Androids, especially high-quality ones with state-of-the-art AI, were a luxury item. This was why Silvia and Anna could only afford to buy one by going halves, which virtually wiped out their savings. Since they spent all their free time together and were the best of friends, it seemed nothing could go wrong.Both were in their early thirties. Anna was slim, blonde, cut her hair short, and was always in blue jeans. Silvia had lustrous long black hair and wore lacey skirts. Both had recently broken up with unsuitable boyfriends. Anna's had a gambling addiction, Silvia's became a born again Christian. So both women were ready to embrace what was marketed as, "All the best features of a human boyfriend, but minus the pain". Gerard, a French model made by Alliance Robotique FR, was extremely well-spoken, though with a slight accent. Naturally, he had film-star looks and an athletic physique. That and brains to burn.
Gerard was ever solicitous for the wellbeing and comfort of the two women, while having no ego whatsoever. This was a godsend, both ladies agreed. Nor did he favour one over the other, but paid equal attention to each. They settled down to a pleasant life together, sharing a flat near the city centre and going out as a threesome. Silvia was quiet and sometimes shy, whereas Anna bubbled over with good humour, occasionally betraying the anxiety hidden beneath. The addition of a male to their friendship unit stimulated conversation, as well as which Gerard made up stories that had the women giggling. Not to mention that he knew how to dance and never lacked ideas for fun activities.
A month later, Silvia and Anna signed up for a cruise, which had a special offer - androids could travel for free. Since androids didn't need beds or food, this wasn't much of a sacrifice for the tour company, called simply "Venture". The destination was a dream one for Silvia, who was a marine biologist: the Galapagos Islands. The three companions flew to Quito and hence to San Cristóbal Island in the Galapagos. Soon they were aboard the vessel, which was painted in striking navy and white, proudly bearing a large Ecuadorian flag.
Anna informed Luis, the tall moustachioed captain of their 40-cabin ship, that Gerard must not fall into the water because he was not water-proof above the waist. They had not been able to afford an all-terrain model that was fully waterproof, as this cost 50% more. Luis promised not to take Gerard on the snorkel excursions.
The trio shared a small two-bunk cabin, with a tiny port-hole. Gerard slept on the floor without complaint. The cruise began well. Gerard was an encyclopedia of the birds, land animals, seals and fish of the archipelago. He gave them a constant stream of engaging commentary, greatly enhancing their trip. He pointed out details like the marine iguanas expelling salt through their nostils, the teeth marks on the cacti produced by the land iguanas and the differences between aa and pahoehoe lava. The tour guide, Rinaldo, was a little put out because the two friends did not need his expertise, which indeed could not match Gerard's, as Rinaldo was endowed only with natural intelligence, not AI.
Silvia and Anna had agreed on one rule - no sex with Gerard. In any case, it would have been too difficult to find a private space for human-android relations.
On Fernandina Island they had a "wet" landing from the zodiac onto a black sand beach, ie they had to wade ashore in knee-deep water. Sea lions lounged before them and a festive oyster catcher was also nearby. Rinaldo lead them on a two-kilometre excursion into the interior of the island to explore its topography and to admire the dancing blue footed boobies and the male frigate birds. The latter showed off their puffed-up red chests to any interested females. Unlike most of the other islands, Fernandina had abundant vegetation. When the group returned to the boat, the guide counted heads. Only 12, whereas there should have been 14. He asked whether anyone knew who was missing. Feeling concerned, Anna informed him that Gerard and Silvia were absent.
Rinaldo went back down the track to investigate and returned about 40 minutes later with the two miscreants. He gave them a dressing down for making everyone else wait and for upsetting the ship's schedule. Gerard apologised profusely, but did not offer an explanation. Silvia looked sheepish.
As the passengers were boarding the rubber craft, Anna asked Silvia what had happened.
Silvia: "I just couldn't hold back any longer. I got a rush and pulled Gerard into the bushes."
Anna: "What?!"
Silvia: "Sorry, I just couldn't help myself."
Anna screamed: "You bitch, you broke our rule! I held myself back a hundred times!"
With that, Anna shoved Gerard, who fell overboard into the shallow water. His midsection produced sparks and smoke as he sank into the water. Gerard did not even try to save himself, but only shouted "Goodbye!" with his last breath.
The boat rocked gently on the tiny waves.