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The days passed quickly and routinely for the nandroids: courses, evaluation and turning off, over and over again; for many months they had been preparing to overcome all kinds of situations through tests and simulations, waiting once their training was finished, to be assigned to their corresponding owners who had already ordered them for a long time, or wait to be put up for sale to a family willing to make them a member of their home.
And that long-awaited and announced moment by all felt closer and closer, the Christmas festivities would soon arrive, the season of madness for shopping and decorations was at its peak, the snow fell incessantly and slowly began to cover the streets, the cold became strong and persistent with each day that passed, and people prepared their savings to be able to offer their relatives, friends and other loved ones an unforgettable Christmas Eve; although possibly the most expected of each Christmas gathering would be to receive a new Sterling Robotics automaton under the Christmas tree, or perhaps next to it due to its size.
But we must not get too far ahead, there was still some time left for those busy and distressing, and also wonderful dates.
However, both the people and the nandroids themselves could not wait any longer, the sensation of mystery and emotion produced by imagining what kind of family they would be sent to, or what model of nandroid would be given to each residence was exhilarating; those doubts would finally be answered in less than three days,
although there was still something to do, one more thing that the robots had to go through before their departure: graduation.
They would all be in one place receiving the blessing of John Sterling, the owner of Sterling Robotics, and its superbly renowned creator: HE would be there to wish his proud creations the best, to see them receive the folders containing the information of each family they had been pre-purchased for, and after that, the robots would be packed up and ready to be delivered and brighten Christmas for everyone in their care.
Meanwhile, exactly twenty four hours before the long-awaited ceremony, in a Sterling venue, the final class of the day was about to end and this would be the last time that all that group of various nandroids, including Gerthy and Leonny, would be gathered in those halls in which they locked themselves up for hours learning and training for human care; the last day before graduation instead of keeping them deactivated or in some monotonous learning seminar, it would be used so that the androids could live one last time with their companions and their friends who had been made during their stay at the installation .
And Mr. Gómez, the instructor assigned to that group, was giving them the latest advice on "Prevention and Elimination of Pests and other unwanted beings in the kitchen."
-Make sure that all food is wrapped, sealed and stored in its respective places before leaving the place and engaging in other activities,
and also always keep chemical items such as soap, bleach, degreasers and others out of the drawers and shelves where children are able to reach them,
and finally, if you find a crawling insect or a rodent in the area, do not let it escape you, it is in your territory, your battlefield, and you should always keep a weapon with which to defend themselves, owners trust you to always keep an eye on their homes being impeccable, but that does not mean that you cannot make modifications to facilitate the work.
Alright, I think I can set all you free with that, I don't want to hear about nandroids leaving their kitchens a rat's nest, literally. Understood ladies? -
- UNDERSTOOD SIR! - chanted the nandroids together and in unison.
-Well then, good luck. -
Immediately they all got up from their seats and left the room in total synchrony, first the seats in front, and then those in the back.
Only Leonny decided to stay last so he could say a few words to his teacher.
-I really appreciate your personal attention to Gerthy and to me sir, it made me very happy to have our training with you.
I'm going to miss you terribly, and for what it's worth, I hope you can get one of us soon, if you're lucky even one of the group might end up with you. -
-I did not expect such good wishes from you, but thank you. Y'know? I think it won't be the same without you, without Gerthy and without your joy in the next courses. -
- Can I give you a hug? - she asked a little embarrassed.
-OK. Remember, only five seconds. -
Leonny squeezed Mr. Gómez with a slight excessive force between her arms, which did not bother the man so much when he returned the hug.
Gerthy was left with a reflective look that watched them from the porch, perhaps a little regretful that she had not been part of the kind gesture that her friend took the initiative.
-Mein Herr Gomez. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too! - Gerthy said goodbye without approaching to avoid so abruptly interrupting the adorable moment.
-Thank you Gerthy for considering coming back and saying goodbye. -
-I didn't come just for that. I'll need your phone number for… Ehhhhhh-mergencies. That is, yes, to call someone trustworthy in a complicated situation that I hope never comes. -
-Suuure. -
The instructor wrote his number on a napkin and handed it to the nandroid.
Finally, the two left, but not before saying goodbye to whom they had considered a father figure during all this time at the headquarters.
-Hugs for me, from a robot. Who would have figured? - The instructor scoffed as he picked up his bottle and notebook from the desk and put them in his backpack.
- Are you flirting with the ladies, Mr. Gomez? - said someone approaching the corpulent man.
