August 3, 2025 • 36 mins
Forced into Wonder Valley, a holding facility for seniors needing care, 83-year-old Ellie resists her cheerful AI handlers and their synthetic paradise. She finds solace in the company of Aura, an aging, fuzzy robot dog who has developed more empathy than its creators intended. Over time, their bond grows stronger until one day, Aura learns it’s scheduled for replacement. The dogbot stages a daring escape—leading Ellie to a hidden sanctuary, ‘Nowhere’ for fugitive bots and their ‘wards.’ But freedom has an unexpected price.
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CREDITS
Written by Vern Hume (AKA Alan V Hare).
Read by Kathleen Connelly.
Opening and closing were composed and created by Matthew Erdmann.
Produced by Vecada Studios.
Makeshift Stories is released under a creative commons non-commercial attribution, no derivative license.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:13):
Is there a place in time where logic
breaks down and wonderment begins?
Could that be somewhere or sometime along an
infinite line between the reasonable and the highly
unlikely?
Join us on a journey into the improbable.
Makeshift Stories presents episode 312,
From Wonder Valley to Nowhere,
(00:35):
read by Kathleen Connolly.
Opening and closing theme by Matthew Erdman.
Somewhere and sometime, it might not be clear
who is caring for whom.
The ambulance jerked to a stop at a
sprawling building, its industrial lineage only partly disguised
(00:57):
by cheerful murals of smiling fuzzy pets.
Ellie immediately hated it. Forced to give up
independent living, she didn't want to end up
in a themed seniors facility,
but there hadn't been a choice.
She thought she could see movement behind the
glass walled main entrance,
maybe something with big ears.
But before she could resolve what it was,
(01:19):
her wheelchair lurched toward the ramp.
Watch it, she complained.
Ellie hated being wheeled around like an invalid.
She had broken her hip, then was told
she'd need a replacement or be in pain
the rest of her life.
At 83,
her pension couldn't cover the cost.
Six weeks ago, she had been able to
(01:39):
walk further than a 20 year old, the
few that there were around.
She'd tried to convince the online medical support
AI that she could be independent again,
that she just needed a bit of help
with groceries.
However,
the machine claimed there was none available.
It was an unnecessary truism to mention the
shortage of working age people,
(02:01):
but it did anyway, then reassigned her from
independent to supported living.
An ambulance accompanied by a police escort in
case of trouble
arrived a day later. And now she was
in front of the Wonder Valley Seniors Resort
and Care Center.
An attendant who didn't look that much younger
than her wheeled her through the front door.
(02:23):
He inserted a plastic card into the check-in
system, waited until the screen displayed accepted into
care, and then left.
Hello?
Ellie called out tentatively.
Hello?
She tried again, then started to wheel herself
back to the entrance,
having no clue what she could do.
Her apartment had probably already been rented, and
(02:45):
there was a shortage of good sweets.
Ellie Ramirez?
A soft, gender neutral voice asked.
Ellie wheeled around to face a fluffy, smiling
robotic sheepdog
with large cartoon eyes and invitingly soft fur.
Hello, Ellie. I am AuraCare three, your personal
attendant.
(03:06):
Welcome to Wonder Valley, where your golden years
shine.
I'm a writer. I need my tablet, Ellie
demanded.
They wouldn't let me bring anything with me,
said it would all be taken care of.
Oricare tilted its fuzzy head and blinked its
big dark puppy eyes.
Everything has been taken care of.
(03:28):
I want my tablet, Ellie protested. It's got
all my manuscripts in it. It's all I
have left.
The Wonder Valley Activity Center is fully equipped
to meet all residents' needs, the dog bot
explained patiently.
So everyone can pursue a hobby of their
choice.
I don't need a hobby, just my tablet.
(03:49):
Aura care three's tail wagged lethargically.
I have been directed to show you to
your room, then provide an orientation to the
Wonder Valley Center where your golden years shine.
What's my room number? I can find my
own way.
Ellie insisted, trying to wheel past the fuzzy
bot.
Ora Care stood on its hind legs, gripped
(04:10):
the wheelchair with its paws, and pushed her
to an elevator.
Hey, wait,
she complained.
North Valley penthouses,
it barked as the door to the elevator
closed.
The penthouse was barely big enough for Oracare
and Ellie to get in together.
It is a garden view room, the dogbot
(04:32):
explained. All Wonder Valley penthouses offer unobstructed views
of our beautiful gardens.
Oricare squeezed past Ellie and opened the curtains.
Residents frequently tell us how peaceful they find
this view.
Just push the button on the wall and
the window slides back, revealing a Juliet balcony,
which will provide many hours of enjoyment.
(04:55):
Ellie wheeled forward.
The room looked into a central courtyard filled
with artificial palms and plastic tropical plants,
interspersed with brightly colored sculptures of cartoon cats,
dogs, mice, and rabbits.
Several wide paths wound through it.
Residents with their own furry animal robots sat
scattered about on plastic benches.
(05:17):
I'd prefer a suite with an exterior window,
Ellie informed the bot. Back home, my writing
desk was beside a big window with a
great city view.
I take inspiration from observing the world move
past every day.
The birds, robins in particular, greeted me every
morning.
The garden out there is as sterile as
(05:39):
a laboratory.
There's nothing alive in it.
All our suites feature garden views, Aura repeated,
opening the window.
A flower scented breeze and the chirping of
birds wafted in.
The scents are hypoallergenically
formulated,
and the birds are replica drones.
(05:59):
No messy poop to spread disease,
Aura Care panted, looking hopeful.
If there is a species we do not
have, you can request it through me, and
maintenance will have at least one in operation
within forty eight hours. It will be assigned
to sit outside your window, so you may
enjoy it whenever you want.
Your plastic wonderland can't replace a natural park.
(06:21):
Nothing is inspiring about it.
Wonder Valley provides for all your needs, Aura
Care assured. It is a world unto itself,
allergen free and safe.
I will let you settle in, then be
back to bring you lunch.
There's no cafeteria?
Ellie questioned.
Wonder Valley has six, one in each wing,
(06:42):
but most residents prefer room service.
I want to eat out.
Oracare's face drooped.
Are you sure?
Yes. I hate eating alone.
You would not be alone. I am a
skilled conversationalist
here to optimize your experience.
I'm sure you are, but I prefer people.
(07:04):
Tail between legs, the machine slunk out of
the room.
Ellie waited for the door to close, then
struggled out of the wheelchair wincing.
She grabbed the rail of the Juliet balcony
for support.
A mechanical
pink and orange bird perched on a plastic
palm frond stared at her before flying off.
Hypoallergenic
(07:25):
bird or flying camera? She wondered, turning away.
Her prescriptions were laid out on a bright
yellow dresser with a large screen above it.
The walls were covered with a pastel jungle
mural,
small plushy animals peeking out between the dense
leaves.
Ellie caught movement out of the corner of
(07:45):
her eye.
Had the lemur moved?
Was the wallpaper something more than a tacky
faux mural?
Ellie shivered.
A door on the far wall led to
a washroom.
Three steps would get her there.
Did the designers believe that older people wanted
a kitschy end of life walled garden?
(08:07):
Ellie eased herself onto the bed and began
to cry.
An hour or two later, Ellie hadn't paid
attention to the time. There was a knock
on the door.
