Fresh out the Dreamer.

Interesting dream I had last night. Enjoy.

I got thrown into this world - It was a world of robots, water breathing dogs, evil mothers and innocent children. Where a car race was meant to end a persons life and the society where people were brought into was as twisted as the braids in the women's hair.

Everyone looked as if they were dressed ready to board the Titanic - yet acted like they were meant to be in the future. Surrounding us everyday were robots to help out with our everyday needs, go to the store, watch the kids. They were lovable and able to handle any situation. Even though I felt like an outsider - I was thrown into this family of 4. The McCall's. Doesn't sound like much of a family with a name like that - but they are the wealthiest family in this world. The wife, Jeanne - is the proud founder of the creation of this "perfect world" - robots and all. Her Husband Derek, the leading and only survivor of this "death car race" getting a thrill of death crawl under his skin. And their two children Anitta and Charlie, were the pearls of the sea. Thrown into this family, I was treated like I was one of them. I looked out for the children...adored them to be quite frank. Mother was always away and Father was always being challenged. But who I got to know the most was the Robot - Phi1.

Phi1 or Phi, was the first of its kind - flawless. No Mistakes before, and no mistakes after. Jeanne bore the seal of approval on her brow as she smiled at her creation. From then on, money was a thing of the past. As much as people paid for these robots - The McCall's never had to pay for a thing in their lives from then on out. They were Celebrities, they were looked at as Gods in a pool of humans. Everyday seemed like a different celebration - dresses and suits were worn on the norm and everyone toasted to "the perfect life" and "the perfect world" every night. What they didn't know...is it was far from perfection.

The first decent conversation I had in this world was with Phi. Shocked as I was - I learned one thing. As Perfect as Phi was, he was almost too perfect. He adapted to society, learned and harnessed what was being told to him and what was being said and seen around him. Jeanne made him so flawless, she forgot to give him a level adaptor...and so Phi learned everything, grew in his computer. He was at no harm though - he became disgusted with human and they way they think and how they act when the alcohol gets in their system. I laughed at the way Phi perceived things and went on teaching him about humans. Id have to say, Phi became a companion in my discovery of this world.

My first encounter with the kids was at the McCall's ranch house. As rich and loved as they were...their house was a dump. I remember seeing the shingles of the roof wave at you as the wind blew, and there was a tall 9 foot fence around the entire property. A small house at that...almost looked like a lighthouse. Entering the gate of the property I noticed how wet the ground it...where it looked like there was supposed to be a pool there, there were numerous plateaus and on there were about a dozen or so tiny dogs. Strange thing was these dogs were submerged under water. I was shocked and frightened for them...when Phi then told me that the dogs are thirsty. I laughed, "They are under water...this makes no sense." Phi responds with, "Neither do I - but that hasn't stopped you from believing in me." With that being said, I tried to give the dogs water, just dumping buckets in their already watery atmosphere and I hear a little voice, "You have to drain the water miss." I spin around to see 2 children, around the same age smiling at me, hand in hand. I figured why not, and began to drain the water...and the dogs began to spring to life. I then filled up about 3 buckets of water and they drank. With a feeling of accomplishment I walked over and sat down next to the Children. "My names Ari, whats yours?" were the words that came out of my mouth...that wasn't my name though...was I really saying this? The little boy spoke first, must have been 9 or 10 at the most, "I'm Charlie, and this here is my sister Anitta - its nice to meet you." They both bowed at my presence as if I was royalty and I shook off an eerie feeling. The Next thing I hear is an engine...and an Orange muscle car comes rolling up beaten to a pulp. As the door squeaks open, it falls off its hinges and a handsome man possibly in his mid 30's stepped out. Tall and built with dirt smudges on his face and a smile of perfect teeth from cheek to cheek. I stand in almost awe as he comes through the gated fences and comes up to me. "You must be Ari, welcome to our home." Still in awe I was unaware that he was holding his hand out for me to shake, I get a small unnoticeable nudge from Phi and I reach for his hand to shake it - but It was brought to his lips, which gently met the outside of my hand with a tiny kiss. "P-P-Please to meet you sir," I respond with, his emerald green eyes captivating and he smiles again, "See you watered the dogs," he chuckles, "another one of Jeanne's creations I should say, though I'm much too confused to why they wont drink the water they are in when they are thirsty." I chuckled at that thought, and peered over at his accordion of a car. "Oh I wouldn't worry about that," He says and looks over his shoulder at the junk that sat at the curb," it will fix itself in a couple hours and I'll be ready for the next race.

