Silent Book: Art of the Thirteen Striking Cobras

Silent Book's internal timer brought him online at exactly 4:00 am. Book didn't actually need sleep but he found doing nothing unappealing.....and unproductive. After taking a quick look about, the android placed his hand on a seemingly innocent looking pad. This device connected him to a highly classified website where he downloaded data and/or instructions regarding his objectives and functions. Usually there was very little significant useful information...more often than not Book's receptors were flooded with banal tips on keeping his nanotechnology up and running effectively. Nanobots were extremely small, often microscopic machines that performed the android's daily maintenance operations. They functioned almost entirely inside his body. It was routine for Book to monitor this activity as well as keep tabs on the number of still functioning nanos his body contained. Should the level of nano capability fall below recommended levels the possibility of malfunction was increased.

Surprisingly there was a message of importance received by Book that morning. Late that night he had an appointment to meet with a new police contact...a human female named Lois Masterson. A time and address was included in the message....11:00 pm at a motel on the outskirts of the neighborhood. The odd hour and destination was doubtless security influenced.

Book dropped the web connection and left his "home". School didn't start until 8:15, this left hours before the android was required to start his day there. Several blocks from the school was a sprawling city park. The undercover officer wanted to explore this park. There were indications of illegal activity there possibly relating to the school. However, Book had an added motivation for going, and it was illogical which gave him some cause for concern. Parks were places humans went to for de-stressing and enjoyment. For some reason the android felt the urge to discover what exactly it was about these areas that served humans in such a manner. Besides, he found the trees and other naturally occurring phenomena interesting. Book began to suspect that his programming was perhaps slightly flawed in some way as some programs appeared to clash with others. Still, just as likely these "feelings" might simply be an element of his very sophisticated technology that functioned to make him appear as closely human as possible. For undercover purposes this was of course essential. Just like the way steam blew from his mouth as he walked on a cold day.....and his human-like sexual capabilities.....all part of a skillful Elessonorian technical process. The machine side of Book's personality programming found all this somewhat puzzling but the android found his "human" urges and interests quiet desirable. All of this had prompted the mechanical cop to explore his programming modules extensively in an effort to discover more about his particular creator. This effort had failed...although surprisingly there was a cache of data that even Book was unable to retrieve. Apparently it was strictly off limits even for the android it operated. This seemed highly unusual.

Despite the early hour the sun was shining brightly. Birds sang and small animals scurried about here and there. It was a good deal warmer than it had been in recent days and a gentle wind made the tree limbs float and wave. Silent Book took his time, carefully taking it all in and making mental notes....constantly calculating why this or that should be found soothing for humans. The android's super sensitive hearing sensors began to pick up the sound of someone moaning. Interested, the young "man" walked more quickly until he reached a park bench where what appeared to be an older human lay. The moaning was still in evidence. Book walked over to this person, "hello, is something wrong....do you need help Sir?"

The android placed his hand on the shoulder of the old man. He turned him slightly to discover that the moaning had been replaced by snoring. Book was somewhat puzzled by this discovery.

"Oh, don't bother yourself with him...he's just sleeping off a good drunk." The voice was feminine and youthful. It reminded the android a little of Cindy's voice. A quick image of his new friend's appealing hips flashed through Book's visual processors. His more machine-like persona found this unproductive and suppressed the image. Besides, the voice was not Cindy's at all but another female. She was pretty but somewhat unkempt, her hair was short and auburn colored. The girl's slight frame was enveloped in a heavy brown overcoat that reached to her knees. On the girl's feet were fashionable but worn, ankle high black boots. "That's just old Sammy, he'll be ok in a few hours...then he'll be up and about searching for the source of his next drink." The girl's voice was perky with a rather satirical subtleness.

"Oh, I see," Book said. "Thank you for that information, I thought perhaps he had been injured and needed assistance...my name is Silent Book, what's yours?"

The girl smiled slightly, "that's an unusual name...my name's Belinda. Nice to meet you Mr. Book."

"Just call me Silent."

"OK, hello Silent."

