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Electronic Pulse
Ch 68: Aftershock

Ch 68: Aftershock

Dr Elune helped Jolana down into the armchair, back in the study with Greg and one of the Alex's. She sighed, looking up at them, "Thank you. That was... A bit much to take in."

Dr Elune noded calmly, sitting down as Alex stood nervously by the door, "My appologies once again, Miss Jolana. I am sure you can understand our reasons for keeping this a secret."

Nodding, she leant back in her chair, still faintly dazed, "No, that part is fine... I try to keep an open mind about things. Got that from my father." Greg chuckled quietly, nodding silently as she continued, "It's more... I couldn't tell. Some things make so much more sense, considering... But, honestly?" She glanced at the doctor, "I simply thought you were a skilled human... One with an overbearing boss."

Dr Elune laughed, "Well, you are right about the overbearing part. I tend to get a bit swept up in my experiments, and I will admit I am more reliant on Alex than I should be..."

Alex shook their head, "Nonsense. I still command our drones, and I still operate the shuttle facilities. I simply... Have another side, as well. I am always happy to serve."

Jolana smiled slightly, shrugging, "Well, that is up to you. Anythign else I should know? No hidden cyborgs among you?"

Dr Elune smirked, "No, but we are planning on turning Thomas into one... Eventually. We are putting forward the technology that made Alex as a type of prosthetic."

Jolana blinked in surprise, "That... Makes sense, actually. Also explains how you got Ren on board. Does he know?"

Dr Elune coughed quietly, "... Everyone here does. Even your father's staff, as few as they are. You were less predictable..." Grinning slightly, the doctor glanced at Greg, "Well, we don't plan on telling your mother at least."

Jolana laughed, slumpign back tiredly, "Yeah, that would end badly. Even for Alex, who is probably nigh indistructable."

Dr Elune grinned, nodding, "Oh, and I find myself curious... W haven't actually revealed the extent of Alex's developement. What do you think of them now?"

Jolana glanced up, tilting her head, "... Confused, mostly. I was probably going to assume the persona was well crafted... But from that comment... Well, this is a largely subjective topic, though."

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Dr Elune nodded, urging her on, "And you are our subject. Just so you know, that virtual datascape was purely Alex's idea, we didn't know until I first got hooked up into the VR. Well, except Laura... She builds everything."

"Oh? I know she designs most of your final prototypes based of your research, but I thought Alex would be in charge of manufacturing."

Alex nodded, "While I would accelerate the process, and we do make use of assembly machines... I remain disconnected from them, as a security measure. I have enough power as it is, without being able to secretly manufacture... Well, me."

Jolana swallowed, "Ah. I do suppose you are growing... But I am sure you have discussed that enough times. Back to the VR though... Alex seriously created that spontaniously?"

Dr Elune smirked, "My proudest moment. Well, besides getting Alex jealous for the first time."

Jolana giggled, glancing at Alex, "Really? I didn't think there was any interest in tha sort of thing... No offense."

Alex blushed, smiling, "I have... Gotten better at handling my new emotions. I was unaware of them myself, at the time."

Dr Elune giggled, and stretched out, "Anyway... After all that excitement, I'm exhausted... And it's only mid day! We should-"

Greg bolted upright, glancing at the time, "Shoot, I was meant to be half way to the spire by now... I'm afriad I got a bit too distracted. I will see you... Later, if I can."

Waving goodbye, Dr Elune smiled wearily, and looked back to Jolana, "I don' envy him... I will be glad to be rid of the spire, once all the press is done."

Jolana giggled, before Alex gently leant forwards, "Doctor, if I may?"

"Hmm? What is it, Alex?"

"Now that thinga are calmer, I have something I rather wish to show you... Both of you. It's in the virtual datascape, so are you feeling up for a little look?"

Glancing at each other, Jolana and the doctor nodded, easing out of their chairs as they followed Alex out of the room, Jolana's head still reeling... She would need to sleep early, tonight.