Mr. Roboto
Chapter 2-Old World Manhattan
JFK International Airport, Queens New York, December 26th, 1999
After a three-hour long flight from Rapid City, the Hudson family was finally in New York. Ready to experience the wonders of the big city.
"I knew JFK airport was big, but I didn't think it would be this big." Renée said as she went to grab her lugged from the baggage claim conveyor.
"If you think this is big," Richard began to his already amazed daughter, "Welh, there's a whole city for us to explore. As soon as we leave the airport and make our way to Manhattan, it'll be just the beginning of the adventure."
"Just be sure to speak clearly once we check in at the Plaza." Rachel said to her family. "They expect us to be all fancy like. Especially considering our status back home"
"I doubt that'd be necessary mom," Gary respawned to his mother's request. "Once they see our flannel shirts and leather jackets with fringe our cover will be blown. Not to mention our hats." Alluding to their western styled hats.
"Not that many will notice Gary," Renée replied this her brother's statement. "Once we get to the rental car, no one will see be able to our western attire. After all, that would be irresponsible of me as a planner for this trip now wouldn't it?"
"Pretty sure a travel agent and a financial advisor are two different things but whatever you say Renée." Gary commented in a snarky fashion.
"Even if the family business doesn't have much need for a phycologist." Renée snarked back.
"Okay enough you two," Richard interrupted his children from their mild bickering, "Let's not forget this trip is a celebration, now grab your bags and let's get going. We got a whole city to see and I'm not going to waste my time here with you two pickin at each other like wild turkeys."
"Your right dad," Gary Apologized. "This is the most excitement we've had in years, and I'm ready to witness it all."
The family had picked up all their luggage and began making their way to the rental car garage of the airport.
"That's one thing I can always rely on with you kids." Richard said pleased with his son's apology and change in attitude. "You instantly go back to thinking right. Maybe since Christmas was yesterday could have something to do with it too I guess."
"Or maybe because you taught us so well." Gary replied to his father's compliment. "We are adults after all."
"It's just so hard me your mother and I to believe that you kids all have lives of your own now, maybe this trip is just us trying to hold onto ya kids for a little longer." Richard explained his feelings about the trip.
"Don't worry," Gary reassured his father, "There will always be a part of me that belongs to the ranch, besides. Isn't it my job to make people feel better?"
"That it is." Richard remarked, still proud of his son's recent accomplishment. "One other thing," He paused for a moment to speak about something serious he forgot. "Did you bring that gun Bucyrus gave to you?"
"I sure did." Gary replied proudly, "I'm honestly surprised his trick he told me works, just wrap it in two layers of foil and the metal detectors pass right over it."
"Just promise me you won't take it out unless absolutely necessary." Richard asked with concern. "I don't want these city folks to get the wrong idea about us being dangerous and all."
"You can count on me dad," Gary again reassured, "You don't need to have us so far out of our comfort zone. I know you don't want to give a bad impression, but we won't be that stereotypical I can promise you that."
"Whatever you say…Doc." Richard calling Gary by his now official term left his son with a big smile. If this was just the beginning he knew this would be a trip he won't soon be forgetting.
The Hudsons had a little trouble getting to the rental car garage of the airport. After following some directions from an attendant, they took a small ride on a metro tram and after a few stops, found the car rental garage.
"Dad, are you sure we should rent a car for the city?" Renée asked her father regarding the logistics of such a decision.
"I'm just so used to driving everywhere for work and just to go around town I thought we'd need it." Richard stating his reasoning for renting a car.
"That," Rachel began, "And there are no subways or taxies back in Rapid City. Even the few buses there are don't go far enough for us to use them regularly." Adding more to their explanation.
"Still," Renée continuing her case, "With all the traffic I read about here, I'm still not sure it's the best way to go. But it maybe cheaper overall to rent than to pay taxi far every day."
"That's the financial adviser talking in ya." Rachel commending her daughter's thinking habits.
