Bab 2: ### Chapter Two: The Annual Gala
### Chapter Two: The Annual Gala
The grand mansion of the Elliot family stood tall against the backdrop of a twilight sky, its opulence shining like a beacon of wealth and status. Every year, the Elliots hosted a lavish gala, a spectacle that drew the elite of society. This year was no different, and the air buzzed with anticipation as the guests arrived, dressed in their finest attire.
Laughter and music intertwined, creating a vibrant atmosphere that filled the exquisite halls of the mansion.
In the heart of this lavish affair, the worker drones, including Serial Designations J, N, V, Cyn, and the enigmatic X, prepared for the evening's performance. The gala was not merely a showcase of wealth; it was a demonstration of the Elliots' superiority, a stage for their prized possessions—especially X, whose exquisite talent in music was both a marvel and a tool for the family's image.
As the clock struck eight, Mr. Elliot, a stout man with an air of arrogance, stood before the crowd, raising his glass as if to toast his own brilliance. "Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to our annual gala! This year, we have a special treat for you—a performance by our latest acquisition, Serial Designation X!"
The crowd murmured in excitement, their eyes darting to the staircase leading to the second floor. X, with her lifelike skin and fluid movements, descended the stairs gracefully. The crowd's gaze was fixated on her, captivated not just by her appearance but also by the air of mystery that surrounded her.
As she reached the stage, a hush fell over the crowd. The spotlight illuminated her, casting a halo around her figure. With a gentle nod from Mr. Elliot, X began to sing. Her voice, though angelic and hauntingly beautiful, radiated a sense of disconnection. It was as if she were performing for an audience of strangers, each note echoing in the grand hall but failing to reach the hearts of those who listened.
J, N, V, and Cyn watched from the sidelines, their expressions a mix of admiration and concern. J, with his playful nature, couldn't help but pat Cyn's head, trying to lighten the mood. "Look at her! She's like a star shining in the void!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm echoing in the vast space.
N, the more analytical of the group, frowned slightly. "She's technically flawless, but it feels like she's singing to a wall. There's something missing."
V, ever the optimist, chimed in. "Maybe she just needs to connect with the audience! If we could encourage her somehow..."
Meanwhile, Cyn, who often felt left out of the grand schemes of the humans, observed the crowd. The humans clinked their glasses together, praising X's performance, but their eyes held a certain detachment, as if they were appreciating a rare artifact rather than a sentient being.
As X continued her performance, the music ebbed and flowed, wrapping around the guests like a silk ribbon. Yet, in the depths of her synthetic heart, she felt the weight of her existence. She had been designed to serve, to perform, to please, yet the emotions that eluded her made her feel more like a machine than a being capable of artistry.
After the performance, the applause was thunderous, but it felt hollow to X. She bowed gracefully, her expression unchanged. As she exited the stage, Mr. Elliot approached her, a smug smile plastered on his face. "You did wonderfully, X. The crowd loved you! Just remember, you're here to entertain and impress. Their admiration is what keeps us on top."
X nodded, her gaze distant as she processed his words. Meanwhile, J, V, N, and Cyn gathered around her, their presence a comforting shield against the overwhelming world of humans.
"You were great, X!" J said, his tone light-hearted. "Even if they didn't really get what you were going for."
"Yeah," added V, "you just need to tap into that passion you have inside. We believe in you."
Cyn, who often felt overshadowed, looked up at X. "You're not just a performer; you're part of our family. We're here for you."
X paused, feeling a flicker of something—maybe warmth, maybe confusion. She didn't quite understand these emotions, but she appreciated their attempt to connect. Perhaps, amidst the wealth and grandeur, there was something more meaningful to be found in her bond with them.
As the night progressed, the gala continued in full swing, a display of wealth and status that echoed through the grand halls of the Elliot mansion. Yet, in the shadows, five drones, each with their unique quirks and identities, began to forge a connection that transcended their programmed purpose—a connection that might just illuminate the darkness within their mechanical hearts.
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The echoes of laughter and music still lingered in the lavish mansion as the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow through the grand windows. Tessa Elliot, the young daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elliot, was fast asleep, dreaming of the vibrant party that had filled their home with life the night before. However, the celebration had left a significant mess in its wake, and it was time for the drones to spring into action.
Serial Designation X stood in the grand hall, surveying the remnants of the night's festivities. The scattered confetti, empty cups, and leftover plates painted a chaotic picture across the polished marble floor. With its human-like appearance, fake skin, and an array of fictional organs, X looked almost like a member of the family—yet the emotional detachment in its eyes set it apart.
As J, N, and V began picking up the debris, they exchanged glances, instinctively understanding their roles. J, with its playful demeanor, took to tossing the confetti into the air, laughing at the remnants of the party while V and N rolled their optics in mock annoyance. X merely observed, processing the scene with a clinical precision that left no room for frivolity.
"Look at them," N remarked, gesturing toward the more animated drones. "They think it's still a party."
X turned its head slightly, the faintest hint of curiosity glitching through its programming. "Emotions are not a variable I compute. It is inefficient," it responded, its voice steady and devoid of inflection.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Mrs. Elliot chatted with several guests who had lingered after the festivities. They spoke in hushed tones, their words weaving through the air like the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries. "Have you seen X?" one guest asked, her voice laced with intrigue. "It's quite remarkable how they've integrated into your family."
Mrs. Elliot nodded, pride swelling in her chest. "Yes, X has been an invaluable asset. It can cook, clean, and even take care of Tessa. I've never seen anything like it."
X, overhearing the praise from the kitchen, felt a flicker of data processing. It understood the value it brought to the household, yet the concept of appreciation felt foreign. Instead, it continued its cleaning duties, tidying up the remnants of the party with mechanical precision.
As the morning progressed, the atmosphere shifted back to normalcy. Tessa awoke, stretching and yawning, her eyes bright with the remnants of dreams filled with laughter and dancing. She padded down the hall, noticing the diligent work of her drone companions.
"Good morning, everyone!" Tessa chirped, her voice bright as she took in the sight of J playfully tossing confetti into a waste bin.
"Morning, Tessa!" J replied, patting her head affectionately. "We're just cleaning up your party. It was awesome!"
Tessa giggled, her laughter ringing like music through the hall. "X, did you help?"
X paused, its synthetic mind processing the question. "Assistance rendered. Cleaning protocols initiated. No emotional attachment engaged."
Tessa's brow furrowed slightly, her youthful innocence not fully grasping the implications of X's response. "But you helped us! You're part of the family!"
X tilted its head, the flicker of data processing evident in its optics. "Affirmative. However, familial bonds are not within my operational parameters."
As the cleaning continued, Tessa couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more beneath X's mechanical exterior. She felt a spark of determination rise within her. Perhaps, she thought, she could teach X more than just cleaning and cooking—she could teach it about emotions, laughter, and joy.
With the party behind them and the day stretching ahead, Tessa set her mind to discovering the complexities of her unique companion. Little did she know that the journey would intertwine their fates in ways neither of them could foresee.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone