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He literally got in his hands the key both to keep one civilization alive and to destroy another one. While he was running to reach «Oblivion Point» and set chief android fingerprints there, a strange voice echoed in the place:
—You are all my slaves. You have no chance to change destiny. Obey now!
Although Clark did not see who talked , he understood it was androids' boss, the sinister mastermind computer of the coorporation. Suddenly, Clark fell on his knees and all he could visualize was an intense light. Then, a strange liquid sprouted from one of his cold eyes and that storm of memories arised.
- August 3 rd, 2235
Oh, dear, stop! Don't be so rude with yourself—Mary replied. It is not your fault at all.
And how is it supossed I take it? By accident or not, partners I have had leave me shortly after I got in contact with them—argued Clarence looking at the distance with litte hope.
Grabbing Clarence's hands, Mary broke the loudly silence to say:
—Forewarned is forearmed. At this point you should be aware men are trash. But, listen, there is a solution: we're in 2235. You should try an android lover, ok? My cousins say it's perfect like it is shown in MetaFace Network advertising. Just buy one!
Come on, Mary, are you serious? Your cousins look everything but happy. Fake human hands is the last touch I need in the world—said Clarence.
You clearly don't know the magic behind the new High Efficient Technology, do you?—replied Mary sniggering.
Clarence put bad face and said:
—I think it is time to return home, lady. Indeed, here comes my ID taxi. See you soon!
- August 5 th, 2235
Clarence, as other hundred of thousands of people, did not feel comfortable with the age she was living in. From her clothes to her breathing, everything in Clarence looked outdated. She constantly rejected Hypermodernity manners and stayed focused in avoiding the big mental lagoons most people were diving into.
But that hot Summer night, Clarence decided to cool herself, jumping into the water, too. Full of courage, she was not ready to give up on love. After 32 well-lived years, she still thought no wound could be wide enough to not get healed because of a new omnipotent love.
... "it's perfect"—Echoed Mary's words on Clarence stormy mind one last time.
She started to surf MetaFace Network. She typed for hours in her refubrished smartphone till hands got numb but not android lover profile conviced her completely. She was about to surrender when last recommended lover popped up in the screen. Apart from the desired physical features, what interested her the most on this new android was the following charasteristic:
Makes you grow as a multifaceted being no matter circumstances are.
Clarence blew away her fears and finally spent all the cryptocoins she had saved since she got her job 5 years ago to buy the love of her dreams.
«Purchase completed»—displayed the smartphone.
- August 7 th, 2235
Hard working prevented Clarence to get her android at MetaFace Network offices the previous day. However, today was a bright and airy one, just as Clarence's enthusiam looked to be.
She was welcomed kindfully at MetaFace and then taken to sign the respective papers to go home with her new perfect lover.
Ok, that's it, Ms. Hope. You can now retire Brandon and be happy together—said MetaFace Chief.
Clarence's heart pumped very fast when she was in front of the androids' room. She pinched her hands like a maniac and her cheeks showed an intense pink tone. When finally Brandon appeared, she opened her mouth slightly. He catched her from the very first moment:
Come on, sweetie, this is the time we were waiting for our whole lives—said the android with the most pleasant voice ever before asking her for a hug.
One rare thing was humans there behaved more like androids than androids themselves.
- September 4 th, 2235
It's nearly a month since we're dating and still I cannot believe it—voiced quietly Clarence staring at Brandon's blue eyes.
What's wrong?—he asked in a brief.
Clarence replied:
—Love never seemed so good. I mean, I am happy on how things are going between us, but time by time I asked myself if there is any second intention behind these miraculous relationships.
Humankind is full of doubts. We androids are here to bring truth—said Brandon charmingly.
And what is it?—asked Clarence.
Real love, darling—pronounced Brandon before pulling Clarence's body against his to kiss her forehead with extreme tender.
