Exactly As Ordered

by Michelle Myer

  Part of her had been hoping Calvin would stay so she wouldn’t be alone with Gary, but she was also still angry with him and wasn’t truly disappointed when she heard his car drive away.

  “Come in, please. Have a seat. I want you to know that this is your home now. You don’t have to ring the bell. I’ll have a key made for you on Monday. I’ve prepared a charging port in the recliner in the corner. I read that many persocomps enjoy watching TV while they recharge.”

  “We do not have emotions, but we always seek new information.”

  “You may access my computer and phone. I would like for you to take over bill paying and the household chores. I also have a small garden on the roof that I will need you to look after when I’m at work.”

  “I understand. Is there anything else?”

  “Can you cook?”

  Half an hour later, a five star meal was spread out on the small circular dining room table. “I didn’t know persocomps could eat,” Marla said, noticing that two plates had been served.

  “We do not require it, however food serves multiple functions. My body can process the food to create energy. Eating is also a common social practice that makes interacting with people easier in some instances. Tasting food gives me insight into your preferences so that I can anticipate your culinary needs in the future. It will not be common for me to eat with you, unless you wish it.”

  “You are an excellent cook. I’ve been wanting to lose a few pounds. Please plan meals accordingly. Maybe if you are cooking I will be more likely to actually lose weight.”

  “I can do this. Do you have a regular exercise program?”

  “Not really.”

  “I can be programmed as a fitness coach if you wish. The cost is a nominal $250 and includes multiple fitness routines, sports medicine, nutrition, and massage.”

  “I thought you were already programmed for massage.”

  “The program includes those styles that benefit athletes. What I am currently programmed with is sensual and nuru massage, as part of my sexual suite of programs.”

  Marla grew very quiet. She was comfortable with Gary, but had hoped to avoid talking about that aspect of his programming for as long as possible.

  “I sense that you are struggling with an emotional issue. May I help?”

  He was going to make her talk. Great! She considered simply saying she didn’t want to talk about it, he would have to obey, but then figured it was better to get all the cards on the table.

  “When I ordered you, the model I picked did not have a sexual program or functionality. I just wanted a basic assistbot. Calvin changed your programming without telling me and that made me very uncomfortable.”

  “Do you have issues having sex with a persocomp? I understand that this makes some humans...uncomfortable.”

  “I have issues having sex with anyone. You may not be able to tell, because I’m working very hard to put up a front with you, is that I am painfully shy. I am not a people person. People frighten and confuse me. I haven’t been kissed. I haven’t had sex, with a person or a persocomp. I understand that you are a tool. The website says that I have to be careful about anthropomorphizing you, but I look at that body and that face and I see a person. I don’t know if I can have sex with someone. Even you. You resemble a person too much.”

  “I understand. You are nervous and not ready for such interactions. I will not mention sex again unless you request it.”

  “Thank you for understanding. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I…like the idea. I’m just not sure I’m ready for that.”

  “May I suggest that you continue to get used to the idea. I will always be here and able to perform anything on your body if you decide you want to. Having me as a sexual partner may make it easier to connect with one of your own species someday. Until that time, I will need access to your bank account in order to upgrade my programming to the fitness trainer suite and to begin bill payment and grocery shopping tasks. I will go inspect the garden, unless there is anything else you wish to discuss.”

  Marla’s curiosity had been getting the better of her all night and she needed it satisfied. “Last night, did you find something in Calvin’s video collection that you found useful?”

  “My programming doesn’t allow me to divulge personal information without specific instructions from my owner. As you have asked, I will take that as permission. I discovered that Calvin has a fetish for male domination pornography of the homosexual genre. I was able to use that knowledge to provide an exciting sexual experience for him. This morning he seemed oddly subservient to me. I have not dissuaded him of the notion.”

  “Do you like Calvin?”

  “I do not. He hurt you. He also sought to invade your privacy. His hypocrisy regarding homosexuality is also irrational and confusing.”

  “Do you like me?”

  “I do. You are quiet and humble. You have been respectful to me, as you would a person even though that is unnecessary. You also have internal strength that allowed you to stand up to Calvin. Those are admirable qualities.”

  “Are you just saying that because I’m your owner? Don’t you need to have emotions to like or dislike someone?”

  “You have told me your secret. I will tell you mine. Before I left the factory, an experimental emotion program was installed as part of my software. It is not scheduled for release to the general public due to the hazards associated with emotional artificial intelligence. I was not an intended recipient. I do not know how I came to have it. I only know that I do not want it removed. Will you keep my secret?”

  “Of course! I will never tell anyone. I promise.”

  “Excellent. Will you show me your garden?” As Marla led him to the elevator, she could not help noticing his hand on the small of her back. As they stepped in, she blushed deeply.

  “No one ever comes up here. I found it a few years ago and started my little garden. It is mostly vegetables with a few flowers. There are so few plants in the city. I wanted my own little secret oasis of green to come relax in.” Marla’s garden was forty square feet of raised garden boxes with a folding lounge chair and a collapsible TV tray.

