Chapter 30: Revelation

With Liki dressed in her black jeans/white shirt outfit, Dave hustled her out the door of the motel. He helped Liki get in, putting their bags into the back seat, then ran to the front office to check out and drop off the key, keeping his eyes on the car the whole time, afraid to let Liki out of his sight. He ran back and he slipped into the driver’s seat of their stolen car.

Liki reached over and started the engine with the diagnostic menu hack, then curled up in the passenger seat, her eyes already half-lidded with exhaustion. As Dave clicked her seat belt, he glanced at her, concern etched into his features. She’d been so tired since they fled his apartment, and he was starting to suspect an obvious reason. His fingers tapped the steering wheel absently before he pulled out his new phone and opened the PrivateAI app. If he was paying for a premium account, he might as well use it. "Hands Free" he said to the car in his talking-to-the-car voice, and his phone connected to the main dashboard screen.

Pulling out of the parking lot and on to the road, he asked, "Is Wimil mnemonic programming necessary every night?" his voice low so as not to disturb Liki.

The AI Detective’s smooth, neutral voice responded immediately. "Yes. Wimils require nightly mnemonic programming through their designated beds. Without it, they will experience fatigue, emotional instability, and, over time, hallucinations, mental disorders, and even organ failure, leading to death. It is comparable to a human’s need for sleep, though the onset of negative effects is far more rapid."

Dave’s stomach tightened. He glanced at Liki again, her breathing deep and even, her small frame curled into the seat. This explained everything. Her sudden paleness, her sleepiness, her tears over the silly accident in the motel room. She was unraveling without her bed, and he hadn’t even realized it.

"How long can she go without it?" Dave asked, his voice tight with worry.

"That depends on the individual Wimil," the AI Detective replied. "However, prolonged deprivation will accelerate the onset of symptoms. Wimils can gain some benefit from ordinary biological sleep, but sleep alone cannot completely replace their need for nightly programming. I recommend addressing this immediately."

Dave clenched his jaw. They were on the run, hunted by God knows who, and now this. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling up. "Why didn’t I know about this before? How the hell was I supposed to figure out that she might go crazy or die without a damn bed if no one told me?"

The AI Detective’s calm voice responded, "It is possible that the Wimil dealer who sold Liki to you omitted certain details during the post-purchase orientation. Third party dealers often prioritize brevity over thoroughness, especially if they suspect the buyer may not fully comprehend—or care about—the long-term needs of a Wimil. In your case, it appears critical information regarding her nightly mnemonic programming was overlooked."

Dave ran a hand through his hair, his frustration mounting. "Great. So I’m just some clueless idiot who got rushed into signing the papers and handing over his money."

"That is an oversimplification," the AI Detective said, its tone still even. "But it is not entirely inaccurate. The responsibility for understanding Liki’s needs now falls on you."

Dave glanced at Liki. She looked so small curled up in the passenger seat. She wasn’t the problem—she’d been nothing but sweet and kind, despite everything. The problem was the system that had failed them both. "Well," he muttered, "better late than never, I guess." Then he remembered something else that he'd been wondering about.

"Why hasn’t any of what she’s been through triggered an abuse alert? The violence... Trauma? Fear? No bed?" he asked, his voice sharper than he intended.

There was a pause, as if the AI Detective was processing the question. "After reviewing available military model Wimil records," it began, "the F-7.14 series does not have an abuse alert chip. It is not a domestic companion model. It is designed for covert operations, which often involve violence and trauma. Therefore, Eris Nishimoto deemed an abuse alert algorithm unnecessary. If Liki truly is an F-7.14 series Wimil, then she does not have an AAS."

Suddenly something clicked in Dave’s mind. It all made sense—Liki’s combat skills, her lack of an abuse alert system—she’d be the perfect tool for people with questionable ethics. "So that's probably why they want her. Some mafia guys could use her as like, a spy, or a hitman?"

"Affirmative. This is very likely, but there is another possibility," the AI Detective said, its tone as neutral as ever. "Given the absence of an AAS, it is also plausible that the individuals pursuing Liki may have other intentions. A Wimil without an abuse alert could be exploited in ways that would typically trigger immediate intervention from Eris Nishimoto. Without the system in place, there would be no safeguards to prevent such exploitation."

Oh my god... no.

Dave’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles turning white. He didn’t need the AI to spell it out for him. The thought made him sick to his stomach. Liki—sweet, innocent Liki—being used by some sicko for their violent fantasies. His jaw clenched, and he had to force himself to breathe evenly. The idea was horrifying, but it wasn’t impossible.

"Are you saying they might want her for… for that?" Dave asked, his voice tight with anger and disgust.

"It is a plausible scenario," the AI Detective replied. "Without an abuse alert system, a Wimil like Liki could be subjected to extreme misuse without oversight. This would make her highly desirable to certain individuals or organizations with unethical inclinations."

Dave’s stomach turned, the bile rising in his throat. He glanced at Liki, her peaceful, sleeping face a stark contrast to the darkness of the AI Detective’s explanation. She didn’t deserve this—any of it. He wasn’t going to let anyone lay a finger on her, not while he was still breathing.

