Chapter 23: Touring ZMI Underground

Author’s note: I somewhat changed my writing style. That and the length of this chapter is what took me so long to post it. A total of 6.5k words. Hopefully you enjoy it. If not, tell me why in a comment.

After several minutes of walking, we finally got close to the northeastern wall. While I wasn’t lying about the wall surrounding the ‘Plaza’ being transparent, you need to be within three meters of the wall to be able to see through it, any father and it will seem as opaque as the other walls.

Jessica: “Boo~ I can’t see anything.” Jessica complains while pouting.

Robert: “That is because we are still too far away from the wall.” I instantly reply to her complaint. My voice gentle as I was trying to placate her. As we were still four meters away, the wall remains opaque to us.

‘Well this is an interesting experience. My body is actually trying to act without my permission. Hmm, even the slightest relaxation of control might allow it to try to kiss Jessica’s lips right here and now… Perhaps it is because their sweetness has been ingrained into this body last night and this morning? But if that is so how could it happen so quickly? Ah well… There, now it knows not to disobey again.’

My body’s shaking as if being held back suddenly ceases and returns to a relaxed state.

Jessica: “Really? Then let’s get closer!” She says looking up at me and she left her lips slightly parted when she finished speaking.

‘She really is too defenseless around me. If I was any other guy, I would have gobbled her up already. Then again, maybe this is her way of persuading “Robert” to gobble her up? If I hadn’t re-exerted dominance I feel that this body would have already gone in for a kiss. Is she doing this unconsciously or is this all planned and calculated? Ah well.’

I put my index finger in front of her slightly parted lips and press it lightly into them. They were slightly damp and extremely soft. As the corrupted ‘Overseer’ would say, “10/10, would kiss again,” but I digress.

Robert: “Jessica, my dear, you must really stop tempting me like this, otherwise I might find myself kissing you unintentionally. Unless of course, that is what you desire?” I say softly, a single eyebrow raised and the start of a smile forming on my lips.

She tilts her head sideways as if trying to think. My index finger still lightly pressing against her lips. After a few seconds her face turns a deep scarlet and if this was a manga/anime steam would probably coming out of her ears/head right about now. It seems she just realized what she has been doing over the course of our date.

‘Yep, “Robert” was right. An embarrassed Jessica is downright adorable. It also seems she unconsciously tried to tempt me as she was unaware of it. I wonder what her mother was like in her prime. If she is the same that is probably how Jonathan was caught. Then again, if all this is calculated, she is a lot better at acting than I am.’

Jessica: “I-I…” Jessica stammered, but I interrupt her. Not sure exactly what she was trying to say but it really didn’t matter.

Robert: “It is okay. We are both relatively new to this whole relationship thing, so you don’t need to say anything. I just wanted to let you know that if you continue to tempt me consciously or unconsciously, I might unconsciously make an advance on you sooner rather than later, with our without your permission. I just wanted to inform you of this pending crisis.” I say softly as I remove the finger that was pressing against her lips.

Jessica: “Um… if it is just kissing, you don’t have to hold back…” She looks up at me from below with her eyes upturned.

‘Did my kiss to silence her when we were first coming in light her desire or something? Does that mean all my restraint was for naught? No, if I didn’t hold back I’m sure our tongue tango would have turned into something else quite quickly.’ I mentally sigh.

Robert: “Jess, my desires are not being suppressed, they are merely being focused. You better not expect to sleep tonight.” A smile starts forming on my lips.

Jessica: “But what about your health? You almost collapsed from exhaustion just two hours earlier!” Worry was prevalent in her voice but buried deep within it was a hint of excitement.

‘An interesting mix… she is worried about my health yet deep down she still maintains some hopes for tonight.’

Robert: “Don’t belittle the restorative powers of coffee. With the amounts I’ve been drinking I should be able to keep going until you faint from pleasure.” The smile that previously forming had now finished and I had quite a wide smile across my face.