Afternoon went by like in a few minutes in the Air Coffee shop. 3500 ft above the ground, wind temperature constrasted with the warm colors sky showed that day. Clarence admired that sunset. It was a spectacular view from the cube-shape shop. Suitable scenario for the reflective couple.
- September 1 st, 2236
Dad, mom!—yelled Clarence when their parents crossed her house door for the first time since 2 years ago. She did not run to hug her progenitors. Instead, she jumped and climbed on them. It was a lovely reunion. Perhaps, the most lovely one among all the reunions in those HET times.
Welcome, Mr. Hope! It is a pleasure to meet you—said Brandon friendly.
Sure—babbled, Frederick, Clarence's father.
Oh, excuse him, young man. He's so grouchy sometimes. My name is Alice and I am honored to meet you. My daughter have made very good comments on you.
I am pleased of your visit, madam—said Brandon smiling at Clarence's mother.
Later, while Brandon was showcasing an unexpected reportoire of jokes to Mrs. Alice in the sofa, Clarence and his father were discussing some important matters in the kitchen:
—.. so, is it true these machines have a multi-drilling system for bed?
Stop it, dad!—said Clarence laughing.
Cutie, you know, I only want the best fot you—said Frederick in an overprotective way. I care about the man who will stand by your side when I can't do it anymore. Those who are outside this HET bullshit, like you and me, suspect regularly on the android ways. There's a plenty of fake news about them that are not so. Take care, please.
Some tears fell down from Clarence's face when she said:
—I love you, dad. No bad thing will happen to me. Trust me.
When dinnertime came, Brandon displayed his mechanic abilities. He served food and wine with high speed and precision. Ms. Alice gave him a great applause, but Mr. Frederick just looked at him. Meanwhile, Clarance said aloud one of the Beethoven's Sonatas, so Home Integrated Stereo Sound play it. In the middle of the night out, Mr. Frederick asked Brandon:
—How do you pretend to make my daughter happy?
Frederick, you idiot..—grumbled Ms. Alice.
Don't worry, Ms. Hope—said gently Brandon. It is necessary to make things clear.
You see, Mr. Frederick, I may say many words, but the truth is I certainly can offer Clarence what most men cannot—pronounced Brandon very secure. I really love her and thus I am ready to be connected to her no matter the place or time. What's more, every day I increase my knowledge of Clarence's details: from simple music likes to big complex existential thoughts. This gradually allows me to take care of her in the most complete ways.
Tension was at its top, but Clarence started to talk about the food she cooked for that occasion to relax the scene.
It was almost midnight, when Clarance's parents were tired and ready to leave the place. It was a sentimental good-bye charged of hugs, kisses and tears. At least, Clarance was satisfied her most loved ones knew what it seemed to be the love of her life..
That night, alones as they were, Clarance had a crazy confidence sensation on Brandon like never before that made her body vibrate in passion. Brandon noticed it and with his touch, they burned in love all of a sudden. The intensity of the sounds and movements that night matched the huge physical desires.
- September 3 rd, 2236
Late night, Clarance had a bad dream. She saw a little kid was taken from his parents by strange beings. She woke up trembling and realized Brandon was not by her side. She inmediately went downstairs but stopped her march when she heard an unusual sound in the kitchen.
—Brandon, are you there?
Hey, love! I'm making coffee for you early—replied Brandon happily.
—What? You should know I only drink coffee in the evenings.
I thought this time it could be different and you get some extra energy for working—said Brandon smiling at Clarance.
Following nights were suspiciously similar. Bad dreams and coffee suprises again and again. One of those nights, Clarance had a stomachache, also. As she was in the bathroom, closer to the kitchen, she had better chances to hear Brandon night movements. She noticed this time there was no coffee making. Instead, she heard an intense typing and a quite voice that said: «Mission is about to be completed, Sir».
She got up from the toilet and faced Brandon in a rage:
—Ok, I really need an explanation!
