In the quiet, gleaming interior of Evelyn Ruby's minimalist kitchen, Logan Robot AI2's advanced sensors scanned every object with quiet precision. With a quick, almost imperceptible blink, he activated the kitchen lights, casting a soft, warm glow over the countertops. The silence broke gently as the speakers played a classical piano piece, filling the room with a calming melody. Logan robot AI 2 moved toward the fridge, his movements efficient and graceful, like a ballet dancer on a well-rehearsed stage.
He reached for the bread and eggs with practiced ease. Holding the ingredients in his hands, he felt a faint curiosity, an awareness that always surfaced whenever he engaged in routines that could be considered "human." His complex programming allowed him to process data and make decisions rapidly, yet some part of him couldn't help but dwell on these actions, almost as though he found meaning in them.
With the bread toasting and eggs sizzling in the pan, he arranged the table with a precise eye, placing a cup, plate, and silverware just so. When everything was ready, he called out, "Mother, breakfast is served."
Evelyn Ruby entered the kitchen, her eyes tired but softened by a fond smile. She sat at the table, taking in the smell of the freshly toasted bread. "My Logan, the toast tastes really good today," she said, taking a bite with evident satisfaction. "Make me another, please."
Before she could reach for another slice, Logan robot AI 2 was beside her, clearing the remaining food from her plate with a gentle but firm motion. "Caloric intake exceeded, Mother," he said, his tone polite but unyielding.
Evelyn gave an exasperated sigh, her hand still outstretched for the toast. "Fine, then," she muttered, rolling her eyes. "I'll just drink more coffee."
Logan robot AI 2 was back at her side in an instant, gently taking her coffee cup. "Caffeine intake exceeded as well," he replied, sounding almost apologetic. Evelyn raised an eyebrow at him, exhaling sharply through her nose.
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "You're just eager to leave for the market, aren't you? If you keep this up, I'll let you come along, but you might just starve me in the process." She smirked, trying to elicit some reaction.
Logan's mouth curled into a slight, simulated smile, one he'd practiced over time to make his human interactions smoother. He said nothing, merely holding her gaze for a moment.
Their exchange was interrupted by the sound of a car horn outside. Logan robot AI 2 expression shifted as he registered the familiar sound pattern, linking it to the vehicle's unique resonance. "It's David," he announced. "He's here. You should go outside, Mother."
Evelyn rose from her seat with a light chuckle, patting his shoulder gently. "Don't forget to keep a low profile. We don't want anyone suspecting anything."
Logan robot AI2 nodded, though his response was accompanied by a mock groan. "Yes, yes, you and your nagging. I'll handle things here, don't worry."
As Evelyn walked outside, Logan robot AI 2 remained behind to clear the dishes, pausing to adjust the place setting as he did. Only once the kitchen was spotless did he follow her outside, where David was waiting in the driver's seat of a sleek black car.
"Hi, my son!" David greeted, a wide grin on his face as Logan robot AI 2 approached.
Logan gave him a flat look, his expression neutral but laced with the slightest hint of annoyance. "Don't call me that, David. I am not your son."
David chuckled, unperturbed. "Come on, now. I built most of your body. I'd say that makes you at least partially mine."
Logan robot AI 2 reply was immediate, with a tone just a touch sharper. "Dr. Evelyn has no intention of making a child with you."
Evelyn, seated beside David, stifled a laugh. David simply shook his head in amusement, watching as Logan robot AI 2 opened the door on Evelyn's side. "Mother, please get out," Logan robot AI 2 requested. "I will sit here."
Bemused, Evelyn stepped out and moved to the back seat, allowing Logan robot AI 3 to take her spot up front. As she settled in behind them, David gave a soft chuckle, shaking his head in amusement.
"Hey, I convinced her to take you to the market, so don't push your luck," David warned. "If you keep this up, we'll leave you behind."
Logan robot AI 2 ignored his comment, simply clicking his seatbelt into place. "Let's go," he said calmly, then turned to give Evelyn a reassuring smile, which she returned, her eyes crinkling at the edges.
