Dr Elune rolled over, and opened their eyes slowly. Upon seeing a grinning Alex face, they reacted automatically, fwapping a pillow onto the offending intruder.

*Fwump.* "Good morning, doctor."

"... Morning, Alex. Why did you creep into my bed?"

"Because I can?"

"Suuure. Hug me in my sleep, and you go flying. Possibly out an airlock."

"Good to know. I shall keep mining bots nearby to retrieve me."

Sighing, Dr Elune smiled anyway, and wiggled closer, "So. Plan for today?"

"There is a board presentation later this evening, partially for the official announcement of AHOR's completion. Dr Ohara has a speech ready, vefore we approach the market."

"Fun. I know my part: 'Alex can now be smacked upside the head. Try to excersize restraint. Also, woo, time to start sending schematics."

Giggling, Alex nudged the doctor gently, "Sounds like you would rather just sleep. As I have been... Preoccupied, why are you finding yourself so exhausted?"

Groaning, the doctor leant against Alex, "Just because we can make AHOR parts now, doesn't mean we are done. Mass production is still being discussed, with the fine points being ironed out. Along with my brain."

"Ahh, yes. I thought you would be done with that, by now."

"Too many biochemical jargon... I need to leave most of it to Judith and Ren."

"Understood. I should leave you to rest, then... I also have plans for after the meeting, and I know you have nothing set up."

Raising an eyebrow, Dr Elune smiled faintly as they simply nodded, sighing contently as they closed their eyes again.

"... Alex?"

"Yes, doctor?"

"... You are surprisingly nice and warm."

"... Thank you?"

"Hehe... You should probably go, though. I know... These units take a lot of concentration..."

Nodding gently, Alex pried themself up out of the bed, shifting the sheets back into place with a smile as they wandered over to the specially made cradle to hold the unit. Time to prepare the finishing touches.

"Sounds good. We are all agreed that we are to send the data to the discussed list of prospects after a month, to allow for the finalisation of production. We are to discuss human trials at the time, to see AHOR in action... The way we are advertising it, at least."

Everyone nodded, and Dr Ohara sat down near the head of the table, opposite of Alex. This had gotten a few odd glances when everyone filed in at first, but it was taken in stride... Dr Elune made some interesting decisions, and this wasn't nearly the most bizzare.

As everyone started turning to each other, Alex got up, coughing quietly as they waited for attention to turn back to the front, "That ends the main discussions for the day, however I feel the need to bring up two more points, if I may."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

As Dr Elune glanced up curiously, Norman nodded calmly, "Go on, Alex."

Flickering on a OHPS on the desk, an image of the system appeared, "With us sending out details on AHOR, we will no longer be able to remain as obscure and out of the way as we have been. As much as the doctor may hate doing public appearances..." A point near the station pinged, glowing brighter, "... We will need to take a trip to the Fourth Haven."

As a few people nodded, Francis hesitated, and piped up, "We? You cannot operate remotely that far, not without sending data back and forth... Which will be very easy to tell you aren't just some video being streamed."

"How astute of you. Yes, I have a plan in that regard, but one I must save for later to discuss in detail. The main point is... Whether I leave or not, I cannot remain the sector's little secret forever. I propose we face this head on... Perhaps talk to a few people Dr Elune and Dr Ohara know."

Worried murmurs were quickly intterupted by Dr Elune, "While I would have appreciated this plan going by me first, not only the part about me leaving the station, but you as well, I agree. Things have gone surprisingly well so far... We need to keep this going, and get a firm foothold nearby for when things turn sour."

Alex nodded as the room quieted down again, the argument being a good one. Alex will be widely recieved as a monster, in some cases even as an omen of impending doom. People had gotten unreasonably suspicious of AI, but not without cause.

"We have time before we even contact anyone, and I have... Other things that need finishing before we can go. Also, with my planned schedule... It may be better to hold off on this trip for about 3 months from now. This is merely a good time to bring up, well, my existance."

Dr Elune frowned slightly, detecting far more crowd interaction in their near future than they had bargained for. Alex was conveniently turned away, and continued calmly, "This also brings me to my second point..." Gesturing at the door, Alex smiled, "We will have to go on a slight walk for this."

A few curious and confused looks ciculated the room, Dr elune getting up with a sigh, "I hope this is close by. Also... I'm concerned as to what exactly ou have in store."

Giggling, Alex wandered over to the door, not saying a word as people eased out of their seats, whispering to each other what they thought this might be for. Laura in the back suddenly widened her eyes, and grinned as she walked out last, passing by Alex slowly, "Time to shine?"

"Yeah... Time to shine."