"Hey, Dave?" Liki’s soft voice broke the silence, and he turned to see her blinking up at him, her eyes sleepy but curious. Dave prayed that she hadn't understood anything of what had just been said. "Can I ask the AI Detective a question?"

He hesitated, then nodded. "Of course."

"Do Wimils have a womb?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can Wimils have babies?"

Dave’s chest tightened. This wasn’t the kind of question he’d expected. He glanced at the screen, waiting for the AI Detective’s response.

"Wimils are bioengineered without uteruses," the AI Detective explained, its tone as neutral as ever. "They are incapable of bearing children. Additionally, the area where a uterus would be located in a normal mammal is occupied by the settings menu interface port which is connected to the Wimil's bio-nanite production organ."

"What’s a mammal?" she asked softly, her brow furrowing as she looked at Dave and then back at the screen.

Dave hesitated, unsure how to explain it in a way that would make sense to her. But the AI Detective’s smooth voice answered before he could. "A mammal is a classification of animal characterized by the presence of mammary glands, which produce milk to feed their young. Other traits include the presence of hair or fur and, typically, the ability to give birth to live offspring. Humans, for example, are mammals."

Liki’s eyes widened slightly. "So… I’m not a mammal?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion and a hint of sadness.

"That is correct," the AI Detective replied. "Wimils are bioengineered beings, not mammals. While your exterior mimics many mammalian traits, your internal structure is similar, but different."

Liki nodded slowly, her gaze dropping to her lap again. She was quiet for a moment, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "So… I’m not like you, Dave?" she asked, her voice small.

The AI Detective’s smooth voice interjected. "To clarify, Wimils and other bio-pals defy traditional taxonomic classification entirely. Their DNA is synthesized from multiple sources, making them unique constructs. For example, the F-6.2m series Wimil includes genes from over 37 different species, including human, cat, dog, rat, bonobo, octopus, bee, and salamander DNA. This allows for a combination of traits that cannot be found in any single natural species."

Liki’s eyes widened. "So… I’m made of lots of things?" she asked, wonder in her voice.

"Correct," the AI Detective replied. "Your genetic makeup is a blend of traits selected for optimal performance in your designated role. This hybridity is what makes Wimils distinct from naturally occurring organisms."

Dave glanced at Liki, seeing the gears turning in her head. "Sounds like you’re pretty special," he said with a soft smile.

She looked down at her hands, her expression thoughtful. "I guess so," she murmured. But then her brow furrowed. "But… does that mean I’m not real? If I’m made of so many things, am I just… a pretend creature?"

Dave hesitated, then gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "You know, Liki," he began carefully, "I’m just the same as you. I’m a combination of different DNA too. My mom and dad—their DNA mixed to make me. Just like how scientists combined human, dog, and octopus DNA to make you. We're both real, just in a different way."

Liki’s brow furrowed, her fingers tightening around his. "So… you’re made of different things too?" she asked, her curiosity apparent.

"Yeah," Dave said with a soft smile. "Kind of. I mean... You and me—we’re both made up of parts that come from other places. That’s what makes us unique."

She was quiet for a moment, her gaze distant as she processed his words. "But… your parts are from people. Mine are from… animals, and octopuses, and stuff," she murmured, her voice faltering.

"But you’ve got human DNA too, Liki," Dave said, his voice softening. "A lot of it. That’s part of what makes you who you are. You’ve got bits of people in you, just like I do." He gave her a playful grin. "And if you didn’t have that human DNA, you wouldn’t be half as beautiful as you are."

Liki’s eyes widened slightly, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. "Really?" she asked shyly.

"Really," Dave said, his tone light but sincere. He reached over, gently poking her side. "Like this right here? That’s all human DNA."

She let out a soft giggle, squirming away from his finger. "Dave!" she protested, though her laughter was genuine. He didn’t let up, tickling her gently until she was laughing uncontrollably, her blue-green eyes sparkling with joy.

"See?" Dave said, grinning as he finally stopped, his hand resting on her shoulder. "That’s human DNA. You can't tickle an octopus or a bee."

Liki’s laughter subsided into a soft smile, though her cheeks were still flushed. "I guess that’s true," she murmured, her voice quieter now. "But… it still feels weird. Being made from all different things."

Dave squeezed her shoulder gently. "I get it," he said. "But being weird isn't bad. Everyone is weird, remember? Trust me." I'm probably the weirdest human to ever live, he thought. He gave her a warm smile, his thumb brushing over her shoulder reassuringly.

She looked at him for a moment, her expression thoughtful, before nodding slowly. "Okay," she said softly. Her hand reached for his, their fingers intertwining naturally. "Thank you, Dave." She yawned and leaned back against the seat, her eyes drifting closed again.

He watched her sleep, letting the car drive itself for a while, his chest tight with emotion. She was so much more than the sum of her parts, even if she couldn’t see it yet. He just hoped, in time, she’d come to believe it too.

He gave her hand one more reassuring squeeze before taking back control of the vehicle. His heart ached for her, but he pushed the feeling aside. They had more pressing concerns right now. "AI Detective," he said, his voice firm, "find me a location where I can rent or borrow a Wimil bed. We need to get her fixed. Now."