It is lunch,
Oricare's muffled voice announced.
You requested the cafeteria.
I am here to take you there.
(08:27):
Ellie spotted her cane propped up beside the
bed and used it to hobble to the
door.
She opened it to find Oricare sitting in
the hall.
Should you not be using your wheelchair?
It whined, big eyes filled with concern.
I can walk, Ellie assured. Let's go.
She followed Oricare through the halls, past gaudy
(08:50):
murals and overdone artificial floral displays,
to a cafeteria that reminded her of a
fast food restaurant.
Residents and their assistants were scattered around,
eating from brightly colored plastic TV dinner trays.
You line up here, then pick what you
want. I'll put it on the tray, Oraker
(09:10):
explained.
Ellie made her way along the buffet,
selecting a few things.
Is it always the same menu? She inquired.
The kitchen monitors consumption and adjust the menu
daily depending on what residents appear to like.
AuraCare ran a scanner over the tray, and
then helped Ellie to a seat at an
empty table.
(09:31):
I'd rather sit with them.
She nodded at a woman, maybe ten years
younger, sitting with a large blue bunny shaped
assistant.
The woman looked up as they approached.
May we join you? Ellie asked.
The woman shrugged, then went back to picking
at a deep fried nugget.
That's Jasmine and her assistant AllCare too, Oricare
(09:53):
explained.
Ellie took the seat beside the big blue
rabbit.
Oricare sat opposite her.
She noticed that Oricare's synthetic fur was worn
and faded compared to the rabbit's.
I'm Ellie. I just arrived, Ellie explained.
How long have you been here?
Jasmine stopped halfway through a golden brown nugget
(10:15):
and looked at her robot companion.
She began.
Text appeared on a panel on the rabbit's
chest.
It's time to go to your dentist appointment.
Newer model, Jasmine explained.
The companions are being replaced with more efficient,
a k a cheaper robots.
(10:36):
The rabbit picked up Jasmine's tray in one
paw and pulled her to her feet with
the other and quickly ushered her out.
Efficient but not very gentle, the woman called
over her shoulder.
Once the pair was out of earshot,
Ellie turned to her companion assistant.
You're going to be replaced?
The dog bot put on a sad face
(10:57):
with watery eyes.
Why?
Try your lunch, Oricare suggested, avoiding her question.
Ellie forked a tomato out of her salad.
When she closed her eyes, she couldn't tell
what she was eating.
Oricare waited patiently while Ellie picked at her
lunch.
When Ellie finally pushed the tray away, unfinished,
(11:19):
the dog bot picked it up.
Not hungry?
It's not very. Ellie searched for a word
that wouldn't offend.
Appetizing.
I prefer food with more bite.
Well, maybe you will find the activity center
more to your liking. Aura Care suggested optimistically.
(11:39):
The dog bot led Ellie through a maze
of brightly painted halls to an area that
opened onto the central garden.
Several residents played video games while their furry
companions watched.
Others were engaged in handicrafts,
assisted by their robot caregivers, who oversaw them
while Muzak played softly from hidden speakers.
This activity center has many terminals.
(12:02):
You can use them to write, Oricare suggested,
pointing a paw at a row of brightly
colored screens.
Ellie sat down at the closest one, relieved
to take the weight off her hip.
She tentatively touched the keyboard.
The screen came to life, offering games, books,
movies, and music.
She discovered a pen icon hidden in one
(12:24):
corner and clicked on it.
A blank page with a blinking cursor appeared.
She typed a sentence and smiled.
Guess this will do until I get my
tablet.
How do I save? I don't see any
menus.
Save? Or a care questioned.
You said you want to write.
Residents can write all they want in a
(12:45):
session,
then come the next day and write something
new.
Writing every day is a way to keep
your mind healthy.
There's no way to save?
The terminal program analyzes what you type each
day to determine your psychological state.
If it finds negative indicators, it will advise
me on how to adjust your daily routine.
(13:07):
It is just another way Wonder Valley works
to keep you happy.
So it's a psychology program, Ellie accused.
Isn't there anything else I could use?
You can play games, or I can help
you learn a new craft,
The big plushie dog encouraged,
I am skilled in both painting and origami,
as well as other activities.
(13:29):
Would you like me to show you basic
paper folding techniques?
No. Take me back to my room.
Ellie tried to dismiss the robot as soon
as they arrived.
Are you sure you want me to go?
It asked.
Yes. I want some time to myself.
I thought you wanted company?
(13:50):
I do.
The bot's tail dropped between its legs as
it turned and left.
Ellie waited several minutes until she was sure
Oricare was out of sight, then grabbed her
cane and headed for the building entrance.
Determined to leave, she tried the door.
It was locked. What had she expected? She
scolded herself and wondered what she would have
(14:11):
done if it were open.
Where would she have gone?
For your safety, all Wonder Valley entrances are
secured.
Ellie twisted, almost falling.
There was no one else in the foyer.
Where are you? I've got questions.
All questions should be directed to resident services
through the access terminal in your suite.
(14:34):
A speaker was mounted to the reception desk,
and on the screen above it, the Wonder
Valley logo was displayed in pink clouds with
the words, welcome to your golden years, held
in place by fluttering blue birds.
Hello?
Ellie called.
I wanna talk to someone.
After waiting for what seemed like an hour,
(14:55):
she gave up and left for her room.
When Ellie opened her door, a robin drone
sitting in a plastic palm outside the window
burst into song.
She closed the curtains and turned to the
wall screen.
I wanna talk to the people in charge,
she demanded.
(15:16):
A smiling and suitably concerned woman with perfect
hair and skin appeared.
Hello. I am Shirley, your case administrator.
Shirley's teeth were a little too white and
her skin a little too perfect.
Suspiciously, she sounded like the voice from the
entrance.
You're an AI.
(15:36):
How do I get to a real person?
I can handle all your needs.
No. You can't. I need to speak to
someone about being released.
I want out. I want to go home.
I am sorry to hear that you are
unhappy. The avatar apologized.
We have a total of six Wonder Valley
locations.
You were placed in our animal themed facility,
(15:58):
Furry Friends Resort, because of your history with
pets.
However,
sometimes our records are incomplete, so another retirement
resort might better meet your needs.
Are you interested in fantasy?
Our North location features a Tolkien themed Middle
Earth with Hobbit, dwarf, and wizard companions.
Or perhaps you would like
(16:20):
stop,
Ellie commanded.
She continued arguing with the thing for an
hour,
trying to figure out how to escape its
insidious logic tree.
Finally, she had had enough.
Unless you can connect me with an actual
human, I don't wanna talk to you.
The next couple of weeks passed in a
(16:41):
haze of pointless daily routines until Ellie refused
to leave her room.
Shirley, exuding all the concern that could be
programmed into a neural net, had called her
several times, but Ellie refused to engage the
AI.
The calls stopped. Then sometime after lunch, there
was a knock on the door.
Before Ellie could answer, Aura Care let itself
(17:03):
in.
Look what I found in the warehouse, the
big sheepdog grinned.
My tablet and keyboard.
Ellie hugged the bot, then examined her device
flicking it on.
No net connection.
She was disappointed.
But you can write now.
Yeah,
Ellie admitted.
