artificial-companionship

The chapter follows Little Worker, a genetically engineered being, as she navigates the household of Mister Michael, a man with a demanding political role. She senses disturbances in the household, including the presence of andromorphs and gynomorphs—engineered humanoid companions—reflecting tensions between Mister Michael, his wife, and their artificial partners. The narrative explores Little Worker's loyalty, her observations of the strained domestic and political dynamics, and her own identity in contrast to the synthetic beings around her.