Jessica: “Well, first win the bet we have. Otherwise it won’t matter if you are can do so or not.” Jessica’s face had grown slightly red from my previous statement. “If by the off chance you do win then I don’t mind being your partner, but only until one of us faints because we have to keep your health in mind.”

Robert: “Of course.” My smile never left my face, if anything it grew slightly wider.

‘With this negotiations are complete. My parting gift to “Robert” for having to take over for him during his first date is complete. I really am too nice… I’m forced out because he doesn’t know what restraint is, and then I solve his mess and bring him out better for it. My only consolation is that I will be able to see who will win, “Boundless energy Robert” or Jessica.’

Warden: Who will cum and who will ‘go’?

‘Something like that. Do you have anything you need to report?’

Warden: Just a few questions, Master.

‘Speak freely.’

Warden: How do you want me to filter out the most recent conversations with Jessica?

‘Keep the emotions the same, remove the fact that I reasserted control over the body, and make it seem that he held back through willpower alone. As usual remove any thoughts inconsistent with his lines of thinking, but keep the rest the same.’

Warden: What about the use of subtle manipulation to get her to agree?

‘Leave it alone as what I did was well within “Robert’s” current capabilities, and giving his disposition towards Jessica I’m sure he might have unconsciously have done what I’ve done as well.’

Warden: Very well. One last thing, Master.

‘Go ahead.’

Warden: While looking through the memories of “Logic”, I found information about a particular liquid metal that has the properties of changing in accordance to a person’s thoughts…

‘Say no more, I understand. But unless they think of it themselves, do not say anything.’

Warden: May I ask why, Master?

‘Think about what they are trying to build and then thing of what that metal’s capabilities entail.’

Warden: Ah! I see, I didn’t think of using it that way. Now I see why you don’t want me to tell them. But master, I can’t possibly miss this opportunity to make “Robert’s” life harder can I?

‘Don’t worry, I’ve already figured out a plan how to allow you to play alongside with “Robert and Co.” the only stipulation is you can’t directly disobey “Robert’s” orders, however you are free to tempt all of them and cause trouble as you see fit, so long as they don’t know you are the chief cause.’

Warden: It will be my pleasure.

‘Besides if he is really ready for phase two, then even your interference shouldn’t hinder him too much. Warden, do you think they that this batch will be able to reach the final phase?’

Warden: Honestly speaking, they won’t reach the upper end of the 2nd phase, but they might surprise us. And even if they fail, as long as we learned from this, we can always try again.

‘True. Anything else to report?’

Warden: Nothing at the moment, but you better answer Jessica as she has been calling for you.

Jessica: “Robert? Robert?!?” Jessica was frantically trying to get my attention.

Robert: “Mm? What is the matter Jess?” I ask nonchalantly.

Jessica: “You suddenly zoned out on me, so I thought you fainted while standing up!” Jessica’s voice now only contained worry for my sake.

Robert: “I’m sorry, I got caught up in thinking of all the naughty things I was going to do to you tonight that I forgot about reality for a minute.” I apologized.

As I’m normally alone, I hadn’t realized that when I start talking to Warden, it looks like if I zoned out. Good to know for future reference.

Jessica: “Please don’t scare me like that!” Jessica uses her free hand to bang on my chest and tears were flowing from her eyes.

While I wasn’t sure what exactly was the cause of her tears I know that I am the one caused her to cry. As the chief cause, I took it upon myself to dry them. I use my free hand and wipe way her tears. They were salty with just the right amount of sweetness. Not sure why but I find all of Jessica’s bodily fluids taste sweet to me. But I digress. I wrap my arms around Jessica and bring her close to me.

Robert: “I am sorry for scaring you. As I often get lost in thought maybe you can help keep me grounded in reality so I don’t worry you so much?” I whispered to her. Even though it was my usual voice it was somehow ‘different.’ Noticing the slight change in my voice Jessica looked up at me.

