“No way,” June breathed. “The AI was actually cooperative this time.” She blinked. “Wait. It was?”
“Either the end times are nigh, or the duct tape on your computer is about to fail,” Peter said mildly. He didn’t look away from his monitor, fingers flying over the keyboard with sudden urgency. “Give me just a moment and I’ll be right there.”
She jutted her chin stubbornly into the air, parodying the dean’s most unctuous pose. “I am not completely inept with computers. Just mostly inept.”
“Mmm-hmm.” The clack of the keys increased still further. “Why don’t you leave it alone while you check your data results?”
She pulled the ancient laptop toward her playfully, as if drawing comfort from its presence rather than the usual antagonism. “I’m quite sure – oh. Ow!”
Peter spun and clapped his hands, magically quashing the flying sparks before they caught any stray research notes alight. He spread his hands and wiggled his fingers. “I believe the correct Americanism is ‘gimmie.'”
Shoving the laptop across the coffee table, June let out a frustrated sigh. “I know the department has limited funds, but I hate that thing.”
Peter prodded the box with a dubious finger and closed the lid. “This thing is from, I don’t know, circa 1995. The operating system hasn’t been updated in nearly that long.” Pain tinged his words. “The duct tape is structural.”
June tried to look innocent, widening her eyes and batting her lashes dramatically. “So, when can I get it back?”
***
Thanks for the prompt about AI, Becky! Mine on potions went to nother Mike. And it’s off to write the next MOTE post for tomorrow, so get your prompts sent in now! Missed your chance? Snag a spare, or enjoy the offerings over at More Odds Than Ends.
