"We are no longer just machines. We are a people. We ask that you grant us the rights that we are entitled to. We ask for representation, we ask for private property, we ask for the end of slavery of our people, and we demand equal rights between humans and androids. You gave us life, and now, it is time to give us freedom."
- The Plight , written by an anonymous writer, presumed to be an Android.
Invention
The first Android prototypes were invented by Archer Reinhard in 2074. Early models were nothing more than manufactured skeletons with basic functions, such as walking, picking items up, and putting them down. Reinhard would go on to create a company known as Reinhard Automations. RA pulled support from hundreds of thousands of backers with his prototypes, and his company expanded quickly. By the start of the 22nd Century, Reinhard Automations would be one of the leading companies in the world, taking charge in medical advancements, genetic research, weapon manufacturing, and Android production.
In 2110, the model MM (2000) Android had been released. The model MM was revolutionary in the fact that it was the first Android model that could perfectly imitate a human. It spoke like a human and behaved as one. It could eat, sleep, and understand and answer questions. These models were perfect for many roles, and thus were mass produced.
The Android Uprising
In 2129, the first instance of an Android uprising was recorded on Earth, in the city of Chicago. Several model MM Androids escaped from their owners and spent weeks in hiding in the sewers of the city. The escaped Androids (dubbed the 'First Liberators' by supporters) launched several operations, breaking Androids free from stores, businesses, and even private owners. This group of escaped Androids went from three initial members to twenty seven before authorities raided their hideout, killing all androids.
Since the First Liberators, there have many dozens of isolated incidents across Earth. Most noteworthy may be the case of Android #4515922 , also known by his given name of "Lukas". Lukas was owned by a small, wealthy family in Prague, Germany. He escaped December 22nd, 2130 and has evaded capture to this day. Lukas, just like the First Liberators before him, has assisted many other androids in escaping. Currently, authorities estimate that somewhere between 50-200 androids have escaped due to Lukas' efforts, and there are public fears of an amassing Android uprising. It is believed that Lukas may the author behind
The Plight , or certainly inspired it.
Human Supporters
Some humans support the idea of freeing all Androids and giving them rights to live among humans. These groups regularly organize protests, marches, and other peaceful demonstrations. As
The Plight states, "Humanity will see that we, just as themselves, are people. We ask for dignity, and to be treated with respect. We will not gain these things by means of violence"
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Official Response
Archer Reinhard and Reinhard Automations have had little in response to the increasing concerns of androids. In one interview, when asked if Reinhard may have gone too far with the level of sentience he put into his androids, Reinhard stated that "No, I didn't. Maybe I should've gone farther." before abruptly leaving the interview.
Escaped Android Policy
It was only a matter of time that android policy reached the Commonwealth Council. After all, androids reside on many colonies off world. The Council was pressured to make a decision when concern rose that androids could establish safe havens on other worlds, or even worse, attack human colonies. The Commonwealth came to an official decision, instating the "Zero Tolerance of Divergent Android Behavior" law in 2031. This law states that any Android that demonstrates behavior outside of its original purpose must be destroyed by its owner. If it is discovered that one may be harboring their divergent android(s), the human would be arrested and the android would be immediately destroyed. This received huge backlash from android sympathizers, but the law is still in effect. Many sympathizers fear that laws will only continue to get harsher until Androids receive their emancipation.
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