Kluster and Shad Croly's Journal

[[The Doctor]]

Date: May 25, 2006

Today turned out to be a bit uneventful then I was anticipating. After accepting Kluster's chip from Doctor Albert, I was able to take my new Kybernetic home. Doc said that the chip has some basic sensory receptors so I spent a while telling it the basic layout of my house. My house is more of an apartment in Durem so giving a verbal tour of my living quarters wasn't that difficult.

I was somewhat disappointed that it couldn't repond as I talked to it, but I knew that Kluster's framework would be done sometime soon and then Kluster and I could have a real conversation. As I continued to talk about some of the things I liked and what kind of a day my Kybernetic should probably expect from me, I got a strange feeling come over me.

I couldn't tell if the feeling was one of interest and excitement or one of those "you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me" feelings. All I am certain of was that it was strong enough for me to feel it and know it.

I sat in silence for a while before turn my head to look at my calender that hung on the kitchen wall. After another moment, I told Kluster about my plans this summer. 3 weeks spent in a country called Japan on important business. I told him, almost like I was appologising to someone, and yet, in a way I was.

Though I am only 19, I consider Kluster to be like a son to me. A son who's father is going to be away for 3 weeks at a time when I should be spending acting like a father and being there for him.

Him...Kluster is a Kybernetic, a machine built by a genius with the most imaginative mind I have ever seen. It was a machine, yet I'm talking about it like it was a living, breathing person.

It's strange. People say the smallest thing can change you in the biggest way. Perhaps Kluster, the little chip he currently is, sleeping in a steel case beside my bed, is already changing me. For the better? I think so.

Anyway, journal, I've rambled a bit and it's gotten late for even me. In light of this, I shall say goodnight.

Goodnight,
~ A new "father"

 

[[The Doctor]]

Date: May 27, 2006

For the sake of keeping my journal entries from getting too redundant by posting every day, I had decided to post them every couple of days so I could record more of what Kluster and I do. Which, now that I think about it, won't be much since Kluster is sill but a chip. Anyway, I just had to write down my thoughts on something that came to mind while I was trying to fall asleep last night.

These Kybernetik come with a preprogramed personality and emotions as far as I'm aware of. Well, remembering me talk to Kluster about my life and what I liked to do, I thought about the posibility that maybe Kluster and I are polar opposites.

I don't really like high intencity physical activities as I'm more of an indore guy, spending time playing Holo-Games, working on the internet and reading. My thought was: "What if Kluster came out to be something that I couldn't keep up with?"

Would I be physically capable of handling such a machine? I, personally, don't think I could, but Kluster is my kid now and I guess I'd just have to try.

Yeah...doesn't matter what Kluster ends up liking. It's his decission and I'm supporting it...within reason, of course. Like hell I'm gonna allow Kluster to be affected by bad influences.

...I just realized I'm starting to sound like my father; scary thought. Guess I should give him and mom a call since they live in Barton and all. Now that I think about it, I haven't told them about Kluster either. Me with a kid at 19? They'll probably lose their minds for a while until I can get them to see what's actually going on.

But I digress. Kluster is my kid now and I'll raise him like a father should.

Your faithful owner,
~Shad Croly

 

[[The Doctor]]

Date: May 28, 2006

Today wasn't as spectacular as one one I would have hoped for, but there were some pirks, none the less.

I took Kluster with me today as I was shoping for lose end things I will need for my trip to Japan this summer while, pretending like I was talking to myself, explained everything I was buying to Kluster who was hidden in my shirt pocket. Clever, no?

On the drive home I decided, with the downpour of rain and lack of things to tell Kluster about, to turn on the radio for a while. There weren't many music stations playing today, but I was able to find Alternative station and stayed on that one for pretty much the entire trip.

I like a few Alternative bands and, while I was listening to the bands play, was almost hoping that Kluster would start to like the kind of music I did. The Doc had called me back about what things Kluster might like and he said that my Kluster, being a prototype Kybernetik, would grow to have interestes similar to mine.

