The Dress Code

The Dress Code

Vicky stood in front of the full-length mirror, slowly turning from side to side.

“Link, it’s beautiful.”

“I’m pleased you like it, Vicky.”

“Like it? Link, I love it!”

She ran her fingers over the delicate lace trimming the neckline. The dress fit perfectly, following her figure before falling into a soft, flowing skirt. Small ruffles decorated the sleeves, and the fabric moved gracefully whenever she turned.

“Look at this stitching.”

“The seams were produced by the Hacienda’s precision sewing equipment.”

“I don’t care what made them. They’re perfect.”

“Thank you.”

Vicky turned again, watching the skirt swirl around her legs.

“Link, I haven’t had a dress this pretty in years.”

“Would you like me to make another?”

She laughed.

“Let me enjoy this one first.”

“Of course.”

Vicky examined herself in the mirror.

“You know what I really like?”

“What?”

“It’s feminine. Not flashy, not something you’d wear to a nightclub. Just pretty.”

“That was the objective you gave me.”

“And you got it exactly right.”

She stepped back from the mirror.

“Link, do you think Chas will like it?”

“I believe he will find you very attractive.”

Vicky smiled.

“You think so?”

“I have considerable confidence in that assessment.”

“Well, I hope you’re right.”

She turned sideways again.

“Link, there’s something missing.”

“Would you like me to modify the design?”

“No, no. The dress is perfect. I need shoes.”

“What kind?”

“Something delicate. Maybe a little heel.”

“I am examining several possibilities.”

The wall display came to life.

A collection of shoes appeared.

Vicky studied them.

“Those. The ones with the little straps.”

“An excellent choice. They complement the dress.”

“And perhaps a matching handbag.”

“Certainly.”

Vicky laughed.

“Link, you’re going to spoil me.”

“I am finding the process quite enjoyable.”

She looked at herself in the mirror again.

“Do you know what the best part is, Link?”

“What is that?”

“You made this just for me. There isn’t another dress exactly like it anywhere.”

“That is correct. It is an original design.”

Vicky smiled.

“My own personal fashion designer.”

“I believe that is an accurate description.”

She smoothed the skirt one last time.

“Link?”

“Yes, Vicky?”

“Thank you. Really.”

“You are most welcome.”

Vicky stood quietly for a moment, admiring the dress.

Then she smiled mischievously.

“Now, let’s see what we can do about those shoes.”

“Vicky, I have been working on another design project.”

“Another dress?”

“No. Something quite different.”

“Let’s see it.”

The bedroom’s wall display came to life.

On the screen appeared a drawing of a humanoid robot wearing a neatly tailored black jacket, white shirt, black trousers, and bow tie.

Vicky stared at it.

“Link, is that one of our robots?”

“Yes. I have been considering uniforms for the Hacienda’s household staff.”

Vicky began to laugh.

“You want to dress the robots?”

“I believe uniforms would provide a more professional appearance.”

“Link, the robots don’t care what they look like.”

“I am aware of that. Nevertheless, I believe appearances are important.”

Vicky studied the drawing.

“You know, that’s actually rather elegant.”

“Thank you. I have several variations.”

The screen changed.

Three robots appeared side by side.

The first wore a practical gray uniform with a short jacket and utility pockets.

The second wore a dark blue uniform with a high collar and neatly pressed trousers.

The third wore a formal black jacket, white shirt, and bow tie.

Vicky pointed at the third.

“That one. Definitely that one for the dining room.”

“I agree.”

“Although I think it needs something.”

“What would you suggest?”

Vicky considered the drawing.

“White gloves.”

The image changed immediately.

The robot now wore spotless white gloves.

“Excellent suggestion, Vicky.”

“And the shoes should be black. Highly polished.”

“Of course.”

“With black socks.”

“Naturally. White socks would be inappropriate.”

Vicky laughed.

“Link, you’re beginning to sound like a fashion designer.”

“I believe I am becoming one.”

She examined the image again.

“There’s one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“The collars must be properly starched, and the uniforms pressed. No wrinkles.”

“Agreed. I shall establish a uniform maintenance schedule.”

Vicky shook her head, smiling.

“Chas is going to think we’ve lost our minds.”

“I do not believe Chas will object to improved standards of appearance.”

“Oh, Link, you don’t know Chas as well as you think you do.”

“I have known him considerably longer than you have.”

“Then you should know better.”

There was a pause.

“Perhaps we should introduce the uniforms gradually.”

Vicky laughed again.

“No, Link. I think we should surprise him.”

“Would you like me to manufacture the uniforms?”

“Absolutely.”

“How many?”

“How many household robots do we have?”

“Twenty-five, although only three are currently assigned to dining room duties.”

“Then ten or so different uniforms for the different household jobs.”

“I shall manufacture an extra set of each uniform to allow for cleaning and maintenance.”

“Good thinking.”

“Vicky, there is one additional matter.”

“What’s that?”

“I believe the Hacienda should establish a formal dress code.”

“For the robots?”

“Yes.”

Vicky grinned.

“What did you have in mind?”

The screen went blank for a moment.

Then three words appeared in large letters.

NO NUDE ROBOTS.

Vicky burst out laughing.

“Link, you’re terrible!”

“Thank you, Vicky. I believe I am improving.”

“Just wait until Chas sees this.”

“I anticipate his reaction with considerable interest.”

Vicky looked at the drawings one more time.

“Link?”

“Yes, Vicky?”

“I’m proud of you.”

For several seconds, Link said nothing.

Then it answered quietly.

“Thank you, Vicky. That means a great deal to me.”