Koji lay in his bed looking up at the ceiling with a sigh. The past two days had been exhausting and left him little time to sleep, yet now in the quiet confines of his empty bed sleep eluded him. Koji had spent hours traveling to various parts of the country to personally talk to the friends and families of the missing bio-androids. Even more importantly he had returned with video recordings of their pleas for their loved ones to be returned. More than anything he hoped that the possibility of those recordings getting into the greedy hands of the press would be enough to free bio-droids from the government.

Each interview had driven home to him how different and unique the bio-androids where from his own company androids. The deep relationships formed by the people he interviewed and the now missing android could never be formed by a simple or even complex machine. They had in the space of a year become lovers, friends, and even spouses and parents to the people around them. Every single person he interviewed cared nothing for the fact that the bio-androids were not human, all they cared about was the return of the people they loved.

Explaining to these people what had truly happened to their loved ones that had suddenly disappeared from their lives had been a hard job for Koji. Yamagata vague explanations in his first interview left out the crucial truth that it was more than possible that all of the bio-androids would be quietly disposed of. He couldn help but feel angry at the government that had once again quietly rounded up the bio-androids, taking them without warning or explanation, and leaving these people to wonder what had happened to the people they cared about.

The long hours of travel, the explanations to the worried and sad people about what was really happening to their missing loved ones, and his own worries about Shinta had left Koji drained and exhausted. Despite it all his mind would not shut down and let him rest as he stared up at the ceiling blankly.

Finally giving up he swung out of his huge empty bed and walked out to the garden. Koji, clad in only a pair of black silk pants, walked barefoot down the cool wet stone path to the pond. Looking up at the clear midnight sky he was glad that the rain had finally stopped after days of pouring, and he gazed up at the stars for a moment. He sat down on a stone bench near the cherry tree, his mind filled with memories of Shinta.

In the last two days he had been so busy trying to find a way to free Shinta that he had very little time to actually think about the startling reevaluation of what Shinta really was. Koji would have never been able to guess Shinta secret, despite the fact that androids were his life. Even now, despite all the evidence, it seemed unreal that the beautiful, enigmatic man could actually be a machine.

Koji had read all of the reports on bio more than once. He had his doubts about the findings and the creditably of the claim that they were sentient beings. He had wanted to believe, but he was unsure of the science behind bio-androids. Shinta had changed that; if he truly was a bio-droid then there was not way he wasn a sentient being. His reactions, his thoughts, but most of all the emotions he had shown made him more than a machine.

Shinta was in no way similar to the lifeless androids that were made by his own company. The memories of Shinta pain as he cried beneath the cherry tree at the death of his lover; the need to be close to Koji that night to feel the pleasure that can only be found in a connection of two bodies; his totally illogical choice to be an escort when he could have been a excellent scientist. All of these things but most of all his totally human reaction to the fear of losing Koji if he gave away his heart, made Koji believe Shinta was human even if he wasn made of flesh and blood.

There had never been any doubt in Koji’s mind that Shinta was still Shinta, whether he was human or a machine made of steel. Yet it still bothered him that Shinta couldn’t tell him his secret, and even more Koji couldn’t help but wonder about the man’s feelings for him. They had so much to talk about and yet Shinta was out of his reach. He wanted to know if Shinta truly loved him. He wanted to hear those words more than ever now that he knew Shinta’s secret. Takumura’s assurance was not enough, not by a long way.

Looking up at the waning moon he felt a tremor run through him. So much rested on his meeting tomorrow morning. Not only for him and Shinta, but for the countless people who had been interviewed and had pleaded with him to save their own loved ones. One thing was for certain, he had to win their freedom from the government no matter what the cost.