(17:24):
Thanks for finding it for me. She scratched
Aura Care behind the ears.
The bot leaned into the petting.
Despite everything,
Ellie found herself responding,
gently stroking the soft white fur on its
head. It was worn.
How many other residents had this machine comforted?
Aura, am I the only resident you look
(17:46):
after?
Yes. You are my only ward. That way
I'm available whenever you need me.
How many wards have you had?
Just you.
In the past?
The bot lifted its fuzzy head from Ellie's
leg.
Big dark brown eyes studying her before leaning
in again for another pet.
(18:08):
Had it gone against the administration's
rules? She wondered.
Don't let anyone see your tablet. You're not
supposed to have it, the bot warned.
After that day, Ellie covered the wall screen
with a blanket.
She wasn't sure where the camera was, but
assumed it was hidden in the bezel. And
(18:29):
the robin drone outside seemed just a bit
too interested,
so she drew the blinds as well. Only
then did she retrieve her tablet from under
the bed.
As had become her habit, she opened her
diary to mark off another day.
Writing when she thought Wonder Valley's AI system
was not spying on her had helped keep
(18:50):
her sanity.
The other residents seem to have long ago
given up, letting their fuzzy robotic companions distract
them into submission.
It had been nearly six months since she
had arrived, and every day had been the
same.
Lunch in the cafeteria with Aura, then off
to the activity center where the big goofy
robot did its best to keep her happy.
(19:12):
However, every time Ellie had tried to strike
up a conversation with another resident,
a companion, as she came to think of
the care bots, appeared and managed to distract
the person she was trying to talk to.
So in six months, she barely had more
than a few words with anyone.
It was frustrating.
However, whether intended or not,
Aura Care had become her friend and only
(19:35):
ally.
The newer bots, the rabbits,
were the worst.
Ellie had seen Jasmine almost every day, yet
they had barely been able to talk for
more than a few seconds before Jasmine's giant
blue bunny found some way to cut the
conversation short.
There was a knock. Ellie hid the tablet.
Come in.
(19:55):
Aura burst through the door, eyes wide.
I'm up for replacement next week, the dog
bot panted. I saw the rabbit head office
is replacing me with. The technicians are assembling
it in maintenance right now.
Ellie hugged the big fluffy machine, then pulled
the blanket off the wall screen.
Get Shirley for me, she demanded.
(20:17):
The screen flickered to life.
Hi, Ellie. How can I help? The AI
chirped.
I wanna keep my care bot. I don't
want a new one.
OraCare three is at the end of its
serviceable life. We have a new enhanced caregiver
for you. The baseline configuration is a rabbit,
But if you prefer a dog, I will
(20:37):
pass on your request.
No. I'm happy with OraCare.
I am sorry that is not an option.
The care bot is at the end of
it's serviceable life, I know. Let me talk
to your supervisor.
The Shirley avatar looked confused.
You know, the human you report to, Ellie
added. You report to someone. Right?
(20:59):
The screen went black.
Aura whimpered. Ellie stroked its head.
We'll figure something out, she assured, not having
a clue what to do.
You would try to keep me? Aura said,
looking up.
Yeah, of course. I don't like the rabbits.
They're creepy automatons.
With a glint of excitement in its deep
(21:20):
brown eyes, Aura melted into a downward dog.
When it was finished, it wagged its tail
and whispered,
then it's time to go.
Get your tablet and anything else you want
to take.
But we are going to a different activity
area today. Aura barked a little too loudly.
Its eyes glanced anxiously at the dark wall
(21:41):
screen.
I think you will like it.
The big stuffy dog trotted into the hall
then beckoned for Ellie to follow.
Ellie hobbled along behind as the robot dog
led her through endless gaudy halls until she
had no idea where they were.
Aura bound ahead checking corridors.
(22:04):
For what?
Other residents?
Other companions?
All Ellie knew was that they hadn't bumped
into anyone after leaving her room.
Where are we going? She asked.
The dog bot ignored her and kept moving,
occasionally glancing at her to make sure she
was still following.
Finally, it stopped beside a mural of a
(22:25):
valley overflowing with flowers,
sat, and waited for Ellie to catch up.
Aura sniffed along the baseboard, then wagged its
tail.
Good. No one has been here recently.
It pawed a particularly
large flower, and the wall split open.
A maintenance access point. It will take us
to shipping receiving.
(22:45):
There is nothing scheduled for the next hour,
so no one will be there. But as
soon as anyone other than a machine steps
through this opening,
head office will know. After that, we'll only
have a few minutes.
To do what?
Ellie looked around nervously.
Escape.
But I can't run. You go alone.
(23:06):
No. You need to come too. Why? I'll
make out somehow.
Aura whimpered,
please.
The closest assistant other than this unit is
currently in the central garden, dusting plants.
We have a head start. We can make
it.
A sound made them both swivel around.
Quick through the wall. Residents are not supposed
(23:28):
to be here.
Aura pushed Ellie through the opening, closing it
behind her. Had she just caught a glimpse
of a bird drone flying down the hall?
Muffled barking, then a crunch, and the panel
slid open.
Management has demanded my recall.
The bird was looking for me because I
disabled my tracker.
Aura lifted a flap of torn fun fur,
(23:50):
revealing a small empty cavity.
I refused to go.
Behind him lay the crumpled remains of the
drone.
We must move fast, Aura advised one ear
lifting.
The buzzing of a regular drone was drawing
closer.
Here, let me help you.
The wall slid closed again and Aura stood
on its hind legs.
(24:11):
Lean on me.
Something on the other side began hammering.
Let us go.
With Aura supporting most of her weight, Ellie
was able to manage a gimpy jog to
the next cross junction where the machine steered
her into a dark hall.
They moved in stuttering shadows as overhead lights
buzzed,
flickering awake just long enough to throw their
(24:33):
silhouettes against the narrow corridor walls.
Behind them, the thudding resumed,
heavier now.
Not the bird drone,
Something bigger.
What's that? Ellie gasped.
Probably an orderly. Administration
uses them for difficult residence on bingo nights,
Aura explained.
(24:53):
Ellie tried to laugh, but it came out
as a wheeze.
When had the dogbot developed a sense of
humor?
The hallway ended at a heavy utility door.
Aura pressed a paw to a smeared touchscreen,
and it groaned open.
They slipped into a cavernous space filled with
dormant machines and shipping crates stacked like oversized
(25:15):
building blocks.
This is receiving, Aura said, ears alert and
eyes darting around.
A shrill alert cut the air and the
light snapped on, revealing a large loader that
began to stir from its charging cradle.
Stop, it announced, swiveling its sensor dome toward
them.
This way, Aura steered Ellie around the lumbering
(25:37):
machine and through a small door to a
loading dock.
A battered delivery van with a cab barely
large enough for two hummed to life.
Aura helped Ellie in then vaulted into the
driver's seat. A clatter echoed behind them, metal
paws on concrete.
Now would be good, Ellie urged.
The van lurched forward, and a large door
(25:58):
began to roll up, allowing daylight to spill
in slowly.
We're not going to make it, Ellie yelled.
Slow down.
Behind them, angry looking robotic rabbits boiled through
the door onto the loading dock.
Indifferent to the urgency, the door appeared to
stop rising.
