B Clones (Clones #1) - Laurann Dohner Page 0,30
a closer resupply station than to dismantle and ship everything. Humans are exceptionally wasteful that way. The robots, androids, furniture, and a lot of the food and storage units were left intact.”
“I saw all those stores. Most appeared empty.”
“Employees would have restocked from the storage units. Those were locked. The store fronts weren’t. I reviewed the security footage from the last few weeks, when they were closing down the mine. Some of the closing crew teams raided any stores they could gain access to without triggering alarms.”
“I see. They raided the open stores but didn’t get to the storage rooms. Good thing for us.”
He nodded. “We have enough materials to clothe us for a lifetime.”
“Won’t they rot or fall apart? That happens with fabrics over time.”
“Not when they’re sealed in airless storage rooms. The robots don’t breathe oxygen.” He hesitated. “And materials have advanced since your time.”
“I’ll trust you on that. What’s the difference between a robot and an android? I noticed you’ve mentioned both. Aren’t they the same thing?”
He motioned to Magna. “She’s an android. They’re built to appear very humanlike and interact with living people. Robots are more like what you saw on the transport. That thing you called Sherlock. The box with a head and hands. They can also interact with living people, but most don’t. They do tasks like clean or have other specific programs. Your clothing will be made by robots. It’s why the options are limited. They can only make what’s in their catalog.”
“The one in the bedroom?”
“Robot. Those in our home rarely interact with people, and they have set tasks.”
She began to eat. “This is really good. Magna can cook well. I do have another question, though. This tastes like fresh milk. How is that possible?”
“It’s not from a cow. It’s artificial.”
“They improved on that too, then. The future isn’t so bad. Especially with you here.”
He liked hearing her say that. It was imperative that she adapt and accept her new life. “I’m glad you’re here, as well.”
He resumed eating, his mind on how to locate the information from Earth that Gemma wished to learn. Fig had the best chance of hacking Earth databases from his ship. He made a mental note to contact him again and ask if it was possible for him to do—without too much danger. If so, he’d review the information he’d learned from Gemma and see if her children could be traced.
What if her sons hadn’t lived good lives? He’d hate to see Gemma hurt more.
One problem at a time.
First, she needed clothing. Then he’d worry about the rest later.
* * * * *
Gemma had survived being measured by a robot.
Big called it an android, explaining again that it had more functions and skills. It also had a human shape, like Magna. The ones actually responsible for making her clothing would be robots. There had been another wall like the fridge, with a screen that had shown her various styles of clothing to choose from. Fashion had drastically changed over the years. That, or the selections available were geared toward modest women.
“In my time, women wore a lot more revealing clothing,” she murmured, glancing at Big. “Short skirts and low-cut tops to show off cleavage.”
“It may still be that way on Earth, but not in space.” He stepped next to her, holding her gaze. “Females who flash a lot of skin usually do it to…show off their wares in space.”
Her eyebrows rose.
“Sex broker is the term that might be kindest.”
“Ah. They still have hookers in the future then? I was sure they’d make super fancy sex robots. That was starting to happen in my time. I saw a few stories on ones that looked semi-realistic and they were teaching them basic sentences to entice men to buy them.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask.”
“I didn’t pay that much attention.”
He nodded. “Some of the guests on CW were highly disappointed sex clones weren’t available for their needs. Sex brokers would occasionally visit with beautiful women, for the wealthiest guests to rent. As for sex androids, we never had any there.”
She cringed. “That’s a good thing.”
“Agreed. Sometimes guests attacked the clones who wouldn’t comply. The outcomes could be tragic.”
She leaned into him. “Now I’m almost afraid to ask.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her. “Clones are programed with certain training, but sex service isn’t one of them.”
“I’m surprised.”
He inhaled and blew out his breath. “Remember the original dozen clones I spoke of? The ones without blanked memories? I overheard a