By Stephen Lodge
“You are right. If the brain pattern programme has malfunctioned, I will not be able to remember the three laws of robotics.” The steely right hand of the robot butler clamped on his master’s throat.
The director closed his eyes and sat back in his chair. “Okay. Thank you. We’ll let you know. Last audition of the day. People! Back here tomorrow, 8 a.m. sharp.”
What is wrong with Casting, he thought. I want a strong, tough, believable rogue robot and they send actors with speech impediments, a wooden leg, or the body of a girl gymnast. Deadlines. I’ve got deadlines!
A humorous peek into the life of a disgruntled director. Good job, Stephen.
Sci fi at its best does this: presents an alien situation instantly understandable. Like it a lot.
I like the intended humour, but may be showing my ignorance here – what specifically is a BRAIN PATTERN program? I grew up reading Asimov, the inventor of the 3 laws, and never heard it referred to as such. The program was always in the logic centre of the “positronic brain” and though all programs are patterns per se, why would this be singled out to be described as such.
I’d suggest that the dialogue line include a lisp or something, since the director’s muttering have no basis otherwise. I can picture an Arnie-like figure auditioning here, but it’s up to the writer to describe that.