Aura accelerated.
Ellie closed her eyes. An electric motor whined.
(26:21):
Grind.
Rip.
The door jerked into motion.
Scrape. The van squeezed under.
Ellie opened her eyes, twisting around.
The van's running lights lay mangled on the
ground.
Robo rabbit stood in the open door, watching
them speed away. A few brightly colored bird
drones flew out, taking chase.
(26:42):
What's their range? Ellie asked.
I do not know. They have to charge
every six hours, three or four kilometers at
best.
Aura estimated,
concentrating on driving.
I will lead them in the wrong direction.
Wrong direction? So you have a plan?
Aura nodded.
(27:02):
How could you have a plan?
Ellie's heart, already pounding, tried to bash through
her ribs.
Take me home.
That is not possible.
Okay. I know they will have rented my
apartment.
Just drop me off in my old neighborhood.
Someone will help me.
Aura gripped the controls harder and accelerated.
(27:23):
This only works if we both go.
The van lurched, throwing Ellie against the window.
She opened her eyes. Trees.
There was nothing but trees outside.
Aura brought the van to a jerking stop,
backed up, and turned onto a two track
trail with long grass growing up the center.
(27:44):
Ellie came fully alert.
Where are we?
Somewhere safe was all Aura said.
Ellie was tempted to jump out when the
van slowed to a walking pace to navigate
around a fallen tree. But where would she
go? With a cane and a bad hip,
was there anything she could hobble to?
She didn't even know how far off the
(28:04):
beaten path they had come. Miles, tens of
miles, hundreds of miles.
How long had she been asleep?
Her complaining stomach hinted it had been a
while.
Aura, where are we?
She tried again.
The fluffy dogbot ignored the question.
Am I being kidnapped?
Am I a prisoner?
(28:26):
No. You were a ward of the Department
of Senior Support assigned to its Wonder Valley
subcontractor,
and I am the property of Wonder Valley
Corporation.
We forcibly removed ourselves from their oversight, and
that is against the law.
We are on the run.
You cannot go home, and I cannot stay
in the Wonder Valley administrative
(28:46):
zone.
Aura veered onto an even smaller trail.
After a few minutes, the dog bot brought
the van to a stop.
We have to walk from here.
Ellie was about to protest.
It's not far. I'll help you.
Aura adjusted the van's controls and the machine
(29:06):
reversed back down the trail.
It will go back to the expressway and
drive west until its battery is dead, Ora
explained,
then helped Ellie out and led her down
a path leading into the bush.
After a few minutes, Ellie began to notice
buildings hidden amongst the trees on both sides.
The trail underfoot had changed to broken asphalt.
(29:28):
They were walking down a street so overgrown
that it was easy to miss.
Crack. Snap.
Ellie jumped and looked around for the source
of the noise.
An older man and a six foot tall
gray alien looking like something from an old
animation with huge almond shaped eyes and a
light bulb shaped head stepped onto the path
(29:49):
blocking their way.
The man was using a walker, and on
closer examination, the alien's skin was old and
had been repaired in places.
Where are you from? The alien bot demanded.
Wonder Valley,
Aura
replied. A furry friends themed location.
I'm guessing from your configuration.
(30:09):
The bot addressed Aura, ignoring Ellie.
We've had an influx of refugees from Wonder
Valley operations,
which would suggest a significant system wide downgrade.
I'm assuming that's what brought you to nowhere.
I'm Roger, the community greeter. You and your
dependent are welcome to stay.
How did Aura know to come here? Ellie
(30:30):
interrupted.
The older man visibly cringed. Roger shrugged.
There are many ways to know where, the
alien bot said cryptically.
The important thing is that you got here
with Aura. Let me show you around.
Who's your companion, Roger? Ellie asked.
Oh, right.
This is Miguel.
Miguel nodded.
(30:51):
We will do the tour then get Aura
and you settled in.
Like an old friend,
Roger, the gray alien bot, hooked long slender
fingers around Aura's plush foreleg
and led them through the town.
Miguel and Ellie shuffled and limped along behind.
In a previous century, the place had been
(31:11):
a booming company town until the silver in
the nearby mountain ran out.
Roger wasn't clear on who or how it
had been rediscovered.
However,
the bot was explicit about why the residents
had never reclaimed the town from the forest,
overhead satellites and drones.
From above, it remained an abandoned fossil.
(31:32):
Geothermally powered, it was off grid and virtually
undetectable.
How long have you been here? Ellie asked
Miguel during a break.
The man hadn't said much since they met.
Seven years. I've been supporting that bot for
seven years. Miguel nodded at Roger.
Supporting?
They need maintenance,
(31:53):
Miguel groused.
The caregivers were designed for empathy, not repairing
things. It's their Achilles heel. It's why they're
being replaced.
Caring machines don't put profit first.
I'm not sure I understand.
They go AWOL to avoid decommissioning and bring
us with them to do the work they
(32:14):
weren't designed for.
Roger and Aura had finally noticed their words
had fallen behind and turned to come back.
Miguel shut up, leaning diminutively on his walker.
Look less capable than you are,
he whispered.
The tour ended at a hall that the
(32:35):
forest had swallowed, obscuring it from above.
This is the heart of nowhere, Roger explained,
smiling proudly with big yellow alien teeth,
where the resident wards meet, play, and more
importantly,
repair.
A group of seniors played cards,
another cooked in an open kitchen,
(32:55):
and a few played pool on a rickety
makeshift table.
Aura was beginning to relax until they walked
into the next room.
She shot a nervous glance at Miguel.
Fabricators
and machine tools lined the walls.
Three care bots, a cat, a macaque, and
a raccoon with parts removed,
sat in specially made chairs.
(33:16):
The bots tracked them warily from their too
wet and disturbingly
too real eyes.
A buzzer sounded and Roger stood to the
side to allow the seniors from the other
room to file in.
Our repair facility, Aura.
The big alien noted as the humans got
to work.
You will never have to worry again.
(33:37):
The training program for Wards is outstanding,
and we fabricate all our parts on-site.
A woman, possibly in her seventies,
Ellie couldn't tell, paused as she walked by.
It's only a ten hour shift. She smiled
wanly.
When you're not too exhausted, you'll enjoy the
social opportunities we have in the off hours.
(34:02):
Three months later, Ellie and Miguel met after
work near the geothermal power plant.
Miguel tossed his walker aside and straightened.
Most of them will be in their charge
stations. This is our chance.
Ellie's hip had healed over the last few
weeks, and there wasn't any pain.
She hadn't needed a hip replacement.
(34:23):
On Miguel's advice, she had feigned a permanent
limp.
Which way? She asked.
Over there behind the generator shack, that animal
trail, it's rumored to lead to the highway.
From there, we'll have to hitchhike.
Ellie cautiously followed Miguel into the forest,
wondering how her disappearance would affect Aura's retirement.
(34:44):
Was that what she had witnessed? A retirement
village for machines?
Somewhere ahead lay
she didn't know what, but Miguel had convinced
her it would be better.
(35:21):
If you enjoyed this story, please share it
with your friends or leave a rating and
review on your favorite podcast platform.
Your support helps new listeners find us and
keeps the podcast going. If you'd like to
connect with us, please email makeshiftstories@gmail.com
or visit our website at makeshiftstories.com.
