UNPRECEDENTED IN THE INDUSTRY

By Ben Greenman

from forthcoming collection, as yet untitled

Of the automatons, the Roll Corporation’s newest model contains features which will make it an object of particular interest. Made primarily of aluminum and lab-grown flesh, the Roll A3-8 is realistic to an unusual degree. It is capable of operating when there are not others around, which distinguishes it in the field. But of course, it is most useful in its encounters with humans. It is designed not only to speak directly to people when it encounters them on the street or in a restaurant, but to do so in a way that makes those people feel, ever so briefly, as if they are the automatons and that the creature addressing them is flesh and blood. Dr. Connery, the company’s chief engineer, noted during a recent tour of the Roll facility that this “ontological displacement” is unprecedented in the industry. In addition, he explained, the form of the apparatus is both beautiful and efficient, particularly when it comes to the environmental cost of manufacture. The sense organs are a departure from any that have been developed thus far, and the artificial pores are a source of special pride. “It grows hair,” Connery said. “On the face, under the arms, in the private region. I would say this is true of both male and female variations on the model, but that would misrepresent gender. We do not have genders, only one marvelous invention that can be programmed—or, if you wish, decorated—to look like a member of either gender.” Connery then stood and grasped the edge of his jaw. “This is the moment when I peel back my face and reveal myself to be an A3-8,” he said. A secretary hurried into the room. “He is joking,” she said. “I am,” Connery said. “Of course I am.” The secretary laughed. “Of course he is,” she said. Connery did not laugh.