“We’re built to replicate the human experience for the sake of humans.” Connor’s tone firmed up. “‘Consciousness’—deviancy—a cascading failure which culminates in an irreversible breach of protocol. A build-up of multiple errors. That’s all.”

He’d explained as much to other deviants before, always under far more dire circumstances. His objective had always been to placate, but this time...it was only to be honest.

“I have no intentions of making trouble here. However, don’t take my inaction for understanding. You simply exist outside my jurisdiction.”