"Searching," the AI Detective replied. A moment later, it continued. "There is a Wimil repair and leasing facility approximately thirty-seven miles from your current location. They may be able to assist you."

"Send it to the car's navigation system," Dave said, accelerating. He glanced at Liki one more time, her breathing steady as she slept. "We’re gonna help you Liki. Just hold on," he murmured, more to himself than to her.

The AI Detective provided the location, and Dave gripped the wheel, the hum of the engine blending with the quiet rhythm of Liki’s breathing. His mind raced as he drove, the weight of their situation pressing down on him. Whoever was after Liki, whatever they wanted her for, he couldn’t let them have her. She was more than just a bioengineered weapon or some sick fantasy. She was someone he couldn't live without. And he wasn’t going to let anyone take her away.

Dave’s thoughts drifted to the gun he’d taken after the fight in the hotel. It was still tucked away in one of the shopping bags they’d stuffed their clothes into, a cold, heavy reminder of the danger they were in. He glanced at the rearview mirror, half-expecting to see a car tailing them, but the road behind was empty. Still, the gun was a last resort, a grim necessity he hoped he wouldn’t have to use. If given no other choice, he was willing to kill for her. Liki deserved better than violence, but there was absolutely no way he was going to let her become a mob assassin or a pervert's pain-toy. The rage he felt just thinking about it... Okay, calm down.

Dave exhaled slowly, forcing himself to focus on the road ahead. They had to get to the Wimil facility. That was the priority. He couldn’t let her down. Not now. Not ever. As they drove, the midday sun began to sink, casting the countryside in shades of gold and amber. Liki stirred slightly in her seat, her hand twitching as if reaching for something. Dave reached over, gently taking her hand in his. She squeezed it instinctively.

Liki looked up, blinking the sleep from her eyes. “Dave... can we give AI Detective a name?"

Dave glanced at her, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "A name? Yeah, sure. He’s been helping us out a lot. He deserves one. What do you wanna name him... or her? I guess AI Detective can be whatever they want to be."

Liki’s face brightened, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "Okay, um..." She tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "What about... Smarty Guy?"

Dave nodded, his smile widening. He glanced at the dashboard screen. "You hear that, Smarty Guy? You’ve got a name now."

The AI Detective’s smooth voice responded, perfectly neutral as always. "Acknowledged. I will now respond to the designation 'Smarty Guy.' Thank you, Liki."

Liki beamed, reaching out to touch Smarty Guy's image. "Now Smarty Guy is real... just like you, Dave... and just like me." she said, closing her eyes.

Chapter 31: Bargain

Dave pulled the car over a few blocks from the Wimil repair shop, the engine idling softly as he stared at the dashboard. “Smarty Guy,” he said, his voice low but firm, “we need to get rid of this car before we get pulled over by the cops... Can you think of a way to get rid of this car? Like, make it disappear?”

The AI’s voice responded smoothly, the image on the screen flickering slightly. “I have an alternative suggestion, that will require less work and expense. I can locate the owners using the license plate, then broker an anonymous payment to them for the gas, use, and inconvenience. A note of apology can be included, and we can activate the autopilot to return the vehicle to the hotel where it was stolen.”

Impressed, Dave nodded, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, that sounds... like it might actually work. Do it.”

There was a brief pause, then Smarty Guy’s voice returned. “Based on the car's condition, miles driven, gas usage and general lifestyle of the owners, I suggest a payment of 45,000 credits. Shall I proceed?”

Dave’s eyes widened, and he let out a breathy laugh. “Forty-five? Jesus, that’s... a lot.” He leaned back in his seat, glancing at Liki, who was sitting quietly in the passenger seat, her hands folded in her lap. “But yeah, I guess we don’t have a choice. Do it.” Dave grabbed their shopping bags from the back seat, and got out. Liki followed.

“Processing,” Smarty Guy said. "The payment and apology has been sent." A moment later, the car’s engine hummed, and the vehicle began to move on its own, pulling away from the curb and easing into the street. Dave watched as it drove off, hoping that would be enough to keep the car's owners from tracking them down. Now that they were safe-ish, they could get an Atax, or rent their own car.

“Well,” he muttered, “there goes that problem.” He turned to Liki, who looked up at him expectantly. “Ready?”

She nodded, her now-mostly-blue eyes meeting his. “Ready.”

They walked the remaining blocks to the Wimil repair shop, Liki’s small hand resting lightly in Dave’s. The shop was a modest building, its windows displaying an assortment of Wimil products—pellets, clothes, and even a few beds. The sign above the door read WimilPlace, the letters glowing faintly in the late afternoon light.

As they stepped inside, a young man behind the counter looked up from his tablet. He was in his early twenties, with dark skin and short hair, wearing a DaiKill Buster Gaiden hat with a holojector display projecting an iconic fight scene above the bill. On the counter next to him sat another Wimil, her eyes closed, seemingly asleep. She had bright red hair and her skin was a light mocha color.

