Free VOLITION (Perception Trilogy, book 2) by Lee Strauss, Elle Strauss Page B

toys, they were first developed and used by
governments and big corporations before becoming affordable enough for everyone
else. It was like a big sale had taken place when I wasn’t looking and everyone
had run out to buy one.
    I could understand the interest. The initial investment would
be recovered over a short period of time if you no longer had to pay domestic
help or an employee by the hour.
    And they were starting to look more human all the time. Skin
and hair, voice intonation, emotional expression—each generation would only
improve on the one before it.
    “My blog focus is more against GAP inequalities than the
problem with artificial intelligence.”
    “Both are the devil’s playground.”
    I slumped in the chair. “I’ll need some time to work on
something.”
    “Well, you’ve got fifteen minutes, so get to it.”
    Like last time, Finn settled into a chair behind me, and within
moments he was snoring. I took the opportunity to do a little web surfing.
    Zoe Vanderveen’s disappearance had dropped in rank on the news
charts as other world and national events took center stage. Lots of stories
about the cold snap hitting the northern states and Canada, and concerns about
whether or not we were about to enter another ice age. In contrast, there was
also unprecedented heat and drought in the south. All of which resulted in
growing food shortages, which stirred up civil unrest. People were protesting
government offices across the country. Politicians were shaking their fists at
the current government.
    Senator Vanderveen had a lot to say about it, too. Apparently
the disappearance of this granddaughter wasn’t enough to take him out of the
race. His campaign for the presidency was going strong. He ran with this
nation-wide feeling of discontentedness and professed lofty promises, that if
he were elected, he would bring about the change the people coveted and
deserved.
    It made me sick and a little frightened that he might actually
succeed in swaying the people to believe his lies. I renewed my determination
to do whatever I could to prevent that from happening.
    Finn snorted loudly, waking himself. “I don’t hear no typing,” he
said. “Get moving. I ain’t got all day. And don’t forget to add that everyone
who deals with humanoids is buying a ticket to hell!”
    Um, maybe not.
    My pulse jumped as I logged in. When the window when live, I
typed: Hey fellow protesters. Life off the grid is the hope of the future.
Don’t make friends with Big Brother. It’s time to ditch the chip. Control your
own destiny or be controlled!
    Did that sound anarchist enough? Enough to satisfy Finn? Tough
if it wasn’t.
    Senator Vanderveen can not be trusted. DO NOT give him your
vote! He doesn’t have you or this country in his best interests. He is out for
himself.
    I logged off quickly, remembering how fast they’d found me last
time I’d blasted the senator. They must have a program that trolled the
internet for any sign of dissent against the senator. Especially if it was
attached to my blog.
    “Short and sweet today, Finn,” I said, but he was still asleep.
All those secret middle-of-the- night bunker treks were taking their toll.
    It was getting dark earlier and I had to navigate my way back
to the house with the light of the stars, elated that they were out. The dark
sky meant the snow clouds were gone. We could leave at first light, and I felt
a burst of relief and anticipation. I wanted to go and I wanted to go now.
    I managed to pull Zoe aside to let her know before she headed
up to bed.
    “Are you sure?”
    “Yes.” We didn’t have a choice anymore, as far as I was
concerned. I didn’t trust Finn and there was always Grant to worry about. “Do
you think you can sneak out without being caught?”
    Zoe nodded and whispered, “I can’t wait to put on my jeans
again.”
    “Good. Gather your things and meet me in the shed as soon as
the girls are snoring.”
    I lay on my back with my hands tucked