XJ6's Life as a Teenage Robot

by RavenFireBoy

Ever wonder how XJ6 came to be? Ever wonder what she did when she was created? The experience, the tragedy and the emotions that this XJ went through? Well that's the purpose of this story. Its at times dark but also cheering. Here's how she got created, how she was a hero, and how she was abandoned at her end, this is XJ-6's experience, This is the Life of XJ-6

4. Chapter 3

Mlaatr XJ6 Origin part 3

Act 2: When the past catch's up

Nora Wakemans POV

Saturday morning, sipping on fresh black coffee whilst analyzing recent data showing on the monitors, everything seems to be going smooth since last week, so I decided to write a log to pass the time and back track on this week.

NORA WAKEMAN LOG: XJ-6 003

Reports on XJ-6 emotions have been, a bit overwhelming I must admit. Sometimes she would have been scared or embarrassed to show off her weapons while training because she feels somewhat "advertised" to other people on her more weaponized side then her personal side. She also has shown interest in learning specific subjects matters like "Persona detail for Teens" and "Cosmetic looks for robots" magazines that are lying around, instead of the regular curriculum. Though these issues are rather minor as she has overall listened well to orders and has shown improvement on her weapons and control over her emotions.

Just this morning she has beaten the world record on one handed target practice shots with a pistol for robots by 9.55s! This shook the Generals who admitted that this was a shock coming from a Robot like XJ-6, had a better aim then the "Jet Aimbot 3000" which was made for the sole purpose to test the fastest a Robot can analyze and fire with precision on targets, and this one Robot a week-old beat that. Her Targeting parameters have also been more refined because of her practice with her Plasma Palm and Laser Pistol. She has ever so much getting used to them at a very rapid pace, she was at the moment now where I could even notice her yawning while using the range.

I'm most satisfied with how well she got with some of the other soldiers, some of the times. She was at first too shy to even come up to any of them to ask any questions but later on was quite the social attribute to them later on as she was encouraged. She would usually brag on about how somewhat boring it is in the base and how there's limited space and that there's no other robots to really talk too, the only other one there is a old janitor bot, who can only reply with "beeps" and "boops" which XJ-6 can translate. There was one incident though where she had an argument with one cadet in the cafeteria on how he thought it's silly for a Robot to think they have actual "Emotions", this didn't sit well with XJ-6 as she explained to him how Robots do have thoughts and feelings, especially her since she's unique, but this wasn't going anywhere for him as he just kept saying insults to her for being silly and even "low class for a combat droid" and this didn't sit well with her as she almost started a fight with him, but I was there to calm things down and take her to her room to chat.

She seems to have trouble understanding why some of the cadets don't accept that Robots can be more than just task droids and not like her, I couldn't really put into the best of terms seeing as how our current world robots aren't as advanced and "Human" like her, which sort of made her upset in that way, but she understood what I meant and accepted the situation.

Anyway, I'm off to see her now, she is supposed to be studying on "The Dynamics of Flight and Velocity" since she needs to get ready next week to start on her Flight Training, and I don't want her dilly-dallying reading whatever latest magazine on "Teen Issues: How to deal with it" again like last time.

Nora Out.

XJ-6 POV

I'm just sitting here, alone, reading a book my mother said I should study for flight training. Next week, they're gonna give me a course to try out my skill on how I can handle proper maneuvers and quick reflexes on my rockets. I should be excited but I don't really think that's of my interest when I'm gonna be flying, because for one, I only ever flown once while I was escaping from the lab day one.

It wasn't much of a flight really, just trying to zip across the room and hallways as fast as I can, so I can maneuver and make quick reflexes on my flight just fine but, *sigh*, I want to have more space when doing it. To which I just looked up from my book to observer past the window, into the outside world.

