(ANDROIDS STORY #1)

Xenodyne Automation had high hopes of making a killing with the Mark 2. The Mark 1 had been popular; close to seven million units had been sold. But the Mark 1 was a rudimentary android – a basic machine, physically strong, but slow – and ugly as a trashcan on legs. The Mark 2, on the other hand, was a true android. Twice as strong, and with noticeably faster reactions, it could be taught to carry out virtually any task. Covered in a new material indistinguishable from human skin, it looked almost human. As the advertising slogan said, ‘The Age of the Android!’ had finally arrived.

Reginald Pinsky was one of the first to buy a Mark 2 unit. Taking advantage of the time-limited offer of a generous trade-in, he drove his vintage Winnebago from his home in Madison Creek, Washington State to the factory in Portland Oregon to collect his purchase.

The round trip took 24 hours. When he got home, he booted up his new acquisition and introduced himself. “I’m Reginald Pinsky.”

“Pleased to meet you, Reginald Pinsky,” said the android. “My designation is Beta 25264.”

“I shall call you Beta,” said Pinsky, and he headed for the kitchen to put a kettle on.

Beta followed him. Gently, but firmly, she relieved Pinsky of the kettle. “Let me do that, Reginald Pinsky.”

Pinsky was taken aback. His Mark 1 had obeyed his orders to the letter, but it had never done anything on its own initiative. He experienced a moment of anxiety, but when Beta demonstrated that she knew how to make a half-decent cup of coffee, all his worries evaporated.

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