Villainous Aspirations by Paul Weightman - HTML preview

Chapter 25

Page

338

Villainous Aspirations

After they'd made love, as they lay together on the tousled bed, Danny realised the news was showing on the bedroom TV and he hadn't complained about it yet. At least there were plenty of newsworthy items to fill the space between adverts, what with most of the world having lost its electricity, telecommunications and computer systems in a single stroke.

That had happened two days ago. It was strange that he'd somehow missed it, even if he rarely watched the news. Today's items were about recovery. The major metropolises were slowly getting back on their feet, Islington had electricity, a limited broadcasting service was back. The looting had stopped and the army had moved east to sort out the debris of Hackney.

But, as always, the editors managed to find time for a cute and uplifting story at the end of the slot. Almost overlooked in all the chaos, a consignment of sex dolls with Robotic-like brains had finally been categorised as computer accessories and allowed into the country. A customs officer with something close to a sense of humour said they'd been questioned thoroughly and had a tendency to be suggestive but otherwise appeared harmless.

Page

339

Villainous Aspirations

Sharon reached for the remote and the screen went dark. "Sorry, I'd forgotten that was on."

"Would you ever want to have sex with a robot?" asked Danny. "I mean, when this kind of technology reaches its natural conclusion, and somebody manufactures caring and affection robot lovers, as they inevitably will, would you ever want to sleep with one?"

"We've already had this…" began Sharon, before stopping herself.

"We've already had this what?"

Sharon kissed him on the forehead.

"Nothing."............

THE END

Page

340