Chapter Text
Astrodude was practically beaming as he finally landed on the earth's surface, this wasn't just any call-back, no. He was cordially invited to see the very robots, named 'Worker Drones', that were planned to aid in exploring exoplanets humanity never thought they could reach! Astrodude was pretty suprised that he was called to see this amazing showcase, he didn't see himself as being special or important, he was just a regular astronaut. So, why was he invited at all?
Astrodude didn't want to delve too deep into it or be seen as complaining, because he most definitely wasn't. He was honoured to be apart of being one of the first to witness humanity's next step into the galaxies, it's what he spent his whole childhood dreaming about! He just gets to see it in person.
Stepping into the massive conference and viewing area was, ironically, like stepping into a whole new universe. It almost didn't feel real to him. He walked to his designated seat at a slow pace, earning annoyed glances from the people behind him. Astrodude looked in a strange sense of awe at the posters and banners displaying the developing company of 'JcJenson', taking a few moments to briefly read them. But his eyes landed on the very centre of the room; where a line of these Worker Drones were lined up. He tried hard to stay professional, but he really couldn't contain his smile looking at the very things that may help traverse the universe with humans one day.
Weirdly enough, his seat was located at the very front row, which mildly confused him as he would've imagined the front rows were reserved for the most important people, or the company itself, were they not? What made him so special? He sat down nonetheless, trying to appear confident, though feeling extremely out of place as he started to get surrounded by the fancy higher-ups and company directors of all kinds.
Before the talks and proposals started, Astrodude took a moment to really look at the in-development robots on the stage. He tilted his head slightly with a small smile expressed on his face in appreciation of the design choices. One thing that always made him skeptical of robots and AI was the uncanny nature they gave off. But while these drones certainly carried human-like structure, they didn't try too hard to be so. They simply looked robotic and Astrodude couldn't help but silently praise whoever was hired for the blueprint designs. He could clearly see the passion and care for this project that matched his own excitement.
The room of whispers and quiet chatter died down as the JcJenson executive walked boldly onto the stage, his steps echoing across the newfound silence. The man began his speech professionally; explaining in comfortable detail the endless opportunities these drones could bring, and promises for a brighter future. The many other people in the room were either nodding along, looking disinterested, or calculating this development's value. But Astrodude stared ahead, listening intently as the executive described how the code and programming worked and functioned, aspects of it Astrodude would never fully understand yet he listened like he did.
He mildly glanced around the room again, but noticed something odd that he couldn't quite call out without being labelled as paranoid. People were looking at him. Not one or two people, everyone. It was hard to catch, but every so often, someone would look in his direction then whisper to whoever was beside them. Astrodude would've brushed it off for him being 'too lowly' for their liking, but it that was the case wouldn't they be looking at him with disinterest or even disgust? Instead, the glances he was receiving were glances of anticipation, excitement, as if he was the main attraction. But, that couldn't be right.. Did they know something he didn't..?
Astrodude wanted to ignore it, he really did, but even the executive's tone had shifted in a way that made the air feel too heavy. He was preaching ideas on how human and AI minds could be connected to achieve a greater outcome, seemingly looking straight through Astrodude's soul as he said it. Astrodude felt extremely uncomfortable about the nature of all of this. Suddenly the walls were too enclosing, and the banners were too enthusiastic, none of it made sense in a way he could describe. The executive proceeded to preach on the theory that their AI's could advance well beyond comprehension, should they have a more human way of thinking, again looking right at Astrodude, and apparently the whole room seemed to follow. The room felt suffocating to him, as if he was being targeted specifically, but he could do nothing but stay silent. This had to be just a simple misunderstanding, right..?
" .. And now? We'd like to take our hypothesis, and bring it to life. We have all our hopes in paving the way for humanities success, but how will he achieve it if we don't test first? "
The executive walked with confidence infront of the row of drones behind him, grazing their metal gently surfaces with his finger, as if he cared for them. Maybe he did, but he held a strong stare into their blank visors with an uncomfortable intensity. Suddenly, he pointed out to the crowd, his finger landing exactly in Astrodude's direction. He felt his heart skip a beat, like he should be bracing for something yet he didn't know what.
" Mr. Astro, would you mind to join us in the testing room? Your assistance is well desired by our team. "
The executive welcomed the invitation to him warmly with a nice smile, as if this was something honourable instead of utterly terrifying. Despite the kind professionalism, his smile looked forced, like a mask hiding something underneath. Astrodude's gut screamed in his face not to trust them, to just leave and forget about this weird meeting, but he was put on the spot in front of dozens of people, all looking at him like he was a profit value. It almost felt like the unbearable pressure was created on purpose, even so it was working. He hated that it was working.
Reluctantly, Astrodude stood up, trying to seem confident and not let his nerves override him completely. He was so sure he was doing a terrible job at keeping a poker face, but the guy on stage seemed convinced and calmly walked off the stage. Astrodude followed him slowly, everything about this felt wrong. Apparently sensing his hesistance, the executive placed a firm hand on Astrodude's shoulder to guide him to their destination. It didn't comfort him one bit though, the grip felt slightly too strong, as if he was ensuring he couldn't have an escape.
