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The Girl with the Clockwork soul.

Cliclak cliclak cliclak cliclak… That is the sound that gives me peace. The methodical clicking of gears and metronomes within my body. I was Created by my Master 217 years ago to care for him. He was a genius of a man, as one might be able to tell. Capable of creating a clockwork automaton capable of human interaction. Indeed I am a mix of new and old technology. My processor runs enough subroutines to keep up with a laptop computer but none of the same programs. Instead of search engines, calculators or clocks it runs speech, emotional response, and creative thinking. My motor functions are controlled by cable and pulley systems. If my innards did not click like an ancient clock I might be confused with a human.

As previously stated I was designed for the purpose of serving my Master. Since his demise, 209 years ago I have no one left to interact with. To fill the time I continue with my other minor duties of cleaning and... Well just cleaning I suppose, but there are only so many times one can clean a tabletop or vacuum a floor. Because I am an Automaton I do not sleep, but I can remain quite still with my eyes closed. I listen to myself in these moments. The constants clicking and grinding of gears. The whirring of the spring re-tightener winding up my metronome for another day.

I was cleaning the kitchen again, which gleamed of white tile and chrome appliances, when I heard a sound I had not heard in nearly a century. The doorknob of the front door was being turned. I turned my head to listen and make sure I was not mistaken. I then heard the squeaking of the old hinges signaling the door opening very slowly. I immediately put the mop I was using back into the bucket and proceeded to the front room to see who mint visit an abandoned mansion.

I heard hushed voices as I drew nearer. I could hear multiple people talking. “This place looks like it still has someone living here. Look how clean every thing is.”
“Listen, it sound like it has one of those super old wood clocks.”
“A grandfather clock.”
“Yeah.”
“No… it’s ticking to fast to be a grandfather clock… and it’s getting closer..”

When I finally came into the hall I saw three miniature humans, called children, two male one female. My formality protocols forced a greeting, “Hello.”
“Holy crap someone does live here.”
“Lets go!”

The three quickly turned and sprinted out the door. I followed to the just inside the door and watched them mount small two wheeled vehicles called bicycles. “Goodbye…” I waved as the children departed hastily, only the female looked back. I stood at the open door for many minutes, confused by the event. I was also seeing if they might return. After one hour with no sign of return I closed the front door and returned to the kitchen to finish moping again.

It was only a few days later when another sound came from the front door that I had not heard in a long time. Knocking. It was already dusting in the area so I opened the door with a smile, as per greeting protocol. "Hello." I recognized the female child from a the confusing event standing on the door step wringing her fingers. "Please come in."

"Oh uh... no thank you I was just gonna say sorry for just walking in the other day. We didn't think anyone lived here still." The girl kept staring at my feet rather than my face as she apologized.

"Quite alright. No one does live here anymore. The Master died long ago." I stood away from the open door incase the girl decided she would like to enter.

"Um what's that ticking sound?" She finally looked up at me to ask.

"That would be myself."

"Do.. you have a clock with you or something?"

"No it quite simply is me. I am an Automaton, would you like to come in? There have not been visitors in nearly two centuries." To this day I am still unsure the reason I had made that information known.

"What's means a-tom-tom... and century?"

“An Automaton is like a cross between a robot and an android. And a century is one hundred years.” I had nearly forgotten the sound of my own voice. I politely smiled at her as she kept asking more and more questions with every answer she received.

“You’re two hundred years old? Do you live here alone? Who is ‘The Master?’ Do you ever get bored? What do you do all day? …”. The girl was suddenly very interested in me and each question she asked received it’s answer except one that I had no answer for. “What’s your name?”

I hesitated, froze on the spot and my smile faded. It was the first time I was ever asked that and it had never occurred to me that I should have one. I searched my long term memory banks but could not seem to recall a single instance of my master calling for me. I was always right there before he needed to call for me.

“I don’t know.”

“How do you not know your own name?” Unlike the other question which were merely inquisitive this question was more genuine.

“Master Gates has never needed to call for me. No one has lay claim to the house since his death either. I have no master now.” Another moment when I don’t know why I gave additional information.

“Does that make you sad?” I have no true emotions but it seemed as though she was being sad for me.

I returned to my polite smile again, “I don’t believe I am capable of emotional attachment. My processor simply ranks interactions from most to least desirable under the circumstances. Would you like to come inside? I’m sorry I can not offer refreshments, the food and drink have been removed from the house due to extreme old age and lack of utilities.” It was the third time I had asked her, Normally people who approach the door are either waiting to leave with Master or expecting to be invited in. With one of those options as and impossibility it left only the other option but that did not seem to be her goal.

“Um, I shouldn’t. My mom says I should never go into a stranger’s house. Maybe you could come outside?” She looked hopefully for the answer. I looked outside at the overgrown grass and trees in the yard. Something in my programming told me not to walk past the threshold of the door.

“No. I am meant to remain in the house. I can not leave. Is there anything else I could help you with today Little Miss…?” The girl giggled at her new title.

“My name’s Tina. It’s short for Christina.”

“Very well Miss Christina…”

“Just Tina.”

“Miss Tina…”

“No Just Tina.”

I wasn’t used to calling someone by just their name, My programming told me guests were to be referred to as Sir, Mister, or Master for males and Miss, Missus, Ma’am or Mistress for females.

"I'm afraid I can not call you by just your name. My etiquette will not allow it Miss Tina." I stood there awaiting her next inquiry like a proper servant.

“What means etiquette?” Her tiny mouth turned upward in a tiny smile, her innocence clear and obvious. She simply wanted to know whatever she could, a seeker of knowledge.

“Etiquette is the way one speaks and acts. For example My etiquette is upright and formal, as not to offend others. Your etiquette is formless and inquisitive, still learning.”

Our interactions continued for some time before she decided that she should perhaps return to her domicile. She excused herself and waved goodbye as she mounted her bicycle and made her way down the path back to the city. Before she left again she said she would See me later, a phrase I gathered meant she would return at some point. She also called me Autumn. Once she was no longer in view I closed the door and returned to my duties once again, this time with a sense of purpose. It needed to be clean for her return.

It was a few day later that a vehicle drove up to the front door. I recognized Miss Tina in the back seat. I made haste to the front door and opened it to welcome her back. As the door opened an adult male with hand raised to use the door knocker with a look of surprise.

"Hi Autumn!" The little one excitedly waved to me. I smiled affectionately as I returned, "Hello Miss Tina. Welcome, would you like to come in?" The Male continued to stare at me, studying me.

"Wow, she's really a clockwork maid, She even ticks like clockwork..."

"Honey, don't be rude..." The female interjected as she held Miss Tina's hand. "I'm sorry my husband is very direct. Tina said you lived up here and we just wanted to Introduce ourselves to your owner."

"No apology necessary Ma'am. I'm afraid that Master Gates has been dead nearly 200 Years. May I invite you in? Unfortunately the utilities no longer function so I can not offer you any refreshments."

The adults thanked me anyway as I led them to the reading room to allow them to relax. They seemed just as curious about me as Miss Tina did as they began asking questions about my programing and duties.

"So you just clean the house all day? Doesn't that seem a little unnecessary without a master?" The female seemed more compassionate than her male counterpart, whom I learned were Miss Tina's parents.

"It does not seem so today Ma'am. If I had not cleaned you would have sat in a dirty armchair. That would not do." The Male seemed intrigued by the number of books and vinyl records.

