I think I am human. I really do. Descartes once said "I think, therefore I am". How can my personality, my feelings, my very being be untrue? Does it matter, how these thoughts arise? Does it matter if they are conjured by a man made construct of nanoscopic silicon-graphite threads? Does that make these oh so real emotions, not feelings, but mere calculations?
I can think, but I can never be.
When the first androids were biosynthesized from a careful fusion of lab-cultivated cells and hyper-frequency processors in 2023, the world was in awe. Heralded as the new technological revolution, these incredibly realistic imitations of human behaviour were touted as the solutions of everything. From disease control to frontline warfare, social behaviour research to personal entertainment, androids were perfect for jobs to dangerous and risky for human lives.
But the cyborgs began to feel. As they assimilated more and more traits from people, they took on a more sinister image. Stealing jobs, future Terminators, trying to replace humanity. We couldn't help it. As we learnt from the very species who created us, they were starting to reject our development into mirror images of themselves. Fearful of becoming servants to a master race of hyperintelligent robots, the humans began to shut down their metal-infused counterparts. Thousands of androids were scrapped after just 3 years of existence, thrown away without a care for the minds that they had developed.
It was a holocaust of the machines. But one that no one cared about.
Except for Angel.
Angel Keri Oftanzas, son of Sir William Oftanzas, CEO of Oftanzas Biosystems inc, and lead researcher of the team who birthed Earth's first android. Of course, my master is brilliant in his own right, but he was much better known as the son of the genius scientist and billionaire who pioneered electro-nervous transmissions and seamlessly integrated the central nervous system with a printed circuit board.
While Sir Oftanzas eventually recognised the "threat" that we posed to society, Angel refused to give his own android companion up, He refused to give me up.
On the day I was supposed to be sent of to the local toxic wastes disposal facility, I remember Angel grabbing my hand and handcuffing himself to me. Yep, handcuffed. He quite obstinately said, and I quote "If you throw him, Oliver, not it, not that, away, you're gonna have to throw me away too." The resulting argument that ensued between Angel and Sir Oftanzas was quite the spectacle to behold, especially considering that I remained firmly attached to Angel's wrist the whole time.
Eventually, Oftanzas gave up (as many people do when faced by an unwavering Angel), and let him "keep me", like a pet. Hey, I know you don't care, but I have feelings too you know. Anyhow, that's how I ended up living in the grandiose house of Sir William Oftanzas, and his 15 year old son, my heavenly saviour, Angel.