They eventually reached a sealed room surrounded by technicians and guards, strangely enough, to which the executive scanned his keycard to enter, Astrodude following behind like a scared dog. Though, upon entering, Astrodude immediately froze. It was mainly all white and would've been empty, had it not been for the chair with a screen dangling above and the drone behind it. The drone that looked exactly like him, but not quite right at the same time. Astrodude didn't know how long he had stood, just staring at this robot supposed to resemble him. But, why did they need a drone that resembled him in the first place?
Astrodude drowned out most of what the executive was neutrally saying, he was scared- no, terrified. He didn't even know what he was terrified of, nothing had actually happened yet other than weird instances, but the whole ordeal made him sick to his stomach in a way he could explain. He had to go-
All he did was take one small step backwards towards the only exit for it to slam shut and announce it's 'locked' status. Just great.
" Mr. Astro, please kindly take a seat before i explain the coming procedures for aiding in this exciting new project. "
The guy said flatly, but with an undertone that somehow made Astrodude's growing anxiety worse. He didn't want to sit in the chair, but serious eyes met him. Astrodude glanced in every direction but his gaze, although he felt the expecting eyes on him growing more impatient the longer he refused to listen. Astrodude hesitantly sat in the chair infront of him, not getting comfortable, he still naively hoped that maybe if he just listened, he would turn out fine after all. Right..?
Astrodude made the mistake of placing his hands on the arm rests on either side of the chair, his breath instantly catching itself as he felt the sudden click of locks tighten around his wrists. There was definitely something wrong now, and he had walked right into it. Panicking, Astrodude squirmed to release his hands, but to no avail, there was no way he could move or escape. The realisation that they were free to do anything to him dawned on him in horrifying fashion. He was fully subject to them whether he liked it or not.
The executive beside him didn't seem to possess any care for his struggling, looking with a blank yet wanting expression, like he didn't matter, like he wasn't an inch significant. He read off his chart with a more neutral tone, as if he was chatting about the weather and not mysteriously locking someone in a chair in a white room, with a creepily-look-a-like robot.
" As you may know, Mr. Astro, you were called to this important event to listen to the future plans of our next generation of drones. But, we didn't exactly specify what role you would play in our exploration. You were aware that your aid was required, yet we purposefully withheld aspects of imformation from you to avoid a conflict of interest. We hope you don't mind? "
Astrodude listened as the company basically admitted to lying to him, just so he could 'aid' them in whatever messed up theory they were currently testing. He couldn't trust his own voice, he simply nodded despite absolutely minding the fact that he was tricked. But, he was more afraid of what they'd do to him if he resisted..
" As discussed earlier, we at JcJenson are looking into ways to adavance the AI's passion and thinking skills, both thing you possess immensely. "
Astrodude didn't like where this was going, nor the implication of his statement. He just silently begged for there to be a way out of this.
" We've already carried out multiple experiments into connecting a human's mind to a drone's conscious, many resulting in failure. But, we found a way to make it work, to expand how the AI's go about their work by training it on a human's experiences and emotions. Luckily for us, the experiment that paved the way for this to be possible was of our staff volenteer, who fortunately cares a lot for her drone counterpart. Though, we are aware that others may not feel the same about theirs. Keeping two of the same mind is risky for many reasons. We value your drive and passion for space Mr. Astro, but it is inefficient to have two alike, and we must eliminate all risks, even if that means eliminating you. "
What..? Astrodude's breathing completely stopped for a second hearing the company debate the profits of his life like it held no significance. He wasn't worth keeping around when they could transfer his skills to a souless piece of metal. He almost couldn't even believe this was real, he would be used and disposed against his will and nobody cared. He wanted to scream, to demand answers, but his mouth stayed slightly agape, no words daring to come out. The silence was deafening. His last moments would be spent tied to a chair, questioning his entire worth. He didn't exactly know how to process that.
" Doctor, initiate brain scan. "
The executive seemed to speak to someone through his mic impatiently, like he wasn't just disregarding another human's life.
" Wait- "
That's all Astrodude managed to muster up before being forcefully pushed to fully lay down in the chair, green flashes suddenly taking over his vision as he could do nothing but sit and wait, as solemn as that sounded when he was about to die. He didn't want to die yet. He had a wife and son to go home to and tell space stories, hell he even had the planets themselves!
He tried to fight it, but his vision seemed to dim on it's own following the intensity of the green omitted light, until his eyes eventually fell closed, much to his struggle in survival.
Then, there was nothing. He couldn't do nothing, he couldn't feel anything anymore.
The silenced void was engulfing yet strangely comfortable at the same time, not like he could express it
..Until the small sounds of typing and processing filled his senses, the light blue code appearing and flashing across his view like wildfire.
[ Worker_Drone_Astrodude://:Powering On ... ]