411 on Books, Authors & Publishing

They look like us. Act like us. But
they are not human. Created to perform the menial tasks real humans
detest, Synths were designed with only a basic intelligence and
minimal emotional response. It stands to reason that they have no
rights. Like any technology, they are designed for human convenience.
Disposable.

In the city of New Lyons, Detective
Jason Campbell is investigating a vicious crime: a female body found
mutilated and left in the streets. Once the victim is identified as a
Synth, the crime is designated no more than the destruction of
property, and Campbell is pulled from the case.

But when a mysterious stranger
approaches Campbell and asks him to continue his investigation in
secret, Campbell is dragged into a dark world of unimaginable
corruption. One that leaves him questioning the true nature of
humanity.

And what he discovers is only the beginning . . .

---

How to Spot a Synthetic

They look like us.  Act like us.  But they’re not human.  Created in a lab to do the tasks humans can’t be bothered with, synthetics are custom built to serve.  But how can you tell if the menial behind the counter, the nanny watching over the children in the park, or the landscaper tending the flowers is one of us… or one of them?  Perhaps it’s best to let the marketing department at Walton Biogenics answer that question…

Excerpt taken from a recent Walton Biogenics advertising campaign…

Purpose Built.  Each synthetic is designed with care and precision to be perfectly suited to their intended use.  Through the application of extensive, patented genetic technology, we at Walton Biogenics have sculpted your new synthetic to the tightest specifications for the task at hand.  Laborers boast a significantly higher degree of muscle fibers; undercity workers conform to physical standards compatible with the tight quarters they must negotiate, and domestics bring a balance of pleasing aesthetics and readiness to serve in any way you see fit.

Works of Art.  At Walton Biogenics, we believe that a synthetic should be more than just a tool.  Aesthetics matter, and while form may follow function, we strive to make every synthetic a work of art.  Our dedicated focus to bilateral symmetry, classic lines, and appealing curves will ensure that your investment in one of our synthetics will not only get the job done, but will keep a smile on your face for years to come.

The Finest Programming.  We don’t just grow synthetics and ship them out the door.  When you purchase a Walton Biogenics synthetic, you can be sure that, in addition to being designed from the ground up to meet your needs, they have undergone extensive training and programming, so that they can handle any task within their design specifications.  But more than that, we make sure that every synthetic is capable of even more.  Whatever model you choose, they’ll come standard with a suite of skills guaranteed to cover your basic needs – and even some more exotic ones!

The Walton Biogenics Promise.  In modern times, it seems like nothing is built to last.  Walton Biogenics is here to change that.  Our synthetics are guaranteed to work, period.  If you experience any problems or performance issues, simply take your synthetic to any one of our convenient service centers and you’ll be provided a replacement, free of charge, with no questions asked.  That’s our promise.

*Note: Offer excludes products intentionally damaged by the purchaser.

---

J.T. Nicholas was born in
Lexington, Virginia, though within six months he moved (or was moved,
rather) to Stuttgart, Germany. Thus began the long journey of the
military brat, hopping from state to state and country to country
until, at present, he has accumulated nearly thirty relocations. This
experience taught him that, regardless of where one found oneself,
people were largely the same. When not writing, Nick spends his time
practicing a variety of martial arts, playing games (video, tabletop,
and otherwise), and reading everything he can get his hands on. Nick
currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife, a pair of
indifferent cats, a neurotic Papillion, and an Australian Shepherd
who (rightly) believes he is in charge of the day-to-day affairs.