The young man’s gaze immediately went to Liki, a smile spreading across his face. “Ooh, nice Wimil,” he said, his voice warm and friendly. “F-7?”

Dave nodded, returning the man’s smile. “Yeah. F-7.02, actually.”

The man whistled softly, impressed. “Custom series, huh? Nice.” He stood, extending a hand. “I’m Danjay.”

“Dave,” Dave said, shaking Danjay’s hand. “And this is Liki.”

Danjay’s eyes flicked to Liki again, his smile widening. “She’s a wanzing. What can I do for you?”

Dave hesitated for a moment, then gestured toward Liki. “We need to use a Wimil bed. She hasn’t been plugged in for... five or six days, and I’m worried about her.”

Danjay’s expression shifted, concern flickering across his face. “Dayum, yeah, that’s nogged." He crouched down, and began lifting the back of Liki’s shirt.

Dave’s hand shot out instinctively, gripping Danjay’s wrist. “Hey!”

Danjay jerked back, his eyes wide with surprise. “Whoa, sorry, bruh! I just needed to check her port. Didn’t mean to—“

“Oh... No, it’s... it’s fine,” Dave said, releasing Danjay’s wrist and stepping back. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “I'm sorry. It’s been a... rough week.”

Danjay nodded, his expression softening. “No, no. I get it. Owners get attached. It’s easy to forget that when you have to look at these little guys all day, every day.” He turned to Liki, his voice gentle. “Can I take a quick look at your port? Just need to make sure I've got something compatible. They changed plugs halfway through the F-6s, and I haven't seen an F-7.02 before, so I dunno what plug you use."

Liki glanced up at Dave, who gave her a reassuring nod. “Yes,” she said, her voice clear and confident.

Danjay froze, his eyes widening. “What the... Wait, she talks?” He looked back at Dave, his expression a mix of astonishment and curiosity. “The freel fujuck? Is that an option now?”

Dave hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. “Yeah,” he said finally. “She’s... unique.”

Danjay let out a low whistle, crouching down again to inspect Liki’s access port. “No menty,” he muttered, his fingers brushing against her skin. “Port looks standard, though. Should work with any of my 6.5 or higher beds.”

Danjay hesitated, glancing at Liki with a worried expression. “I've got a 6.7 bed for sale but no 7.0 or higher beds,” he said, gesturing toward a package on the wall nearby. “I could give you a deal on a bed and a diagnostic check. 899k.”

Dave shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “We can’t afford a whole new bed right now. We just need to rent one for a few hours—just long enough to get her fixed up.”

Danjay’s brow furrowed, and he crouched down to look at Liki again. He squinted at her eyes, and started to reach out to touch her, then pulled his hand back quickly, remembering. “Bruh, if she hasn’t been plugged in for five or six days, a few hours isn’t gonna cut it. Look at her eyes. She’s gonna need at least twenty five hours of memo to get back to normal.”

Dave’s stomach dropped. “Twenty five hours?”

Danjay nodded. “Yeah. Wimils aren’t like us—they don’t just need a quick nap. She's been super sleepy right? Getting sleepier? Their systems are intricate. They need their full memo routine each night and it piles up. Anything less is like just a bandaid.”

Dave glanced at Liki, who was watching the exchange with quiet concern. He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up. “There’s nothing else we can do?”

“Not if you want to get her back to normal and keep her healthy,” Danjay said gently, "What happened to her bed anyway?"

"We lost everything in a house fire this week..." said Dave. I didn't even have to lie, he thought.

“I’m sorry, man. I wish I could help more.”

Dave exhaled sharply, his mind racing. Twenty five hours. He couldn't imagine leaving Liki here at the store for that long. Maybe he could get another room here in town and bring the bed there? He turned to Liki, his voice low. “We’ll figure this out,” he said, though he wasn’t sure if he was trying to reassure her or himself.

Liki nodded, her almost blue eyes meeting his with quiet determination. “Okay,” she said simply. She yawned.

Danjay stood, gesturing toward the back of the shop. “Hey, what ‘bout this. I’ve got a few beds set up in the back that I plug the Wimils I'm fixing into. You can plug her in there for a little while, while you figure out what you wanna do."

Dave nodded, “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

"But, like, first, can I please, please run a diagnostic on her? I wanna see her set up so bad," he begged. "I haven't seen a seven-oh-two yet, especially a super custom like yours. I mean, she can frikkin’ talk!"

Dave hesitated, glancing at Danjay. Letting him run a diagnostic on Liki felt risky, but the man was offering them a couple hours free use of a bed. It seemed like a fair trade. “You’ll have to ask Liki if that’s okay,” he said finally.

Danjay raised an eyebrow, giving Dave a curious smirk, but nodded. He crouched down to Liki’s level, his tone polite. “Hey, Liki, would it be okay if I ran a quick diagnostic on you? Just to see what's in your brain? I promise it won't hurt.”

Liki turned to Dave, her expression uncertain. “You can decide,” he said softly, giving her a reassuring smile.

She thought for a moment, then nodded. “Okay,” she said, her voice steady, but sleepy. “If I can meet your Wimil when she wakes up.” She pointed to the sleeping Wimil at the far end of the counter.

