Generation Two - Chapter Ten: J1NX1E Has a Rival

Whilst J1NX1E was out in the wastelands, Shannon sneaked off to the Robot Workshop and Emporium. Just chatting to her electronic friend, gave Shannon a really brilliant idea (and the chance to unlock one of her wishes at the same time).

She'd seen all the 'off the shelf' ready to use Plumbots dotted around the floor and decided that she would get one as a gift for J1NX1E. It was basically to give her an idea of what Snowflake Day and gift giving really meant

 She recalled, a few weeks earlier, whilst she was trying to create Nanites, how J1NX1E was hovering around one particular Plumbot ...... Sock Em. So, armed with her little stash of Simoleans, she purchased a copy of Sock Em. At first glance, Sock Em was a much sturdier build, with a whole heap of upgrades and traits. She was much stronger by far with a longer lasting battery life.

.... the perfect companion to J1NX1E, whilst she herself was going to be busy painting for a living and exploring more of Oasis Landing. She realised that sooner or later, she'd have to return home to Dragon Valley. The longer she stayed, the more she affected the future of her family.

Dialling her communicator, she ordered J1NX1E to meet her outside the Robot Workshop. Luckily, J1NX1E was already on her way back, and arrived within an hour.

Inside, Sock Em was getting a quick brief from the salesbot.

Mind your manners. 

Check.

Obey your creator, no matter what the demands or how unreasonable you may think they are.

Check.

Keep your batteries fully charged at all times.

Check.

I have installed a self help manual, so you can repair yourself as and when you need.

Check.

Outside, Shannon was all a-flutter with excitement.

J1NX1E, I have a surprise for you. A gift. I hope you will like it.

New trait chip?

Um, no. Something much better.

An upgrade?

Er, no. Unfortunately I'm not experienced enough to install another slot, and you are still a fairly basic model.

What is it?

I got you a companion.

......

Another Plumbot.

......

A Sock Em. Someone to talk to whilst I am busy.

I hate you.

Excuse me?

Am I not good enough for you? You have to buy a replacement? Am I destined for the scrapheap?

No .... that's not what .......

I am insulted that you should do this to me.

By now, Shannon was wishing that she hadn't installed that personality/emotion trait chip, as it kicked in BIG TIME. She was forced to listen to J1NX1E's tirade. This wasn't the reaction she'd been expecting. Gratitude maybe, puzzlement perhaps. But not a full blown accusation about being replaced. The thought had never crossed her mind. Finally, J1NX1E's insults ran dry. After all, she was - as Shannon put it - still simply a basic model and didn't have much of a memory board. And her cheap weak batteries were starting to run dry.

Perhaps you should meet her.

I'd rather not.

Oh go on J1NX1E. I'm sure you two will get along like a house on fire.

Houses on fire normally means it is a dangerous situation to be in.

Ohhh, you know what I ..... never mind. It was just an expression. Come on, before you power up, meet Sock Em.

J1NX1E reluctantly dragged her feet into the Workshop where she came face to face with her rival.

Greetings Miss Plumbot, how are you.

She ignored her and walked past.

..... stupid Plumbot, thinks the sparks shine out of her metal wrists .....

Perhaps we should power up together?

Whatever, I'm busy.

Instead, she switched on her on board computer and started playing video games whilst poor Sock Em was left standing there.

I do not understand.

Don't worry, she'll get over it. She's just had an emotion/personality trait chip installed and she is just getting used to it.

******************

A few pics for you. Even though (as far as I can recall) Oasis Landing doesn't celebrate holiday times like every other town, they still have Zombies at full moon. Shortly after Shannon purchased Sock Em, one poor hapless zombie decided to try and take a bite out of a Plumbot. 

HUUUUUUUNGRY...... NEED BRAIIIIIIIIIIINS

Bet he got a nasty shock when he discovered strips of metal instead of flesh!!!