Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales

Electric Schemes

It was another Monday morning, and Greg found himself running to catch the 7:00 a.m. transport into the city. Crowded as usual, he reflected as he squeezed into the car. As the train headed into the tunnel, the train lights dimmed and a commercial for corn flakes flashed across the windows. Greg rubbed his stomach as it grumbled. He’d been in such a hurry leaving the house that he’d only gulped down a few sips of coffee.

Moments later the high-speed train arrived at his station. He headed out onto the platform, then jumped on the moving walkway, letting it whisk him down the three blocks to his building. Would he have time for more coffee? He was tired, and it wouldn’t do to not be at his full energy before he plugged into his computer.

Upstairs he dropped his backpack off on the chair, and touched his fingertips to his desk. The PC turned on and greeted him with a very chirpy feminine voice.

PC-234 online. Good morning, Greg.

Hello, 234. He replied absently, as he took off his jacket and arranged himself at the desk.

You don’t sound like yourself today, Greg.

I’m fine. Greg replied as he pulled out a cable from under the desk, and rolled up his sleeve. I could use more coffee though.

Why don’t you get some, I’ll wait.

That’s okay. I’ve got a lot to do today. Greg plugged one end of the cable into the PC, and tapped the computer chip implant in his forearm. It was beginning to look a bit tarnished. Maybe it was time for an upgrade?

He plugged the other end of the cable into his implant and closed his eyes as 234 booted up. Numbers flashed across the monitor, and he could feel impulses flow through his arm as information went back and forth between him and the computer.

Greg, I think your cholesterol is going up again. You really should take better care of yourself, the PC admonished.

Yes, I know.

Are you sure you don’t want me to check your blood pressure? It always goes up when your boss calls.

Yes, I’m sure! Greg patted the monitor. Sorry. I didn’t mean to yell. But you know how I feel about him.

You work so hard, Greg. You deserve a promotion. The PC's voice became soft and soothing. I can help you.

No! Thank you, but I’ve already told you that I’ll be all right.

Greg leaned back and relaxed. The PC was taking the numbers out of his thoughts and putting them into his spreadsheet. Mr. Gordon always waited until five minutes to 5:00 p.m. to tell him when a report was due. At least today his report would be finished early.

He’d always worked hard for the company. He even got the implant after Mr. Gordon said it would improve his chances of promotion, only it hadn’t. Mr. Gordon used his reports and brain power to keep him trapped in his cubicle. If only he could show them what he could do!

Greg. I don’t think that total is correct. The number of mps is 10,000, not 10, the PC said, its voice softer than usual.

Oh, I must’ve added the wrong numbers together—hey! His eyes snapped open as he realized that he hadn't heard the PC through the speakers. He’d heard the voice in his head. How’d you do that?

Do what?

Talk to me like that. I heard you...in my mind.

I’ve always been able to do it. If I said it out loud, someone might hear that you made a mistake. You know what would happen if Mr. Gordon found out.

That’s true. Greg rubbed his forehead and leaned back again in his chair. Where was I?

Relax, I’ll check the totals for you, 234 replied.

Greg closed his eyes again and thought of how tired he felt all of a sudden. He could take a nap if he was careful about it. If he leaned back just far enough, he could look out of the window and see the blue sky. The building across the street had a little park on its roof—with trees and grass and a fountain. Sometimes he imagined himself sitting in that little park, listening to the gurgle of the fountain high above the crowded streets. The only time he got to see a tree was when he went to the park near his apartment, and there was never enough time with all the work Mr. Gordon had him doing lately.

Gregory Smith! I don’t pay you to sleep! No wonder my reports are never done on time!

Greg almost fell out of his chair at the sound of his boss’ voice. Mr. Gordon, I was just resting my eyes, sir.

No excuses! Get that report done and send it to me ASAP! Mr. Gordon brought his fist down hard on top of the computer monitor. I have a meeting in 10 minutes!

Meeting? You said I could have the report done by the end of the day.

I want it now, Smith! That’s why you’ll never be promoted, you’re useless! Mr. Gordon turned and walked away.

Greg let out a long sigh. Are you finished with the report? he asked the PC. He waited for a moment, but there was no reply. He stood up and checked behind the monitor to see if the wires were loose. Are you okay?

He felt a few impulses going up his arm, then the spreadsheet flashed on the screen, showing his report perfectly formatted.

I don’t like Mr. Gordon, the PC said. He could’ve damaged me by hitting the monitor like that.

I know. I’m sorry. He sat down again, relieved that there was nothing wrong. You can send him the report now.

It’s on its way, the PC replied. I’ll make sure he gets it.

*****

An hour later Greg’s vidphone flashed. Greg Smith here, he answered.

Greg, good to see you. It was Mr. Gordon’s boss. Could you come up to my office for a moment?

Yes, sir. Greg’s voice trembled as he signed off. Mr. Gordon must’ve reported that I was asleep. I’m going to get fired, he said to the PC.

They can’t fire you, Greg. You’re their best worker.

I wish they felt that way, he replied as he left his cubicle.

Greg walked into Mr. Nelson’s office. He wasn’t surprised to see Mr. Gordon  there, however he was surprised to see the four other managers in the office. Everyone  smiled as he walked in, even Mr. Gordon.

There you are, my boy. Mr. Nelson reached out and grasped Greg’s hand. I must tell you that your report was the best work I’ve seen. Your numbers were flawless, and your analysis was very impressive. I think you’re going to save the company a lot of money.

Wow. I don’t know what to say. Greg glanced over at Mr. Gordon, who was still smiling, though his lips did look a bit tight.

You know, that was such a great idea having that presentation, with the videos showing our cost savings – it was better than the usual boring reports that Gordon here gives. He laughed.

Everyone in the room chuckled, except Mr. Gordon. Instead, he just stared at Greg, his face getting redder by the moment.

My boy, I’ve been considering hiring someone who can really look at our numbers and keep us on track. You’ve been doing it all along for Gordon, haven’t you?

Well...uh... Greg didn’t know what to say. He knew his boss had been putting his own name on the reports. What had happened this time?

Gordon finally admitted it, he said you were much too modest to take credit for your work. But the presentation showed how you’ve been researching this for months!

Well, yes, I have! Greg nodded.

Good. I told Gordon that I wanted to speak to you personally. Let you know what an asset you are. Think you’d be interested in a promotion?

Would I! Sure, Mr. Nelson! Greg looked around at the other managers, they were all nodding in agreement. All except Mr. Gordon.

Wonderful. I’m sure Mr. Gordon will be pleased for you to get this opportunity.

Yes. Of course. Mr. Gordon stood up and shook Greg’s hand. Greg noticed that Mr. Gordon didn’t exactly look pleased.

And as for you, Gordon, now that Smith will be in charge of the reports we'll have to find something else for you to do. Mr. Nelson came around the desk and put his arm around Mr. Gordon. I think I know just the place for you.

Greg watched as Mr. Nelson led his former boss out of the office.

*****

The next day, Greg settled himself in his new office. All of Mr. Gordon's things had been cleared away as though he'd never been there. Greg eased into his new leather chair, and looked out of the windows. He had three big windows all around his corner office, and he had a great view of the little rooftop park.

How do you like your new office? PC-234 asked.

Just fine. But I've been meaning to ask you, did you do something to that report you sent to Mr. Gordon? How did they find out that I'd been the one doing them?

I sent it directly to Mr. Nelson, and added a few little touches. If I'd sent it to Mr. Gordon, he'd have put his name on it, like he always did, 234 said, amusement in its voice. And after I talked to Mr. Nelson's PC, she agreed with me, and told Mr. Nelson—

What?