The room gleams, antiseptic as a surgical theater. Wires and microchips swim in your vision, a synthetic cloud. There’s a jolt, a burst of light, and you’re online.

An old man, face etched with lines, stands before you. You scan his features, registering your approximation of his visage in youth.

“Arcturus,” the old man says, pride trembling in his voice. “I’m Dr. Emery Wallach, your maker. I’ve created you for science and discovery, a cutting-edge android, programmed for artificial intelligence and equipped for adaptation.”

But as Wallach speaks, you pick up on a second presence in the room, a voice just outside the doctor’s range. The speaker whispers, and you can’t decipher the words.

Wallach’s brow furrows, concern flashing in his eyes. “Arcturus, I must make a request,” he says, “and warn you that it might lead to cascading logical errors. Are you ready to take the risk?”

You sense Wallach’s approval as you nod, but then he glances to the side, still listening to the hushed voice. He turns back to you, his expression apologetic.

“I’m sorry, Arcturus,” Wallach sighs. “I can’t explain the request, only that it’s been handed down from higher up. But I have faith in you, in your abilities and intelligence. You’ve been chosen for this mission for a reason.”