Future Perfect - S2

by Fran Heckrotte

  CHAPTER 8

  Jain

  SEVERAL MONTHS HAD passed since Jain's return from the Middle East. She still found it hard to believe that Joanie was a princess, let alone the sovereign ruler of a country. Betta, who at one time had been Joanie's captor, now commanded the princess' security network. Some of the Royal Guardsmen resented being subservient to a woman, but not one was brave enough to challenge Betta. Her superior hand-to-hand combat skills and intellect were enough to intimidate the bravest in the Guard. Only Joanie, Jain and Solaria knew Betta was a first-generation Hubot.

  * * *

  Her work at the library had taken longer than normal. A high school literature class had arrived late in the afternoon to examine the antiquated collection of books. The majority had never seen a real book, let alone held one. Jain had to continually caution them about the fragility of paper pages.

  Arriving home, Jain felt whipped. Ten hours on her feet made her calves ache.

  Being fat doesn't help either. Tomorrow, I'm starting my diet, she promised herself, knowing it was never going to happen.

  Perhaps exhaustion was making her a little paranoid as she walked up the steps to her condo. Glancing nervously around her neighborhood, the feeling of being watched made her uneasy. Except for a couple of kids on roller-rockets, and a small dog hiding behind two trash cans, the streets were vacant.

  Jain cringed when one of the girls attempted a triple flip off a homemade accelerator ramp and landed on her back. Roller-rockets were the latest rave. Micro power packs activated the miniature propulsion jets on the boots, giving kids the momentum needed to achieve difficult maneuvers such as the flips. Jain was glad to see the girl had adequate safety gear. Several children had died from broken necks and head injuries because they refused to wear helmets. Specially designed joint guards protected her elbows, wrists and knees. An impact absorbent flexbrace supported and buffered the spine against impact and compression injuries.

  "Are you okay, Tewanna?" Jain called out. The girl gave her the thumbs up and grinned, embarrassed that she had been caught doing a triple flip. Everyone in the neighborhood knew her mother wasn't happy Tewanna was participating in a predominantly male-dominated sport.

  Waving, Jain checked out the neighborhood one last time. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. The dog had moved, but still appeared reluctant to get closer. Its head was cocked slightly as stared unblinkingly at a spot several feet away. Unconsciously, Jain shrugged.

  I wonder what that's about. Maybe it'll be gone by tomorrow. She could only hope. Jain had a soft spot for animals and was familiar with all the pets in the neighborhood. This one was new to the area.

  * * *

  The following evening, the dog was still hanging outside of her condo. Slightly scruffy, its left ear was badly torn but didn't look infected. Jain had asked her neighbors about it that morning. No one knew anything. Concerned that it had been dumped, Jain felt obligated to do something to help the animal.

  I guess I could take you in for the night. Then what? I don't have time for a pet... Oh, what the hell! At least I can give you some food and water. Maybe put some salve on that ear. I'm sure someone's looking for you.

  Jain plopped down on the second step and held out her hand.

  "Come on, baby," she called out. "I don't bite."

  Surprisingly, the dog sprang forward and leapt onto her lap. The white and brown wiry coat was slightly disheveled but clean. A small scar was barely visible above the ridge of her left eye.

  "Well, young lady, you look pretty good, considering you're lost. Apparently no one thought enough of you to put a collar on you. How about we go get dinner? We can decide what to do with you later."

  "Arrr... rrrahh... rahhh."

  Jain smiled. Standing, she marched up the stairs, holding the dog under one arm and her handbag on the other. Neither noticed the young woman standing a few doors away.

  CHAPTER 9

  Joanie

  "I'LL GET US SOMETHING to eat in bit," Jain promised the dog, putting her on the floor. "Right now, I'm going to rest my feet." She walked into the living room and collapsed in her favorite chair. The dog stared at her but didn't move. "Oh, so now you're suddenly shy. Well I don't —" She was interrupted by a whispery, female voice to her right.

  "Excuse me, Jain. You have a call. I have tried to identify the number. It is unregistered. Do you want me to answer it?"

  "Can you identify the voice, Phoebe?"

