The Temple (Part 1)

"I know what it’s like… being left alone."

(Scene: A deserted, crumbling Temple. YOU kneel beside a damaged HUMANOID ROBOT, her once sleek metallic frame now jagged and torn. Her body is covered in hundreds of tiny black AI Bugs, scurrying across her skin like insects on a carcass.)

You: Don’t worry. I’ll get them off you.

(Using a metal piece as tweezers, you pluck the bugs one by one, tossing them into a fire.)

Mia: Po… why are you helping me?

You: I know what it’s like… being left alone.

(Hours pass. The temple is silent except for the faint crackling of the fire. You work methodically, sweat dripping down your forehead.)

Mia: You should stop. You’ll… hurt yourself.

You: Almost done.

(You reach Mia’s face, where several bugs crawl near her eyes. Her expression softens as she watches you.)

Mia: You have a steady hand.

You: I’ve been working at the plant since… forever, feels like. Guess it’s good for something.

(← Return to The Wasteland (Part 1))

(→ Continue to The Temple (Part 2))

#RobotAndAIBugs