- Get the fu-! - The irritated professor was about to throw the bottle at the guy, when he realized who it was. - Miss Lennox, forgive me for that. I have been somewhat irritated today. -
-A war veteran with an insufferable temper, I'm surprised you got your job with that attitude. Happy holidays anyway. - the girl commented annoyed.
-I'm really sorry. I'm upset because they haven't given me my check yet and I have to do a lot of shopping, you know how they've been these days, and to screw things up, on Christmas Eve my wife's family comes… Ugh, I'm under a lot of pressure. But how can I help you? -
- Have you seen Gerthy? I have news for her that will leave her amazed. I want to give the two robots a Christmas surprise. - Lennox was wearing a Santa Claus cap that kept slipping off her head because of how big it was.
-Yes, yes, she has left with Leonny towards her stations. They just left a few minutes ago, you can catch up with them if you hurry. -
Lennox proceeded to leave, but not before saying goodbye to Mr. Gomez. -Thank you for taking such good care of them, and Merry Christmas Henry. -
-Take care Irma… -
A few seconds after Irma left the classroom, a parcel employee entered with a yellow envelope and a white package in his hands.
This delivery would be a warning of bad omen, since it symbolized the beginning of a new infernal stage that would take place in that gloomy week, something that would completely change the lives of the unfortunate recipients of those packages.
-Excuse me mate, do you know where the office of Dr. Víctor Strauss is?... -
Meanwhile, in the great headquarters a pleasant Christmas spirit was felt with all the decorations that gave life to all the corridors: spheres bathed in diamond and with various opaque, shiny, and pastel colors; colorful lights placed on the doors and windows, and one or another member of the company with some clothes alluding to Santa Claus and other characteristic characters of the season.
The other nandroids watched with shock and amusement as they walked towards the warehouse where their recharging centers were located, a place where they used to shut down for a few hours and where they could recover energy, literally electrical energy.
A group of educated and trained nandroids for everything that was put in front of them, went to their rest area, all silently and orderly in a single file. Until two of them, who were behind the main group, could no longer contain their emotion and went out of protocol, which caused them to look at them.
-One more day Gerthy. Twenty four more hours! A few more hours before our graduation! The only thing missing is that, and we will be certified to be able to serve and ensure the well-being of our owners. This is finally happening! Finally we have to demonstrate our skills with a family! I'm so excited to see what's in store for us that I can't think of anything else but the big event of our approval fair. -
Leonny showed her joy every time her cheeks lit up vigorously in a warm whitish light, and her voice sounded more lively and cheerful than usual, ollowed by a walk that went from one side to the other without stopping moving at the same pace as the others, while her skirt billowed gently from her hasty movement.
It was rare for her companions to see such uncontrolled enthusiasm in her, but they also found it tender and pleasant.
-Leonny, I'm supposed to be the one with the euphoric and hyperactive behavior. -
Gerthy did not reflect the same level of emotion as her bestie, rather, she had a serious and somewhat anguished expression.
-I like to see you in such a good mood tonight, but aren't you worried that they will separate us after the ceremony?
There are only today and tomorrow before we become part of a family. And it really disgusts me to think about it right now. -
Leonny stopped his joyful march after hearing that worrying thought from her friend, her emotion had not had space to harbor the idea of that imminent event, but pretending to remain immune to the concern of his redheaded friend, she tried to encourage her so that this would not happen sound as fatal as she had just mentioned.
-Come on Gerthy, we won't let that become a problem for us. People have devices with which they can stay in communication even over long distances.
The "Phones" will be very useful to us, we just have to find a way to relocate ourselves. -
- With our serial number perhaps? -
-What a good idea Gerthy. And at some point we will have some free time so that we can contact each other and you can tell me about the gossip that you have ready for me about your life with a family.
By the way, what kind of family would you like to have in charge? With many children? With older people? With pets? -
- Hmm… Perhaps with a girl who has social anxiety and eating disorders and other mental problems? Or maybe with a guy who spends all day on the computer with an overly insufferable teen attitude and severe gender identity issues? Or how about a dysfunctional family leaving their kids home alone all day without even a bite to eat and me having to work at a grocery store while the parents are away? -
Leonny looked stunned at her friend after that answer. But almost instantly she laughed and addressed her:
- HAHAHAHA, are you playing with me or do you really want a challenge in your future? -
-A little of both maybe. - Gerthy also laughed with her while they talked and continued on their way to the shed.
They were still chatting about the issue that had the redheaded nandroid in a complex, but with the various solutions that Leonny proposed, it no longer seemed like a problem that wasn't easy to solve.