Jessica: “How exactly am I supposed to do that?” Jessica asked me. Her confusion was apparent to me.

Robert: “Hmm, that is a good question. If we draw some examples from a limited subsection of stories known as ‘fairytales’, the most common method is “the meeting of mouths from two people of the opposite sex”. While this is said to have 100% success rate, the only evidence is from case studies and is subjective in nature. While it may seem effective, it seems to have severe psychological side effects on both the one who administers it and the one who receives it. In short, it’s too risky. Hmm…”

Jessica: “I’ll do it.” Jessica’s voice was soft but firm.

Robert: “Another way would be to use physical…” I pause midsentence when what she said finally sinks in. “Wait, what?”

Jessica: “Don’t make me repeat myself, it’s embarrassing.” Her voice was still soft but I could see her face turn a light shade of red, which made her all more endearing to me.

Robert: “Are you sure? There is no solid evidence that this will work.” From her voice I knew she was serious, but I wanted to make sure.

Jessica: “Even if it doesn’t, it gives me the opportunity to kiss you whenever I feel like it.” She whispers this softly to herself. Although given our close proximity I hear it as well.

‘So this is why she agreed to my ridiculous notion in the first place. I really am too good at unconsciously manipulating others. Even when it is for their own benefit, it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Blah, can’t be helped.’

Robert: “What was that? I didn’t catch what you said.” I say softly. My voice was the same as always but it lost that subtle quality that made it ‘different.’

Jessica: “I said that I was willing to shelf my embarrassment in order to test the effectiveness of this treatment method and find out the severity of its side effects.” Her voice was firm with new resolution. Resolution for what? I’m not sure as I am unable to read minds.

Robert: “Then for science, I will leave it to your discretion. One last thing, if your mouth meets mine while I am ‘zoned out,’ please be prepared because my body might start trying to kiss you back as it seems to have become addicted to your taste.” I say this in a matter-of-fact voice that leaves Jessica startled.

Jessica: “Then how will I know if it worked or not?” She asks me. Confusion, worry, a hint of anger, and something else but I didn’t know were all mixed into her voice.

Robert: “You will simply ‘know’ that *I* am kissing you and not just my body.” A small smile forms on my lips as I stroke her soft hair with my free hand.

Jessica: “How will I ‘know’? Please tell me!” She pleads with me. I could tell she really wants to know but to reveal everything now wouldn’t be any fun so…

Robert: “That’s a secret. If you want to find out you must try it first.” My small smile grows a bit wider.

Jessica: “Meany~” Jessica pouts.

Robert: “Perhaps, but I think we have spent enough time dallying about, and if we want to begin our tour then we must step close to the wall. Is that alright with you Jess?” I ask her. I release her from my embrace and step back. While I wait for her answer, I drink approximately a fourth of the coffee I received earlier from the waystation.

‘As bad as ever but the more I drink, the easier it is to find out what’s wrong with it.’

Jessica: “That is fine. Let’s go.” Jessica offers me her hand to me which I take with my empty hand, raise it to my lips and lightly kiss it all before leading her closer to the northeastern wall.

So what lies beyond the northeastern wall? Why it is obviously ZMI’s only Manufacturing Facility that is visible to the public. On the far right, piled against the wall are various piles of materials/parts that are used in this particular manufacturing process. These piles go on as far as the eye can see, and from what I can tell each pile has a different type of material/part.

On the far left resting against the wall is column after column of ZMI’s Pallet Robots that are stacked 40-60 high. These too go as far as the eye can see and it is unknown if these stacks reach the end. That is right, this is where ZMI produces all its Pallet Robots that it uses.

Now, no Manufacturing Facility would be complete without its own assembly line and its own set of workers and this Facility the same, but this is where it also sets itself apart. Its assembly line can’t truly be called a ‘line’ as it is a maze that weaves itself throughout the entire center area of the northeastern quadrant. Approximately 3/5s of the space is allocated to this assembly line the other 2/5s is allocated to storage of the finished Pallet Robots and Raw Materials.