The Next Race...What I didn't understand is why someone would put their lives on the line for such a dangerous race. There is one hell of an adrenaline rush out of this race. Derek has been the only unbeatable driver of this race. Yes, there have been some people who have survived a race or two, but they never can get past three...only Derek. Rigged? It might have been - Since he is the husband of the "founder" of "the perfect world" - Jeanne. I have let to come across her- leaning in towards Phi, I ask him where I could find her. He looks at me and speaks, "We don't go looking for mother, she always seems too busy for anything not work related." I shook my head and told Phi that I was going to go looking for her, and that he was welcome to come alone. He nodded and preceded to follow me, to look out for me for my "protection." I didn't know what I needed protection from, but I enjoyed his company.

When approaching the festivities hall - I could see that everyone was dressed up to their highest standards. Women in flowing long gowns and men in tuxes and zoot suits. I looked down at my clothing and realized that I wouldn't have been able to make in into the doors without getting stares, jeers and god knows what else. I turned towards Phi who was plugging something into his arm. In his hand a little cup had formed, and in the cup - this glittery looking slime. He looked at me and offered me the cup, "No thanks - I'm not thirsty" I replied to his offer and he shook his head, "This will give you something to wear. It isn't the normal way of dressing a human but at times like this is well needed." I took the cup and stared down at the liquid. With a disgusting look on my face I closed my eyes and swallowed the fluid which as soon as it hit my insides began to churn my stomach and cause an uneasy pain in my limbs. Almost collapsing, Phi holds me up from my arms as thread begins to spin around me. "What the -" I looked up at Phi who still holds me. "The threads will spin you a dress, the fluid inside of you reads who you are and will make you a dress designed to your personality woven right to your body, looking perfect." Another sharp pain in my limbs, feeling as if a thousand needles and threads have been poking through my skin over and over again. I close my eyes and in the matter of moments I feel Phis grip leave me, I place me hands on my torso only to feel fabric. I open my eyes to see a white mermaid dress, with woven straps engraved with gold thread and around my neck, a necklace with a big emerald diamond, as green as Derek's eyes and as large as one of the children's fists. my hair had been done in a side sweep, braided with golden thread as well, with big french curls looking flawless. Phi produces a mirror in the palm of his hand and shows me my face, so tame and elegant, my makeup had been done to a shimmery smokey eye and my lips glow a bright red. I smile up at him as he offers me his elbow to escort me inside, I smile and we enter the festivities hall.

"I feel like the youngest one here," I whispered to Phi. The festivities hall was packed with adults who were decked out in their best outfits. Some of which looked like they should have stay buried in the bottom of that chest they probably found in their attic. As I walk in, I got looks, stares and whispers. It seemed as if I was the only one being escorted in by a robot. Security seemed to find its way to me and although they tried to stay distant...I knew who they were. "Phi...This isn't robot like, and I think they've noticed." Phi looks around - him too dressed in a white zoot suit smiles and continues to walk, "Don't let it bother you, it hasn't bothered me so far." I look at him, "Phi - If they think something is a miss, they wont hesitate to kill me. They can't do anything to you because you're the first...you're the immortal." Phi looks down at me and he knew I was right, straightening out his arms he fell behind me a little and I knew he was trying to blend in...but he was still the only robot in a suit. I get approached by a couple, "Excuse me - why is your robot wearing a suit." I looked back at Phi and then towards the couple, "I feel uncomfortable with him walking around naked." I replied. "But he's a robot - he doesn't feel...why should that bother you?" I snickered and responded, "It's out of courtesy...you wouldn't want to be dragged around naked in public now, would you?" With a quirked eyebrow I turned and left the couple standing there open mouthed in shock at my response. I continue to move towards what looked like the center of the room. Looking for someone who would possibly be Jeanne. And then I saw her, easily noticeable at her flawless physique. She stood about 5 foot 8, thin with blond gorgeous curls sweeping her shoulders, Her skin pail as snow and her eyes a reddish gold. A unique color for any human. As I approached her she turned and looked towards me, her motions effortless. She smiles and extends her hand. "You must be Ari, my goodness how precious you are." I reach for her hand and turned back towards Phi, who was looking down at the ground...not a motion to him. "I am Jeanne, please to meet you and welcome. How do you like it so far?" As she pulled me onto her little pedestal, I peer around to the party goers, frolicking and gay with emotion and drinking their champagne and eating their orderves their faces showing no sign of sadness, except for that one couple who approached me, their faces a grim scowl. "It's a lovely place I must say," I replied, "I wouldn't have been able to find my way around if it wasn't for Phi." I smiled towards him, but still no motion...Jeanne looked at me and her eyes seemed to shine, "I think its time you and I had a little chat...since you're here..." she snapped her fingers and the pedestal which we stood on began to rise, scaring me I let out a little shriek causing Phi to look up analyzing the situation began to figure out where I was going. There was a little hole about 4 stories above the party that, when the pedestal stopped rising we stood in a room. She began to walk away and I hopped off where I was originally standing, the circle disappearing into the rest of the ground.