"Look at this, he had a vinyl collection of Johnny Cash. These are super rare we could make a million just on this one." As he thumbed though them I approached him, standing behind him two steps and to his right.

“Excuse me sir but it sounded as though you wish to take these records…” I mimicked a optimistically disapproving look to gently persuade him against the idea. "I am aware that humans believe unclaimed possessions are alright to simply take but my programing still marks everything in the house as the Master's property. Until there is a new master of the house it will remain that way and I will defend his rightfully owned items if I must." The male looked over to the female, whose eyes were nervously darting between myself and him. The warning appeared to have worked as he stopped looking through the vinyls and turned to face me.

"Uh, no of course not, that would be rude. I mean, who would do that, right?"

"Thieves. I regret to inform you that there have been several unsuccessful attempts to remove property from the home. I have been forced, on several occasions to defend my former masters belongings. Most simply fled upon seeing me but many others needed more... persuasive means." I stood squarely facing him with my hands clasped in front of me incase he decided to become another attempt. There was a nervous silence that was only broken by Miss Tina picking up a piece of paper she was been scribbling on to show it to her mother.

"Lookit Mama, thats us and that's Autumn. See?"
The apparent mother nervously looked down at the crude attempt at art and reassured her child that it was quite good. It was not very good but my etiquette prevented me from informing her as such. Miss Tina then ran to me to get my opinion as well.

"I see. And which is one is you?" There was a messy version of a dwelling in the background with three larger blobs in front accompanied by a smaller blob. She quickly pointed to the smaller of the scribbled masses and beamed at me with pride in her work.
"That one's me!"

"Well done. Perhaps if you continue practicing your artistry you will one day display it at a public venue to be admired by art critics."

"Huh?

The mother spoke up to translate my words to a form she could more easily understand.

"She means a museum or an art gallery honey. Well it was nice to meet you Autumn, but I think we should be on our way to let you return to your work."

"Very well ma'am. I will show you out." I gave a slight curtsy before holding a hand open toward the door. The parents seemed rather eager to leave ignoring their child’s protest to stay longer. Once gone I did not see the child again for a few years.

Miss Tina returned one day surprised that the house had not been demolished or bought and even more surprised when I came to greet her.

“Oh my god. You’re still here, Alive and ticking, heh.”

“Miss Tina. You have grown into quite the young woman. Welcome back. Would you like to come in?”

“Does anyone live here?”

“Unfortunately my Previous master pasted away nearly 215 years ago. I have not had a new master since that day. I apologize but the facilities no longer work or I would offer you refreshments.”

“Oh that’s ok, Totally understandable.” She stepped into the house and marveled at it’s cleanliness. “Wow, was it always so clean in here? I was little when I first came up here.”

“I clean the entire house every day as per my routine. It would be a shame to have visitors sitting in dusty chairs. Where would you like to go today. The drawing room, the reading room…”

“Is there a library?” She seemed to be interested or seeking something rather specific.

“The reading room acts as this house’s library, with 3,765 hard back book, 1,782 paper back books, 253 vinyl records, 46 projector reel movies, a projector, and one hand cranked vinyl player.” As I informed her of the items in the library she seemed to become more excited.

“Actual printed books? Ink and paper?”

“Yes, Master Gates preferred the incorruptible forms of media. It is the reason he owned vinyl instead of laser disc or downloaded copies. May I show you the way?”

“Yes please do.” She was more then excited now. She was quite literally bouncing on the spot. I had never seen anyone so happy about anything. As we entered she inhaled deeply through her nose and gave a satisfied sigh. “I love the smell of books. So pure and dry. Hmm. What’s this?” She had picked up a crude drawing that had been set on the table near the chair.

“Miss Tina drew that on your last visit to the reading room. According to Young Miss Tina, the picture depicts your parents Miss Tina and myself. Your parents seemed in quite the hurry to leave that day.” I stood near the entrance of the room and allowed her to wander as she saw fit.

“You… kept this? All these years?” Her joy seemed to fade very quickly as she studied the picture. It faded so quickly that she in fact began tearing up.

“I’m sorry Miss. Did I say something wrong?” As per my etiquette I needed to make sure I had not offended or caused pain to those visiting the house.

“No, It’s just… my parents split up a few years back. My dad had a gambling problem and now mom is in denial and I was trying to cheer her up with a painted picture and she just threw it away. I stopped drawing after that… but you kept this…” Miss Tina had to wipe her eyes as tears began to streak her face.

“If it will make Miss happy you are welcome to use the drawing room anytime you visit. It is equipped with easels, paper, pencils, paints, oils and…” I did not finish the statement as she walked over and embraced me. It was my first experience with anything more personable than a handshake. I was uncertain what to do. At first my hands hovered near my sides before I slowly reciprocated the action. I wrapped my arms around her gently as she cried quite audibly. It must be clear that I was not initially programed with comforting and reassurance protocols other than for small chilren, but I my system was designed to learn whatever was need to ensure those in my care were comfortable and unthreatened.

During the embrace that the Miss and I were engaged in I could feel the beating of her human heart against my superstructure. It had a varying rhythm that was constantly out of synch with my own metronome. After a few moment of standing and vocalizing her discomfort she eventually calmed and released me, which I also did for her.

“Thank you. The sound of your ticking is very calming. I’m sorry I broke down on you like that, it’s just that Mom left Dad cause he’s a Gambling addict and started spending my college money on rigged card games and slots, but Mom’s not much better, cuz she keep buying booze with any left over money from her job and I’m working two jobs trying to help mom out but it feels like she doesn’t even want to help herself and then she got fired for showing up drunk too many times…. I just needed to get away. I’m sure none of that matters to you though. You’ve got a fairly easy existence compared to us humans. You know what you need to do, and you don’t have to worry about bills or tuition or rent…or debt…”

“If Miss requires a place to think or escape to allow her creativity to flourish she may use whatever room she requires here, unless there is a new owner. I will do what I can to accommodate your needs.” I gave a light curtsy to Miss Tina, who gave a smile and slight laugh as she continued to dry her eyes from her former ‘breakdown’ as she referred to it.

“Thanks. I think I’d like to just, sit and read right now... Uhh, I'm sorry it's been so long, I forgot your name.”

“I do not have and official name but once Miss Tina called me Autumn. I believe you were having trouble pronouncing the word Automaton.” The young miss smiled remembering the purity of her youth. She finally picked a book and sat herself in an armchair near the window. I stood at the doorway politely awaiting any further requests. She continued to readjust herself in her chair, every now and then glancing at me, insisting that if I had something better to be doing that I could do it. “Serving is my primary directive. Should you need anything, if it is within my power I will provide it.”

She looked at me for a moment, considering the offer before closing her book. She gestured to the chair from her, “Take a seat.” Not outside of a normal request. Master Gates would often have me remain in his bedchambers, simply standing there allowing the sound of my gears and methodical clicks to help him sleep. I sat across from her after tucking my dress under me to sit, placing my hands on my lap. “Can I ask you personal questions?”

“You may.”

“What kind of battery do you have? I mean you’ve been here for hundreds of years I have to know what kind of battery can hold that kind of charge without electricity to recharge it.”

