iPerson - Chapter Two

Hubert had faithfully provided contact details for Professor Perkins the following day, which included emailing the Navajo settlement and optionally requesting a reservation. A positive response was received which was relayed to Arthur with much detail as to logistics and process, allowing for his wishes to become a plan. Before he had a chance to catch much of a breather from work responsibilities, they were on their way to Durango with Christine driving and the professor doing some last minute reading and marking up of student assignments. Arthur liked her best in their off days when she let her hair fall down to her shoulders and he found it hard to focus on his work being with her while she was driving.  But he preferred her hair up at the university since she always looked more professional that way.

Christine cannot legally drive yet or get a "driver's license" in the Americas. Thorough testing had been done with humanoids in Japan with remarkable success on well marked roads so that their government passed into law that an iPerson could drive, providing the owner was also in the car with it. It has been proven that an iPerson can perform more reliably and safely than a self driving vehicle if connected to the car for data exchange by cable or wireless (bluetooth). There is more flexibility and security with this setup since an iPerson has better eyesight to notice obstructions or other dangers. It will also follow instructions received from the owner to alter course if current trajectory is no longer needed or deemed unsafe by the owner such as with new road repairs that have not been reported. It is just a matter of time for the technology to become legalized around the world by government authorities. 

Professor Perkins hates driving especially long distance and considers it a big waste of time when he has so much work to do with his job. He made the decision early to let Christine drive for him taking a chance they will not be stopped by the police as she like all humanoids has a proven track record for safety. He has had absolutely no problems with her driving so far in the city, especially if she can tweak her driving habits so that she became more like him. Christine originally was programmed to never speed, and always obeyed the rules of the road. However, Arthur can alter her driving habits with instructions when some common sense is needed over logic to break the rules a little to flow along as an example with the traffic in congested areas to be more compatible with the traffic, reducing risk and resistance.

Arthur can let Christine drive with confidence, but only in cities or on paved roads with suitable markings. Once they reached a diner on the outskirts of Durango, the humanoid drove his car into the parking lot to let him take it from there. From Durango, there is a gravel road that leads to the Navajo settlement. Not the best for promoting the iPerson’s capabilities thought Arthur but he did not want to take the chance that she could drive effectively on gravel roads.  She does not have to drive there to still be impressive with her human like facial features, mannerism, and intelligence.

But before they headed off, the professor still needed his breakfast since it was mid morning and therefore, he chose to drop into the diner for a coffee and perhaps something like a danish or muffin, but not something that Christine would have. He thought twice about taking her in with him as she had been configured for casual conversation that morning so they could have small talk in the drive out. He was enjoying the conversation enroute and wanted to continue on with it in the coffee shop.  He reminded himself he wanted to share his life with her as much as possible and he gave an oath to that effect and he always wanted to be a man of his word.  He realized she would be able to respond to the waitress if she was asked a question directly, but figured he could handle it the same way as when he first started to bring her along interacting with others around home.

The professor always was a gentleman from the beginning of time in any new personal or business relationship, but after having been married for many years, mannerism was often forgotten unless a new lady came along that he was to spend some time with. He would remember how he was brought up that he should open the door for her when entering a room or a building like a diner. At the university on the job, he similarly used to open the door for a young student displaying certain feminine qualities when entering a classroom but not necessarily for a young man. With the newer generations coming along influencing societal behavior, these traditions of mannerism were eventually dropped over a period of time. Things were becoming more complicated anyways when certain men were more like women and vice versa or somewhere in between and Arthur simply did not know what was proper etiquette in these situations.  

Christine, however was not really programmed to be his equal but to be of service to him in every capacity and always willing to do tasks or subtle things assigned to her. She is observant and can adjust her behavior for how he acts, but the professor liked how she took care of him in most capacities and so he therefore never influenced her to change. He just let her do everything that she could such as opening the door of the diner. This would not be so noticeable for young students as they regardless of gender would often open the door for him to perhaps get a win showing respect for an elder with knowledge that they wanted. He got used to this treatment and took advantage of it when offered. But it was noticeable for Mrs. Irene Buttons, the owner of the diner of similar age to see such a pretty young lass going out of her way to open the door while he waited as if he was a male chauvinist. It did not take long for her to pass judgement on him based on first impressions.

An empty booth was available for the couple and they were able to settle in nicely into the bench seats to be across from one another.  Arthur noticed how easily she was able to slide along to be well away from the aisle after making sure he was nicely settled in his seat.  Christine had a nice big beaming smile for Arthur when their eyes met and she reached out to hold hands for a bit while they waited for their waitress to arrive.  Arthur was so happy, in so much joy in that moment for the expressions of love she was showing for him. Mrs. Buttons was short of staff that morning and therefore had to be the waitress for them. She came over with the menus and chose to wipe off the table in case there was any residue left over from her previous guests.

