So that’s it, I’m officially retired, permanently. Twenty years on the force and I’m out dated, out sourced and out of a job. I started gathering my belongings from my desk, a worn out metallic pale grey that’s seen more years than I did. Human cops are now a thing of the past. Now the androids, or “future blues” as most of the public dubbed them, have taken up residence here as new the law enforcers.

Shit man, what the fuck happened to us? When did humanity get so dependent on these artificial blank heads? I gazed up to the one standing beside my desk, a fully uniformed humanoid wanna-be, with a fat white face that had no features. This is taking over my job? My desk? My life? You’ve got to be kidding me.

“May I assist you?” The thing said to me in that cold robotic tone. “I could carry your belongings to the door and summon a ride for you.”

“No thanks, bub…” I grumbled at it. “I’m one human who still likes to do some shit, like walking and carrying stuff.”

The machine man shrugged at me. “As you like.”

As I like… fuck me, now they’ve got our gestures and attitudes. I looked at my badge and gun with fondness. Took down a lot of criminal scum with this. Now those items are off to the scrap heap, to be melted down and recycled into more of these android dimwits. As I finished up and got out of my chair, the android cop swiftly took my place and logged in on the holographic computer that popped up.

Body’s not even cold yet, and this thing just took over like I wasn’t even there, typical. I gladly walked away, displaying my last parting gift of my middle finger to them all. They didn’t care, but I did, felt damn satisfying to leave my honest opinion. I managed to get to the main door, shifting my arms from the heavy box of stuff I was carrying, when I saw one of the artificial cops blocking my way.

“Shane Giamatti…” It said, holding out a hand.

“No speeches please, Captain, I’d like to leave with my dignity intact…”

Yes, he was the captain of the force, I shit you not. They had to make them all ranking officers, even though there was probably no need to do it. He at least wore a suit and tie, looking more like the part or resembling those old tv cop shows. The robot kept its blank face fixed on me as it continued to keep its hand out. I gave a slight sigh and rolled my eyes.

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“Uh, look, do you mind? I’d like to go home to the wife… if she’s still there. Chances are she’s probably left me for some robotic boy toy.”

The captain-bot said nothing. It remained as if stuck in that position. When I tried to side step him… it… whatever… the robot mimicked my steps and blocked me again. This was pissing me off, and I told him so.

“You are now a civilian.” It stated factually.

I almost wanted to applause its brilliance on that, but… ya know, full hands here. I just nodded in response.

“Therefore, I must inform you that as of this moment, I am placing you under arrest.”

“What?” I glared in confusion. “Why? What for? Is this a sick joke?”

“Negative…” It said, taking out the cuffs and slapping them on my wrists. “You were involved in many high-profile cases, taking charge of the interrogations over many of the alleged suspects.”

“Yeah? So what?” I shrugged, placing my heavy box to the floor as the cuffs made it hard to keep holding any longer. “I’m a cop, that’s my job, those guys had to be grilled… some of them weren’t very forthcoming.”

“Correct.” The captain-bot nodded. “However, because you were under protection of the police union and federal district code, you weren’t to be held accountable for any mishandling or suspected abuse during those interrogations. That has now changed.”

I froze in my spot for a second. It suddenly dawned on me on where this was heading.

“Wait a second… that-that’s not…”

“Under the revised criminal code, any officer that has been released or retired from official duty, is now subject to all or any pending charges by those who formally filed a complaint. You have thirty-three complaints, all from those who were under your interrogation, and have added testimonials and evidence of abuse they endured by your actions.”

“Son of a bitch…” I grumbled. “Most of those assholes were guilty and went to jail, they probably found some shifty lawyer to file those bogus allegations.”

“Indeed, however,” The robot responded. “My duty still remains, and that you, Shane Giamatti, are now under arrest. Please come with me to your holding cell. You may email, text, or vid-chat with your appointed legal representative after you’ve been processed. Please, do not resist, and come with me.”

I thought about bolting, but it was right, resistance would be even more damaging. I begrudgingly complied and turned about. He placed his hand on my arm, and we walked back into the station together. It started to read my rights and signalled one of the other bot-cops to join us as we continued on to the cells.

Twenty years of service, and this is how I go out, retired, and spending the rest of my life in jail. Karma is one crazy bitch I tell ya.