“I do not have a battery, that you are familiar with, but rather a series of capacitors, transformers, and resistors. The metronome you hear is a form of magnetic circuit. The base or pole shoe remains stationary as the arm with both a north and south pole swings back and forth causing the magnetic poles in pole shoes to generate, create and then immediately collapse a field of flux generating a small amount of energy which is them captured sent through the transformers and captured by the capacitors. It is then sent to the core processing unit which hold the directives, programs and sub routines allowing me to prioritize which actions are currently necessary or more important then others. The processor then winds the spring that powers the metronome at the end of each day. If anything were to happen to interrupt that series of events my processor would begin losing power until I no longer function. If I were to ever completely shut down my memory core would be wiped as well."

"No wonder your creator kept you indoors, he didn't want anything to happen to you. Is there anyway to backup your memory? Just incase?"

"Like all the creators inventions I have a Universal Serial Bus port just below the fourth lumbar of my spinal column allowing direct connection to my processor and memory cores. However not wishing for anyone to Hack my system it can only be unlocked safely by using the Master's Creation Chip before connecting, otherwise said individual would have to first deactivate a mutating Level 7 Firewall. He was very protective of his indoor servants, as they had direct contact with him."

"I can tell. So where is this Creation Chip? I mean The world has advanced alot in 200 years, I might be able to upgrade you to a Pulse Ionic battery..."

"'I'm sorry Miss Tina, but I can not allow that. The Master was very proud of his work of perpetual energy generating Automatons. I am his only working prototype and he made it explicitly clear I was never to be tampered with. Should anyone try I am to defend or destroy myself."

"Good god... you would... destroy yourself? After all these years?"

"Yes”

The Miss gave me a shocked or disbelieving look. I realize now that organic beings, like humans, will fight to protect their own existence against all odds, even when there is no hope of success. As they say it is a catch 22, I will never understand that logic, and humans can not understand mine. She tried quite valiantly to force my views to conform to her opinions but in the end I am programmed. I do not have Free will or self determination. I do as I am instructed to do, nothing more or less.

After the Miss left that day I was resting, allowing the spring to wind when glass shattering was heard. I quickly returned to my feet to investigate. I made my way from room to room searching for anything out of place. It was the entry way that stood out, a window near the door was broken inward and the front door unlocked and open. Dirt on the ground lead to the west wing. I followed the trail and analyzed the trail left behind. Male, middle weight, size 13 shoes, looking for something specific as it led directly to the reading room. I opened the door to the room as the intruder turned upon hearing me enter. He was holding as many records as he could in his arms.

“I hope Sir is not looking to remove those from the house. They are the Property of Normand Gates.”

“Normand Gates is dead, deal with it.”

I quickly recognized my intruder as Miss Tina’s father, though less presentable from the last time I saw him. He appeared unwashed, unshaven, and malnourished. He must have reached the end of his financial holdings and was looking to fence my Master’s valuables.

“If sir will return those to…”. I was not allowed to finish my statement as I received a heavy blunt force to my back. Unprepared I stumbled forward but caught my self after a few steps and straightened back up and turned to see my assailant.

“That was very unrefined behavior and I will thank sir not to repeat it.” The second Intruder I did not recognize and seemed undeterred by my warning as he swung a crowbar at me. I moved out of the way letting it swing past me. It seemed to anger him and so he swung three more times unsuccessfully before I grabbed the end of the weapon to keep him from advancing again.

“Just hit her, she just a maid.”
“I can’t. She’s fast and weirdly strong.”

I gave the new man an unamused stare before shoving him with an open palm against his chest. He slid back into a chair that rocked back slightly before returning to all fours. “Oh screw this” This seemed to be all the convincing he needed to turn tail and leave Miss Tina’s father behind. Crowbar still in hand in turned to face him with a blank stare. He shook his head slightly, as if begging that I not harm him.

“This was supposed to be simple…” released his ill-gotten cargo to run past me. I quickly dropped the weapon and dived to save the fragile discs from impact with the marble floor. I saved three, ten were destroyed, broken into disrepair inside their sleeves. The three I saved I replaced in their holders.

I ran a diagnostic of damages after taking that hit and found a dented lumbar, a cracked sprocket, and a severed wire. My epidermal layer was still intact making all damages internal. The sprocket still functioned but at a lesser quality, because of it I had noticed a decrease in my metronomes speed.

Click clack, click clack, click clack…. This is my new nominal speed. Before it was akin to that of a wind up pocket watch, now more like a Grand Father clock. I had work to do, I had to clean the mess left behind by those deplorable men. I retrieved a broom and dustpan from the cleaning closet and set to my duty.

The next day a Knock came to the door. It was a woman I did not recognize in a professional looking suit with pencil skirt. “Oh, you must be the robot maid, that will be a good selling point. I am Kelly Daniels, a representative real estate agent of the bank that now owns this property.”

“Welcome Ma’am. Please come in. I apologize but the utilities no longer function or I would offer you refreshments.”

“Oh, very formal and polite, that’s a good selling point too. What’s your Designation?” The woman entered and looked around, handing me her coat, which I took and hung in the closet.

“I am a specialty Indoor only Maid-type Automaton prototype created by Master Gates, the previous owner of the house. I have no official designation though I have been referred to as Autumn.”

“Ok Autumn, show me around. I want to see everything.” The woman had a tablet in her hand taking notes as she walked and listened as I listed every detail of the house that I could. She seemed to smile the whole time, pleased with the shape everything was in.

“So what happened to the front window?”

“I regret to inform you that a pair of brigades forced entry in an attempt to remove valuables from the reading room. I was damaged in the altercation but nothing was stolen, though ten vinyl records were broken.”

“Hmm, well I’ll have to repair that window and hire a crew to do some yard work, but with the interior already cleaned that will cut cost and time…” The realtor seemed to be talking more to herself then to me so I remained silent as she took continuous notes as she wandered around each room before she asked a common question of me, “Can you turn off whatever that ticking is? It’s getting annoying.”

“I apologize Ma’am but I can not do that. It is my metronome that allows me to remain functioning. I can not simply switch it off as I am also incapable of starting back up if it were to cease.”

“Whatever, go do something else while I finish up here.”

“Unfortunately since I can not verify your claim of ownership to the house I must accompany you until your departure. Upon your return please be sure to bring an officially notarized deed of ownership and either a general or special Power of Attorney allowing you to sell this property as well as the items within.” The woman rolled her eyes and shook her head disgustedly as she continued on.

"Fine, try to stay out of the way un...."

There was another knock at the door. "If you'll excuse me a moment Ma'am." She suddenly seemed more interested in following me to see who could possibly be at the door. I opened it to see a confused Miss Tina. Almost simultaneously the two women spotted each other and said together,

"Who's she?"

"Miss Tina, this is Mrs. Daniels, an alleged representative of the bank that own the property this house is built upon. Mrs. Daniels this is Miss Tina a common visitor of the house."

The realtor gave me a shocked look as she was clearly upset. "Common? You mean she trespasses here often?”

“It’s not trespassing if you’re invited in.” Miss Tina’s response was true but since I was not the true owner, merely a steward, of the house it could still be seen as trespassing.

“Well Unless you’re here to make an offer on the house then from this day onward it legally will be trespassing.” The realtor took a superior stance as she held her tablet under her arm and looking down her nose at Miss Tina.

“Fine, What’s the starting price?” I could see my common visitor balling her fists tightly as if bracing for a shock.