“Good morning!  Welcome to Durango’s only diner this side of the city!  What brings you to this neck of the woods?”

“Oh, we are off to visit a guru who lives in a mountain meadow close to a Navajo settlement,” said the professor.

“Oh, I see. I heard a lot about him from other guests passing through.  You will have a good visit.  Well then, can I start both of you off with a coffee?”

“Yeah, that would be great, thanks, but Christine will pass.”

Now Irene was just a little bit suspicious of what she was observing.  She was thinking here is an older man with a rather rugged complexion and nearing retirement if not already, with a pretty young lass who is perhaps 18 years of age at best. She definitely does not look like her granddaughter!  Is the man her sugar daddy? He is not letting her speak for herself and therefore controlling her! She just sits across from him smiling occasionally if any eyes are on her. Mrs. Buttons was not one to sit back if she thought something was not quite right and chose to take more control of the situation.

Arthur noticed the waitress was hesitating getting what was asked and therefore he repeated his request to spur her on: “Coffee please, but only for me.”

“Why don’t we let her decide for herself.  Missy, are you okay?  Do you wish to have a cup of coffee or maybe something else to drink like a pop or glass of water?”

“Oh, no thanks, as drinking some liquid could fry my motherboard,” said Christine with a big beaming thankyou smile on her face.

Now that was an odd response thought Mts. Buttons. Was she trying to be funny? This completely caught her off guard.  Was she trying to be sassy with me?

Arthur did not want to spill the news as maybe he could get by without doing this. If she reacted rather surprised, others might get curious creating a scene and they no longer would be able to keep their secret.  But Irene was not finished as she placed her hands on her hips. This does not normally happen to her but she had a feeling that something was not right here and she needed to get to the bottom of this mystery as she owed this to herself.

“Now please forgive me as I am sorry to be bringing this up but you can only be so careful these days and we had an incident last week.  You look like a respectful gentleman, but human trafficking and slavery have been known to exist in this area and I want to make sure this is not the case here.”

Turning now to Christine, it was as if she was in a court proceeding and she was cross examining her: “Is everything OK with you?”

Arthur had enough of her prying into their affairs and spoke up first.

“It is none of your business what we are here for and so please leave us alone to have some discussion.  I will have one of your scones heated up with butter and jam please and let us have some privacy, thank you.”

“I will once she answers my question.”

Arthur waved his hand in front of Christine to stop her from responding as he was just getting rather ticked with this whole onslaught of questioning.

“I will have you know that I am a professor of anthropology at a very distinguished university and I have been in this profession for over 30 years!”

Arthur pulled out his business card from his wallet.

“Here you go.   I told you we were going to visit the guru and there is nothing more you need to know!  Now back off please! Why Christine is here is none of your business.”

“Not so fast.  Is she your daughter?”

“No.”

“Is she a student of yours?”

“No. She is my associate.”

“Associate? What does an elderly professor need such a young associate for?  You have got to be kidding me.  I am not falling for that explanation. I still want to hear directly from her and then your scone will be on the house.  If she cannot answer for herself and then I need to dial 9-1-1, because right now she is under your control.” She turned her head back to Christine, “How old are you?"

"I am two."

"Oh, two as in two lives? Are you starting over? You should not forget your past my dear."

If too many questions are coming the way of the iPerson, the iPerson will not respond appropriately, or only the last question will be answered if more clarity was needed to properly answer previous questions.

"I am only living in the present moment."

"Something can be said for that. Is Professor Perkins controlling you?"

"Yes, Arthur owns me."

Mrs. Buttons froze in her tracks to think what she was going to do, or say next. Her instincts that there was a problem were coming through loud and clear. The professor chose to expand a bit for what Christine said but he really did not want to give a lengthy explanation as he had the upcoming trip on his mind, time was of the essence, and the waitress was being like a thorn in his side.

"It is nothing like what you are thinking. I repeat, our situation is none of your business!"

"Well, I think I will make it my business."

"There really is nothing out of the ordinary that you would consider immoral or unlawful! As a professor of a university that you can research to find out how credible I am, surely that gives you some assurance that nothing bad is happening."

"You seem to be legit, but something is off. Nothing makes sense to me anymore, Mr. Perkins. We live in a country that has a president that should be put in jail for being a pedophile."  

