Tales From October Volume II

"How kind of you."

"How kind of me? It is, because my instructions were quite clear Mr. Creech, but having seen you around and knowing you to be a good man, I don't want to get you in any trouble, unless I have no other choice. And for the moment, I have that choice."

"I see."

"So if you leave now, I won't have to report your reticence to leave."

"Okay then, I'll do that. Thanks."

"Harrison Praid, in case you wanted to know."

"Well, thank you Harrison, have a good day."

"You too Mr. Creech."

"What do you mean I can't go to my cubicle? I work here and have no intention of being late for work. So please get out of my way."

"I'm sorry sir, but I've been instructed not to let you inside. So please, don't force me to hurt you, I'm just doing my job."

"Is this some kind of joke?"

"No sir, it isn't. I will tell them you were here, on time, which will of course, count in your favour, but I am not to let you in right now."

"So, I'm not fired? I'm just not allowed to go inside? Why didn't they just call me and tell me I had the day off?"

"I don't know sir, as I said, I'm just doing my job."

"Look, stop calling me sir and either answer my questions or get me someone who can."

"I can't do that Mr. Creech. Now if you'll just go away, I won't have to report your refusal to leave without delay."

Tales From October Volume II

"Friday? Are you ready? C'mon Friday, I need to go to work now and don't want to rush there, but will have to if you don't show yourself."

But if Friday was present, he did not show himself and Jonathan was left with the choice of waiting for him and being late, or leaving in a rush without him and making it to work on time(A now ungood place to be).

It was an easy choice, though he gave him five more minutes to show before he left.

"Fine, be that way Friday. I told you I would not skip out on work and I'm not going to. So you can yell at me later all you want, but right now, I'm going to work."

Tales From October Volume II

The rest of my weekend passed without event and I suppose that was for the best, what with Friday being something of an annoyance and my tenuous relationship with Terri, quiet was good.

Besides, I watched Galaxy Quest, Rudy and Notting Hill to finish out my weekend on a good note.

So where do I stand, with a new week looming, at a job that is now but a burden and my previously mentioned other woes?

Shakily, but I will persevere.

October II

Tales From October Volume II

So out I went a wandering
Not the happy man
I'd been before
Which nay as not
Did bode me well

Wait, poetry? Where did that come from? I don't have any interest in poetry. Isn't that funny. Well, there are worse things that could slip out onto the keyboard eh?

As for that wandering, well, what's to tell? I just wandered around and nothing eventful happened.

Okay, this is on the boring side. I'm going to watch a movie. And Galaxy Quest is just the movie I need.

October II

Tales From October Volume II

"Well, you can shrink down now, you've made your point Friday."

"Yes, I suppose I have."

"Do you think?"

"I said I did Jonathan."

"I know Friday, I was venting with a little sarcasm, it's a human trait okay?"

"Hmm, I think you should go out for a walk or something as you have too much energy in you."

"Maybe I should."

Tales From October Volume II

"Of course there will be changes to your life Jonathan. How could there not be changes when you become a Strordinaire? Could it be you are the wrong choice as you so quickly offered that ylou were?"

"I know there will be changes Friday. I'm not a fool. What I meant is I hope the changes won't be such that I have no life of my own and must do everything the way you say it without listening to how I might do it otherwise."

Friday's answer was to grow in size until he looked down at a yet sitting Jonathan. "Do you think to suggest that you do not need guidance to become a good Strordinaire Jonathan? Do you really dare to say so?"

Jonathan fell over as Friday towered over him and took a deep breath as he whispered his reply. "No."

"That is the right answer."

Tales From October Volume II

"What do you mean by that Friday?"

"Nothing yet Jonathan."

"You might as well say it Friday, now's as good a time as any."

"So be it. I think it would be a good idea to work on your temper, for a Strordinaire cannot be prone to being taken away with their emotions."

"You're worried aout my temper? Really?"

"I don't know Jonathan, but it does not hurt to be safe."

"Fine. Whatever. I just hope that this isn't the beginning of a whole long list of changes I have to make."

Tales From October Volume II

"But it is not my plan to be out amongst the humans disguised as one."

"Well, I didn't mean to suggest that it was. I simply noted that it was interesting. Nothing more Friday."

"At ease Jonathan. There is no need for hostility with me. You may go to work as normal."