“25 Million Standard Credit or 2.5 Premium Credit.” The realtor stated with an air of disbelief that Miss might even own such an amount. She was right of course. Miss Tina quickly blanched, eyes wide in an almost horrific expression.

“That much? For a giant ancient house somewhere between Rural and Suburban? One that clearly gets unwanted attention from looters and thieves, judging by that broken window. It wasn’t like that two days ago.”

This seemed a perfect Segway into letting Miss Tina know about her father. “Oh yes, your father came by last night and attempted to remove thirteen records from the antique audio collection of the reading room. He seemed rather sickly as did the individual who accompanied him. Has he been eating and resting well?” The young Miss closed her eyes tightly and made a face that appeared as though she had eaten something quite tart.

“Oh so it was your Father? Well since I have you here, are you going to be paying for the repairs to the window as well as replacing those discs?”

“Mother Ffffff… how much?” Miss hung her head in, what appeared to be, shame as she responded the the woman.

“Well I’ll get you the estimate and let you know the starting price once I know which of the records were broken.” The business woman had now adopted a haughty attitude of victory over a foe. “ Give Autumn your full name and contact info, I’ll be back tomorrow with proof of ownership. Since I can’t stop her from letting you in right now, this better be the last time I see you around this property without an acceptable reason.”

Once the woman was gone I welcomed Miss Tina in for what I could only assume was the last time. It was quite the shame. She was far more respectable of a visitor then any other since the demise of Master Gates. The only respectable visitor actually. I escorted her to the reading room once again so she could inspect the records that were lost.

“Something tells me that bitch is gonna try to jack up the price on me to get a bit more money off of my ignorance. If she does I’ll have her on the ropes. May need to do some research on her too, she seems kinda shady… wait a second…” Miss Tina suddenly stopped and became deathly silent. The only sound was the clicking of my innards. “Autumn, you’re ticking a lot slower. Are you ok?”

“Thank you for your concern Miss but you should not worry yourself with my well being. That is after all, my job.” She gave a lite chuckle at the attempt at humor but insisted I tell her.

“The other gentlemen your father brought with him struck my spinal column with a metal pry bar and caused damage to a a few minor parts. However since Clockwork is an exactly precise form of engineering any damage, no matter how minor, will inevitably cause failure.”

There was an undeniable shock and hurt to Miss Tina’s face as her hand quickly covered her mouth. “No. You mean you’ll… die?”

“An Automaton is not alive Miss. I can not die, I will however permanently deactivate in approximately two years should the stress on the joints and pulleys remain within my constant necessary load.”

“Oh my god, you have to let me help you now. Third Law.”

“Unfortunately Issac Asimov’s Four Laws of Robotics were omitted upon my programming and are not present as prime directives. My prime directive is to protect the house and It’s occupants.”

"Four? You mean three."

"No Mis Tina. Four. In his later Fictions Issac Asimov created a fourth law to ensure that Humanity itself could not be eradicated through mechanical twisting of the meaning of the first three laws. Thereby assuring that Humans must be able to continue their existence, by force if necessary."

"Ok we're getting sidetracked here, your beginning to shut down and I want you to let me save you."

I gave her a gentle smile and reached up to place a hand on her cheek. "Miss Tina, I have been functioning for nearly 215 years, nearly twice that of an average human lifespan. Over eighty percent of that time was spent cleaning the same items over and over in hopes that another owner might take my Master's place. As you humans say, My time is coming to a close."

The young Miss' face turned red as her eyes began showing signs of swelling. Her eyes glassed over and her lips quivered, she was fighting her sadness as not to cry openly. I had only seen it once before when Master's wife left. He blamed himself for not making time for her.

"It's not fair. I don't have any other friends, everyone thinks I'm weird and Mom is more like a child then My own mother... I just..." she collapsed into me and flung her arms around my waist and finally lost the battle with her tears. One of my nearly deleted protocols kicked in for child nurturing.

"Hush now Little Miss. All is well." I began softly petting her hair. “No finite being is meant to exist indefinitely.” I led her over to a sofa and sat with her allowing her to use my legs as a headrest. She clutched at my dress as her bawling intensified. I simply sat with her running my fingers through her hair slowly. It took some time but eventually the young miss expended her energy and began to sleep.

Using my arms to support the young miss I carried her to the guest bed chambers to allow her to sleep. After I lay her down on the overly large mattress she clung to my arm just before I could stand up. “Don’t...leave me…” she was clearly sleep-talking but I obliged her anyway. I sat in a chair near the bed and remained motionless, allowing the slow but steady ticking of my metronome help to sooth her nerves. Click… clack… click… clack…. The reduced speed was still uncomfortable for me. I knew the speed should have been at least three times what it was now.

I chose to use this time to prematurely wind my spring while I waited. As I did another sound vibrated through my body causing me to lock in place to assess what had happened. As the spring wound back up there was a mineral sounding “crunch” followed by a metallic “Ting”. If I had a heart it would have skipped a beat. As I ran a diagnostic I was not pleased with the result. Apparently the casing holding the spring had cracked during the bout with the thieves. Upon attempting to wind it back up again the casing broke open and the spring was now loose. There is now no way to rewind my metronome. This now gave me less then a single day before my full shut down. It did not surprise me that the highest item on my priority list was suddenly how to tell the Young Miss. I looked upon her sleeping form for inspiration. She enjoys reading and the smell of books filled with ink.

This is my final gift to Miss Tina. I can feel my metronome slowing now. My power is beginning to fade only to surge momentarily upon each Click and clack. I am sorry you had to find out this way Miss Tina. By the time you awake I will have completely shut down. I treasure your visits and feel… gladness that my simple existence brought you pleasure.

Sincerely yours,
Autu…

I woke up in a strange bed in an extravagant room I didn’t recognize. I knew instantly Autumn had brought me here after I cried myself to sleep. She must be off in a different part of the house because I can’t hear her clockwork soul. It wasn’t until I turned over to get out of the bed that I saw her sitting there. It scared me so badly because she was so silent. I called her name, with genuine worry.

“Autumn? Why aren’t you ticking?... Autumn?” I didn’t want to believe my eyes and ears. There was no way she had just shut down. She still had time left, but there she sat motionless. Eyes half open with a faint smile, as if thinking about a pleasant memory. In her hand were a leather bound journal and a fountain pen. The tip of the pen still pressed against the paper. “Autumn… wake up. No you can’t be gone. It’s not fair… not fair… IT’S NOT FAAAAAAIIIIR!” I collapsed to the floor in-front of her and nestled me face on her knees once again. I cried louder then I had ever cried before, the hurt in my heart was so bad I can’t even think of anything that hurt this much. I looked up into her face past my tears while wiping my nose. “Why? Why didn’t you say something? Why didn’t you say good bye?”

My pleas fell to deaf ears as her face remained frozen with her look of contentment. She was so perfect, like a porcelain doll. I wiped my tears and sniffled continuously as my curiosity finally got to me. What was she writing in her final hour? I read the last two sections first as not to disturb her still and silent form. I was, for the third time in a row, filled with sadness for the loss of my friend. She didn’t even get to finish writing her name. Now I don’t know what to do. She’s too heavy for me to move and I don’t know anyone who could, or would, help me. All I can do is take the journal and hope she is well handled. If that horrible realtor returned and I was still here I'd surely be arrested for trespassing. So I took the journal and transcribed it here so any one who stumbles across this section of the internet could know the wonderful Autumn the Automaton.

