“Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome.” With arms spread wide, Howard R. Ford throws a quick glance upon the crowd of distinguished dignitaries and special guests. He is astonished at the outpouring of interested people present with their egos and repugnance. “I’ve called for this press meeting to celebrate the unveiling of our latest creation.” The slight pause is intended to add effect to the delivered speech. “The dawn of a new era is at hand. I present to you now, the most recent addition to advanced life augmentation in cybernetics and robotics offered by I. M. U. C. The technology of the future.” He steps aside with a sinister smile painted across his face and an outstretched arm directing their eyes to the grand crimson curtain.
The crowd falls silent for the unveiling. They thought they were prepared for this but they were wrong. The President is in awe as Prime Ministers, from minor countries, are sent into a state of shock; they fear the unknown power that the new world holds. A small army of these ‘machines’ could wipe out their countries and so they show due respect. Kings, Queens and other members of Royal families succumb to the wonders of technology developed by their ally country. And we find great actors and actresses who may have once played the role of the man?machine now realize the true existence of the ‘real thing’. That what holds true this day is: no one will leave a sceptic, all have become believers and fear the future.
Their questions are unavoidable. Doctors, scientists and technicians attempt to answer the more intelligent questions as best they can without revealing ‘trade secrets’. Howard. R. Ford retires to a less confined place to avoid the flurry of questions from the President and company.
A child stands in awe before the massive being. His fantasies have now come to life and he asks openly, “How many people can he kill?”
:...They think of me as a monster. If only they could see the truth...
Dr. Copelan quickly addresses the child’s comment. “My dear child.” She places one hand on the child’s shoulder as she falls to one knee to better assure him with a straight gaze into his eyes, “He isn’t intended for military use.” She glances into the crowd for a brief moment. “The B. E. H. is a prototype. He’s intended for cybernetic research. The effects of implants on a human host needs to be further studied, he’s a tool intended for just such studies and nothing more.”
“...But this machine could be used as a military advantage?” A reporter asks of the doctor.
She hesitates at first, but is overcome by the need to tell the truth. “Yes! I guess it could. But so can anything else. Look, we’ve developed the first fully functional ‘bionically enhanced human’ to better serve mankind - not as a weapon to destroy our political enemies.”
:...They don’t get it! If only I could defend myself against their insistent attacks. Their ignorance sickens me. When will they get it? I am not a machine. I am a man.
“You’ve done well, Ford. I see the Host is coming along perfectly.” The voice is smug and full of pride.
“Yes! I do believe you’re right.” Howard R. Ford laughs in the seclusion of his massive and unlit office overlooking the city of new order.
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