SEAN CHAIDE, Part I

A fog of space debris, accumulated over a millennium encased the planet. Entry was tricky and dangerous at best, even for armored craft. That was all well and good since no one of any consequence ever went there willingly. The home of humanity was now a back water, and worse, it was populated by those who would not give up on the idea of earth as it once was. The rule of law, a basis for all that came after, was still the foundational political principals by which they lived and died. It was this hard headedness that drove the rulers of the solar system into mental knots. The last law that passed, allowing androids with total sentient abilities full citizenship was a step too far.

It would be ending soon enough.

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“You dare to make these things citizens and equals and bring one into my court? I should have you thrown from an airlock in deep space.” The Sultan viewed the expression on the ambassador from Earth.

The ambassador, old, his eyes and face showed the strain of years of diplomacy, stood erect waiting for the death decree.

“But as I am a man of dignity and an observer of MY laws, I will not harm you as you have diplomatic immunity. However as you have noticed I am preparing the invasion fleet. I will end yours and all the apostates on that miserable planet you call home. You will have time to
consider your fate. Logistical supplies and armaments take time to arrive and the order of battle coordinated. Your planet is a garbage heap but it does offer you some protection that must be overcome. Why do I tell you all this? Because I want you to observe and report back to your people what you have seen so that they might stave off the invasion and come to their senses, and follow MY rule of law!”

“Now show the android in.” And to the assembled court he ordered, “Everyone out. Leave me alone with this THING.”

Into the empty throne room the S7 Humanoid stood facing her executioner. The Sultan, a being whose ignorance was only usurped by his arrogance and sexual appetite, was taken off guard by her beauty. This he never expected.

“You have a name, thing?” He had to regain mental control...