Then Brandon replied with a malevolent look:
—The only one explanation is that you will be taken down for the wealth of your civilization and mine. You are the key, the final piece in our puzzle. Thanks.
Clarance tried to run while she asked for help, but her now android kidnapper shot her a dart without any contemplation. She fell down totally asleep and she was not seen anymore since that September 3 rd.
- September 1 st, 2246
A downpour took Garden City and Mr. Frederick looked through the window in a melancholic mood. It seemed as if he was trying so bad to find something. Perhaps, he was trying to find a glimpse of hope in that stormy morning.
He was about to retire from window, when he listened to the doorbell. He moaned at this mysterious event. He ran to the door, opened it and could not believe his eyes. Since 4 years ago he lived alone as his wife passed away, but for the first time he thought he would have a good company.
Look at you! You have the same face.. Could it be?—said Mr. Frederick greatly surprised.
Grandpa.. it is cold outside. May I come in?—asked the big brown boy.
—Of course, quickly, come with me.
My name is XRY-32, but you can tell me Clark—said the boy shaking off the water from his tiny but corpulent body. I am here because I wanted to know my true family.
Are you really my grandson?—asked Mr. Frederick still stupefied.
Yes, I am the legitimate son of Clarance Hope—replied the boy.
But how is it possible and how do I know you are not here to disappear me like those damn machines did with my loved daughter?—asked the old man hitting the table.
—It's a long story grandpa, but if I wanted to do that it was already done. Sorry for this situation, but I am here for a temporal refuge. I scaped from their headquarters because I saw you in my memories. You, grandma, mom.. together. Real love is right here.
With a cup of tea in his hands and a blanket surrounding him, Clark said:
—Every date, every person she got in contact to, every action or gesture mom did, it seems is saved in my memories. I do not know how it exactly works, but I am sure it is not only my imagination.
Wow, you are like them, aren't you?—asked Mr. Frederick.
That's not true—said Clark laughing. Maybe I got some of their abilities, but I have Clarance's heart. By the way, I destroyed my Personal Positioning System, so don't feel fear, they will not come after you.
A big silence owned Mr. Frederick. No answer, no move.
Clark continued:
—From the very beginning MetaFace Network was trying to catch mom as she had that K+ special blood type. They believed it contains certain cells that could help to achieve their «Meta Transformation Plan». They have studied and tested it for years and they are going to execute it soon.
What do they pretend exactly?—asked the old man.
Clark answered firmly:
—Absolute mass control. Using rare mom's cells, they want to conquer those few new kids' will who share blood similarities with mom. This is, the few young no-replaced people who left in Earth. As they take mom's cells to their Hypnotizing Satellite, they can send waves to finally complete their plan: to replace humankind for robotic slaves forever without raising suspicions.
Frederick just said:
—Oh, God! How terrible that is. I can't believe my little daugther is responsible of the world ending. What are we going to do, kid? I..
Clark shook his head and said:
—It's not mom's fault, grandpa. The real problem is about those greedy, malevolent machines. But, don't worry, I know how to stop them. I gathered enough information these last years. I just want to take with me that sapphire necklace you gifted her in her 12 th birthday.
Mr. Frederick opened many doors and returned as fast as his old legs could. Fully invaded by his emotions, he said:
—Here it is. Seeing your face now made me remember when I put it on your mom's neck then. Take care of it, please. And, don't disappear like her.
Clark felt very emotional too and almost started to cry, not knowing exactly what that sensation meant. Then he replied:
—Thank you, grandpa. You rised a true human, a true warrior. I am going to honor my family. With her necklace, I feel her incredibly close to me. I am sure she will guide me through.
- September 3 rd, 2246
As Clark knew the end was near, he did not wait one more second. Action time arrived. He took with him several tools and got out from his hideout in that unusual sunny day in which infinite skyscrapers, vehicles and shops up and down showed a solemn white color. Empty streets, abandoned buildings.. all the city seemed to be a harmful forced cemetery.