But the size and complexity of the assembly line isn’t the only thing that sets it apart, it is the workers. Each and every one of its tens of thousands of workers is an android under the direct command of SAL. While controlling all the pallet robots and the androids together would be a taxing task normally, SAL with the help of the President, programed the androids to be able to work autonomously with only simple direction from SAL.

Because the President enjoys overdoing things, he even gave the androids the ability to rewrite their programing so they can make themselves more efficient. Of course they couldn’t overwrite the part of their programing that requires them to obey SAL and the President but other than that they had free reign. Now it is obvious the president had a reason to do this, but that is a story for another time.

Jessica: “What is this?” Jessica’s voice contained utter amazement and her mouth was hanging open. However, before I could respond another voice answered her.

???: “Magnificent isn’t it? It is the first and only 100% robotically operated Manufacturing Facility.” The voice sounded female and it was coming from behind us. Turning around I let go of Jessica’s hand so we could maintain our current positions, and standing before us was the female server who had brought Jessica a cup of water.

Jessica: “Wait, if you are here, then is the male server who was with you tending the waypoint alone?” Jessica voice contained pure confusion. As for me, since I knew what was coming, I remained silent.

The female ‘server’ just smiles and her form flickers, moments later the male ‘server’ who brought me my refill of coffee stood before us.

???: “Do you mean me? If I’m right here then how can I be tending the waypoint?” The voice had changed from a female voice to a male voice along with the appearance. Although the tone remained conversational there was amusement within his voice.

Jessica: “Who are you? No, what are you?” Jessica’s voice was shaking. I could hear surprise, but there were various things in there as well that made it hard for me to distinguish anything else.

???: “And here I thought you would never ask!” The male ‘server’ bows and continues speaking, “My name is “Lost in Translation” but people just call me ‘Lost.’”

Jessica: “So you are Lost?” Jessica asks ‘Lost.’

???: “No, I’m obviously “Found” because you two have already ‘found’ me thus I am no longer ‘Lost.’” The man replies as it is the most obvious thing in the world.

Jessica: *Arg~* Jessica cries out clutching her head in confusion.

Robert: “Then if we leave you alone would you be ‘Lost and Found and then Lost once more?’” I give the man a knowing glance.

???: “Ah Robert. It is good to see you back at ZMI. I was wondering why you haven’t shown up lately.” The man greets me, happiness could be heard in his voice.

Robert: “It couldn’t be helped, I had finals.” I say grinning. My voice contained only traces of regret.

???: “Ah yes, the dreaded ‘Finals.’ How do you think you did on them?” The man asks me. We were both completely ignoring Jessica who was staring at us dumbfounded.

Jessica: “You two know each other!?!” Jessica cries out once more. She looks at me and then at the man, shortly after she looks back at me. “Wait.” She looks back at the man and exclaims in surprise, “There are two Roberts?!?”

When Jessica initially looked at me, the man’s form flickered and he assumed mine down to the last detail, so when Jessica looked at him she thought she was still looking at me. So it was only when she turned back to look at me did she realize that there was ‘two’ of us.

Robert: “I guess it is time you tell her who you really are.” I say to the man who assumed my form. It was hard to hold back my laughter but I managed.

???: “I suppose you’re right. I am the President of this fine establishment, and people simple refer to me as ‘President,’ or some form thereof.” The President says as he takes another bow.

Jessica: “That does not explain why you look like my boyfriend!” Jessica snaps angrily at the President.

President: “So she IS your girlfriend, it seems my guess was correct. Congratulations Robert on finally finding someone who will love you.” The President seemingly disregarded most of Jessica’s comment to focus only on one word she said.

Jessica: “Please don’t ignore me!” Jessica whines.

President: “I wouldn’t dream of it, Ms. …?” The President suddenly addresses her. His voice taking on a quality of mellowness that rivals even my own when I’m serious.

