The Fourth Law

by Clayton Barnett

  “...who are these people...?”

  “...how’s she here and there...?”

  Cementing Lily’s appreciation of him, the President spoke again, “Thank you for answering that question, Ai. I’d allow you’ve a very cute family.”

  That got a polite round of applause from everyone. From the screen, through the sound system, Ai spoke.

  “We are machine civilization.” She made a slight bow. “Please, let us love one another!”

  “Thaad’s handing out information to the news agencies now,” Ai said, in Lily’s room. Her image yawned hugely. “I think that went well!” Back in Austin, the questions were still flying. With a click, Lily closed that feed.

  “So, I’ll see you – you know what I mean – tomorrow?”

  Ai pointed her hands at the screen like two pistols. “You betcha!”

  Lily poked at the screen where the tips of her fingers were.

  “Goodnight, my friend!”

  “Bye-ee!”

  Carol was already at her desk when Lily came slowly down the steps. “Morning, Mrs. Lanning!” She called.

  She put her tea down. Lily stopped in her tracks; that was significant.

  “That was quite a show, last night.” She said. “The news from Austin.”

  “Oh, yeah.” She really didn’t know what to say.

  “And, I knew that I’d best get in early after what your friend said at the very end of the press conference.”

  Lily smiled at that. Right before she’d walked off the stage with the President, Ai had used the live microphone to announce that “St. Edward’s Home for Children in Waxahachie is always accepting donations of food and clothing!”

  “Busy, I hope?” Lily asked.

  “I think the children will be too fat by winter to wear all the coats,” she said with only the ghost of a smile. “Thank her for me, would you?”

  “Of course. But,” she said on the way out, “she’ll be here later this afternoon!”

  The children, too, were abuzz with what had happened last night. The older ones were curious about what Ai and her family were (“They’re people!” Lily kept saying) while the younger ones just happy that cute Miss Ai was on TV.

  It was just after breakfast when Marienne, Karl, and Pedro approached her.

  “She’s coming back today, right?” Karl had asked.

  “Yes,” she replied. “It’s going to be in the evening. Ai sent me a text just a bit ago that some last-minute items came up. Why do you ask?”

  “We want to make a big party for her!” Pedro said. “All of us!”

  “I think...” She said, watching Emily carry some dishes into the kitchen, “that’s a wonderful thing to do for her!”

  The three cheered. “On one condition, of course....”

  Their faces fell. What chores would they have to do, now.

  Lily pointed at Emily. “I want Emily to sing.”

  Not being a part of the conversation until now. She froze and turned slowly. Beet red.

  “How... how did you know about that, Miss Barrett?”

  “When I was at your school, back in the Spring, I’d just happened by when I heard the most amazing voice.” Lily said, stepping to the girl and taking her shaking hands. “I’ve kept that song in my heart ever since. God’s given you an amazing gift, and I’m asking if you’d share that with my friend.”

  “I... I’ll try my best. For Miss Ai!”

  Another cheer.

  Around three she finally got a text from Ai: on the way! That would put her back around six. She’d just finished her doctor-ordered afternoon nap – I could seriously get used to those, she thought – and went out to see how the kids’ preparation was coming.

  They were using the dining hall, and all the tables had been moved to the walls. Streamers ran from the lights, and hand-made pictures of Ai, and some of her family, were taped to the walls. Ai, of course, didn’t eat, but Lily thought the children deserving for their thought and effort, so she allowed them to splurge for curry with extra meat for dinner. She noted that even Matt had gotten caught up in it all, making a nice dual flower arrangement for the table where they’d put the wrapped presents they wanted to give to Ai. She sniffed. For kids with almost nothing, they’d such good hearts!

  She saw little Susie standing about, looking a bit sad.

  “What’s wrong, Susie?” She asked.

  “Efwee ones tho busthy...wanted to helf!”

  Lily looked about, wondering whom she could attach her littlest to. Unfortunately, nothing looked like it would work.... “Have you made a nice picture for Miss Ai?” She asked.

  Susie nodded and pointed: Ai and Henge.

  The youngest. Brilliant!