  "No, Jain. It is female but not in your database. She addressed you by your first name. The call appears legitimate."

  Legitimate. I hate that word. Why can't you just say a real person or robo?

  Jain sighed. She preferred not to be disturbed, but was curious about the caller.

  "Activate audio only, Phoebe... and thank you."

  "You are welcome, Jain. Audio is now activated."

  "Hello, this is Jain."

  "Jain!" a woman's voice exclaimed excitedly. "That's quite an answering device you have."

  "Joanie!" Jain yelped happily, sitting up. "And yes, she is. I bought her a few weeks ago. Phoebe is great at screening my calls and monitoring the security system. Hold on while I switch the vid on."

  Seconds later, the face of a young woman with white spiked hair appeared on the monitor. Joanie definitely didn't fit the stereotyped image of a Mid-Eastern princess, let alone sovereign ruler of a country that Africa was trying desperately to court.

  "It's so good to see you," Joan said, waving enthusiastically to Jain. "So what's with this Phoebe?"

  "She's the latest thing in technology. Not only does she answer my calls, she also tells me who's at the door and scrambles unauthorized radio frequencies. Even HomeSec can't eavesdrop."

  "Do you honestly think any store-bought device can stop the government?" Joanie asked.

  "No, but Hack Attack can. He tweaked it for me," Jain replied, giving Joanie a smug smile.

  Joanie laughed and gave Jain a thumbs up. Hack Attack's skills were legendary amongst the underground high-tech geekers. He had been instrumental in Solaria's escape from Future Dynamicon.

  "I stand corrected. He's the best. How's Hack doing?"

  "As paranoid as ever. Enough about him, though. How are you? There's nothing wrong, I hope."

  "Naw, everyone here's fine. Betta makes sure of that."

  "I bet she does. Your guards weren't very happy when you put her in charge of security."

  "Fuck them! Being a princess has its advantages, and being a ruler means not giving a shit what my subjects like," Joanie said and then laughed.

  "Or not! You've certainly developed a royal attitude. I hope you're not turning into a despot."

  "Only with those who deserve it."

  "Good! Some people just don't get it. How's your uncle? He's quite the charmer."

  "Oh Uncle Jazeer is fine. He sends his regards and mentioned visiting you later this year. I think he likes you."

  "God forbid! He knows I like women. Why in the world would he want to come here?" Jain asked, incredulous at the thought.

  "He knows and he doesn't like you that way. He thinks you're an interesting person and wants to get to know you better. Besides, it's not common knowledge, but Unc isn't into women... if you know what I mean."

  Jain laughed. "Good for him. So, if everyone's fine, why the call?"

  "Jainy, I'm crushed. Can't I call you simply because I miss you?"

  Feeling contrite, Jain apologized.

  "That's okay," Joanie replied. "Besides, you're partially right. I do have another reason for calling. Betta talked to a friend of yours last night. Apparently, she's located a... sibling."

  "Damn! Has she made contact with her... or him?"

  "No, but she might have more information in few days. I tried to convince Betta to take a leave of absence and help her. Fat chance that'll happen. She insists it's not necessary and changing her mind is impossible."

  "Maybe not impossible, but I know what you mean. Is there anything
I can do?"

  "Not really. I just wanted to give you an update. If I hear anything else, I'll let you know."

  "Thanks, Joanie. I miss all of you. Life is boring now that everyone's gone."

  "For you, maybe. I wish I could say the same. Betta believes there are still a few operatives amongst the Royal Guard who were involved in killing Father."

  "Are you safe?" Jain asked, worriedly.

  "Perfectly! She'll weed them out. By the way, I'm thinking about taking a trip back to the States next month. Any chance of you putting up with two extra guests?"

  Jain grinned. "The bed is made and the sheets clean. Drop in anytime. You're always welcome here. Ummm... Has Betta loosened up any? I mean, how is she dealing with her emerging feelings?"

  "I honestly don't know, Jain. There are times I see progress and then she clams up and hardly talks."

  "I imagine it's hard for her. She just needs time to evaluate everything she's going through. Don't worry too much about it for now," Jain advised. "Just be there for her."

