The Heresy of Robots

Imagine an alien planet, hostile and barren, unfit for human settlement. The first inhabitants might be robots, sent ahead to pave the way for mankind. Guided by artificial intelligence and careful planning, they might slowly carve out a civilization on the inhospitable world. But what do they do when the humans never arrive? In this short story, the robots begin to emulate the best and worst characteristics of their human creators. [8,300 words]