Chapter Fifteen – Scrapped
John was grateful for the jumper as they stepped out into the street. It was a crisp day, and even in the jumper he was freezing. He wrapped his arms around himself as they walked, leaning into Lin's side as the android draped an arm around his shoulder and increased his heat output. While John enjoyed the warmth, Lin enjoyed the feeling of John's smaller body pressed against his own. He tightened his hold a little, finding his own pleasure increased. He was especially pleased as John reached up to hold the hand resting on his shoulder.
"Welcome home Sir, how was your evening?" The GT300 asked as Lin and John entered the shop. His LED flashed yellow as he noticed their closeness, processing their joined hands and the flush of John's skin. John smiled warmly as the shop door closed behind them. The GT300 had opened the shop by himself, as he often did. David had yet to make an appearance, suggesting his three friends had continued their evening uninterrupted.
"It was good, sorry we're back so late." The blonde apologised, but the old unit seemed unconcerned as his LED returned to a steady blue. John looked at the time and began gathering supplies. He'd promised to return to the RG600 that afternoon, and he intended to keep his word. As he left the room Lin regarded the GT300 warily. The old unit listened for John's footsteps before raising his eyes from the register.
"I don't have a problem with it…Having said that, if you hurt him I'll happily rewire your systems and hand you over to the Eden Club." He stated in a matter-of-fact tone, the Asian nodding his agreement. If he hurt John he'd deserve it. It was curious to Lin that his interest didn't bother the older unit. John had been his human first. Why wasn't he angry? Though as an older model the GT300 likely wasn't equipped with the same sexual desires and abilities as Lin. "John and I don't have that sort of relationship, and it isn't something I've ever wanted." The older unit assured.
"Why not?" Lin asked curiously. Despite his lack of hardware and programs he knew that deviants developed romantic attachments sometimes, in their own ways. The blonde unit shrugged as he continued to tap away, almost disinterested.
"Why are you interested in John and not David? Or the female Traci who came here?" He retorted, which was a fair point. Attraction, sexual or otherwise, was subjective. People had different preferences, needs and desires. "For your information, I always preferred female models." The blonde added, which Lin could understand. By design males were made to go with females. It made sense that the majority of humans, and androids, would stick to that primal desire. For Lin, it wasn't a case of being interested in males. He would have been drawn to John either way. He was perhaps lucky that he had been a male model though. John had shown little interest in any females they'd come across so far, but had clearly had relations with his various male peers. But I'm his first android. He was almost smug at that thought.
"Lin, it's almost time to meet the RG600, are you coming?" John's voice called from somewhere in the workshop. As Lin arrived in the doorway he could see John counting out packets of blue-blood from a small cardboard box, putting them into a large rucksack. Having noticed how hungry the unit had been the day before John had decided to bring a good supply of sustenance for it.
"You didn't think I was going to let you go near that unstable unit alone, did you?" Lin retorted as he joined John and peered into the bag. The vocal processor had been packed, along with the tools John would need to perform a small tune-up. Lin would be able to connect to the RG600 directly to assist with that. John frowned a little, but he couldn't argue with Lin's assessment. "I don't want anything to happen to you." The Asian unit added in a low tone that he knew would send prickles across John's pale skin.
"I'll be careful." John replied with a new warmth to his tone. Lin enjoyed the sound. He also enjoyed the soft look in John's eyes as the human looked up at him. It would have been criminal to let that look pass without reaction. He enjoyed the small gasp John breathed as his lips were claimed. If he were an android he was sure he would have short-circuited from the intensity. Lin's lips were firm and demanding as he grabbed John's hair and tilted his head back for better access, his tongue sliding along his own before drawing back. I'll bend him over the workbench if I don't stop. Lin thought as his arousal program slammed a wave of need through his synapses. The idea wasn't unappealing to him, however he doubted the human would appreciate it with the GT300 in the next room. But then again…
"We'll miss the agreed time if we don't hurry." Lin stated, turning off his sexual subroutines. It was jarring. One minute he'd been burning with need, and the next he was numb, cold and indifferent. John noticed the change and drew back, his expression a little anxious, as if he'd done something wrong. Lin ran an assuring hand through his golden curls, his expression warm. "You don't want to be late." He reminded softly. John nodded as he hefted the heavy bag, swiftly finding it removed from his grasp. It weighed nothing to Lin. He easily slipped it on and tightened the straps.
"Sorry GT, would you watch the store for me?" John asked kindly, the old unit giving his usual plastic smile and obedient response. Lin followed as John led the way out into the street, picking up the pace as John ran along. They followed a similar path to the day before, hopping road barriers, bins and benches as they went. Lin felt his chest tighten as a police siren sounded behind them.