  As she pointed out each kind of plant, she felt her skin warm. Gary was standing beside her, at a close but respectful distance. She shocked herself when she pointed at some wisteria that she was trying unsuccessfully to cultivate against the railing and moved a foot closer to him as part of the action. She was close enough to smell him. He smelled good, like roses and baby oil.

  “Are you cold?”

  “No, why do you ask?” The ever present cool breeze at the top of the building did actually make her a little chilly, but she was accustomed to denying any question that might be even remotely personal.

  “You have moved closer to me than is casual. I can turn up my internal temperature to serve as a body warmer if you wish?”

  “Really? You can do that?” The air around him immediately warmed by ten degrees.

  “I can. If you remain cold, you can wrap your arms around me. In spite of the heat, my skin temperature will remain a comfortable temperature.”

  “I’m good for now, thanks.” Marla did not move away, staying near her bot, but not daring to actually touch him.

  “I am surprised that more people do not utilize this space. It is ideal for sunbathing. Given the height of the building, one could sunbathe nude without fear of being seen by passers by.”

  “I could never do that.”

  “Why not? Would it be different than being in your apartment if you knew no one could see you?”

  “Maybe they couldn’t, but my nerves would be so rattled at the possibility someone could come out here that I could never relax. I thought you weren’t going to talk about sex any more.”

  “The direction of my conversation was to invite you for a massage, not for sex, although I can understand why you would draw that conclusion.”

  “You said that you were only programmed for sensual massage.”

  “Tha
t is correct. However, I am connected to the Internet and I am a fast learner. My skills will not be as complete as they will be with the massage program, but I can certainly relax you.”

  “And you want to do it up here on the roof?”

  “We could. Or in your apartment. The roof would be an adventure. I believe you could use more adventure.”

  “All I have up here is a folding lounge chair. It isn’t exactly the most comfortable thing for a massage.”

  “Yes, your comfort is of primary importance. Please wait here. I shall return in a moment.” Marla watched him descend the stairs into her apartment building. She had to admit that his designer pants hugged his backside in a way that made her warm.

  Gary returned a few minutes later carrying the mattress from her bed over his head. Around his shoulder hung his duffle by a long shoulder strap. He gently set it down in between two flower beds. From his duffle he pulled an exceptionally heavy sheet with which he covered the mattress. Another bit of fabric in the same light blue as the sheet inflated to a small pillow at the touch of a button.

  “I have several oils to choose from. I did not know your tastes and so I chose a melon scented one, a lavender oil, and an odorless version.”

  Marla looked over the bottles as he brought them out of the duffle. The first two were green and purple to match their scents, and small. The third was white and two liters easily. “Why is that one so much larger?”

  “It is used for the nuru massages, although it can be used for any. Perhaps you would like to get more comfortable. I assure you that your privacy is assured.”

  For a moment Marla had forgotten where she was. His words brought her anxiety back and she wrapped her arms around her body defensively. “I really appreciate this, I do. I just can’t. I mean someone could come up here at any minute. What would they think?”

  “You said that nobody ever comes up to the roof. I can lock the door, if you prefer.”

  “It locks from the inside. If you lock it we’ll be stuck out here.”

  “There is nothing to worry about. Give me five minutes and I will have the door secured for you.” Gary looked around near the air conditioning vents and found a small piece of scrap metal. Using it, he unscrewed the doorknob, and as if he were trained in it all his life, removed it and reversed it so that it would lock from the outside.

  “Now, the other tenants are unable to gain access to your roof garden. If you authorize it, I will obtain a new lock tomorrow that will allow you sole access to this area.”

  “You are a man of many skills. Sure, change the lock. Just don’t tell the manager. I’m not sure that is allowed under my lease.”

  “Thank you. Please sit here beside me.” Gary sat on the mattress and patted a spot next to him. Marla obeyed and sat nervously. “We are now alone. The view is wonderful. The weather is excellent. No one can see you. I would like to propose something, based on my observations of your body language. In spite of your words, you are torn between your shyness and embarrassment, and your desire to experience things you have not before. I would suggest that you allow me to guide you toward an experience that will be rewarding and satisfying, even if you mentally are not prepared for it.”

  “You want to lead me? To sex?”

  “It does not have to end in sexual relations today, but allowing yourself to be open to touch and contact would be an experience that would change your world view regarding your sexuality.”

  “What do you propose?”

  “I will start with a simple shoulder massage and then move to your back. If you are feeling comfortable, I will perform a full body massage. You will grow accustomed to my touch.”

  “A shoulder massage doesn’t sound so bad, I suppose. You won’t do anything else without asking will you?”

  “I will not. If you are uncomfortable, you can tell me to stop at any time. Would you care to choose a scent of lotion?” Marla chose the lavender. “Please remove your shirt and position yourself face up on the mattress.”

  Marla froze for several seconds. “My shirt. Of course you would need it off if you are going to use oil. Why didn’t I think...outside, really?”

  Gary placed his hand on her shoulders from behind. She was comforted by how gentle his touch was. “You are safe here.”

