Smile Command Error

by Sara Crocoll Smith

FUN, FICTION, FANDOM

a short-story

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories

25 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Author of the ghostly gothic horror series Hopeful Horror. Award-winning editor of Love Letters to Poe. (she/her)

Reviews

[Ulla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vera 257 is a beautiful red haired robot presented in a showroom. Her former programmer has plans for her to become something more useful than a household assistant.

I really enjoyed this story.

[Si Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short little story that packs a big wallop.

Vera 257 has been programmed to provide service with a smile. But when Rosemarie offers her the chance to be even more help, she can't help but accept.

“Are you aware 83 percent of the men in this room have not smiled in the last ten minutes, but the majority of the women have? The men do not appear to be causing discomfort for others. Why is there a continued insistence I smile as I serve you? I am providing my services in a perfectly functional manner.”

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story looks at what it is we really want from domestic robots. From those who think AI could solve our major problems to those who just want routine scheduling taken care of, we wonder if a smile is too much to ask for?

I enjoyed the writing style which is subtly feminist. More please.
This is an unbiased review.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vera is an Ai that has realised there was a chance for her to have a further chance of truly helping humanity it is just a shame that humanity is one of those that really doesn’t know what they truly need. I wish there was more to this book’s world at times and more about the professor. I loved the tale it just felt a little short for me.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, well done, tantalizing.

An author worth watching ...

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining story of android updates.

[Becky Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic short story about AI. I immediately fell in love with with Vera 257 and Rosemarie. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Angela Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interested to try a longer piece by this author.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short very good story! Liked it!