It's Fall, one of the most Beautiful seasons of the year, at least according to some books on nature that I read. For some reason, looking though these windows, seeing these trees with their orange faded leaves that bristle off on the floor brings a sort of calm atmosphere to it, at least a pleasantly unique look compared to the other pictures of other seasons I'm seeing. Seeing trees with their leaves completely fallen makes me go at awe with the branches all spurn out like they are, somehow, they naturally formed this mosaic web of splinting off trails that splint off to even more trails where in their ends they grow leaves is just interesting to observe, it's just art by natures design. It's also having a feel of a "breeze" on just looking at these trees, like as if I can imagine how the tree feel's when the leaves break off the branches and get carried off to some other land, in the air open and free, letting the wind take it's course. I wished I had that kind of freedom, just to be outside for a bit, it would be great for training on my flight as well! But the Generals gave and absolute order not to when the I brought the idea, since they are concerned I might escape. I can understand their concern, but I only want a second chance and a opportunity to just be outside for a little bit, to feel the grass, to glisten in the wind and lie under a shade of a tree, just relax under natures wing instead of a dank base with soldiers sticking around me.

Reading further into my magazine which I read behind the cover of my actual studies book, I can see a vast variety of different people in different cloths, with different colors, styles and themes! It's like each new page brought a whole new set of clothing.

Another page talked about issues that felt, somewhat relatable, like one where sometimes a parent is just strict only for their child's safety, but I'm a super advanced Robot with a wide arrange of weapons and tactics, so what safety do I need? Another one about how some other teens are just lonely since they don't know how to properly approach other people, it's not that I don't like trying to interact with other people, it's just that none of these people really understand how I feel being one of the only Robots in this facility! Then there's one about how maybe the best way to get a best friend is to find one with the closest thing in resemblance, which in my case is, impossible. I'm the only Robot here with this much advanced A.I and Personality! The only other robot that can even talk here is the Janitor (who is older than my Mother no less!) and he can only talk in "Beeps" and 'Boops". It's just really lonely being the only one.

It just hit me, being the only Robot in the world with this much advanced A.I is, kind of lame. I'm doing nothing else but just sitting here, reading the latest magazine on "Teen Issues" and I just thought how despite how special I am, I don't feel that special when there's no one else to compare too, since I'm too advanced to compare to at all. I'm more alone then I thought, the only other Robots in the world that I can think of are, my previous predecessors, the other XJ's. I've never met them, never talked to them, I don't even know why they were shutdown. This got me more and more concerned, maybe I should ask Mother if she could-

Nora: Good Morning XJ-6, reading your homework as you promised?

I had just a quick gasp and rashly closed my book and looked back and the scientist.

XJ-6: Yep, as you can see, "The Dynamics of Flight and Velocity" as you said, heh heh.

I let out a quick "phew" under my breath.

Nora: I just wanted to check on how things are going with your studies. Anyhow, I also want to congratulate you again on beating that pot shot record you broke, I'm quite proud how you practiced with your aim.

XJ-6: Well you did build my arm, so of course you would build it with the best of your skill and material.

Nora: But don't forget XJ-6, your skills come more from your practices then your build, your Robot body only has limits to how well you can harness your skills, not improve it. I built you so you can adapt and train your powers not be given to them like a snap. It's why I emphasize your training ever so vigorously.

XJ-6: *Sigh* I know.

Nora could see the troubled look on me very clearly, I could tell she felt sympathy with her concern.

Nora: What's wrong dear?

XJ-6: Well, sometimes I think the training you are giving me aren't really what I need or should focus on, like for next week's maneuver and quick reflexes, why do I need to read a book about the physics when I'm just gonna do physical exercise?

Nora: Because your mind will help you go many places your body alone won't. You'll sometimes need to know things like the physics of flight in situations you might find the most unexpecting.

I was about to ask if maybe she could easily just transfer the information into my head so I don't need to waste my time reading a book, until-

Nora: And don't think I'm just going to give you a free pass to just have me transfer to your head the info just so you can waste your time on something else. For you to learn best its better the hard way on these kinds of issue. Trust me.

XJ-6: Well, I was also wondering if maybe I could...