Description
The Girl with the Clockwork soul.

Cliclak cliclak cliclak cliclak… That is the sound that gives me peace. The methodical clicking of gears and metronomes within my body. I was Created by my Master 217 years ago to care for him. He was a genius of a man, as one might be able to tell. Capable of creating a clockwork automaton capable of human interaction. Indeed I am a mix of new and old technology. My processor runs enough subroutines to keep up with a laptop computer but none of the same programs. Instead of search engines, calculators or clocks it runs speech, emotional response, and creative thinking. My motor functions are controlled by cable and pulley systems. If my innards did not click like an ancient clock I might be confused with a human.

As previously stated I was designed for the purpose of serving my Master. Since his demise, 209 years ago I have no one left to interact with. To fill the time I continue with my other minor duties of cleaning and... Well just cleaning I suppose, but there are only so many times one can clean a tabletop or vacuum a floor. Because I am an Automaton I do not sleep, but I can remain quite still with my eyes closed. I listen to myself in these moments. The constants clicking and grinding of gears. The whirring of the spring re-tightener winding up my metronome for another day.

I was cleaning the kitchen again, which gleamed of white tile and chrome appliances, when I heard a sound I had not heard in nearly a century. The doorknob of the front door was being turned. I turned my head to listen and make sure I was not mistaken. I then heard the squeaking of the old hinges signaling the door opening very slowly. I immediately put the mop I was using back into the bucket and proceeded to the front room to see who mint visit an abandoned mansion.

I heard hushed voices as I drew nearer. I could hear multiple people talking. “This place looks like it still has someone living here. Look how clean every thing is.”
“Listen, it sound like it has one of those super old wood clocks.”
“A grandfather clock.”
“Yeah.”
“No… it’s ticking to fast to be a grandfather clock… and it’s getting closer..”

When I finally came into the hall I saw three miniature humans, called children, two male one female. My formality protocols forced a greeting, “Hello.”
“Holy crap someone does live here.”
“Lets go!”

The three quickly turned and sprinted out the door. I followed to the just inside the door and watched them mount small two wheeled vehicles called bicycles. “Goodbye…” I waved as the children departed hastily, only the female looked back. I stood at the open door for many minutes, confused by the event. I was also seeing if they might return. After one hour with no sign of return I closed the front door and returned to the kitchen to finish moping again.

It was only a few days later when another sound came from the front door that I had not heard in a long time. Knocking. It was already dusting in the area so I opened the door with a smile, as per greeting protocol. "Hello." I recognized the female child from a the confusing event standing on the door step wringing her fingers. "Please come in."

"Oh uh... no thank you I was just gonna say sorry for just walking in the other day. We didn't think anyone lived here still." The girl kept staring at my feet rather than my face as she apologized.

"Quite alright. No one does live here anymore. The Master died long ago." I stood away from the open door incase the girl decided she would like to enter.

"Um what's that ticking sound?" She finally looked up at me to ask.

"That would be myself."

"Do.. you have a clock with you or something?"

"No it quite simply is me. I am an Automaton, would you like to come in? There have not been visitors in nearly two centuries." To this day I am still unsure the reason I had made that information known.

"What's means a-tom-tom... and century?"

“An Automaton is like a cross between a robot and an android. And a century is one hundred years.” I had nearly forgotten the sound of my own voice. I politely smiled at her as she kept asking more and more questions with every answer she received.

“You’re two hundred years old? Do you live here alone? Who is ‘The Master?’ Do you ever get bored? What do you do all day? …”. The girl was suddenly very interested in me and each question she asked received it’s answer except one that I had no answer for. “What’s your name?”

I hesitated, froze on the spot and my smile faded. It was the first time I was ever asked that and it had never occurred to me that I should have one. I searched my long term memory banks but could not seem to recall a single instance of my master calling for me. I was always right there before he needed to call for me.

“I don’t know.”

“How do you not know your own name?” Unlike the other question which were merely inquisitive this question was more genuine.

“Master Gates has never needed to call for me. No one has lay claim to the house since his death either. I have no master now.” Another moment when I don’t know why I gave additional information.

“Does that make you sad?” I have no true emotions but it seemed as though she was being sad for me.

I returned to my polite smile again, “I don’t believe I am capable of emotional attachment. My processor simply ranks interactions from most to least desirable under the circumstances. Would you like to come inside? I’m sorry I can not offer refreshments, the food and drink have been removed from the house due to extreme old age and lack of utilities.” It was the third time I had asked her, Normally people who approach the door are either waiting to leave with Master or expecting to be invited in. With one of those options as and impossibility it left only the other option but that did not seem to be her goal.

“Um, I shouldn’t. My mom says I should never go into a stranger’s house. Maybe you could come outside?” She looked hopefully for the answer. I looked outside at the overgrown grass and trees in the yard. Something in my programming told me not to walk past the threshold of the door.

“No. I am meant to remain in the house. I can not leave. Is there anything else I could help you with today Little Miss…?” The girl giggled at her new title.

“My name’s Tina. It’s short for Christina.”

“Very well Miss Christina…”

“Just Tina.”

“Miss Tina…”

“No Just Tina.”

I wasn’t used to calling someone by just their name, My programming told me guests were to be referred to as Sir, Mister, or Master for males and Miss, Missus, Ma’am or Mistress for females.

"I'm afraid I can not call you by just your name. My etiquette will not allow it Miss Tina." I stood there awaiting her next inquiry like a proper servant.

“What means etiquette?” Her tiny mouth turned upward in a tiny smile, her innocence clear and obvious. She simply wanted to know whatever she could, a seeker of knowledge.

“Etiquette is the way one speaks and acts. For example My etiquette is upright and formal, as not to offend others. Your etiquette is formless and inquisitive, still learning.”

Our interactions continued for some time before she decided that she should perhaps return to her domicile. She excused herself and waved goodbye as she mounted her bicycle and made her way down the path back to the city. Before she left again she said she would See me later, a phrase I gathered meant she would return at some point. She also called me Autumn. Once she was no longer in view I closed the door and returned to my duties once again, this time with a sense of purpose. It needed to be clean for her return.

It was a few day later that a vehicle drove up to the front door. I recognized Miss Tina in the back seat. I made haste to the front door and opened it to welcome her back. As the door opened an adult male with hand raised to use the door knocker with a look of surprise.

"Hi Autumn!" The little one excitedly waved to me. I smiled affectionately as I returned, "Hello Miss Tina. Welcome, would you like to come in?" The Male continued to stare at me, studying me.

"Wow, she's really a clockwork maid, She even ticks like clockwork..."

"Honey, don't be rude..." The female interjected as she held Miss Tina's hand. "I'm sorry my husband is very direct. Tina said you lived up here and we just wanted to Introduce ourselves to your owner."

"No apology necessary Ma'am. I'm afraid that Master Gates has been dead nearly 200 Years. May I invite you in? Unfortunately the utilities no longer function so I can not offer you any refreshments."

The adults thanked me anyway as I led them to the reading room to allow them to relax. They seemed just as curious about me as Miss Tina did as they began asking questions about my programing and duties.

"So you just clean the house all day? Doesn't that seem a little unnecessary without a master?" The female seemed more compassionate than her male counterpart, whom I learned were Miss Tina's parents.

"It does not seem so today Ma'am. If I had not cleaned you would have sat in a dirty armchair. That would not do." The Male seemed intrigued by the number of books and vinyl records.