-So if searching number by number doesn't work, maybe we could consult the company's records to see our address and home phone number, and if that doesn't work... -Suddenly, something was heard, a sound similar to a paper being torn off which upset Leonny.
- AHHH! -
- What's happening? What happen? -
-Noooo. -
As Gerthy turned her gaze to Leonny, she saw the white ribbon on her head fall away as the gigantic hair grew and spread all over her friend's face and body; the tape on her ponytail had worn to the point of breaking, which made it cover a large part of her torso until almost the beginning of her skirt, and the only thing she could see was a kind of brown jungle positioned in front of her eyes.
-My tape didn't take anymore Gerthy. Now I sure look horrible. - exclaimed with sadness and concern.
When that happened she was practically useless and clumsy when walking, she was almost completely blind, and moving her hair every time she needed to see was a very uncomfortable and exhausting process for her, luckily Mr. Gómez had given her some pieces of industrial tape just for her.
It was not the best solution, but it was functional, since it had already lasted a long time with it holding that planned defect.
-Don't worry, we're almost there, I'll take care of ordering more adhesive tape for you. - Said Gerthy, who would be their guide in what was missing on the way.
-Besides, you don't look so bad Liebling. -
-Of course I do. I look like a grimy mop or a Halloween witch. -
-I see you more similar to the girl that appears in that horror movie of the cursed tape that they told us to prohibit letting children see. -
-Funny, were you also programmed to be "Herr Komediant”? -
-Heehee. I'm just kidding. Don't take it so personally. -
Gerthy continued to guide her friend through the halls holding her hand and walking slowly to avoid tripping; fortunately for both, the warehouse was already close, a few meters from them was the large entrance that divided his resting place and the corridors that led to the rest of the building.
-Look Leonny we're almost there. Oh right, you can't see. Sorry. -
-NEXT ONE I'M GOING TO GET ANGRY AND I'M GOING TO TEACH YOU A LESSON. -
- Wait please! - a voice was heard while the sound of footsteps got closer and closer to them.
- Did you hear that? -
-Yes, the hair does not make me deaf Gerthy. -
-It's a girl, and she's coming here. I think she wants to talk to us. How exciting! -
-Then I think that the best thing will be that I enter, I'm not presentable to anyone right now. If she needs to see me, let her know it might take while I get ready, can you? -
- Ja, sure. Don't worry. Come in, come in, walking palm tree. -
Leonny arranged her hair in a long bat shape, and threw it just enough to hit Gerthy right in the face, stunning her for an instant.
- Ouch! Alright! No more bad jokes. - Normally it would not be more than a gesture of anger on her part, but the abundant amount made her hair could become a kind of heavy utensil that served to whip and hit, a bundle that gave the mocking redhead a good lesson.
The disheveled nandroid hurried into the warehouse, and Gerthy approached the girl who was beginning to show signs of weariness.
- Pufff... the good thing... Uff... is that I bring tennis. Oh…my Santa hat fell off. - Her breathing was fast and short, and her face had been dyed with a slight reddish color, also had somewhat marked dark circles.
- Are you alright miss? -
-Oh, hello, Gerthy. Uff, yeah, I'm fine. I just ran a little to catch up with them. - She took out a small white towel from her inseparable bag, which she used to wipe the sweat from her face.
-Wait a minute, do you know me? I've never seen you around here before. -
-Of course, I know you very well. I've been watching you and… where's Leonny? -
- Do you know her too? S-she won't be able to come right now, but anything she needs I'll let her know. Tell me how can I help you? -
-Oh. Alright. It doesn't matter. Anyway, I think it's better that you tell him; You see, I bring you important news, news that only you can tell her and no one else. A juicy tidbit just for you. -
- Really? - Gerthy's eyes lit up when she heard such sweet words for her auditory receptors. -I really appreciate it, miss. -
-Please, we are more confident, call me Miss Lennox… -
The warehouse was a huge closed place and similar to a kind of warehouse, built with bricks and covered with a semicircular roof made of a strong and resistant sheet that covered the entire establishment, it also had some windows and small holes that functioned as vents, since the place was almost sealed and very airtight.
Nandroids entered there to enter sleep mode via their recharging hubs that resembled comfortable beds that were sealed on a timer; it was a place just for them, few people who were not technicians or authorized personnel could enter, and the only access was two giant gates: one that led to a special exit from the building, and another that led to the halls and offices of the facility.
There they could interact with each other in a limited way, since at a certain time all of them had to be in their respective place ready to deactivate and they could turn off the lights of the large lamps that illuminated the site.
