Machine Man (serial)

CHAPTER SEVEN

A nurse wheeled me out of the hospital to the limo waiting outside. On my lap was a ziplock bag full of medicines. This was a little superfluous, given the facilities we had at Better Future, but I didn’t complain. You don’t say no to a bag full of drugs. Even I knew that.

Carl, the security guard who hated me, stood beside the limo’s open door, his hands folded. I don’t know why the company kept assigning me Carl. It wasn’t like we didn’t have other security personnel. Carl saw us coming but didn’t move. He would probably stand there impassively while I clawed and heaved myself into the limo.

“Thanks for taking care of me,” I said to the nurse. “I use the word care loosely.” I hadn’t meant to snipe. I was misdirecting my annoyance at Carl.

“You’re welcome,” she said. “I hope we never see you again.”

Carl bent down and scooped me up. I had maligned him unfairly. “Wait,” I said. I wanted to explain something to the nurse. “I didn’t crush my leg because I hate myself. I did it because I have access to prosthetics that are stronger, faster, and all-round superior to biological parts.” I saw surprise spread across her face. “You see? It’s not mental illness. It’s just logical self-improvement.”

Her expression hardened. It was like she hated me more than ever. “Well, that is unfair,” she said.

29.