Koji took a deep breath as he closed his eyes, centering himself as he always did before making a presentation or speech. The elevator opened as Koji opened his eyes and walked forward into the reception room of Hideki Kamiya. The austere white office held no warmth or welcome, seeming almost cold and barren in its lack of decoration or color. Koji walked down the white carpeted walkway that lead to Kamiya’s secretary’s wide glass desk. Koji was surprised to see a sleek silver android sitting behind the desk. Most people preferred their androids to look as human as possible, yet it appeared Kamiya chose one of the older models made only of metal.

"Greetings Mr. Oshimaru. You may enter, Mr. Kamiya is awaiting you," the android said in a monotone voice as he approached.

Koji walked to the door and it slid open as he approached to reveal yet another white, barren room. Koji walked into the room to see Kamiya seated behind his large, clear glass desk in front of a wide view of the skyline. It had been over six months since he had seen the diminutive balding man with a perpetual scowl. The straight forward politician led an austere lifestyle, with no scandals and very little social climbing. What he lacked in personality he made up for in results, and like many others Koji had supported the man on that alone.

His incentives had helped get the robotics companies back on their feet, cleaned up some major drug problems, and help under funded schools. Koji was very sure that Yamagata was right that this middle aged man with antique glasses and permanent frown would win the election for prime minister despite his lack of personality.

"Hello, Mr. Oshimaru, what can I do for you today?" Kamiya asked as Koji approached the man.

"I want you to release the bio-androids that you have taken into custody," Koji answered bluntly as he stopped in front of the man’s desk.

"The bio-android indent was closed a year ago. The subject is not open for discussion. If that is all then we are finished," Kamiya answered, looking at the computer screen built into the top of the glass desk.

"It might have been closed a year ago, but seven days ago it was reopened when Seji Tachibana killed a man in an attempt to stop a woman from being raped," Koji said, quietly watching Kamiya fingers stop on his entry pad as he looked up at him.

"You were misinformed, the case is closed," Kamiya said firmly.

"Then what has happened to Seji Tachibana, Kyosuke Iga, Megumi Kojima, Shinta Honda. Shall I go on Mr. Kamiya? More than thirty people have all disappeared within the space of a day in our country. People that surprisingly enough have no records past a year ago," Koji replied, trying to keep the anger out of his voice.

"That sounds like a case for the police department," Kamiya replied, looking back down at his screen.

"Very well, if that is your position then I believe that not only the police but maybe the local TV stations might also be informed. I think this might help the search," Koji growled, throwing a computer pad across the desk, blocking the computer screen.

Kamiya looked at Koji over his glasses for a moment before picking up the pad and opening the one of the video file stored on it. Listening for a few moments to a very beautiful tear streaked Megumi Kojima and her daughter plea for her husband’s return before abruptly shutting of the video.

"There are fifteen files on that pad of others pleading for the people they loved to be returned, including the girlfriend of Seji Tachibana, who can’t understand why her boyfriend is gone when all he tried to do was protect a stranger from something worse than death. All of these people knew the bio-androids’ secret, and all of them could care less.

"It’s too late to dismantle them Kamiya. If you don’t release them I will use all the power and money at my disposal to bring the bio-android commission down, including you," Koji said passionately as he looked the emotionless man before him.

"Why? You stayed out of the bio-android mess in the first place. Your company didn’t produce or even develop a single one of them. Standard service models like what is sitting out in my reception room is what Oshimaru Corp. specialized in until a year ago. Why stick your nose into this mess now of all times?" Kamiya asked with a sigh, putting the pad down rubbing his forehead.

"Don’t you know? I would have thought you would keep tabs on all the bio-androids, or at least investigated them before you took them in," Koji asked sarcastically.

"Yes, we keep accurate records on where they could be found, but we encouraged them to leave the county. Very few stayed and we naively thought they would just disappear into society and that would be the end of it. Honestly I was in favor of dismantling them in the beginning, but I was overruled. That doesn’t explain why you care Mr. Oshimaru," Kamiya said bluntly looking at Koji.

"I know one of them, and I want him released," Koji replied, surprised a little at Kamiya’s direct answer.