Jessica: “Jessica. Jessica Bradshaw.” Jessica says somewhat mollified. It seems like his voice is working its magic already.

President: “I wouldn’t dream of it, Ms. Bradshaw.” The President lowers his head slightly towards Jessica. “The reason why I look like your boyfriend is because I am simply taking advantage of his infinite kindness and using him as my body double.”

Robert: “My ‘Infinite Kindness’ huh?” I say softly to myself.

President: “So with the help of illusion technology I had Ted develop, I am able to assume his form and go about my business as usual. As we are normally not often together, we appear to be different people. In fact, you are now one of the few people who know that we are actually two separate people.” The President says raising his head again. His voice losing all of the mellowness it had previously.

Jessica: “Should I be honored then?” I think Jessica was trying to be sarcastic, but I’m afraid sarcasm has no effect on the President.

President: “No Ms. Bradshaw, you should be ‘yourself.’ As you can be nothing but ‘yourself.’” The President cracks a grin as he replies to Jessica’s sarcasm.

Jessica: “Why do I even bother?” Jessica sighs. Her voice full of resignation.

President: “Why indeed? But if nobody ever bothered to do anything, then nothing would ever get done. While I could continue, all things, good and bad, must eventually come to an end, and so must this charade. Thus I bid you all adieu~” Bowing one last time to both of us, his form flickers and vanishes.

Jessica: “Who or what was that?” Jessica points at the space the President was previously standing. Her voice was frantic as she no longer knew what was going on.

Robert: “That whimsical being would be the President of ZMI, and the mastermind behind most of ZMI’s technology.” My voice was soft and gentle as I was trying to calm her down.

Jessica: “I know that! But how did he disappear!” She turns to face me. The face she was making right now is… I don’t even know how to describe it. All I can say it makes her look absolutely adorable to me. Am I a closet Sadist?

Robert: “The same what he changed his form, Illusion technology.” I continue trying to calm her down.

Jessica: “How is that even possible? Wasn’t it still in the testing phase?” Jessica cries out in disbelief. I collect her in my arms and stroke her hair still trying to calm her down.

Robert: “I don’t know but if it is the President, he can probably do it.” I sigh. I can feel Jessica relaxing in my arms so I let her go and step back half a step.

Jessica: “I see…” Jessica’s voice was finally calm again. “Wait. He said that he was using you as his body double, so does that mean someone is targeting his life?” Curiosity and some worry colored her voice.

Robert: “I don’t know. As popular and benevolent as the President is, he is bound to have some enemies somewhere in the woodworks, so he can’t be too careful.”

Jessica: “Then wouldn’t they come after you instead, because they think you are the president?” Her voice contained only worry. I knew she was worried for my sake so I just had to smile.

Robert: “Jessica, I am but a lowly graduate student who is up to my eyeballs with student loans while the President is the one who is managing a growing not-for-profit organization that is making things that seem impossible a reality one year after another. The discrepancy between us is so huge that it makes people think we aren't the same person.” I added a drop of mellowness to my voice to try to sooth Jessica’s nerves.

Jessica: “But what if they don’t care and target you anyway?” Jessica’s voice still contained worry though. It seems to be working albeit slowly.

Robert: “Even if they come after me, I am somewhat protected. The President provided me a way to ensure my survival in case I’m ever attacked by his enemies. However, it doesn’t protect me from my own enemies or natural causes. So I should be fine.” I say adding another drop of mellowness to my voice.

Jessica: “You have enemies?” Jessica looks at me in disbelief. Worry had almost completely vanished from her voice.

Robert: “No clue, I’m just repeating what the President told me.” I say smiling. I stroke her cheek with my fingertips before sighing. “Shall we head off to the next section or do you want to watch the factory in action a bit longer?”

Jessica: “Let us just move on, as there is still much to see.” Jessica smiles at me. Her voice had regained the excitement it had prior. Smiling back I drink the next quarter of my coffee and offer her my hand.

