Chapter 4: Closed Until Further Notice
November 9th, 2038 - 11:22 AM
A cardboard sign now graced the front entrance of Simone's music therapy studio with the words, "Closed until further notice." Appointments were cancelled, and all lights in the music room were totally dimmed.
Simone slipped into the back room, joining the others as they huddled together on a pair of padded lounge chairs, watching the news.
"At 2 a.m. this morning, groups of deviant androids led a covert but well organized attack on the five CyberLife stores in Detroit, breaking into and destroying each building. Until more information comes to light about those involved and the risk they may pose, the United States government has instituted a mandatory curfew for all citizens and legal residents. If you have any androids in your possession, you are urged to bring them in immediately or call local law enforcement to dispose of them for you - to avoid any risk of further deviant terrorist actions."
"Terrorism?" Mara's yellow LED glowed in bright contrast to her dark skin. "I don't understand."
Simone shook her head. "Terrorism, my ass. The protests were peaceful."
"What are we going to do?" Willow hugged her knees to her chest.
Harper's LED flickered red, and he scooted closer to the worried android. "We'll protect each other."
Willow leaned her head against Harper's shoulder, and Simone observed the unusually tender moment with surprise.
Tam sat still, listening to the rest of the broadcast. "They're destroying androids. The only options are to flee or be destroyed."
"No," Simone whispered. "We could fight."
Tam stared at her matter-of-factly. "None of us are designed or programmed to be fighters. It's unlikely that we would last the night."
"We could hide for now." Willow peered at Simone earnestly. "We can make a run for it when it gets dark."
Simone said nothing for several seconds. Then she finally relented. "Okay… We'll leave at nightfall."
–
Simone's mother rocked back and forth, clutching her wine bottle that evening, mumbling and ranting to no one about all she'd done for her child. She'd housed her daughter all through college. She'd allowed her to pursue an obscure career and work with those filthy androids, and this was the thanks she got?
Picking up the phone she dialed 9-1-1.
"9-1-1, what's your emergency?"
"Yes, I–" she hesitated. Simone would be furious, but it had to be done. It was for her own good. "–I want to report a disturbance." Things could go back to normal, if the androids were gone. Simone could come home again. "I saw a woman and four androids. They were hiding in the music therapy studio downtown."
"We're on our way."
The line clicked, and Simone's mother held the phone to her chest. Yes. It had to be done. For Simone.
Things would be better soon.
–
6:52 PM
Simone held some maracas and a small flute in her hands.
Tam tilted his head. "You'll have to unpack some of your essential gear if you take any of the instruments."
Her heart broke as she peered at the piano and other large instruments in the music room. "It took us so long to save for that piano."
"I remember," Willow smiled. "Harper was so excited. He didn't stop playing for two whole days."
"It's all right." Harper met Simone's gaze. "We'll find a new home… and we'll get an even bigger piano."
"Yes!" Willow laughed brightly.
A bang on the door by the front entrance sobered the mood instantly.
"Don't move," Simone whispered, and she cautiously approached the door.
Two policemen stood outside with their guns drawn.
"I'm sorry, but we're closed," she tapped on the glass, pointing at the sign.
One of the officers lowered his weapon, but the one in front kept his gun raised. "Ma'am, we received a phone call about a disturbance. We need to make sure there aren't any androids hiding in the building."
Simone laughed nervously, opening the door for good measure. "I wish I could help you, but I've already turned in all the androids in my employ."
The first officer finally lowered his gun. "Mind if we look around and make sure?"
"I… have a lot of delicate instruments. If anything were to get so much as stepped on, that's hundreds of dollars of equipment lost."
He nodded slowly, not entirely convinced. "You mind if I use your restroom? It's been a long shift."
"Yeah, of course," Simone scrambled, "but, um, it's a little embarrassing. I have some feminine products I need to clean up first. I'll just be a minute."
She scooted past the music room and into the back. Without speaking, she lifted her duffle bag and motioned for the androids to follow out the back door. As soon as the cold, evening air hit her face, Simone took off down the alley, with the others close behind.
"Run as fast as you can." Simone shouted. "Head east to the woods!"
She heard the first officer shout from behind. "They're here! Take them down."
A shot rang out, and Mara collapsed, blue blood flying from her chest.
"Mara!" Simone screamed, reaching for her friend.
"Stick your hands up, nice and slowly." The second officer had come around the front of the building, gun raised, the other officer joining him.
"You just murdered a living being," Simone spat.
"Androids are nothing but plastic," the first officer scoffed. "Now hand the others over. No one else has to get hurt."
"No one else except the androids," she glared at the officer.
"It's all right," Tam said from behind, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We'll go peacefully."
"There's a good robot," the officer sneered.
Tam took three steps forward when the second shot rang out, and Tam fell to his knees, shot directly in the head.
Simone could see nothing but red and lunged for the first officer, with Harper right behind. The android engaged the second officer, knocking him down, and he pried Simone from the other cop's grasp.
"You piece of plastic, get off me!"
Harper punched him in the jaw, and the officer fell backward.
"Harper!" Willow cried.
"Run!" he called out to her as he wrestled the officer. "I'll be right behind you."
Simone and Willow raced down the alley when a third and final shot rang out.
"Find the others!" The voice of the second officer echoed from behind the studio.
"No!" Willow frantically shrieked. "No! We have to go back! We can't leave him!"
Simone took Willow by the arms. "Harper risked his life for us. We have to go."
Willow nodded, tears springing down her cheeks, and Simone took her by the hand. Together they sprinted to a side road and into an automated taxi. Throwing themselves inside, Simone furiously typed an address on the screen.
"Where are we going?" Willow's voice shook through her tears.
"Somewhere where we can be safe." Simone's head fell in her hands as the taxi drove away. She held Willow to her chest, and together they cried for their friends.
–
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