Chapter 4 · Continued
CBIE
Cam remained still for a moment, observing.
Jane selected another rock and placed it beside the first.
It wasn’t perfectly measured or aligned.
It was simply placed.
Cam chose a rock from the pile and turned it slowly in his hands, evaluating it. He carried it to the edge of the garden and carefully set it down.
He adjusted it once.
Then twice.
Then a third time.
When he finished, it matched the angle of Jane’s first rock exactly.
Jane glanced over and paused. “…Okay, that one’s a little more serious than mine.”
Cam compared the two placements. “…Consistency improves the outcome.”
Jane walked over and inspected both rocks—one slightly crooked and the other perfectly aligned.
She nudged Cam’s rock with her foot, knocking it slightly out of position.
Cam froze. “…You altered the placement.”
Jane smiled. “Yeah. It isn’t supposed to be perfect.”
He studied the row and then looked back at the pile. “…Clarify acceptable deviation.”
Jane laughed. “It’s a garden, not a runway.”
Cam selected another rock. This time, after placing it, he adjusted it only once before stepping back.
“…Acceptable.”
Jane nodded. “See? You’re getting it.”
Cam tilted his head slightly. “…The previous model required precision. This task allows variation.”
Jane stepped past him and grabbed another rock. “Welcome to humans.”
Cam watched her for a moment, then bent down to select another stone.
“…Updating.”
“Okay, I think you’ve got it,” Jane said. “When you’re done, come back inside.”
Cam watched her return to the house, then continued working.
Half an hour later, he went inside and found Seymour in the living room. Jane stood near the front window, talking on her phone.
Seymour moved first.
He circled Cam’s legs and brushed against them.
Cam paused, then lowered himself onto one knee and extended his hand.
Seymour leaned into it.
Cam accessed the information stored in his system regarding how to pet a cat. He placed one hand flat against Seymour’s back and moved it carefully along his fur.
Consistent.
Measured.
Seymour began to purr.
Jane turned away from the window and stopped when she saw them. She watched silently for a moment.
Cam repeated the motion using the same speed and distance.
Jane smiled.
She ended her call, and the sound of her voice broke the moment. Seymour immediately wandered away as though nothing had happened.
“Whatcha doin’, Cam?” Jane asked, still smiling.
“I am petting the cat,” Cam replied. “According to a pet-care manual stored in my data banks.”
Jane laughed softly. “I think you just made a friend.”