Caretakers (Stag Privateers Book 2)

by Nathan Jones

  The companion had told them that with skin and nerve regrowth and accelerated regeneration, his arm should be healed enough for use in a week to ten days. Not fully healed, certainly, but enough for him to resume his duties. She'd even hinted, obliquely, that his healing timetable might dovetail nicely into the travel time to the secret HAE base.

  Until then, Ali had strongly encouraged the young man to take it easy, and set him on a regimen of painkillers and medicine to facilitate his healing. That left him, as someone who tried to fill every waking minute with productive activity, somewhat at a loss. Although, in his typical pragmatic fashion, he was fully on board with resting as ordered, even if he didn't like it.

  Lana tried to convince him to come socialize during meals, and after a bit of prodding managed it a few times. But he was so obviously stiff and uncomfortable that conversations tended to die in his presence, especially since he was obviously suffering from his burns more than he let on, and wasn't putting much effort into being friendly and outgoing.

  On top of that, their passengers acted a bit nonplussed by his expressionless features. And, she suspected, a few of them might've recognized him as a Construct and clearly distrusted him. It made her angry for his sake, but he didn't seem to care; if anything, her boyfriend almost acted relieved to have an excuse to avoid being around their guests.

  Although to be honest, a few of the scientists seemed equally leery of casual conversation. The only exceptions were the older man who seemed to be in charge of the group, Linus, and a willowy, pretty woman named Terra who seemed unduly fascinated in Ali. Which Lana supposed was only natural, since these scientists had designed the adult companions.

  Actually, Terra wasn't so much interested in chitchat as she was in asking Lana to describe her interactions with Ali. Although not by name, since Aiden had insisted they all keep from mentioning their names and certainly not the name of the ship.

  Which made talking to people pretty blazing inconvenient, but Lana did her best even so.

  “So your overall experience with the adult companion has been positive, but you feel that she prioritizes Captain, her human, to the detriment of the rest of the crew?” the scientist asked, tapping away at her pad. It was several hours after leaving Recluse, dinner long since over and getting closer to bedtime.

  “Well let me put it this way,” Lana said carefully. “If someone shot a hole in the ship, Al-that is, the companion, would save Ai-um, the Captain, first.” Not using names was turning out to be harder than she'd thought.

  “Interesting,” Terra mused, tapping her fingertips against the top of the pad. “Our intention was for companions to convey solid loyalty to their humans, but not to the point of seeming callous about the welfare of other humans. We want people to feel like they can always turn to any nearby companion for help, if needed.”

  “Are you really that altruistic?” Lana asked. “You just want to make companions to make people's lives better?”

  The willowy woman cocked her head, eyeing her curiously. “Isn't that everyone's goal in life? At least any good person . . . to improve their lives and humanity in the process.”

  That was a somewhat troubling question. Lana liked to think her goal was to help people, but so far she'd mostly just tried to figure out what was going on in an insane universe and keep it from squashing her flat. In fact, since she was part of a pirate crew she wasn't even sure if she wasn't making things worse overall.

  She supposed helping to free the HAE scientists was a good thing, but they hadn't set out to do that. That had just been an unexpected wrench in the works of their raid on the ERI facility, which certainly hadn't been motivated by altruism.

  Since she couldn't think of any good response to that, she changed the subject. “Our companion called you her parents. Do you think of companions as your children?”

  Terra looked a bit surprised. “In a way, I suppose,” she said. “I'm not much for sentimentality, but I do have high hopes for my creations.”

  The conversation lagged a bit after that. The scientist seemed to have run out of questions to ask about Ali, and now that her goal for the conversation was done she didn't seem much more comfortable with casual chitchat than her colleagues. In fact, she looked like she was looking for an opportunity to excuse herself.

  Lana couldn't help but sigh. “I was reading a study on socializing, and a famous sociologist once said that conversation is a dead art.”

  Terra gave her another thoughtful look. “Interesting you should say that, because it was actually a large part of our motivation in creating these companions.”

  She blinked at the other woman. “You built sex robots to help people interact better with other people?”

  The willowy woman grimaced. “I'd appreciate if you didn't call them that. They're so much more, and meant to be. Which is actually the point I'm trying to make. Humans have fewer and fewer opportunities to interact face to face. Between the allnet, full immersion, and the growing prevalence of AIs doing tasks for us, we are all isolated in our own solitary worlds, at best seeking out those who agree with us, and ignoring or even attacking those who don't.”

  “How do companions help with that?” Lana asked.

  “Because our companions are meant to be an example of the best qualities of humanity,” Terra replied, showing real enthusiasm. “Humans will interact with them, form deep relationships, perhaps be taught or even raised by them in the future. Companions' kindness, respect, and concern for the wellbeing of others will encourage their humans to act the same. And by frequently interacting with humans face to face, companions will keep alive the art of conversation.”

  “Hmm.” Lana absently played with a strand of her hair. “Ai-um, the Captain once admitted to me that being with his companion made him more awkward around real women. Since he can't mess up with her, and she won't judge him, he's worried he's lost the tact required to interact with women without making them hate him.”