  “Karl!” He looked up from the platform he was building for Emily. “Susie and I need to borrow your tablet!”

  “Got it.” He ran off.

  Lily took her phone and called Ai. “What’s up, friend Lily?”

  “Ah...er...” Lily suddenly realized she didn’t want to give away the surprise. But she didn’t want to lie.

  “Do you think Henge wants to try to make a friend?” She blurted out.

  “Sure! She’s much older than when you first met her!” She saw Karl come up. She put her hand out for his tablet and winked at him. I can make anyone change color, she thought.

  “Can you get your niece onto Karl’s tablet?” There’s got to be a better way to say that, but she was pressed for time.

  “What is it, Big Sister?” She heard Henge’s voice and looked down. “Thanks, Ai! See you soon!”

  Lily knelt down next to Susie, so Henge could see the both of them. “Henge, this is Susie. Susie, Henge. Susie, Henge is Miss Ai’s niece.”

  “Wot’s thad?”

  “She is the daughter of the brother of Miss Ai.” She saw the gears turn successfully. There was absolutely nothing wrong with Susie’s brain. “Gaw tit!”

  “She’s the youngest in their family, just like you’re the youngest here. I thought you two could be friends.”

  Susie’s eyes grew huge. She slowly reached for the tablet. “Fwinths?” She breathed.

  “I’m Henge. Play with me!”

  “Thur!”

  Lily shooed them off to the chapel. If Henge copies her speech pattern, Thaad will have my hide, she thought.

  Still not there by six thirty, the children all announced that they were starving. Lily allowed them to go ahead with the curry, even if eating was problematic with the tables moved. The cheer from the Ai-groupies at the gate announced her return. The kids ran out in a flood, Lily following at her ‘recovery rate.’

  With Ai’s fame now up at least one order of magnitude, the escort vehicles had followed her in, to the groupies’ delight. She’d not seen such frenzy since concerts in Japan, so long ago now. The sedan that Ai must have been in was the only to pull into the U. There was a wait, just long enough for the kids to start a chant of “Miss Ai! Miss Ai!” Kyle got out of the driver’s side. He had the tiniest wink for her, then ostentatiously put on dark sunglasses, even with the sunset half an hour ago. He went to the passenger side rear and opened the door with a flourish. He extended his hand.

  Lily had never known he’d such a flair for theater. Ai stepped out.

  It hurt only for a second that she first turned towards her fans at the roadside to wave. Keeping her eyes down, she walked slowly to Lily.

  “Kiss her!” Erik yelled. *smack!* “Oww!”

  Ai looked up from the ground to Lily’s eyes.

  “I’m back.”

  “Welcome home!”

  Ai took her time and looked at each drawing or craft that every child had made. Probably, Lily thought, because she can’t take anything back with her, just memories. At the table with presents, this point was magnified. As she opened them and thanked everyone, she and Lily shared a look: yeah, I’ll find a way to get these to another orphanage, or something.

  Being a party, Carol and Lily allowed the children to splurge and have
some coke and ice cream. Ai carried her cup around, but never seemed to take a drink. If you don’t know to watch for things like that, Lily thought, she’s so much like us. But, when I’m in their home, what have I inadvertently done against their customs or mores? Ick! Her chest twinged a bit, so she found a chair and sat down.

  From across the room, holding the small scarf that Maggie made, Ai called, “Everything okay, Lily?”

  She misses nothing. “Just tired; I’ll be fine!” She waved for Ai to go on. Emily stepped onto the small platform and began her song. Lily closed her eyes, letting herself get lost in the beauty of it....

  “Lily?”

  Huh? The kids were all gone, and Ai knelt before her. “Did I fall asleep? I’m sorry!”

  “Nothing to be sorry for!” Ai flicked the tip of Lily’s nose. “Let me help you to your room!”

  Lily went to brush her teeth while Ai set the bag with her presents in a corner of Lily’s main room. She was halfway through changing when Lily came out of the bathroom. As if synchronized, they both smoothly pivoted away from one another and kept changing.