I had in mind asking about my predecessors, Nora's other "creations", about what happened to them and why they were discontinued. Why didn't she talk about them, maybe warn me about how they were "defective" and how I can avoid their predicament, but I also had a more worrying thought. Maybe there's a reason she doesn't want to talk about them, maybe the memories she has had with them were too much, maybe they were like daughters to her as well, but had not choice but to shut them down. I didn't want to make this moment an especially emotional moment for her, maybe I can ask her about this later, so instead I said-

XJ-6: Maybe just for one day, just for one, day, go outside and practice my flight there.

Nora could only 'sigh' and rub her eyes in response to my question.

XJ-6: What? Why not? I don't plan on escaping, you told me along with the Generals that if I attempted to escape, I would be immediately shut down before I got past the perimeters. I just think that instead of reading about flight, I could instead practice in a more suitable environment.

Nora: And the training grounds aren't good because?

XJ-6: They're too small and limit any real-world situation I would be facing, I know for sure most of my flight will take place outside, so I don't see why I can't practice that if later on I'm gonna use my flight ability's outside.

I just looked away from my mother and back out the window, focusing on a particular tree around the corner of the base inside, it was a comforting spot to look at, would be nice to be there. I just 'sighed' wishing my mother would come to reason with me for once, a little freedom and privacy to move around wouldn't hurt anyone.

That was then my Mother put her hand behind my back and spoke.

Nora: Look dear, I understand that you are just excited to go out for a first time and-

XJ-6: I'M NOT EXCITED MOM, Im just tired of being cramped in a dank base surrounded by strangers who think I'm some sort of freak of technology! I'm tired of being incaptuated in this bunker wondering when I can finally go outside for something people call "fresh air", like what, is the air here just full of dirt or something? You get to go outside and enjoy this fresh air! Wouldn't you feel cramped if you were stuck in a base for a whole week? And what's with-

And I went on and on complaining, I was even getting tired of it, waiting for mother to respond, til finally-

Nora: XJ-6! Please, calm down.

I quickly shut my voice and just let out a 'Huff' whilst I looked again at my mother with a look of conjecture.

XJ-6: I...I'm sorry Mother, I didn't mean to go out on you like that. Its just this week hasn't been that good for me, and its just my first week on being operational, I don't know if maybe I'm claustrophobic but I can't stand being this cramped up with nothing to do and barley much people to talk too. I got no one but you to hang out with and, well no offense, you're my mother, I kind of feel like talking to other people my age that I can relate too, and sadly there's possibly no one in the world that can do that.

Nora: I understand how you feel, even being cramped in a base part, one time I was assigned in a underground bunker in the middle of a desert for a whole month, never felt better when I finally had some fresh air.

XJ-6: And that's my point, all I've ever been in is just this base, I only want to have a bit of free time outside to just chill and take in a new scenic experience outside, it'll be great for me! I can practice my flight and maybe being outside will help me with my development on who I am, just one hour is all I ask for.

Nora: But you know well what the-

XJ-6: I know what the Generals said, but what matters more, their concern or yours's? You know very well this would help me, it's just that the Generals are not too trusting with anyone, especially me, but I want to gain their trust by showing them I will only use this time being outside as a proper exercise. Please?

Nora: *sigh* No.

I then just got on my "knees", tried to look more despaired with my "puppy eyes" look, in hopes that she would be more convinced.

XJ-6: Please?

Nora: No!

XJ-6: *HUFF* Please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please a million times please?

Nora: No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no. A million times no!

Alright Mother, you left me no choice. I then started to whimper, and then-

XJ-6: WAAAAAAAAH!

It was pathetic of me, resorting to crying, a fake crying mind you, to see if maybe I can appease to her emotions. I felt embarrassed having to resort to such a childish tactic to work and as a super advanced robot, it felt practically dishonest. Yet to fair, I did feel quite sad when she said no, all I'm doing here is amplifying my emotions to 11.

