A Female model (20s, White)

Though you supposed it didn’t really matter what the outside looked like, you found yourself gravitating back to one model in particular.

She appeared to be a young woman, perhaps in her mid-twenties. She wasn’t particularly tall, but there was a strength and kindness in her features that you found appealing. And though you tried to smother the thoughts, you couldn’t help but take note of how shapely and attractive her body was.

You pointed her out. “What about that one?”

“Excellent choice,” Steward produced a tablet, tapped something, and a light came on over the charging port the android was standing in.

Her eyes, a rich brown, snapped open and she robotically walked forward. She took note of them, inclined her head in a bow, and smiled in a distant, eerie way.

“Greetings,” she said, in cool, sonorous tone. “How might I be of service?”

Steward ignored her and held out the tablet to you. “If this is the one you want, I’ll need your signature here,” you drew your finger hastily across the assigned space, “and I’ll need your thumbprint and eye scan.”

You were a little put off by that, but pressed your thumb against the pad, and looked into the tiny lens at the head of the tablet. In an instant the android straightened up and looked at you with keen interest.

“You’re now the primary owner of this particular model,” Steward announced proudly. “It’s overall task is to you make your life easier and stress-free.”

The android bowed again. It’s eyes glowing a vibrant blue before returning to a deep brown. “I am here to assist you in any and every way, Mr Taylor.”

A shiver of…something…went up your spine at the sound of her submissive tone, but you pushed it aside.

What followed was an additional twenty minutes of Steward explaining the ins and outs of android care. A charging port was provided, a disc-shaped device the size of a dinner plate that could be mounted anywhere in the house that the android would go to for sleep mode. A small collection of dull-but-suitable outfits for the android to wear depending on the occasion.

Once that was done, you were driving home with your very own android sitting beside you in the passenger seat.

It was awkward, having the android so close to you and not knowing what to say. She sat pleasantly enough, dressed in a dull grey cardigan and knee-length white skirt, her eyes staring blankly, looking but not seeing.

Do you make small talk? What would one say to a robot programmed for servitude? These thoughts churned away in your mind as you drove through the drizzle and wind of the night. Once or twice you had the vague feeling that it was watching you, but whenever you looked over it’s eyes were focused on the road, it’s face a blank pleasant smile.

Soon enough you were pulling up to your home and you took a minute to collect yourself.

“My kids are still awake,” you said after a moment. “They know I’ve gotten an android helper, but even so…it’s been rough lately. Could you, I dunno, maybe try to be gentle with them?”

The android watched him with that same dull smile, but it’s eyes were intensely focused. “Of course, Mr Taylor. Childcare is one of my primary directives. I am fully programmed in the various methods of interaction.”

“Ok,” you sighed, nodding. “Well then, let’s…let’s go meet the family.”

You both got out of the car, the android taking the single briefcase containing all of her clothes and accessories. Reaching the front porch, you hesitated a beat, before turning the handle and walking inside.

Within seconds heavy footsteps greeted you as your son and daughter raced up, their eyes big with excitement. “Dad, how’d it go!” Your daughter Sarah asked. “Did you bring the robot home??” Your son Tommy chirped.

They were both bright kids, but had more energy than they knew what to do with. Sarah inheriting Lauren’s red hair, with a mess of freckles on her face, while Tommy had your dirty blonde and skinny frame. The sight of them made you smile.

“Guys, calm down,” you laughed. “Where’s Mrs Harris?”

“Asleep on the couch,” Sarah complained.

The old woman from down the street was kindly enough, but couldn’t really keep up with the kids. Still, you would be glad to pay her for watching the kids on such short notice.

Before you could say anything else, the android stepped forward. The kids openly stared, half-awed by the artificial being. The Android in turn, examined the kids with keen eyes, it’s expression shifting into a genuine smile.

“Hello, children. It’s very nice to meet you.”

It was Sarah who spoke first. “H-hello.”

Tommy was blunter. “Are you really a robot?”

“I am,” the android replied, smile still affixed. “And I am here to help your father, in any and every way I can.”

“What’s your name?” Sarah asked.

“I do not have a name,” the Android said. “I must be assigned one by my primary owner.”

All eyes went to you. “I suppose…” you grabbed at the first name that came to mind, “Lana, sounds good?”

The Android bowed again. “Lana is an excellent name, Mr Taylor. I shall be glad to be called it.”

Afterwards it was a matter of paying Mrs Harris and sending the kids to bed (the old lady had mercifully made them dinner), and then helping the new Android-Lana-get settled. You set up the charging port in the spare room, and if the machine had any thoughts on the matter, it did not express them in any way.

Finally, after a long and stressful day, you allowed sleep to take you.