"I've not had a good last few days Friday and unfortunately it is you who has to take the brunt of it."

"Better me than one of your fellow human beings, I suppose. But tell me, is anger a problem for you?"

"No, anger is not a problem for me Friday. I'm just about to need a new job and wondering how long this relationship with Terri will last."

"I see."

Tales From October Volume II

"Jonathan."

And Jonathan turned from the internet towards the voice that called to him from behind. "Yes Friday?" Only he could not see anyone. "Friday? Where are you?"

"I am here Jonathan. That you cannot see me though makes sense as I am currently much smaller now than you."

"What? You built a shrinakble metal body in hours?"

"Yes, I did."

"That's incredible."

"Thank you."

"I guess it is the only thing that makes sense, because returning to work in the company of a robot would raise questions."

"It would indeed, even though I could easily disguise myself to pass for human."

"Hmm. That is interesting."

Tales From October Volume II

That was the end of our conversation for the next few hours as he went back to constructing his simple body to accompany me with and I puttered around the internet and wondered what to do about Terri.

Needless to say, I was not so happy about the status of that.

A damn shame that the suit wasn't formed yet and I could go out into the city and bust some bad guys, that would have made me feel better, while doing the city good.

Ah, the certain good to come of being a Strordinaire.

October II

Tales From October Volume II

"I think not. I have made great progress in building a simple body that I can use to accompany you with until the suit is formed around you."

"Well, that would be good."

"Yes, it would. And that is my intention, to not prove to be a hindrance to your living your life."

"I'm glad to hear that because there will be enough hindrances once the suit is formed and I begin to make use of it against people doing bad things."

"Such is the nature of heroism."

"Indeed."

Tales From October Volume II

"What do you mean Jonathan?"

"Surely you jest Friday? Are you going to command me at every turn, just because I am a neophyte?"

"No, I will not command you at every turn. But this is a critical time and you must be protected."

"Protected though there are no villains of old to be seen anywhere?"

"Just because they are not to be seen, does not mean that they are not about. Or that new ones are not about to rise."

"And you cannot tell me how long it will take for the suit form can you?"

"Alas, I cannot. But do not fear that it will take overlong, or that you will need to stay here until it is fully formed."

"Just long enough that my soon to be gone job will gone prematurely eh?"

Tales From October Volume II

Friday had no reply for me then and remained silent, save for the whirrs and clicks as he busily went about the tasks he had set for himself.

Meanwhile, I went to sleep, after a quick cooldown, ready for another rest and the distance it would bring me from Friday, who was not winning me over with his insisting tone. Was this how it was going to be, him insisting just because he was a computer program and I was the neophyte? Well, I couldn't say that was something I was looking forward to.

Fortunately, none of this kept me from getting a good rest, so I woke to greet the day in a much better frame of mind.

"Good morning Friday."

"You slept well Jonathan?"

"Yes, I did, thank you Friday. So, how is it going to be between us?"

Tales From October Volume II

"Where did you go Jonathan?"

"I went for a run Friday. Do I have to ask you for your permission before I do anything now? I didn't sign up for that."

"No, you don't Jonathan, it is just that this is a critical time in the formation of the suit and I want to keep an eye on you in case anything should go wrong."

"Well, you should have said something."

"Yes, I should have. I thought the late hour though would keep you safely home."

"But it didn't. So just how long will it be before I can come and go as I please?"

"As I was about to say, before you interrupted me Jonathan, I have begun to build myself a body so that I can accompany you in your day to day life. It shouldn't take more than two or three days."

"Then we have a problem Friday, I still have my job and I am not about to quit it by not showing up for work. There has to be another way."

"Had you a pda, I could have downloaded myself into it and kept an eye on you that way, but seeing as you did not, I had to go ahead and build you one. That will take me longer to build. SO no, there is no other way that I am comfortable with."

"That won't do, I am not going to quit my job because that is just not how I am built Friday. You'll just have to let me go out into the world, like I always have."

Tales From October Volume II

Needless to say I am all kinds of apprehensive yet excited by the prospect of my impending debut as a Strordinaire, alternating between hopes it takes as long as possible and anticipation of it being quick so I can take it to the common criminals that only have to deal with the polic and not a one of "us".

