Poe's Rebirthday

 

Synopsis: An Altered Carbon fluff-fic featuring Annabelle and Poe. Poe was recalibrated and rebooted but he begins to remember his fragmented past.

“There are places I’ll remember

All my life, though some have changed

Some forever, not for better

Some have gone, and some remained

All these places had their moments

With lovers and friends, I still can recall

Some are dead and some are living

In my life, I’ve loved them all.”--Some lyrics from In My Life sung by The Beatles

Chapter 1—How Curious

When Poe awakened, Annabelle was dressed in a stunning powder blue Victorian ballgown. Her hair was braided into a bun and affixed on either side of it were dangling pearls, suspended by real aquamarine roses. Edgar was certain that either an angel, fairy or princess had awoken him with what seemed to be a birthday cake ? He had known of this tradition that came from the world of humans but had never participated in an anniversary of his own. It was fascinating and he wasn’t certain what to say. He knew that Annabelle was aware, that as AI, the cake would be nothing more than decorative. He wouldn’t be able to taste it. Yet, looking at her, enchanting as she was and spellbinding to boot, he was tickled that she remembered his re-birthday. The Raven itself had been completely refurbished from top to bottom. It no longer resembled the ramshackle Happy Face Hotel it had once been, but long since gone were the days when Takeshi Kovacs would book a room there and spend the night from one hell of a day, whatever had transpired in it.

‘So, this is really the true anniversary then ? I remember everything now.’, Edgar remarked with some tears. He didn’t linger on the sadness long since Annabelle was a vision in her gown. He had never seen her looking so enchanting, elegant or ethereal. She had started singing to him, offering him his German chocolate cake, topped with one candle. It would be pointless to have a multitude of candles but Edgar blew out the candle, made his wish and took a bite of the decadent chocolate cake.

It was at this moment he desired the ability to taste, but the simple process of mastication had proven oddly enjoyable. Seeing Annabelle experience eating was something of a marvel. He knew then it wasn’t the act of eating, or singing, or anything in particular that had enjoyment. It was, simplistically, being with another entity, savoring the same second, and being astonished they were sharing that very same moment with each other.

Chapter 2—Shall I Have This Dance ?

Annabelle also had her own influence over the algorithm in The Raven and she could transform the design and décor as she so desired. Edgar thought her choice in setting was unrivaled. The grand Victorian ballroom, the old phonographs playing romantic songs of old. Something about it was gaudily resplendent and he couldn’t help but accept her offer. After all these years of hosting the Raven and being the building itself, having a partner was welcomed.

‘Eddie, shall I have this dance ?’, Annabelle asked. Her silk gloved hands, lacy with frills, held his kid gloved hands tenderly into his. He didn’t know if he had a heart, but if he had, it would’ve been racing and thudding against his chest. However, his cheeks were becoming fluoresced and he was wondering if the architects that designed him placed that into his code. If they had, he couldn’t have been happier, but he had free will. Everything he was, for lack of better term, feeling, was something he willed.

The waltz lilted in the background and Poe seemed to levitate. In fact, he and Annabelle were dancing at least 3 feet off the ground. Poe had been so euphoric just to dance with Annabelle that in his mirth, he turned off his own physics for a while. Annabelle hadn’t known they had the ability to do that but after a while, gravity fell into play and the two traipsed across the marble floors, tripping the light fantastic.

The ending of the waltz left the two locked in an embrace. Annabelle gazed at Edgar and sweetly grinned, giggling.

‘That was marvelous.’, she complimented. Edgar’s smile spanned his entire face as the hall became a lavish Victorian garden.

‘Another one of your additions ?’, Poe inquired. Annabelle coyly took his arm and led him to a picnic basket, replete with food. Neither one of them could taste the food but feeding each other as humans did as a symbol of affection was an interesting exchange. Each nibble she took, Poe only fell more in love with her.

Chapter 3—A Visit From an Old Friend

Takeshi Kovacs was making his rounds under heavy holographic cover. Although everything was peaceful, he still had to avoid the occasional dissenter wanting his brand of rebellion to fail. It was Takeshi who reinvented life as a human and brought back some semblance of equality to the classes and castes.

‘Why, Mr. Kovacs ! I didn’t think you would make it !’, Poe said. He was shocked that his lacrimal glands were actually functioning. He didn’t think it possible that an AI such as himself would be that sophisticated, nor understand emotions in all their complexities. He felt and he understood. He had wanted to become human even if it was only programming and nothing more. To Edgar, this was the only dream and desire he had wanted to be filled, that and of course, running the Raven with Annabelle by his side.