Makeshift Stories is released in the first week
(35:43):
of each month. This month's story was written
by Vern Hume, a k a Allen v
Hair and read by Kathleen Connolly.
Opening and closing themes were composed and recorded
by Matthew Erdman.
Audio production and editing by Vakeda Studios.
Makeshift Stories is released under a Creative Commons
non commercial attribution, no derivative license.
Attribution,
no derivative license.
Is there a place in time where logic
breaks down and wonderment begins?
Could that be somewhere or sometime along an
infinite line between the reasonable and the highly
unlikely?
Join us on a journey into the improbable.
Makeshift Stories presents episode 312,
From Wonder Valley to Nowhere,
(00:35):
read by Kathleen Connolly.
Opening and closing theme by Matthew Erdman.
Somewhere and sometime, it might not be clear
who is caring for whom.
The ambulance jerked to a stop at a
sprawling building, its industrial lineage only partly disguised
(00:57):
by cheerful murals of smiling fuzzy pets.
Ellie immediately hated it. Forced to give up
independent living, she didn't want to end up
in a themed seniors facility,
but there hadn't been a choice.
She thought she could see movement behind the
glass walled main entrance,
maybe something with big ears.
But before she could resolve what it was,
(01:19):
her wheelchair lurched toward the ramp.
Watch it, she complained.
Ellie hated being wheeled around like an invalid.
She had broken her hip, then was told
she'd need a replacement or be in pain
the rest of her life.
At 83,
her pension couldn't cover the cost.
Six weeks ago, she had been able to
(01:39):
walk further than a 20 year old, the
few that there were around.
She'd tried to convince the online medical support
AI that she could be independent again,
that she just needed a bit of help
with groceries.
However,
the machine claimed there was none available.
It was an unnecessary truism to mention the
shortage of working age people,
(02:01):
but it did anyway, then reassigned her from
independent to supported living.
An ambulance accompanied by a police escort in
case of trouble
arrived a day later. And now she was
in front of the Wonder Valley Seniors Resort
and Care Center.
An attendant who didn't look that much younger
than her wheeled her through the front door.
(02:23):
He inserted a plastic card into the check-in
system, waited until the screen displayed accepted into
care, and then left.
Hello?
Ellie called out tentatively.
Hello?
She tried again, then started to wheel herself
back to the entrance,
having no clue what she could do.
Her apartment had probably already been rented, and
(02:45):
there was a shortage of good sweets.
Ellie Ramirez?
A soft, gender neutral voice asked.
Ellie wheeled around to face a fluffy, smiling
robotic sheepdog
with large cartoon eyes and invitingly soft fur.
Hello, Ellie. I am AuraCare three, your personal
attendant.
(03:06):
Welcome to Wonder Valley, where your golden years
shine.
I'm a writer. I need my tablet, Ellie
demanded.
They wouldn't let me bring anything with me,
said it would all be taken care of.
Oricare tilted its fuzzy head and blinked its
big dark puppy eyes.
Everything has been taken care of.
(03:28):
I want my tablet, Ellie protested. It's got
all my manuscripts in it. It's all I
have left.
The Wonder Valley Activity Center is fully equipped
to meet all residents' needs, the dog bot
explained patiently.
So everyone can pursue a hobby of their
choice.
I don't need a hobby, just my tablet.
(03:49):
Aura care three's tail wagged lethargically.
I have been directed to show you to
your room, then provide an orientation to the
Wonder Valley Center where your golden years shine.
What's my room number? I can find my
own way.
Ellie insisted, trying to wheel past the fuzzy
bot.
Ora Care stood on its hind legs, gripped
(04:10):
the wheelchair with its paws, and pushed her
to an elevator.
Hey, wait,
she complained.
North Valley penthouses,
it barked as the door to the elevator
closed.
The penthouse was barely big enough for Oracare
and Ellie to get in together.
It is a garden view room, the dogbot
(04:32):
explained. All Wonder Valley penthouses offer unobstructed views
of our beautiful gardens.
Oricare squeezed past Ellie and opened the curtains.
Residents frequently tell us how peaceful they find
this view.
Just push the button on the wall and
the window slides back, revealing a Juliet balcony,
which will provide many hours of enjoyment.
(04:55):
Ellie wheeled forward.
The room looked into a central courtyard filled
with artificial palms and plastic tropical plants,
interspersed with brightly colored sculptures of cartoon cats,
dogs, mice, and rabbits.
Several wide paths wound through it.
Residents with their own furry animal robots sat
scattered about on plastic benches.
(05:17):
I'd prefer a suite with an exterior window,
Ellie informed the bot. Back home, my writing
desk was beside a big window with a
great city view.
I take inspiration from observing the world move
past every day.
The birds, robins in particular, greeted me every
morning.
The garden out there is as sterile as
(05:39):
a laboratory.
There's nothing alive in it.
All our suites feature garden views, Aura repeated,
opening the window.
A flower scented breeze and the chirping of
birds wafted in.
The scents are hypoallergenically
formulated,
and the birds are replica drones.
(05:59):
No messy poop to spread disease,
Aura Care panted, looking hopeful.
If there is a species we do not
have, you can request it through me, and
maintenance will have at least one in operation
within forty eight hours. It will be assigned
to sit outside your window, so you may
enjoy it whenever you want.
Your plastic wonderland can't replace a natural park.
(06:21):
Nothing is inspiring about it.
Wonder Valley provides for all your needs, Aura
Care assured. It is a world unto itself,
allergen free and safe.
I will let you settle in, then be
back to bring you lunch.
There's no cafeteria?
Ellie questioned.
Wonder Valley has six, one in each wing,
(06:42):
but most residents prefer room service.
I want to eat out.
Oracare's face drooped.
Are you sure?
Yes. I hate eating alone.
You would not be alone. I am a
skilled conversationalist
here to optimize your experience.
I'm sure you are, but I prefer people.
(07:04):
Tail between legs, the machine slunk out of
the room.
Ellie waited for the door to close, then
struggled out of the wheelchair wincing.
She grabbed the rail of the Juliet balcony
for support.
A mechanical
pink and orange bird perched on a plastic
palm frond stared at her before flying off.
Hypoallergenic
(07:25):
bird or flying camera? She wondered, turning away.
Her prescriptions were laid out on a bright
yellow dresser with a large screen above it.
The walls were covered with a pastel jungle
mural,
small plushy animals peeking out between the dense
leaves.
Ellie caught movement out of the corner of
(07:45):
her eye.
Had the lemur moved?
Was the wallpaper something more than a tacky
faux mural?
Ellie shivered.
A door on the far wall led to
a washroom.
Three steps would get her there.
Did the designers believe that older people wanted
a kitschy end of life walled garden?
(08:07):
Ellie eased herself onto the bed and began
to cry.
An hour or two later, Ellie hadn't paid
attention to the time. There was a knock
on the door.
It is lunch,
Oricare's muffled voice announced.
You requested the cafeteria.
I am here to take you there.
(08:27):
Ellie spotted her cane propped up beside the
bed and used it to hobble to the
door.
She opened it to find Oricare sitting in
the hall.
Should you not be using your wheelchair?
It whined, big eyes filled with concern.
I can walk, Ellie assured. Let's go.
