Lacuna

Chapter 19

The following evening, Ack was released from custody, and at the fireside meeting, Mayor Gale introduced him to the citizens of Portia.

"Thank you all for joining," Mayor Gale said. "You're all here because of the recent discovery of the AI that came out of the crashed ship in the hazardous ruins. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to our newest citizen: Mr. Ack."

"That's Ack?" Emily said to Kahli.

"I still think he's an alien," Paulie muttered.

"I don't like this one bit," Mars said.

"What if he goes crazy?" Lucy asked.

The children, however, did not share in the concerns of the adults.

"He looks so cool!" Toby said.

They all murmured amongst one another, some disapproving Mayor Gale's decision, while others supported him.

"I hope everyone can welcome Mr. Ack with open arms," Mayor Gale continued, and the crowd hushed. "Some of you might be apprehensive about having a living relic roaming in our city. I just hope you all give him a chance. Mr. Ack has stated that he wants to work here as a chef. Now, Minister Lee has something more to add." He turned to Lee, giving him the opportunity to speak.

"The Mayor and I had a long talk over the fate of this AI relic," Lee said. "I shared with him all of our concerns in allowing such a dangerous relic to live in our city. But the Mayor was adamant that Portia and the Alliance of Free Cities were all founded by outcasts, castaways, and refugees, and that we cannot in our good conscience turn away Mr. Ack. On this point, I agree." He paused. "However, we did come to an agreement that Mr. Ack will live with the Civil Corps for the foreseeable future, for his own protection and ours. In time, I am hopeful that Mr. Ack will be fully incorporated into our society."

"Thank you, Minister. Now, if anyone has issues with my decision come and see me and we'll talk it through."

Most of the crowd dispersed for the night, but Kahli and Emily hung back, and Ack made his way to them.

"Do you think they will accept me here?" Ack asked.

Kahli smiled reassuringly. "I think so," she said. She turned to Emily. "Right?"

Emily nodded. "Sure. Any friend of Kahli's is a friend of mine, anyway."

"We're friends?" Ack asked Kahli.

Kahli crossed her arms. "Unless you don't want to be."

"I would be honored, Miss Kahli."

"Kahli says you like to cook?"

Ack nodded. "I do! I was a chef."

"I bet Django would love to pick your brain for some new recipes," Emily said.

"Listen, ladies." Arlo stood beside Ack. "Mr. Ack isn't signing autographs tonight."

Emily put a hand on her hip and grinned at Arlo. "Jealous of the new guy in town, Arlo?"

Arlo winked at them. "C'mon, Ack. Plenty of time for you to flirt tomorrow."

"Goodnight, then," Ack said, and he followed Arlo back to the Civil Corps.

"I can't believe you've been hanging out with a robot all week and not me," Emily said to her. She brightened. "Oh! Or, was that just a cover up? You were secretly hanging out with Arlo, weren't you?"

Kahli rolled her eyes, but she didn't argue with her.

Emily grinned. "Why don't you just ask him out already?"