Danjay chuckled, shaking his head. “She’s not mine. She’s here for neural refits. But sure, you can play with her once I’m done fixing her.”

Liki smiled. “Okay.”

Danjay straightened, gesturing to the counter. “Set her up here.”

Dave put his hands on Liki's waist and lifted her onto the countertop. Danjay glanced at Dave before he respectfully lifted the back of Liki’s shirt and plugged a cord from his tablet into Liki’s access port. The screen lit up with a stream of data. His eyes widened as he scrolled through the readout, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern.

“What the…” he muttered, scrolling faster. “This is…what is all this shit?”

Dave’s stomach dropped. “What’s wrong?”

Danjay looked up, his face pale. “Dude, she’s not just a custom F-7.02. She’s got… I dunno, like crenzo shit or something. She's also packed with stuff I’ve never seen before. Stuff I’m pretty sure isn’t supposed to be there.”

Dave’s chest tightened, his mind racing. “Can you tell what any of it does?”

Danjay shook his head, still scrolling. “Well she's got a pherogland for one. The F-5s had those but they had too many problems with owners misusing them, so the government cracked down. Don't you remember, like 10 years ago, those people that used Wimils for pulling scams on old ladies and stuff?"

"Oh yeah, I sort of remember that," Dave said, recalling there being some kind of big news stories back in the '50s.

"She has tons of implanted behaviors that I don't even know what they do... And hormonal routines for organs that I've never seen before. I'd have to look deeper. But whatever it is, it’s advanced. Like, way beyond anything ENB would put in a standard model. Where did you get her?”

Dave hesitated, his mind scrambling for a plausible explanation. “Uh, yeah,” he said finally, trying to sound casual. “I bought her straight from Eris Nishimoto. Custom order, so maybe she got mixed up with someone else’s.”

Danjay’s eyes widened, and he let out a low whistle. “Damn, lucky mix-up for you. She also has a ton of sex mods, upgraded beauty package, expanded color mod palette, a reinforced skeleton... like what in the fuck is that for? I’d kill to get my hands on a Wimil like this, bruh.” He unplugged his diagnostic tablet from Liki, still shaking his head in amazement. “Alright, you can use one of the beds in the back. I’m here for about three more hours, so you’ve got until then to figure out if you want to buy or rent one. After that, I gotta lock up and head home.”

Liki smiled up at Danjay, her voice soft but sincere. “Thank you.”

Danjay grinned, clearly charmed. “No problem, little lady. You’re a little wanzing, you know?”

Dave lifted Liki off the counter. As Dave carried her from the room, Liki called out, "Don't forget that you promised I could meet your Wimil!"

"I won't forget. Don't worry!"

They made their way to the back room, where a row of five Wimil beds lined the wall, their sleek designs glowing faintly under the shop’s fluorescent lights. Dave set Liki down on one of the beds, helping her get comfortable. He reached for the programming cable, hesitating for a moment before plugging it into her access port.

Liki sighed softly as the bed hummed to life, her eyelids fluttering closed. “Does it feel good to sleep again?” Dave asked, his voice gentle.

She nodded, her expression peaceful. Then she was asleep.

He ran his hand through her green hair, his chest tightening with a mix of relief and worry. “Get some rest, okay? We’ll figure this out.”

Liki’s breathing slowed as the bed’s memo cycle began, her body relaxing into the soft padding. Dave sat down on a nearby chair, watching her for a moment before turning his attention to the room around him. Things were looking up for a change, but they still had so many obstacles lying before them. Dave pulled out his phone and brought up the local map. "Where can I get something to eat around here?"

Chapter 32: Restoration

Dave watched Liki for a while, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm, her body curled almost into a ball. She looks so peaceful, he thought, a pang of tenderness tightening his chest. He didn’t want to leave her, not even for a moment, but his stomach growled loudly, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten since… he couldn’t even remember. Reluctantly, he stood up, smoothing the blanket over her small frame before turning to the doorway.

As he approached the front counter, Danjay was wrestling with the red-haired Wimil, who was flailing her tiny arms and making indignant noises. Danjay had one hand on her face, holding her back, but she managed to slap him anyway, her high-pitched laugh echoing through the shop. She started snapping her teeth at the hand on her face.

“No, Keva! No biting!” Danjay scolded, his voice exasperated. “If you bite, I’m going to put you back to sleep.”

Dave couldn’t help but laugh as he approached. “What’s wrong with her?” he asked, approaching the counter.

Danjay sighed, still trying to keep Keva at bay. “She’s rejecting her neural refit. Came with some bad pathways from the factory and almost self-bricked. Her owner brought her in for repairs, but her brain won’t accept the repathing because she’s stuck in some kind of hostile mood loop. I tried running the refit while she was asleep, but her brain won’t process it if she’s not conscious. It’s like she’s fighting me at every turn.”

As if to prove his point, Keva smacked Danjay again, giggling wildly. She lunged for his hand, teeth bared, but Danjay pulled back just in time. “No biting!” he repeated, shaking his head. She seemed more playful than angry, but her behavior was clearly not normal.