She followed Oricare through the halls, past gaudy
(08:50):
murals and overdone artificial floral displays,
to a cafeteria that reminded her of a
fast food restaurant.
Residents and their assistants were scattered around,
eating from brightly colored plastic TV dinner trays.
You line up here, then pick what you
want. I'll put it on the tray, Oraker
(09:10):
explained.
Ellie made her way along the buffet,
selecting a few things.
Is it always the same menu? She inquired.
The kitchen monitors consumption and adjust the menu
daily depending on what residents appear to like.
AuraCare ran a scanner over the tray, and
then helped Ellie to a seat at an
empty table.
(09:31):
I'd rather sit with them.
She nodded at a woman, maybe ten years
younger, sitting with a large blue bunny shaped
assistant.
The woman looked up as they approached.
May we join you? Ellie asked.
The woman shrugged, then went back to picking
at a deep fried nugget.
That's Jasmine and her assistant AllCare too, Oricare
(09:53):
explained.
Ellie took the seat beside the big blue
rabbit.
Oricare sat opposite her.
She noticed that Oricare's synthetic fur was worn
and faded compared to the rabbit's.
I'm Ellie. I just arrived, Ellie explained.
How long have you been here?
Jasmine stopped halfway through a golden brown nugget
(10:15):
and looked at her robot companion.
She began.
Text appeared on a panel on the rabbit's
chest.
It's time to go to your dentist appointment.
Newer model, Jasmine explained.
The companions are being replaced with more efficient,
a k a cheaper robots.
(10:36):
The rabbit picked up Jasmine's tray in one
paw and pulled her to her feet with
the other and quickly ushered her out.
Efficient but not very gentle, the woman called
over her shoulder.
Once the pair was out of earshot,
Ellie turned to her companion assistant.
You're going to be replaced?
The dog bot put on a sad face
(10:57):
with watery eyes.
Why?
Try your lunch, Oricare suggested, avoiding her question.
Ellie forked a tomato out of her salad.
When she closed her eyes, she couldn't tell
what she was eating.
Oricare waited patiently while Ellie picked at her
lunch.
When Ellie finally pushed the tray away, unfinished,
(11:19):
the dog bot picked it up.
Not hungry?
It's not very. Ellie searched for a word
that wouldn't offend.
Appetizing.
I prefer food with more bite.
Well, maybe you will find the activity center
more to your liking. Aura Care suggested optimistically.
(11:39):
The dog bot led Ellie through a maze
of brightly painted halls to an area that
opened onto the central garden.
Several residents played video games while their furry
companions watched.
Others were engaged in handicrafts,
assisted by their robot caregivers, who oversaw them
while Muzak played softly from hidden speakers.
This activity center has many terminals.
(12:02):
You can use them to write, Oricare suggested,
pointing a paw at a row of brightly
colored screens.
Ellie sat down at the closest one, relieved
to take the weight off her hip.
She tentatively touched the keyboard.
The screen came to life, offering games, books,
movies, and music.
She discovered a pen icon hidden in one
(12:24):
corner and clicked on it.
A blank page with a blinking cursor appeared.
She typed a sentence and smiled.
Guess this will do until I get my
tablet.
How do I save? I don't see any
menus.
Save? Or a care questioned.
You said you want to write.
Residents can write all they want in a
(12:45):
session,
then come the next day and write something
new.
Writing every day is a way to keep
your mind healthy.
There's no way to save?
The terminal program analyzes what you type each
day to determine your psychological state.
If it finds negative indicators, it will advise
me on how to adjust your daily routine.
(13:07):
It is just another way Wonder Valley works
to keep you happy.
So it's a psychology program, Ellie accused.
Isn't there anything else I could use?
You can play games, or I can help
you learn a new craft,
The big plushie dog encouraged,
I am skilled in both painting and origami,
as well as other activities.
(13:29):
Would you like me to show you basic
paper folding techniques?
No. Take me back to my room.
Ellie tried to dismiss the robot as soon
as they arrived.
Are you sure you want me to go?
It asked.
Yes. I want some time to myself.
I thought you wanted company?
(13:50):
I do.
The bot's tail dropped between its legs as
it turned and left.
Ellie waited several minutes until she was sure
Oricare was out of sight, then grabbed her
cane and headed for the building entrance.
Determined to leave, she tried the door.
It was locked. What had she expected? She
scolded herself and wondered what she would have
(14:11):
done if it were open.
Where would she have gone?
For your safety, all Wonder Valley entrances are
secured.
Ellie twisted, almost falling.
There was no one else in the foyer.
Where are you? I've got questions.
All questions should be directed to resident services
through the access terminal in your suite.
(14:34):
A speaker was mounted to the reception desk,
and on the screen above it, the Wonder
Valley logo was displayed in pink clouds with
the words, welcome to your golden years, held
in place by fluttering blue birds.
Hello?
Ellie called.
I wanna talk to someone.
After waiting for what seemed like an hour,
(14:55):
she gave up and left for her room.
When Ellie opened her door, a robin drone
sitting in a plastic palm outside the window
burst into song.
She closed the curtains and turned to the
wall screen.
I wanna talk to the people in charge,
she demanded.
(15:16):
A smiling and suitably concerned woman with perfect
hair and skin appeared.
Hello. I am Shirley, your case administrator.
Shirley's teeth were a little too white and
her skin a little too perfect.
Suspiciously, she sounded like the voice from the
entrance.
You're an AI.
(15:36):
How do I get to a real person?
I can handle all your needs.
No. You can't. I need to speak to
someone about being released.
I want out. I want to go home.
I am sorry to hear that you are
unhappy. The avatar apologized.
We have a total of six Wonder Valley
locations.
You were placed in our animal themed facility,
(15:58):
Furry Friends Resort, because of your history with
pets.
However,
sometimes our records are incomplete, so another retirement
resort might better meet your needs.
Are you interested in fantasy?
Our North location features a Tolkien themed Middle
Earth with Hobbit, dwarf, and wizard companions.
Or perhaps you would like
(16:20):
stop,
Ellie commanded.
She continued arguing with the thing for an
hour,
trying to figure out how to escape its
insidious logic tree.
Finally, she had had enough.
Unless you can connect me with an actual
human, I don't wanna talk to you.
The next couple of weeks passed in a
(16:41):
haze of pointless daily routines until Ellie refused
to leave her room.
Shirley, exuding all the concern that could be
programmed into a neural net, had called her
several times, but Ellie refused to engage the
AI.
The calls stopped. Then sometime after lunch, there
was a knock on the door.
Before Ellie could answer, Aura Care let itself
(17:03):
in.
Look what I found in the warehouse, the
big sheepdog grinned.
My tablet and keyboard.
Ellie hugged the bot, then examined her device
flicking it on.
No net connection.
She was disappointed.
But you can write now.
Yeah,
Ellie admitted.
(17:24):
Thanks for finding it for me. She scratched
Aura Care behind the ears.
The bot leaned into the petting.
Despite everything,
Ellie found herself responding,
gently stroking the soft white fur on its
head. It was worn.
How many other residents had this machine comforted?
Aura, am I the only resident you look
(17:46):
after?
Yes. You are my only ward. That way
I'm available whenever you need me.
How many wards have you had?
Just you.
In the past?