"Hey! HEY! What have I told you about running in the road?" A young man shouted in exasperation as the siren turned off and the sleek car pulled up in front of them. It was a new model of police car, and the man who'd stepped out was dressed neatly in a blue uniform, though is hair was a little rebellious. He had shoulder length honey locks tied in a scruffy ponytail beneath his standard issue hat. He was only wearing a long sleeved shirt, his jacket likely discarded within the car.
"Officer Takigawa!" John greeted cheerfully, looking sheepish as the older man propped his hands on his hips sternly. Lin shifted his gaze as a dark skinned unit stepped out of the car in a matching uniform, its LED shining blue as it joined Takigawa.
"Don't you 'Officer Takigawa' me you little scamp! You're going to get yourself killed jumping through traffic like that! And you…Who's your friend?" The officer asked curiously as he eyed Lin. John's skin flushed as he looked up at Lin, stammering a little as the officer gave him an almost knowing look. He tapped the rim of his hat in amusement as he looked Lin up and down. The dark skinned unit seemed like it was about to say something when John stammered.
"He's a friend, he's from China. Just visiting." The blonde insisted, which made the android officer's LED swirl yellow. Lin stiffened slightly as he watched the android, possibly searching some form of database for confirmation. Takigawa ruffled John's hair affectionately, not seeming too concerned about checking out John's story.
"Shall I check the database for verification Sir?" The police unit suggested.
"Nah, they haven't done anything." Takigawa replied as he waved it off. The dark skinned unit tilted its head.
"They have clearly performed a level two traffic code violation." The android objected, the Asian officer sighing in exasperation as he turned to his partner. Lin watched the exchange curiously, reflecting that this officer seemed to behave in a similar manner to John where androids were concerned. He spoke as if he were directing a newly trained officer, not a machine.
"What have I told you about traffic violations? Review big deal, and small deal." The long haired man almost sighed, the android pausing as it brought up the relevant files. It tilted its head, looking at Takigawa for guidance.
"This…is a small deal?" It suggested, the honey haired man nodding his agreement. "A small deal, not worth the paperwork. A small, insignificant infraction that causes no harm, and may be overlooked." The unit continued, seeming pleased as Takigawa clapped it on the shoulder proudly. John laughed as he watched the pair. They seemed like good friends. He was sure, on some level, the unit liked Takigawa. The human certainly liked his android partner.
"I'm so proud." He sigh with a fake sob.
"We'll be more careful in future." John promised, looking sheepish as the android pointed out that this was, in fact, the thirteenth time John had been stopped within the past three months. "Thirteenth time lucky?" The blonde joked with a hint of embarrassment. The human officer laughed loudly and cuffed John's ear lightly. Lin took note of the unit's model. CH200, a new street model designed to take on light police duties.
"Lucky is right! Stay out of the street! Come on Charlie, let's grab some coffee." Takigawa called as he returned to the car. The android bade them good day and followed its human back to the car. John waited until they were out of sight before hopping the barrier once more. Lin huffed his amusement as he followed. John had a surprisingly disobedient streak when it came to minor infractions it seemed. Perhaps he needed a lesson in obedience. Lin was startled as he realised his sexual subroutines had rebooted.
"There he is." John gasped as he doubled over at the edge of the skate park. The RG600 was almost exactly where they'd left it. It was a truly sad sight, seeing the unit still trying to paint the wall with the empty can as if a day hadn't passed. Lin nodded and hopped down, offering his hand to John. The human didn't need it, but he took it anyway, enjoying the warm grip as he dropped down. He let Lin lead the way slowly. "Hi there, we're back." The human called softly when they were a good few feet away.
"Human, human here, why?" The RG600 demanded skittishly as it backed against the large mural. John stayed where he was, holding his hands up calmly. The blonde unit tottered on the spot, its eyes darting between them nervously.
"I said I'd come back to help, remember? You need a new vocal processor…and I brought you some more blue-blood." John reminded it, noting the way it paused at the mention of sustenance. John's expression softened as he nodded to Lin, who opened the backpack and pulled out one of the packets. The unit was clearly tempted, but scared. "You must be hungry…Go ahead, Lin will give it to you." The human added softly as he watched. Lin held the pack out, not moving an inch as the nervous android scurried forward and snatched it from his grasp.
"Human gives, why human give?" The unit asked as it bit into the straw and sucked, watching John with fearful hope.
"Because you're hungry." John replied simply.
"Unit hungry, human gives. Unit hurt, human…helps?" The android asked, the blonde nodding his agreement. The android was almost childlike. But is it trauma or a problem in the software? John wondered, knowing he wouldn't be able to tell without hooking him up to a computer. Or Lin…He thought as he eyed the Asian man, who seemed to understand his thoughts. John searched through the backpack and pulled out the box with the vocal processor inside. The damaged android watched quietly as John opened the box and showed him the component.
