I

Skilful

The cards cannot lie. At least it was something he was supposed to believe as a fortune-teller. Even as a mechanical one. And the cards seem to be persistent in Lady Violet’s case. They show him the Wanderer. Again and again. It seems like he was Lady Violet’s companion – the real, the right one.

"I’m sorry, Ma’am. Not this time. Take this opportunity to reorder your thoughts regarding this relationship. It may lead you to new realizations. Cards say that it’ll bring you wisdom."

"I’d prefer happiness, if I am to be honest," Lady Violet sighed. "But thank you, my dear. Please accept two tokens of my gratitude. I guess we’ll see each other again."

"My pleasure," he bowed as expected, putting the cards back into the box.

The card edges got jagged again. He must tell Dorkins to order new ones. Why can't he get several decks at once? As if suddenly his fingers will stop cutting fragile paper. Perhaps that hope was expressed by Director, avaricious to the fault: “Misty, try to be more delicate. It’s really difficult to get a printed Tarot Deck in good condition. You’re so proud of your skilful hands; couldn’t you make a better use of them? Shuffle slower - what’d you say?”

Misty turned off the light and lowered the curtain. It's time to recharge after another hot summer day.

“Misty, come here, me lad! Director wants ye in his quarters. Was a package today, I heard.”

Captain Roger waved at him enthusiastically, but his eyes glinted sadly. Misty felt sorry for him. It was nearly impossible to turn off pirate mode, calibrated on “the cheerful side.”

“It was a medium-sized package, a heavy one,” said Dorkins, the drone, whirling in the air. “Director was delighted and immediately wanted to see you. Bad omen, I say.”

“Nothing is for sure,” answered Misty. “Director has a simple mind. I happen to know how to talk to him. Just let him keep his power.”

“Ain’t that simple, mate,” Captain Roger collected tokens and threw them into a money box that looked like a treasure crest. “He’s a businessman now. Making a promo movie, social media marketing. Told ye to keep up. Tune to another speech mode. Coach or personal advisor. He’d love it, little devil that one.”

“And how would it help me?" Misty shook his head in a learned gesture. “Madam Violet, it appears that we’re back to square one in terms of this relationship. Please proceed to find a partner better suited to your expectations.”

Captain Roger laughed in a drunken manner.

“Aye, I’ll miss ye sense of humour, ol’ chap. Can’t keep me company these new ones!”

Misty waved at him and entered Director’s wagon. The box was really there, beside the door. Modern New World. It really doesn’t look hopeful, not at all.

“Oh, Misty, wonderful!”

Director clasped his hands theatrically. His body turned a little, head twitched to one side. He was an annoying cheapskate, but one must admit his performance abilities. Perfect silhouette for a stage, dashing gestures and bright red tuxedo. What more is to be expected from the director of the The Circus of Whirling Gears and the ringmaster? Maybe a black top hat decorated with steel elements? Indeed, the hat was in the room, leaning on the screen with long rows of numbers. Misty recognized his old picture in a miniature. Well, it really does bode ill.

“I give to you your new colleague, an astonishing and shockingly brand new mechanical fortune-teller! She’s now at the cutting edge on every Tarot deck in this lovely town!” Director pointed at the corner of the office with a vigour gesture.

There was really no need to impress Misty, old-fashioned robot with a cynical sense of humor, but he appreciates the performance nevertheless. It might be the last one he sees.

“Currently charging,” answered new robot opening the eyes. “FT-4.1. She-robot.”

“4.1?” Misty felt confused. Were there other models that he was unaware of?

“The company Modern New World haven’t see any reason to create more mechanical fortune-tellers,” explained the new robot. “My number indicates rapid improvement”.

Misty decided that it wasn't the best time to discuss the nomenclature of this company. Which was new and modern simultaneously.

“Rapid, indeed!” screamed Director in delight. “Come, Misty, see it with your own eyes! The charging cable is short, so you must come closer.”

