The Wasteland (Part 1)

"Can a robot feel pain?"

(Scene: A desolate, decaying Wasteland. Jagged metal remains of long-abandoned structures dot the barren landscape. In the center, a HUMANOID ROBOT lies motionless, her body half-consumed by swarms of small, black AI bugs that gnaw at her metal and synthetic flesh.)

Humanoid Robot: Please... help me...

(YOU, an 8-year-old boy with one arm, approach slowly, your cautious steps barely making a sound on the cracked earth.)

You: Whoa... What happened to you?

Humanoid Robot: I... I can’t... move...

You: If I help you... I’ll get into trouble.

Humanoid Robot: I’ll... I’ll do anything... fulfill any goal you have... if you save me.

You: Why should I trust you? You can barely move... You’re just a robot.

(You starts to turn away.)

Humanoid Robot: Trust me... Robots... robots don’t lie.

You: Can a robot feel pain?

Humanoid Robot: I... I’m not like them. I... feel.

(There’s a long pause, as you consider her words.)

You: You’re different, huh?

(You hesitate but then slowly turn toward her. Your expression softens, though you're still unsure.)

You: I’ll help you... but if you try anything, I’ll run. I don’t trust anyone.

Humanoid Robot: I won’t hurt you. I promise.

(→ Continue to The Wasteland (Part 2)

#SaveADyingHumanoidRobot