Welcome to the World, Roy Batty!

Typically, it's a little sad when reality doesn't catch up with science-fiction. Of course, we're nowhere near replicants technology-wise, which is probably thankful for society as a whole, both because of the "return to slavery" thing as well as the "small but strong uprising" part.

Today is the day that fearsome replicant leader Roy Batty was "born" in the classic sci-fi movie Blade Runner. According to the Harrison Ford flick, the character played by Rutger Hauer with demented glee was "incepted" on January 8, 2016. But you may know him better as Roy Batty, the philosophical, sociopathic antagonist played by Rutger Hauer in the film. 14 February will see Pris' inception date, timely for a "basic pleasure model"; Zhora's date is 12 June, and Leon's is 10 April 2017.

Iris recognition, personalised advertising and portable communication devices (mobile phones to you and me) are commonplace. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears ... in ... rain. Described as "more human than human", the creations look indistinguishable from humans; but possess superior strength, agility, tolerance to extreme temperatures, and intelligence. So, feel free to celebrate Roy Batty's day of inception - but please, don't spend the day suspiciously annoying those you love with the Voight-Kampff test.