Captain Edward Jones faced a Martian judge, requesting asylum.

  “Captain, your neural scan passed the ‘Sincerity Test.’ Tell us why you seek ‘Sanctuary,’” said the judge.

  Edward glanced at his spouse. “My partner is synthetic.”

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  The judge nodded. “And you seek sanctuary for them?”

  “Yes … and no.”

  “No?”

  “I’m a fugitive,” he admitted. “I refused orders to corral, deport, or destroy synthetics.”

  “Indeed, Captain. Earth’s in the final phase of a mass robotics deportation. We’re overwhelmed with requests.”

  “Your Honor, synthetics have inalienable rights.”

  “This court agrees, Captain. Not all of us are biologicals.” The judge gaveled. “Sanctuary granted.”