They made their way to the kiosk to make their selection.
"Good morning," Richard began to the clerk, "We're just arrived and are looking for a car suitable for four adults, got any SUVs or vans?"
"You're in luck," Replied the clerk in an unfamiliar accent to the Hudsons. "We just got a shipment of Grand Cherokees two weeks ago, not a common sight here in Queens that's for sure."
Richard was surprised and please to hear this. "Hear that Rachel even here in the city they've got a few tough cars." He said turned to his just as pleased wife. "We'll take one of those, looks like Mayor Giuliani is sure treating this city nicely."
"Whatever you say sir," replied the still unenlightened clerk grabbing the key. "The renting price is $50 a day, not including any gasoline you might need along the way."
Richard grabbed the key again with delight, "Now that doesn't sound so bad,"
"Just make sure the car isn't dented and the gas tank is full before you return your vehicle." Now it was Richard's turn for reality to hit him, with a shrug and still being positive he answered, "Welh, we'll be sure to be careful with it, it's our first time in the big city after all."
"Oh of course it is," The clerk replied sarcastically. "Your car's black and its license plate number is on that tag. Have a good time and thanks for renting with us at Enterprise."
"Clearly no Kirk to be found here." Gary whispered to his sister who nodded in reply with a slight giggle.
"You kids got everything?" Richard asked his children; they both gave a nod and just like that they went to get the car and make their way to their hotel in Manhattan.
The Plaza Hotel, Manhattan New York. One hour later.
After a very confusing yet eye opening trip through New York, along with a few remarks from Renée, the Hudsons finally made it to the Plaza.
"I just hope we don't look too out of place." Said a worried Renée as she was grabbing her bags from the car. Still concerned with her western appearance in an urban environment.
"Renée, that should be the least of your worries right now." Gary commented to his sister's concerns, "With you being the financial advisor for our trip, I'd think you'd know it's going to take a lot of quarters to keep these parking meters ticking."
"If you had paid attention during the flight," responded Renée to her brother's concerns. "You'd remember I had not only found the cheapest spots in town to park, but where all the parking garages are. You know for someone who studies the minds you still seem to not know mine all the way."
Gary could only chuckle at his sister's observations. "I haven't even had my first session yet, but we're a little busy to do that here now aren't we?"
Renée knew he wasn't completely serious with his answer and knew he was trying to make her fell better about their attire. Maybe he did know a thing or two about her mind after all.
The Hudsons entered the luxury hotel with all their luggage and were greeted by the hotel staff. "Ah," began the doorman in a British accent, "Looks like some folks from out west."
"Just making our way out to the big city for the fist time." Rachel stated. "We wanted to in the past, but nothing could quite work out, we're a farmer family you see."
"Is that so?" The doorman remarked. "Well, welcome to the Plaza and make yourselves comfortable, the receptionist will be with your reservation in no time."
"See?" Renée told Gary as they walked into the lobby, "I told you we stood out."
"Standing out to Tim over there I see as an achievement, he looks at hundreds of people everyday and we were the ones to get his attention." Gary informed her still trying to make her comfortable.
"Rachel, I'll get our reservation checked in while you call Travis and Hellen and inform them we've arrived without a hitch." Richard told his wife while he made his way to the receptionist.
"Isn't this great kids?" Rachel asked Renée and Gary as she placed her baggage down by a lounge chair. "I mean this is more fanciness than anything we have back home."
"If you call these hats fancy." Renée replied while tipping her cap.
"Given our status back in Rapid City," Gary going off Renée's example as he sat down in the lobby chair, "We are celebrities. Besides, didn't we already get Tim's attention when we entered?"
Renée thought about her brother's example for a moment, even if it was literally his position to see into the minds of others, she was a very capable thinker herself.
"Now that you mention it, I guess it's not that big a deal looking like this and all." Her hands outlining her body, "But I'm still changing for tonight Confucius."
"Whatever you say secretary." Gary joked after Renée's comment, both of them smiling in the end.
