. At least, I think it was.

Hm... I've been referring to Ryca as a "her" again...