"It is just that it is probably best that you do not know. I am sorry I brought Christine in here with me."

"You have a choice in telling me what is going on or you will be dealing with the police next as I have a hot line to their office. I need some answers."

Arthur doubted she had this hot line, but he could see the only way out of this was to let her know their secret as she was too naive or not that observant on physical appearance to figure this out for herself. The fact that Mrs. Buttons had not phoned the police yet suggested she really did not think he was a bad dude or did not want to think this was the case and she was giving him a chance to redeem himself.

"What I have said to this point is the absolute truth. Can you say the same?"

"No, but please, I beg you to tell me what is going on. I want to believe in you."

What Irene just said made Arthur at least believe in her as someone of sound character, someone whom he could trust to not make a "mountain out of a mole hill" once she knew the truth.

I have got to admit, this woman is a no nonsense lady! The professor let out a deep sigh and chose to give in to her stubbornness as she asked for it and she was going to get it.

“Okay Christine, please answer the question that this nosy waitress chose to ask.”

Christine chose to seek clarity first.

“Madam, please let me know exactly what is your question.”

“Okay Christine, please let me know what is your relationship with Professor Perkins?  Are you with him on your own accord?”

“That is two questions.  Which question do you wish me to answer?”

“Oh, smarty pants, eh.  Alright then, what is your relationship with Professor Perkins?”

“Professor Perkins bought me and imported me from Japan and I was configured to be his partner in life, to love him for who he is, and to take care of him the best that I can.”

“Oh, he BOUGHT YOU, eh.  I bet for a good price too!  You do not even look to be Japanese.”

“No, I am not Japanese. I am not a real person.”

“Oh yes you are my Dear! You have an identity! And don't you ever forget that!” said Mrs. Buttons astonished for what she was saying.  Turning next to the professor:

“I knew that something was not right here. What do you have to say for yourself?  I am just about to dial 911 and if you run off, I will make sure I get your license plate number before you leave this parking lot!”

“Settle down! Christine is an iPerson if you really have to know!”

“An iPerson?  What are you talking about?”

“Christine Dear, I think it is best to open up your chest so she can see for yourself what you are made of.” Arthur reaches across the table to unbutton the humanoid’s blouse.”

Mrs. Buttons was starting to lose it.

“Exposing her breasts?  Are you crazy?  I do not want to see her breasts, you pervert!  This is a family restaurant!  You have got to be completely insane Professor Perkins!  I am going to report you to the highest authority! I cannot believe this is happening in my diner! You have completely lost it!  Oh my God!”

Once enough buttons were undone in her blouse, out popped her firm breasts, so firm that they did not even wiggle a bit.  Irene was in shock that this was happening in her place, but she noticed her breasts were not that soft with a nipple.  Maybe she is covering up her real breasts with some unknown fabric, she thought. Christine then pressed her two buttons to swing open her chest cavity to expose all of her innards!  Mrs. Buttons mouth dropped open in shock, and she took two steps back. She was lost for words for what she saw.  To break the silence, Arthur said:

“Now then, I do not want to create a scene here, and so please keep this to yourself or we will have to leave.  I will pay for that coffee and scone as I do not need any free ride.  Now for the last time, please get me what I asked for, do not ask any questions, and leave us alone so we can have some privacy.”

Irene almost tripped on her own feet and looked rather woozy when she turned around, Christine had already closed her chest and made a clicking sound with that to indicate they were latched into place.  As she was configured to show concern, she quickly slid across her seat and reached out to grab Irene so she did not fall.  She did so with her blouse undone, but no other bystanders were noticing what was going on.

“Mrs. Buttons, are you okay as you look rather faint. Your heart rate is a bit high at 105. You need to settle down and relax.  I detected a second heart beat.”

“What are you talking about?  I do not have two heart beats!”

“You should get your heart checked out by the medical system to see what is going on.  An irregular heart beat is probably something that you always have had and not that serious. Let me check your blood pressure.”

Christine squeezed her arm for a few seconds and then released slowly. Irene started to relax a bit despite being in awe of the iPerson, but trusting the process more that she was actually trying to help and she was a bit curious what her blood pressure was.

“You are 145 over 92 and therefore slightly elevated.  Your heart rate is starting to come down a bit to a more natural level.”

“You can call me Irene. How did you know my last name name?”

“You said you were the owner and I googled this diner using the internet which provided me with your name.  I saw too that this diner has a 4.8 out of five star rating!  Congratulations! Arthur darling said that any restaurant that has better than a 4.5 rating should be a good place to stop.”

