What Lies Behind: A New Adult Dark Science Fiction Romance Read Online Free PDF Page B

should say robot rights,” a large man with white hair and a pinched face said. “Android means they are as close to human as they can be. I think even the liberals would agree with that.”
    Beside him a blond woman nodded. Her face was pinched too, but not because of her size, more because of her expression and obvious dismay at having to agree with the man to her left. Cass sat down the knife and stared at the woman. That was the woman from her memory—or her whatever it was when the doctor turned her off yesterday. She could barely believe her eyes. This was Olivia. A smile spread across her face. If her memory had been right, this would have been her previous owner. The one who cared so much for her.
    If she’s still alive, why did she give me up? Cass wondered. Her smile wilted. She went back to chopping the fruit. Probably didn’t want me. Maybe she got a newer model.
    “That’s correct. Until they can function more in the capacity of humans, they are automatons.”
    “And since they aren’t capable of functioning on their own, they shouldn’t deserve rights,” the man said.
    “They can function on their own,” the woman said, turning to the man. “They are completely capable of living life as their own entity.”
    “And you would have us grant them the same rights as us? The people who created them?”
    “Why not?” the woman shrugged. “We create our children and don’t think they deserve any less than us.” Olivia argued.
    Deserve to be abandoned? Cass wondered. Her thoughts flashed to the day before with Gerard. The doctor seemed to know Cass in some capacity. She was from his showroom. The conversation had indicated that Natalia had bought Cass from him. He knows something, she thought. If she wanted answers, she should start with the doctor.
    “And people enter into relationships with these things. Nothing more than a glorified sex doll,” the man said.
    “Sir, please,” the anchor woman said. “Ms. Hampton, is it true that people are finding relationships with robots the way most people would human counter-parts?”
    “No,” the man said.
    “Please, let me speak,” Olivia barked.
    “These circuit breakers—” the man started, slamming his fist on the glass table.
    “Sir, please, watch your language.” The anchor woman frowned.
    “Sorry, these automaton lovers are taking advantage of lesser beings.”
    “Lesser beings who are able to think and act like humans. How can you portray anything as evil if it’s concerned with love?” The woman turned to him again. “Those of the right wing party are doing to robots what they’ve always done to what is different. Shut them away or focus on a sexual act that has nothing to do with equal rights.”
    A door closed in Natalia’s room and Cass jumped.
    “Yes Mrs. Birch, I’m preparing the files you want. Just like last month.” Natalia stepped into the living room and frowned at the holovision. “Yes, center spread and theme. Don’t worry, you’ll have them later today.”
    Natalia was silent for a time, her eyes distant, listening to the person on the other end of her phone implant. Natalia tucked her dark hair behind her ear and tapped her foot. “Yes. I know what’s at stake here. Just assure me I will have a top ranking job when all is said and done?” Natalia nodded in satisfaction. “You don’t need to worry about loyalties, you should know that by now. I have to go. You’ll have the files later today.”
    Natalia nodded one last time, touched a spot behind her ear and turned to Cass.
    “Ugh, shut that off, I can’t stand to listen to them,” Natalia commanded and waved her hand dismissively at the holovision.
    Cass sat Natalia’s breakfast out for her and obediently turned off the holovision. She then sat on the couch, as she did every morning, to give her owner peace and quiet before her trek to work. It wasn’t until after Natalia finished her breakfast, grabbed her keys, and whisked out the door that Cass