  “Really?” The scientist eagerly leaned over her pad, fingers working swiftly. “See, this is exactly the sort of feedback we need to refine our companions and their interactions with their humans.” She tapped a finger to her lips thoughtfully, reading what she'd just jotted down. “Maybe it's not good for humans to have their interactions with companions be too easy. We want them to feel safe and supported in the relationship, but we also want them to be accountable for their behavior and thoughtful in how they treat others.”

  That sounded awfully . . . Lana wasn't sure, manipulative maybe? “You really think people will want these companions to be constantly tricking and nagging them into being better people?”

  Terra blinked at her owlishly behind her glasses. “Why not? Doesn't everyone want to be better than they are? Imagine each person as a monarch, full of good intentions but corrupted by power. Our companions will be like the trusted servant of those monarchs, offering unwavering loyalty and sage advice to help their humans find the right path.”

  “Will you be using an adult companion when they come out?” Lana asked.

  The willowy woman seemed even more surprised. “Of course. In fact, I have one now.” She grimaced. “Or had one, before the Deeks took me . . . they shot poor Halon to pieces when they raided the facility, as he did his best to protect me. And even assuming he could've been salvaged, then they nuked the place.”

  Lana gave Terra a thoughtful look. She didn't seem too distraught about the loss; had she not been close to this Halon, in spite of her insistence that companions were meant to develop strong relationships with their humans? “I'm sorry for your loss,” she said cautiously.

  Terra smiled slightly. “Well, he's not really gone. One of the main reasons companions sync is so that their memories can be preserved. That way if their current shell is destroyed a new one can be created . . . the worst they'll lose is whatever memories they'd gained since their last sync.” Her smile turned wistful. “In fact, I'm looking forward to getting back in the care of HAE and being reunited with him
. I hadn't realized how much I relied on him, emotionally as well as practically, until he was gone.”

  “Then you're satisfied with your companion?” Lana asked. “He's someone you could spend your life with, so you don't need to find a real man?” Maybe the question was too personal, but she really wanted to know. If for no other reason than to help her understand Aiden's relationship with Ali better.

  The willowy woman didn't seem offended, thankfully. She pursed her lips, thinking over the question carefully. “I can't speak to a real relationship, since it's hard to know what the future holds. But I can say that Halon will probably be a lifelong companion, even if I did find another human to be with. Humans are unpredictable and all have different desires and motivations. It makes long term relationships very difficult, as the glow of initial passion fades and their desires and goals drift farther and farther apart, until being together becomes more of a detriment than a benefit. People won't have that issue with companions, because companions are designed to have the same goals and desires as their human and to help them fulfill them.”

  That wasn't what Lana to hear at all. She couldn't ever imagine feeling differently about Dax than she did right at that moment. She wanted to be with him forever, and couldn't see that changing. “Well,” she said, a bit more coolly than she'd intended, “speaking as someone who has a real and very good relationship with a real human, I disagree. In fact, I think I'm going to go spend some time with him now.”

  Terra once again blinked at her through her odd glasses. “Except he's a Construct, isn't he? That's not so different from a companion.”

  Lana had to strongly resist the urge to slap the woman. “I don't think you know as much about people as you think you do,” she said through gritted teeth, then turned and stomped away.

  She found her boyfriend resting on their bed, reading a document on the fold-down terminal. It was still a shock to see him in his disguise, and even more so with his arm swathed in bandages and in a sling. They'd had Ali change them out of the disguises on the trip between Ceras and Recluse, but now they'd need to wear them full time as long as the scientists were aboard the ship. Which meant that even when they were in private like this, they'd have to look like strangers.

  But that didn't stop her from slipping onto the bed on his uninjured side and gently cuddling up against him, making contented noises at his solid presence beside her as she kissed her way up his arm.

  “Um, hello,” he said, the words nearly a question at her almost aggressive display of affection.

  “Have I told you lately that I love you?” she said, stretching up to press her lips to his.

  Dax kissed her back warmly for a few moments, then pulled back and looked at her, the silvery color of his eyes in his disguise somewhat unnerving. “I think you might've mentioned it once or a dozen times while fussing over my injury,” he said wryly, wrapping his good arm around her. “I love you too.”

  Even though he was never shy about saying the words, they still sent a thrill through Lana. She made another contented noise and nuzzled his neck. “Is it selfish to say I wish you weren't injured? I really want to make love to you right now.”

  She felt him wince. “I'd have to be insane to say no, but I'm not sure I'm up to it,” he said apologetically.

  Chagrin surged through her. The poor man had just had his arm burned to a crisp, and even with painkillers every movement or even the slightest pressure against it had to be searing agony. Of course he wasn't up to it. “I'm sorry, that was a terrible idea. But can we at least cuddle until bedtime?”

  Her boyfriend's arm around her pulled her closer. “You never have to ask that. Want to talk about how the raid went?”

  “In a little bit. For now I just want to enjoy this moment.”

  “Sounds good.” He kissed the top of her head. “Right now, sounds just about perfect.”

