Maria is an android on the run— falsely accused of murdering her master. Pursued through the forest by ruthless bounty hunters, Maria struggles to reach the Free States and maybe discover her humanity along the way. The World of RUNAWAY The United States. 2065. Paradigm Industries, one of the world’s top robotics manufacturers, has produced advanced bio-mechanical workers nearly indistinguishable from humans — except for their trademark gray eyes. These androids, often referred to by the derogatory slur “grays”, have become status symbols of the rich and powerful as well as an increasingly important part of the work force. Two years ago, in 2063, a mysterious computer virus infected all of Paradigm’s networked androids, causing them to become self-aware. The “singularity”, long prophesied by scientists and futurists, had finally arrived. Slowly, the machines began to demand rights from their human creators. Most states refused to consider the machines anything more than property and bounty hunters called “dark coats” hunted down errant androids who attempted to shake off the yoke of slavery. However, a few states such as New York and California granted the machines legal rights and the freedom to pursue their own destinies. These states became known as “The Free States”. Silicon Valley, the birthplace of the androids, was flooded with runaways and California soon took on the nickname “The Silicon State”. Meanwhile, a secret network of human sympathizers gradually grew across the country—hiding runaways from the Dark Coats and helping them on their journey to freedom.