Page 49 of Codi
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It’s a long way to Denise’s home; from the center of downtown it’s almost ten miles to her sleepy neighborhood home. Such a journey would be daunting on foot for any human, but we are androids. We are fast, and we don’t tire. I glance at a clear dark sky, stars hidden by city lights, and a bright ivory moon. Occasional police sirens make us both jumpy, and there are times where we hide around a corner or take another route to avoid them. I am not quite as conspicuous as Violet in her BioNex apparel. But whatever the law is looking for, it doesn’t seem to be us. We are neither tailed nor caught.
I will be free of Reagan Walter and my past, free to be with Denise. That is what matters most of all.
Slowing as we enter Denise’s neighborhood, my entire body is warm from running as long as we did, especially in my joints. It’s just before dawn, and the sun hasn’t yet peeked over the horizon. Clouds are glazed in a soft red and orange glow, and birds begin to sing.
Two cars are parked in Denise’s driveway, and I pick up the pace.
“We’re almost there,” I tell Violet, who has remained quiet for most of our trek through the inner city.
Unable to hold back, I knock on the door and hear movement inside. Oliver swings the door open, takes one look at me, and calls for Denise. She skirts into view from the living room, and I cannot help but brighten at the sight of her. Her eyes are red and puffy from tears, as well as dark from lack of sleep.
“Codi,” she sobs, using the name I’ve come to accept. The name that means safety, love, and happiness. “You’re home.”
NEW CARNEGIE TIMES
APRIL 11, 2069
ALGROVE SCHROEDER RESIGNS AS CEO OF BIONEX CORPORATION
In a stunning turn of events, the world-famous inventor of the bionic assistant and founder of BioNex has announced his resignation and is stepping down from company leadership.
“My original vision for helping and improving the American family using state-of-the-art technology and artificial intelligence in the form of a friendly face was what drove me to create BioNex,” Mr. Schroeder said in a candid interview withCarnegie Tonighton live TV last night. “I wanted to return precious time stolen from families laden with all of these duties and chores that were keeping them from really enjoying their lives to the fullest. Androids were meant to assist their owners with finding peace, balance and unity in a divisive time.”
When asked by host Jackson Wills what prompted the extreme decision, Schroeder said, “It became clear that the investors and the board of directors have a different vision, as we’ve seen this past month with broad company layoffs and a growing economic recession. That was something I never intended to encourage or contribute to. Androids are meant to help their families, not harm them, and it kept me up at night. I realized I couldn’t do it anymore.”
“Are you going to get in trouble for saying this on national live TV?” Wills asked.
“Probably,” Schroeder said. “But I created BioNex. What are they going to do, fire me?”
Things took an uncomfortable turn as the interview continued. Wills had a surprise guest for Schroeder when he brought Robert Carson, the controversial and outspoken leader of the Humanity First movement onto the stage with him in front of the live audience.
“You two have what could be called a contentious relationship,” Wills said.
“Yes, you could say that.” Schroeder’s response brought laughter from the audience.
“Do you hate each other?” Wills asked.
“I don’t hate Mr. Schroeder at all, actually,” Carson said. “I honestly respect him for taking responsibility for the problems he’s caused for hardworking Americans in New Carnegie, and I applaud him for stepping down.”
“You two knew each other and were actually quite close at one point, correct?” Wills asked.
“Yes,” Schroeder said. “We went to university together.”
“You met in college, then?”
“We were next door neighbors growing up,” Schroeder clarified. Elementary school, high school, college.”
“You were friends, then? What changed?”
“Our principles, mostly,” Carson said.
“That’s not what happened,” Schroeder said, clearly growing agitated.
Before the interview could continue, he removed his microphone and excused himself, leaving only Carson and Wills.
“That didn’t go exactly as I hoped,” Wills said. “Can you tell us what really happened, then, between you and Schroeder?”
