Yamato then lead Karl and Steven back to his work station. As one would expect it is cluttered with different kinds of equipment and tools yet at the same time still feels organized and clean. There are different stations for tests and his tools are all stored in labelled cabinets. One could see that Yamato is a very organized person, a trait that most successful Engineers possess.

Yamato then lead them to a reception like room and there Karl saw two rather large metal “boxes”

“What are these?” Karl asked a bit confused

“You’ll see” Yamato said with a smile as he snapped his fingers.

The boxes then began to unravel themselves right in front of Karl. One box transformed into a desktop computer complete with a Printer, a Scanner, and three monitors. While other box opened up into workstation complete with different kinds of tools. Karl and Steven were both amazed.

“Whoa, amazing.” Steven declared in awe

“That’s the Engineering guild for you.” Karl said with great respect.

Upon hearing these words Yamato felt a great sense of pride.

“Ahem. Now that you have gotten an eyeful, let me explain just what these are” Yamato interjected

“What you both just saw are the Pioneer’s desktop and the Pioneer’s workstation. Gone are the days of multiple parts and lengthy preparations just to set up a proper working station.” Yamato proudly exclaimed

“It’s compact, it’s easy, but most importantly, it’s very secure.” Yamato said as he once again snapped his fingers. The Desktop and the workstation returned to their boxed forms.

“You see this shell is made up of titanium and carbon fibre layers, stacked on top of each other” Yamato continued with explanation

“Wait, so it’s the same as a Tank’s armor?” Karl asked.

“Isn’t that a bit excessive?” Steven joined in.

“Well not exactly, a Tank’s armor is far more complicated and is made of many more layers than just titanium and carbon fibre, but yeah this is military grade armor”

“But why?” Karl asked

“Protection of information” Yamato replied immediately

“You see we also want to make sure that the data you will gather will be safe, while this world doesn’t seem to have any electronic tech we still want to be on the safe side”

“I’m guessing it also self-destructs when it’s forcibly opened am I correct” Steven said half joking

“Correct how did you know?”

“I was joking” Steven replied a bit shocked.

Karl was now a bit worried

“Don’t worry, it won’t explode or anything. It will only destroy its hard drive and back up memory devices” Yamato cleared up.

Karl breathed a sigh of relief

“But that’s not all it has to offer” Yamato still wasn’t finished with his presentation.

“There’s more?” Karl and Steven said in unison.

At that instant Yamato clapped his hands and suddenly wheels appeared at the bottom of the boxes.

“They are also capable of motion so you don’t have to pull them yourselves. Which is great since these boys are quite heavy” Yamato demonstrated as he walked around the room. The boxes then followed them where he went.

He also gave them specific commands like going to the corner, spinning around etc. It seems that it was capable of obeying simple commands.

“Whoah, this is so amazing” Karl declared

Yamato could not get tired of their amazed expressions

“Then gentlemen, come with me I still have more to show you” Yamato excitedly exclaimed

Yamato then led them to another room but it was just filled with appliances. The room contained what looked like an Air conditioner, a metal door like thing, a small washing machine, some lights, and what appears to be a battery. There was also another object in the room but it was covered by a white blanket

“Uh I didn’t ask for these.” Karl said obviously perplexed as to why he was being given all these items.

“Yeah I know, but the guild took the liberty of giving you all these appliances in order to create a suitable working environment.” Yamato declared

“But how will he set all this up?” Steven asked

“Hmmph, I’m glad you asked Mr. Steven” Yamato said as he walked to the blanketed object.

“BEHOLD!” Yamato Exclaimed as he pulled away the white blanket revealing a quadruped robot with two arms attached to its back.

Karl and Steven were once again, speechless.

“I present to you the automated assistant mule! But this particular one is called Alice.” Yamato declared

“It will set up the room for you and do various chores and work.”

“OOOOOOOOOH” Karl and Steven were once again amazed.

“This machine is equipped with a very advanced AI capable of speech and conversation! But if you are one of those people creeped out by Artificial intelligence and claim that they will one day destroy us, you could select the “pet” function which would basically turn her into a robotic dog. Frankly this irrational fear people had is what slowed down AI development for a while.”Yamato sighed dejectedly

“But please we would like for you to test this new piece of machinery if you don’t mind” Yamato politely asked Karl.

“No no, not at all! I think this is amazing” Karl declared

“I see, well then that’s good to hear. Alice, say hi to your new boss” Yamato exclaimed

In an instant the machine came whirring to life and began to stand up carefully examining Karl.

“Transfer of authority complete” A robotic female voice came from the machine

“Saving all relevant data about the new owner to system” The Robot continued and after a few seconds it stood up completely revealing its very high tech looking design.

While Karl and Steven barely know anything about Robotics, they could not help but be amazed at this scene.

“HI there Professor Karl, I am the automated assistant mule, unit: Alice. I hope that I will be of great use to you in the foreseeable future” The machine declared.

“Then I shall look forward to your assistance” Karl said stretching out his hand for a handshake.

Alice didn’t respond immediately but it didn’t take long for her to return the gesture.

“I hope to serve you well in your endeavours.” The robot then shook Karl’s hand in return.

“Like I said, she will be the one who will set up your room and make it as comfortable as possible. I hope you take care of her” Yamato said as he looked at Karl

“Don’t worry I will” Karl replied

“And thank you, this is far beyond what I asked. I guess the Engineer’s guild is really made up of amazing people”

“Don’t mention it, it is our duty as engineers to find solutions to problems and make life easier. This is all we can do to assist you in your research that might change our world view altogether” Yamato replied

Yamato and Karl then once again shook hands.

The days came by fast and suddenly it was time for the delegation to return to Lancia. Thus began the events that forever changed the fates of both the Earth and Nelithea.