Lucid Waking

Archive for March 21st, 2010

The Wanderers (7)

        Dorian hesitated.
        “You can take it,” Mr. Leblanc said.
        “Thank you,” Dorian answered.
        Mr. Leblanc smiled. “You’re welcome. But you should really thank Exec.”
        “There is not need for thanks,” Exec said, smiling. Dorian had never seen a robot smile and it looked surprisingly natural.
        He followed Exec out of the office and not knowing where else to go, back to his. Exec sat down in the rolling chair behind the desk and turned towards the computer. After a couple minutes of complete silence except for the tapping of keys, Dorian stood up.
        “So that’s it, then. I guess, good bye.”
        “Goodbye, Dorian. I would not mind if you would come and visit. I feel that getting to know humans and their customs has made me better at my job and it would be nice to talk to someone who has time to talk and does not think that he is superior to me.”
        “I’m not superior to you; I’m part of a servant race, as well.”
        Exec looked up puzzled surprisingly well. “I do not understand. I cannot see any error between you and a human. What do you mean you are part of a servant race?”
        Dorian paused. “I’m a runaway clone.”
        Exec nodded. “I have read about you in the newspapers. But luckily, no one will know unless you tell them. I am curious, however; why did you run away?”
        Dorian chuckled. “I thought that the outside world would be better than the lab. But I find out it’s exactly the same, if not more dangerous. There are advantages to being designed for a purpose and having a routine. Having one direction gives you a sense of accomplishment; you know where to go. Here, I’m just wandering, trying to find a direction.”
        “I am sure you will find a direction. I have found an enjoyable position among my fellow robots.”
        “But you were designed to do that.”
        “I believe that my superiors will be checking in soon to observe my work. It is not polite to turn away a friend or to interrupt, but my calculations indicate it would be worse if I let you stay here.”
        Dorian sighed. “Thanks, Exec.”
        Swiftly exiting, he made his way down the hall back to Visitor Services and this time when he tried the door, it opened.

Author’s comments on post 367: I’m hoping that as we go along, the purpose of the story is getting more and more aparent. There is a reason that I titled it The Wanderers. I appreciate any feedback, especially since–though I think I’m doing well for a first draft–there is something about it that bothers me.

In other news: I started a new tradition: How To Fix Your Blues which I plan on doing every Saturday. I can’t review movies that often, but I plan on recommending something to do or watch for those who are looking for something new. I like doing reviews and since this is my blog, I thought I could branch out a bit. Also, I’ve discovered that I can schedule posts to be published at a certain time. Thus, if I know I will be absent for a time and can schedule ahead, you won’t be missing any posts. I’ve found this advantageous, thus far. So for sure, I will have something tommorrow!