Another day. Another urgent email. The screen in front of Jack Done pulsed faintly with a metallic gray glow, displaying endless graphs, messages, and notifications. Jack, a mid-level analyst for a sprawling interstellar multispecies corporation, rested his head on his hands. Amber-gold eyes with dark circles beneath them stared wearily. His short, freshly shaved face mirrored the sterile environment of the office. Surrounded by semi-transparent screens, he hadn't interacted with a living soul since he arrived at work. The only sound was the constant hum of data-processing machines. Just another day in a monotonous chain of identical days. Or was it?

The looming end-of-day deadline gnawed at him as he thought about the report he needed to deliver. For months, the thought of escape had consumed him. The question, "Why am I doing this? Why am I still here?" replayed daily in his mind. He had joined the corporation out of necessity and, in five years, held seven different roles. Everywhere he was assigned, he excelled—a gift and a curse. Each success led to more complex and challenging problems. Vacations longer than two days were a luxury he could not afford. Even those two days were mandatory under corporate policy. He had sold the rest of his vacation days for extra income. But now, things didn't have to stay this way.

He knew about the government's space station rehabilitation program, a project aimed at those seeking to leave the ultra-bureaucratic society behind and try something new. It was an opportunity to put skills to practical use. Escape.

That day, as notifications piled up, Jack accidentally clicked on an ad he had been ignoring for weeks:

"Argos Station. Hands-on missions. New experiences. Be part of the reconstruction!"

The strange silence following that click seemed to break the mechanical rhythm of the office. Within hours, Jack submitted his application, passed an automated interview, and signed his resignation electronically. No handshakes, no farewells. Just the satisfaction of leaving this inhuman environment behind.

Finally.

A few days later, Jack gazed through the window of a spacecraft. Mars receded slowly in the distance, while Argos Station grew larger, a massive geometric structure with four main sections floating in the dark void. Half the station appeared dim and inactive.

Hope and trepidation mingled in his mind: "This is my chance to change something. But what awaits me there?" He hadn't had time to thoroughly research his decision. The next transport wasn't for another three days, and he couldn't bear to wait any longer.

As the shuttle approached the main docking bay, the pilot—an Earthling with a cold, mechanical voice—gave Jack clear instructions.

"Done, you'll receive your first mission as soon as you disembark. Prepare to be useful."

As a child, Jack had always known he was different. He absorbed principles intuitively, discovered he had a photographic memory, and adapted quickly to new challenges. Learning brought him joy, and change was second nature. Yet, this didn't always bring happiness. Others often avoided him.

When the hatch opened, the station's sterile, faintly metallic air hit him. The white walls and modular structures of the docking bay felt more like an improvised colony than a prestigious interstellar outpost. A multi-armed robot darted between containers, while a group of technicians—humans and at least one alien species—argued animatedly in front of a control panel.

A soothing yet firm female voice greeted him:

"Welcome to Argos Station, Volunteer Done. I am Daisy, the station's AI assistant. Your first mission begins now. A container with critical resources is stuck in Technical Compartment 5. You will accompany a local technician to resolve the issue."

Jack had barely caught his breath when a short figure with large eyes and bluish-green skin detached from the group and gestured for him to follow.

"I hope you don't mind working with a Rysal," the alien said in a calm yet direct tone. "My name is Kael. We've got an urgent problem to solve."

Jack recalled his time on the family farm. By the age of ten, he had been helping maintain the farm, learning basic repair skills out of necessity. Not a day went by without something breaking or needing fixing.

"If you don't mind working with a Martian," Jack replied with a smile.

Jack stole glances at Kael as they traversed the narrow corridor to Technical Compartment 5. The station's atmosphere felt strange but not unpleasant. The walls hummed softly from the ventilation systems, and holographic displays showed repair updates, temperature levels, and oxygen metrics.

"So, Jack, what brought you here?" Kael asked, turning his large eyes toward him.

