Crossing Wires and Short Fuses
When the woman finally finished talking to no one, she turned over to Irene and asked who the munchkin was. "George is a friend, I asked him to come with me". Debbie inquired what human authorized her to do that in a monotonous voice.
Irene looked at the woman oddly for asking such a strange question, then she explained that she thought a human would be able to turn her back online since she didn't know how. Debbie raised a brow "You can think"?
Irene thought the woman was asking her rhetorically so she did not respond, however it appeared that she was expecting an answer. Debbie repeated herself "Model 159 I asked you a question, respond".
Irene looked down at the boy before turning her attention back to the woman "My name is Irene, may I please know yours"? Debbie was too shocked when she learned that this robot is aware that she introduced herself truthfully. Irene gave a small smile and said that it was a pleasure to meet her. Irene then let her know that she is happy to see that Debbie is okay.
Debbie began talking to no one again, whom was apparently called Phil. "Phil your not going to believe this, this robot is like... aware". After a brief pause she spoke again. "No dumb ass I'm not talking about being on-line, I mean like it's acting... human".
George tugged on Irene's jeans to get her attention and asked if everything is going to be okay. Irene smiled at the boy and told him that there is no need to worry, she wouldn't allow anything bad to happen to him. He asked if she promised that to be the case. She looked at him oddly "Promise"?
George explained "Yeah do you promise to make sure everything is going to be ok, this lady seems odd; like she's up to no good".
Irene deduced that promising something must mean that your making a special commitment to ensure the words your say are held to higher esteem, she thought it odd that humans bother with such redundancies. Irene then slowly nodded "Yes, I promise". Debbie caught Irene's attention, apparently she was finished talking to the invisible person.
"All right, you come with me" Debbie instructed Irene. Irene took George by the hand and started to follow Debbie. "Leave the kid". However, Irene refused to do so. She promised to keep him safe, she couildn't do so if she left him. Debbie wouldn't understand though, so there was no point in explaining that to her.
Debbie wasn't pleased and voiced her conscerns to which Irene heard, but did not listen. After a while Debbie thought it futile to continue arguing with Irene who was obviously persistant in not leaving George behind. "Fine, just follow me.... I'm not taking responsibility if something happens to the street rat though".
Irene nodded once in acknowledgement. Debbie, Irene, and George crossed the storage cars and got into the passenger seat where Debbie started her venture. She ordered the two to sit down, to which they complied. Irene was intruiged by Debbie, she seemed to be stressed for some reason. Irene was confused as to why she was though, the enviroment seemed to be pleasant enough.
Debbie starting talking to no one again and opened up a projection monitor and began viewing various places on the train tracks. Irene didn't want to bother her so she was just waited for her to finish. In the meantime she spent that time entertaining George by playing small games that he took the time to teach her, such as this strange game where two individuals smack one of their hands against the other person's in a systematic repititious manner. It was apparently known as "Patty Cake".
Debbie couldn't help but notice how much Irene seemed to gravitate to the child, if she didn't know that she was a robot she'd be inclined to assume that she was the kid's mother. She was snapped back into the task at hand though when her monitor began beeping with the word WARNING flashing on it. "Shit, Phil..."
That got Irene's attention "Miss Debbie, is something wrong"? Debbie ignored her for a moment and began to type something on a projected keyboard. Irene began to ask again, since Debbie must of not heard her the first time.
Debbie cut her off though "Shut up a moment". Irene did as Debbie asked, although she wasn't happy with the situation. Somehow the silence made her worry more. After a brief moment Debbie closed all of the holographic windows by a wave of her hand and then grabbed Irene by her arm and instructed her that they need to move, and quickly.
Irene asked why, as she followed Debbie. Irene made sure to grab George's hand with her free hand. Debbie seemed to lost in thought though to answer her. Irene deduced it would just be best to comply with her, she seems like she's only trying to look out for their best interest.
When they got to the next car they slowed down to a brisk pace; Debbie seemed to believe that they needed to get to the front of the train as fast as possible. Eventually, Debbie was able to walk up to the front of the first class passanger car of the train. Just before going into the conductor's room though, Irene's eyes linked with her mind and stopped Debbie in her tracks. She saw that there was signs of forced entry to that room and it seemed unsafe.
She tried to explain that to Debbie. But now it appeared to be it was Debbie who was now hearing, but not listening. She explained that once she rendevued with Phil they'd figure everything out. Irene refused to move and Debbie went off on ahead. Irene led George to an open seat and told him to stay there. He didn't want to, but George listened to her. Irene then went on ahead to catch up with Debbie.
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