Book stepped away from the old man who began to snore more loudly. "The park is very nice this morning don't you think?" Book asked.

The pretty girl shrugged her shoulders inside the heavy coat. "Whatever, it is warmer though....that's always a good thing."

"This is my first time to visit, I think I like it though." Book added. "Do you come here often?"

Belinda gave the android a wry smile, "yeah, I hang around here a lot...actually I live here most of the time. Old Sammy does too, and a few other people as well. I guess you could say we're sorta like bums....pathetic, unwanted people with no place else to go."

Book's programming seemed conflicted. A response to the girl's declaration did not come to him quickly. Finally he answered, "I'm sorry to hear that...you seem like a very nice person to me....I find it difficult to understand why you aren't welcome anywhere?"

Belinda sat down on a nearby bench and shrugged again. "Well, its not great mystery actually. My dad died a few years ago. Then my mom remarried....to a world class jerk. He kept trying to fuck me and mom couldn't do much about it...she was scared of the guy and besides, he paid all the bills. One day I just threw some clothes and stuff in a trash bag and left...and this is where I wound up. Been living here for about a year and a half. God, I can't believe I'm telling all this to a complete stranger....its just....well, sometimes I think if I don't talk to someone who isn't half passed out drunk I will just go nuts....know what I mean?"

Suddenly the girl seemed very tired and vulnerable to Book. She had a resigned look on her face and something in her pretty dark eyes seemed far away....like she hoped it was all just a long bad dream and that she'd wake up soon....back safe and sound with her real dad in her real home. All of this made Book "feel" something that made no sense. More practical elements of his programming informed him that she was probably hungry based on her facial paleness. Another upstart program wanted to scan underneath her coat to gather more data on the girl's body but the android suppressed this request.

"I was just on my way to breakfast....it would be great if you'd join me so we could talk some more. I still have a couple of hours before class at Redlimb Valley High."

The girl's eyes opened wider...."Are you paying?"

"Of course," Book declared. "I wouldn't think of letting a nice lady pay for herself." The android surprised himself with this rather flippant statement. Then he realized that is was part of a logical program to make him appear more likable, thus more human. And besides, Belinda might make a useful informant. "I saw a pancake place just a few minutes walk from here...what do you think?" Book asked.

"I'm so there buddy, let's roll."

Book realized the girl must have been starving, she downed a full order of pancakes, bacon and eggs, and four pieces of toast. She gulped a glass of milk and two coffees in the process. The android didn't actually need food but he pretended to eat. He observed his companion carefully. The girl's features brightened considerably, she put her hand in her coat and produced a couple of quarters. "I'll play us some jams on the jukebox." She left only to return shortly to start on her third cup of hot coffee. As the music began to play she moved her shoulders and head to the beat.

"I haven't heard that one in a while, it was always one of my favs." She said while dumping extra sugar and cream in her drink. Book caught her putting several packs of sugar in her pockets..along with lots of other condiments. "God, I'd kill for some smokes." She said.

"Is there anything else I can get for you?" The waiter asked. "Yes," Book said. "Get my friend here a large coffee to go and a pack of cigarettes."

The waiter nodded and left. "Silent, am I dreaming, or are you real?"

"Oh, I'm real." Book said before adding..."sorta anyhow." The joke was illogical but Book smiled anyhow. Although Belinda didn't have a clue she smiled broadly as well. "You are a little weird....but sooo nice." The girl said.

Two young women entered the restaurant and sat down opposite the couple. Almost immediately they began shooting admiring glances at the android. Belinda picked up on this right away and her features turned dark. The waiter brought her smokes and large coffee to go. "C'mon Silent, let's get the fuck out of here.....it's way to nice to spend all day indoors."

The two new friends left and walked back to the park. Belinda was already on her third smoke by the time they made it back to where Sam still lay snoring.

"There you are, little lying whore!" The voice was gruff and threatening, it belonged to a big hulking figure dressed in dirty clothes and needing a shave badly. "Wheres my money you owe me you bitch? If you don't got it right now, I'm gonna beat your slutty ass senseless!"