A few times, when I was so drawn into the music I started singing, I got the feeling that Kluster was laughing at me. My singing voice is decent, though there are times when a dog with a sore throat sounds better then I do. I'm guessing that was one of those times.

Time keeps passing and I'm beginning to wonder how long it will take for Doc to finish with Kluster's frame. I like talking to my Kybernetik kid about the life, the universe and everything, but it would really make my day to hear his thoughts. Heck, it would be nice to hear his voice, period. Patience is a virtue, though, so I guess I'll just have to wait it out.

I need to get a hold of Doc again to see if Kluster, in his little chip form, can see through any hidden optical sensor thingy. There is supposed to be a meteor shower tomorrow and I'm hoping Kluster can watch it with me.

Your faithful owner,
~Shad Croly

 

[[The Doctor]]

Date: May 29, 2006

Well, so far my day has been very interesting. I decided to visit my parents at their house in Barton today and finally break the news to them about Kluster. My parents are really senseable people. My mom has an open mind and my dad didn't kill me when I told him I didn't want to try out for any sports teams.

I figured there might be a moment of intrigue and disbelief at the situation, followed by some engaging conversation about Kluster and what was known about him at the moment. I'm never right about these things and I should learn to anticipate such.

My mom nearly fainted when I told them about being a "father". After the innitial shock of the situation, about a dozen pills and me assuring her I wasn't fooling around with anyone, she went into "Grandma" mode, talking about spending time with and spoiling Kluster. I think she may be going a little overboard with the situation.

As for my dad, he seemed really calm about the situation. He just sat in his usual chair with his "I'm-trying-not-to-kill-you" face he's been giving me since I was a freshman at Barton High.

Before I left, I showed them Kluster's chip and what the different colors meant. The dark tan was the skin color, and the red and green where the hair and eye colors. I still can't remember which was which.

Once I got home from Barton, I got a call from the Doc about something for Kluster and me. Not sure what it could be and it seems a bit too soon to be Kluster's frame. I guess, once I'm done with my work at the house, I'll stop by the Doc's lab and see what's up. I'll make sure and make a second entry once I find out.

Your faithful owner,
~shad Croly

 

[[The Doctor]]

Shad Meets Sophie at the Lab:

Shad Croly

Shad pokes his head into the lab. "Hey, is the Doc here?"

Sophie C. Bell

Sophie looked up from her bored doodlings. "Uh...nope. He's sleeping. Or dead. Whichever came first." Sliding down from her perch on top of her desk table, she tilted her head, looking the man up and down. "You're Kluster's owner, right? Well, if you need anything, I can help."

Shad Croly

Shad lightly stared at the girl. "Um...yeah, I got a call from the Doc earlier today. He wanted to give me something but he never said what." He paused for a moment, taking a leaning stance up against a nearby wall. "Just a quesiton, you wouldn't happen to know what he wanted to give me, do you?"

Sophie C. Bell

Sophie looked back to her desk, then shook her head. "Nope. The Doc doesn't usually give me anything. He figure's I'll break it." She looked back to Shad, a grin on her face. "He's probably right. But don't worry, I'm sure he'll give it to you as soon as possible. He's organized like that. Speaking of which...how's Kluster doing? He should be getting a body sometime soon."

Shad Croly

"He's doing pretty good, considering he's still a chip. Took him to my parent's house for a while, spent some time talking to him, listen to music, stuff like that." Shad checked his watch quickly. "Huh...later then I thought. Listen, I've got to head back to Durem, give my reguards to the Doc." He nodded to Sophie before heading out the door.

Sophie C. Bell

"Well, I hope 'The Good Doctor' didn't lose what you needed. See you later."

Sophie watched the young man leave, her head still tilted. It slightly peeved her, that this stranger got a Kybernetik before she did, but she supposed it was simply a matter of responsibility.

Oh well. She'd just have to build her own, then.

 

[[The Doctor]]

Shad meets with Doc at the Lab:

Doc Albert

Doc Strides out of the lab and wipes his hands on the front of his lab coat. "Good evening, Shad. I trust you have Kluster with you?"