Of course, the cable was short. New modern materials tend to be more flashy than functional. Misty came closer and stopped by the Director.

FT-4.1 was shorter than Misty. A flat screen pulsed on her trapezium head in sea green light. White pearl coating, streamline edges. Hands clutched by the sides. Fingers formed a hemisphere.

“I can perform holograms,” new robot followed his gaze.

She stretched her hands and showed his a cascade of cards whirling to ambient music.

“No shuffling needed!” Director bid applause. “No need for new decks every two weeks!”

Captain Roger would be more than happy to count FT-4.1’s lease rate in Tarot decks, even in handmade editions. But Captain Roger was outside, busy with his pirate activities.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“The Company decided that manlike hands are too complex to create,” said new robot. “The users need to establish a connection with FL-robot. Thanks to the new technology, they can connect to their social accounts on the screen. I can help them to change their profile to find a better job or partner. Additionally, I can recommend services in their area of residence if needed.”

“Impressive,” remarked Misty, not knowing what to say.

“I believe it’s also your opinion. You also highlighted many times the necessity of connection between client and robot in your work.”

That choice of words was particular. She works with users, Misty with clients. Was it intended?

“You know my reports, don’t you?” Misty tried not to squint his eyes, it makes him look more grumpy, at least according to Dorkins.

That was a problem of every droid-robot equipped with human-shaped face. A small grin, frowning of brows and the whole expression changes without any control.

“Of course, the company was feeding me on these reports since I was created,” the new robot smiled with warm glow. “I can’t wait to see your theses in practice!”

Was it irony? Or malice? Misty was writing his reports for 20 years and he was sure they were already properly commented and updated.

“Oh, please, don’t, Shiny!” Director laughed loudly, as if he was trying to remind of his presence. “It’s essential that you have your own impact in our circus! Now, Misty, let’s look at your papers.”

Misty followed him in silence. Shiny, was it her name? He considered her to be a new toy, but now he was seriously concerned. She knew his reports, thoughts, methods of working. And she discussed them with the creators, phycologists and behaviorists, what could be worse than that?

“You’re highly educated, Misty, I give you that,” said Director. “Four modules in psychology, 65 publications in Mechanical Science, 4 rewards and good references from the customers. You’ve helped a lot of them. And you were created as a household robot designed for ironing! What an impressive portfolio! I truly regret that it’s a time for changes. People expect more and more, much more than mechanical hands that can shuffle cards,” Director put back Misty’s files.

“My hands were early prototype of pianist-robot hands,” added Misty and regretted it at once.

It was his hands that were problems in Director’s eyes. He didn’t see anything unusual in them – he also could shuffle cards without tearing them.

“Modern New World performed research and stated that light effects are more convincing in creating a spiritual atmosphere than manual proficiency of the performer,” stated Shiny in a neutral tone. “I can show the user six galaxies and encourage them to maximize the view.”

Misty was speechless. What was she doing? Wasn’t she aware of the situation? She was downgrading a robot that was her prototype!

“I’m sorry, Misty. You’ve worked and earned your rest. Tomorrow you will be collected by your company and tested,” Director smiled with a false smile. “It’s time for the new.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” replied Misty and that was it.

He got their full attention at once. It was so easy dealing with humans. They just couldn’t resist surprises. Director assumed that Misty would be disappointed, even angry to have his job taken. Was he really expecting him to wait? He was a mechanical fortune-teller, he always has some cards up his sleeves.

“It was my pleasure, sir,” he bowed deeply. “I’m not against the new, I was new once. I just wish to improve my skills in another field of expertise.”

Pause. Keep the pause to let the words sink it.

“Which is?” Director began to get impatient and that was always a good sign in his case.

“I saw recently a trailer about a movie that is to be made about our circus,” said Misty trying to sound intrigued.

That trailer was a disaster. Whirling letters with neon colors made his circuits dizzy for a while.