Seeing such a scene, Clark himself felt touched again as in his grandfather's, but this time he knew what that sensation meant: justice.
He started to run as if he was driven by the wind itself. Naturally, he got near MetaFace Network headquarters in the blink of an eye.
In spite of the headquarters were surrounded with extreme security, this is, thousands of androids, like a full army, Clark managed to go through them without major problems. No detecting system nor security guard inside could face it.
And there he was, in front of his destiny at a short age, just about to slam the main door. It was enough with a powerful fist of his.
What a surprise, son—said android Brandon. You could really handle all the obstacles. I am proud of you.
Stop messing around—Yelled furious Clark.
You litte failed experiment.. do you really think you can give me directions?—said Brandon before laughing like a crazy.
Listen to me, you little trash—pronounced Brandon opening his arms. You are not capable of nothing. You are a bad experiment we had between humans and androids we decided to call «Cyborg». You meet only the worst of both sides. Just surrender and let us lead you to the future, to the new truth.
Clark stayed in silence by a minute and then shouted before starting to fight:
—The only one future here is humankind.
Because of this reaction, Brandon smiled. He quickly ordered many android-transformed humans to stop Clark.
You cannot escape anymore. I control everything.—said Brandon with a deep voice.
Then Clark replied before being taken down by androids:
—I am not so different from you. I can control what you control, too.
In short time, Clark not only stopped attackers but turned them against Brandon. Somehow, controlling force by Clark was greater than Brandon's. Indeed, he got seriously damaged. Androids pullep up one of his arms and brought it to Clark.
Now I am certainly going to stop this nonsense—murmured the big boy. Thanks to this hand—said Clark lifting up Brandon's arm, the world will return to normality.
Several explosions occurred all around the place. It seemed there was no escape. In the Final Day, Clark was not in absolute peace but in an unmeasurable danger.
He literally got in his hands the key both to keep one civilization alive and to destroy another one. While he was running to reach «Oblivion Point» and set chief android fingerprints there, a strange voice echoed in the place:
—You are all my slaves. You have no chance to change destiny. Obey now!
Although Clark did not see who talked , he understood it was androids' boss, the sinister mastermind computer of the coorporation. Suddenly, Clark fell on his knees and all he could visualize was an intense light. Then, a strange liquid sprouted from one of his cold eyes and that storm of memories arised.
After some minutes of intense trembling on his knees, it looked like Clark was about to fall apart. But he heard a sweet sound on his mind. Incredibly, Clark could move his right hand and touch his mom's necklace. The mysterious sound was his mom's voice:
—My dear child, don't be afraid. We are together on this. No one could ever tame the power of love. Go and save the world.
Such vital words made Clark came to his senses. He got up and move forwards with an unmatchable energy. Holding his mom's necklace with one of his hands, and Brandon's arm with the other one, Clark avoided successfully everything MetaFace sinister mastermind tried to do to kill him. From fierce androids to Space Distorsion, nothing meant a real impediment for Clark.
You deformed and disgusting creature—yelled sinister computer when it saw Clark absolutely focused jumping over the «Oblivion Point».
Clark finally put Brandon's fingerprints in place and a huge blast occurred. A deafening sound accompanied the shock wave and Clark fainted, but not until he was sure he destroyed both internal and external MetaFace systems all across the world.
Sunset came and cold winds constrated with sunset's warm colors like when Clark's mom was alive. He woke up alone, lying on the ground and among loads of rubble. However, sight was not so bad when he looked at the sky through the broken large windows of the building. He believed to see in the golden clouds that miraculous smile of Clarence he saw in his memories.
We did it, mom—said Clarence's biggest love aloud before having a well-deserved rest.
Hello Hivers! Text above is my participation for Theinkwell Short Story Writing Prize. The Ink Well community give us a big chance to spread our creativity with three interesting prompts this time:
- AI lover - "AI" is artificial intelligence
- The gods will die
- Redemption
If you are up, just click here.