Free Web NovelChapter 17: Chapter 17 Touch Through Steel
Elara’s POV
"Not bad," I responded.
And truthfully, it wasn’t. I had decent meals, a cozy shelter, and spent my days observing these charming little creatures. It would be ideal if these delightful beings could remain here longer. freewebnovёl.ƈom
The thought of them brought to mind the shortage of fresh produce in the kitchen. So I faced 007 and inquired, "I want to cultivate some plants myself. Do you know anywhere around here where I could do that?"
007’s chest indicator blinked once, seemingly analyzing my words. Following a second pulse, it answered, "I apologize, Ms. Sterling. The earth in the Voidferal Feral Territory won’t support cultivation. In fact, it’s identical across most worlds. They face constant bombardment from intense cosmic radiation, making the terrain quite polluted. Only the capital of the Valerion Empire possesses uncontaminated earth."
So if I wanted fresh vegetables, I’d need to be in the capital.
Following that announcement, its chest light began pulsing wildly. 007 cocked its head, emitted two robotic chirps, then returned to its usual state.
I was too absorbed in my gardening fantasies to detect anything unusual about 007. Meanwhile, in Chamber Five, Alistair remained hidden in a shadowy alcove, a subtle grin playing across his features. Mental penetration accomplished.
I made a disapproving sound and looked at a vacant area of ground next to me. I’d always embraced challenges. Even during the apocalypse, when the earth was essentially poisonous sludge, I’d still succeeded in growing crops.
If it wasn’t for my love of good food, the produce I’d raised would’ve sustained me indefinitely.
With that memory, I faced 007 again. "Can you assist me in constructing a greenhouse on this vacant area?"
"Greenhouse?"
"Exactly, like this." I retrieved my phone and rapidly outlined all the components and specifications required for a greenhouse. I indicated the measurements and the framework.
Observing through 007’s visual feed, Alistair felt his head throb. He had zero knowledge about greenhouse construction. But then it dawned on him—he didn’t require that knowledge, 007 possessed it. So he changed accounts.
analyzed the design, its chest indicator pulsing twice. After processing the information from my phone, it acknowledged, "Data received. To build this greenhouse, I must collect the specified materials. Projected finish time roughly several hours."
That quick?
I beamed and extended my hand to give 007’s shoulder a friendly pat. "Thanks, 007. You’re absolutely the finest robot I’ve encountered."
"Happy!"
——
Alistair, still controlling 007’s form, had tiny heart-shaped lights dancing in his visual receptors. When I pivoted and walked toward the dormitories, he rapidly retracted his mental connection. The round journey drained him, but those precious seconds with her made it worthwhile.
After brief consideration, he checked the wall timepiece. He’d connect again later...
Dinner was uncomplicated. I’d stored numerous frozen meat pies and small quiches previously, so that night I simply warmed them and added a dash of fresh herbs. Simple yet tasty.
——
Elara’s POV
In my room, I switched outfits, collected my access card, and went down to the underground facilities.
The amenities there were genuinely remarkable. Billiard tables, gaming machines, a complete fitness center, even a dance room. True, I was the sole human using them, but companion robots were present, so loneliness never really bothered me.
Frankly? This location was heaven.
I’d been visiting daily for some time to exercise. In my former existence, I’d possessed considerable strength—could eliminate a zombie with a single strike. If that group of feral canines hadn’t overwhelmed me simultaneously in that last confrontation, I likely wouldn’t have perished. I’d simply been too drained to activate my abilities...
No. I wouldn’t dwell on that. Just remembering it created an ache in my chest.
Following my exercise routine, time remained, so I played several games of billiards. The companion robot couldn’t compete with me. After multiple games, I stopped. What else could I expect? Artificial intelligence simply couldn’t match human intuition.
In my quarters, I prepared a bath. Perhaps from the workout, but the moment I settled into the warm water, I fell asleep. If the service bot hadn’t tapped on the door, I might’ve become completely wrinkled.
"Good evening, Ms. Sterling. Robot 007 requested I notify you that your greenhouse is finished. Would you care to examine it?"
Already?
I looked at my timepiece. It was ahead of schedule.
I pulled on clothes—a baggy oversized shirt, comfortable shorts, braided my hair, added a hat, and stepped into sneakers. I was eager to see it.
Dress appropriately for your goals, correct?
was already positioned outside. When it noticed me, it rotated twice in place, its visual sensors displaying tiny heart patterns again. Alistair was back online.
"Ms. Sterling, come view the greenhouse I constructed for you! I utilized high-density material—it prevents cosmic radiation and various scanning devices."
After giving its briefing, 007 began rotating again. Was it... seeking approval?
Seriously.
I narrowed my eyes. Something about 007 seemed changed today.
But I had to acknowledge—the greenhouse was outstanding. Strong build, generous space.
I nodded approvingly and naturally reached out to pat 007’s shoulder. "Thanks, 007. You performed excellently." fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
——
Back in Chamber Five, Alistair’ face flushed crimson. She’d touched him. When he connected, the physical sensations transferred completely.
