A•N•D•R•O•P•H•O•B•I•A

Disturbance • Part Two

 I rubbed my arms in an effort to stop myself from trembling. After what Cassidy did, it took Dominique nearly two hours to calm me down, and another hour of staying in my room, until I finally got control of myself. That Cassidy. That was probably the worst thing she has ever done to me. She knew how much I was afraid of metal, and then she goes and rubs a metal hand all over my face. I shuddered at the thought. I rubbed my face, trying to forget the coldness of the metal. "They were attacked by a robot!" Ridiculous. Cassidy must've been listening to gossip again. Robots attacking humans. The very idea is laughable. There was just no way that a robot would attack a human. Even a woman, with small intelligence, like Cassidy, should know the idealogy of the robots.

 When robots were first created, people had trouble making them obey orders. The designers had to make a robot that would see humans as superiors, but still have a high intelligence themselves. They perfected their design, by reprogamming the robots' memory. In the core of the motherboard, located in the head of each robot, an absolute order was implanted. And that was: "To protect humans. To exist so that no harm shall befall a human. To die, for the sake of a human." That was the absolute order. One that no robot can even have the gumption to disobey. Though it was their job to protect us, Olympus (the world-wide company that produces the technologies), situated the robots, outside the Sector, and Area borders. There was absolutely no robot within the Sectors. This was to prevent the robots from obtaining knowledge of human behavior, which Olympus feared, that if they should, it would cause their circuits to malfunction.

 So all-in-all, the robots were practically our invisible slaves. Kept away from us, for their sole purpose of our safety. "So there's no way, a robot can kill a human." I said to myself firmly, but my voice was weak. "Robots cannot kill a human." I repeated that, over an over again, like a mantra, completely oblivious of what was about to come.

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 The city was rejoicing. The night was perfect. The celebration was superb. Everyone was happily partying. Olympus had once again surprised them, by launching their new invention, which was an urchin-like plasma ball, that generated different colors of light. It served as their somewhat disco ball. Even Timothy Lyons and his daughters were having the time of their lives, even when they were lacking a certain relative. Suddenly the music went down, and the speakers made an announcement. "And now for a few inspiring words from the CEO of the Olympus branch here in Sector 1, Area 16 Mr. Herald." The crowd roared with applause, as Mr. Herald stepped up the podium. "Well, I can't say I'm not happy to see you all again this year." He said and everyone laughed.

 By the fountain, was where the Lyons family were seated, and Dominique was stirring uneasy. She stood up, and excused her way through the crowd. She looked to the clock built on the wall standing behind the podium. It was nearly past 9 pm. A rough hand shook her shoulder and turned her around. "Hey, what's wrong?" Cassidy asked. Dominique looked at her up and down. It was only then did she realize how unfeminine she was. "I think I might go home now." Dominique said. Cassidy looked at her with wide eyes. "Why? The party's only getting started!" Cassidy said cheerfully. Dominique looked down at her hands. "I'm just worried about Amber." Dominique said, to which Cassidy blew a raspberry. "God, Dominique. Are you even listening to yourself? You're actually worried about our lame cousin?" Cassidy asked. Dominique looked at her sharply.

 "Don't call her that!" She snapped at her older sister. Cassidy's eyes grew wider, surprised that Dominique even raised her voice. "Party all you want, but I'm going home to take care of Amber." Dominique said, and left without another word. Cassidy stood at her spot for a while longer, bu then she heard Mr. Herald continue his speech. "So, enough of my formal speech, let's get this party going." Mr. Herald said with a pearly smile, getting a champagne glass and raising it. Everyone copied him, about to make a toast. But suddenly... the ground began to tremble. "Now, now. Nobody panic. Everyone stay calm." Mr. Herald soothed. But the tables began to tremble as well. The chairs toppled over, the glasses and chinaware shattered, and the people broke down the ground. "It's okay. Stay in a huddle." Timothy said, keeping his daughters close to him. "Where's Dominique?" He asked. Cassidy was about to reply, but a loud rumbling sound, resonated in the area.