#dave 1

PREVIEW OF CHAPTER 28: ALL THE THINGS WE MISSED

On one such occasion, it was to inform him that he’d hired someone on as a “repair technician”, as the Tarwill called it. “What for? My work is impeccable. There’s really no need for that.”

“I donno…” Viktor shrugged, tone nonchalant, “He made a pretty convincing case for himself. I couldn’t say no to his determination…” Then promptly wheezed in laughter.

“Hm. I’ll be the judge of that.” Quickly, he took Viktor by the arm, and teleported the both of them to the shuttle hangar. It caught The Webspace’s leader off-guard, who let out a sharp noise of surprise.

“For fuck sake, 1,” He tried to sound serious, but was moreso rattled, “Warn me next time. Jesus.”

“Ah, sorry,” 1 spoke sincerely, then added, “I want to test your determined little technician. If he is going to be looking after my devices, he must be nothing but the best.”

Viktor snorted. “Oh, he is alright. A well-made… Something. Absolutely.”

“You don’t sound like you mean it.” 1 was sighing.

“I know, I know. Hang on, I’ll call him.” Right after he’d done so, 1 could hear a new sound amidst the rest - footsteps that somehow managed to be more audible than everything else. As it got closer, it was accented in faint, motorized whirs. But both were in harmony, sophisticated, and intentional.

And then, a third person stopped in front of Viktor and 1, with perfect posture. A swift glance into his file revealed his name: BILLY.CS. He seemed promising, but appearances are not enough.

“Mr. Strobovski, sir,” He gave a nod of acknowledgement, “What is it you need of me?”

1 stifled a shudder. He reminded him of those films, with robots who act in subservient roles, before inevitably turning on Humankind. And Billy in particular came off as if he were Viktor’s personal

“Oh yeah! Forgot that part,” The Tarwill chuckled, “Billy, this is Dave #1, but he just prefers the number. He’s responsible for the things that you’ll repair. He wants to test you or whatever.” He nudged him. “You sure you want to do this?”

“Please don’t question my methods,” 1 dodged the inquiry, then turned to the android. “You believe you are fit for this role?”

“Correct,” His answer was prompt. Stoic. “Ever since I’ve been outmoded in the very thing I’m most skilled at, I have decided to take it upon myself to bear the responsibility of ensuring your inventions work as intended.” Oh. Oh wow. There was a little bite to this machine.

“Mm-hmm, how fascinating.” 1 tabbed to his toolbox, floated higher, then opened it and turned it over. Several construction pieces fell to the concrete floor, echoing and reverberating noisily throughout the hangar. He was sure at least one person turned to look, but what 1 truly noticed was Billy trying not to cringe from the decibels.

“1, cut that shit out!” Viktor was more vocal about it, though. For a second, 1 forgot he was there. “Do you want us to go deaf?!”

“Oops, no. I must’ve slipped,” 1 fibbed, returning to his side. “Anyway, your task is to successfully build one of my shuttles from scratch. You have by the end of the day.” He didn’t wait for a reply, starting to leave instead. At least, until Viktor stopped him.

“No no no, asshole. You’re staying to watch.”

If only 1 had a stopwatch running, for it must’ve been no more than ten minutes. Sitting atop the newly-built shuttle, the android bore a slightly smug expression. “‘But Billy,’ you might be asking, ‘How could you have known its specifications?’ Well 1, you see, I took the time to study all of your blueprints. It took me five seconds just for this one. And, perhaps it goes without saying, but my robotic mind allows for a flawless, photographic memory.”

1 couldn’t respond. Billy noticed his silence. “Now, unless you would either: prefer to maintain them yourself, or are certain you can find someone better suited for this job, I think your assessment of me is complete, and you will have no choice but to rely on me. It is the least I can do, to thank you for creating the house cubes.” His tone held an air of controlled confidence, layered within the flatness, but those last two words were tenser, as if there’d been a personal slight against him.

Billy got down from the shuttle, dusting himself off despite not being the least bit dirtied. “… Ah. I hope I haven’t spoken out of turn, Mr. Strobovski.” And on a dime, his demeanor returned to normal. Looking up at him, the Tarwill had a big, dumb grin on his face.

“What? Nah, you’re good,” He met eyes with 1. “Satisfied? You look impressed.”

God, he’d let himself lose his cool, and to this… Petty android. He straightened up. “Why, yes, of course. He may stay on-board. He sounds like he is capable.”

“Then, if there is nothing else, I will take my leave. Have a good rest of your day, Mr. Strobovski. 1.” Only at the mention of his name did Billy’s connotation shift. Then, his exit was precise, consistent with his previous movements. 1… Honestly hadn’t seen this whole situation coming.

When Billy was gone, Viktor let out a laugh, like it’d been restrained until now. “Isn't he a riot?!”