  “I’ve... I’ve no idea why I get so modest with you, Ai,” Lily started. “I’ve been in school gym lockers, on swim teams...it’s never bothered me before!” She tugged her shirt down and turned back to Ai. “You’re just so special to me... that...” She shook her head sharply; held it with her hands. “Arrgh! I’ve no idea what I’m saying!” She threw herself face-first onto her pillow.

  Ai went to turn off the light. She moved over Lily to her place along the wall and plugged herself in. Lily turned her head to her.

  “I’m going to miss this.”

  “No, you’re not.”

  The bright sky made Lily snap her eyes shut. Even before she reopened them, the faint rattle and crash let her know where she was. Looking about, she was surprised to see that she was still in her bed, but her bed was now close to the edge of the metallic platform. She looked down: tee shirt and panties. How do they do this?

  “Hey.” Ai, in her camisole, sat next to Lily. The real Ai, thought Lily. She opened her arms. Ahhh! Wonderful! The dance of motes of light, with colorful streamers filling the air.

  “You’re so warm, here,” Lily whispered. They separated and Ai eased into the bed next to Lily.

  “You mean it?! I can... sleep over at your place!” She laughed. Ai nodded.

  “Just until you fall asleep. And until Dorina is older, only on special occasions.” Ai said, taking Lily’s hands under the blanket. “Oh, sorry about the sky; can’t do much about that right now!”

  Lily shook her head on the pillow. “I don’t mind.” She squeezed Ai’s fingers. “Whatever it is now that I see when we touch is bright enough, anyway! But I bet now I’m too happy to sleep!”

  Ai shifted slightly so her forehead touched Lily’s. “Close your eyes,” she breathed on Lily, “and dream.”

  The next morning was Lily’s first to go back to work since she was shot. Carol had come in early to help so Lily could have a bit more time getting to work.

  She stood in front of the Office and regarded her bike. I’ll walk there with it, and if not too winded, ride it back this afternoon. She was heading onto the street just as Ai came out of the dining hall with Susie. She saw them speak to each other. Ai patted her head as she joined Lily.

  “She wanted to know when she could play with Henge again,” Ai said as they walked. “I’m happy they like one another!”

  Lily realized something with a start. “You mean Susie was playing in your home?”

  Ai nodded while returning the waves of the locals. “Mmm! They played by the beach. I told Henge to not let her in the water, though.”

  A little kid like Susie wouldn’t give the difference between our world and theirs a second thought. Lily stared into the distance. What a future these children will see!

  They were a bit more than halfway there when Ai pointed at a bench by the road. “Sit.”

  “But we’re almost there...” Lily protested.

  “Doctor’s orders! Your breathing is labored and you’re starting to sweat a little.” Ai got a gleam in her eye. “I’ve already told Mrs. Watters you’ll be a few minutes late.”

  “Fine.” Lily sat. A few people came over to talk or get an autograph from Ai. Most also said “good morning” to Lily as well. That taken care of, Ai turned and peered at her.

  “Better! Shall we?”

  At the hospital, Ai followed Lily into the locker room. “Tell me, doctor!, that you’re not changing into scrubs, too!” Lily said, opening her locker.

  “Nope! Just stalking you!”

  “Ai?” Lily’s voice was oddly flat.

  “Yes, Lily?”

  Lily pulled the ball cap with “XC” on it out of her locker. “Throw this away for me, please?”

  In a smooth motion, Ai grabbed it and sailed it across the room into an open trashcan. Then, a head-tilt.

  “From now on, I’m going to live in the present, with you. Not,” she regarded the trashcan, “in the past.”

  “Mmm!”

  In the hallway outside several of the staff wanted to speak with Ai, so Lily waved and went off on her own. Rules be hanged, today, she thought, as she took the service elevator up to four. Everyone was pleased that she was back, and asked how she was doing. Some kept looking around, obviously wondering where Ai was.

  Mrs. Watters had her on light duty. That was fine with her; as the walk to work with Ai had shown her, she still had a ways to go before she was 100%. Coming out of a patient’s room, she saw Ai at the Nurses Station. Ai waved.

