William Crossman - VIVO (Voice-In/voice-Out): The Coming Age of Talking Computers

First published 2008, 2010, 2011 by Sci-Fi-cafe.

www.sci-fi-cafe.com.com

Copyright William L.K 2008

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- CHAPTER 1 -

Three days earlier

G et down from there, yelled Marie. I dont give a damn what youre looking for, just get down!

Marie had already had it, it was just before Noon on the Fourth of July, guests had arrived way too early for the pool party and John was upstairs in the attic searching for more decorations that they didnt need. She also knew that with every decoration he put up, it would be her that would have to take them all down later when he was in a drunken coma.

Calm down, Said John from the upstairs attic, hardly affected by her small tirade. He was going to find the fourteen electronically lit American Flags, complete with sparkly fringes and cast iron stands, even if it killed both him and her, preferably her first. I know I put them here last year, they look so friggin cool shining on the fence!

Marie kicked the bottom of the staircase, hurled a silent screw you up at him, and stormed away toward the pool.

The muddled nightmare of a party was well in swing. Kids everywhere, parents everywhere, people Marie was sure she didnt invite everywhere. What fun! She thought, quite sarcastically, as she prepared herself for the onslaught of the day. Despite her reluctance, she was trying her best to be moderately jovial. She found a red and white hairclip in the bathroom cabinet and put her long brown hair up into a ponytail. Marie was once a very attractive woman, but life, and marriage, actually marriage mostly, had taken the vivacity and exuberance from her youth. She was not old, but she was quite weathered.

Grabbing two trays of hors doeuvres from the stovetop, she then hip checked open the back door and stepped out onto the deck leading to the pool.

The sun was radiant and powerful today. For the sun lovers, it was the perfect day to tan and soak up the rays. For Marie, this was pretty much what hell must be like. She hated the heat. Obviously, this was not her idea to have this kind of party, but like always, she gave in to John and passed out invitations hoping for a less than stellar turn out. Of course, it didnt work out that way. The sea of people was less than tasteful for her liking, there were maybe only three of four actual friends among the crowd, most were there for the free food, fireworks and booze.

Appetizers everybody, Marie shouted from the deck, the grubby hands already lurching forward.

It didnt take long for Judy to sniff out the smell of fresh food as she rolled off her chair and began the bounce toward Marie. Judy lived next door, all three hundred pounds of her. She was harmless enough, but her opinionated husband Isaac was another story. Half the size of Judy, thick rimmed dark glasses and a bald head, Isaac had something to say about everything, yes, everything! They were both wearing summer garb today, complete with matching Hawaiian shirts and shorts. Judy was popping out of her shorts, blubber desperately trying to break free. Oh boy, they were a spectacle indeed.

Mmm, yummers! Said Judy as she nearly knocked over two kids politely waiting. I better get some for Isaac, Judy smiled as she filled both fists.

Holy crap! Marie thought to herself. This day was going to be never-ending. There had to be over fifty people milling around the deck and there were bound to be more on the way. Not that Marie didnt like parties, she just preferred intimate gatherings. This type of revelry wasnt festive at all for her, just too much chaos.

She made her way off the deck, which was decorated with red, white and blue paraphernalia. Her daisies were lined in a few neat rows which bordered the short cobblestone walkway to the pool. The entire yard was meticulously landscaped, Marie took great pride in her many flower arrangements, a few being of the most exotic variety.

At least they thought ahead this year, hiring a lifeguard to monitor the pool. There were about twenty kids and parents already swimming, thankfully she neednt worry about that. Marie and John didnt have any kids of their own, even though everyone thought theyd make for great parents and had been married almost ten years. It was by choice, they both knew instinctively that they were far too selfish to fully commit to such an undertaking.

I couldnt find the flags, John proclaimed, standing behind Marie and startling her for a moment. I could have sworn they were up there.

Marie shrugged, Well, now you can help me out at least.