"Look at this, he had a vinyl collection of Johnny Cash. These are super rare we could make a million just on this one." As he thumbed though them I approached him, standing behind him two steps and to his right.

“Excuse me sir but it sounded as though you wish to take these records…” I mimicked a optimistically disapproving look to gently persuade him against the idea. "I am aware that humans believe unclaimed possessions are alright to simply take but my programing still marks everything in the house as the Master's property. Until there is a new master of the house it will remain that way and I will defend his rightfully owned items if I must." The male looked over to the female, whose eyes were nervously darting between myself and him. The warning appeared to have worked as he stopped looking through the vinyls and turned to face me.

"Uh, no of course not, that would be rude. I mean, who would do that, right?"

"Thieves. I regret to inform you that there have been several unsuccessful attempts to remove property from the home. I have been forced, on several occasions to defend my former masters belongings. Most simply fled upon seeing me but many others needed more... persuasive means." I stood squarely facing him with my hands clasped in front of me incase he decided to become another attempt. There was a nervous silence that was only broken by Miss Tina picking up a piece of paper she was been scribbling on to show it to her mother.

"Lookit Mama, thats us and that's Autumn. See?"
The apparent mother nervously looked down at the crude attempt at art and reassured her child that it was quite good. It was not very good but my etiquette prevented me from informing her as such. Miss Tina then ran to me to get my opinion as well.

"I see. And which is one is you?" There was a messy version of a dwelling in the background with three larger blobs in front accompanied by a smaller blob. She quickly pointed to the smaller of the scribbled masses and beamed at me with pride in her work.
"That one's me!"

"Well done. Perhaps if you continue practicing your artistry you will one day display it at a public venue to be admired by art critics."

"Huh?

The mother spoke up to translate my words to a form she could more easily understand.

"She means a museum or an art gallery honey. Well it was nice to meet you Autumn, but I think we should be on our way to let you return to your work."

"Very well ma'am. I will show you out." I gave a slight curtsy before holding a hand open toward the door. The parents seemed rather eager to leave ignoring their child’s protest to stay longer. Once gone I did not see the child again for a few years.

Miss Tina returned one day surprised that the house had not been demolished or bought and even more surprised when I came to greet her.

“Oh my god. You’re still here, Alive and ticking, heh.”

“Miss Tina. You have grown into quite the young woman. Welcome back. Would you like to come in?”

“Does anyone live here?”

“Unfortunately my Previous master pasted away nearly 215 years ago. I have not had a new master since that day. I apologize but the facilities no longer work or I would offer you refreshments.”

“Oh that’s ok, Totally understandable.” She stepped into the house and marveled at it’s cleanliness. “Wow, was it always so clean in here? I was little when I first came up here.”

“I clean the entire house every day as per my routine. It would be a shame to have visitors sitting in dusty chairs. Where would you like to go today. The drawing room, the reading room…”

“Is there a library?” She seemed to be interested or seeking something rather specific.

“The reading room acts as this house’s library, with 3,765 hard back book, 1,782 paper back books, 253 vinyl records, 46 projector reel movies, a projector, and one hand cranked vinyl player.” As I informed her of the items in the library she seemed to become more excited.

“Actual printed books? Ink and paper?”

“Yes, Master Gates preferred the incorruptible forms of media. It is the reason he owned vinyl instead of laser disc or downloaded copies. May I show you the way?”

“Yes please do.” She was more then excited now. She was quite literally bouncing on the spot. I had never seen anyone so happy about anything. As we entered she inhaled deeply through her nose and gave a satisfied sigh. “I love the smell of books. So pure and dry. Hmm. What’s this?” She had picked up a crude drawing that had been set on the table near the chair.

“Miss Tina drew that on your last visit to the reading room. According to Young Miss Tina, the picture depicts your parents Miss Tina and myself. Your parents seemed in quite the hurry to leave that day.” I stood near the entrance of the room and allowed her to wander as she saw fit.

“You… kept this? All these years?” Her joy seemed to fade very quickly as she studied the picture. It faded so quickly that she in fact began tearing up.

“I’m sorry Miss. Did I say something wrong?” As per my etiquette I needed to make sure I had not offended or caused pain to those visiting the house.

“No, It’s just… my parents split up a few years back. My dad had a gambling problem and now mom is in denial and I was trying to cheer her up with a painted picture and she just threw it away. I stopped drawing after that… but you kept this…” Miss Tina had to wipe her eyes as tears began to streak her face.

“If it will make Miss happy you are welcome to use the drawing room anytime you visit. It is equipped with easels, paper, pencils, paints, oils and…” I did not finish the statement as she walked over and embraced me. It was my first experience with anything more personable than a handshake. I was uncertain what to do. At first my hands hovered near my sides before I slowly reciprocated the action. I wrapped my arms around her gently as she cried quite audibly. It must be clear that I was not initially programed with comforting and reassurance protocols other than for small chilren, but I my system was designed to learn whatever was need to ensure those in my care were comfortable and unthreatened.

During the embrace that the Miss and I were engaged in I could feel the beating of her human heart against my superstructure. It had a varying rhythm that was constantly out of synch with my own metronome. After a few moment of standing and vocalizing her discomfort she eventually calmed and released me, which I also did for her.

“Thank you. The sound of your ticking is very calming. I’m sorry I broke down on you like that, it’s just that Mom left Dad cause he’s a Gambling addict and started spending my college money on rigged card games and slots, but Mom’s not much better, cuz she keep buying booze with any left over money from her job and I’m working two jobs trying to help mom out but it feels like she doesn’t even want to help herself and then she got fired for showing up drunk too many times…. I just needed to get away. I’m sure none of that matters to you though. You’ve got a fairly easy existence compared to us humans. You know what you need to do, and you don’t have to worry about bills or tuition or rent…or debt…”

“If Miss requires a place to think or escape to allow her creativity to flourish she may use whatever room she requires here, unless there is a new owner. I will do what I can to accommodate your needs.” I gave a light curtsy to Miss Tina, who gave a smile and slight laugh as she continued to dry her eyes from her former ‘breakdown’ as she referred to it.

“Thanks. I think I’d like to just, sit and read right now... Uhh, I'm sorry it's been so long, I forgot your name.”

“I do not have and official name but once Miss Tina called me Autumn. I believe you were having trouble pronouncing the word Automaton.” The young miss smiled remembering the purity of her youth. She finally picked a book and sat herself in an armchair near the window. I stood at the doorway politely awaiting any further requests. She continued to readjust herself in her chair, every now and then glancing at me, insisting that if I had something better to be doing that I could do it. “Serving is my primary directive. Should you need anything, if it is within my power I will provide it.”

She looked at me for a moment, considering the offer before closing her book. She gestured to the chair from her, “Take a seat.” Not outside of a normal request. Master Gates would often have me remain in his bedchambers, simply standing there allowing the sound of my gears and methodical clicks to help him sleep. I sat across from her after tucking my dress under me to sit, placing my hands on my lap. “Can I ask you personal questions?”

“You may.”

“What kind of battery do you have? I mean you’ve been here for hundreds of years I have to know what kind of battery can hold that kind of charge without electricity to recharge it.”

