“I’d hope my security androids provided sufficient enough challenge.”
“That they did!” As he answers, ‘Ode’go’, as I now know, tugs down the neck of his jacket. On his skin then shows a mark—a small piece of scar tissue. The insinuation it comes to me first is that it’s the result of a bullet wound—a callback to the armed androids under my service.
It appears likely that this intimation is wrong, however.
When I subject the wound to greater scrutinisation, it becomes clear that the cause has nothing to do with a bullet. Instead, it appears to me as two small semicircles, maybe a centimetre apart from each other. More like a bug bite than anything else.
“This isn’t a bullet wound, is it?”
“No.” He smiles. “This is what happened when a piece of my friend’s fractured skull collided with my skin.”
“My condolences for your loss.”
I blurt out a haphazard reply. To be honest, while his backstory is somewhat interesting, I must attest that the increasing desire to use the bathroom is beginning to override my conscience. I thus rapidly don the fake sad smile which has saved me from countless dull business meetings.
“While Mortius Industries is not responsible for how its weapons are used, and I am not here on company business. I would encourage you to contact my staff; I am sure that once your case has been processed, we may at least be able to identify the culprit of this unfortunate incident.” I drill out while slowly moving towards the third aisle.
“Now, if you’d excuse me, I am rather pressed for time.”
Saying little more, I grab the toilet paper from the third aisle and bring it to the cashier.
“That’d be 2000 points!”
With a quickened nod, I swipe my keycard at the e-reader and walk away. Meeting Harux at the exit, I catch him with several snacks in hand and signal to him my eagerness to depart. Then for ten minutes, I moderate between a walk and a run, making sure not to upset my stomach while being as quick as my body would allow.
Thankfully, we arrive without issue. Soon, I manage to avail myself of trouble. Stocking the bathroom with toilet paper for a month to come in the process.
Every action succeeding then corresponds to a matter of night-time routine. The act of which involves a shower first of all. Then brushing my teeth. And finally, tucking myself into bed, by which I find occasion to check my laptop, and by which I understand Mortius Industries stocks have risen by 1.58%.
I continue using my computer until the time approaches 23:00. Seeing as I have to wake up somewhat early, I shut and store my laptop away before shutting off the lights and informing my roommate of my slumber.
“Good night, Harux.”
“Good night, Lucius!”
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That is our last exchange. Back on his side of our arrangement, Harux closes the door in the hallway and waves one final goodbye. I do the same. Tucked in my bed, I then shut my eyes and wait for the time to pass. There’s a lot to consider. Though none that demands that I stay awake.
Whatever contemplations, positive or negative, can take place tomorrow…
…
BRnNgGgGg.
…
BRnNgGgGg. BRnNgGgGg.
…
BRnNgGgGg.BRnNgGgGg.BRnNgGgGg.
What the hell is that noise? For some reason, coming from Harux’s room is this repetitive high-pitched whirr. Like, metal scraping against stone. With further thought given to it, that’s probably what it is.
But, whatever.
Seeing as it’s died down now, I can finally return to sleep…
…
BRnNgGgGg.BRnNgGgGg.BRnNgGgGg.
“HARUX, STOP THIS NOW! I’M TRYING TO SLEEP! IF YOU WANT TO SHARPEN YOUR KNIFE, DO IT OUTSIDE!” I yell, clearly expressing my frustration with audible clarity.
Then comes a pause. I wonder if I’d been too harsh and whether I’d be rebuked with violence in retaliation.
Oh no.
As uncertainty crosses my face, my mind begins to conjure a hypothesis. Primates such as Harux are accustomed to being barbaric when push comes to shove. Since a monkey lashes out when robbed of its banana, it may very well be in character for Harux to do the same when robbed of his weapons. After all, he does share many traits with the animal (namely in the brain department), so such an outcome isn’t impossible…
Sigh.
Steeling myself, I lament in the misfortune of being assigned to the same room as an uncivilised brute, ever so gently weep, and huddle under my blanket for comfort.
“Okay, I’ll stop”.
Wait…
All of a sudden, a reply, more akin to concession, reaches my ears.
Not a cry of war.
Not the sudden bashing of my door.
And certainly not disagreement.
It’s a relief. Though, at once, a bit too fortunate. The misfortune which had been set upon me today has taught me well—reminded me to keep my hopes dim and expectations of tragedy high. And it is with this mindset that what occurs next comes as no great shock. As coming from the other side, I hear Harux getting right up—
“See ya.”
And promptly leave the apartment. This strange act, I make out, is then continued by the same sharp sounds as prior, though far more muffled. Regardless, the outcome is in my favour. Whatever problem it poses now is no longer my problem.
Harux can sharpen his weapons outside all he wants.
As for me, I’ll be in my bed, sleeping the night away…