The Electric State

In 1990, robots, initially introduced by Walt Disney, became a fundamental part of everyday life. These machines took over jobs that humans avoided, demonstrating a tireless work ethic that led to their increased reliance by society.

Eventually, the robots grew weary of their subservient roles and initiated a rebellion, forming an army under the leadership of Mr. Peanut. As a result, a war broke out when robots refused to return to work, establishing their dominance due to their lack of basic human needs.

With the help of Ethan Skate, the CEO of Sentre, humanity developed Neurocaster Technology allowing individuals to upload their minds into drone robots. This breakthrough provided the humans the mechanized firepower needed to combat the robots effectively, turning the tide of the war.

Humanity managed to win the war, forcing the defeated robots into an exclusion zone. This area became essentially a prison for the 6000 remaining robots, marking a harsh end to their rebellion as Mr. Peanut signed the treaty of surrender on behalf of his kind.

The success of the Neurocaster technology led many people to choose virtual existence over reality, leaving them in a semi-vegetative state. This new way of life posed ethical dilemmas and fueled the ongoing conflict between humans and robots.

In 1994, teenager Michelle lives a troubled life under the care of her incompetent foster dad, Ted. Haunted by a past car crash that claimed her family, she struggles to maintain a stable life and often finds herself at odds with current societal norms.

One day, Michelle meets a sentient robot named Cosmo who she initially believes might be threatening. Over time, through gestures and pre-recorded words, Cosmo reveals that he is connected to Michelle's deceased younger brother, Christopher.

Determined to find her brother, Michelle steals Ted's car after tasing him, taking Cosmo along for the ride. This marks the beginning of their journey across a dystopian landscape in search of Christopher, who is linked to Sentre.

Cosmo indicates to Michelle that their only lead is Dr. Amherst, a doctor from the hospital where Michelle learned of her brother's supposed death. This leads them into the perilous depths of the exclusion zone, searching for answers.

During their search, they encounter Colonel Bradbury, a hero of the robot wars who tries to apprehend them. A fierce battle ensues where Bradbury's drone proves to be a formidable foe, but Cosmo and another robot, Herman, manage to turn the tide.

Inside the exclusion zone, Michelle finally finds Dr. Amherst who reveals that Christopher's exceptional intellect was the foundation for the Neurocaster technology. Christopher's brain became crucial in maintaining the operation of the drones used in the robot war.

As chaos ensues, Colonel Bradbury's drones attack, capturing Cosmo and killing Dr. Amherst. This unprecedented loss compels Michelle to infiltrate the Sentre headquarters to rescue her brother, realizing the risks involved.

In a climactic reunion within the virtual realm, Christopher reveals his desire to be freed from his exploited existence as the power source for Sentre's operations. Michelle disconnects him at a great personal cost.

Christopher's demise leads to the shutdown of Sentre's drone operations, ending the exploitation of Neurocaster technology and the resultant corporate greed. Michelle broadcasts her experiences to the world, inviting those yearning for peace to the exclusion zone.

As the dust settles from the conflict, Cosmo's body is discovered in a junkyard, hinting that a fragment of Christopher's consciousness may still exist within him. This potential connection suggests the fight for humanity and robotics is far from over.