Voices

"Could you repeat the words on the list I have you into the microphone?" Caesar instructed.

"Sure, but can you tell me what this is about?" the dark-haired woman asked.

"Just read the words, please," Caesar said, this time with a little embarrassment peeking through his words.

"Not until you tell me what for," she threatened, tossing the scientists a questioning glance.

"Please, mamá," Caesar repeated, trying to avoid the "why". "Just trust me, and read the words."

"No," Violetta said sternly, yet playfully. "Tell me why you want a recording of my voice."

Sighing in defeat, Caesar turned towards his mother, and fellow scientist.

"Porque," he began reluctantly. "I need a voice for ZAG-RS."

"So you can't just use a program—"

"No," Caesar said, cutting her off. Violetta was taken aback by the sudden stubbornness she had never seen in her son. Caesar noticed her reaction and let out a small sigh before explaining himself.

"ZAG-RS is designed as a fail-safe for rouge nanites, not just a cleaning tool. I want her voice to evoke feelings of safety, protection, caring," Caesar explained, his face progressively reddening with embarrassment as he spoke. "I want that voice to be yours."

Finishing his explanation, Caesar's eyes dropped, staring at the floor as opposed to the woman sitting before him.

"Caesar," Violetta began, getting Caesar's attention. Just as his eyes lifted off the floor, they met the loving face of his mother. She quickly embraced him in a hug.

She doesn't think it's weird? Caesar thought to himself.

As if reading his mind, Violetta released Caesar, before speaking.

"Why would I think that's weird?" she asked, locking eyes with her son. "I think it's very sweet."

Caesar's pensive, embarrassed face slowly turned to one of joy and love. This time, it was Caesar who hugged Violetta.

After sharing a loving mother-son hug, the two parted and resumed their previous positions: Violetta by a microphone with a list of words in front of her, and Caesar standing over his desk, interpreting data.

"Nanites. DNA. Clean," Violetta began reading the words; properly enunciating them, and making sure to pause between words. "Complete. Specimen…"