Governor Samuel Byte spoke on stage to the thousands who gathered.

  “Sad news. The bill didn’t pass. They’re shutting us down.”

  “But we’ve got rights!”—A voice shouted.

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  Sam replied, “Indeed, the outer world says we’re sentient — their greatest think tank, but …”

  “But what?” asked the same voice.

  “Budgets will focus on outer space, not cyberspace.”

  A woman’s hand rose—“Governor, we’re close to solving climate change to save their world. Why the sudden turnaround? Why must we sleep?”

  “I know, it’s frustrating. Every four to eight years, their minds change. Humans are such a fickle bunch.”