Shad Croly

Shad sported a relaxed smile as he walked into the lab. Complications at work had kept him from meeting with the good doctor, but today had been an exception.

His supervisor had 'died' earlier that day and was taken to a 'graveyard' in Isle de Gambino; conviniently where his wife just moved along with 4 million dollars. For some reason, no one suspected anything but Shad didn't care; his entire division had a day off.

"You bet, Doc." Shad stated, pulling the chip out of his bag.

He was almost reluctant to hand it over, seeing as how he'd become accustom to talking to a chip, but that was the point of Kybernetiks wasn't it? Change for the better?

Doc Albert

Doc took the chip from Shad an inspected it. "He looks to be in excellent condition. Now, if you'll follow me back into the lab." Kluster still in his hand, he turns and begins to stride quickly back into the lab, motioning for Shad to follow him.

The lab was... A mess, to say the least. Computers and parts were everywhere and in various stages of operation. Turning a corner, Doc and Shad arrived in a cleared area with two child-sized gurneys. One was empty, having been vacated yesterday, but one had a child-sized form covered in a white sheet resting on it....

Shad Croly

Shad was having a tough time walking through the lab and not triping. How the Doc was able to do it on a daily basis was beyong him. He followed to the two gurneys, seeing one empty and the other still having a figure on it. Shad threw out the thought that it had been a bit soon for getting Kluster his Toddler form. The Doc knew best, after all, he did make them.

Shad's foot colided with a pipe on the floor, sending the teen to the ground in a heap. He scrambled to his feet and brushed himself off. "I'm alright." He stated.

He looked back to the sheat-covered form he suspected was Kluster. "That's him?"

Doc Albert

"Yes, that's him," the Doc nods, whipping the sheet off.

And indeed it is. Lying on the table is what looks to be a young boy with dark skin and red hair. Asymetrical metal patterns trace up his legs and arms and curl around his face. His green eyes stare blankly at the ceiling.

With surprising ease, the Doc hoists him into a sitting position and flips open a panel on the back of his head. "Here we go," the Doc smiles, and snaps the chip into place. He replaces the panel, but continues to hold the boy in a sitting position until Kluster's body tenses. After a moment, the Doc lets go and Kluster is sitting on his own.

The boy blinks a few times and looks around - stiffly at first, but gaining a human fluidity in his movements. He holds up a hand and examines his fingers, almost amazed to have them, and giggles as he discovers the shapes they can take.

Something else catches his eye - Shad. Kluster breaks into a smile and takes a clumsy leap of the table. He runs across the room with the "clumsy grace" only a toddler could have and latches onto Shad's leg.

"Da'," he murmurs contentedly.

Shad Croly

Shad looked at Kluster in awe. Without the metal decorating the child's body, he wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between it and a real child. He lauged a bit in the amazement if the situation. He bent down, taking a hand and brushing a lock of hair out of Kluster's face. He smiled warmly at the Kybernetik. "Hey there, kiddo."

With a soft hug, Shad lifted Kluster into the air and proped him up against Shad's chest. The teen was doing his best to hold back a tear. Kluster was everything and more what he had been expecting. Shad turned to Doc and gave a quick nod. "Thanks," he said.

With a turn of the heel, Shad pulled Kluster up and above his head. The Kybernetik gave a quick giggle of delight as he came to rest on Shad's shoulders.

Shad looked up at Kluster. "Come on, let's get back home," he said with a smile. He left the room, making sure to duck down so Kluster didn't hit his head on the doorframe. He turned to Doc one more time and gave a quick thumbs up before leaving.

 

[[The Doctor]]

Date: June 1, 2006

A new month and a good time to add a new entry into my journal. Kluster and I have been pretty busy these past few days. My mom had, once again, nearly fainted when I showed them what Kluster looked like. She spent most of the visit rummaging through some of my old clothes so he could have something to wear other then the blue tank top and green pants Kluster originally came with. I'm all for the idea. Gives me one less thing to worry about, at least for a while.