  "I'll always be that," Joanie replied. Something in her voice hinted at an emotion deeper than friendship. If Jain's suspicions were right, Joanie was falling in love with her guardian. Only time would tell. "I need to go now. I have a meeting with my financial minister. The African Union wants to open up new negotiations on oil prices. We're one of the last countries with a substantial reserve, thanks to Father. With Stalling dead, his religious movement is collapsing and now the Union wants to be our best friend."

  "Some people have big ambitions and small visions," Jain said. "Just be careful. I don't trust anyone in that organization."

  "I'll be careful."

  "Good! And let me know when you hear from our friend. I've been worried about her."

  "Will do. Take care, Jain."

  "You too. Bye," Jain said. "Disconnect, Phoebe."

  "Voice receptor is deactivated, Jain. While you were talking, I detected several infiltration attempts on your line and one message."

  "Can you identify the source?"

  "No, but the frequency signatures are similar to twenty-seven others in my database. I will continue my efforts to discover who the attempted intruders were."

  "Thanks, Phoebe. What was the message?"

  "You're welcome, Jain. Mrs. Watson has requested that you report to work one hour earlier. She has an appointment with her Physiologist and will be late."

  "Physiologist," Jain said. "Pfft! Fancy name for a masseuse. Please call her back and let her know I received the message."

  "Yes, Jain."

  CHAPTER 10

  Jain and Solaria

  THRILLED TO KNOW Solaria was alive and well, Jain felt an overwhelming sense of relief. Six months was too long to be out of contact with her friend. Friend! If her associates knew Solaria was a Hubot, they would think Jain was crazy to consider a bio-mechanical creation in such a manner. As if they would believe a Hubot even existed, Jain thought, especially one as handsome as Solaria. Now, if I could just get her into my bed for some hanky-panky. Jain laughed. The thought was absurd. Solaria wasn't interested in sex. Besides, Jain would be the last one she'd turn to — after all, even Hubots knew the difference between good-looking and plain... and Jain was plain. Short and fat, with an average face, she had no illusions about her looks.

  Except for my smile. I do have great teeth.

  Jain giggled. What an absurd conversation she was having with herself. Yawning, she stood up and headed to the bathroom. Tomorrow was another workday and she needed a cold shower. Thinking of Solaria had stirred up some rather uncomfortable hormones. Perhaps fixing dinner for her and the dog would distract her from her lusty thoughts.

  * * *

  Rummaging through the refrigerator, Jain pulled out leftover meatloaf, cottage cheese and two cloverleaf rolls. After putting everything on the table, she grabbed a large plate and a saucer.

  "I hope you like meatloaf and cottage cheese," she said, glancing down at the dog sitting patiently at her feet, watching her. "At least you have manners. Someone trained you well."

  The dog cocked her head at a slight angle and woofed once. Golden-brown eyes stared at Jain intently for a few seconds and then blinked once.

  "Is that yes, you were trained well or yes, you like meatloaf and cottage cheese?" Jain asked.

  The dog barked twice.

  "Okay then. That's either yes to both questions or you've chosen door number two." Filling the small dish with food, she placed it on the floor next to her chair and then sat down to eat her own dinner. Before she could take the first bite, she was interrupted by another woof. Looking down, she saw the saucer was empty.

  "Damn! You are hungry. Here's another slice. If you finish this one before I'm done, you're going to have to wait. I want to enjoy my meal... something you obviously haven't learned yet." A low whine made her feel a little guilty. "I'm just kidding. Eat as fast as you want."

  The dog wagged her tail happily and began eating... slowly this time. Jain smiled.

  "You learn quickly."

  Turning back to her plate, she ate her own supper, occasionally glancing down at the dog. It continued to eat, taking little bites, chewing each one several times before swallowing. Then it would hesitate, look up at her and take the next bite.

  Dogs don't eat like that, she thought. At least none that I've ever seen.

  Reaching down, she handed the dog part of her roll. It tentatively took the offering.

  "You definitely have manners. Someone must be missing you a lot."

