Something You’re Sure To Love

Something You’re Sure To Love

 
It’s strange as hell when Venn forgets to put me on hold. He’s standing right there in front of me, a hologram looking at Pilot, talking to some guy I can’t see in Idaho. Didn’t even mute me, so I have to keep quiet like a little kid, while he conducts his business. I’m his father, dammit.

I punch up a smoke and stick it in my mouth. These things are getting so real. It’s a free upgrade Venn sent over this morning. Usually the upgrades don’t offer much but this one--the spliff feels like it’s actually in my mouth. I take in a deep pull.

Well, they haven’t figured out that part, yet.

I flick the poor-excuse-for-a-joint into the air with one hand and point at it with the other. “Bang.” It disappears. Pilot jumps at the illusion just a moment too late. He comes over and head-butts my leg, wanting to play that game again.

“Not now, old buddy.” I whisper to him as I bend over, and he leaps onto the loveseat beside me. He walks in a circle, then lies down against my leg and purrs.

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