Book stepped between the large man who had suddenly appeared and Belinda who was backing away. "What is your problem?" Book asked calmly. "Is there really a need to be so insulting to my friend?"

"Fuck you slick. Your friend owes me twenty bucks and I want it ....NOW!"

"Just relax," Book said. "Heres your money, take it and go." He held a twenty out for the big bum to take. The filthy man snatched the twenty out of Book's hand. "Yeah, well, that's all right slick but since she paid me late I want another ten...interest."

"Ok, I'll give you another five...now take the money and go...you're upsetting my friend needlessly." The android gave the man five more dollars.

The dirty bum grunted and turned to go....he seemed surprised to get the money and probably a bit disappointed he didn't get to hurt anyone. Suddenly he wheeled about, simultaneously pulling a claw hammer from his coat. "How much money you got on you anyway fancy pants.....be a good little boy and hand your wallet over to me and I'll let you and your little slice of pie go on your way in one piece. Don't that sound nice of me?"

With a lightening fast move Silent Book grasped the hammer wielding arm with both hands. Suddenly there was a sickening crunch as the bones shattered. The hammer fell to the ground as the bum screamed in agony. He stared in disbelief at the wrist and hand that dangled useless. "It's going to get a lot worse than that if you are here in three seconds." Book said very calmly. The bum took off running like a madman. His howls of pain and terror echoed through the park.

"HOLY SHIT!" Belinda exclaimed, "how the fuck did you do that....his arm snapped like a twig!"

"I've had some extensive martial arts training....hopefully he'll think twice before assaulting defenseless looking folks here in the park...or anywhere else for that matter."

"Well, thanks a lot for your help...that was truly amazing Silent...but I'm not exactly totally defenseless here." For the first time the android noticed the small pistol in the girl's hand. She put it back in her coat quickly, glancing about to see if anyone had noticed. "Where did you get that?" Book asked. "Guns are illegal aren't they?" A part of his programming reminded him that she should be put under arrest at once. He suppressed the program.

"One day a dope deal went bad here in the park. Two guys started shooting at each other...one was killed and the other ran off. The dead guy dropped this gun....I picked it up and it's been my security ever since."

"It didn't help its previous owner very much." The android observed dryly.

"I'm a girl and I don't have martial arts training. Besides, life on the streets is pretty crazy dude. I don't expect you to understand but it gets damned scary at times....that jerk you just fucked up was the least of my worries."

"I guess I understand." Book picked up the claw hammer and offered it to Belinda...maybe this might help too."

Belinda took the hammer shoved it into her coat. "I don't need it but maybe someone else will, I can always swap it for some more smokes maybe."

Silent Book's internal timer told him it was nearly time for school. "I have to be going now, perhaps we can find a way to get you off the streets. What do you do to survive anyhow?"

Belinda shrugged, "well...err...I hustle, you know? Sometimes I sling a little pot...no hard drugs....to dangerous. Sometimes I even turn tricks...if its somebody I dig a little bit....like you Silent."

"Turn tricks, are you telling me you're a prostitute?" Book did not like the way this conversation was going.

Belinda became defensive, "I don't sell everything...just handjobs.....and maybe a blowjob now and then. A girl has to do what a girl has to do....you wouldn't understand I'm sure. A guy like you comes from someplace nice...with a family and money. I have to live in the real world. I'm sorry I'm not the kind of nice girl you probably like to stick your dick in....anyhow, thanks for the grub and smokes....I truly appreciate it."

"I didn't mean for you think I'm passing judgment on your Belinda. Perhaps I was just a little surprised. You are a very pretty girl and I think you are a nice person deep inside. Maybe the streets have made you into something other than what you truly want to be. I have to go now but I'll come back really soon and we'll talk." Book took a hundred dollar bill out of his wallet and handed it to the girl. "Keep this, hopefully you can eat without doing anything illegal." Besides, the government kept the android supplied with cash...it was required for his work.