As I went on sobbing I just slammed my head onto the table on top of my book trying to hide my face from her, since I wasn't really making any tears so It would be easy for her to spot my bluff. Just have to keep looking sad and she'll take the bait!

Mother was getting quite annoyed at this point, and had no choice but to finally play into my façade.

Nora: ALRIGHT! Fine, you can quit your fake bickering young lady, I'll arrange for you to go outside.

Really? She knows im faking it but somehow still lets me get what I wanted? I guess she has a heart after all!

XJ-6: Wha-wait what, Really? Just like that?

Nora: I figure just only an hour wouldn't hurt anybody, besides, I'm also tired of being cooped up in here.

XJ-6: Wait you too? When was the last time you went out then?

Nora: Since before we activated you, I didn't want to leave the perimeters so I can keep a good eye on you.

XJ-6: See? This is just a win win then. What's the worst that could happen?

Nora: Don't get cocky XJ-6, I am giving this to you as a privilege, not a gift, so you better take up your time responsibly.

XJ-6: Yes Mother, I will. So when can we go out?

Nora: Right now if that's what you'll like.

10 MINS LATER

We had approached the southern gate, not the primary entrance to the outside world but was instead a part of the facility that has been used by the soldiers as a smoking spot. Mother had arranged the guard to open the door and let us out for a good hour, which was surprisingly easy.

So finally, "Fresh Air" as everyone called it, rushed through the opening of the pressurized door as it was opening, it was almost sensational just feeling gust of wind flowing past me and my mother, it felt like I was finally being relieved from some hot summer day, as my coolers could take a second brake and just let the wind do the work. Never in my short up bringing would I have thought this is what "Fresh Air" would feel like.

Mother could see the interpretation of a huge smile on my monitor as she was sipping on her coffee, she herself also smiled in relief of enjoying that rush of air coming in.

Finally, the door was fully opened and slowly I stepped out, observing everything I could see. The sun, was blinding as I exited the entrance, brighter than I thought it would be, since I only ever saw it through somewhat tinted windows. We were standing on what was a balcony on the side of the base, where I could look over the handrails we were about 2-3 storey's high. The landscape mainly resorted with trash and empty gas barrels, it was similar to a land dump. Around the corner was a big entrance to what looks like would lead to a sewer canal, and around that even more trash. Around the edges of the stone walls was some tree's, some of the are the same ones I observed before. I could see the dark and bright orange crumpled leaves on the branches, not that many left on it but still plenty enough to leave a shade. Crows cawing around the trees as they set their eyes on me, but just continue on to caw at each other, almost like they are mocking me in some way.

I just took a big whiff of the air, letting my sensors analyze the atmosphere here, it was mostly just the smell of left over cigarettes, trash and pollution in the air from a nearby factory, I absolutely loved it! It was all I expected and more, seeing the shaded green grass, orange leaves and open air, I didn't care if the place was like a dump, I was just happy to finally stretch outside and have an opportunity to have some fun.

Nora: Alright XJ-6, as we addressed, you only have one-hour permission to be out here, and we should address ground rules. 1. Don't go past the walls, they have a force field that will propel you back to prevent you from leaving. 2. You are to use this time to practice free air travel and to just relax with the space you have here. And 3. please be safe. You got that?

XJ-6: Don't worry Mother, I'll be responsible.

Nora: Good, now lets-

And before she finished off, I just flew straight into the air cheering myself as I soared. My mother was not too pleased that I interrupted her, but she didn't mind, she was quite happy seeing how well my flight was.

I finally in the open, finally able to take a big breath from all the claustrophobic sensations I had in the base, I could let loose my energy and just soar around the air like it was nothing. My flight ability was better than I expected, flying around obstacles and in the open air was literally just a breeze, nothing felt to obscuring and everything was just exhilarating!

If only I could fly up to the clouds, but I figured I should just be happy with what I got, besides, there's much more to look around here in this "dump" more then in the clouds. I flew fast across the trees and that blew most, if not virtually all the leaves out of their branches. The Crows were up on their trees looking at me go, observing how I could fly despite not having wings.

