Chapter 4 – Offices
A/N Here it is, the next chapter!
Also, I should give a thanks. You see, I did not just randomly start writing fan fiction. Originally, I had ideas but never decided to write. Then I read a fanfiction by someone I am assuming is a simular age to me. It is a great story and I suggest you check it out. It got me thinking, "I should write my own fanfictions too."
So, a big thanks to AstroGirl101 for inspiring me to write!
Steven walked into his office and collapsed into the chair. He leant back and started to relax, when his phone buzzed.
"Sir, HAZ requires you in the office sector."
Steven sighed before pressing the transmit button.
"Fine, tell him I am on my way."
"Yes sir."
The device went back to its usual silent state. To Steven, it seemed his work was never ending. This was all part of being the head of security, he supposed. Getting up slowly, he straightened his tie them walked out of his office.
The office complex was always nice to visit. It was both designed well and built well. The corridors had glass-walled offices lining them, with a central area set up as a lobby. However, what Steven liked best about this place was how... normal... it was. There was never some disaster or accident that he had to spend all day sorting out. The office complex never has resonance cascades, or rouge AI. It never has anything wrong happen. This have it the feeling of security and safety.
He walked down the corridors into the small office at the end. Inside it was lined with computer parts and machinery. It contained all the electronics and lab equipment needed for a robot that loves to build and invent. HAZ got his own area, after scientists said they found it annoying when he used their area. Not many people backed the decision, many deemed it could work out of a cleaning closet. No one really cares to much about it, for it is an "it". Despite being an AI, deeming it conscious, it will always be seen as a machine to most. The best people see it as a person though, Steven and Mati being two of these people.
"What's up HAZ?" Steven asked.
"You asked for an upgrade to the security system."
"Yeah... Like two minutes ago."
"The system is now online, and running at a much higher capacity."
"Wait... what? You did it THAT quickly?"
"Why the surprised tone? I have done things more complex, much quicker."
"Still... I just didn't expect it..."
"No-one ever does."
"Okay, thanks for that."
"You're welcome." said HAZ. If it had a face, Steven figured it would be smiling.
Steven though for a moment before saying: "So, how's the CPU?"
"Is that your way of asking me how I feel?"
"Yeah." Steven said smiling.
"I am operating at full capacity."
"Glad to hear it."
"Is there anything else you want to talk about?"
Steven was about to say no before he thought of something. "Do you actually have feelings?"
"That was a bit blunt."
"Sorry... I was just wondering if you can have feelings?"
"Hmm... I suppose in theory I can."
"So right now you cannot?"
"I do not think so."
"How do you feel towards me?"
"I do not "feel" anything."
"Fine, what are your non-work protocols towards me."
"Listing: 1) Protect if in danger. 2) Talk to. 3) Listen to. 4) Assist or Help. 5) Share research, designs and Ideas."
"Wow, sounds like you consider me a friend."
"Indeed, but that would mean I can have feelings. It means I would feel a certain friendship."
"Well, I think you have them... you just do not realise it."
"Hmm... that is a most interesting theory. I will have to look into my feeling capabilities more."
"Yeah." said Steven, still thinking a bit. "Well I have to get back to work. See you later HAZ."
"Goodbye.".
As Steven left the room, HAZ started to run a system check. Steven's idea had gotten him thinking...
Steven walked slowly down the office sector, deliberately taking his time. It was not even lunch yet, and he was already tired out. As he passed through the doors into the central complex, the VOX system made an announcement:
"Attention all Black Mesa personnel, facility wide break in effect. Please go to the cafeteria or recreation rooms."
"About time..." Steven said out loud to himself. He entered the tabled area next to the reception, heading to the vendors. Arriving at the snack vendor, he looked at the available choices.
"Hmm..." he said as he finally decided. He pressed the button for the chocolate-chip cookies, when the lights flickered, then shut off.
"What the..." he said, pulling out his flashlight. He flicked it on and looked around at the other people. They were all as clueless as he was, trying to look around in the dark. They all started to shout to each-other, panic in their voices.
"All right, everyone calm down." he said, taking charge of the situation. "Everyone wait here, I am going to find out what is going on..."
He walked over to the reception desk, where the security guard there was getting his flashlight out too.
"Whats going on?" asked Steven.
"I don't know... The computers are out too..." he said, trying the keyboard.
The ground gave a sudden tremble, rocking the entire atrium. Steven's legs gave out, knocking him to the ground.
"What the hell..."
Steven got back up, as he did, the emergency lighting flicked on bathing everything in a red glow. He tried the computer behind the desk, which booted into safe mode. He tried to access the facility emergency contact program, but did not get very far. A warning popped up on the screen announcing that the server was unreachable.
Just then, the VOX system rang out: "Containment failure in Sigma Chamber. Power failures in the Office Sector, Research Sector, Main Sector, Transit Sector, Analysis Sector."
"A... Containment failure?" said Steven, a look of horror and disbelief on his face. This could only mean one thing; war was coming.