Belinda took the money, the gratitude was evident in her eyes. In fact, Book's visual sensors informed him she was tearing up...albeit just a bit. She drew closer to the android and looked him in the eye. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart...what's left of it anyhow. And I want you to know......" The girl hesitated.

"What is it?" Book asked softly as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "Is there something else you want to tell me?"

"Yes there is." The girl's huge eyes flashed and blinked. "Yes its true I have blown guys for money...but I've not fucked a single one..although many have tried. Yes, I am a virgin believe it or not. But I would blow you anytime you wanted Mr Silent Book...for free of course. I guess what I'm saying is that I want to suck you off....I really want to suck your dick....if you would want me to do that for you?"

Belinda studied the android's face for a moment before turning and quickly walking away. Silent Book watched her go silently before taking leave of the park himself. His "feelings" were illogical. He suppressed them and headed for school. Something in his programming desired that the remaining day be less eventful. Still, the idea of getting sucked off seemed ridiculously appealing, even for a machine.

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Cindy had taken extra time to make herself look nice. She stood on the school steps with her books and a large bag. It was almost time for morning bell but thus far no Silent Book had shown up.

"Hi little bitch."

Startled, Cindy unpleasantly discovered Tanno standing behind her...rotten teeth and all.

"Wh..what do you want?" The girl asked, fidgeting very uncomfortably. This was the last thing she needed on a morning that had held great promise.

"I got a little message for you dumbshit." Tanno growled like the animal he was. "Your hot little ass has got a good fucking coming to it.....and some hurt for good measure."

Somehow Cindy found more courage than usual to stand up for herself. "I haven't done anything to you. I had nothing to do with you getting on the losing end of a fight with Silent Book. If you want to blame somebody, look in the mirror or ask your friend Bottle. I was just trying my best to get to class."

Tanno's face turned red with rage. "Well, bitch, I got something from Bottle that you can tell your friend Silent Book. He is scheduled for a world class ass whipping. He....."

"Why don't you tell me yourself...chump?" Tanno suddenly found himself face to face with Book. Fear flashed in the punk's pig eyes but he quickly gathered himself. "Bottle has lots of friends....and they're making some big plans for you newbie."

Book merely smiled....."and I suppose old Bottle is gonna give them a ....hand? By the way, why don't we get the party started right now?" Book put his face within an inch of Tanno's. He leaned forward slowly, forcing the punk to stumble backwards. Quickly, Tanno retreated into the crowd and disappeared. Several kids witnessed the entire scene....and soon they all were whispering about the new boy.

"Hi Cindy!..I hope that jerk didn't ruin your morning."

Cindy's faced beamed. "Actually I think you ruined his....Tanno's reputation as a badass just took a very serious blow it seems. Here's your stuff, I hope you find it ok, thanks again for the job."

Book took the bag and peeked inside. "Yeah, looks like its all here...thanks a million Cindy. Well, guess we better get going, hopefully we can talk again soon..real soon."

"I hope so also Silent..have a great day." Book and Cindy joined the rest of the kids as they entered the building in anticipation of first class.

Classes weren't exactly interesting for Silent Book. Pretty much everything the teachers discussed was already contained within the robot's memory banks. He did his best to pay attention while also sizing up his classmates...especially the ones he'd been informed to keep a watch on. Often the android re-visualized his meeting with Belinda. There was something about that human female that intrigued him more than she logically should. Once he questioned himself as to why he hadn't scanned beneath her coat. If he had, Book would have known about the gun. Had she been an enemy this information would have been vital. Still, he did not like the concept that perhaps a faulty program was requesting these images of naked human females. Book considered putting himself in "sleep" mode to avoid these human-like musings...and to block out a particularly boring lecture about English grammar. The life of a high school student was very hard he came to observe. If the other students didn't get you...the classes would. And what about these annoying "feelings" concerning females. Book was thankful that he was in reality a police officer and not real teenager. Still, there was no escaping the fact that he was party programmed to act and appear like a high school student. Was that part of his programming flawed or possibly over zealous? He decided that more internal scanning and possibly some trouble shooting utilization might be necessary.