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"You understand, don't you, Randi?" the man asked as he was opening the giant wooden crate.

"Yes sir, Mr. Martin. I understand," Randi said with his head hung low.

"It's just that if technology lasted forever, companies wouldn't be able to sell the next model. I'm sorry, Randi. You know how fond we are of you."

Randi nodded, dismantling his recharging station. Curious, he thought. I, an android, seem to be more sentimental than an organic human.

Months later, the factory worker unpacking the deactivated Randi swore that when the light hit Randi's face, he saw streaks of dried tears.

2 comments add one below

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    Neville Hunt over 8 years ago

    I like this Christopher. I can almost see the rust beneath the dried tears. I like the way you are able to create mind pictures for me. Thanks.

  • avatar

    Christopher over 8 years ago

    Thank you, Francis and Neville.

    It's one thing to make a toaster or a fridge with the intent of it only lasting a few years so they can sell you another. But what happens when technology reaches the point where the machines actually think or even feel? The metaphysics of it are fascinating, I think.

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