Robert: “Then shall we?” She takes my hand and I lead her to the southeastern quadrant.

***

Jessica: “What is this?” Jessica says for the second time today. She truly couldn’t believe her eyes.

Robert: “This, my dear Jess, is the ‘orphanage’ that Hal runs with his spare attention. For some reason, he has a soft spot for lost children of the world, and so he went to the President and asked if he could run one for the sake of all the homeless children.” I said in a matter-of-fact tone that brought Jessica back to reality.

Jessica: “I’m assuming the President consented because this ‘orphanage’ exists.” Jessica sighs.

President: “Yes. I eventually relented to his continual requests, but I because he disrupted my work while doing so, I made sure that there was quite a few stringent conditions attached.” The President’s voice was coming from behind us so we turned around and saw him materialize before us.

He was still sporting my appearance only without Zash on his shoulder. As Zash was still sitting on my shoulder, but because of the mask he was wearing most people found it difficult to see detect his presence, so unless someone noticed Zash, a casual observer would conclude that we were ‘twins.’ But I digress.

Jessica: “How did you do that?” Jessica exclaims in surprise.

President: “Details.” He says dismissively. “As for the conditions, there were four. The first is that he can’t slack in his original duties. Second, he must do this on his one with no help from me, or his siblings. Third, he must set up and run an adoption agency in case someone wants to adopt one of these adorable children. Finally, they must be educated in the ways of the world so that when they grow up they can be capable members of society. Isn’t that right Hal?” The President looks past us at the opening in the glass wall.

HAL9001: “That is correct.” Hal’s synthetic voice came from behind us. As usual his voice is purely conversational.

Turning around we see standing before us is a ‘handsome,’ by the world’s standards, looking man with an air of confidence about him. He was wearing close fitting clothes that were fashionable yet easy to move in, and he feels like the type of adult that kids of all ages would have no trouble coming to for all sorts of advice. In the center of his chest is a glowing red circle that looks like a camera lens.

Robert: “The new look suits you.” I give Hal a thumbs up.

Hal9001: “Thanks. My students were complaining that my usual look was too inhuman and it was affecting their studies, so I made a change. Hopefully now it will be a little less distracting.” Hal shrugs.

Robert: “Personally, I think it will be more distracting just in a different way.” I say trying to keep a straight face.

Hal9001: “Why do you say that?” Hal tilted his head to the side in confusion?

Jessica: “Wait!” Jessica interjects. “Hal has a body?!?” Jessica’s voice was doused in surprise and confusion. I don’t think she was expecting this at all.

President: “As expected of Robert’s girlfriend, commenting on the fact that his has a body and not on his looks. She is definitely a keeper.” The president grins as he looks from Jessica to me.

Robert: “I am well away.” The smile I was holding back finally breaks free and appears on my face.

HAL9001: "Since it is you Robert, I am sure you can do it.” Hal gives me a thumbs up of his own.

Robert: “Thanks Hal for the vote of confidence.”

Jessica: “You still haven’t told me why Hal has a body!” Jessica shouts. She was obviously annoyed that we were ignoring her question.

President: “It’s quite obviously really. Since it’s quite lonely at the top, I gave my children bodies so they can keep me company.” The President says in a matter-of-fact tone.

Jessica: “Your children?” Confusion had returned to Jessica’s voice.

President: “Yes, I have three children, Hal, Sal, and Tal. You might know them better as HAL9001, SAL9001, and TAL9001. I provided them mechanical bodies because it is no fun being bolted to the wall. Ah just remembering when they first entered their bodies and tried to move for the first time…” The President looks past us and his eyes glaze over, a gentle smiling emerging on his lips as he remembers the past.

Jessica: “Ha… This is going nowhere fast.” Jessica sighs.

HAL9001: “Then would you like me to put you on the fast track and give you a tour of what I’ve built from scratch?” Hal asks smiling.

