Chapter Thirty-Three: Finally Working

Howard and Bridget receive an invitation to New Landing where Mark reveals that the Huey Project—a technology allowing humans to remotely operate advanced mannies for extended periods—has successfully completed its first week of full-time operation. The team presents the breakthrough and discusses marketing strategies to capitalize on public interest and existing concerns about mannies and replicants.

Howard and Bridget travel to New Landing via manny pods at MannyPark, noting an alert about increased Luddite activity near the facility. Both modify their mannies' appearances as a precaution before heading to the Institute. They arrive to find Mark, Terry, and several management suits eager to present something significant. After Howard curtails the planned presentation, Terry dramatically reveals she has been operating through a huey manny for a full week without experiencing any glitches—a major breakthrough proving the technology is finally viable. Mark confirms the Huey Project is ready for implementation. Howard recognizes the significance: all attendees are shareholders with personal stakes in the project's success. Hector Rodriguez, the management leader, outlines a marketing strategy that leverages public fears about mannies and replicants, positioning hueys as a way for ordinary people to "even the playing field" with replicants and extend their effective lifespan by six to ten years. Bridget notes that even the terminal senescence phase can be productive using a huey, and mentions ongoing research to delay that phase further. Howard approves moving forward with the project.