“Sir, the central database is live. The numbers aren’t looking great.”

“How many?”

“Enough to cost a lot of money for retraining or recruitment.”

A robotics tech entrepreneur interrupted—“Nonsense.”

“What?”

“You heard me. Nonsense. My AP-1 will replace twenty or more.”

“What the heck is an AP-1?”

“Autonomous Police Model One. Complete legal knowledge. Instant recognition. Its entire chassis a single restraint and non-lethal weapon. Nearly indestructible. No de-escalation training necessary.”

“Then, why this database?”

“Budgeting. AP-1 needs no pension, no vacation, no health insurance. The data justifies the need. Not to mention, you’ll have a list of complainants.”