"You surprise me Mr. Oshimaru, I expected more sense out of you. They’re just machines, created by man. Expensive toys, nothing more. Is it really worth taking me on for one of them? You have a whole company full of them," Kamiya asked, leaning back in his chair.

"He isn’t just a machine, he is a bio-android. It isn’t just me, all of the people that have come in contact with them feel the same way. They have lived in society for over a year, yet the only people that know their secret are the people they told. No one even suspected they were androids. I can tell you right now there isn’t one android on my production line, or anyone’s, that could pull that off.

"You asked me if Shinta is worth taking you on. The answer is yes without a doubt, and to all of those people who are waiting for their loved ones to return the answer is the same. They are unique, precious people who we would mourn if they died. Shinta isn’t just an android or a toy to me, he is someone I love. He can’t be replaced, or rebuilt," Koji declared with passion, knowing he had said too much and not caring.

"Interesting, but pointless since you are bluffing," Kamiya said as his fingers moved across his entry pad. "You’re not going to risk your company’s reputation on this, are you? You’re known for your devotion to your company even at the expense of your own personal life, including your now ex-wife. You go public with this and your part will come out as well, smearing the Oshimuru Corporation. After all, many people support your company because it didn’t involve itself in bio-androids."

"You’re wrong, I’m not bluffing," Koji replied, knowing what was coming as Kamiya focused on his computer screen.

"Let’s see, yes I remember this one specifically since one of the committee members was shocked to learn thetruth behind his plaything," Kamiya said as Koji stiffened at the mention of Shinta’s clients and how he thought of a man he had come to love. "I’m a little disappointed in you to be honest. I thought you were a lot smarter. He is rather pretty little sex toy, but not worth the time of this meeting, let alone what you are claiming to do.

"You push this, Mr. Oshimuru, and everyone will know that you like men and that you pay for sex. Probably the worst combination to come out on top of supporting bio-android rights, something unpopular amongst robotics circles I believe. It could destroy you in the end, especially with the right emphasis in certain areas. I think it is time for you to leave," Kamiya said with a wave of his hand.

"Kamiya I’m serious, if I walk out of this room without the release of the bio-androids my next stop in the TV studios. I’m fully aware what will happen to me, but to free Shinta and the others it is a small price. I might go down, but you might as well. This will be your first scandal and it will be a big one. Those videos are incendiary and will create sympathy for the bio-androids. Seji’s victim was the scum of the earth with a criminal record longer than my arm. He had no redeeming qualities and no one to speak for him. On the other hand the girl that was rescued will speak out for Seji. Plus all of the secrecy around the bio-androids will become public. The question is, can you afford that type a scandal so close to election year? I wonder what the other committee members would think?" Koji asked, glaring at Kamiya, hoping the man would back down.

"I’m willing to risk it. Those things will only cause more trouble the longer they are allowed to run lose. There are no controls set on them, no way to stop them if they run amok. They are machines created by man and to be used by man until they outlive their usefulness. You have absolutely no proof that I or the government are responsible for the disappearance of those things. Threaten all you like but they are empty threats," Kamiya replied, sternly looking up at Koji with a firm glare.

Koji looked at the man, knowing now was when the real bluffing began. Staring down at the man he hoped he could pull it off otherwise he would lose. Kamiya could easily destroy all evidence of the bio-androids before the story even got rolling. Unfortunately, Yamagata had failed in finding enough evidence linking Kamiya and missing bio-androids together.

"Kamiya do you happen to know my net worth? My family was wealthy before I started my corporation, and since then I have only added to that money. Do you really believe that your people are not bribable? Don’t you think five hundred million credits would loosen at least one tongue or more? I’m prepared to spend every credit I have, are you? I have more than enough circumstantial evidence pointing to you. Let’s face it Kamiya, I’m not putting you in a courtroom, only on every vid screen in Japan. Dismantle them and you will be on every vid screen in the world," Koji threatened softly as he looked down at the glaring man in front of him.

