Free Space Trippers Book 1: Trippin' by A. Lightbourne Page A

seems to be very well insulated."

    Valesque sighed as she laid her head back on the exam table and stared up at the ceiling as she thought of an appropriate response.
    Sanic watched her in nervous concern, he got the feeling she did not appreciate him finding out that Lola was an android.

    "She isn't mine." Valesque finally said softly, so only Sanic could hear. She looked back over to where Lola was still flirting with the Lieutenant to be sure they wouldn’t be overheard. "She was created by a couple. Doctors Larea and Neegal Triumdic. They are both scientists. She is in biomechanics and he is in microbiology. She doesn't know... I mean Lola knows she is mechanical, that she is an electronic being, but she does not know that is something different.
    That she is any different from a so-called "normal" life form. So, just don't...don't treat her like she isn't a real person, just because she is mechanical, okay. She really wouldn't understand and it would upset and confuse her."

    "Okay. I mean, no, of course I wouldn't. She is just amazing." Sanic stumbled out as reassuringly as he could. "So... real and lifelike."

    Valesque scowled at him as if he just insulted her child. "She is real, she is a person and she is alive." she said sternly. "Just be sure you remember that in your admiration of her.”

    "I understand." the Ensign assured her hurriedly, hating the idea he might loose Valesque's trust and good opinion. "I wont treat her any differently than I would anyone else of another species that fascinates me." he smiled.

    Valesque looked back over to where Lola was giggling and sighed again. "She is very young and naive still. She has been in creation for over a decade but she has only been active in that body for about a month. Although, she does not know that.
    She has implanted memories of an entire childhood growing up, just as any other being would have. She has memories of a past and a home and of her parents; Larea and Neegal. They knew it would be easier for her to interact with others if she could reflect back on 'past experiences' and relate to others more intimately by having childhood memories to share with them. That way she will never feel any real difference in herself compared to anyone else." Valesque explained.

    "Oh, no!" Lola suddenly exclaimed, putting a hand to her face in alarm.

Valesque and Sanic looked quickly over to her to see what the problem was, hoping she had not been upset by something she had overheard.

    Lola turned to Valesque with wide, worried eyes. "Oh, no." she repeated, this time addressing Valesque as she walked quickly back over to the side of her exam table. "The Lieutenant and I were just discussing our home worlds and our families when I suddenly remembered. My parents!" Lola exclaimed. "I haven't seen or heard from them in over three days. They may not even know where I am. They will be so worried!" she cried in her cute innocent way.

    Valesque sat up, pushing the medical exam arm out of the way. It had stopped humming and showed all green lights on the front panel so she assumed it was done with its programmed treatments and she could get up. Lola helped her remove the metal cuffs from her fingers as she looked intently at the Engineer for guidance.
    "It's alright, Lola." Valesque said calmly and with a slight reassuring smile. "Your parents probably weren't informed of your departure and they are probably wondering where you are, but we can contact them from the ship. The main off-ship communications aren't working, but I think I can rig up a relay that will get a message to them for you."

    "Really?" Lola squeaked excited. "I can send my parents a message that I am okay, and about my new friends?" she asked, glancing back coyly at the Lieutenant.

    "Sure." Valesque replied obligingly. "You can tell them whatever you like. We just need to go to the main medical console and set up the signal. Do they know about your latest look?" she asked.
    Lola had the ability to alter