Chapter Text
Much was rumored about what had happened after the strike, the riots and the trial, much was said in the dining rooms, in the canteens, in the parks, in the homes; much was said, but nothing was confirmed. The media did everything possible to show the world an image of recovery and order that arose after what they called "an insignificant setback". There was an order, true, but it was imposed from the moment the demonstrations were silently repressed, and many dissatisfied workers who were thrown onto the streets from one day to the next, put aside their discontent to try to make their lives again; an order made with their own machines that replaced many jobs, including maintaining the law.
Months had passed, since the crisis, since the departure of those robots that took with them much more than jobs, the recovery was more than slow,
and the consequences of that were still very present there in Hungary.
But the story focuses on the nandroids, it shouldn't matter what has happened here, should it?
After all, it was here that the story began, it was here that its fate was decided, and it is here that we need it learn about their story once again.
The nandroids will have to overcome the challenges that life gives them, but above all their reason for being will be tested,
because there is nothing closer to the reality of the human being for a machine than the value of its thought, of its will, and of their individuality in interaction with the rest of the world…
Lakatos believed that machines should be the ones that would help man on his path towards progress and a better life for everyone,
but with each passing day he became even more disappointed with this new world where technology surpassed man and in turn harmed him, a world without feeling, without value, without humanity.
It was a quiet night, and the robust lawyer was heading towards the only place where he could feel calm and safe, his home.
He liked to walk to entertain himself with the landscape and reflect on his affairs, but on this occasion he felt more exhausted than usual,
maybe because he returned home with another lost case for a matter that already seemed annoying and with a predictable result:
A complaint for claims by a recently terminated employee against another machine that gave three times the efficiency of a single person.
Once again, no court or tribunal cared, and that unfortunate client was left with the anguish of knowing what his future held.
He was passing through a long, dark, waterlogged tunnel where, to his relief, there was only one person fixing a white light.
Thanks to him, he could already see the end of the tunnel, and when he got close enough, he decided to show the electrician made it of flesh and blood a little kindness.
-Sir, I hope you have a good night. Let me reward you a little with this generous Christmas gesture from me. I was already fed up that they were not able to fix that electrical fault. -
-How curious. I could swear this is a five hundred Euro bill, I think it was a mistake. -
-No, it's not a mistake. Take it. It seems to me that he needs it more than I do.
And I let him know that my house is two streets from here. Wouldn't you like me to bring you some rum or some warm bread to combat this cold weather? -
-Thank you, but don't bother wasting more cash with me. I was already leaving, I don't want to come home with the guilt of having dined like a king while my elderly mother licks yesterday's dishes. With this I shall give her something worthy and good for Christmas. Thanks a lot. -
When it was ensured that the light was shining better and permanently, the subject put away his tools and proceeded to leave.
-If only I had started working ten years earlier, I would already be retiring at this month... Hey, wait a minute, I remember you!
You appeared on television, leaving the courthouse for the case of the demonical executives from the robot company that kicked us out onto the streets. -
-I suppose you are another victim of the event in Debrecen. I can only tell you that I'm very sorry. -
-Better tell me what happened in the end.
I know that Sándor is already paying for his actions, but I simply cannot cover our needs with the money that politician gives us.
It is not the same as what the company gives us, it is not a guaranteed or permanent income, I don't even know if it is honest money.
And I am certain that this was not the only thing that caused the wave of catastrophes that were unleashed.
Please tell me, what was the real reason for the lawsuit? -
-According to the news, misuse of government money; according to Sándor himself, a dishonorable act that was for an innovative and long-term beneficial cause.
According to me, a sad mistake that is an indicator of the senile dementia of that idiot I once mentioned as a friend...
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. -
Lakatos left the tunnel and quickened his pace so he could go to the store and buy plenty of bread.
Once this was done, he continued on his way.
And when his destination arrived, after having passed through the presence of the guardian robot that guarded the gate, he stopped outside, took out his key and opened the door, went straight in to hang up his jacket and tie, went up the stairs and went to his room to take off his shoes and get a little more comfortable.
It was a fairly spacious place, but full of documents, folders and newspapers that formed towers of folded, stacked papers and some yellowed copies.
He moved some of those towers and from among them a compartment appeared that was his hidden place full of bottles of various liquors,
and he proceeded to take one out at random. He sat in his brown chair, just as worn as many of his things in his office, with a glass he found on his desk he poured himself a drink of rum and turned to contemplate the fascinating night view that the window gave him of the city of Budapest.
"Today and tomorrow, that's when his creations will return to Him.
I hope it was worth the waste of time reviewing those reports from Miss Lennox, I would like to deal with that robots directly to see if what she has been sending me is true...Yeah, why not? I have the right to see them as much as the owner himself." he thought.
After a couple of drinks, a donut, and brushing his teeth, he went to his room, lay down on his bed, and quickly fell asleep.
But a loud sound on the other side of the door startled him awake, it was the sound of an empty bottle being forcefully thrown into a metal trash can; he immediately got up to look for the small revolver under his bed, but stopped the search when he realized who the intruder was in his office when he saw him from the door that was ajar.
- Damn it Horthy! Knock before pass! -
-It seems that not even knocking loudly on the door could get you out of bed, that's why I decided to use this homemade alarm clock, you sleep like a rock; But that does not matter now. It's good that you're still half dressed, come with me to the police station, we have a new job and it looks like we're not going to sleep for a long time. -
-I should lock the door from now on. But hey, now what's the problem? Just what I needed, more entertainment. -
Lakatos began to button his shirt and returned to putting on his shoes, while the minister walked around the place and spoke as he went:
-There are several problems. To start, our contact Moretti from Sterling received a call from a doctor of robots there in the United States, he says he is a friend of Lennox,
and apparently they are going to make some strange move with the nandroids, and there is something else, there was a… -
- Bah! That Lennox girl just puts me in a bad mood. Apart from being a gossip, is she also a problem girl? American it had to be. -
Horthy took the bottle out of the trash can and looked at it carefully, then simply threw it away again. -Hey, if you wanted to drink something, you'd better have called me and I'd take you to a bar, what is this crap rum?
They didn't take it off the market so you're the only one slowly killing yourself with this. In that case I'll get you muriatic acid. -
- What's wrong with it? It's a little pleasure of mine, besides, you know that I'm going to end up dying from a heart attack,
from exhaustion or from alcohol, so, if you want to do me a favor, kill me. Hehe... - The lawyer said in a mocking manner as he finished getting ready sitting on his bed.
-I have no shortage of desire, but the police already have the body in their hands, thanks for the offer. Now hurry up. -
- Well, I'm glad about tha... What did you say? - Lakatos asked disoriented.
-Armani Sándor… Our comrade was found dead last night. -
- WHAT?! –
END OF PART 1