But as much as I want to stay up and think about this and imagine myself taking them out, I still have work to consider, though not for a couple of days. It's the weekend of course, I don't know what I was thinking just then.

Maybe I should go for a run, seeing as I could use the distraction from this new reality of mine.

Yes, that's just what I'm going to do.

October II

Tales From October Volume II

"What do you mean you are not the right man to be Tykyn? You were chosen by a flawless program Jonathan, of course you are the right man."

"Why? Because I've not done anything to merit this important responsibility. I am a good man and though you could have done worse than as the choice for the new Tykyn, you should have done better. If the Strodinaires are now to be coming back, you will need a better class of them for the villains are sure to be more villainous."

"I'm sorry you feel this way Jonathan, but you are the chosen one and there is no turning back now, not with this suit. It is yours and you are Tykyn now. So forget about your doubts for they will not help with the progress of the suit's formation."

"So be it then. I am Tykyn now."

"Yes, though you will not be able to be Tykyn until the suit has completed its formation. And it is unknown how long that will take."

"I see."

You will see soon enough."

Tales From October Volume II

I awoke, a few minutes later, feeling surprisingly invigorated, not quite what you would expect after having your sight and hearing assailed as mine were.

Then again, this whole situation is unexpected. Getting an e-mail from Tykyn, one of the world's Strordinaires is not something I would have thought likely, especially since they they seem to have left the scene.

They used to be in the news all the time, with videos of many of their pitched battles appearing on the news at suppertime. It was the age of the Strordinaire. Until it wasn't.

And now I have been mistakenly chosen by Friday One, his self-aware program to be the next Tykyn. Only this is a mistake that can't be undone. I am Tykyn now, there's no turning back.

God help us all?

October II

Tales From October Volume II

"You've no need to be modest with me Jonathan, you are the right man and with my guidance, you will serve your fellow man as well as Tykyn himself."

"And just how am I going to do this Friday One? With my powers of wit and skill at living an uneventful life?"

"Surely you jest with me Jonathan, you know good and well what you've done to merit this."

"I do?" And Jonathan frowned as he knew deep down, this was a mistake. "Friday One, I hate to say this, but you've made a mistake

Friday One did not reply though as he had already begun downloading the suit activation protocols embedded in the attachment and said installation was rapidly nearing completion, leaving Jonathan little time to cancel the installation, which he decided to cancel when it was already too late and the program was installed.

And before he could say again that he was the wrong man, the program started running and a brilliant light display with an accompanying sound of rapid beeps overwhelmed him as he pushed away from the screen in his chair before he slumped back in a daze.

Tales From October Volume II

It is half past three in the morning and you may ask why am I posting an entry in my blog when being up at this hour is something I do my best to avoid, unless I am out at a bar for example and staying until the close. But seeing as that has happened but a handful of times, I am rarely up now. And for the record, I like it this way.

Nevertheless, I am up now. And for the strangest reason too. My computer, which as I might add, is very new, started making the oddest of buzzings that woke me up from my usual deep sleep.

I was also sure that I had turned it off and gone offline before I went to bed in my not so good mood. I usually don't keep my computer running days at a time, so there's no reason for it to be on.

But it was. I guess I forgot to go offline and turn the computer off.

However, I know I hadn't left my mailbox open. That is one thing I am very certain of.

And I hadn't kept any e-mails new. I had saved or deleted all of my outstanding e-mails before I went to bed, as I am wont to do. And seeing as I don't receive that many e-mails, something strange was going on here.

Needless to say, I was not amused by these strange goings on.

Yet, I couldn't just leave this mystery go unsolved. I had to see what was what and know the why of this as I didn't want waking up at three in the morning to become a regular occurence.

So I opened October's attachment, my curiousity certainly piqued.

"Hello Jonathan. I could not wait for your curiousity to take hold of you any longer and had to act now to introduce myself to you. I am Friday One, your helpful mission assistant. Let us begin yes?"

Jonathan stared at the screen, mouth agape and eyes wide open. To say he was stunned would be an understatement. "You're my mission assistant? And just what mission am I on now?"

"Why the mission of a hero of course. October I was the noted hero, Tykyn and I am the program designed by his beloved Anaeha to help school and train his replacement."

"Uhh, how on earth was I ever designated his replacement? I mean, what have I ever done to be considered hero material?"

