“So you see, Hank, with the current cutbacks, we just can’t keep you on anymore.”
“I’m fired?”
“Think of it as early retirement,” said the A-L-Rnd.
“So I still get my benefits?”
“Better! Your replacement mech will be named HNK in your honor.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t take this as a personal rejection. Merely a workforce shift due to cutbacks.”
“Right.”
“Can I offer you anything? Drink? Sedative? Counselor to talk to?”
“Actually, I wouldn’t mind a counselor.”
“Excellent. I’ll schedule you one right away,” the A-L-Rnd said, its screen now blue.
“Can the counselor be a human?” Hank muttered.
“Sorry, no. Cutbacks.”
Not even a handshake, and 1984 could be re-written as 2034 if humanity takes a back seat on our ride to the future. We’ll get to Mars, but metallic feet will leave the first footprints on the red planet. Good job, Joachim
Thank you. I’m glad you liked it!
I liked the way the story was told, simply, with good dialogue. Could someone tell me what A-L-Rnd is? Is it symbolic of something?
Nothing symbolic. Some jobs I’ve worked at employ allrounders, who lead and take charge of the rest of the crew. I assume an A-L-Rnd functions the same way, but with a shortened title to save on letters.
Thank you.
Good example of what’s happening more and more in our own society. Nice job.
Thank you. Glad you liked it.
Very realistic to life. Very good job.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.