I flew close to them to get a closer look at them, they were such peculiar subjects. I just simply got close enough not to scare them away, and they simply "cawed" at me, except one which just try to get closer to me, and I reached out my arm and it just hopped on it.

XJ-6: Well that's interesting, why aren't you scared of me?

You would think a one-eyed monitor with 3 spider legs and one arm would scare literally about anything, but not these birds, very odd. I didn't mind, in fact I quite enjoyed this little company, so I just smiled and flew down slowly to take a seat on the ground.

The dirt, it was hard and damp like it was just raining, there were orange leaves everywhere and I saw a very nice spot for me to take my place. I walked there and lowered my arm for the Crow to hop off at and I bent over to the crow on the ground the have a closer look at it. It was a very beautiful bird, especially for a Crow, very sleek feathers, perfect beak and wings that looked well cleaned, it was just looking at me neither cawing or looking elsewhere.

XJ-6: Hey little buddy, my name is XJ-6.

It felt somewhat odd to be talking to a bird, but atleast the bird didn't judge me for being a robot, so talking to it felt naturalually comfortable.

XJ-6: Hmm, maybe I should give you a name, how about... Bradley?

The Crow then "Cawed" at that response. I take it that it like that name.

XJ-6: Alright, Bradley, it's nice to meet you.

Bradley: 'Caw'

XJ-6: Why thank you, it is a nice day today. *Giggle*

It was just funny how this must look to my Mother, she must pity me for speaking to a bird for a friend, but I didn't mind.

XJ-6: Well, I gotta fly around a bit more, need to make my hour worth of being outside.

I flew straight back into the air, continuing my flight across the area, flying under a bridge pass, making zig zags in the air and doing barrel rolls while also to back flips in the air, I couldn't express how wonderful this freedom felt, though limited, still felt infinite.

NORA WAKEMANS POV

It was wonderful seeing her use her flight power freely for the first time. As I observed her, she was like a missile projectile dancing in the air, careless on its target but moving at a blinking pace.

I had a little bit of anxiety being trapped in a base for over a week, which I could handle but, being in a base with a Teenager for a week, couldn't have had a harder duty then that. It's just good to finally have some fresh air.

It was also really nice to I suppose "hang out" with my daughter, she seems very happy when I'm around to comfort her, she even seems fine having me watch her fly around, like she's showing off a bit. She was doing spins, flips and kicks in the air just to show me who was right about letting her out and exercise in free air.

I had almost forgot about my concern with what the General's would say about me letting her out in open air, where she might somehow take a chance and run off, but this should show the Generals that XJ-6 is more trustworthy then they give her for.

I stood there close to the hand rails, sipping on coffee and watching my daughter put a show, quite entertaining, and if this was a show in front of an audience I might even embarrass her as a mother would, Lord knows my mother did in my science conventions.

I remember how she would always encourage to add a little more effort even to my final product, saying "It could still be better sweetie" as if she knew very well about robotics and programing them. Though I would try to say otherwise, she was always right, putting a little more effort made my inventions better than before.

As for my XJ product, I stand by the same philosophy which I had built XJ for, to become the ideal Global Response unit no army could match or out do. So far, it seems quite alright, though she should maybe work on her attitude more, or maybe that's just the motherly side of me saying that. Her weaponry is still ideal and the best I've ever worked on, so It's no surprise that she is very good at beating records on such.

Yet I think, the thing I should be working more on is being her Mother, I'm a great Mother as far as I can tell, and to my Daughter she seems very happy to have me around, but she's also a Teenager, she's going to have more trouble like she did in this week on handling her emotions and attitude.

Should I be harsher to her? Should I give her more restriction on the reigns? Does she even need to be rewarded for her actions? These thoughts both worried me but also brought me that wave of being a responsible parent, not like I was with XJ-5, who...

No, I can't think about her, she had what was coming to her, she knew her boundaries and broke them beyond control and nearly jeopardized the XJ series.