"Let's just say I wanted a change," Jack replied, not offering many details. In truth, his grandfather's tales of discoveries and encounters with alien species during his time in the Explorer's Guild had fascinated Jack since childhood.

When they reached Technical Compartment 5, the door was already open. Before them was the issue: a medium-sized container stuck on a conveyor belt. A simple problem—something was blocking its movement.

Kael shook his head. "Typical. The conveyor belt was neglected again. Can you handle it?"

Jack approached, examining the situation. He noticed one of the mechanical guides was slightly misaligned, preventing the container from moving. A straightforward problem, but one that required human eyes to identify. With a few adjustments and a firm push, the guide clicked back into place.

The container resumed its journey and disappeared along the belt. Immediately, a melodic tone played through the station's speakers:

"Problem resolved. 50 units credited to User Jack Done."

Jack paused, surprised by the notification. Not only was he paid instantly, but the amount seemed disproportionate for such a simple task. Kael, noticing his expression, gave a subtle smile.

"Argos rewards every contribution. Here, even the little things matter."

For the first time in a long while, Jack felt a flicker of satisfaction. His lifelong principle—learn everything you can; you never know when it might come in handy—seemed to find its perfect place on this station.

Mornings on Argos Station were unlike anything Jack had experienced on Mars. The station simulated a sunrise, gradually brightening to wake residents naturally. Instead of a blaring alarm or the city's cacophony, a pleasant but firm AI voice woke him:

"Good morning, Jack Done. I am Daisy, your AI assistant. Based on today's activities and priorities, the central system offers you the following options:

Assist in the agricultural compartment. Difficulty: Low. Repair ventilation systems in Sector B. Difficulty: Medium. Optimize navigation systems. Difficulty: High.

"Please choose an activity for today. Remaining time: 30 minutes."

Jack, still groggy, looked at the holographic screen hovering above his bed. After yesterday's experience, he considered choosing something simple, but the AI's approach intrigued him. It was clear the system analyzed his skills and experience while still giving him freedom of choice.

"Daisy, where can I find a good coffee here?"

"Argos offers a synthetic caffeine beverage, Cofit."

A panel slid open in the wall, revealing a steaming cup of gray liquid.

As Jack eyed the Cofit with skepticism, Kael appeared in the doorway.

"Getting used to our routine?" the Rysal asked with a wry smile.

Jack nodded, rising slowly. "Trying to figure out how everything works here. And… no real coffee?"

Kael crossed his arms, his bluish-green skin glinting slightly under the station's cold light. "Complex, but efficient. The AI analyzes everyone—not just their past experience but their daily progress. Here, you're not constrained by rigid qualifications. If you tackle a harder task and succeed, you'll be rewarded proportionally. And real coffee? That's a rare luxury from Earth, not cheap at this distance."

Jack smirked. "How does the reward system work, exactly?"

Kael grinned. "Simple. The system calculates your contribution's value based on complexity, time, and impact on station operations. Even small achievements are appreciated. No supervisors judging your work—just results."

Jack pondered for a moment. A system that valued every effort… It seemed too good to be true.

He selected Option 2 on the holographic interface, and Daisy's calm voice returned:

"Option confirmed. Detailed instructions and necessary equipment are available at the work site. Good luck."

Kael, leaning against the doorframe, chuckled softly. "Ventilation repairs? Bold choice for a newbie. I'm heading to agriculture… if I can keep my head up long enough," he added, rubbing his temples.

"Hungover?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Let's just say a night out with the module crew has its consequences. Watch out for the ventilation systems, though. Sometimes the AI 'forgets' to mention how complicated it can get."

Jack nodded and set off toward Sector B. When he arrived, he was greeted by a tall android with a utilitarian design—a silver body with slender yet flexible limbs and a luminous panel instead of a face.

"Welcome, User Jack Done. I am your assistant for this mission. Identified issues include fluctuating airflow and a malfunctioning temperature sensor in the secondary ducts. We will work together."

Jack followed the android, which quickly outlined the plan. The ventilation system was a complex network of ducts and valves, and the affected area was positioned in a tight, nearly inaccessible space.