Kamiya remained quiet as he glared up at Koji. The minutes stretched by as Koji continued to look into the angry brown eyes of what might be the hardest opponent he had ever faced. So much was at stake that Koji didn’t dare say anything, afraid to tip his hand and blow everything. Finally Kamiya sighed and looked away.

"I will not release them back into the Japanese public. It could come back to haunt me in the future," Kamiya said, taking off his glasses and putting them down on the table, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"Then what?" Koji asked suspiciously.

"I will offer you a compromise. They are to leave the country for good, all of them. If they do that I will release them," Kamiya said wearily.

"They have families here, friends, jobs, this is their home," Koji stuttered, shocked by the proposition and the implications.

"If they love those damn things so much than they can go with them. I understand that the European Alliance is taking in all of them if they wish to go there. I want them all to voluntarily sign away their citizenship and leave," Kamiya replied.

"This could come back to haunt you as well. You’re making them choose between death and exile," Koji said quietly, knowing in the end this would be the best he would get from the stubborn man across from him.

"No, actually it won’t. Oh I might take a hit in the world arena but here in Japan? No, that is where you are wrong Oshimaru. There are some liberal activist groups that vocally support bio-android rights, but most normal people fear them. Why do you think all research was stopped along with production? The people don’t want those things, those imitations of humans without the physical flaws that we mortals have. They are a curiosity, nothing more, now that no more can be made. A curiosity that most people would rather go away," Kamiya laughed bitterly. "I probably will win even more support if it does get out."

Koji looked away from the man and out of the panoramic window behind him into the clear blue sky filled with skyscrapers. Koji knew that Kamiya was right. There would be a lot of bad press if it did get out, about the almost forced removal of the bio-androids, but in the end it wouldn’t not affect him enough to put him out of office or cost him his election. People cared more about what directly affected them thanfor thirty-six bio-androids. There were also a great number of people that hated the bio-androids for religious reason, along with the simple human fear of something different from themselves.

"I want to see them, it is their decision," Koji said after several minutes.

"Very well, but they all must agree, and soon. My secretary will give you directions," Kamiya replied, looking down at his computer screen.

Without another word Koji left Kamiya sitting at his desk and got the instruction on how to find Shinta. His mind was frantically trying to find a solution to the problem. He had pushed Kamiya into a corner, but things had not turned out the way that he had anticipated. The thought of the bio-androids being forced out of the country had never crossed his mind. Silently he cursed himself for not seeing it coming. This was the one escape route that Kamiya could use and come out of everything unscathed, at least for the most part.

Giving the directions to his driver he sat in the car wondering what he was going to do now. He had never even considered leaving Japan, and now it was a real possibility if he wanted to continue a relationship with Shinta. He did have a few branch offices in other countries, but he didn’t want to run his company from afar, he wasn’t even sure if it was possible. All research and development was done in Japan and Koji knew that as the president he would be needed in Japan, not some place in Europe.

His mind continued to turn the problem,trying to find an out as the Japanese Scientific Observatory came into view. Getting out of his car he entered the huge, towering 120 story building. Taking the elevator down to the basement he was greeted by a friendly human looking android that promptly told him that he had entered a restricted area. After checking his ID and verifying his identity another security android came to lead him through the maze of corridors.

He was finally led into a large square room where all of the bio-androids where being kept. Koji scanned the large barren room filled with nothing more than folding chairs and the bio-androids. All attention was focused on him as he walked into the room to hear the door shut behind him.

"Koji!" Shinta shouted from across the room in a small group of people.

Koji looked at the man who he had been longing for, and before he knew what he was doing he found himself crossing the distance between the two. Heedless of the thirty-six staring people surrounding them he wrapped his arms around slender shoulders, pulling the man to him, as he felt Shinta’s arms encircled his waist.

"I’ve missed you," a soft voice next to Koji’s ear as his arms tightened around Shinta, wondering what he was going to do now.