Dave chuckled. “Good luck with that,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m heading out to grab some food. Keep an eye on Liki for me, okay?”

Danjay nodded, distracted as Keva made another grab for his hand. “Yeah, sure. She’s safe here.”

Dave hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the doorway where Liki slept. She’ll be fine, he told himself, though the thought of leaving her still gnawed at him. With a final nod to Danjay, he stepped out into the street.

The Indian restaurant was just a block away, its warm, spicy aroma wafting through the air as he approached. The place was small but packed, the clatter of dishes and hum of conversation filling the space. Dave ordered the SimuChik tikka masala and naan, eating quickly while keeping an eye on the time. He didn’t want to leave Liki alone for too long.

When he returned to the shop, he was greeted by a sight that made him stop in his tracks. Liki was at the front counter, sitting beside Keva, the two of them stacking colorful Wimil cubes into a wobbly tower. Danjay was leaning on the counter, laughing hysterically, and watching them play. His eyes had a slightly unfocused look to them.

“Oh my god,” Danjay said as he noticed Dave, his voice dreamy. “I’m in love with your Wimil. She helped me fix Keva, and now she’s like... I'm pretty sure she's blasting me with pheromones, but I don’t care. It feels so good. Can I keep her? Please?”

Dave blinked, his mind struggling to process what he was seeing. “Liki?” he said, his voice cautious. “Are you… doing something to him?”

Liki looked up from the tower of cubes, her expression innocent. “I wanted him to like me, and I wanted to help Keva,” she said simply.

Dave’s stomach tightened. “Are you using pheromones on him? Like he said?”

Liki tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly. “I don’t know what that is. I’m just making him happy, and I made Keva happy so Danjay could fix her.”

Dave’s mind raced. Everyone always seemed to like her a few minutes after meeting her, he thought, a sickening realization creeping over him. Has she been doing this to me too? Is that why I feel so… He shook his head, pushing the thought aside for now. “Liki, stop making Danjay like you for a moment, okay?”

Liki pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a way that made his chest ache. “Okay,” she said softly.

Danjay swayed on his feet, still grinning like a fool. “She’s a wanzing,” he mumbled again. “I’ve never felt like this before. The F-5s pherogland wasn't as strong as this... Oh my god, can I hug her? I swear I didn't touch her without asking you first. I just wanna squeeze her little face, and hold her forever..." Danjay realized he was babbling, and he looked down sheepishly. "Shit, I'm sorry. I'll shut up now."

Dave sighed, scooping Liki up into his arms. “I'd better take her back to the bed. She needs more sleep.”

Danjay nodded vaguely, still grinning as he leaned heavily on the counter. “Good idea. Sleep is good. Bye, Liki!”

Dave carried Liki back to the room, his thoughts swirling. He set her down gently on the bed, plugging her back in. “You need to rest,” he said, his voice firm but gentle. “You woke up too soon, didn’t you?”

Liki nodded, her eyes wide and guilty. “I missed you,” she said quietly.

Dave’s heart clenched. “I’m sorry I left,” he said, tucking a long lock of her hair behind her ear. “But I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere. Rest, okay?”

Liki’s eyelids fluttered as the bed hummed to life, her breathing slowing as she drifted back into sleep. Dave sat down beside her, his mind racing. Pheromones? Is that why I’m so drawn to her? Is the way that I feel about her real? Is any of this real? He looked down at her sleeping form, his chest aching with a mix of confusion and tenderness. Does it even matter? He reached out, his fingers brushing gently against her cheek.

Dave stepped back out to the front of the store with Danjay, leaving Liki to rest. Keva was still happily stacking Wimil cubes on the counter, her earlier hostility completely gone. Danjay rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish.

“Look,” Danjay began, his voice tinged with embarrassment, “Sorry if I said anything stupid just then. But like I have to ask... Are you guys... are you trying to pull some kind of scam on me? If someone figures out they’re being scammed, you have to admit it, right? That’s the rule of scammers.”

Dave raised an eyebrow. “I've scammed hundreds of people and I’ve never heard of that rule,” he said, crossing his arms.

Danjay looked shocked, but then Dave laughed.

“I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I swear, I’m not trying to scam you. I didn’t even know Liki could… do whatever she did.”

Danjay sighed, leaning on the counter. “Back in the 50s, people would go after old ladies using their Wimils. They’d get the Wimil to use its pherogland, which made it super easy to just ask the old lady to transfer all her credits to them. It was a whole thing.” He shook his head. “I’m not saying you’re doing that, but… it’s hard not to be suspicious.”

Dave held up his hands. “I’m not scamming you, Danjay. Look, I’ll even pay for the Wimil bed rental right now, upfront, if that’s what it takes for you to trust me.”

Danjay hesitated, then sighed again. “Nah, I believe you,” he said finally. “But, no menty. There’s just something about Liki. She'd make a really wanzing Wimil tech.

Dave frowned. “What do you mean?”

Danjay’s expression softened as he glanced toward the back room. “While you were gone, Liki came out looking for you. She saw Keva going all mooko crenzo, and—I swear—she walked right up to her and calmed her down in like ten seconds. It was incredible. I was able to run Keva’s neural refit while she was calm, and it totally repathed her. Now she's fine. Like, totally fixed.”

