Rebel Lexis by Paul Alan Page B

would far exceed the amount of just powering her down and buying a new model.”
                  “No, I won’t have it…you will repair her at all cost.”
                  “Alright, but even if we try, we can’t promise that we’ll succeed, and any work done will be billable.”
                  “Like I said, whatever the costs. Also, can you do any reprogramming?” Jason inquired.
                  “Why, what are you thinking?” the Technician asked.
                  “She seems to be very jealous in nature…she believes, she’s in love with me.”
                  “Those characteristics must have been imbedded during the initial build, and those specific attributes were taken from your DPHQMS.” She responded to his question.
    Memory affected by the long journey, he dumbly asked, “Again, I’ve had a long day, please remind me what that means?”
    “The Desired Preferential Human Qualities Mind Scan we did on you was used to program your SYN; based on your needs and desires we created your SYN.”
                  “I didn’t order a sex toy but a co-pilot,” Jason reproachfully mouthed.
    “Well, we can do additive programing. However, anything already programmed has been imbedded into a very complex neural network.”
    “Basically, you can’t remove her jealous nature.”
    “Correct, Mister Bjorn.”
    “Great…”
    “Was there any additive programming you would like?” she asked.
    “There are two more aspect I would like to improve; her use of combat arms, and also, I want to give her free will.”
    “We have found that those two make for a very bad combination, Mister Bjorn. We can accommodate the free will, but I will need to get an approval for the combat arms.”
    “What about the security models or combat models you sell?”
    “What about them, Mister Bjorn?”
    “They have knowledge of using weaponry,” he responded.
    “They are for specific clients, who are approved for their use.”
    “I am not asking for a full autonomous Combat SYN but I am looking for peace of mind, knowing my SYN can defend herself.”
    “She already has all those features, except the use of combat arms, and you will need to get approval.”
    “Fine, I will do just that!” Jason responded with a contemptible lift of the chin, and fidgeted in his chair.
    “The next thing I need for my report, is cause?” the Tech asked.
                  “What report? Aren’t we talking about saving my SYN here?”
                  “Well, Mister Bjorn.”
                  “Please, call me Jason.”
                  “Jason, we have to report all damage or the mistreatment of Synthetic People to the Office of Earth Population and Census Commission.”
                  “I don’t understand…why would you have to report my damaged property to them?”
    “Although the SYN is your property, we take all incidents to SYNs seriously… We need to know what caused the damage to your SYN.”
    “What are you implying?” he suspiciously asked.
    “Nothing, Jason…however, since the Polaris Corporation investigates all alleged accidents involving synthetic people, we here at SYNTECH, will not be held liable for the actions of the SYN owner.”
                  “I see…this is all about making sure you’re not blamed if one of your products starts running around causing mayhem.”
                  “Yes, that is true…however, synthetic people are not actual people but nor are they just mindless robots…your contract stipulates that you be held liable for their well being.”
                  “Listen, I assure you, I did not intentionally harm, Sofia.” Jason waved non-negligently.
                  With creased brows, Jason watched the Technician furiously write something down on to her scroll pad, and he wondered about her