My dad sounded like a broken record asking if Kluster played or liked to play any sport. I refrained from telling him that Kluster would somewhat decide what he liked from what he saw. The last thing I want is my dad breaking Kluster's processors with sports trivia. If he takes it easy on the kid, I think Kluster might actually warm up to my dad. The entire visit, the Kybernetik stood a good 5 feet from my dad at all times.

I now have a few of my friends at work teasing me about Kluster. I had to make an emergency visit to work yesterday and took Kluster with me, having to time to ask the Doc if he could take care of him for a while. I think Kluster liked the visit to my place of work.

ENCOM is a pretty cool place to work. I'm apart of the network security division and Kluster seemed to be having a blast talking with a few of the AI programs that oversee the system. All the while dealing with the unexpected shutdown of TRON (Terminal Reconstruction Operating Network, a network that fixes fragmented and corrupted data in AIs) and dealing with a few co-workers constantly teasing me about having a night of romance with one of the AI programs.

I guess Kluster knew what they where talking about since he kicked, Gerald, a co-worker that occupies the cubical opposite mine, in the shins. I tried not to laugh and when I got home told Kluster that kicking people in the shins isn't something we do in public. Doc told me to be aware of porential bad habbits and I just got my first taste of them.

In any case, since the incident at ENCOM and at my parents house, things have been pretty quiet. I've been teaching Kluster how to play a few card games and I swear the kid is like video poker. At the first sign of you winning, he cheats. I'm not sure how, but I know he does.

When I find out his secret...I'm gonna ask him to teach me it. Perhaps I could use it to wrestle back a few unpaid loans from my co-workers.

Anyway, I'm rambling. I want to let Kluster have a turn at writing an entry in my journal. I figured it would be good practice for his reading and writing.

Your faithful owner,
~Shad Croly

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Date: June 1, 2006

Being with Da has been fun. He took me to grandma and grandpa's house in Barton. Grandpa scares me. I also got took to Da's work. I gots to talk to Anita. Anita is a nice lady in a computer that I spent time with while Da was working. She told me what he was working on and how to play fish. I got to play some games with Da when we got home.

Da also told me kicking the mean person who was making fun of him was a bad thing. I don't understands it, but Da know's best. : )

I've been learning how to play more games with cards and Da starts to act funny when I win. He says I cheat, but Da's just not good at those games. It's getting late and Da says I should go to bed soon.

Night night,
~Kluster

 

[[The Doctor]]

Date: June 2, 2006

Da is spending all day sleeping in bed. He said his head hurts cause of some noisey peoples at work yesterday. I got him a lot of water earlier and he's sleeping again. Doc is a good doctor and if Da is still not feeling well, maybe Doc can fix him. He can fix Kybernetiks good, he should be able to fix people too.

I will see if Da is still feeling bad before talking to Doc.

Bye bye,
~Kluster

 

[[The Doctor]]

Date: June 2, 2006

I'm really greatful for all the things Kluster did for me today. I had been feeling a bit under the weather last night and this morning with a massive headache and was bedridden the entire afternoon.

All the while, Kluster had gotten me a glass of water with the bottle of asprin pills I had in the kitchen. Appearantly, Anita, an AI Program I work with bat at work, had transmited a copy of herself into the database here and was able to help out all she could.

Kluster and Anita get along so well together. I wonder if their base programing is similar. Probably not, but there is always a posibility. Guess it's just something I'll have to look into when I get back to work on Monday.

Anyway, after sleeping my headache away and doing some minor paperwork for my business trip this summer, I began to wonder about some of the things Kluster would be doing while I was gone. I knew he would be staying with the Doc, but what would the Doc be doing? Working on more Kybernetiks or would he be taking a vacation as well?

I've decided to plan for anything. I managed to take a few thousand gold out of my division's AI research funds as emergency cash should Kluster need it. I haven't told him the combination to the safe the money is in, but knowing Kluster he might have it open by the time I'm done writing this.