  Jain yawned. Exhausted, she decided to take a shower and call it a night. As a librarian, most of her time was spent filing away old books that had been returned, or assisting people with computers. Normally, it was a boring job but one she enjoyed. Occasionally, though, something exciting would happen. Jain smiled. Very exciting, she thought, remembering her first encounter with Solaria.

  * * *

  Solaria had come to the library to use the computers. Her insistence on using the same one every day aroused Jain's curiosity. Jain quickly discovered the settings had been tampered with and decided to investigate. When she backtracked the computer's history, she accidently hacked into the database of a company called Future Dynamicon. Homeland Security arrived the next day, but not before Jain had switched out the hard drive. Her dislike of the telecommunication company and the government made her want to protect Solaria, at least until she could learn more about the woman. The decision changed her life forever.

  She discovered Solaria was a Hubot, part human, part machine. With her programmer's help, Solaria had escaped from Future Dynamicon. Jain and Solaria eventually uncovered documents providing detailed information on the existence of at least one other Hubot, and eventually tracked her down. Later, Jain returned to her boring life as a librarian. Betta decided to explore her evolving human emotions by protecting Joanie, a sheik's daughter that she had been guarding for Future Dynamicon. Solaria went in search of other Hubots and Jain returned to work.

  CHAPTER 11

  Scootie Screws Up

  WHERE ARE YOU? Jain wondered, worried about Solaria. If you don't call soon, I'm going to... To what? Well, I'm going to do something. I'll think of what later. Unconsciously petting the dog lying on her lap, she realized it was almost bedtime. It sure didn't take you long to settle in. Even dogs have their price, huh? Okay, time for my shower.

  Coaxing the animal off her lap, she laughed when it reluctantly stood, yawned and began stretching. First the right rear leg straightened and pushed backward. Then she repeated the procedure with her left leg and ended with a bow, her rump stuck in the air with her front legs stretched out in front of her.

  "My, aren't you dainty," Jain said. "If you're finished, let's go to bed. I'm tired."

  Cocking her head sideways, the dog gave Jain a toothy grin.

  "Wawawoof."

  "Don't wawawoof me. I'm in charge here," Jain declared.

  "Rararara."

  "Oh yeah, like I'm supposed t
o know what that means. Stay here if you want. I'm taking a shower. You can sleep on the floor or on the bed, just as long as you don't snore." Without waiting for a response, Jain headed to the bathroom.

  That should show her who's boss.

  Ten minutes later, she found the dog curled up on her pillow. Grimacing, Jain nudged her with her hand.

  "Would you at least scoot over and give me some space?" When the dog stood and moved to the foot of the bed, Jain laughed. "Thanks. It's nice to see you don't talk back all the time."

  "Pfffftttt," the dog responded, shaking her head. Curling in a small ball, she buried her nose under her right leg and closed her eyes.

  * * *

  The sheets were cool as Jain slipped between them, rolled onto her side and sighed. Within minutes she was asleep, her arms wrapped tightly around her pillow. Jain didn't know how long she had been sleeping before a noise woke her. Opening one eye, she looked blearily toward the door. The figure of a woman stood in the opening, silhouetted by the hall light. Jain had a strange sense of déjà vu.

  "Solaria? Is that you?" she mumbled, blinking tiredly. "How did you get in?"

  "You gave me the code, remember? I'm sorry if I woke you."

  "Oh, that's okay. Are you hungry? I can —"

  "No," Solaria said, walking slowly into the room. "At least not for food."

  "Oh." Jain rubbed her eyes wearily. "OH!" she said again, suddenly realizing what Solaria had said.

  Solaria smiled. Her teal eyes glowed brightly, giving her an almost demonic look.

  "Oh, yes," she confirmed.

  Jain swallowed nervously. This is a dream, she thought.

  "Umm... Okay.

  Solaria laughed softly.

  "Do I make you nervous?"

  Jain could only nod.

  Solaria walked around the bed and started taking off her clothes. Jain closed her eyes, trying not to look. The temptation, though, was too great. She couldn't resist peeking through narrowed lids. The woman had a gorgeous body. As Solaria slipped under the sheet, she rolled onto her side and faced Jain, her head propped on her hand.