Perhaps I should learn from those mistakes, from XJ-5 and XJ-4, that I had to keep a closer eye on them, but also not intervene on every action they took. With XJ-6, I can see the patterns similar to her predecessors, but much more improved, calmer and adaptive to her situation then XJ-5 ever was, especially XJ-4. I could recall they hard a rougher week, not understanding the basics of their training and wanting to turn away from their purpose into more, "personified" version of their objective.

XJ-6 shows obedience to learn, adapt, reform, etc. She would apologize for her mistakes, she would be polite and she would also be rude, like a normal Teenage Girl. "It's going the right step" is all I'm thinking, and seeing her enjoy the fruits of her privilege instead of demanding more, is quite the miracle for a Teenage girl to be like, especially compared to other normal Teenage Girls.

It was no surprise I would start feeling teary eyed on my accomplishment so far, everything went the way it best could've maybe there were hiccups here and there, but for being in a crowd stuck underground she was quite handleable.

Taking another sip of my coffee, I continued to watch my Daughter as she performed her magnum opus of her air plays. She would zigzag across the ground and then lift herself up into a loop back again into another zigzag and then finally a big blast off into the air back to the pavement wall next to me.

Seeing her close now, It seems barely lost a bar on her battery. She was surley an effiecent machine.

XJ-6: *Huff* So, Mother, how was that?

Nora: SPLENDID DEAR!

I jumped to her hugging her for her accomplished tricks, she immedietly hugged back squeling in rejoice over my reaction.

XJ-6: Thanks Mother, I told you I just needed some space to show you my skill.

Nora: Ohh I never doubted your skill, let alone your ability to handle your flight with this much prestine. How do you feel?

XJ-6: This was the most wonderful feeling I could ever have, I never felt more active! I was all like "wooosh!" And then like "ZIP" then within a flash I could "SWISH" and-

Went on and on her statement of Joy, I couldn't have been more happy to see her happy like this. This must've been like for my mother, seeing a Daughter accomplish something, and express in great multitude her Joy. So finally, she stopped and took a breather to say-

XJ-6: You know, I do really think this is one of my best moments in this week, how long until my hour is up?

Nora: Hmm, around 40 Minutes, so you still got plenty of time, just enjoy it sweetie I'm watching.

XJ-6: I'll continue, but I also want to make sure I take the time to also enjoy this scenery, you know, relax under the trees for a bit.

Nora: Of course, honey, do what you feel like doing.

XJ-6: Alright.

She then hugged me with a joyful squeeze.

XJ-6: Thank you again Mother, I love you.

Nora: I love you too. Go on have fun.

She went flying off again, flying around a bit more as it got breezier, until finally she decided to get to ground level and observe the tree's.

Without Knowing, someone approached me from behind, It was General Mack, with a distinguished face that was absent of neither anger nor joyful relief. I was half expecting him to be mad or half expecting him to be glad seeing how well XJ-6 was preforming.

General Mack: Nora, we need to talk.

Nora: *sigh* in a moment General, now isn't really time, I know you said not to let her outside without your orders but-

General Mack: This isn't about her right now, we can discuss that later, there's something you need to see.

Nora: What is it now? Can't it wait?

General Mack: Its Dr. Herban, he's gone missing.

Nora: Come again?

XJ-6 POV

As I continually flew across the air, I spotted Mother talking to General Mack.

"Oh no" I thought, "I'm in trouble now."

Mother then gave a glanced look at me and waved for me to come over.

Nora: XJ-6, there's been an issue.

XJ-6: Great, I'm in trouble now, aren't I?

Nora: No don't worry about that for now, it's Dr. Herban Styles, he's missing.

XJ-6: What? Since when?

General Mack: Since yesterday. He hasn't been seen around the base for any briefing or for anything for that matter. He just disappeared!

XJ-6: Bid deal really, he's only gone for what, two days? It's nothing that bad to worry about.

