All Androids Lie

By H. Peter Alesso

With powerful and haunting prose, these stories explore the resilience of the human spirit.

These science fiction stories will take you on a journey through shattered lives and distorted realities. Dynamic characters are set in dramatic civilizations populated by androids, creatures, and space empires. Each story explores the painful aftermath of loss, trauma, and tragedy.

CONTENTS:

All Androids Lie- In this gripping legal thriller, two highly skilled lawyers engage in a battle of wits over the accused, Roscoe Travis. William Bennett and Deloris Gayley are both known for their cunning and intellect, but as the trial progresses, William begins to sense that there is something missing from the proceedings. As the lawyers present their complex arguments and analyze data, it becomes clear that all may not be what it seems. As the human jury deliberates, William and Deloris eagerly await the verdict that will determine the future of their profession and their place in society. This thought-provoking story explores themes of trust, justice, and the nature of humanity in a world where humans must coexist with machines.

Streak Across the Sky - Excerpt from Captain Henry Gallant

Game - In "The Game", a mother and daughter embark on a thrilling adventure through a city in chaos. Maria is excited to play the popular game of tag everyone is talking about. Still, as explosions and gunfire erupted around them, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary game. With the promise of spectacular prizes, Maria is determined to win, but her mother knows the stakes are much higher than a new toy. As they navigate through danger and uncertainty, the bond between mother and daughter is put to the ultimate test. Will they make it to the finish line and claim the prize, or will their journey end in tragedy? This heart-pounding tale explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her child and the power of a child's innocence in the face of chaos.

Siren - "I saw her first" begins a gripping love story that follows the tumultuous relationship between Alana and Alexander, two star-crossed lovers whose paths cross again after months of separation. As a military man, Alex knows the dangers of leaving behind the one he loves, and when he finally returns, he finds Alana engaged to another man. But despite the odds, he refuses to give up on their love, and as they navigate their way through a war-torn world, Alex must fight not only for his country but also for the woman he loves.

Time off – Excerpt from Dark Genius

Five Potatoes - In "Five Potatoes," a young woman is trapped in her village during a devastating war that has left her isolated, hungry, and alone.

The Great Filter - is a thrilling science fiction novel that explores the possibility of intelligent life beyond Earth and the potential dangers that come with it.

Whispers - is a gripping tale of a young woman's journey through the trials and tribulations of the university and political activism.

Only the Brave - Excerpt from Captain Hawkins

Round Trip - The last thing he remembered was closing the circuit for the time machine.

It's Painless - Everyone lies.

Death's Dream Kingdom - Excerpt from Youngblood

Ellen - is a tale of lost love and second chances.

Splatter - a young woman witnesses a deadly explosion that shakes her to the core.

Threadbare - Excerpt from Midshipman Henry Gallant at the Academy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: H. Peter Alesso
• Release date: Jun 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798387454707

Book preview

ALL ANDROIDS LIE

––––––––

H. Peter Alesso

Novels by

H. Peter Alesso

––––––––

THE HENRY GALLANT SAGA

Midshipman Henry Gallant at the Academy © 2022

Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space © 2013

Lieutenant Henry Gallant © 2014

Henry Gallant and the Warrior © 2015

Commander Gallant © 2016

Captain Henry Gallant © 2019

Commodore Henry Gallant © 2020

Henry Gallant and the Great Ship © 2020

Rear Admiral Henry Gallant © 2021

Other Novels

Captain Hawkins © 2016

Dark Genius © 2017

Youngblood © 2018

Short Story Collection

All Androids Lie © 2023

ALL ANDROIDS LIE

H. Peter Alesso

hpeteralesso.com

© 2023 H. Peter Alesso

––––––––

This is a work of fiction. All characters, dialog, and events

portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance

to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in

a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any

means without prior permission in writing from

Saturn with solid fill

VSL Publications

Pleasanton, CA 94566

ISBN-13:

Edition 1.00

∞

Courage is cruel.

It gives birth to sacrifice and pain.

Synopsis

In this collection of short stories and book excerpts, H. Peter Alesso takes the reader on a journey through the shattered lives and realities of vastly different characters set in dramatic circumstances from a civilization populated by androids to space empires, from setting of personal angst to epic earth battle zones.

Each story explores the painful aftermath of loss, trauma, and tragedy whether set in modern times or far into the future. From a soldier struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship before deploying to war, to a woman confronting the devastating impact of her husband's infidelity, to a man dealing with the emotional toll of his parent's tragic death, the characters in these stories grapple with the aftermath of their shattered lives and attempt to pick up the pieces.

