Q185

It was here that the android carried out one of its many chores- shoveling the stables, tending sick Peobles, and feeding the other livestock that was penned.

As the android worked, Alice appeared in the entranceway and, seeing him there, proceeded to walk over to him.

"Hello, Q185," she said.

The android did not acknowledge her. He only went about his work.

"Q185, you're working much too slow. Speed up."

The android went about his regular pace.

"I said hurry up Q185 or my daddy’s gonna junk you and get a new robot to shovel horse crap. One of the Zee models. I heard him talk about it. He says he’s gonna have all your bolts pulled out one by one so he can watch the oil drain right out of you!"

The android stood straight up, the shovel balanced on the palm of his metal hand.

"I am called Quick."

"Quick is a made up nickname my daddy gave you. You are Q185."

Quick stood looking down at Alice.

"I am called Quick."

"You’re Q185. You’re a robot with a number you stoopid degenerate bag of bolts. You can’t have a name because you’re not a human. You’re only dumb metal."

The android resumed shoveling. Alice, frustrated, turned and stammered away. As she began going up the steps, she heard the robot speak matter-of-factly.

"I am Quick."

"Quick- come here, please!"

Gregor stood at the edge of the dwelling. Two hundred yards away, Q185 was kneeling down in the grass with some test tubes. At the mere whisper of Gregor’s voice, the robotic being gathered up his instruments and came to him.

"Gregor, my soil tests are almost complete."

"Later, Cue. I have a more pressing matter at hand. I want you to be my representative in town. Here are four hundred credits."

Gregor handed Quick a six inch long, clear stick. Quick took it and attached it to his side.

"Take them to Robert Gouche at eleven Russets street. He is the man who sold us the condenser. This is payment in full. Get a receipt. Now this fellow Gouche has given us great ill will since the purchase, so let’s put him off of us permanently. Understand?"

"Yes, Master Gregor."

"Quick, what did I say about addressing me?"

"Yes, Gregor."

As the android turned to leave Gregor added:

"And take Allie with you. Stop at the dresser shop and get her some shoes."

He trailed off, this time leaving Q185 looking after him.

Q185 and Alice walked to town. Alice was surprisingly quiet. Almost eerily so. She wore old, torn shoes that were a little too small for her feet. They walked for some time before a town appeared on the horizon.

It consisted of tall, narrow pillars rising up into the sky. These towers could be seen from far away like a beacon of trading. As one neared, however, it became visible that the base of these towers were square abodes- businesses such as banks and tailors, entertainment and trade.

When Alice and Q185 could see this- actually Q185 could see the cracks in the towers if he wanted- Alice finally spoke.

"Quick, my shoes are hurting my feet. Could you carry me on your shoulders the rest of the way?"

Quick acknowledged and knelt down, arms spread wide for support.

"No, turn around and I’ll climb on."