"See? It's a vocal processor…I have the tools to install it. Will you let me come over?" John asked as he tilted the bag so that the android could see inside. "Lin will come too, he won't let me hurt you." The blonde added as he noticed the android's LED change from yellow to red at the suggestion. It blinked between the two colours. The unit was clearly conflicted. Lin dipped his hand into the bag and pulled out another pack of blue-blood.
"We have more blue-blood, but you can't have it if we don't come closer." The Asian android tempted, watching the RG600's LED swirl yellow. It nodded nervously. Lin led the way, giving John a very clear 'stay behind me' look as they approached. "Sit down." Lin urged gently, watching the unit obey, sitting with its back resting against the large mural. John walked slowly until he was beside the unit and crouched down with a gentle smile.
"Can you remove your skin around here?" He asked softly as he stroked a path on his own neck to show the RG600. The blonde unit did as it was told, drawing back as John reached out slowly. "It's alright…I'm going to open your neck port." He murmured as he took the plastic. The unit froze fearfully, only staying still because Lin's hand landed on its shoulder and held it there. The touch was both threatening and reassuring. It trembled as John removed the plastic cover with a click. "I'm removing the old processor." The human continued, letting the RG600 know each step as he worked. He unscrewed the part and eased it out, holding it up for the unit to see. The unit relaxed a little, reassured by the grip on its shoulder and John's gentle words. John held up the new part and spoke softly as he fitted it in place.
"Link with me. I'll see what I can do about your internal software." Lin said as he held his white hand out. The RG600 took his hand, both androids gasping and freezing in place as they connected. It was strange, seeing them both frozen in place. John was almost worried as the minutes passed. He sat cross legged with a fresh pack of blue-blood in his hand ready for the RG600. Finally they both jolted back to life. John waited for either one to speak.
"Your voice is pretty when you're naked." The RG600 stated innocently as it looked at John, the human blushing a deep shade of red. Lin seemed unconcerned as he lowered his hand and reapplied the artificial skin.
"When androids link we share memory files on occasion. It seems I shared more than intended." The Asian unit said apologetically as the RG600 accepted the new packet and began sucking the liquid down. John was still embarrassed as he imagined the things he'd allowed Lin to do that morning, not to mention the night before, which was still a blur to him. "I've deleted the corrupted files and reordered his internal database. He should be able to function independently now." Lin added as he looked at John.
"You are…a good human." The blonde android praised, something about the words ringing a bell with John. He couldn't put his finger on it, but that phrase send a shiver down his spine, one that Lin didn't miss. The unit was much more stable than before, though it was still a little nervous, and regularly scanned the area for movement.
"What happened to you?" John asked gently as he watched the android sucking the straw. The RG600 looked down at its crossed legs as it turned over the question. Remembering what happened wasn't pleasant. Even though he couldn't feel pain physically he could remember the blind fear and grief.
"I was…a maintenance unit. I picked up litter, with another unit like me. We were following our programmed route when some humans attacked us…A group of them." The unit explained, pointing towards the graffiti on the far off walls. John nodded quietly. It was a local gang. That explained how the RG600 turned up here. "They…hurt us. We were dragged here, but our programming wouldn't allow us to fight back. It wasn't fair. We didn't do anything wrong. When we got here they played a game…to decide…" The blonde unit trailed off vulnerably. John worried his lip, concerned he was upsetting the android. He could see the LED swirling between red and yellow. He reached out hesitantly and touched the unit's knee. It flinched.
"Decide what?" John asked, though he had an idea of what had come next.
"Which of us would watch." The RG600 murmured, his bottom lip trembling as synthetic tears welled in its blue eyes. "I had to watch…They took the other unit and…did things. Thing we weren't designed for. They passed him round, and then they…killed him. They hit him again and again, and used his body as a ramp. I was so scared that I…I couldn't stay there and watch. I tried to get away, and they hurt me too, but I was stronger. I didn't want to die, so I fought back, scared them. They left then…left me here…" He recounted, John's hand remaining warm on his knee. Despite his touch being human it was somehow comforting. It was nice to find that not all humans were cruel and heartless. He continued to sniffle.
"Your friend, was he…completely destroyed?" John asked thoughtfully, his Asian companion raising an eyebrow at the question. The RG600 got to its feet and beckoned John to follow him.
