The Holy Machine

In a city-state founded as a haven from religious fundamentalism, George Simling grapples with his belief in logic and reason as he falls in love with Lucy, a robot with near-human qualities. As he suspects Lucy’s consciousness might be more than just machine malfunction, he faces questions about the nature of sentience and the morality of artificial life. Chris Beckett’s story explores themes of love and consciousness within a futuristic society, challenging the distinctions between humans and machines.