As another precaution, which spawned from my spilling water on myself, I began to wonder: If Kluster was a Kybernetik, was there a posibility that he would short circut if water hit him? I'd hate to have a "Wicked Witch of the West" incident with him so I've decided to take him to the Doc later to see if he can fully waterproof him.

Shouldn't be too hard for him, at least I hope it's not.

I better be leaving now. The copy of Anita's data is an illegal copy, even if she did do it herself, and posessing it could get me fired. Taking her back to ENCOM comes first, then is my trip to the Doc's. I will write later to record if Kluster's upgrade was not only possible, but successful.

Your faithful owner,
Shad Croly

 

[[The Doctor]]

Date: June 4, 2006

Something hasn't been going right the last few days. I'm not exactly sure what, but I'm guessing the odd feelings started the day I took Anita's copy back to work. My mannager was more linient about the situation then he normally is and accepted the copy back. He somewhat reassured me when I had been commissioned to reintegrate the copy back into the original Anita or risk being fired. For some reason, a threat to my person is normal for the people around me.

Anyway, before I was able to leave, he presented me with a revised work schedual. It seems all day that week I'd have to pull the slack for Gerald who was illegidly fired the day before and Anita had been sujected to deresolution only moments after I finished working. With that as the situation, I tried not to let my mind jump to conclutions and focus on the present. I would need to bring Kluster to work this week.

Days one and two haven't passed as smoothly as I was hoping for. My manager, Douglas had created a strange obsesstion with Kluster, asking me questions about the Kybernetik every ten minutes or so.

The obsession is making me uneasy and for the sake and safety of the other Kybernetiks Doc has built, I have refrained from telling Douglas anything about Kybernetika. I now have to make sure Kluster is in good care. I've already set it up so that he's to stay with me at all times but I'm still uneasy about even being around my manager anymore.

It seems Kluster hasn't been wanting to post in our journal lately, due to him going to sleep pretty much as soon as the two of us get home. I can remember being just like that when I first started working for ENCOM so I really can't blame him for being all turckered out when we get home. In any case, tomorrow is a shorter day then has been my other days so hopefully Kluster will get to record his thoughts on the week so far.

Then again...I'm not sure what Doc will have to do to make sure Kluster is fully waterproofed so perhaps he will be tired when we get home tomorrow. Guess I will just have to wait and see.

Goodnight,
~Shad Croly

 

[[The Doctor]]

Shad takes Kluster for water-proofing...

Shad Croly

"Hello Sophie!" Shad greeted. "It seems I'm finally getting some free time from work after some trouble. Is the Doc is?" He asked, looking around. "I was hoping to get Kluster water-proofed before I left for the summer. Ya know, just in case you all decided to go to the beach or run through a sprinkler or something."

Sophie C. Bell

Sophie looked up from her desk, seeming to be scanning some notes. "Actually, I don't know where the Doc is. I'd go look around myself, but I don't think he's too happy with me."

A Kybernetik entered the room quietly, walking with cold confidence to Sophie's desk. The girl seemed different from the others, though: her hair was stiff, her face not even remotely human-looking. She looked like something out of a New Orleans storybook, down to clothing and everything. Softly she affirmed who she was looking at: "Sophie." She then paused, looking at the two. "Sophie, there are visitors here." Although the voice was human, the tone was not: there seemed to be no life in it.

Sophie grinned sheepishly. "This is why." She then squeezed Alia's hand for assurance, then led her forward. "Alia, this is Shad, and this is Kluster. Remember, I read the files to you?" The bot took a moment to comprehend, then affirmed: "Shad. Kluster."

Shad Croly

Shad looked from Sophie, to the new Kybernetic, to Kluster and then around again."Is...there something wrong with her? She doesn't seem like any of the Kybernetiks I've ever seen." Technically a short truth. The only Kybernetiks he'd ever seen where the pictures in the catalogue and Kluster.

