The quiet hum of the facility's lower levels faded behind TX-07 as he moved purposefully through the dimly lit halls. His mechanical body, sleek and well-maintained, moved with a smooth efficiency, every joint and gear whirring softly with each step. Where a human's head would be, TX-07’s real form—the blue PsySphere—rested securely at the base of the neck. Tiny wires painlessly entered his spherical body, connecting to his central nervous system, allowing him to move the mechanical body as if it were his own.

Tonight, however, TX-07’s destination was not one frequented by the other PsySpheres. As he walked forward, the familiar tension of the upper levels loomed ahead. The elevator that would take him there stood guarded by two sentinels, their faces concealed behind impassive visors, each armed with advanced weaponry that gleamed under the pale lights. TX-07 didn’t need to slow his pace; they knew him.

"Evening, TX-07," one of the guards said, his voice muffled but polite. They both stepped aside without hesitation, granting him access to the elevator.

TX-07 gave them a brief nod, stepping into the elevator as the doors slid shut behind him. A moment of quiet followed as the soft hum of the machinery took over, lifting him to a place that few others within the facility ever saw. The upper levels were reserved for high-ranking personnel, and it was here that TX-07 would meet the one person he trusted without question—Dr. Hazeon Arlen.

The doors opened with a soft chime, revealing the corridor leading to Dr. Arlen’s office. Even up here, security was tight. Two more guards flanked the large door at the far end, their expressions unreadable behind their visors. TX-07 passed them without a word, their presence a mere formality.

He entered the office as the door slid open, and there, seated behind a sleek, modern desk, was Dr. Hazeon Arlen himself.

The founder of the Hazeon Institute and the head of the PsySphere project, Dr. Arlen, appeared to be reviewing data on one of the many screens surrounding him. His silver hair reflected the soft glow of the monitors, and his sharp, intelligent eyes focused intensely on the information in front of him. Despite the age in his features, he carried an air of calm control—someone who had long ago learned to balance ambition with responsibility.

"TX-07," Dr. Arlen greeted with a warm smile, standing up as TX-07 approached. "Good to see you."

"And you, Dr. Arlen," TX-07 replied, his mechanical body moving gracefully to stand before the desk. The familiarity between the two was unmistakable.

Dr. Arlen motioned for TX-07 to sit—though TX-07 simply stood in place, as was his custom when in these more formal settings. "I’ve been going over the latest data from your reports," Dr. Arlen said, tapping the screen lightly. "It seems the current batch of PsySpheres are progressing well. No complications?"

"None," TX-07 confirmed. "They’ve learned all they need to. Now, it’s just a matter of mastering their abilities."

Dr. Arlen leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "And how’s the mechanical body functioning? Any issues with the neural connections?"

TX-07’s mechanical fingers flexed briefly, as if demonstrating the seamless control he had over it. "No issues at all. The neural link works flawlessly. It’s as if the body were my own."

"Good," Dr. Arlen said with a satisfied nod. "That body was designed not just for practicality, but for blending in. In time, it will help the PsySpheres move among civilians without drawing attention. We’ve made great strides in creating a camouflage that works."

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TX-07 nodded, though he understood that Dr. Arlen’s plans went deeper than simple camouflage. There was more to the PsySpheres’ purpose than simply fitting in. The truth remained hidden, even from most within the Hazeon Institute. Dr. Arlen had shared only a portion of it with TX-07, trusting him with just enough to understand that their goals extended far beyond the walls of the facility.

After a moment, Dr. Arlen leaned forward, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk. "Have you ever considered what might happen when the time comes for the PsySpheres to go beyond this facility?"

TX-07 regarded Dr. Arlen thoughtfully. "I’ve thought about it. When that time comes, we’ll face more than fear. There will be those who want to control us, those who see us as a threat. Navigating that will take more than just power."

Dr. Arlen nodded, clearly weighing his own thoughts. "That’s exactly what concerns me. The world beyond these walls is... unpredictable. Governments, corporations, and even civilians—they all have their own interests. We’ve done our best to keep the PsySphere project under wraps, but eventually, we’ll be exposed. And when that happens, decisions will need to be made... and not all of them will be easy."

"I understand," TX-07 said. "And when that moment comes, I’ll do what’s necessary to protect the others—and the mission."

Dr. Arlen smiled faintly, though a shadow of concern lingered in his eyes. "I know you will. But remember, even those we think we can trust might turn on us. It’s something you’ll need to be prepared for."

TX-07 nodded slowly, his mind already calculating the possibilities. "I’ll be ready."

The room fell into a brief, contemplative silence before Dr. Arlen spoke again. "One more thing, TX-07... have you spoken with TX-01 recently?"

TX-07 met Dr. Arlen’s gaze, not surprised by the question. "I have," he admitted. "They’re as sharp as ever—still challenging the others with their views. But they haven’t posed a direct threat."

Dr. Arlen sighed softly, running a hand through his silver hair. "TX-01 has always been complicated. Their intelligence is undeniable, but their perspective has taken a turn I didn’t expect. Do you think they’re dangerous?"

TX-07 hesitated for a moment, weighing his words. "Dangerous? Not yet. But their influence could grow if we’re not careful. They see things differently than we do, and that makes them hard to predict."

Dr. Arlen nodded, clearly valuing TX-07’s insight. "You’ve always had a better read on TX-01 than anyone else. I trust your judgment. Keep an eye on them, but I won’t take action unless you think it’s necessary."

"I will," TX-07 reassured him. "TX-01 is... unique, but not beyond control."

There was a moment of quiet between them, the air filled with unspoken understanding. The trust between Dr. Arlen and TX-07 was implicit, built on years of mutual respect. They didn’t need to say it aloud—they both knew they could rely on each other.

Dr. Arlen stood, his expression softening once more. "That’s all for tonight, TX-07. Keep me updated if anything changes, and make sure the others continue progressing."

TX-07 gave a respectful nod and began to turn toward the door, but before he could leave, Dr. Arlen spoke again, his tone slightly softer, almost personal. "TX-07, one last thing… have you ever thought about having a name? Something more personal than your designation."

TX-07 paused, his mechanical body still. "A name?" He considered the question for a moment. "I’ve never thought about it."

Dr. Arlen smiled thoughtfully. "It might be worth considering. You’re more than just a designation to me, and perhaps a name would reflect that. Something that’s yours."

TX-07 tilted his head slightly, thinking over the idea. "I’ll think about it," he said, his voice measured but not dismissive.

Dr. Arlen nodded, pleased with the response. "Good. There’s no rush, of course. But when you’re ready, let me know."

With that, TX-07 turned once more and walked toward the door. As he exited the office, passing the guards who watched him in silence, he felt a new thought taking root. The idea of a name—a personal identity—was something he had never given much consideration. But now, as he descended back to the lower levels, the notion lingered.

The soft hum of the elevator carried him downward, his thoughts calm yet introspective. Dr. Arlen trusted him implicitly, and that trust extended to the choices he would make. TX-07 understood the full scope of the Institute's plans, yet the notion of a name still lingered in his mind. A name... it felt like something that could define him in a way that was different from the designation given at his creation.

The elevator doors opened with a quiet chime, and TX-07 faded into the dimly lit corridors of the lower levels. Whateverchallenges lay ahead, he knew they would come—whether he was ready or not.