"The Democracy" is an intergalactic federation populated by colonies of varying economic and political stability. Residing in these planets are scores of extra-terrestrial races coexisting with humans. In the crevices of this complex world is a callous, cynical man and his "Baroni" partner working as scavengers: exploring desolated regions of the galaxy for anything that might turn a profit. In one of their searches, the partners stumble across "Greenwillow", an abandoned colony, ravaged by environmental disaster and economic collapse. They find a damaged robot among some other ancient technology. After repairing and reactivating the machine, the two interrogate it to deduce its value. The robot says his name is "Samson 4133", however, his handler "Miss Emily" calls him Sammy. In an effort to find out more about Sammy's purpose, the scavengers explore his memory core, watching holographic footage of Miss Emily growing up from childhood to settling on her deathbed. Miss Emily's life is full of ailments, afflictions and pain, prosthetic limbs and diseased skin being ever-present from the time she was born. All throughout this time of suffering, Sammy displays acts of kindness, compassion, and nurturing towards Emily. Studying the footage, the Baroni sees undeniable humanity and a capacity for emotion while the man sees nothing but a highly profitable "nursemaid" antique carrying out its programming. Sammy goes on to explain that after Miss Emily's death, he stood by her grave until his battery was depleted. The man responds that he'd be more useful working for another "Miss Emily," eyes bright at the thought of selling to the highest bidder. Sammy refuses, saying that he made a promise that he'd never leave Emily's side and that, though she was dead, the promise had no specified conditions. Shortly after, Sammy proposes a compromise, offering to agree to being sold by the scavengers if they give him the ability to cry. The man and the Baroni comply and begin to fit Sammy with mechanical tear ducts. Sammy solemnly reveals that he still cannot grieve Emily's death because he has no heart. Moved by the robot's sorrow, the man buries Sammy next to Emily's grave, allowing him to fulfill his promise.
