The Cut of Renewal

[C.E.R.A.]

"Stylistic is not a recognized security protocol," C.E.R.A. said. "And your tactical intent was predictable: swagger, then passive aggression, followed by a repulsor-ready pose for thirty-one seconds. I have the recording. Would you like me to send it as a reminder this evening?"

 

[Andrew Lonek]

Andrew's helmet lowered briefly as if he were hiding a grin. "Delete the recording. Or at least book it 'for training purposes only.'" He paced a few awkward steps—metallic footfalls echoing—then stopped and pointed a gauntleted finger at the lab door, theatrically. "All right. Repairs. Upgrades. I want redundancies. Triple-sensor arrays on the vents, adaptive decoy signals, and a conversion for those cleaning bots into — I don't know — polite taserbots? Something with pizzazz."

 

[C.E.R.A.]

"Recommendation: implement quad-sensor array, replace decoy harmonic outputs with randomized thermal and electromagnetic signatures, and reprogram cleaning bots to deploy micro-drones with nano-netting on command. Additional recommendation: do not autonomously convert domestic units into defensive weapons without a legal review and a sufficiently large insurance policy." C.E.R.A.'s tone softened a fraction. "Also: call Valah."

 

[Andrew Lonek]

Andrew's mock indignation collapsed into sheepishness. "That's not— I mean, she just checked on me. I don't want to be one of those men who only calls for help after being embarrassingly outmaneuvered."

 

[C.E.R.A.]

"You reached out to me, in more ways than one," C.E.R.A. observed. "You can contact her as well."