Man or Machine: 2 (Body Electric) (14 page)

“I’m very pleased to meet you again,” Blue said to Hal when Dallas let them go. “I did not get a chance to say it before but I greatly admire your work in cryptography.”

“And I greatly admire your work in every single way,” said Hal, shaking his hand. “I can’t wait to sit down with you and talk.”

“Don’t let him con you into a game of chess,” Cally said. “He beats everybody except for Green. Hi, Hal, I’m Ilsa’s sister Cally.” She kissed him on his cheek. “I can’t tell you how good it is to see my little sister with a real man. No offense, Dallas.”

“None taken, sweet cheeks.”

“Hal’s adorable,” Cally said to Ilsa. “Trust you to find the only good-looking computer genius in the world.”

“Not quite the only good-looking computer genius,” said Hal, winking at Ilsa.

She beckoned Red forward from where she was standing, politely waiting to be of service. “You’ve met Red already too.”

“I’ve enjoyed her cooking and her martial arts skills. It’s a privilege to meet you, Red.”

“Thank you, Hal. I trust you were not hurt by my restraining you.”

“On the contrary. I fully deserved it.”

“The only housie you haven’t met is Green,” said Ilsa, and then something occurred to her. “Oh my God, you know I think I forgot to rescind the order to Green to stay away from the house. Has he been outside this entire time?”

“He is on his way inside now,” said Red. “Also, Jonathan has arrived. Hello, Jonathan.”

Ilsa’s brother stood in the doorway, holding a carryon bag. They’d been so caught up with reunions and meetings that nobody had heard him come in. He looked rumpled, drawn, with dark circles under his eyes as if he hadn’t slept for a couple days. Of course, he had just flown in from Taiwan, or wherever, after weeks of closing deals and making money. His dark, tailored suit was creased and his tie was undone. He ran his free hand through his hair and looked around him.

“Hi, Jonathan,” said Ilsa.

“What the hell is going on?” Jonathan demanded. His voice was raspy. “Who’s this guy? And what’s
this
? You built another robot?”

“I knew Jonathan was going to be pissed off,” said Cally with glee.

Jonathan ignored her. “Another robot. And what’s wrong with it?”

“Him,” corrected Ilsa automatically, but she followed her brother’s gaze to Dallas. The robot was standing utterly still, his eyes glowing brighter than she’d ever seen them, and he was making a strange humming noise. He seemed to be focused on Jonathan but when she really looked at him, she realized he was staring at the space behind her brother, where Green had come into the house.

Like the other robots, Green was hairless, and like Red, he was naked. He was holding Jonathan’s suitcase in one hand and a large bunch of daffodils in the other. They made a beautiful contrast against his grass-green skin.

“Welcome home, Ilsa,” Green said in his cordial English-flavored accent. Dallas started as if he’d had an electric shock.

“Dallas?” said Ilsa. “Are you okay?”

“Hello, Dallas,” Green said to him. “It is nice to meet you.”

Dallas crossed the room at a speed Ilsa had never seen him achieve before. He took Green in his arms.

“Where have you been all my life, baby?” he asked. He bent Green backward and kissed him thoroughly. The daffodils fell to the floor.

Cally whistled. “Now that is hot.”

“What the hell is going on?” Jonathan demanded again. “Have you made this house into some kind of robot-sex palace?”

Hal nudged Ilsa, whose mouth had fallen open. “I think Dallas might have met his true love,” he said. He put his arm around her waist. “Pity he’s missing one or two essential parts.”

She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I think we have some work to do, you and I.”

Love Machine

Ellora’s Cave Publishing

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Man or Machine

ISBN 9781419945199

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Man or Machine Copyright © 2013 Electra Shepherd

Edited by Carrie Jackson

Cover design by Dar Albert

Cover photography by Dmitry Bairachnyi, Aarrtthhuurr, Angela Harburn, Santi/Fotolia.com

Electronic book publication April 2013

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