"You know Renée if you're changing tonight," Rachel began after hearing her daughter's intentions. "You could keep you eye out for a good-looking guy or two." She said as she walked to the nearest phone booth to call the family.
"You'll get the attention of Tim for sure." Gary joked regarding his mother's suggestion.
"You're one to talk," Renée annoyed with Gary's joke, "Eight years of on and off college and you still couldn't find a lady."
"First of all, Renée," Gary began to inform his position. "All the ladies back home went to spend their time at Minnesota State where they stopped being girls and became models like all those," He put in air quotes, "Smart city girls." "Meanwhile all five girls at my college wanted to stay with their family farms and just took a few machining classes. And I must admit, I like that kind of ethic…unless they have no other classes in common with me and I never see them." While Gary was mentioning this, he couldn't help but think of what a missed opportunity it was to not go after a girl or two while in college. Especially since he was older than most college attendees by the time he had graduated.
"Secondly, all your time at University of Nebraska and not a single man showed up when you moved back." Gary continued, claiming his sister had a similar issue.
"I was there for four years," Renée protested, "Not nearly as much time as you, and while I admit too there were plenty of guys in my classes, I out preformed many of them who had the same major."
"What about that Jason guy who was at that finance firm you worked with after you graduated?" Gary asked regarding a previous relationship.
"Too busy I guess, but he just decided the army was a better choice." Renée replied, feeling some regret in not trying to go further. Similarly to Gary's situation at his college.
"Well, you have an excuse in that department." Gary admitted to his sister's action. "But the only reason it took me so long to graduate is because I spent a few years working on the farm to raise money so I wouldn't need to rely on the loan traps." Gary explained. "Getting a pilot license as well, and two, I was unsure of finding a position nearby given my major. Hell, I'm still unsure, you found work immediately."
"Okay fair enough," Renée wanting to calm thing down a bit, "It wasn't like you waited because you wanted too. But I wouldn't be too concerned about finding a job just yet, I mean you just graduated with a doctorate for pete sake."
"Yeah I guess you're right there," Gary liking his sister's comment, "I mean you worked at that finance firm in town before it went out and then you became the Hudson farm accountant. We've been more profitable and made better relationships with other farmers since you started."
"See?" Renée recognizing her brother's change in attitude. "Ever since I started working in the family business things have turned out better, I'm sure it'll be the same for anywhere that hires you."
"I'm glad to hear you support me like this." Gary thanked his sister's optimism, "And just like that we start clawing like grizzlies, but we come back around and we're siblings again."
"Only a true psychologist can see that." Renée complimented his skills. "I'm glad to have you as a little brother."
"But it would be nice for you to find me a brother-in-law for me so we can go hunting together." Gary humorously said about her marital status.
"Like that's the only thing we westerners care about." Renée joked back, "Oh there'll be plenty of time to hunt after this trip, besides have you tried you know what yet?" Referring to his Python gift.
"I did take it out to the range last week to test it, works just fine." Gary answered, "Maybe I can show you a thing or two more about how to shoot?"
"I'm fine," Renée answered back, "Save that knowledge for a sister-in-law for me." She joked back going off what Gary said. They both laughed as both their parents came back to them.
"I see you kids have gotten settled in pretty well in the fancy lobby." Richard said noticing their smiles and overall cheerful appearance. "I just got us checked in and we're heading up to the twelfth floor."
"I called Travis and Hellen and they were delighted to hear the news of our arrival." Rachel said regarding the rest of the family "Said everything's doing fine back at the ranch and that they wanted us to enjoy our trip here."
"Good to hear honey," Richard responding to Rachel's confirmation call, "Now let's get a cart and go up." Grabbing a luggage cart for easy transport. "Sure don't have these back in the Badlands." Richard said as the family walked into the nearest elevator.
"So after we get to the room and all, what do you all wanna do first?" He asked his family as the elevator doors closed. Eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their great New York trip,