Machine Man (serial)

As the Contours took me through the corridors, I ate my muffin and tried to figure out how to replace my own arm. There was an obvious logistical problem: once I removed my meat arm, that left me with just one, and I wasn’t sure that was enough to attach the metal one. Which made it a frustrating little logic puzzle, like having to transport a fox, chicken, and bag of seed on a boat that could only bear two of them. If I had a mechanical arm, there would be no problem: I could program it for a slice and dice, sedate myself, and wake to a finished job. Well, that’s an exaggeration. I wouldn’t be comfortable trusting it that far. Not to the point of doing surgery on me while I slept. But still. It was like needing a ladder that’s on the roof.

I reached the elevator, swiped my pass, and pressed the button for sub-floor level three. The panel emitted a regretful tone. The screen read: CONTACT MANAGEMENT.

“Hmm,” I said. I pressed the button again, just in case. But no. I did not have access.

Stymied. It wasn’t a total surprise. But it made certain things clear.

I stepped out of the elevator and chewed my lip. After a minute, I decided two things. First, I needed Lola to help me with this arm. Second, it would be smart to go to the Repository, collect all my parts, and never let them out of my sight again.

66.