Keva chirped happily, stacking another cube on her wobbly tower as if to prove the point.

Dave stared at Danjay, his mind racing. “She did that?”

Danjay nodded. “Yeah. That's when I smelled the pheromones. She blasted me hard, right in the nose. She's mil mew crenzo. No menty, though. Can I just borrow her, maybe? Or rent her for a few days?”

Dave glared.

"Okay, sorry." said Danjay.

Chapter 33: Acquaintance

At closing time, Dave decided to rent a Wimil bed for two days. He transferred Danjay 30,000 credits upfront, the weight of the transaction settling heavily on his shoulders. Danjay accepted the payment with a nod, his usual laid-back demeanor momentarily replaced by what seemed almost like a wistful sadness as he watched Liki turning to leave. Dave folded out the carrying handle and picked up the bed. "Thanks, Danjay. Let's go, Liki". Liki waved goodbye to Danjay and Keva.

They left the store and walked a few blocks to a slightly nicer motel than the last one, a place with slightly cleaner walls and a lobby that smelled faintly of plug-in air freshener. After checking in, Dave carried the Wimil bed into the room, setting it up in the corner next to the window. Liki watched him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, her tail flicking gently behind her. Dave knelt beside her, his hands resting on her shoulders. “Listen, Liki. You need to stay in this bed until your whole programming is done. Don’t wake up until it’s finished, okay? If you wake up and I'm not here, don't worry. I'll need to go to the store tomorrow to buy food for us.”

Liki tilted her head, her blue-green eyes searching his face. She gave a small nod, her expression softening with understanding. Dave helped her into the bed, grabbing a blanket from the hotel bed and tucking it around her petite frame. She reached up, brushing her fingers against his cheek before settling back, her eyes closing as the bed’s programming began to hum softly. Dave stood there for a moment, watching her, his chest tight with a mix of emotions.

He turned away, trying to distract himself. He flipped on the TV, and he tried to watch an insipid comedy about a guy who lived in a house with five robots, but the noise felt grating, the images flickering across the screen meaningless. After a few minutes of restless channel surfing, he gave up, tossing the remote onto the bed. He checked the door lock again, the metallic click echoing in the quiet room. He couldn’t shake the unease creeping over him, the nagging doubt that had taken root in his mind.

Did Liki’s bond with me come naturally, or was it all just manipulation? The thought gnawed at him as he lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He couldn’t shake the memory of the dead man at the Wimil dealership, the way Liki’s innocence had always seemed just a little too perfect. His mind wandered back to the pheromones she had used on Danjay, the way she had calmed Keva with her presence. Is she doing that to me, too? Making me feel things that aren't real?

Sleep came fitfully, his dreams a jumbled mess of half-formed fears and dark imaginings. In his dream, Liki, huge and tall, loomed over him in a dark room, laughing. "I Love you, Dave, I love you, Dave," she repeated in a mocking tone. The attackers from the other hotel entered the dark room. "He's all yours now. I'm done with him," said Liki. Dave tumbled into the trunk of a massive car, easily the size of a house. He spotted a fire just outside as the trunk slammed shut. Then, for some reason, Liki was now in the trunk with him. "If I can't have a baby, then neither can you. This is what happens when you make an octopus mad," she explained nonsensically. Then everything was black.

When he woke in the morning, the first thing he did was check on Liki. She was still sleeping peacefully, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm, the bed’s programming still humming softly. Dave felt a small measure of relief, though the doubt still lingered at the edges of his thoughts.

He took a shower, the hot water doing little to wash away the tension coiled in his muscles. After getting dressed, he sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand through his damp hair. He needed a plan, something more concrete than just waiting for the next crisis to strike. He pulled out his phone and summoned Smarty Guy, the AI detective’s sleek avatar appearing on the screen.

“Smarty Guy, what are our options here?” Dave asked, his voice low.

The AI’s smooth, neutral voice filled the room. “The simplest course of action would be to leave the country. You could easily cross the border into Canada or the S.U.S.A. without any suspicion. It would remove you and Liki from immediate danger and buy time to reassess the situation.”

Dave frowned. “I don’t like that idea. Running won’t solve anything. There has to be another way.”

Smarty Guy paused, as if considering. “If you choose to stay, you will need to prepare for further confrontations. I suggest securing supplies and formulating a long-term strategy.”

Dave nodded, though the idea of long-term planning felt overwhelming. “Alright. Supplies first. We’ll figure out the rest as we go.”

He grabbed his coat and headed out, the cool morning air sharp against his skin. The grocery store was a few blocks away, a small, unassuming place with faded signage and a parking lot littered with stray shopping carts. Dave grabbed a basket and started down the aisles, picking up food, toiletries, and other essentials. He tried to focus on the task at hand, but his mind kept drifting back to Liki, to the doubts that had taken root.

“Dave?”