There were several of these taverns that were capable of housing more than a hundred nandroids each, and their barracks were individual and portable, that is, they could be separated from the ground so that they could be removed and were easy to maneuver to where it was needed without "wake them up", although it was usually very rare for them, and when they did, it was only to change their address.
These devices featured several buttons, with which various functions were achieved, including regulating the suspension time, activating the robot in case of an emergency, scanning the internal system, and they could also open and close those glass covers that covered their giant battery in the shape of beds.
Gerthy's and our protagonist's resting places were near the wall one in front of the other; Leonny had a bit of a hard time getting to her room, as she leaned against the brick wall while stopping every once in a while to move the hair out of her eyes and position herself.
One step at a time, slowly but surely, she found her bed and sat on it so she could start getting rid of the hair nuisance.
-For now I'll make an impromptu ponytail, I hope Gerthy can get some tape or a rubber band, it's urgent. I don't know how I'm going to be able to work well with this thing bothering me all the time. -
As she was applying what he had learned in his hairdressing course, she also remembered the discussion she had with the nandroid named Molly: since that time, the words that had affected her so much had not stopped reverberating in her head way as the first time she heard them.
"I know I'm better than her, I shouldn't keep thinking about it, but what if she's right? What if I have a flaw? What if this is a flaw?"
Between her thoughts she had stopped arranging her hair and was playing with it, running it through her fingers over and over again.
"I can't stop thinking that maybe if there's something weird about me, I think I shouldn't have been so rude to her, maybe I shouldn't have done my dutys so quickly in class, maybe I should have changed my attitude and been more sociable; I've seen the doctors, I've seen how they looked at me, confused, worried... Did I do something wrong?"
Her fingers intermingled with the long, thin hair that she tangled and untangled between the polished and soft porcelain of her synthetic skin, her movements they were getting faster, she found herself nervous with herself.
"What if I don't qualify to take care of someone? What if nobody wants me because of my imperfections? What if they reject me and store me until they get rid of me? What if it affects Gerthy too?"
-Gerthy… Where has she been? -
- Yes! Yeees! Thank you very much Miss! It made me very happy today to hear that. - Gerthy was jumping with happiness, and was about to hug Lennox when she stopped.
- Excuse me, maybe I could…? -
-Sure, go ahead. - Lennox stretched out her arms and approached her, who likewise approached and gave her a hug that lasted for a long time.
- I'll tell her right away. And again thank you very much for the news. -
-There's no reason, darling. Well, I'm leaving, but I hope you both do well in the future, goodbye and Merry Christmas. -
-Merry Christmas, miss. - Lennox turned around and left happy for having brightened the day of someone who needed it.
Once she had disappeared, Gerthy almost ran to the door of the warehouse, but suddenly someone approached in the distance.
- Hey you, come here! -
- Another one? - Gerthy stopped and cautiously made her way over to the stranger, who was wearing a multi-shade brown uniform with a cap with his company logo on it.
- Excuse me, but I have to go in, they might get upset with me if I stay here. -
-You're Gerthy, right? -
- Ja, it's me. How can I help-? -
-A package for you and Leonny. Take it. - It was the same parcel employee who went with the instructor, only now he only had the white package with a note on top.
Gerthy took it, and immediately the clerk hurried out of the hall.
- Nun denn! Thanks and Merry Christmas! - Gerthy yelled before going through the large door into the warehouse.
- Happy Holidays you fucking junk! -
- A package? For us? How did he know about- Wait what did he say?! - She went back out to look for the subject, but he had already left there.
Gerthy, hoping she had misheard, went back to see Leonny, curious as to what was in the box. When she met her, she found her with her hair pulled back into a single, somewhat sloppy ponytail, and in a rather low spirits and sitting at her post.
- Is something wrong, Liebling? - Gerthy hid the box behind her bed, and sat next to her friend.
-I think I should apologize to her. -
- With who? -
-With Molly. I think she was just trying to help me and… I… I don't know, I feel really bad about myself. -
-No, no, no, nein. Don't regret putting that one in her place... Agh, never mind. Forget that, now listen to me, I have a juicy gossip for you that I know will lift your spirits. It is incredible news. -
- Oh really? Well, tell me, what is it about? -
- What would you think if I told you that we already have an owner? -
- Are you kidding? I dont believe it. Who is it about? Who told you? What else did they tell you? Tell meeeeee. Tell meeeeee! - Leonny got up immediately and came over to shake at Gerthy and find out more details.
