Chapter Text
Within the rigorous standards that exist within Sterling Robotics, it is very important that all its facilities are huge and extensive so that each space in the establishment can be adapted at any time in a fast, practical and efficient way for all kinds of functions, whether a site for customer service, a waiting room, a parking lot, a foundry area for mechanical parts, an assembly line, a test room; absolutely all areas and spaces in the name and property of the Sterling brand must be of such amplitude that anyone who works, visits or takes a walk through the place can admire the magnificence and elegance that the powerful company emanates through its colossal gray concrete walls, inside and outside of these.
And in one of these gigantic and monumental areas of one of the many Sterling headquarters located on the European continent; specifically, in one of the grandiose entrances supported between bases and columns similar to those of a Greek temple, two individuals chatted suspiciously; all those who walked very close to them caused the silent conversation to be interrupted, and received in return a serious and unfriendly look from the mysterious men. Seeing them there gave anyone who watched them for a long time a bad feeling, whether they were visitors or employees of Sterling Robotics, because taking refuge in the shadow offered by the columns, the presence of those two men made them appear as if they were conspiring. , in full view of the corporation itself.
-We should go in now and demand that they show us that… thing. - commented with some annoyance one of the men. His clothing consisted of a complete brown suit with black shoes, thick round glasses, and he carried with him a rather striking briefcase, not only because of its green color, worn and discolored by the passage of time, but also because it seemed that it any moment the huge set of papers it contained was going to be shot at any moment in a noisy way. His pocket watch made in Switzerland and his suit from a prestigious Italian brand revealed his wealthy socio-economic status; but in contrast, his plump appearance, with a small but well-defined beard, which, like his hair, was gray, and his somewhat aged round face made him appear at first glance like a chubby old man very pleasant; nevertheless, his character at that moment indicated that it was preferable not to bother him, no more than he already was.
-Wait a little longer Lakatos. - exclaimed the other man, who kept his composure and calm in a more professional way than his partner. -They summoned us here, I don't think they are going to leave people as important as us waiting for so long with an equally important problem to attend to, besides, there are still a few minutes left before the indicated time; to have us arrive an hour before the meeting, you must recognize the famous European punctuality of which we are good examples. -
-Yes of course. Is that or the stereotype of the tardy American is a harsh reality that even the Americans themselves know, but don't want to admit; thus, by making us arrive early, they deceive themselves that they have arrived early. - mocked that robust man who called himself Lakatos.
-You always see the glass half empty, never half full-. The other man spoke to himself in a low voice, with a somewhat frustrated tone.
-I heard that, Horthy.
But despite the disgust that this comment of yours has caused me, I think you are somewhat right. It may not be so positive, but I'm the one with my feet on the ground in this matter, you know? - Lakatos stated. -Maybe you don't want to see it as it really is, but this problem has escalated in such a way that I have had to bring all this "evidence" to support my complaints about the seriousness of this. - Referring to the "evidence", Lakatos proceeded to shake his worn briefcase, which heroically managed to contain all the documents within itself.
- Are you sure you didn't bring a bomb with you? It's that this thing is about to explode, that poor suitcase is literally puking papers- Horthy asked, somewhat worried about the fact that he could be harmed by the prolonged, but imminent burst of documents that began to fold and crumple as they slowly came out. bit from the dying briefcase.
- Oh, friend! If you knew everything this little boy and I have experienced. The tough journeys we face, the historic meetings we attend, the legal battles we win. Well, yes, maybe I should finally let him rest, but if you only knew my friend, if you knew... - the good-natured Lakatos proudly stated. -Believe me, this thing is very resistant, nothing will happen to your Horthy suit, get rid of that worried face you carry, I only bring a bomb full of lawsuits destined for those fraudulent heartless Sterling! - Immediately after announcing that proclamation, Lakatos began to laugh with his mouth closed to avoid scaring the already shocked people who were watching this peculiar duo.
Unlike Lakatos, Horthy was a younger man, easily identifiable as having a sharp face, very black hair, and a turned-up nose; He was also much taller and obviously thinner than his partner, so tall, in fact, that his elegant light gray suit was very tight, making it look like he couldn't get the largest size in the store because he simply couldn't get another size larger, and he constantly had to adjust the jacket, because it shrank along with its sleeves, which rolled up on their own with each movement he made with his long arms. Ironically, their serious and somewhat impatient demeanor was beginning to cease to be mysterious and intriguing, due to their amusing and slightly exaggerated differences from each other; if it weren't for her formal attire and lavish accessories, one would think that this is a comic show, similar to those that one can enjoy in circuses or on television.
Having had his euphoric experience with his own comment, Lakatos inhaled deeply, exhaled very relaxed, and cleared his throat very subtly. -Excuse me, I must not make jokes at this time. We are about to face something huge. Tell me, do you have any idea why we were chosen to attend to this matter with Sterling? - he asked with a stern tone.
