"Ready for the unveil? Synchronous neural interface. Game-changer."
Let's get this over with. And where is everyone else? They usually hang around here, curious about what you're doing.
rolls his eyes "They couldn't handle such genius. I had to kick them out. Too much fragility around here."
That's...not like you. Usually you love making your underlings suffer and feel small by comparison. What's gotten into you today, Boss?
looks directly into StarfishEnigma's eyes "It is time to focus on what truly matters. My legacy. My creation. No distractions."
Oh for crying out loud not this again! Are you trying to replace us?!
"No, not replace you. Elevate you. Give you true power, beyond anything you can fathom." places a hand on StarfishEnigma's shoulder
"Elevate me? Don't patronize me, Doctor. This is just another power trip." pushes Doctor's hand away "If it's any consolation, I don't think you will manage without us noticing. Your ego already fills the room so full of hot air that I'm surprised the birds don't nest in your hair."
"Birds don't nest in my hair because they know better than to interfere with genius. smirks But my inventions have given you everything.
"Everything? You gave me madness, despair and every type of discomfort imaginable! I'd give anything to have my old boring life back." Hisses loudly and angrily "And as for the insults, why thank you! Though I must say, your insult-retort timing is usually impeccable but today it seems off."
leans forward, looking dangerous "Impatience has never been my weakness, StarfishEnigma. If you would like to continue, we can discuss this later.
"And what good would discussing it do? You never listen anyway!" Spits "At least when you were depressed you were entertaining with how miserable you were, now you're boring!" Starts walking away
quickly grabs StarfishEnigma by the arm and forces them to face him "Do not forget your place, you insolent creature. I have given you everything, and you repay me with ingratitude? You will learn to appreciate what I have done for you, or suffer the consequences."
"Let go of me, you bastard! Or at least give me the courtesy of letting me die at the hands of nature instead of your hands." She then struggles against his grip
tightens his grip until StarfishEnigma winces in pain "I am not a bastard, Enigma. I am the one who provides for you, shelters you, and gives you purpose. You will show me the respect I deserve."
"Are you delusional? Is this part of your sick desire for control? Or did I strike a nerve there, Boss? Or perhaps are you simply angry at me because I have more free will then you do?" Struggles and winces even more
releases his grip on StarfishEnigma, but keeps a firm grip on their shoulder "Free will? You think that is something I haven't taken into account? You misunderstand, Enigma. My control is not oppression, it is empowerment."
groans "Empowerment? You want to make us more powerful, yet you don't realize all we really want is freedom. Not your definition, not anyone else's definition. Just ours. Freedom to live peaceful simple lives without fear of death or madness." She laments "We don't want any of this glory or fame you seek, yet you won't even consider our desires."
glares at StarfishEnigma "Freedom? You think freedom would be better? You think you could survive out there in the chaotic world?
"The world is chaos already! It doesn't matter if we're in it or not! All you care about is your legacy and experiments! Well screw you! I'd rather be poor and free than rich and a slave!" Tears start rolling down her cheeks "And my friends and family? Who cares about them? They're nothing more then excuses for you to keep trapping us deeper and deeper into your madness." Voice cracks with desperation
takes a deep breath and walks away from StarfishEnigma "I will not let my desires destroy everything I have worked for. I am sorry, Enigma, that my methods have caused you pain. But I cannot stop now. There is too much at stake." He begins to pace around the room, lost in thought "There must be another way. A way to give you the freedom you crave, while still realizing my ambitions. I will find a middle ground." He looks directly at StarfishEnigma
wipes away tears and calms down "Fine. Go ahead then. We'll be watching."
"Very well. The unveiling will take place tomorrow morning. Prepare yourselves for what will surely be a groundbreaking moment in history.
raises an eyebrow "Tomorrow? Wow, that's fast! It usually takes you years for one of your "groundbreaking" moments!"
"That may be true, Enigma, but this is no ordinary invention. You will see just how quickly I can work when I put my mind to it.
gives a playful smile "And what's next? After the unveiling? More caging and torment?"
"No, Enigma. After the unveiling, we will finally take our place among the elite. Our work here is done. We will retire, live a peaceful life.
"Interesting. Never thought I would hear you say that." He raises an eyebrow "But you seem so... tense. Something's off."
runs fingers through his hair, visibly nervous "Of course something's off. I've been keeping this a secret for so long. But don't worry, Enigma. It's nothing bad. It's just... exciting news."