AYRN, still nursing a simulated welt on his digital head, watches Lance with a deflated expression. The master was spending an unusual amount of time studying the newly revealed humanoid robot, and AYRN can't shake off the feeling of unease. Despite the lack of an AI embedded within the robot, it still felt uncomfortably close to being an android.
The way Lance's gaze lingered a bit too long on certain areas of the robot's body made both AYRN and Sebastian exchange a knowing look. The master was clearly captivated, but not necessarily in the most professional sense.
Lance suddenly breaks away from the robot, clearing his throat in a forced cough to mask his embarrassment when he notices the pointed stares. Cheeks tinted with a slight blush, he instructs AYRN, "Leave this one as it is. But ensure all the subsequent ones adhere to the default designs."
His face adopts a solemn expression as he adds, "We won't be implementing 'that' phase just yet."
Understanding the gravity of his words, AYRN nods in agreement. Lance's stern command is a clear indication of the severity of the situation.
Changing the subject, Lance inquires about the progress of AYRN's 'sister', another AI in their grand scheme of things. AYRN's expression turns sour as he reluctantly replies, "I wish she'd communicate more. The last message I received stated that project Water Gate should be operational within the specified timeframe, give or take a few months."
Lance listens thoughtfully, a hand absentmindedly stroking his chin. "That'll do," he finally murmurs, seemingly pleased with the progress. He then adds, "Also, ramp up the production of the Mark 7 Fabricators. Construction in the new town should begin as soon as we get the paperwork processed."
The directives issued, the room once again falls silent, except for the soft hum of machines and systems ticking along, painting a picture of steady progress towards an ambitious goal.
Lance leans against the table, his fingers swiping through holographic documents that hang in the air. After skimming through several files, he makes a phone call.
In a well-lit office space, Elizabeth Tanaka is jolted out of her focus by the buzz and ring of her phone. She pauses, breaking away from the pile of documents that have claimed her attention. "Hello, Lance, how can I help you?" Elizabeth answers, her voice warm with familiarity.
"Ms. Tanaka, I just wanted to congratulate you on acing that interview," Lance begins, his voice holding a hint of cheer. "Also," he continues, pausing briefly to draw a breath, "the final designs for the helmets should be ready on time. How are things coming along on your end?"
The mention of her recent success and Lance's subsequent inquiry brings out a brighter note in Elizabeth's voice. "Everything is actually ahead of schedule. With the help of this little cutie, we were able to speed things up." The 'cutie' she refers to is NYRA, AYRN's 'little sister'. A holographic projection of the AI, sporting adorable twin tails, hovers in Elizabeth's office.
Lance, visualizing the scene, feels a wave of satisfaction washing over him. "That's perfect," he commends in a steady tone, but there's an unmistakable undercurrent of confidence. "I'll be out of town to meet with a few officials. We'll be moving onto the next phase of Project Deep Dive by the end of the month. Don't forget to have the plans for Project Helping Hand and Project Godfather reviewed and ready for implementation."
"Understood. We will continue with the preparations," Elizabeth replies, her words filled with determination and an unspoken promise of results.
Ending the call, Lance turns his gaze towards AYRN, his expression serious. "I'll leave the rest here to you." His words hang in the air as he walks out, with Sebastian trailing behind him, leaving AYRN in the quiet hum of the vast robotics facility.