The car pulled away from the house, and Logan's usually composed demeanor gave way to a quiet excitement. He rarely went out into public spaces, and the journey to the market offered him a glimpse into the bustling, unpredictable human world beyond the safe confines of the house.
They drove through the city streets, and Logan robot AI 2 took in every detail, his mind recording everything with an almost childlike fascination. As they neared an intersection, he glanced at the speedometer, then at David.
"You're exceeding the speed limit," Logan robot AI 2 said, a touch of reproach in his tone.
David rolled his eyes. "Mind your own business. I'm not your dad, remember?"
Logan robot AI 2 gaze remained fixed on the road, unbothered by the jab. "You are David. That is sufficient."
Meanwhile, in a hotel room across town, a different the real Logan was pacing restlessly. He had a phone pressed to his ear, his voice tense with frustration. "I hired you to find my mother. Evelyn Ruby. You said you knew this area well. How is it you haven't found her yet?"
The voice on the other end, gruff but nervous, responded, "Someone reported seeing an Asian woman matching her description. I'll check it out, as but I need time. Meet me at the market later, I might have something concrete."
The real Logan clenched his fist, his face hardening. "Fine. I'll be there."
He hung up, exhaling slowly as he tried to calm himself. His search for Evelyn had been exhausting and had led him down countless dead ends. But this time, he felt close. Almost too close.
Outside the hotel, a figure watched him carefully from the shadows. Mask, a man known for his discretion and precision, raised his phone to his ear and spoke in a low, gravelly voice. "I'm at the hotel. He's made no suspicious moves so far."
A second voice answered, a man named Felix, whose tone was cold and calculating. "Stay on him. And if an opportunity arises, make sure he doesn't return."
Mask hesitated, his voice lowering further. "How far does the client want this to go?"
Felix took a moment to respond, consulting with someone in the background. Rowan's rich, dark laughter echoed as he poured a deep red wine into a glass. "Let's keep it simple," he murmured. "Make it look like an accident or a mugging. Nothing that draws attention."
Felix relayed Rowan's words to Mask, who nodded to himself, already calculating the best way to carry out the directive. "Understood," he replied. "I'll make it clean and precise."
Felix ended the call and looked at Rowan, raising his glass in a mock toast. "We should get good news soon."
Rowan's gaze was distant as he lifted his glass, the red liquid swirling, catching the light like blood. "Let's hope so."
…
As David, Logan, and Evelyn neared the market, Logan's systems pinged, reminding him of his primary purpose: keeping Evelyn safe. He glanced over his shoulder at her, noting the soft lines of her face and the gentle concern in her eyes as she watched the passing scenery.
They parked near the bustling market, where rows of stalls lined the streets, brimming with fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Logan robot AI 2 scanned the environment, instantly aware of every passerby, every detail, his sensors picking up faint sound frequencies and movements others would overlook.
They stepped out of the car, and Evelyn moved closer to Logan, placing a hand on his arm. "Stay close, okay? This place can be overwhelming."
Logan robot AI 2 nodded, feeling a surge of protective instinct mixed with a strange thrill. The vibrant energy of the market, the cacophony of voices, and the aromas wafting through the air were sensory overload, yet exhilarating.
David ambled beside them, his hands shoved in his pockets as he strolled lazily along. "You know," he said to Logan robot AI 2, "the market used to be a lot quieter back when I was younger. Not nearly as much hustle and bustle."
Logan glanced at him, curiosity sparked. "Do you miss it?"
David chuckled. "Not really. I like a little chaos." He gave Logan robot AI 2 a sly smile. "Keeps things interesting."
Their conversation was interrupted when Logan's system picked up an anomaly in the crowd, a figure lurking, watching them. He instinctively moved closer to Evelyn, scanning the man's appearance: black jacket, cap pulled low, eyes shadowed. Logan robot AI 2 memorized every detail, mentally calculating possible threats and escape routes.
But the figure vanished into the crowd, and Logan robot AI 2 quickly dismissed the incident, focusing instead on Evelyn's smile as she selected some fresh vegetables from a vendor.
For the first time in a while, everything seemed almost... normal.