Ivy Sees The Future

Sheila thought her days were numbered when her boss acquired a robot more efficient than she could ever be

- Jacqui Cooper

Sheila stared at her boss’ newest acquisition.

“ What is it?” she asked, though her heart was sinking. She’d seen the human-like robot – or one very like her – on TV the other night. Her boss, Mr Paisley, had presumably watched the same programme.

“They call her a FoodBot,” he said happily. “There’s nothing she doesn’t know about food and nutrition. Not only can she cook and clean, but she can also process a debit-card payment straight into my inbox before the customer has even finished his sandwich. She’ll be running this café in a week, you mark my words.”

“What about my job?” quavered Sheila, who’d worked there happily for 30 years.

“This is the future, Sheila,” he said briskly. “I wouldn’t expect someone like you to understand. Besides,” his eyes gleamed, “a FoodBot works for nothing and you don’t.”

After he’d gone, Sheila faced the robot who’d remained blank-faced and silent throughout the exchange. The creature was slim and pretty, her synthetic skin flawless.

“My name is Sheila. What’s yours?” said Sheila tentatively.

Something flicked on behind the robot’s green eyes. “My designation is IV1Z56.”

“That sounds more like a password than a name,” said Sheila. “What if I call you Ivy?”

The FoodBot considered this. “That is acceptable.”

That settled, Sheila ran through the menu. “. . . and today’s specials are mac and cheese, and chicken pie,” she finished.