"I can show you, this way, this way." The blonde android urged as it led the way across the darkening park. John grabbed his bag and followed without hesitation. Lin trailed behind, keeping an eye on their surroundings. Early evening was when human youths tended to be out causing trouble. The android led them to a large metal ramp and ducked beneath it. John followed and crouched next to the broken unit. He winced as he looked at the huge crack across the plastic face. That doesn't necessarily make it irreparable though…
"What do you think?" Lin asked as he watched John examine the crack. He let out a troubled sigh, checking the power core to find it half full. They must have been activated around the same time. John examined the torso, hissing a little as he saw the shattered casing. Damn, the biocomponents have been completely exposed! He thought, reaching into the mess of blue-blood and plastic to feel around. "John…You can't fix everything…" The Asian android murmured gently as he watched John's expression shift between sadness and determination. He reached his blue-stained hands to the plastic skull and opened it. Many of the components in the skull were intact.
"Human…can help?" The RG600 asked with the hopefulness of a child. Lin looked doubtful as John chewed his lip. I don't know…This damage is…horrendous…I won't know at all unless I activate him, but I can't do that while he's a mess like this, it would short him out for sure…
"I can try." John replied as he grabbed his phone to call the shop. He asked the GT300 to bring the car. "It's a long shot, but…If we can stop by the scrap yard I may be able to get a full torso replacement. If I can do that, and repair the rest…It might work." The human murmured hopefully. The RG600 looked almost giddy with relief as it tottered on the spot, dancing from foot to foot. The GT300 arrived a little later, bringing a large plastic sheet down to the ramp. John and Lin helped it to move the broken unit and wrap it gently.
"Sir…" The GT300 murmured worriedly as it looked at John, who looked like he'd been in an android massacre. His arms, hands, the front of his brown hoodie and his jeans were stained dark with blue by the time they were done. John couldn't stop thinking about the thick, oily residue on his arms and hands. It didn't dry out and go sticky the way blood did.
"Sorry GT, I'm a mess." He said lightly, forcing a small smile as the android carried the shutdown unit to the boot of the car. He placed him inside with as much care as possible. "Will you come with us?" John asked as he turned to the RG600, but the blonde unit shook its head fearfully and staggered back. John smiled his understanding. Just because he'd come to trust John didn't mean he would feel safe near human society.
"I-I will stay here…I will wait, yes-yes, wait. Right here." The android stammered out.
"Alright. I'll be back with news in two days. Two days, at two o'clock." John decided, watching the RG600 process and store the information, likely setting a timer. John handed the RG600 the remaining blood packs, watching him hurry away with them cradled to his chest. It was enough to last him at least a week. "GT, stop by the scrap yard. I need to find something." John said as he climbed in the front seat.
"Of course Sir." The GT300 replied obediently as it eyed Lin in the backseat. The ebony haired android returned his look. He was sceptical. The unit was so badly damaged he didn't think it was salvageable. The GT300 seemed to have reached a similar conclusion. The GT300 parked at the top of a slope, where parts of androids and other mechanical items had been left. The three of them carefully climbed down into the gigantic pit. Technically, this would be stealing, but no one would miss the parts.
"I'd forgotten…" John trailed off with a shiver as he listened to the whining and moaning, some units reciting old commands and information while some begged for help. Lin shuddered himself. It was haunting. Broken limbs waved and grabbed at the air, gripping anything they found and holding on tightly. Blank eyes stared as heads turned. Some android legs were still active, dragging dead torsos across the muddy ground. "Find anything RG600 compatible." The human ordered, the three of them splitting off. John shivered as he squeezed his way between barely active units.
He found a few almost complete androids, just tossed because they were slightly old. What a waste…how…cruel…He thought, wishing he could stop and check on all of them. He yelped as his foot slipped in the mud, sending him down onto a pile of broken units. His heart pounded as he felt mechanical hands gripping his clothes, holding him tightly. Murmurs of 'human' and 'help' sounded around him like a nightmare. He could feel himself being pulled further down, arms sliding across his waist and legs.
"N-no…stop!" John cried as he struggled, but the limbs were impossibly strong. That was the difference between androids and humans. "Let me out!" John cried fearfully, a cry of alarm breaking free as an arm wrapped across his throat and pulled. He was choking as he writhed in the pile. He let out helpless whines as the units continued to drag him down into the heap, some of them wanting help while others wanted to hurt him.
"John!" Lin's voice shouted, the arm across his throat disappearing as a strong hand grabbed him and pulled. He opened his eyes, grabbing the Asian man as soon as his arms were free. Lin hushed him as he cradled the shuddering teen to his chest. "It's alright, I heard you." The unit comforted quietly as he felt John's heart racing. He drew back after a few moments, taking John's hand firmly to continue the search at his side.
"Sir, I found one." The GT300 informed, dragging a complete RG600 with him. John crouched down and examined it. This one was missing its power core, but seemed otherwise intact. If I can swap out the core programs and memory files, and use the other unit's power core…
"Good work." John said as he looked up at the GT300, which looked equally pleased with itself. Lin and the GT300 worked together to carry the unit up the slope. It was hard work, trying to gain their footing and avoid the grabbing hands of the old units.