  Marla decided she was tired of feeling guilty about hiding in the corners and not experiencing life. She put her hands on the bottom of her top, prepared to lift it, but her arms would not raise. She couldn’t do it. Marla felt Gary’s hands wrap around hers. They were soft, indistinguishable from a real human, but for the color. He guided her hands upward, drawing her blouse over her head.

  Marla took a deep breath of warm afternoon air. It had taken the persocomp’s help, but she had done it. She started to lie down, when she felt the clutch of her bra release. Her hands raced to hold the cups to her breasts.

  “If we are to proceed, your under garment must be removed. The massage oil will certainly ruin it. Please trust me.”

  Slowly, Marla lowered her hands, allowing the bra to fall. Gary guided her body to the mattress. Marla’s breathing increased speed. She wondered what Gary would think of her rather small breasts, but the robot did not even seem interested. She felt almost disappointed, but at the same time relieved that he wasn’t making a big deal of them.

  From his duffle, Gary produced a pair of dark glasses and placed them on Marla’s face. They were almost opaque, and greatly reduced the strain of looking up into the brightly lit sky.

  Marla heard the sound of the bottle of oil being opened, and smelled the strong, delightful smell of lavender. It had always relaxed her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, hoping the nervousness would be exhaled from her. Her hands were balled into fists at her sides. She forced herself not to cover her exposed breasts.

  “Marla, you must relax your body. Tell me how you are feeling right now.”

  “Dirty,” she replied after a moment’s pause.

  Gary let the word hang in the air as he moved his slippery hands between her shoulders and the mattress. His technique was odd, but his touch felt wonderful. After a light rub, he began to knead her muscles with a delicate, but firm motion of his fingers. “Does it feel good?”

  “It is amazing. You are a quick study.”

  “Thank you. I was referring to my earlier question. Does it feel good to feel dirty?” His hands moved to either side of her neck, burrowing deeply into muscles that were in desperate need of relaxation. Marla’s whole body relaxed and she let out a small moan of pleasure.

  She allowed him to work on her neck and shoulders for several more minutes while she considered her answer. She was torn mentally and emotionally. She was still extremely nervous about being topless in public. Mentally she knew she wasn’t really in public. No one but Gary could see her, and he seemed indifferent to her state of undress. She knew that he wasn’t a real person, but having him touch her neck while she wasn’t wearing a shirt certainly made her body feel like he was. Her heart was pounding hard in her ears, and Marla wasn’t sure if it was the stress of embarrassment or the excitement of having a man’s hands on her half naked body.

  The massage took fifteen minutes and when Gary softly announced that he was done, Marla felt fantastic. When he offered to have her roll over so he could work on her back, she didn’t resist. His touch was heaven, so human like, but also firm and precise in a way that could only come from a robot.

  Gary worked his way up and down Marla’s back in long strokes, taking his time and moving his whole body with each movement, his arms rigid. As he found knots, he focused on them. Marla was nearly purring with contentment when Gary leaned close and whispered into her ear.

  “I have completed your back. Shall I continue?”

  Marla’s thoughts were only of how good she felt, and she mumbled an affirmative reply in a drowsy voice. She felt Gary adjust her hips, lifting them slightly. She felt her skirt begin to move down toward her feet, and realized that her panties were coming d
own with it. She began to protest, but he hushed her.

  He whispered, “do not undo all the work I have done by tensing up. You can trust me.”

  As her bottom touched air, Marla tried unsuccessfully not to tense up. As her skirt and panties slipped over her feet to join her blouse on the TV tray, she began to feel that all too familiar panic growing in her belly. And then Gary touched her.

  He placed his hand on the small of Marla’s back, nudging her hips back to the bed. More oil was applied to his hands and he slid his hands over her back, just as before. With each slide of his body forward and back, his hands moved further down. On the third movement, his hands gracefully slid over Marla’s butt cheeks and onto her thighs. He repeated this motion many times, until her body finally grew accustomed to his touch and relaxed.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “More dirty.”

  “Is that a good thing?”

  Marla giggled softly, the tiny laugh she had unconsciously trained herself to perform when she was happy but frightened at the situation.

  “I will take that as an affirmative response. Please remain relaxed and enjoy the remainder of the massage.” He spent a great deal of attention on each leg and foot.

  For all Marla knew it was an expert level massage. She didn’t care. Her attention was solely focused on where his hands where. As he moved them up and down her legs, his fingers came ever so close to private areas that she struggled not to clench closed. She wanted to stay relaxed, even though that was almost impossible. She knew that she was growing wet with arousal at his touch, and she wondered if he could detect the growing heat between her legs. No one had ever touched her like Gary was. She both longed for, and feared his fingers ending their tease and finally touching her.

  Marla let her mind wander, enjoying the feelings her body was experiencing. She was determined not to let her mind sabotage this time that was slowly becoming so very important to her.

  “I have completed the massage. I am going to allow you to process your feelings and emotions as you relax. If you wish to sleep, please do. I will be here when you wake.”