-It's because of the crisis in Debrecen, right? - Horthy replied, still surprised by the sudden seriousness that Lakatos expressed. -Well, I want to imagine that it is because we are among the most skilled and capable of handling situations of this level. -
- Exactly! If we were appointed by the Hungarian government itself, it means that we are the best option, our record speaks for itself, not counting our experience. We will make them pay for the abhorrent act they have committed against our homeland. -
-I am impressed by your new enthusiasm, I at least am glad to have been able to get rid of all the work that comes with the wave of affected people that has been created for now. But how much power have we been given to ensure that one of the most powerful multinational corporations of the century is held accountable by a small country? -
"You'll see him as soon as his agents arrive." I will make them listen to us, and they will answer for all the families they harmed. - Lakatos was determined to solve this pressing problem, could not be expected less from someone considered one of the best lawyers that the Magyar nation had spawned. -But enough of this meaningless talk. Horthy, I come inspired, I look forward to seeing what we are going to face, please tell me the time. -
-You have a watch in case you forgot it. - said the great Horthy as he took his phone out of his pants pocket. -It's 7 o'clock. -
- It's time to confront them then… -
A sunset indicated that day would soon turn to night, most of the facility's workers were starting to leave for their homes and visitors were leaving en masse; it was the best time for matters that could become more scandalous to be taken care of, after all, nobody likes rumors and other people's issues to be heard by other people. The wind was blowing strong, a sign indicating that the cold would soon reign along with the darkness, so those two men decided to come out of the shadows and wait sitting on the great steps to be able to welcome and enjoy the last sunbeams that it offered the day.
-Honestly, Horthy, I don't understand what is the obsession with these men about always promoting and supporting machines over humans. I don't understand why they despise human labor, it's as if they hated themselves and they expressed it through these dastardly acts. –
-There is still no machine or man that is above the law and ethics, I trust your ability. We'll work this out, whatever the cost. –
Beyond the conversation that took place between these two characters, another interesting duo was approaching the meeting point; this new pair of individuals was heading towards the Sterling Robotics facility by way of a large black limousine. Inside it, the only presence, apart from the driver, were two passengers: the first was nervous and with a noticeable look of concern on his face, while the second heard the great news through a call...
- Are you sure? How many saw it? – Commented the one carrying the phone: A young woman who barely reached the age of thirty, who could be described as thin, pale, with brown hair with a somewhat disheveled appearance, and with a singing and jovial voice; a woman in whom you could see nothing but security and self-confidence.
- "Millions my dear! Millions! I already tell you that this new product will be a total success. The pre-sales are beginning to saturate, and that the first group is expected to go on sale in 6 months!" – The person on the other end of the phone sounded quite animated, as if he had made a scientific discovery or found a new continent.
- That's wonderful Harvey! I told you it was a good idea to broadcast it at that time, it's when everyone comes home from work exhausted and eager to get to the couch to watch TV and forget about the tortuous routine. Well, I think I'll call you later, I have something important to attend to, keep texting me news, okay?, see ya. – He hastily cut off the call just before the person on the other end of the line could say goodbye. – Ugh!, I swear I will take a well-deserved rest as soon as I return to the United States, I have already done too much preparing everything so that the first impression of our new automatons was PER-FECT, now I hope nothing bad happens with the shipments Gaspar, that would be like throwing away all my effort. – the girl announced proudly and somewhat exhausted. The commercial for the company's new nandroids had been broadcast all over Europe a few hours ago, and his idea of rebroadcasting the commercial in every television break after 5 pm had proven to be successful, of course, the supervision of this ambitious plan had been completed at the cost of her energy and several hours of sleep replaced by cups of coffee, which could be appreciated as her purple blouse along with her jean pants very clearly exposed small stains from the drink.
-You worry about everything else, except what is about to come. Sometimes that about you Irma bothers me, you don't focus on what's most important. – affirmed the young woman's companion with his surly voice; his wardrobe that included a suit, tie and shoes all in black was intermingled with the color of the limousine, but his blonde hair color ruined the harmony of colors inside the car.
- Aren't you going to congratulate me, Gaspar? I just sold a lot of those robots, those profits go to cover our salaries, and if we're lucky, they'll be the perfect excuse for a raise. - Irma Lennox daydreamed, excited by her impressive skills in developing marketing and advertising plans and strategies, although she also collaborated in public relations, precisely because of her charisma and negotiation skills.
-Don't claim victory yet, we still have to prevent this crisis in Hungary from becoming an obstacle to the launch of the nandroids, not counting the sanctions that may come from the entire European Union. – Gaspar Moretti it's one of the most paranoid and fanciful men within the collection of branches belonging to Sterling's European division, but he is also one of the most skilled and efficient, managing to predict and help through the company's financial problems for several occasions.
-We'll be getting out of this little misunderstanding in a matter of a few hours, I just need a good cup of tea to combat my caffeine overload and a little patience. Let me speak, I've been following the Debrecen case for a while, I think I know how we can reach a favorable agreement. –
-Well, you better have that solution in a matter of a few minutes Irma, because we are about to respond to the Hungarian threat. – Gaspar said anguished when noticing the presence of Horthy and Lakatos on the steps of the plant from the window of the limusine.
END OF PART 1