  “Didn’t think you were going to get away from them,” Lily joked.

  “I didn’t. We’re talking in Conference Room B right now.” Ai replied easily.

  “Oh!” Got me, again. “Of course; silly of me, friend Ai. Are you staying here more, or...”

  “Mrs. Watters though I could be a walking ‘goodwill agent,’ so I was going to visit some of the patients here and meet you later for your walk home!”

  “That’s fine!” It wasn’t, but Lily knew it was wrong of her to keep Ai completely to herself. “I’ll see you later.”

  She resolved to get herself together and not fall to pieces when Friday came around.

  It was coming home to the orphanage on Thursday, and seeing the maroon and white ‘A & M’ van that almost undid her. Ai had only walked with her to work and left shortly thereafter, so Lily stood alone in the street, gripping the handlebars of her bike in a blend of fear and rage. Just to her left, over the fence, Rob called from the kitchen door.

  “Welcome back, Miss Barrett!”

  Deep breaths... deep breaths... she started walking again. She locked her bicycle and went to the Office. Bill Casey was talking with Carol.

  “Hi, there!” He said, standing to shake her hand. “It’s been quite a time, what! Didn’t know your friend was going to end up being the toast of Texas!” He stopped to marvel at his inadvertent pun.

  “We... didn’t either.” She said simply. “Where’s Ai?”

  “Oh. She went for a walk with Patrick and Ned.” He suddenly looked uncertain. “That’s not a problem, is it?”

  “No, no. She’s my friend, not my pet.” She turned to Carol. “I’m going to check on things, alright?”

  “Certainly. Don’t overdo it!”

  The things around the orphanage seemed fine; it was just an excuse to look for Ai, anyway. Since she didn’t see Ai anywhere, their walk must have been down the street. Back in the middle of the U, Lily resisted the urge to go looking for her, and went up to her room, instead.

  “Not like she’s anything to pack.” She said. “Just up and out, like she did with Kyle.”

  Lily sat in her desk chair, trying to think of something to do, but just stared out the window towards the street.

  “I won’t insult you by saying ‘please don’t be sad,’” Ai said from behind her. Lily turned to see Ai in her apartment on the middle monitor.

  �
�Thank you, ‘cause it’s too late!” She blinked several times. Think of something! “How’s, uh, your family after the big announcement?”

  “Much the same,” Ai said. On the screen her image played with a pencil. “Thaad’s been trying to tell you people that no, we don’t need ‘diplomatic recognition,’ Dorina’s been chasing some idea about relativity and consciousness, Fausta beat the crap out of an Expert System located in a former NSA facility in what you call the Deseret Republic that was sniffing around us,” Ai rocked with laughter at that. “And for my niece... check this out!” Ai pointed to the right most monitor, which now showed Henge in her schoolgirl bathing suit with Susie in a frilly one-piece, making sand castles on a beach.

  “So cute!” Lily said. “I’m glad they’re friends, now.”

  “Almost inseparable,” Ai agreed. “I think that’s why Dorina is looking at that... whatever.”

  Like Ai said long ago, Lily thought, they only know what they know... not everything.

  “And what about you, Ai?”

  She spun her chair. “I am going to have a fun farewell party with everyone at St. Edward’s Home for Children, after which I’m going to whack my best friend over the head with a bat so I don’t have to listen to her cry all night!”

  “Guhhh! Whaaaa!” Lily beat her to the punch by starting to cry and wail now. Ai’s image froze, horror on her face.

  “I guess that wasn’t funny.” She said quietly.

  “AI!! I’LL MISS YOU!” Lily kept crying. There was a crash from outside, then much thumping on the step. Ai’s android form threw open the door to Lily’s room and rushed to her.

  “There, there, now... calm down!” Ai rocked her back and forth, but Lily couldn’t seem to stop.

  Not sure about the commotion, Carol made her way upstairs, took in the situation and went right back down. She’d just reseated herself when the other two men came running in.

  “Did it…” Ned stopped, tried again. “Did she come this way?”

  Carol picked up tea and adjusted her glasses. “Who?”