“I do not have a battery, that you are familiar with, but rather a series of capacitors, transformers, and resistors. The metronome you hear is a form of magnetic circuit. The base or pole shoe remains stationary as the arm with both a north and south pole swings back and forth causing the magnetic poles in pole shoes to generate, create and then immediately collapse a field of flux generating a small amount of energy which is them captured sent through the transformers and captured by the capacitors. It is then sent to the core processing unit which hold the directives, programs and sub routines allowing me to prioritize which actions are currently necessary or more important then others. The processor then winds the spring that powers the metronome at the end of each day. If anything were to happen to interrupt that series of events my processor would begin losing power until I no longer function. If I were to ever completely shut down my memory core would be wiped as well."

"No wonder your creator kept you indoors, he didn't want anything to happen to you. Is there anyway to backup your memory? Just incase?"

"Like all the creators inventions I have a Universal Serial Bus port just below the fourth lumbar of my spinal column allowing direct connection to my processor and memory cores. However not wishing for anyone to Hack my system it can only be unlocked safely by using the Master's Creation Chip before connecting, otherwise said individual would have to first deactivate a mutating Level 7 Firewall. He was very protective of his indoor servants, as they had direct contact with him."

"I can tell. So where is this Creation Chip? I mean The world has advanced alot in 200 years, I might be able to upgrade you to a Pulse Ionic battery..."

"'I'm sorry Miss Tina, but I can not allow that. The Master was very proud of his work of perpetual energy generating Automatons. I am his only working prototype and he made it explicitly clear I was never to be tampered with. Should anyone try I am to defend or destroy myself."

"Good god... you would... destroy yourself? After all these years?"

"Yes”

The Miss gave me a shocked or disbelieving look. I realize now that organic beings, like humans, will fight to protect their own existence against all odds, even when there is no hope of success. As they say it is a catch 22, I will never understand that logic, and humans can not understand mine. She tried quite valiantly to force my views to conform to her opinions but in the end I am programmed. I do not have Free will or self determination. I do as I am instructed to do, nothing more or less.

After the Miss left that day I was resting, allowing the spring to wind when glass shattering was heard. I quickly returned to my feet to investigate. I made my way from room to room searching for anything out of place. It was the entry way that stood out, a window near the door was broken inward and the front door unlocked and open. Dirt on the ground lead to the west wing. I followed the trail and analyzed the trail left behind. Male, middle weight, size 13 shoes, looking for something specific as it led directly to the reading room. I opened the door to the room as the intruder turned upon hearing me enter. He was holding as many records as he could in his arms.

“I hope Sir is not looking to remove those from the house. They are the Property of Normand Gates.”

“Normand Gates is dead, deal with it.”

I quickly recognized my intruder as Miss Tina’s father, though less presentable from the last time I saw him. He appeared unwashed, unshaven, and malnourished. He must have reached the end of his financial holdings and was looking to fence my Master’s valuables.

“If sir will return those to…”. I was not allowed to finish my statement as I received a heavy blunt force to my back. Unprepared I stumbled forward but caught my self after a few steps and straightened back up and turned to see my assailant.

“That was very unrefined behavior and I will thank sir not to repeat it.” The second Intruder I did not recognize and seemed undeterred by my warning as he swung a crowbar at me. I moved out of the way letting it swing past me. It seemed to anger him and so he swung three more times unsuccessfully before I grabbed the end of the weapon to keep him from advancing again.

“Just hit her, she just a maid.”
“I can’t. She’s fast and weirdly strong.”

I gave the new man an unamused stare before shoving him with an open palm against his chest. He slid back into a chair that rocked back slightly before returning to all fours. “Oh screw this” This seemed to be all the convincing he needed to turn tail and leave Miss Tina’s father behind. Crowbar still in hand in turned to face him with a blank stare. He shook his head slightly, as if begging that I not harm him.

“This was supposed to be simple…” released his ill-gotten cargo to run past me. I quickly dropped the weapon and dived to save the fragile discs from impact with the marble floor. I saved three, ten were destroyed, broken into disrepair inside their sleeves. The three I saved I replaced in their holders.

I ran a diagnostic of damages after taking that hit and found a dented lumbar, a cracked sprocket, and a severed wire. My epidermal layer was still intact making all damages internal. The sprocket still functioned but at a lesser quality, because of it I had noticed a decrease in my metronomes speed.

Click clack, click clack, click clack…. This is my new nominal speed. Before it was akin to that of a wind up pocket watch, now more like a Grand Father clock. I had work to do, I had to clean the mess left behind by those deplorable men. I retrieved a broom and dustpan from the cleaning closet and set to my duty.

The next day a Knock came to the door. It was a woman I did not recognize in a professional looking suit with pencil skirt. “Oh, you must be the robot maid, that will be a good selling point. I am Kelly Daniels, a representative real estate agent of the bank that now owns this property.”

“Welcome Ma’am. Please come in. I apologize but the utilities no longer function or I would offer you refreshments.”

“Oh, very formal and polite, that’s a good selling point too. What’s your Designation?” The woman entered and looked around, handing me her coat, which I took and hung in the closet.

“I am a specialty Indoor only Maid-type Automaton prototype created by Master Gates, the previous owner of the house. I have no official designation though I have been referred to as Autumn.”

“Ok Autumn, show me around. I want to see everything.” The woman had a tablet in her hand taking notes as she walked and listened as I listed every detail of the house that I could. She seemed to smile the whole time, pleased with the shape everything was in.

“So what happened to the front window?”

“I regret to inform you that a pair of brigades forced entry in an attempt to remove valuables from the reading room. I was damaged in the altercation but nothing was stolen, though ten vinyl records were broken.”

“Hmm, well I’ll have to repair that window and hire a crew to do some yard work, but with the interior already cleaned that will cut cost and time…” The realtor seemed to be talking more to herself then to me so I remained silent as she took continuous notes as she wandered around each room before she asked a common question of me, “Can you turn off whatever that ticking is? It’s getting annoying.”

“I apologize Ma’am but I can not do that. It is my metronome that allows me to remain functioning. I can not simply switch it off as I am also incapable of starting back up if it were to cease.”

“Whatever, go do something else while I finish up here.”

“Unfortunately since I can not verify your claim of ownership to the house I must accompany you until your departure. Upon your return please be sure to bring an officially notarized deed of ownership and either a general or special Power of Attorney allowing you to sell this property as well as the items within.” The woman rolled her eyes and shook her head disgustedly as she continued on.

"Fine, try to stay out of the way un...."

There was another knock at the door. "If you'll excuse me a moment Ma'am." She suddenly seemed more interested in following me to see who could possibly be at the door. I opened it to see a confused Miss Tina. Almost simultaneously the two women spotted each other and said together,

"Who's she?"

"Miss Tina, this is Mrs. Daniels, an alleged representative of the bank that own the property this house is built upon. Mrs. Daniels this is Miss Tina a common visitor of the house."

The realtor gave me a shocked look as she was clearly upset. "Common? You mean she trespasses here often?”

“It’s not trespassing if you’re invited in.” Miss Tina’s response was true but since I was not the true owner, merely a steward, of the house it could still be seen as trespassing.

“Well Unless you’re here to make an offer on the house then from this day onward it legally will be trespassing.” The realtor took a superior stance as she held her tablet under her arm and looking down her nose at Miss Tina.

“Fine, What’s the starting price?” I could see my common visitor balling her fists tightly as if bracing for a shock.

