John barely gave the android a second glance before running for the small escape route. It would take him half an hour to get to his shop, and another to get back. He wasn't sure if they even had the part he needed though. He may have to go to another shop. If that's the case, I might not make it back in time! The RK600 is one of the rarer models, so their parts might be out of stock in a lot of places, John thought worriedly as he sprinted through the yard and hopped the fence.
His legs and lungs were burning. He'd already made this trip once that day. He almost wanted to cry in exhaustion. I have to make it! I have to keep going! he thought, knowing that the android in the warehouse had no one else to turn to. He was literally holding his life in his hands. He didn't want to let him down. It seemed humans had done that too much already. His shop was dark by the time he reached it. David had already locked up for the night and gone home. John knocked on the shutter loudly, knowing the GT300 android would hear the sound and reactivate.
"GT! GT300! Open up! Quickly!" John urged breathlessly while knocking on the clattering metal, relieved as he saw the lights turn on and the inner door opened. Moments later, the metal shutter was rising and John stumbled into the shop, ducking beneath the screeching door the moment there was enough space. The GT300's LED glowed yellow on its temple as he regarded John's doubled over form. He could tell the human was somewhat distressed. John looked up at him gratefully, barely managing to gasp out what he needed. "RK700 power core, or 600, do we have either in stock?" He watched the GT300's emerald eyes go blank as he reviewed their stock list.
"Negative. Our next shipment won't arrive for three days," he replied in his usual monotone, watching John's knees buckle as he dropped to the wooden floor. I can't leave it like this! There must be something I can do! The old GT300 crouched down and laid a supportive hand on John's shoulder. He could feel the heat of the human's skin and the fast pounding of his heart. John rested a hand on the arm in thanks.
"I need that part right now! It's an emergency! I need to get one within the hour!" John gasped, watching the GT300 blink as if surprised. He wasn't sure why he'd told the GT300. After all, there was nothing he could do if they didn't have it. The GT300 remained on his knees as John got to his feet and stumbled towards the computer. Maybe there was a shop somewhere in the area that would still be open. He was surprised as the GT300 got to his feet and joined him.
"I have found a store, Sir. If you authorise my use of the delivery vehicle, we can just about make it there in time," he reported amicably. John looked at him, quietly stunned. He had no idea that David had programmed the GT300 to interface with the computer systems wirelessly like that, not to mention placing an order and arranging pickup. David only worked the front desk. He usually never took part in actually working on androids. It wasn't part of his major. But I know I didn't complete that work, and he can't have installed it himself…
"Yes! You're authorised! Let's go!" John urged as he reached under the counter and grabbed two helmets. The GT300 neatly clipped his helmet into place and led the way outside. John only paused to lower the shutter before climbing onto the back of the motorbike they used for smaller deliveries. It would be easier to get through traffic that way. The streets in the city were often busy so close to evening.
"Please hold on, Sir," the GT300 instructed, feeling John's grip on his uniform tighten obediently at the waist. John lifted his feet as the GT300 pulled away and sped down the road. He would have thought the GT300 was breaking the speed limit, if that were possible. The world seemed to fly by, and the motorbike darted effortlessly between traffic, only slowing down at intersections and changing lights. John was surprised when they pulled up outside a closed Cyberlife store. It was huge and still fairly new, filling a long glass window that looked big enough to be two stores. Maybe it had been at one point. It wasn't unusual with larger brands to buy two spaces and knock them through.
"Are we too late?" John asked worriedly as the GT300 climbed off the bike. John followed as he headed to the front window, his LED flashing yellow. Inside, John saw movement. Another android appeared, walking calmly to the glass before pausing with its hands behind its back. It was a dark-skinned male service model wearing a navy blue jumpsuit with the expected Cyberlife insignia on the breast and sleeves. An AV500…These were both maintenance and assistant models. John watched as the AV500 shifted his dark eyes to John almost curiously before returning his attention to the GT300. Are they communicating? Their LEDs were both flickering amber as they stared at each other.
"This way," the GT300 instructed as he moved towards the side alley. John followed him round to the closed fire door, which opened with a loud clang. When did Cyberlife authorise evening pickups like this? John wondered cautiously as the AV500 looked at him. His LED flashed yellow for a few moments as he held up the piece John needed. "Do you authorise payment, Sir?" the GT300 asked as it looked at John for further instructions.
"Uh, yes. Payment authorised," John replied warily, watching the androids link wirelessly. Both of their LEDs blinked and stuttered yellow for a few moments as the payment request was sent and fulfilled. They both maintained their vacant expressions as they nodded to each other with preprogrammed politeness.
"Payment complete. Here is your purchase, Sir. Have a nice day," the AV500 replied in a deep, toneless voice, as if reading from a script. He held out the component, and John took it with a relieved smile. The core was safely packed in a box, and on the outside was a picture of the handsome young model it was supposed to power. It was a Caucasian model with grey eyes and dark blonde hair. This was the latest prototype model made to be an advanced domestic assistant and companion, but like all models, it could be programmed to do whatever you wanted.
"Thank you," John replied as he stepped back, watching the two androids nod to each other once more before the door was closed. A shiver ran down John's spine at the realisation. The two androids had been communicating the whole time. John shook off his unease. He had what he needed. Now he had to get back to the warehouse. He pulled his phone out. He barely had forty minutes. I won't make it in time if I stop at the shop and run…
"Where to, Sir?" the GT300 asked obediently as he waited for John on the bike. John worried his lip as he pulled on his helmet. The old warehouse district was quite a way, but he was pretty sure the bike could just make it in time. Especially if I ask GT to take the fastest route possible.
"There's somewhere new I need to go," he began as he climbed on. The GT300's LED flashed yellow as he waited for input in order to plan their route.
