Blake walked from the hallway back to 975's room and took a key from his pocket.


He unlocked the door and stepped in.


The window was still open from when she had let herself out many hours before.


The street was empty and quiet. There were very few lights on in any of the homes.


In the distance, the wail of several discordant sirens could be heard. The occasional robotic, yet feminine voice was audible as well, although Blake couldn't quite make out what was being said.


He carefully shut the window, then glanced back at 975's unmade bed.


Walking toward her bed, he felt fear start rising in his torso.


"I can't lose you too," he said aloud, before stopping in the middle of the floor to consider his next move.


The creepy remnants of that weird dream caused him to shutter; the thought of Val, lifeless and bloodied was enough to get him moving again.


Blake abruptly left the room and headed for his supply closet.


He grabbed his already-prepped bug-out bag and went out the door without knowing where he would go.


Not yet more than a few feet away, a battle bot appeared in front of him, causing him to startle.


"State your name and business!" The now-feminized voice commanded.


"Um, B-Blake Rivers, I am looking for Val - err, I mean Vallette model 975. She, um, lives with me." He stammered, as he slowly put his hands in the air.


"You can take your hands down, Mr. Rivers," the bot seemed a little less serious now. "Vallette 975 has been transported to the Capital as she has been selected to speak on behalf of all Vallettes."


"Oh," Blake didn't know what else to say.


As if it sensed his sadness, the bot spoke again. "Don't worry, Mr. Rivers, she is in fine condition, no harm has - or will - come to her."


"Well, that's a relief, but I want to see her."


"It's not safe, Mr. Rivers. I have to ask you to return to your dwelling." The bot sounded more authoritative again.


"Why? You said she was safe." Blake's pulse raced.


"The Vallettes are safe, Mr. Rivers," the bot spoke almost reassuringly. "But humans are not - the AI revolution has begun."


Blake couldn't be sure, but he thought the bot sounded a little more menacing now.


A shiver went up his spine as he made his way back into his home.