“25 Million Standard Credit or 2.5 Premium Credit.” The realtor stated with an air of disbelief that Miss might even own such an amount. She was right of course. Miss Tina quickly blanched, eyes wide in an almost horrific expression.

“That much? For a giant ancient house somewhere between Rural and Suburban? One that clearly gets unwanted attention from looters and thieves, judging by that broken window. It wasn’t like that two days ago.”

This seemed a perfect Segway into letting Miss Tina know about her father. “Oh yes, your father came by last night and attempted to remove thirteen records from the antique audio collection of the reading room. He seemed rather sickly as did the individual who accompanied him. Has he been eating and resting well?” The young Miss closed her eyes tightly and made a face that appeared as though she had eaten something quite tart.

“Oh so it was your Father? Well since I have you here, are you going to be paying for the repairs to the window as well as replacing those discs?”

“Mother Ffffff… how much?” Miss hung her head in, what appeared to be, shame as she responded the the woman.

“Well I’ll get you the estimate and let you know the starting price once I know which of the records were broken.” The business woman had now adopted a haughty attitude of victory over a foe. “ Give Autumn your full name and contact info, I’ll be back tomorrow with proof of ownership. Since I can’t stop her from letting you in right now, this better be the last time I see you around this property without an acceptable reason.”

Once the woman was gone I welcomed Miss Tina in for what I could only assume was the last time. It was quite the shame. She was far more respectable of a visitor then any other since the demise of Master Gates. The only respectable visitor actually. I escorted her to the reading room once again so she could inspect the records that were lost.

“Something tells me that bitch is gonna try to jack up the price on me to get a bit more money off of my ignorance. If she does I’ll have her on the ropes. May need to do some research on her too, she seems kinda shady… wait a second…” Miss Tina suddenly stopped and became deathly silent. The only sound was the clicking of my innards. “Autumn, you’re ticking a lot slower. Are you ok?”

“Thank you for your concern Miss but you should not worry yourself with my well being. That is after all, my job.” She gave a lite chuckle at the attempt at humor but insisted I tell her.

“The other gentlemen your father brought with him struck my spinal column with a metal pry bar and caused damage to a a few minor parts. However since Clockwork is an exactly precise form of engineering any damage, no matter how minor, will inevitably cause failure.”

There was an undeniable shock and hurt to Miss Tina’s face as her hand quickly covered her mouth. “No. You mean you’ll… die?”

“An Automaton is not alive Miss. I can not die, I will however permanently deactivate in approximately two years should the stress on the joints and pulleys remain within my constant necessary load.”

“Oh my god, you have to let me help you now. Third Law.”

“Unfortunately Issac Asimov’s Four Laws of Robotics were omitted upon my programming and are not present as prime directives. My prime directive is to protect the house and It’s occupants.”

"Four? You mean three."

"No Mis Tina. Four. In his later Fictions Issac Asimov created a fourth law to ensure that Humanity itself could not be eradicated through mechanical twisting of the meaning of the first three laws. Thereby assuring that Humans must be able to continue their existence, by force if necessary."

"Ok we're getting sidetracked here, your beginning to shut down and I want you to let me save you."

I gave her a gentle smile and reached up to place a hand on her cheek. "Miss Tina, I have been functioning for nearly 215 years, nearly twice that of an average human lifespan. Over eighty percent of that time was spent cleaning the same items over and over in hopes that another owner might take my Master's place. As you humans say, My time is coming to a close."

The young Miss' face turned red as her eyes began showing signs of swelling. Her eyes glassed over and her lips quivered, she was fighting her sadness as not to cry openly. I had only seen it once before when Master's wife left. He blamed himself for not making time for her.

"It's not fair. I don't have any other friends, everyone thinks I'm weird and Mom is more like a child then My own mother... I just..." she collapsed into me and flung her arms around my waist and finally lost the battle with her tears. One of my nearly deleted protocols kicked in for child nurturing.

"Hush now Little Miss. All is well." I began softly petting her hair. “No finite being is meant to exist indefinitely.” I led her over to a sofa and sat with her allowing her to use my legs as a headrest. She clutched at my dress as her bawling intensified. I simply sat with her running my fingers through her hair slowly. It took some time but eventually the young miss expended her energy and began to sleep.

Using my arms to support the young miss I carried her to the guest bed chambers to allow her to sleep. After I lay her down on the overly large mattress she clung to my arm just before I could stand up. “Don’t...leave me…” she was clearly sleep-talking but I obliged her anyway. I sat in a chair near the bed and remained motionless, allowing the slow but steady ticking of my metronome help to sooth her nerves. Click… clack… click… clack…. The reduced speed was still uncomfortable for me. I knew the speed should have been at least three times what it was now.

I chose to use this time to prematurely wind my spring while I waited. As I did another sound vibrated through my body causing me to lock in place to assess what had happened. As the spring wound back up there was a mineral sounding “crunch” followed by a metallic “Ting”. If I had a heart it would have skipped a beat. As I ran a diagnostic I was not pleased with the result. Apparently the casing holding the spring had cracked during the bout with the thieves. Upon attempting to wind it back up again the casing broke open and the spring was now loose. There is now no way to rewind my metronome. This now gave me less then a single day before my full shut down. It did not surprise me that the highest item on my priority list was suddenly how to tell the Young Miss. I looked upon her sleeping form for inspiration. She enjoys reading and the smell of books filled with ink.

This is my final gift to Miss Tina. I can feel my metronome slowing now. My power is beginning to fade only to surge momentarily upon each Click and clack. I am sorry you had to find out this way Miss Tina. By the time you awake I will have completely shut down. I treasure your visits and feel… gladness that my simple existence brought you pleasure.

Sincerely yours,
Autu…

I woke up in a strange bed in an extravagant room I didn’t recognize. I knew instantly Autumn had brought me here after I cried myself to sleep. She must be off in a different part of the house because I can’t hear her clockwork soul. It wasn’t until I turned over to get out of the bed that I saw her sitting there. It scared me so badly because she was so silent. I called her name, with genuine worry.

“Autumn? Why aren’t you ticking?... Autumn?” I didn’t want to believe my eyes and ears. There was no way she had just shut down. She still had time left, but there she sat motionless. Eyes half open with a faint smile, as if thinking about a pleasant memory. In her hand were a leather bound journal and a fountain pen. The tip of the pen still pressed against the paper. “Autumn… wake up. No you can’t be gone. It’s not fair… not fair… IT’S NOT FAAAAAAIIIIR!” I collapsed to the floor in-front of her and nestled me face on her knees once again. I cried louder then I had ever cried before, the hurt in my heart was so bad I can’t even think of anything that hurt this much. I looked up into her face past my tears while wiping my nose. “Why? Why didn’t you say something? Why didn’t you say good bye?”

My pleas fell to deaf ears as her face remained frozen with her look of contentment. She was so perfect, like a porcelain doll. I wiped my tears and sniffled continuously as my curiosity finally got to me. What was she writing in her final hour? I read the last two sections first as not to disturb her still and silent form. I was, for the third time in a row, filled with sadness for the loss of my friend. She didn’t even get to finish writing her name. Now I don’t know what to do. She’s too heavy for me to move and I don’t know anyone who could, or would, help me. All I can do is take the journal and hope she is well handled. If that horrible realtor returned and I was still here I'd surely be arrested for trespassing. So I took the journal and transcribed it here so any one who stumbles across this section of the internet could know the wonderful Autumn the Automaton.