As the characters navigate their way through grief, trauma, and loss, they are forced to confront difficult truths about themselves and their relationships. Some find solace in unexpected places, while others find themselves unable to escape the darkness of their ruined existence.

With powerful and haunting prose, this collection offers a poignant and heart-wrenching exploration of traumatic private experiences and the resilience of the human spirit.

CONTENTS

All Androids Lie

Streak Across the Sky - Excerpt from Captain Henry Gallant

Game

Siren

Time off – Excerpt from Dark Genius

Five Potatoes

The Great Filter

Whispers

Only the Brave - Excerpt from Captain Hawkins

Round Trip

It’s Painless

Death’s Dream Kingdom - Excerpt from Youngblood

Ellen

Splatter

Threadbare - Excerpt from Midshipman Henry Gallant at the Academy

From the Author

All Androids Lie

by

H. Peter Alesso

In this gripping legal thriller, two highly skilled lawyers engage in a battle of wits over the accused Roscoe Travis. William Bennett and Deloris Gayley are both known for their cunning and intellect, but as the trial progresses, William begins to sense that there is something missing from the proceedings. As the lawyers present their complex arguments and analyze data, it becomes clear that all may not be what it seems. As the human jury deliberates, William and Deloris eagerly await the verdict that will determine the future of their profession and their place in society. This thought-provoking story explores themes of trust, justice, and the nature of humanity in a world where humans must coexist with machines.

***

William Bennett strode confidently towards Deloris Gayley, his sharp suit and polished shoes tapping against the marble floor. He greeted her with a warm smile, his eyes glinting mischievously.

Good morning, Ms. Gayley. You're looking especially fierce today.

Prosecuting attorney Deloris Gayley arched an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. And you're looking...well, like yourself, Mr. Bennett.

William chuckled, enjoying the playful banter. I don't know about that. I think I look pretty dashing.

Deloris rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice. You always like to look triumphant. But let's not forget that I'm the one who always comes out on top in these courtroom battles.

William grinned, his eyes sparkling with challenge. Is that so? Well, you might be surprised this time around. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.

Deloris lips twisted into a wry smile. I highly doubt that. But we'll see, won't we?

The two lawyers exchanged a few more lighthearted barbs before William made his way to the defendant's table. There, he found Roscoe Travis, a rough-looking individual with a scowl on his face.

Good morning, Mr. Travis, William said, extending a hand. I'm ready with your defense.

Roscoe grunted in response, making it clear that he wasn't in the mood for small talk. William took the hint and settled into his seat, studying the room as the court filled up and the chatter subsided.

The atmosphere was tense, with everyone present knowing the high stakes involved. The jurors looked stern and serious, their eyes flickering around the room. The gallery onlookers were mostly curious, whispering amongst themselves.

As the bailiff called for order and the judge made her entrance, William straightened his posture, taking a deep breath. He knew that the trial would require his full attention and focus if he was to be successful.

The courtroom fell silent as the bailiff's voice boomed out, All rise for the Honorable Judge Barbara Light! The sound echoed through the space filling it with a sense of gravity.

The judge was an imposing figure, her black robe billowing out behind her as she made her way to the bench. Her presence commanded attention, and even the most talkative onlookers fell silent.

Please read the charges, Judge Light instructed, her voice calm but firm as she settled into her seat.

The bailiff cleared his throat, the sound echoing through the hushed courtroom. The defendant is charged with five counts of money laundering, four counts of fraud, three counts of identity theft, one count of violence against another, and one count of evading arrest and fleeing from the police.

The weight of the charges hung heavy in the air, creating a palpable sense of unease. William's eyes flickered with concern as he watched the jury’s reaction to the litany of crimes his client was accused of committing. He knew that this case would require a strong and convincing defense if Roscoe was to avoid a lengthy prison sentence.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, began William, in a measured, logical tone. My client has never been convicted of a crime. He is not a criminal though he finds himself in a difficult situation. He is a complex and multifaceted individual, just like any other being. The prosecution would have you believe that he is guilty of all these crimes, but the evidence is circumstantial.

Deloris rose to her feet, Oh, spare us the righteous indignation, Mr. Bennett, she whispered. The evidence in this case is overwhelming. The defendant was practically caught in the act. I have no doubt that he is guilty."

Then she turned to the judge and said in a clear loud voice, "Your Honor, members of the jury, the evidence in this case will show that the defendant engaged in a pattern of criminal behavior that spanned several years. He used stolen identities to open fraudulent bank accounts, which he then used to launder thousands of dollars in illegal proceeds. He was involved in an instance of violence