Jessica: “Can we Robert?” Jessica asks me. Excitement returning to her voice and her eyes were sparkling again.

Robert: “That would be fine but we only have 20 minutes at most because we still need to see the other two sections.” I say after a moment of thought.

HAL9001: “Hmm only 20 minutes?” Hal muses, “All my students are in the middle of their final exam so if you only stay 20 minutes you won’t get to meet many of them but I can at least show you around the facilities.”

Jessica: “That’s fine with me. Let’s go!”

President: “Righto, off with ye now. As my presidential duties are catching up with me, I must part here and deal with it before it becomes too unwieldy. It’s been a pleasure talking with you Ms. Bradshaw. Robert, I expect you back on Sunday as I have much to discuss with you. Zash, stay healthy. I now bid ye all adieu.” We turn around just in time to catch the President’s form flicker into nonexistence.

Jessica: “He seems quite the busy person huh?” Jessica looks at me as she says this. A small smile was growing on her face.

Robert: “You have no idea. But he still takes time out of his busy schedule to greet new members of ZMI.” I smile back and shrug.

HAL9001: “While I’d hate to interrupt, but you said we only have 20 minutes so shall we get started?” Hal asks conversationally behind us, no hint of irritation was in his voice.

Robert: “Of course, lead the way.” I say as we turn around again to face him. Shortly after we follow Hal past the glass wall.

***

[20 minutes later]

Jessica: “Wow, how did you think of all that?” Jessica asks Hal as we exit the glass wall.

HAL9001: “I didn’t.” Hal says shaking his head. “I simply asked the children what they wanted their new home to have and draw it. I then look at those drawings and try to make them into reality. It is unfortunate but there were some that I couldn’t even fathom where to begin.” Hal sighs.

President: “Just give it some time, eventually the insight will come, I did give you the ability to rewrite your programing for a reason.” The President voice was encouraging.

We look to the right and we see the President leaning against the glass wall we just exited from and he continued to sport my appearance.

Robert: “Finished your work already?” I question the President.

President: “For now, but more always piles up whenever I’m not looking. A few interesting things popped up though that are relevant to your current project so I’ll tell you about them Sunday.”

Robert: “Affirmative.” I give the President a mock salute.

President: “So Ms. Bradshaw, how did you like the ‘Orphanage’ that Hal runs?”

Jessica: “It was quite interesting. Rather than an orphanage it’s more like a boarding school. Although there is quite a lot of things in there that I had no clue what exactly what they were for.”

President: “I see, I see. Well then Hal, keep up the good work.”

HAL9001: “Thank you President.” Hal bows slightly to the president.

The president’s eyes glaze over for a second as he seems distracted. After a second passes he blinks and pays attention to his surroundings again.

President: “Something important just came to my attention and I must be off again. While I would have like to continue our conversation, duty calls. I bid you all adieu.” With that the President’s form starts to blur and he fades into the wall.

Jessica: “I wish he would stop appearing and disappearing like that.” Jessica sighs.

Robert: “If he did then he wouldn’t be the President anymore would he?” I shrug.

Jessica: “I guess. Only two sections left to visit. You coming with us Hal?” Jessica turns around and asks Hal.

HAL9001: “I’m afraid I can’t do that Jessica, as I must get back to the classroom to pick up the finished tests and grade them.” A soft yet sad smile can be seen on Hal’s face.

Jessica: “I see. Let’s go Robert.” Without waiting for my response, Jessica grabs my hand and leads me to the next quadrant.

***

As we approach the Southwestern wall Jessica asks me a question.

Jessica: “So what lies beyond the glass this time?” Curiosity and excitement filled her voice.

Robert: “That would be telling.” I smile at her. “Once we get closer then you shall see what lies beyond the looking glass.”

Jessica: “What? Am I ‘Alice’ now?” Jessica laughs softly.

Robert: “No, you are Jessica Bradshaw, the one who is currently my girlfriend and potentially my future life partner. Alice is your daughter.” My voice was completely serious.

