Primal Objective

Check out my experimental science fiction short story entitled "Primal Objective," told from the perspective of an android trying to protect a human child.

The story was published in volume eight of the magazine Write Ahead/The Future Looms.

Excerpt:

[Primal objective: PROTECT]

[Scanning…]

Outside temperature: 55°F/13°C. Sunset in 1.34 hours. Waning crescent moon.

[Evaluate chest and arm pressure sensors]

Human male child, age 2.4 years. Asleep. Steady breathing. Body temperature within normal parameters.

WARNING: Outside temperatures dropping. Child clothing and blanket materials insufficient.

[New objective: SEEK SHELTER]

[Scanning…]

Dumpster. Wooden pallet. Abandoned vehicle. Door to building.

[Zooming in...]

Identified: Chinese restaurant. Occupants?

[Scanning…]

Twelve heat signatures.

[Zooming out…]

[New objective: LEAVE ALLEY, SEEK SHELTER]

WARNING: Police in pursuit. Incoming sound and visual. Identified: Sirens, flashing lights.

[New objective: HIDE]...