Gone are the days of soulless machines. With a simple tweak of a robot's AI, it's free to feel, to dream, to be noble. Anatali's field tests with public service robots proved humans feel more comfortable being arrested or saved by machines with personality. Thus came the Mark 7 FireBots, with Nicky being in the inaugural run.
Used to taking orders, Nicky is compliant compared to his siblings—he recognizes while protocol is important, it's not all-encompassing. Things change, as do his views and opinions about those he serves and protects. His remarkable interest in theater and literature is a passion he fulfills by watching street performers and patrolling city park amphitheatres.
Mark 7 FireBots are versatile and can reach 50 mph with a full tank in their bellies. The water joins with a flame-retardant powder, creating foam that extinguishes blazes with ease. Nome was better for their presence—at least until the catastrophe.
Fun Fact — Sent a litterer to the hospital after the man became belligerent, brandished a firearm, and resisted arrest.