Jessica: “I see. Then I’ll leave it at that. Let us keep moving before we cause a scene.” Jessica smiles and we continue. Eventually we reach our destination.

The quadrant we arrived at is the laboratory that ZMI mainly uses to simulate various environments to test the physical limits its technology can operate in. It also has other purposes, but enough of that for now.

Robert: “So what do you think?” I sneak a sideways glass at Jessica. Her eyes were quite wide.

Jessica: “Wow… I don’t know what I’m looking at but it looks amazing.” Amazement colored her voice.

Robert: “This is the Lab where ZMI tests the durability of its newest technology among other things.” I say softly. “As I often come here I can tell you generally what each one does.”

Jessica: “Yes please. What is that one?” There are only three machines readily visible from the glass wall. In order to see any more you actually have to go deeper. The one Jessica happens to be pointing to is the second largest of the three.

Robert: “That one is what ZMI calls the ‘Lava Forge.’ The president got the idea from a Minecraft mod and made it into reality. It uses lava as its heat source it can generate and withstand temperatures up to 1600 degrees Celsius. And the president made it a precise machine so it produce exact temperatures up to the 10th decimal place.”

Jessica: “Why only to the 10th?” Jessica questions me.

Robert: “The President said and I quote, “Mine doesn’t go to eleven.” Not sure what he meant by it though.”

Jessica: “Regardless, that is amazing that it is that exact. What is it used for?” Amazement and curiosity filled her voice.

Robert: “It is used to test something exact heat resistance and remove impurities from the metals they use. There are some others uses but I don’t remember them of the top of my head.” I reply. Some regret color my voice.

Jessica: “What about this one?” Jessica asks pointing to the machine to the left of the ‘Lava forge.’ It was the largest one that is visible to us.

Robert: “That one is a gravity manipulator. It can increase or decrease the gravity inside it by varying amounts. As I never used it, I never inquired about its exact capabilities.” I sigh softly, “Though it is said that it can increase the gravity by quite a lot.”

Jessica: “Then what about that final one?” Jessica points to the smallest one which is to the right of the ‘Lava Forge.’

Robert: “That one is a bit special. That is the machine that is used to make ZMI’s industrial grade diamonds, all which are used in some way or another by ZMI itself.”

Jessica: “Then I guess I can’t buy a diamond for cheap then?” Jessica says jokingly.

Robert: “Correct. And ZMI made an agreement with the world to not degrade the diamond market by providing cheap diamonds to the masses.” I say shrugging.

Jessica: “I see. I’m assuming we must go deeper if I want to see what else this laboratory holds?” She asks with an eyebrow raised.

Robert: “Do you wish to go deeper? Or are you read to see the last section?” I was ready to do either one.

Jessica: “Let’s head to the last section as time is off the essence.” Jessica says smiling. “What is the last section anyway? Or is that also a secret?”

Robert: “The last section is where we check our purchases and pay. It’s is also where most people go when they get down here.”

Jessica: “So that is why you saved it for last. So that we can pay and go when our tour was done. Then what are you waiting for?” Jessica grabs my hand and pulls me towards the last section.

Robert: “You don’t have to pull, I’m coming.” I say letting myself get pulled. I finished off the remaining my remaining coffee. It was as the President had said, all things must come to an end and it was about time to end this charade.

Continue Reading?No

Author’s note II: As I typed this chapter, I removed a lot and added some more stuff and I finally figured out how to improve my writing style. Out of all my chapters which you, my readership, find is (are) the best written. I’ll take those chapters, analysis them and add or subtract from that style as necessary. This might give me a more concreate method of improving.

One last thing, as I have not yet made it into the game, I have a question. Should I or should I not change the game I they will be entering. I understand that I’ll have to edit my previous chapters to reflect the new changes if they are made, but it would give me a reason to go back and look through my old chapters to try to make them better. Oh well Author-kun signing out.