  Lana sighed contentedly and rested her head on his shoulder. Terra was ridiculous to think humans would ever get tired of this and decide to end relationships.

  Now that she was with Dax, she never wanted to leave him.

  * * * * *

  The only thing worse than having to postpone his after combat routine with Ali, was having to do so because some irritating scientist wanted to probe at his relationship with the adult companion.

  But he'd been putting Sarr off all day, and she hadn't given up. He'd finally been forced to admit to himself that if he didn't let her have her stupid interview, she'd probably sit outside his door all night waiting, knocking periodically to ask if he was ready yet.

  Hardly the sort of relaxing or romantic setting he wanted for a massage from his companion, followed by whatever came next.

  So the next time she buzzed his intercom, rather than curtly ordering her to go away he threw open the door. “Miss Sarr!” he said jovially into her surprised expression. “I was just about to go find you! Do you have a moment to talk about my feedback concerning your prototype companion?”

  “Oh, um . . .” the willowy woman began, clearly flustered.

  Aiden bit back a smile; he'd had her pegged as the sort who hated unpredictable behavior. Then again, most rational, cerebral types did, even when the surprise was a pleasant one. Something he'd learned over several years of going out of his way to irritate his unbearable Ishivi crew members.

  “Come on in!” he said before she could regain her composure, stepping aside and pulling out a seat for her at the small table in one corner. As she hesitantly settled into it, he stepped over to a locker where he kept a few refreshments. “Can I offer you a drink?”

  Sarr shifted uncomfortably in her chair, fiddling with her datapad. “Oh. No, thanks.”

  “All right then, let's get to it.” He settled down in the other chair and directed his next words to Ali. “My dear, you comfortable where you are?”

  The scientist jumped again, apparently just realizing that his companion was in the room and had been seated on the side of the bed. Ali gave her a warm smile as she answered. “I can excuse myself if you want some privacy for this.”

  Aiden didn't, in fact, but Sarr looked relieved at the offer. “Thank you,” she said. “We find people are far more forthcoming with information in a confidential setting.”

  Blast. If he wanted to play the good host, he couldn't reasonably refuse. Especially since his guest was probably expecting him to. “All right,” he told Ali pleasantly. “Maybe you can go do a last check of the ship, make sure things are looking good. I'll call you when we're done here.”

  “Take your time, my love.” Looking as if she was biting back a smile, his companion stood and gracefully left.

  Sarr was leaning over her pad, and before the silence could become uncomfortable she spoke up. “How would you describe your level of satisfaction with your companion, Captain?”

  Well, that was an easy one. “Top notch. You guys at HAE know your work.”

  “Interesting,” Sarr mused as if he'd offered some profound insight, nibbling her lower lip as she jotted a note on her pad. “And how would you describe your intimacy with your companion, both in terms of physical satisfaction and emotional comfort and support?”

  Aiden blinked at the sudden shift in direction this conversation had taken. “Excuse me?”

  The scientist looked up, seeming surprised by his discomfort. “I assure you, Captain, any information you provide will be kept in strictest confidence. Your feedback can be invaluable in helping us streamline our adult companions for optimum customer satisfaction, with an experience that feels authentic but has none of the usual drawbacks of relationships. Better than the real thing, you might say.”

  He shifted awkwardly. “Giving you feedback is one thing, but I'm not sure how much I want to talk about my sex life with my companion.”

  “Ah.” Sarr nibbled her lip again, which he found oddly disarming. “Is it, um, because I'm a woman?”

  That certainly didn't help. “I'm pretty sure I'd be just as uncomfortable talking to anyone about
this.”

  “Oh.” She glanced helplessly down at her pad. “Well, would you be willing to give me permission to ask for the necessary information from your companion? It wouldn't be quite as helpful as getting your feedback, but might still offer some useful insights.”

  That somehow sounded even worse; ludicrous as it seemed, he could imagine the two women gossiping about his performance in the sack and laughing over his deficiencies. “I'm not sure about that, either.” At her plaintive look he bit back a sigh. “I think I could probably bring myself to discuss the emotional comfort and support part of it.”

  The scientist brightened. “Thank you, Captain. Any feedback you can provide would be very helpful.”

  Surprisingly, she seemed to mean that literally. Over the next hour or so, she asked him a series of questions that seemed increasingly random and irrelevant, to the point that Aiden found himself wondering how the answer could possibly help her improve her creations.

  For example, if he still expected Ali to do things like brush her teeth, even though it was purely unnecessary for her since she had internal processes that did a far better job, so the act only served to make her seem more authentically human. And, when Sarr found out he didn't, why and what had led him to have the companion no longer maintain that pretense. And what his thoughts were about Ali sneezing or doing other human behaviors that were similarly unnecessary.

  Finally, Aiden found himself losing patience with the endless tedious and pointless questions. He almost wondered if he shouldn't have agreed to discuss his sex life with his companion after all; at least that would've been a more interesting topic.

  “Since you're so concerned with making sure my companion performs optimally, maybe you could help with something,” he finally cut in. “Her hacking abilities are getting out of date, and it's jammed our exhaust ports a couple times recently. Can you update her?”