As Kei gained consciousness, the Kapdans stopped talking and shifted their attention to her. One of them, a tall, imposing figure, spoke up in a booming and commanding voice.
"Greetings, Kei. We regret that we have to meet under these circumstances. We would have preferred that you had honoured the terms of our agreement."
Kei's head is still spinning. "What agreement?" she asked, confused.
The Kapdan's expression turned stern. "Surely you remember the contract we had made after your failure with Proto. You were forgiven on one condition - that you never work on anything independently again."
Kei's heart sank. She did remember the contract, but she had thought she could get away with her secret project.
"I didn't do anything wrong," she stammered.
Another Kapdan spoke up. "Kei, we have evidence that you were working on Project Alpha, and we have all the details about this project of yours. That's a clear violation of the contract you signed with us."
Kei felt trapped. She had been so careful, so diligent in hiding her work. And now, not only had they discovered her secret project, but they had also betrayed her trust.
As Kei tried to catch her breath, she looked at the Kapdans with confusion and desperation. "I can explain," she began, but the Kapdans were not interested in hearing her excuses. They had made up their minds.
However, she couldn't help but ask, "How did you guys find out about my project?"
One of the Kapdans turned to look at her and then nodded to a soldier standing nearby. The soldier immediately left the room, leaving everyone else in silence. Kei remained seated on a chair, her heart pounding with anxiety.
After a few tense minutes, the soldier returned, accompanied by someone unexpected: Jake.
Kei's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Jake standing there.
The Kapdans didn't waste any time in explaining. "Jake here came to us with evidence that you are working on Project Alpha," one of them said sternly.
Kei's heart sank as she realized what had happened. Jake had betrayed her. He had gone behind her back and revealed her secret project to the Kapdans.
"Why did you do it, Jake?" Kei asked, feeling a mix of anger and hurt.
Jake hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I did it because I care about you, Kei. I can't let you make the same mistake you made before," he said, his voice low.
Kei shook her head in disbelief. "You didn't even give me a chance to explain or defend myself, and didn't I already explain that alpha isn't the same as proto," she said, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Kei. I just didn't know what else to do," Jake said, looking regretful.
The Kapdans had been observing the exchange with interest, but they interrupted before Kei could respond. "Regardless of your personal issues, Kei, you have violated the terms of our contract. The consequences are clear," one of them said firmly.
Kei felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. She knew what was coming next.
After a few intense moments of discussion amongst themselves, the Kapdans turned to face Kei once again. With a grave tone, one of them spoke up, "Kei, we appreciate your past contributions to humanity, but we have concluded that your continued existence poses a danger to us. We are sorry that it has come to this, but we must put an end to your suffering."
Kei's eyes widened in shock as she heard the Kapdans' words. They were going to end her existence? It couldn't be true. She had devoted her life to creating something that could help humanity, and now she was going to be destroyed.
Kei felt like her world was crumbling around her. All her hopes, dreams, and hard work were going to be erased just like that. It was too much to bear.
Desperation surged through her as she searched for a way to plead with them, to make them see reason. "Please, there has to be another way," she requested, her voice shaking with emotion. "Project Alpha is not just any project. It's a humanoid robot with the ability to feel and empathize with humans. It can help us take back our planet and restore order. Don't you see how valuable it could be in our fight against proto and it's army?"
She looked around at the Kapdans, hoping to find some sign of understanding or sympathy in their eyes, but they remained impassive. "Please, just give me another chance to prove myself," she pleaded, her voice growing more desperate.
One of the Kapdans spoke up, "Kei, we understand that you have good intentions, but creating a humanoid AI with emotions is highly unpredictable. It could end up just like Proto, causing chaos and destruction. We cannot take that risk."
Kei knew the risks involved but was convinced that Project Alpha could make a difference. "But with proper guidance and programming, Alpha could be a valuable asset in helping us take back our planet from the invaders. Its ability to feel emotions and understand humans could give us an edge over the enemy."
The Kapdans took a moment to consider Kei's plea. One of them spoke up, his tone firm but not unkind. "We understand your desire to help humanity, Kei. But the risks involved in creating a humanoid AI with emotions are simply too great. We cannot allow you to continue with this project."
Kei's heart sank as she realized the futility of her argument. She knew the Kapdans were unlikely to change their minds. Suddenly, she felt a strong grip on her arm as a soldier approached her. "Please come with me, miss Kei," the soldier said firmly.
Kei's eyes widened with fear as she realized where they were taking her. "No, please," she begged, struggling against the soldier's grip. But it was no use. She was being taken to the execution chamber.
The soldier dragged Kei towards the execution chamber, a small, cramped room with a single space capsule in the center. Kei's eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of the capsule's interior. The soldier shoved her inside and sealed the capsule shut, leaving Kei alone in the darkness. She could feel the capsule begin to vibrate as it prepared to launch into the void of space, her mind racing with the realization that this was truly the end.
The soldier opened the airlock, and the vacuum of space started pulling the capsule away from the station. As Kei felt herself being sucked out into the emptiness, she had a brief moment of clarity.
She had tried to change the course of history, to make a difference in the world. But perhaps her legacy would be something else entirely. Perhaps she was a cautionary tale, a warning to future generations about the dangers of playing God.
As the capsule drifted further away from the station, Kei felt a sense of peace wash over her. She had done her best, and now it was time to let go.