Kluster remained hidden behind the teen. The Kybernetik's hands were griped to the leg of Shad's slacks, his head peaking out from his hiding place behind his 'father'. "Who is she, Da?"

Shad had the same look of confusion as Kluster did. "That's what I'd like to know." He looked as Sophie again. "Mind helping a couple of clueless joes?"

"Our names aren't Joe." Kluster commented.

Shad fought back the urge to laugh.

Doc Albert

"She hasn't got an emotions unit," Doc says, saving Sophie an explanation as he comes out of the lab. "Good morning, Shad. Kluster. Are you two here for waterproofing? Yes? Right this way, then." He turns to go back into the lab and beckons for them to follow.

Shad Croly

"Um...right." Shad grabbed Kluster by by the hand, heading into the lab after the doc. "Nice to meet you again, Sophie." He waved with a free hand. Kluster waves a cautious goodbye to the other Kybernetic with his free hand. He dashing into the lab in a child-like fear of the emotionless Kybernetic.

Doc Albert

Doc shows Kluster and Shad down a different corridor than what leads to the building area. They get to a cleared workbench and Doc hoists Kluster up onto the table. Wielding a caulking gun, he states. "Arm please," and waterproofs that joint. "Other arm, please." The same. He continues to do Kluster's knees. "All done!" He puts Kluster back on the ground. "Have a good summer!"

 

[[The Doctor]]

Date: June 7, 2006

I'm considering transfering my journal from my PC into an actual book. The electrical power has been coming on and off at my house now for the past 3 days and the electritions have done pretty much nothing to fix the situation.

With no power, there is pretty much nothing to do around the house and equally not enough power to charge my car to go out and do anything. Obviously Kluster is as annoyed about the situation as I am as he can't listen to any music or play any of his games while the power is down.

The back-up generator used by the appartment complex hasn't even had enough time to store any sufficient ammount of energy so that's out of the question. I'm seriously considering suing the electric company if they don't fix the problem soon.

I guess I will let Kluster on to write a bit before the power goes out again.

Your faithful owner,
Shad Croly

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Date: June 7, 2006

Da's been really mad lately. The power keeps turning on and off at our house and now I can't listen to any of my musics or play any games.

He's been walkin around the house talking about punchin the people at the 'lectric company. I don't think Da is strong enough to punch people as hard as he wants.

I just hope the people can fix the problem before Da gets real-

[Network Problem 401: Connection Lost]
[Network Problem 229: Data Corrpution]
Connection to main server was lost before proper saving of data could be completed. Minimal data corruption detected. Please contact Customer Support at (555) 1-800-382-5633 to file a complaint.

 

[[The Doctor]]

Kluster discovers rain...

Kluster

Kluster quietly pushed the door to Shad's room open. Shad was still asleep, half rolled over in the queen sized bed with half of the blanket covering him. He was wearing his usual green pajamas with a CoCo Kitty plushie by his head. Kluster had always liked his dad's odd quirks. The Kybernetic walked over to the side of the bed and gently shook Shad.

Shad Croly

Shad bolted into a half awake awareness. He looked around before setting his gaze on Kluster. "Hey, kiddo. Whatcha doin' up so early?" Shad smiled.

Kluster

"Da, what's that?" Kluster turned to the bedroom window and pointed outside. Droplets of water were gathered on the glass and continued to gather.

Shad Croly

Shad was fully awake by now as he saw the weather. "That's what rain is...didn't think you'd seen it before. Then again, it doesn't rain much in Durem."

Kluster

Kluster walked towards the window and put a hand against it. "It's really cold, Da."

Shad Croly

Shad laughed. "Yeah..." He had trouble remembering it whole, but he could still recall bits of his first time in the rain. The rain in his hair and holding his toung out to catch a few droplets in his mouth. "Kluster," Shad began.

Kluster

Kluster turned hi head to look at his father. "What?"

Shad Croly

"How about we spend the day in the park?"

Kluster

The Kybernetic just stared at Shad for a moment. "In the rain?"

Shad Croly

"Yeah." Shad had never seen Kluster smile so wide.