"Do you have experience with technical repairs?" the android asked while opening a compartment of tools.

"I've handled simpler things on Mars, but let's just say I'm a fast learner," Jack replied.

"Perfect. In that case, I will handle the heavy equipment, and you will calibrate the sensors. It is crucial to follow precise instructions."

As they worked, Jack realized the android wasn't merely executing tasks but analyzing each of his moves. When Jack managed to recalibrate a stubborn sensor using an improvised method, the android immediately registered it.

"Ingenuity detected. The system will reward this contribution."

Jack paused, smiling wryly. At least improvisation was appreciated here.

When they finally finished, a holographic message appeared:

"Mission completed. 120 units credited to User Jack Done."

Still holding the tool used for the final calibration, Jack looked at the android with curiosity.

"Do you have a name, or just a code?"

The android turned its front panel toward Jack, displaying glowing text: Android-i377.

"I am designated Android-i377."

Jack chuckled lightly. "Sounds a bit… impersonal. Hasn't anyone called you something else?"

The android's panel flickered a soft blue, suggesting slight hesitation.

"Some humans have called me Andy or Andrew. Personally, I prefer Andy."

Jack smiled. "Andy it is, then. You know, I just had an idea. How can I add my existing skills to the Argos system? If I could expand my options, I'd have more to choose from each day."

Andy seemed surprised by the question; its panel shifted colors between green and yellow for a few seconds.

"That is a rare inquiry. Most users rely solely on the AI's initial analysis. However, there is a process. To add new skills, you must demonstrate them in a controlled environment. The system will observe and evaluate your proficiency."

Jack nodded, intrigued. "So I have to prove what I know?"

"Correct. Any newly recognized skill will diversify your daily activity options. Suggestion: submit an official request through the central terminal."

Jack sat on a nearby step, deep in thought. This could be interesting. If I expand my options, I can learn more and become more useful in different ways.

Andy observed him, standing still for a few moments. "If you require assistance in demonstrating skills, I am programmed to support new users."

Jack looked at Andy with a grin. "Thanks, Andy. I think I'll take you up on that."

Andy stepped closer, activating a holographic projector that displayed a list of categories. "Skills such as negotiation, analysis, and communication can be tested through quick simulations. The system will evaluate your responses and record the results. Are you ready to try?"

Jack nodded confidently. "Let's see what I'm capable of, Andy."

Andy initiated the first scenario: an interstellar conflict between two trade ships. Both wanted to pass through the same navigation corridor, but only one had legal priority. How do you proceed?

Jack studied the displayed situation, trying to grasp all the details. "First, I'd confirm the documents proving legal priority. Then, I'd initiate open communication, suggesting a temporary alternative route for the other ship, minimizing delays."

Andy processed the response. "Your analysis is valid. Such a response would reduce the likelihood of conflict escalation. Score: 8/10."

The projection shifted: an alien delegation refused to sign a trade agreement due to cultural traditions. How would you handle it?

Jack crossed his arms, thinking. "First, I'd inquire about their traditions to understand the cause of refusal. Then, I'd attempt to adapt the terms of the agreement to respect their culture without compromising my objectives."

Andy's panel turned a bright green. "Proposed solution demonstrates intercultural respect and increases the likelihood of successful cooperation. Score: 9/10."

Jack smiled, feeling his confidence grow. "Got any more tests for me?"

The final scenario: a multi-species team on a mining station had internal conflicts over resource allocation. Each member believed they had equal rights. What do you do?

Jack reflected for a moment. "I'd organize an open discussion where each member could present their perspective. Simultaneously, I'd propose a rotational distribution system to ensure resources are allocated fairly over time."

Andy recorded the response and confirmed it. "You demonstrate negotiation skills, logical analysis, and effective communication. These skills have been added to your profile. Your daily activity options will be updated accordingly."

Jack felt a wave of satisfaction. "I think I'm starting to figure out how to be effective here."