"There are rules around here, that you must follow," she began, "Rules that if broken...the punishment can be consequentially deadly." The sound of her heels on the floor versus the tapping of her fingernails to one another caused me to really put up my guard. "Bringing a robot around here is one thing...but dressing him up, showing him off like as if you were married to him well that's -" she paused and peered over her shoulder, "that's disgusting. I mean you're an attractive young lady, I am sure you can find yourself a suitable fellow...no need to be parading around town with a robot" I looked at her, unable to gather words to say...she isn't an elderly couple to me - this woman has power, if not more...this woman IS power. Her word is law around here so choosing my words carefully is something that I had to do...not something I was easy at. "Jeanne..." I started causing her to stop her back to me, hands on her hips.

"Yes?" She replied.

"Why bring me here, to this place when you clearly didn't give the time of day to teach me these rules?" I paused, "Were you expecting me to trial and error my mistakes on my own? What happened if I made a mistake that couldn't be undone...that's on me! That's my life you re playing a roulette with - which I don't think is fair on your part. I am not a chess piece." I stopped to catch myself mid rant and Jeanne has turned and looked at me, her red eyes piercing through my soul almost. "My Dear, you are a chess piece. You moved yourself to this exact location - I had nothing to do with how you got here, your decisions and actions are what lead you to this time and place." She snaps her fingers and some of the security guards appear holding guns all pointing towards me, their little red lasers placing little red dots across my body. "I'm sure you can figure out what happens next, I could give you a hint if you'd like?" Her finger at the ready to give the command, glass begins to fall from above as Phi jumps down landing next to me, a stern look on his face. Jeanne shocked at the way her robot has reacted she tells her guards to lower their weapons in fear of breaking the robot.

"Phi...darling," she begins, "What are you doing...you're on the wrong side. Come over here to your creator and let me fix you right up." she extends her hand towards Phi but he reaches down and takes my fist, causing me to relax and lock fingers with his. Jeanne getting angry at this site takes a couple steps forward, "What are you doing Phi? You listen to your master - come here now." Getting frustrated with the robot, I let out a chuckle and look up at her, "You don't get it, do you? You created the perfect machine...what you didn't know is that this entire time, your machine has adapted and learned about you...about this "perfect" world, about people. He's a learning machine...He's learned to do so much and you just sat there and pretended like everything was okay. You are so wrapped up in your successes, you haven't realized that your biggest success is your only flaw." I unlock my fingers with Phi's and step forward towards the woman. She looks at me, mouth gaped and laughs, "You think I believe that! He's a robot...carbon fiber with wires and a computer chip here and there...easily manageable."

I shook my head and stepped even closer to her, "you're wrong Jeanne, Phi has become immortal throughout the time. He has adapted himself to any sort of problem solving, problem causing, natural, unnatural event there is out there. What you created...he perfected himself. Jeanne, what you don't understand is..." I took yet another couple steps closer, giving us about an arms distance between us, "...is Phi can feel, Hes adapted enough to have emotion, what you couldn't accomplish...your greatest accomplishment did for you." I smirked as she looks at Phi, who also had a smile on his face and looks back at me, "Impossible." She whispers as she screams and pulls something out of her dress, and shoving it into my stomach. A blade, a piece of glass, something sharp enough to penetrate skin. I gasp and step back, being met by Phi who gripped at my shoulders and looked at her. I look down expecting to see my life bleed out of me but there was nothing. My white dress has not been stained at all - I didn't get it. I have been wounded but I was not bleeding, nor was I dying. I still stood my ground, not queasy nor vision blurred. Jeanne looked at me shocked, "How are you -" She raises her hand to her lips, shocked, "What have you done to prevent this?" Phi steps forward, and turns to pull the blade out of me, dropping it to the ground and turns back around towards Jeanne.

"What you failed to realize," he began, "is while you are parading around here living what you think is your accomplished life," he motions towards me, "I happened to accomplish something you only dreamed about." I looked at him, at Jeanne who still stared hand to mouth in shock. The reality hit me, "You mean....I'm not real?" I turned towards Phi as a lump in my throat began to form. Phi took my hand again and shook his head. "No Ari, you are as real as it could be. You are real enough to fool everyone into thinking you are in fact human. You gained the trust of the children and even the trust of Derek" He smiles, "And you have shown me what love really is." He put his hand on my cheek - and I felt it. Was I that advanced that I was just as close to being human. Was I immortal as well? I turned towards Jeanne and stepped forward. "I think it's time you let us go." Jeanne, tears forming in the corner of her eyes reaches out and touches my arm drawing back as sobs began to come in threes, "She's....You're...s-so...beauti-ti-ful. H-How di-i-d yo-u?" Phi pulls me back as she falls to her knees sobbing in her hands. Smirking, I take Phi's hand and we go back to where the pedestal was and I only had to think about it to lower...it did. It listened to me. We won, but as we are lowered back to the party, in a locking embrace I got to thinking, what did we win exactly? This world, our freedom, is it all ours? Or are we just starting a quest for our lives...whatever they are.