Disclaimer: I don't own Big O, but I love it.

This story is one of a series of short stories and vignettes being posted to the "Story a Day" thread in the Amadeus Bar and Grill forum at the Save Big O website (see my profile for the link since the site won't let me put it here) .

Feedback is welcomed.

Efficiency Expert

"It would be more efficient if you took the stairs," Dorothy said as she followed Roger into the elevator and down to the underground garage.

"And my legs would be so tired I'd lose all the time I gained by using the stairs because my pace would slow," Roger answered.

Her eyes narrowed. Was he teasing her again? "Do you need to begin an exercise program? It will help your stamina," she said.

Roger gave a cough that sounded suspiciously like a laugh. "My uh... stamina... is adequate, thank you," he said as they reached the car and he opened the door.

She was silent as he threaded the Griffon through the heavy traffic. "So what's with this sudden obsession with time management?" he inquired as they got out of the center of city and the traffiic eased a little.

"I am an android, not a human. Androids don't become obsessed," she said coldly.

"Could've fooled me," he smirked. "That's a serious question, by the way. If you're going to make me put up with your constant "suggestions" to improve my efficiency, at least tell me why you've decided to torture me!"

"Torture? Why would I want to torture you?" she scowled at him as a chuckle escaped him despite his attempt to squelch it. "For a man who pays so much attention to time, you certainly waste a lot of it."

By the sudden set of his jaw, she'd scored a point. "It's the nature of the business. I have to be ready to negotiate at any time. How do you know I'm wasting time? Maybe I'm just waiting to hear from a client!"

"The phone hasn't rung in nearly two weeks," she countered. "That would indicate to me that you currently don't have any clients."

"That's how it works!" now he sounded like he was getting angry. "Feast or famine, Dorothy. I'll go a month or two with no calls, then suddenly I'll have all the clients I can handle. Believe me, after a few months like that, I'm ready for some time off."

Dorothy considered his words. Perhaps it was true. Certainly, Norman seemed to accept his employer's current slothfulness as a matter of course. "I will study the matter further," she said finally.

"You do that," he said, his irritation fading as quickly as it had arisen. He suddenly smiled. "I do appreciate what you do for Norman. He seems a lot happier lately."

"Yes, we sat down and worked out a schedule," she said. "Now that our time is managed more efficiently, he is able to take an afternoon or evening off, and he's getting enough rest."

"I wish I could say the same," Roger gave her a sidelong glance."

"If you went to bed at a more reasonable hour, getting up on time wouldn't be so burdensome," she informed him.

"I'd prefer to sleep late, thank you," he said, pulling the car up to a run-down looking apartment building.

"Why are we here?" she asked curiously.

"This may come as a shock to you, but I have a client," he said smugly. "I wanted you to come with me because I believe it's more efficient to show you what I do rather than try to explain it. I know how you value efficiency."

Dorothy gave him a dirty look as she got out of the car and followed him into the building. He didn't know the half of her musical repertoire, but bright and early tomorrow morning would be an efficient time to begin introducing him.