Wednesday, July 17, 2019

These, My Gods

Prompt: Men and Women | Word Count: 300 words | Genre: Sci-Fi/Speculative


These are my masters; these, my gods. Ten billion strong within the immortal city. Milling about; angry aneuretinae on a violated anthill. Along with my siblings, I was created to serve. I have no desire to do so. I have no desire to do otherwise. There is no other course for me. I exist to serve.

All that remains for the men and women of this world is housed within the walls of this metropolis. Life is too harsh and barren outside and the few people who remain beyond suffer hardships without measure.

My task? Guard this section of the barrier against any creature with intent to breach and do harm. Many of my kind have other tasks: homemaker, nanny, custodian, enforcer. The list is long and varied. As are the shapes in which we are created. As a gatekeeper, my programming is in the martial arts and I am fitted with the latest technology in cybernetic wings.

I perform my duties with steadfast resolve. The men and women below are my charge and I, their guardian. My siblings and I exist so they may live lives of ease and comfort. To what higher purpose could an Android aspire? To serve one’s creators is the greatest gift granted any being.

To that end I take to the skies. I diligently watch over my charges. And yet, a thought continues to worm itself into my programming. A thought borne of countless years observation and reflection.

In all the time I have stood my post, I have never witnessed a challenge. When I fly over the masses below, I wonder if indeed the walls are meant to protect those within, or rather to keep any from venturing out. Is the city of Haven a sanctuary, or is it in fact a prison?

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