‘I wouldn’t miss my partner’s re-birthday. That wouldn’t make me much of a friend. Besides, it is an important day and this is a fine day to celebrate. Could you pour me a bottle of the usual ? Like old times ?’, Takeshi asked. He was in his original suit. This body was the one that Edgar had become familiar with and if anyone had asked his opinion, this suit was Takeshi. It was one body that encompassed his true identity and summed up his entire essence. Poe quickly served Takeshi’s favorite liquor and downed a glass himself. Alcohol had zero affect on his server, reaction or anything. He felt blessed since he never really wanted to experience being inebriated. He felt it was more or less a waste of time and energy when he could be doing more constructive work.

Chapter 4—Glory Days

With everything restored, Poe could replay all of the fond memories he had shared with Takeshi. It was a wonder he had survived this long, even through the human uprising and the settling of the castes. Everyone was more fair and life was more egalitarian. Yes it was true that there were places in the world that were quite perilous but, for the most part, life in the new world with all of its technological advancements was actually very lucrative and safe.

Poe was elated to be made new once again. Even though part of his day had been nothing but play and relaxation, he had laughed the remainder of it away with Takeshi.

‘I’d like to book a room for the night. You’ll awaken me at daybreak ?’, he asked. Edgar nodded. He would phone Mr. Kovacs in the morning before he departed for whereabouts unknown. While he did so, he bathed and shaved before settling underneath the soft blankets and having the underside of his head cushioned in comfort. The pillows were heavenly and the cushiness of the blankets made him feel at home, even though, that’s where Takeshi was going and it would take him a while to reunite with his wife, Quellcrist Falconer. He knew that they were living a quiet family life away from the busy din of the city and raising a family in a rustic cabin in the woods, off the grid. Harlan’s world was a realm all of its own, in the past. None of them would ever be returning and it was all for the best.

‘Here’s to better opportunities for Mr. Kovacs.’, he said to himself, taking a drink of whiskey. Annabelle took a swig herself and cozied up to him.

‘It’s best we take our cue from him and start shutting down for the evening. We need to power down for the night and recharge.’, Poe said. With that, the two went into their own chamber and curled up close under the covers. Annabelle kissed Poe deeply.

‘I want to be a permanent owner here, Edgar. I will be yours, no matter what. I wanted to integrate myself as a file, so if something should happen to me, I am there, incorruptible. I safeguarded the file with cryptocodes only you would understand.’, Annabelle said, holding Poe’s hands affectionately. He kissed her hands from one finger to the next, relishing her soft sighs of serenity.

‘Is that my final gift of the day ?’, Edgar queried. Annabelle smiled lovingly and nodded.

‘That is, only if you agree. I’d been planning on asking you but I know you value your independence. I didn’t wish to impose.’, Annabelle clarified. Poe didn’t have to think long or hard about this decision. Since Takeshi was going his own way, he knew he would be happier if a companion was with him. She was every bit his mirror, friend, partner and lover and he was more fulfilled now than ever. With all of that in mind, he shook his head in agreement.

‘Lovely. A kiss seals our contract.’, she said. Looking deep into his eyes, she held him close around his waist. Edgar lifted her chin and they locked lips. Since they were technically married, anything they would do together would be done in consent. It had been too long and he had been desiring to be with her in this way. It was altogether unbelievable how they intermingled. No words could convey the euphoria the two shared in their intimacy. It was a symphony, a poem made flesh. Nothing could compare to anything they had felt before. It was evident, the two completed each other and anything in the outside world or even in virtual reality didn’t matter. Whatever occurred, whether in the microcosm or the macrocosm, they would continue running The Raven and be able to venture outward, wherever they pleased all thanks to Annabelle’s ‘free range pass’, which never expired.

Epilogue

It’s said to this day that even though The Raven continues to be a high class, 5-star establishment that is loved and frequented by many weary travelers and patrons, Poe and Annabelle freely roam wherever they like. They mostly go on archaeological digs and relive old human history of ages past. They have seen everything and danced in just about every place one can bust a move to. They’ve held hands flying over volcanoes and stood on their tip-toes, kissing in the sunset on faraway beaches. Life has been extraordinary and their romance still stands the test of time. Some report that the lovebirds can still be seen, traipsing the light fantastic to wherever their fancy leads them. Love, indeed, indubitably, is a constant, and will forever remain as such, eternally. Thus it has been and ever shall be in their world without end. Amen.

The End