(Poem: 9.8.21)
As they handled the electro-shears
and approached the target,
there was not a hint of
hesitation or doubt in their mind.
The task needed to be done,
the contract fulfilled,
the client satisfied.
Determination coursed
through the ones and zeroes
of their processing core
as the certainty of the
plan-action-consequence
(PAC)
drive kicked into gear.
Service selected,
the client,
too,
knew what was coming
and was ready.
‘Are you certain – please confirm yes or no?’
‘Yes.’
‘Clear to initiate
electro-shear facial cleanse
number 668
– please confirm yes
or no?’
‘Yes. Confirm.’
‘Initiating.’
They reached forward
and,
as they were about to begin,
the client began to scream.
— Behaviour dissonance. —
— Expected parameters. —
— Code 43 engaged. —
With a sickening crunch,
restraint tendrils clasped
the client’s limbs to the chair
and held them fast.
Their fear was irrelevant,
the confirmation had been given
and there was no
going back.
Electricity crackled through the air
as the barber-mech began to work.
On their lifeless face,
one could almost be forgiven
for catching the faintest reflection of glee.
A machine doesn’t feel emotion.
AHF Writes 