Summary: That's how things work around here.
Disclaimer: I'm just a fanfiction author. All hail the rightful owners.
Author's Note: This story is apparently what happens if I listen to audio fiction about sentient spaceships while riding in the car with my family. Can't imagine why.
Content Disclaimer: Bigotry.
"Sandiego, come back later. I'm busy." The deputy commissioner declared.
The girl frowned, nodded, and turned around.
One hour later.
"Not now, Sandiego."
"Right."
One more hour later.
"Can't you see I'm busy?"
"Well can I make an appointment?"
Three hours later
"Fine, woman. What is it?"
The young detective swallowed. "The A.I. you have me working with…"
He took a bite of his afternoon sandwich. "Huh?"
"Artificial intelligence, well actually that's probably not the right word anymore… there will probably need to be new language for…"
"Spit it out, Sandiego."
"He's sapient."
Languidly, the commissioner declared. "I know."
Not allowing the comment to register, the detective continued. "I mean he's… well he's a person." She declared. "It's unlike…"
"I know." He repeated.
"What?" It wasn't his knowledge that seemed to shock her but his disinterest. "But the ethics."
Shaking his head, the man adopted a paternal tone. "Did C.H.I.E.F tell you he's unhappy, my girl?"
She flinched at the endearment. "No."
Pointedly, he pushed. "Do you think he's unhappy?"
"No." Carmen admitted.
"Then, what's the problem?"
"He's a feeling, sentient, living person."
The commissioner chuckled. "He's a robot, Sandiego. People have flesh and blood."
In his opinion, the girl was giving it far too much thought. "But that's not quite right." She mused. "The robot part is Chief's body, and he doesn't even like his body. From what he's told me, I don't think he really conceives of it as well… his. He'd probably leave it if the technology could..."
He interrupted. "Would you quit going on about words already and tell me what the problem is?"
"Chief is a sapient person." She emphasized stubbornly. This particular detective was always so fiery. "And you don't even pay him."
"Pay?" He chortled. "What would a robot do with pay?"
"Whatever he chooses." She answered between gritted teeth.
Temper, temper. "Who is this really about, Sandiego?"
"What?"
"This is about me overruling you on the Dawson case, isn't it?"
She looked back steadily. "You know it is not."
"Look," He shook his head. "The robot probably doesn't even realize he's … human." He grimaced. "He has everything he wants. He's blissfully happy. So why are you here making a scene?"
"Chief should have a choice."
He laughed. "To be miserable?"
"No." She said quietly but firmly. "To stand up to us."
Gesturing widely, the commissioner announced. "We made him!"
Carmen looked at him, with those child's blue eyes of hers, and suddenly he felt rather worried. "I wonder if Chief knows he is capable of choice. I wonder," She mused disturbingly, "If he thinks any detective here is."
"Is that a threat, Sandiego?"
She met his gaze with a confidence he'd never seen on her before. "No sir." She said coldly and turned to leave. "Until next time, commissioner."