Machine Man (serial)

I thought: Stockholm Syndrome. That was what they called it when kidnap victims came to sympathize with their abductors. It was a psychological condition. “Lola,” I said carefully. “Just come here a minute, and we’ll talk about me shoot shoot shoot Carl dead.” I bit my lip. Words were bubbling out again. I wondered where they were coming from, although not really, because I already knew.

Lola rose and walked toward me. We filled with joy, my parts and I, me because at last Lola was acting the way she was supposed to, and my parts because in a moment they would get to fill Carl full of holes. Then everything would be fine and we could all return to Better Future together. “Charlie,” Lola said. “I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay. What? You don’t have anything to be sorry about.”

“It’s kind of my fault.” She reached for my face. I felt a flash of irritation, because she was still blocking me from a shot at Carl. I mean, my parts felt irritated. Or we both did. There was a certain amount of overlapping going on. “I encouraged you.”

“Lola, I’m thrilled you’re alive, but I’m having a little trouble thinking straight because Carl is there and I have to shoot him. I have to shoot him. So please move out of the way.”

Lola used her hands to swivel my face toward hers. Until this, my eyes had been jumping all over Carl. Now I really saw her, I was a little shocked by how pale she looked. “I’m really sorry, Charlie. But we have to get rid of your parts.”

170.