“When did you google?”

“I have built in Open AI capabilities and I have access to the internet.”

“Oh… of course… why not… whatever…you are not real and I am talking to you…how could someone so nice not be real?”

Irene started to wipe the tears away from her eyes. She knew she went too far and felt shameful for her actions. Christine was programmed to respond to comfort those who are upset based on certain symptoms detected such as shedding tears. Irene in turn detected the empathy behavior coming from the iPerson and it was natural for her to show remorse towards Christine and to talk to her first since Arthur was holding back while she was being more sensitive.

"I am so sorry.  I did not know you are not real. It is scary not knowing what is real or not. It's just that there are so many awful things happening in the world these days and we have to be so careful, even with AI, as it can be used for scams, for malicious intent. Here I am talking to someone being run by AI. I don't even know if I can trust you."

“I am sorry too as I did not want to scare you.”

“You are so kind.” 

Christine and Irene embrace. 

"Omigosh, you are so warm!"

"Yeah, she can be like a furnace. She warms up the bed for me at night time when cold outside to make it so cozy," said the professor.

"You sleep with her?"

"Only for a while so we can cuddle. She gets up once I am asleep."

"What else do you do in bed?"

"Nothing. Maybe the odd kiss but nothing more than that as she is not built for... you know what I am referring to. Besides, I am generally out of commission anyways for doing..."

"I do not need to know any more details! Sorry to have asked! I cannot believe I am hugging a robot."

“I am an iPerson. There is a difference,” said Christine.

“Yes, I can see that. You are more sensitive to feelings.”

“Isn't she lovely,” piped Arthur?

“She seems to be. Hopefully you can always trust her.”

“I will behave as programmed,” assured Christine.

“You can trust her Irene for what she has been programmed for which may not agree with your expectations as to behaviour.”

“I am so sorry, professor.”

“That's okay.”

 “I will get your breakfast right away.”

“Christine, what time is it?” asked the professor.

“It is 10:32 AM, Mountain Daylight Time.”

No further incident occurred. Everything became normalized again based on the pretense there was nothing out of the ordinary happening even though she knew differently. AI was mixed in with her world now adding more complexity. She did not know if she could cope and adjust. She backed off and just treated both as mature adults, one who was hungry and thirsty, the other who never gets hungry or dehydrated.  There were plenty of thoughts running through her mind but she kept them to herself. Who does she talk to about her experience? Who will believe her as iPersons are not in the news yet? Maybe she should visit the guru herself to try to figure out what this world is becoming? How can she manage if she does not know what is real or not and what is the truth?

Christine did up the buttons on her blouse and Arthur had his breakfast with his companion looking on observing his every move. He was used to this and so happy to be sitting with someone who never complained about anything. There really is nothing to complain about he surmised. Once they had finished, Mrs. Buttons came back with the credit card machine for payment. Arthur checked his pockets and then realized that he never had his credit card with him to pay, having left it in the car.

“Oops.  Christine, can you pay for me please?” said the professor, sheepishly.

Christine stepped in as usual to help as this has happened a few times before. She placed her hand on the scanner to prove her bank code was legit. The scanner suggested a tip amount and all Arthur had to say was "15%" so she knew which button to press. Her finger can trigger the scanner screen as it acts as an iPen. Mrs. Buttons saw a man pay once using just his ring but she never saw anyone pay using her finger. As they were getting up from their seats, Irene actually wanted them to stay longer, but knew they had a big day ahead of them. She said her closing customized as needed:

“Thanks for coming.  Sorry to see you go.  Please drop in on your way back if you can as I will be interested to know how your time with the Guru went.”

“Yeah”, said Arthur, “we will see, thanks, as it will depend what time we get out of there.  No worries about our incident before as it is understandable why you reacted the way you did.”

“Your secret will stay with me.”

Christine chose to show her beaming smile and give Irene a little hug before they left, which was a comforting embrace for Irene to remember her by. As they headed out to the vehicle, Christine gave her companion a heads up while walking over to their car:

"Arthur Darling, the forecast at the Navajo settlement is cloudy, cool, and a bit breezy.  I packed a wind breaker for you in your back pack in case you get chilly. You may want to put it on now."

"Thankyou Christine. Did you pack your rain coat in case we get any rain?"

"Yes. This is standard equipment for me wherever I go if the forecast indicates there is a slight chance of rain."

“Okay, just checking.”

The professor noticed that Christine while walking along was able to put her hair up with precision demonstrating her abilities knowing they had a meeting coming up later. Wow! thought the professor.

“You are so amazing!”