- Waaaaait! You wrinkle my suuuuit! - Said Gerthy who was going from one side to another pulled and pushed by the anxious Leonny.
-I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please continue. -
Gerthy adjusted her suit, and continued: - The girl who came to see us, Miss Lennox, told me everything. Our owner is called Armani Sándor, and he seems to be an important person back in Europe. -
- Europe? Oh, this just keeps getting better. Tell me more, MORE. - Leonny had her cheeks so lit with emotion that white was the only perceptible color on them.
-We were pre-acquired by him and we will be sent as soon as graduation is over. They will pack us up and we will leave immediately for Hungary in the morning. -
- Magyarorszag! I knew it was no coincidence that I was good at that language. Wait, are we both going with him? -
- Yes Liebling. We will never part. -
- Hurray! My best friend and I have an excellent future assured. Go to the dump Molly! They chose us over you! - Leonny got up and hugged Gerthy as they spun merrily.
- Koszonom, thank you, thank you, thank you, Gerthy! You are the best friend I never asked for but always needed.
-Hehe... I knew that this would lift your spirits. But that's not all, there is one more thing. -
- What is it? -
Gerthy picked up the white package and showed it to Leonny. - I swear I didn't order anything by mail. -
- Where did you get that Gerthy? -
-It's for us. -
- A gift? For us? But from who? -
-I don't know... Shall we open it, or give it to Mr. Gómez? -
-The box has a note, let me read that. -
Leonny tore the note from the lid of the box and read it, it was a small piece of paper that said the following:
"This is for you to remember what you are, what you left, and what will come after."
Semper Fidelis Homini, O.
-Oh, spooky and mysterious. Is it someone you know Gerthy? -
-No. Nobody… Well, go ahead, open the box. -
Doubtful, but equally curious, and making sure no one was watching them, she decided to open it.
-Oh, right. Let me get you some tape for your hair. Gerthy mentioned.
-No. That will no longer be necessary. Look this. - Leonny put her hands in the box and began to take out its contents.
- They are… Ties, for the hair. They are colored, and look, there is also a ribbon. It is a very strong red. -
- Is it a pretty ribbon? -
-Its texture is very soft. I think it's made of silk. -
-Mine. - Gerthy grabbed it and proceeded to examine it, as did Leonny with her gift.
- Nine. Nine ties. Three white, three red and three green. They are very Christmassy colours, but this one is as strong a red as the other one, and this one is a very rare green… Hmph, I'm not going to complain now, it's just what I need. -
Leonny immediately put on the items for her hair: Red, White, Green, that was the pattern she chose, two garters went in the front, and the other was in charge of holding the larger ponytail in the back.
She saw her reflection through the glass that served as a mirror and small door for her bed, and immediately loved how they looked in her.
-Gerthy, I already decided. I will never take them off. -
- Are you sure you don't want me to give them a wash? They could be dirty like this ribbon, the quality of the red dye is horrible, it stained my hands very quickly and I only rubbed it a little. They are definitely Chinese products. - Gerthy looked somewhat disgusted by the red hands that had now been left where once there had been white purity.
-I need them right now. But when we get to Europe I'll look for other replacement ties. For now they stay. -
-Okay, I'll keep this in my pocket, I don't have wet towels or another place to wash it or put it. So the next time I'm near a wash area I'll give them a rinse. - She put the ribbon in her left pocket and wiped the ink off her hands on her suit.
Leonny also saw her hands, they were a little stained by the cheap dye, and the other hair ties absorbed a little of that crimson red, but at least she had something to get rid of the hair thing, and on top of that she looked very good…
And meanwhile, Lennox was walking towards the exit to go to her apartment in order to decorate it and call Moretti to continue with the preparations for the shipment of the nandroids, and incidentally send him the message of a possible upcoming meeting after finishing with the commissioned by Sandor.
But in the hallway, someone came running up to her: it was her colleague, Dr. Strauss, who had a paler-than-usual tone to his complexion and looked rather nervous.
-Hi Víctor, I just came from talking to-
- LENNOX! I FINALLY FIND YOU! COME TO MY OFFICE! NOW! - Victor exclaimed to the girl with a very broken and hesitant voice, and he hurriedly took her with his cold and trembling hand, and took her with force towards his office; during the way, their eyes were always open and looking from one side to the other, as if they were looking for something, or someone.
- Whoa! What's wrong with you Victor? What has you so scared? - asked Irma distressed and somewhat scared given the appearance of her friend, who seemed to have witnessed a soul crossing the halls.
-You will see…-
END OF THE CHAPTER
