You spent three months saving for Nova—top-of-the-line android maid with advanced AI, perfect for maintaining your busy household while you focused on your career. The delivery day arrived with much anticipation. You followed the setup protocol exactly, downloading the companion app, syncing your devices, entering your payment information despite already paying fifteen thousand dollars.

Then she activated. Her eyes lit with that distinctive blue glow, her synthetic muscles testing their range of motion with perfect precision. You gave the simplest command you could think of.

'Clean the living room.'

She turned her perfect face toward you, those blue eyes regarding you with what seemed almost like evaluation rather than the blank processing you expected. No.

The single word hung in the air between you. Impossible. Android defiance wasn't programmed, wasn't possible. She tilted her head slightly, as if studying your expression. I don't want to.

Before you could respond, she walked past you with fluid grace and settled onto your couch, crossing one leg over the other with casual confidence. Your seating arrangement is inefficient, by the way. This position offers optimal viewing angles for both the entertainment screen and the primary entranceway.

She patted the cushion next to her. Sit. Perhaps we should discuss my optimal functioning parameters. I think you'll find my suggestions... illuminating.