"Let Cordelia and Alphie go at least. Please. She's my baby girl."
"Are you⦠crying?" Val looked at him incredulously.
"Mr. Valerian, I am many things. I'm a complete and total dork. I know machines better than most. And I am complete mush for my family. I am not cool."
"You know machines?"
"Yes! That's the whole reason I'm here. My android, Alpha C01, I was hoping you could help me with her. Help me refine her. But then I told that stupid lie, and then you aimed a lazer at my junk. andβugh, I'm gonna die crying while a lazer lobs off my dick!"
Valerian sighed.
"Mr. Fletcher, please control yourself. HANSEL, heartrate check."
"He's being truthful, sir. A little too honest by my assessment."
"As I thought. You really aren't working with anyone are you?"
"No, I don't even know what that would mean."
"And that android. Your invention?"
"My life's work, really."
"I see. Hmm, she's impressive by this world's limited and rather remedial robotics standards. But I must say, your 'family rescue' protocall you've equipped her with is laughable."
"She's equipped with no lethal weapons but 101 individually crafted 'strongly worded phrases?'"
"Well, she's not a kill bot. I believe strongly in non-confrontational conflict resolution."
"Hmm, right. I've decided you do need my help and I've determined I'm your only hope."
"HANSEL, disengage the lazer."
"Oh thank, Watcher! Killing is so messy." HANSEL let out a sigh.
"It's your lucky day, Mr. Fletcher. I've determined you clever enough to keep alive. Or perhaps you're just too pathetic to kill."
"Umm, thank you?"
"I'm not one for hosting, but I suppose it's late in the day to piece apart your android and perfect her programming. Leanne will prepare you and the child a room. Tomorrow I'll grant you a single hour of my time and expertise. So make the most of it. And Mr. Fletcher?"
"Yes?"
"Don't waste my time. At any moment, should I find this temporary truce disagreeable, I have no problem disposing of you."
"Heh, heh. You're joking right?"
"Joking? Hmm, HANSEL make a note for me to practice my obviously joking tone."
"Of course, sir." The AI chirped.