Tales From October Volume II

Work today was, work today was so bad, I'd sooner rehash last night's date with Terri. Only I won't, because it is easier for me to find a good job than it is to find a good woman. And last night's date aside, I have the attention of a good woman and I won't just lose it just because of a less than great first date.

So yes, work. They all but said that since I wasn't picked for the special project and hadn't asked them why I wasn't picked, that they had had a rethinking of my future use to them and that my employment prospects with them had radically shifted.

I will begin looking for work next week, after I polish up my CV this weekend.

Anyway, let them have their job and who needs to be a part of their special project? Not me.

And no, that really isn't sour grapes. I am qualified enough for their special project and my not asking them why I wasn't chosen for their project, as twelve others apparently were doesn't reflect poorly on me. Not in my opinion at least.

Yeah, not the way I wanted to head into the weekend, a date that fizzled out and the knowing that I needed to look for another job.

Hopefully the weekend will be better than the two days before it.

October II

Tales From October Volume II

The date continued, but it wasn't the same. She was clearly disappointed and I couldn't blame her, I'd made a completely avoidable mistake.

We could have seen Orchard Of Peaches of course, but she'd lost her interest in seeing a movie since seeing Hymns Of Their Doom wasn't a good option.

So we went to a bar, after she said no to bowling.

A couple of drinks, some complimentary popcorn and not quite happy conversation, it could have been worse, but should have been better.

Needless to say, there was no goodnight kiss. But we made plans to see each other again next week. It would have been sooner, if she wasn't going away for a few days.

At least she didn't let my foolishness end things prematurely like one woman I remember did for something much similar.

October II

Tales From October Volume II

"Hmm, I didn't expect such a lineup on a Thursday night. It's a good thing we got here in plenty of time to get tickets."

"What do you mean get tickets? Didn't you buy the tickets already?"

"No, it's Thursday, not Tuesday, why should the theatre be overly full?"

"Oh Jonathan. You've never been here on a Thursday have you?"

"I've never been here period."

"That explains it then. And I so wanted to see Hymns Of Their Doom tonight."

And Jonathan looked at the listings board to see that there were still tickets for the showing. And there were. "But l;ook, it doesn't say it's almost sold out or anything. We still have plenty of time."

"All the good seats will taken in a few minutes and we'll be left sitting in the front and I refuse to sit that low ever again. I did it once and it was a terrible experience for me."

"Oh. I'm sorry Terri. I didn't know."

"I guess I can't fault you seeing as you've never been here before."

"Now I feel bad. I wanted to see it too."

"There's always next week."

"Yeah, I guess there is. Unless we try it anyway. maybe we'll get lucky and find two good seats."

"We won't Jonathan. Don't even bother. Please."

Tales From October Volume II

"Yes, it is. But it was okay. I read and played alot, listened to the radio regularly and saw some movies. I have no complaints."

"I can't say I know anyone who didn't grow up without a tv."

"Outside of me, I know no one else either."

"Well, it should mean you don't spend hours just sitting in front of the tv now."

"No, I don't, but I do admit to enjoying the time I do watch it these days. Not at the cost of sports or reading, but it is a good but small part of my relaxing now."

"Good, because watching tv with someone special is nice. Late at night is a good time for some snuggling."

"Ah yes, snuggling. I hope to enjoy that with you soon Terri."

"And me with you Jonathan."

The ride ended and they walked through the underground malls into the theatre entrance, finding themselves hand in hand quite easily.

Tales From October Volume II

Living in the city as they both did, it made sense to take the metro, being quicker, easier and cheaper than owning a car in a city with good public transit.

"I'm having a great time Terri. I just wanted to say that."

Terri smiled. "So I gathered, but it is nice to hear, especially when I am enjoying it as well."

"I aim to please."

"Well, your aim is true so far."

"So, you like comics? That's cool, I don't know many women who are into comics."

"Oh, we're out there, there just aren't as many of us as there are guys. And, umm, we also don't wear our support of it the same way many guys do."

"Ah, I would take that as an ouch if I had such shirts, or followed comics like I once had."

"You don't collect comics anymore?"

"No, not for the last six years."

"Why? Comic fans tend to keep collecting once they start."

"Mom and Dad thought it was time I moved beyond comics and not wanting to make an issue out of it, I stopped collecting them."