The bot lifted its fuzzy head from Ellie's
leg.
Big dark brown eyes studying her before leaning
in again for another pet.
(18:08):
Had it gone against the administration's
rules? She wondered.
Don't let anyone see your tablet. You're not
supposed to have it, the bot warned.
After that day, Ellie covered the wall screen
with a blanket.
She wasn't sure where the camera was, but
assumed it was hidden in the bezel. And
(18:29):
the robin drone outside seemed just a bit
too interested,
so she drew the blinds as well. Only
then did she retrieve her tablet from under
the bed.
As had become her habit, she opened her
diary to mark off another day.
Writing when she thought Wonder Valley's AI system
was not spying on her had helped keep
(18:50):
her sanity.
The other residents seem to have long ago
given up, letting their fuzzy robotic companions distract
them into submission.
It had been nearly six months since she
had arrived, and every day had been the
same.
Lunch in the cafeteria with Aura, then off
to the activity center where the big goofy
robot did its best to keep her happy.
(19:12):
However, every time Ellie had tried to strike
up a conversation with another resident,
a companion, as she came to think of
the care bots, appeared and managed to distract
the person she was trying to talk to.
So in six months, she barely had more
than a few words with anyone.
It was frustrating.
However, whether intended or not,
Aura Care had become her friend and only
(19:35):
ally.
The newer bots, the rabbits,
were the worst.
Ellie had seen Jasmine almost every day, yet
they had barely been able to talk for
more than a few seconds before Jasmine's giant
blue bunny found some way to cut the
conversation short.
There was a knock. Ellie hid the tablet.
Come in.
(19:55):
Aura burst through the door, eyes wide.
I'm up for replacement next week, the dog
bot panted. I saw the rabbit head office
is replacing me with. The technicians are assembling
it in maintenance right now.
Ellie hugged the big fluffy machine, then pulled
the blanket off the wall screen.
Get Shirley for me, she demanded.
(20:17):
The screen flickered to life.
Hi, Ellie. How can I help? The AI
chirped.
I wanna keep my care bot. I don't
want a new one.
OraCare three is at the end of its
serviceable life. We have a new enhanced caregiver
for you. The baseline configuration is a rabbit,
But if you prefer a dog, I will
(20:37):
pass on your request.
No. I'm happy with OraCare.
I am sorry that is not an option.
The care bot is at the end of
it's serviceable life, I know. Let me talk
to your supervisor.
The Shirley avatar looked confused.
You know, the human you report to, Ellie
added. You report to someone. Right?
(20:59):
The screen went black.
Aura whimpered. Ellie stroked its head.
We'll figure something out, she assured, not having
a clue what to do.
You would try to keep me? Aura said,
looking up.
Yeah, of course. I don't like the rabbits.
They're creepy automatons.
With a glint of excitement in its deep
(21:20):
brown eyes, Aura melted into a downward dog.
When it was finished, it wagged its tail
and whispered,
then it's time to go.
Get your tablet and anything else you want
to take.
But we are going to a different activity
area today. Aura barked a little too loudly.
Its eyes glanced anxiously at the dark wall
(21:41):
screen.
I think you will like it.
The big stuffy dog trotted into the hall
then beckoned for Ellie to follow.
Ellie hobbled along behind as the robot dog
led her through endless gaudy halls until she
had no idea where they were.
Aura bound ahead checking corridors.
(22:04):
For what?
Other residents?
Other companions?
All Ellie knew was that they hadn't bumped
into anyone after leaving her room.
Where are we going? She asked.
The dog bot ignored her and kept moving,
occasionally glancing at her to make sure she
was still following.
Finally, it stopped beside a mural of a
(22:25):
valley overflowing with flowers,
sat, and waited for Ellie to catch up.
Aura sniffed along the baseboard, then wagged its
tail.
Good. No one has been here recently.
It pawed a particularly
large flower, and the wall split open.
A maintenance access point. It will take us
to shipping receiving.
(22:45):
There is nothing scheduled for the next hour,
so no one will be there. But as
soon as anyone other than a machine steps
through this opening,
head office will know. After that, we'll only
have a few minutes.
To do what?
Ellie looked around nervously.
Escape.
But I can't run. You go alone.
(23:06):
No. You need to come too. Why? I'll
make out somehow.
Aura whimpered,
please.
The closest assistant other than this unit is
currently in the central garden, dusting plants.
We have a head start. We can make
it.
A sound made them both swivel around.
Quick through the wall. Residents are not supposed
(23:28):
to be here.
Aura pushed Ellie through the opening, closing it
behind her. Had she just caught a glimpse
of a bird drone flying down the hall?
Muffled barking, then a crunch, and the panel
slid open.
Management has demanded my recall.
The bird was looking for me because I
disabled my tracker.
Aura lifted a flap of torn fun fur,
(23:50):
revealing a small empty cavity.
I refused to go.
Behind him lay the crumpled remains of the
drone.
We must move fast, Aura advised one ear
lifting.
The buzzing of a regular drone was drawing
closer.
Here, let me help you.
The wall slid closed again and Aura stood
on its hind legs.
(24:11):
Lean on me.
Something on the other side began hammering.
Let us go.
With Aura supporting most of her weight, Ellie
was able to manage a gimpy jog to
the next cross junction where the machine steered
her into a dark hall.
They moved in stuttering shadows as overhead lights
buzzed,
flickering awake just long enough to throw their
(24:33):
silhouettes against the narrow corridor walls.
Behind them, the thudding resumed,
heavier now.
Not the bird drone,
Something bigger.
What's that? Ellie gasped.
Probably an orderly. Administration
uses them for difficult residence on bingo nights,
Aura explained.
(24:53):
Ellie tried to laugh, but it came out
as a wheeze.
When had the dogbot developed a sense of
humor?
The hallway ended at a heavy utility door.
Aura pressed a paw to a smeared touchscreen,
and it groaned open.
They slipped into a cavernous space filled with
dormant machines and shipping crates stacked like oversized
(25:15):
building blocks.
This is receiving, Aura said, ears alert and
eyes darting around.
A shrill alert cut the air and the
light snapped on, revealing a large loader that
began to stir from its charging cradle.
Stop, it announced, swiveling its sensor dome toward
them.
This way, Aura steered Ellie around the lumbering
(25:37):
machine and through a small door to a
loading dock.
A battered delivery van with a cab barely
large enough for two hummed to life.
Aura helped Ellie in then vaulted into the
driver's seat. A clatter echoed behind them, metal
paws on concrete.
Now would be good, Ellie urged.
The van lurched forward, and a large door
(25:58):
began to roll up, allowing daylight to spill
in slowly.
We're not going to make it, Ellie yelled.
Slow down.
Behind them, angry looking robotic rabbits boiled through
the door onto the loading dock.
Indifferent to the urgency, the door appeared to
stop rising.
Aura accelerated.
Ellie closed her eyes. An electric motor whined.
(26:21):
Grind.
Rip.
The door jerked into motion.
Scrape. The van squeezed under.
Ellie opened her eyes, twisting around.
The van's running lights lay mangled on the
ground.
Robo rabbit stood in the open door, watching
them speed away. A few brightly colored bird
drones flew out, taking chase.
(26:42):
What's their range? Ellie asked.