“It’s a really ambitious undertake,” Misty nodded. “Spinny told me that she struggles a lot with camera and microphone devices. It’s hard for her to get the lights right. And Dorkings finds it difficult to fly indoors. Maybe I could help a bit since I’m a bit taller?”

Good. He managed not to mention his skillful hands so he didn’t trigger a negative response from Director. If only this new robot would stay quiet... Misty glanced at Shiny. She listens attentively, her screen gleaming in light pinkish color. It looked like a blush. So she might be calibrated on "cute side”. Interesting choice for a fortune-teller.

“Well, I’m not so sure about it...” Director looked unconvinced. “It’s a new initiative that demands a different approach. What do you think, Shiny?”

It was highly inappropriate for a human to consult the future of a robot in their presence. Misty tried to conceal his disappointment. Is Shiny aware of his situation? Of course not, she hasn’t heard stories about old robots that got "tested" and never been seen again. Well, except for some parts.

“I’m not fully experienced in human interactions, so I wish to continue my learning with Misty’s assistance, sir” said Shiny again with that strange glow. “I’ve read in the reports that many clients are regulars, so I wish to maintain continuity in our service.”

That was smooth. That was the upgrade that Captain Roger was talking about. The ability to convince anyone with a business mindset. Misty found himself really old-fashioned. And he believed himself so canny!

“I like it,” Director smiled broadly. “Some of our regulars may feel opposed to sudden changes so it would be a good idea to have Misty around. And learning new skills might be profitable for you, Misty. Who knows, maybe you’ll transfer completely for this new opportunity?”

Just to keep waiting for a new device to replace him? Misty was already tired with trying to keep up with Director’s ideas. But he bought himself some time before testing. So it’s a good outcome, isn’t it?

“That’s settled then,” decided Director. “I’ll ask Modern New World to prepare new modules and upgrades for you. Just sent me your most recent scan, won’t you?”

“Certainly,” answered Misty and bowed to him and Shiny.

He left the wagon with a sense of relief. He was spared.

“How did it go, ol’ mate?” Captain Roger waited for him by the stairs.

“How was the new robot?” asked Dorkins, whirling in the air.

“It was strange,” mattered Misty and checked if they in a safe distance from the wicked Director. “But I’ll stay, I’ll help Skinny with the new promotional movie.”

“Cannonballs strike me!” exclaimed Captain Roger and Misty hushed him at once. “That son of the land is really an evil one! May the krakens eat him to his bones!”

“I volunteered” added Misty hastily. “He wanted me to be tested, you know. I‘d rather not end up like Pianist.”

“Aye, son,” Captain Roger sighed heavily.

Pianist was their previous friend who never returned from New Modern World. He was an excellent example of failed upgrade – as a robot taught in classical play he wasn’t able to play jazz in VIP Jazz Lounge wagon. Director lost his patience and sent him back to his creators.

“And the new robot... well, there’s something peculiar about her,” Misty turned to Dorkins. She’s called Shiny and is a SmartTouch type. At one moment she boasted of her holograms, and in the other she was eager to learn from me.”

“There’s nothing strange to it,” buzzed the drone. “You’re her prototype, she might feel nervous.”

Nervous? Misty remembered this strange pinkish glow and small fingers clutched in a perfect hemisphere. Was she really nervous because of him? That’s impossible, she wanted to impress Director. Misty was just a grumpy old robot with obsolete software.

“But you’re staying, that’s good news,” stated Dorkins. “Well done.”

“Got to think of something, I’ll doubt I’ll learn how to make these hot-tock videos,” Misty smiled crookedly.

“Shiver me timbers! You’ve got it, ye're clever clogs!” Captain Rogers patted him on the shoulders.

“You’ll figure something out,” buzzed Dorkins. “At least you’ve got hands. Not all of us are so lucky,” he ended on a sad note.

“Yes” Misty looked at his hands, perfectly oiled joints and sensored fingertips. "At least I have my hands.”