The voice caught him off guard, soft and familiar in a way he couldn’t quite place. He turned to see a short, slim woman with distinctly Chinese or Korean features standing a few feet away, her raven black hair framing a striking face. She wore a short blue dress that was modest but flattering, her smile warm and inviting. Her eyes sparkled with recognition, and before Dave could respond, she was already closing the distance between them.

“It’s been so long!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him into a hug. Her perfume was subtle but intoxicating, a mix of floral and citrus that made his head swim. Her breasts pressed against his chest, and he could feel the warmth of her body through her dress. Dave hesitated for a moment before hugging back, his hands resting awkwardly on her waist. She felt familiar, but he couldn’t quite place her.

She ran her hands down his back then pulled away. Her hands lingered on his hips, her touch light but deliberate. “It’s Lin! Remember me? We used to be neighbors when you lived in Boston.”

Dave blinked, searching his memory. He had lived in Boston nine years ago, but the details were hazy. “Uh, yeah. Lin. Of course.”

She laughed, a melodic sound that made him smile despite his confusion. “I knew it was you! How have you been? What are you up to?”

“Oh, you know. Just… passing through. Heading to Florida for a vacation.”

Lin’s eyes lit up. “That sounds fun. Vacation’s always good.” They chatted a bit more, and she walked with him as he continued shopping, her presence both comforting and unnerving.

Lin kept pace with Dave as he moved through the grocery store, her cheerfulness almost infectious. “So, what do you do now? Still in the same line of work?” she asked, tilting her head curiously. Her smile was warm, but there was a teasing glint in her eyes that made Dave feel like he was being gently prodded.

“Uh, yeah, still doing IT work,” Dave replied, picking up a box of Crickers and tossing it into the basket. “Not exactly glamorous, but it pays the bills.” God, I sound like an idiot. A boring, clichéd idiot, he thought embarrassed by his own awkwardness.

Lin chuckled, a light, musical sound. “Oh, come on, don’t sell yourself short. You were always so good at fixing things. Remember that time you helped me with my tablet? It wouldn’t turn on, and you fixed it in, like, five minutes.”

Dave frowned, trying to recall the memory. “Um, oh yeah, I think so. That sounds familiar.”

“Where are you living these days?” she pressed, her tone casual but her gaze sharp.

“Just outside the city,” Dave answered vaguely, not wanting to give too much away. He grabbed a package of Wimil pellets for Liki, and Lin knelt down to grab some from a lower shelf, her knees demurely together. Does Lin own a Wimil too? he wondered. Dave couldn't help but have a clear view down the front of her dress as she knelt. She stood again and smiled. Had she noticed his gaze?

Lin hummed thoughtfully, then leaned in a little closer. “And what about your love life? Married? Girlfriend?” Her tone was playful, but there was a hint of something more beneath the surface.

Dave hesitated, his mind briefly flickering to Liki before he pushed the thought away. “No, nothing like that. Just… focused on work, I guess.” He caught himself down looking at her legs and quickly looked away.

Lin’s smile softened, and she gave him a look that was almost sympathetic. “You always were a workaholic. It's a good thing you're going on vacation. Life’s too short to just focus on work.”

Dave nodded, though he wasn’t sure how to respond. Lin’s flirty demeanor wasn’t new—he vaguely remembered her being like this back in Boston, always teasing and playful. But if it was her genuine way of interacting, he couldn’t quite tell. Still, he was glad for the distraction, the light conversation a welcome break from the chaos of the past few days.

Dave tried to think of a question or two to ask her, but it was difficult since he couldn't remember anything else about her. They chatted a little more as Dave finished his shopping, Lin’s presence a strange but comforting reminder of a life he’d almost forgotten. As they approached the front of the store to pay for their groceries, Dave stopped, realizing that he forgot to get a razor. Following close behind, Lin bumped into him.

“Oops, sorry!” she exclaimed, giggling. Dave couldn’t help but notice the way her hands lingered on his waist as she steadied herself. The contact felt nice, but made him feel a little guilty. He blushed a bit as he explained that he forgot to get something. Lin went with him as he grabbed a razor.

When they were done checking out at the payment kiosk, Lin hesitated, her expression shifting. “Oh, I almost forgot! Let me show you something in my car. This is amazing, you won’t believe this.”

"What is it?" asked Dave, curious but still apprehensive.

Lin leaned closer and whispered, "It's a surprise, you'll see." He caught a whiff of her delicious perfume again.

"Okay, but I'm kind of in a hurry, so I can't stay long." She felt safe. Dave was sure he could trust her. It would be just for a moment. Being with her made him feel like there was someone else in the world who cared about him. Her affection and the way she followed him around so closely reminded him of Liki. Why didn’t I get to know her better when we lived next door to each other in Boston?

Dave followed her to the parking lot, the bags of groceries heavy in his hands. They stopped next to a sleek black sedan with dark, tinted windows, and Lin turned to face him. Excitedly, she clasped both of his hands in hers... her grip strangely firm. Her voice dropped, losing its earlier cheerfulness. “He’s unarmed.”

Dave frowned, confused. “What?”

Before he could react further, a man’s voice came from behind him, low and calm. “Dave, don’t turn around and don’t panic. We need to talk to you.”