(Note: The year for this chapter is 25XX. All subsequent chapters are set in 21XX unless otherwise noted.)

Dr. Luce locked herself in her lab for what she hoped would be the final tests on her creation. She checked out the young reploid's systems. Good to go. She checked out its database. All clear. She checked its memory banks. Perfect. One last thing before sending the little one on its way. The doctor logged on to her systems computer, then pulled up the holomatrix program and set it to record. Taking the controller in hand, she stepped back, made sure she was in the shot, then hit the record button.

"My little creation, I hope this file finds you well. I am sorry I had to keep the secret from you your entire life. But it was necessary that you grew up among humans, thinking yourself to be one. Included in this file are specs for your body armor, some upgrades for your system, and information you'll need to know and give to Dr. Cain." She paused, but kept the recording going. "I regret that after today, I'll probably never see you again, but it's for the best. My love for you always."

She stopped the recording, then played it back. Positive she hadn't forgotten anything, she saved it. Then she stepped back to her computer and opened several files. She got these ready to upload into her little reploid. Once Dr. Luce connected the wires to the back of the other's neck, she started the upload. Once it was complete, she blocked off "conscious" access to the file by the reploid.

Sure everything was ready, she unlocked the door to her lab and called in a rather large reploid male. She gave him instructions to carry the child to the time pod. He did so as she programmed it to the year 21XX. "Well," she said to no one in particular, "everything's ready to go. All I have to do is press the launch button and it'll be gone."

Before the echo of her last word had faded, the south wall of her lab collapsed. "HALT! Stop what you're doing!" an amplified reploid voice called out.

"You can't stop me now!" Dr. Luce cried back. "You're too late, Omicron!" She hit the launch button, and as the blasting commenced, the time pod dissolved into nothingness, heading back to the year 21XX. Dr. Luce had won this round.