"That's too bad."

"It was a little hard at first, but I don't miss them now, what with the movies and tv shows...which I watch now that I have my own tv."

"There's nothing wrong with just getting your own tv now, I only bought my own tv last year after the set I got from my folks broke."

"I didn't grow up with a tv in the house. So my interest in watching was manageable while I lived at home."

"Oh, that's different."

Tales From October Volume II

"Me a smooth talker? I don't know the last time anyone called me that, let alone a woman as beautiful as you."

"Ha ha ha! That's exactly what I'm talking about Jonathan. You're a smooth one, but in a good way, because you mean it, unlike some people."

"Oh? Care to elaborate?"

Terri paused and looked him in the eyes with a fleeting smile. "No, I don't. Forget I brought it up if you would."

"Forget what?"

"Thanks, you're sweet too."

"It's easy to be sweet with you when you're sweet with me Terri."

They hugged then, with Terri putting her arms low around Jonathan's waist as she nestled her head on his shoulder.

She hugged him once more then pulled away with a smile. "Okay, now we really must go, because I want to see the previews."

"Of course, let's go."

Tales From October Volume II

"That's kind of you to say Sara. And I hope to become very good friends with your lovely daughter." And Jonathan flashed a sly grin at Terri. "And so far so good if I do say so myself."

"No complaints from me Jonathan. But I have to get back to work now and don't the two of you have a movie to go to?"

"Yes, we do and we're both looking forward to it too."

"Good. Enjoy the movie then and I look forward to seeing you again Jonathan."

"That's my hope as well Sara."

"Let's go Mr. Smooth Talker, the movie awaits."

Tales From October Volume II

"Dinner was excellent Terri. Your Mom runs a great restaurant."

"Thank you Jonathan, but you can tell her yourself because she's coming over now."

"Oh? That's good."

"You have nothing to worry about Jonathan, she trusts my judgement in men. She's not going to give you the fifth degree or anything. She just wants to say hi. She won't bite."

Jonathan smiled awkwardly and took a deep breath, anxious for this part of an otherwise wonderful time to end.

Fortunately, she walked towards them moments later.

"Hi Mom, this is Jonathan. Jonathan, this is my Mom, Sara."

"Hello Jonathan, it's nice to meet you. I trust everything was good." And she waved off his bid to greet her standing up.

"It was very good Mrs. Mateze, I'll happily come back here again."

"Please, call me Sara. And Jonathan, you're welcome here anytime, because any friend of Terri's is a good person."

And if he noticed the momentary tightening of her hand on his shoulder, he thought nothing of it.

Tales From October Volume II

"Hi"

"Hello again Jonathan. You look nice, but you really didn't have to dress up."

"Sorry about that Terri. I should have asked how you were going to dress, because I'm overdressed, compared to you. Not that you look bad or anything, you look great, it's just that, You're in jeans and sweater and I'm wearing pants and a shirt and jacket."

"It's okay Jonathan, as I said, you look good. And I could have asked how you were going to dress as well. But we're here now, let's enjoy tonight."

"You're right. I'm too hungry anyway to worry overmuch about how we're dressed. It's more important that we have a good time and get to know each other a little better."

"Exactly. And satisfying hunger here is what Momma does best."

Jonathan smiled at Terri and held the door open for her, even waiting happily for the next couple who were taking their time at entering the restaurant. What was two minutes when he had a night ahead with the lovely Terri?

Tales From October Volume II

This makes the problems of work seem like mere nothings. I may not be special enough in the eyes of my bosses to be picked for the special project, but I am hopefully on the road to being special in Terri's eyes and that is sure to be more rewarding than whatever that stupid project is anyway.

Wait, that sounds more like sour grapes. And I am not one to succumb to sour grapes. I just have to find another job, where I'll be properly appreciated, give them my notice and move onto the future.

Despite the times, there's always work for skilled people who are willing to work hard. Not that I'll have to take something I would rather not do, but it's good to know that I will if it comes to that.

Anyway, it's time to get ready for my date with Terri. The movie starts at nine and the reservation is for seven.

So life is good and I have no cause for major complaints now. Not being picked for the special project is their loss, not mine. I'll find myself something better, even if it takes me a couple of months, they don't deserve me now.

October II