Nora: Actually, It is of 'Grave' danger if he is missing. He never should've left the base to begin without anyone noticing. It's also vital we know his whereabouts because of the essence of his knowledge on the XJ project and his security programs.

XJ-6: So basically, if he's not found, there might be a breach in our security?

Nora: Not just the base's, yours included! He made the Security system that you possess, only he knows whatever backway or program that can possible hack in or take control of you!

XJ-6: Well that doesn't sound good.

Nora: Exactly, so you better get those legs moving and find any clues on the whereabout on Dr. Herban Style!

XJ-6: Don't worry, a little hide and seek wont stop me.

I made my way into the base walking around the corridors with my spider legs trying to make my way into all locations Dr. Herban Style has been, starting with his private dormitories.

XJ-6: Well, back into the belly of the beast I suppose. It was fun being outside while it lasted.

NORA WAKEMANS POV

We went back inside the base, walking down the hallway as we were heading towards the elevator.

Nora: Do you have any idea why or how he may have been missing.

General Mack: There is no sign of intrusion into any of the areas Dr. Herban was stationed at, all his files are still intact, no downloads or nothing. He left without a trace and no trace of anything coming in or out of the base can be made, until just now with you and XJ-6.

Nora: Well its odd then, your basically saying he just disappeared off the base and no one is able to find him?

General Mack: We've been looking for him since yesterday, we contacted any close relatives or possible friends but none have ever seen him since 3 months ago.

Nora: Interesting, why am I only being informed of this now?

General Mack: We thought you would've noticed?

We got to the elevator, we both entered it and General Mack chose Level 3, I needed to head towards l my lab so I picked level –1. As the doors closed the elevator first lifted upwards towards to above levels.

Nora: I was busy keeping work on XJ-6, I'm not his keeper, we didn't have anything scheduled to work on till next week. I never thought to notice his absence.

General Mack: Well you know now, so do you have any means of tracking him?

Nora: That would be XJ-6, she's the only thing I have to track a person down, but I'll try to come up with something to help the process.

General Mack: Good, if you or XJ-6 find any clues or messages or anything, you report to me as soon as possible.

Nora: I understand General, you wont have to worry about it.

General Mack: Good, that's what I like to hear.

He was about to leave the elevator but he put his hand on the door to prevent it from closing. He turned his head over his should towards me and said-

Genaral Mack: Oh and by the way Nora, I know you have "feelings" for your little project, but you gotta not let the emotions get to ya.

Nora: Look I know you said not to let her outside yet but I figured its best we give her a little trust so she can also give a little trust back, besides she did great on her flight practice.

General Mack: I'm not mad if that's what you're wondering, in fact I also think her flight went well, but I'm only concerned that you're giving her too much space. She's gonna take advantage of you, having feelings for her like a Mother. She's smart, and she'll only get smarter, smart enough to stab you in the back when you're least expecting it.

I was shocked by the words coming out of General Mack! Does he think that XJ-6 would betray me out of the blue for no reason?

Nora: Listen Mack, you know me well. You know how well I am at keeping things under control and at preventing disasters, even the least expected ones. If you think I'm not capable of handling XJ-6 on any outburst she might have, then you should tell me now.

He was for a moment just silent, then blinked when he spoke.

General Mack: I trust you Nora, but the XJ's... we cant have another incident like with XJ-5. You know what this will do to your reputation.

Nora: I understand General. I have a sixth sense when it comes to taking care of my inventions.

General Mack: You better be right.

Right then he let go of the elevator door and it finally close and drop down below the base. I just let out of "huff" at the moment of relief.

"Great" I thought, "We gotta find a missing scientist and now it seems General Mack just doesn't trust XJ-6, how can this day get any better? I know fully well the comprehension on how to handle XJ-6, she's obeying orders so far, she's not demanding much and she's... Not, like XJ-5. I learned my mistakes with her and her incidents, its not like before."

I finally reached level –1 to my lab, "home sweet home" I read from my carpet. Home sweet home indeed.

END OF PART 3