What a brilliant suggestion. I agreed and the deal was done. We would provide Alora with instructions on how to do her new job as our liaison on Pegillas. It wouldn't require much, but it was sufficient to explain our use of funds.
"Thank you, Portia," I said, breaking my own rule once again. I decided in this android’s case the rule no longer applied.
"For what, captain?"
"For aligning your thinking with my objectives," I said. That was the best way that I could think to word it.
Without hesitation or a change in her facial expression, she responded. "Your motives are clear and respectable. You are my captain and I shall follow your lead until the company says otherwise. I do not foresee a change in that regard anytime soon."
"Excellent," I replied with a smile. "I can honestly say that you are a valuable member of this team. I am happy to have you."
"Thank you, captain. I am happy to be had."
That came out weird. Was there a linguistic flaw in her programming. Portia turned to leave, then stopped abruptly. It was not her nature to hesitate like that. When she turned back to me slowly, it was one of the most human like things that I had ever seen her do.
"I must inform you, captain. I have activated the first of seven steps in integrating personality into my programming."
"Oh, really? When did that happen?"
"Fifteen seconds ago."
Chapter Twenty
Not surprisingly, Alora didn't know anything about money. She had no idea if five credits or five million credits were needed to get her family out of debt. It was a good thing that we did our research. Unless they were in much worse shape than average, we should be setting them up incredibly good.
Portia and I escorted the furry big-eyed girl into the crowded business district. The large financial institution that we selected there was a reputable one and close to town center. They were exceptionally professional in dealing with our situation. It made me inquire whether this save-a-Peggy-girl-from-slavery plan was a regular occurrence. They assured me that it was not.
Once everything was set up, Portia and I headed for the door. Alora, however, decided that she had more questions for the banker. I already knew that she was against us following her to her home. And it wasn't like we needed to leave together. It made me curious, but the money was hers now. If she had questions that she wanted answered in private, so be it.
We said our goodbyes and reiterated that we would check in on her the next time we were in town. I got a lengthy sincere hug from Alora. When Portia extended her hand for something more formal, our new friend took it in hers tentatively. For a few seconds she stared at the flawless synthetic skin. Perhaps my crew explained the details about androids after all.
I walked out the door feeling much better about myself. Sure, I had done a lot for the damsel in distress already. But none of it really mattered until her family was safe. I was confident that I had just placed that check mark on the list. I genuinely believed that Alora would go through with the plan. There was no way that this was another swindler’s scheme.
"Do you like my walk?" Portia asked me out of the blue on the way back to our ship.
"What?" Maybe I misheard her.
"I am able to adjust my manner of walking," she confirmed my hearing was just fine. "Would you like me to walk differently?"
"Why would I want that?"
"I can swing my hips or lengthen my stride to simulate a desirable human female that would make you proud to walk beside. I have recorded how Lin and Nancy adjust their gait in your company. It is significantly different than when they are alone. Would you like me to make an adjustment to how I walk?"
I hadn't realized that Lin and Nancy were strutting in my company. It was flattering. It meant that they were proud to be with their man. I didn't know how to explain that to Portia. There was certainly no need for her to do it.
"Thanks for offering, but no. Your walk is just fine."
"I want you to treasure me as a crew member as you do them," she replied quickly.
"I do treasure you," I felt awkward with the wording, but wanted to put this notion to rest. "As a crew member. But Lin and Nancy are also my wives. They walk the way they do at my side because of our special relationship. There is no need for you to copy them."
"Thank you for the clarification," she said with her typical android lack of inflection, though her voice was still as smooth as ever.
"Do I walk differently when I am with them?" I asked. It would have to be a subconscious thing if I did.
"No," Portia answered. "You always walk as if you own the world."
I stopped abruptly for two reasons. First, was that true? Did I really strut around that confidently? Second, how would she be able to interpret my stride to mean that?
"That was my attempt to be humorous. Have I failed miserably?"
I laughed hard before replying, "No, that was fucking funny."
"Is fucking funny a good thing?" she asked. The way her new personality was mixing with her typical android behavior was going to be enjoyable to see.
"Yes, it is."
"Is fucking funny like having sex with a clown?"
I stopped and bent over, hands on my knees for that one.
