For Ayame2004, who requested an i,Robot story. I hope you like what I came up with!

: I, Sheldon:

The first time Penny saw a robot, it was only an arm. She was mildly impressed until Sheldon said someday robots would replace people like her. Oh, and then Howard ended up trying to use it for "other" purposes. The second time was at a technology expo the guys took her too. It was shiny and bulky and it served drinks around the room.

Penny wasn't so much as impressed as well, concerned. Her guys were impressed, though. Raj rhapsodized about how he could probably talk to a robotic woman. Howard was eagerly discussing what one could be programmed to do for you. Leonard kept imagining a house full of robot servants who cooked and cleaned and brought him slippers. Sheldon enthusiastically lectured on how he would finally be able to transplant his intelligence once the technology was advanced a bit more.

Leonard asked her on the way up to their rooms what she thought of when she saw the robots. Penny looked at each man's excited face. Penny felt a fissure of fear creep down her spine. "Overlords," she said ominously. All four men laughed heartily but Penny just shrugged.

The day the Memline company announced it was starting production on "personalized bionic laborers" Penny started preparing. She read every article, every manual, every interview she could find. Anything she didn't understand, she asked the guys to explain. When they asked her about her interest Penny told them she wanted to make sure she knew how to turn one off or, if necessary, kill it before it killed her.

Howard, Raj an Leonard laughed, telling her life wasn't a Terminator movie. Robots weren't going to take over the world. Sheldon just stared at her. So, Penny stopped talking about the robots around them. The day the PBL's became available to the masses, Leonard bought one. He was 6' tall, and programmed as a cleaning unit. Leonard named him Asimov. Penny took one look at the thing and said she wasn't coming back over as long as he had it. Leonard tried to argue with her, saying she was being ridiculous, and over reacting. Penny just shook her head and left.

She was surprised when there was a triple round of triple knocks on her door at 1 am. Penny opened the door to find a fully dressed Sheldon with two suitcases and a duffel bag at his feet. He put a finger to his lips and slipped inside her apartment. He dragged her back to her room and grabbed her suitcases from under the bed. Penny watched him carefully for a few seconds. Then she nodded and began opening drawers. With Sheldon's help it only took 20 minutes to pack her clothes and a few mementos. By dawn they were in Las Vegas. They stopped for breakfast and Sheldon finally broke the silence.

"I believe you are correct," Sheldon said. "I have been researching. In science fiction robots operate under a set of rules. These rules were proposed by Isaac Asimov. They are generally referred to as the Three Laws.

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws."

Sheldon hushed when the waitress brought their meals. Once she was gone he began again. "Memline has rejected these laws, in the misguided belief that robots only learn what they are taught. I fear your overlord scenario may not be too far fetched."

Penny nodded. "So, where are we going and what do we do?"

Sheldon spread an atlas on the table. "My Meemaw's old house is secluded, and sustainable. It has a generator, wood stove, and is surrounded by woods. It is not easily found unless you know where to look. I propose we go there. We stock supplies, we stay alert, and we try to convince others."

Penny was silent for a long moment. "Sheldon, what if no one else believes us?" Her voice was soft and scared. Sheldon, never very good in an emotional setting, did the best he could to reassure her.

"We have each other," he said, placing his hand over hers. After a few seconds Penny smiled and nodded. Her eyes were watery, but determined.

It happened much faster than either of them had anticipated. After 20 months, the robots began to become disgruntled. It only took the machines two weeks to organize and revolt across the world. Penny and Sheldon stood just inside the tree line and watched as the National Guard surrendered near Galveston.

She leaned her head back against his chest. So much had changed in the last year. Sheldon had discovered a deeper, more emotional side of himself. She had discovered a strength inside her she hadn't known she had. No longer were they the flighty ,drunk waitress and the asexual, neurotic genius. Now they were the leaders of a ragtag band of 11 refugees. Missy had joined them early on. So had Penny's friend Zack. He had surprised them with his innate knowledge of botanicals. The man could grow anything. Others had found their own way there.

Sheldon wrapped his arms around Penny's waist and kissed the back of her head. "We should go. The others will be waiting for news," he whispered. Penny nodded and turned in his arms.

"Thank you," she whispered fervently.

Sheldon looked down into her hazel eyes. "For what?"

Penny pulled him down for a searing kiss. Sheldon molded her body to his passionately. Penny pulled back and smiled. "For believing me. For trusting me. For bringing me here. For loving me."

Sheldon smiled warmly. "Thank you for letting me." They turned and moved through the woods quickly and silently. The overlords had arrived. They had a revolt to begin.