Once I had gotten over my earlier shock, Berto gave me a guided tour of his lab. I had to admit that I was pretty impressed. In the center of the room, and taking up almost a third of the floor space, was the largest computer I had ever seen.
"That is one humongous computer. But can it play WOW online?" I commented.
"What's that?" Berto asked me and I just shrugged. "Anyway this computer is impressive but I haven't shown you the best part." While he spoke, he pressed something on the tablet. As I looked on, I felt the floor beneath me shake. Startled I stepped back and heard Berto say something. To my surprise something jumped out of the floor and almost landed on me. With a yelp I leapt back, tripped over my own feet and ended up on my rear. Sitting there, I felt someone take my arm and gently help me to my feet. Begrudgingly I started to thank Berto when I realized that it wasn't him standing in front of me. Instead I found myself looking up at a green and white robot.
"I'd like you to meet C.Y.T.R.O. Also known as a Cybernetic Tactical Robot Operative." Berto explained.
"Wow, now that's a mouthful. Well, thanks for the assist C.Y.T.R.O." I said. He's an impressive piece of hardware, I thought to myself. At that moment something occurred to me. "Can you control him?" I asked.
"Yes, actually I do. With either this tablet," he said indicating the minicomputer in his hand, "or this controller." Berto added, this time pointing to the armband on his wrist. Distracted by my questions, Berto was shocked when I punched him in the shoulder. Not really hard, just enough to get his attention.
"Hey, what was that for?!" He asked, glaring at me.
"You had a robot that you control remotely and you couldn't protect me better?" I said.
"Excuse me? Since when did C.Y.T.R.O or me for that matter, become your own personal bodyguards?" He shot back. As we glared at each other, a voice spoke.
"Guys, Forge wants to see us now. " When we turned around, I saw a young guy watching us.
"And you are?" I asked and he grinned at me.
"I'm Max. And he's Steel." He said, pointing to a small silver robot that was currently hovering beside me, poking my shoulder for some reason.
"I'm N'Baro AksSteel X377. Oh but you can call me Steel."
"Whoa, personal space invasion much." I muttered and Steel flew back to Max.
"I keep forgetting that you humans have a problem with that. My apologizes." Steel said which kind of surprised me.
"What does Forge want anyway?" Berto asked and Max just shrugged.
"Beats me. He just asked us to find you two and bring you to the com room." He answered, heading for the door.
"When does he ever tell us anything?" Steel commented and followed him outside. Berto set down his tablet and left, soon followed by me. I was curious as to what Forge wanted with all of us. Plus I knew that I'd get lost if I didn't follow them.