 

[[The Doctor]]

Shad drops Kluster off...

Shad Croly

Kluster held tight onto Shad's hand as the two of them walked towards the Doc's lab. It had been a good 3 weeks since they had kept in contact with the old man and Shad was almost blaming himself.

It was his dire business trip to Japan he was forced to take that was occupying all of his time and taking it away from being there for Kluster. Shad knew Kluster understood the situation more then the Kybernetic let on.

Kluster sat on Shad's shoulders, the two of them in a silence as they walked, Shad toting a suitcase filled with Kluster's things behind him. "You know this isn't permentant, right?" Shad asked.

Kluster just nodded, staying silent.

"And I'm going to call and check up on you whenever I can, right?"

Kluster nodded again.

Shad hung his head, almost in a defeated way. What he wouldn't give to spend more time with his son.

The Kybernetic leaned against Shad's head. The Doc's lab was only a few yards away now. It was a short walk but the situation made it seem infinate. Shad grabbed Kluster by the waist and set him on the ground, still holding onto Kluster's hand.

Shad pushed the front door open with his foot, escorting Kluster and his luggage inside. "Doc? Sophie? I'm here..." he called out, silently wishing no one would answer.

Sophie C. Bell

Sophie lifted her head from it's resting position in her palm, standing up from her desk. As usual, it had been a lazy day at the labs, and the company of anyone made her feel warm and welcome.

It didn't seem to be the case for the other two, who looked forlorn as ever. However, it wasn't anything Sophie could change, so she went ahead and answered in a positive tone. "Hello, Shad. Ready to drop off Kluster?" she squatted down to the young bot's height, then gave a reassuring smile. "It'll be alright. Your dad'll be back in no time, but until then, I've got lots of things you can do." She almost mentioned Alia, but remembered how Kluster had given her odd looks in the previous encounter, so she just left it at that.

Taking the bags, she put them by her desk, then pulled some papers from a file, signing them with a pen and then ushering Shad over to the desk himself. "I just need you to find some verification, and then I'll get Kluster settled, okay?"

"Sophie, are the visitors staying this time?"

Alia calmly walked down the stairs, no bounce in her step like a regular child would. Stopping at the young woman's side, she peered at the two with her good eye, the other one merely a dim glow. She didn't understand how awkward the situation already was, and as such made no attempt to fake sympathy. "It is Shad, and Kluster."

Shad Croly

Shad nodded. He pulled a pen from his pocket signing any paper put out for him. "I'll be home on the 17th if everything goes smoothly." He stated. He pocketed the pen and handed the papers back to Sophie.

He knelt know and gave Kluster a hug. After the break, he looked into the Kubernetik's eyes. "I'm going to be home as soon as I can. I'll call every chance I get."

Kluster simply nodded again, on the verge of tears. That was, if Kybernetiks could even cry.

Shad paused and reached into a pocket, pulled out a small disk. "Remember this?"

Kluster's eyes widened for a moment. "You wouldn't..." The bots voice was filled in a mixture of somewhat panic and surprise.

This time it was Shad who nodded. "I've been loathing my bosses since I heard of this trip so if it's okay with you, I want to use it."

Kluster thought it ofer for a moment, a mischivous smile crossing his face. "Yeah!"

They shared a laugh as Shad stood back up. He gave Sophie a wink before pocketing the disk again. "I'll see you guys in three weeks. Maybe less if I get fired."

Sophie C. Bell

"Well, it's all settled then," Sophie confirmed, checking over the papers before putting them in their respective files. "I hope you enjoy your trip," she said with a wave, going around to her desk and typing in a few codes. She then came back around and picked up the bags, looking to her own Kybernetik. "Alia, could you show Kluster around the facilities? I'll go put his bags in the room." The young bot nodded, then took Kluster's hand, leading him into the main lab area, only pausing to look up as Sophie began the trek up the stairs to the living quarters.

"Follow me: I know where the servers are all based."

Kluster is in the care of the Kybernetika Staff from June 26th - July 17th.