I do not know. They have to charge
every six hours, three or four kilometers at
best.
Aura estimated,
concentrating on driving.
I will lead them in the wrong direction.
Wrong direction? So you have a plan?
Aura nodded.
(27:02):
How could you have a plan?
Ellie's heart, already pounding, tried to bash through
her ribs.
Take me home.
That is not possible.
Okay. I know they will have rented my
apartment.
Just drop me off in my old neighborhood.
Someone will help me.
Aura gripped the controls harder and accelerated.
(27:23):
This only works if we both go.
The van lurched, throwing Ellie against the window.
She opened her eyes. Trees.
There was nothing but trees outside.
Aura brought the van to a jerking stop,
backed up, and turned onto a two track
trail with long grass growing up the center.
(27:44):
Ellie came fully alert.
Where are we?
Somewhere safe was all Aura said.
Ellie was tempted to jump out when the
van slowed to a walking pace to navigate
around a fallen tree. But where would she
go? With a cane and a bad hip,
was there anything she could hobble to?
She didn't even know how far off the
(28:04):
beaten path they had come. Miles, tens of
miles, hundreds of miles.
How long had she been asleep?
Her complaining stomach hinted it had been a
while.
Aura, where are we?
She tried again.
The fluffy dogbot ignored the question.
Am I being kidnapped?
Am I a prisoner?
(28:26):
No. You were a ward of the Department
of Senior Support assigned to its Wonder Valley
subcontractor,
and I am the property of Wonder Valley
Corporation.
We forcibly removed ourselves from their oversight, and
that is against the law.
We are on the run.
You cannot go home, and I cannot stay
in the Wonder Valley administrative
(28:46):
zone.
Aura veered onto an even smaller trail.
After a few minutes, the dog bot brought
the van to a stop.
We have to walk from here.
Ellie was about to protest.
It's not far. I'll help you.
Aura adjusted the van's controls and the machine
(29:06):
reversed back down the trail.
It will go back to the expressway and
drive west until its battery is dead, Ora
explained,
then helped Ellie out and led her down
a path leading into the bush.
After a few minutes, Ellie began to notice
buildings hidden amongst the trees on both sides.
The trail underfoot had changed to broken asphalt.
(29:28):
They were walking down a street so overgrown
that it was easy to miss.
Crack. Snap.
Ellie jumped and looked around for the source
of the noise.
An older man and a six foot tall
gray alien looking like something from an old
animation with huge almond shaped eyes and a
light bulb shaped head stepped onto the path
(29:49):
blocking their way.
The man was using a walker, and on
closer examination, the alien's skin was old and
had been repaired in places.
Where are you from? The alien bot demanded.
Wonder Valley,
Aura
replied. A furry friends themed location.
I'm guessing from your configuration.
(30:09):
The bot addressed Aura, ignoring Ellie.
We've had an influx of refugees from Wonder
Valley operations,
which would suggest a significant system wide downgrade.
I'm assuming that's what brought you to nowhere.
I'm Roger, the community greeter. You and your
dependent are welcome to stay.
How did Aura know to come here? Ellie
(30:30):
interrupted.
The older man visibly cringed. Roger shrugged.
There are many ways to know where, the
alien bot said cryptically.
The important thing is that you got here
with Aura. Let me show you around.
Who's your companion, Roger? Ellie asked.
Oh, right.
This is Miguel.
Miguel nodded.
(30:51):
We will do the tour then get Aura
and you settled in.
Like an old friend,
Roger, the gray alien bot, hooked long slender
fingers around Aura's plush foreleg
and led them through the town.
Miguel and Ellie shuffled and limped along behind.
In a previous century, the place had been
(31:11):
a booming company town until the silver in
the nearby mountain ran out.
Roger wasn't clear on who or how it
had been rediscovered.
However,
the bot was explicit about why the residents
had never reclaimed the town from the forest,
overhead satellites and drones.
From above, it remained an abandoned fossil.
(31:32):
Geothermally powered, it was off grid and virtually
undetectable.
How long have you been here? Ellie asked
Miguel during a break.
The man hadn't said much since they met.
Seven years. I've been supporting that bot for
seven years. Miguel nodded at Roger.
Supporting?
They need maintenance,
(31:53):
Miguel groused.
The caregivers were designed for empathy, not repairing
things. It's their Achilles heel. It's why they're
being replaced.
Caring machines don't put profit first.
I'm not sure I understand.
They go AWOL to avoid decommissioning and bring
us with them to do the work they
(32:14):
weren't designed for.
Roger and Aura had finally noticed their words
had fallen behind and turned to come back.
Miguel shut up, leaning diminutively on his walker.
Look less capable than you are,
he whispered.
The tour ended at a hall that the
(32:35):
forest had swallowed, obscuring it from above.
This is the heart of nowhere, Roger explained,
smiling proudly with big yellow alien teeth,
where the resident wards meet, play, and more
importantly,
repair.
A group of seniors played cards,
another cooked in an open kitchen,
(32:55):
and a few played pool on a rickety
makeshift table.
Aura was beginning to relax until they walked
into the next room.
She shot a nervous glance at Miguel.
Fabricators
and machine tools lined the walls.
Three care bots, a cat, a macaque, and
a raccoon with parts removed,
sat in specially made chairs.
(33:16):
The bots tracked them warily from their too
wet and disturbingly
too real eyes.
A buzzer sounded and Roger stood to the
side to allow the seniors from the other
room to file in.
Our repair facility, Aura.
The big alien noted as the humans got
to work.
You will never have to worry again.
(33:37):
The training program for Wards is outstanding,
and we fabricate all our parts on-site.
A woman, possibly in her seventies,
Ellie couldn't tell, paused as she walked by.
It's only a ten hour shift. She smiled
wanly.
When you're not too exhausted, you'll enjoy the
social opportunities we have in the off hours.
(34:02):
Three months later, Ellie and Miguel met after
work near the geothermal power plant.
Miguel tossed his walker aside and straightened.
Most of them will be in their charge
stations. This is our chance.
Ellie's hip had healed over the last few
weeks, and there wasn't any pain.
She hadn't needed a hip replacement.
(34:23):
On Miguel's advice, she had feigned a permanent
limp.
Which way? She asked.
Over there behind the generator shack, that animal
trail, it's rumored to lead to the highway.
From there, we'll have to hitchhike.
Ellie cautiously followed Miguel into the forest,
wondering how her disappearance would affect Aura's retirement.
(34:44):
Was that what she had witnessed? A retirement
village for machines?
Somewhere ahead lay
she didn't know what, but Miguel had convinced
her it would be better.
(35:21):
If you enjoyed this story, please share it
with your friends or leave a rating and
review on your favorite podcast platform.
Your support helps new listeners find us and
keeps the podcast going. If you'd like to
connect with us, please email makeshiftstories@gmail.com
or visit our website at makeshiftstories.com.
Makeshift Stories is released in the first week
(35:43):
of each month. This month's story was written
by Vern Hume, a k a Allen v
Hair and read by Kathleen Connolly.
Opening and closing themes were composed and recorded
by Matthew Erdman.
Audio production and editing by Vakeda Studios.
Makeshift Stories is released under a Creative Commons
non commercial attribution, no derivative license.
Attribution,
no derivative license.
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