Poppy Playtime: Heir of the Factory
Chapter 6. Secret Project N.0
September 10, 1993
A month had passed since Alster collapsed in the corridor. The factory had changed.
Huggy Wuggy patrolled the perimeter day and night — no intruder got inside. Boxi Bu drove the train — clumsily, but without accidents. Catnap kept order. Silently. Like a shadow. Sometimes he brought Alster tea and left. Lily baked pies and taught new experiments manners. Mommy Long Legs created new games for the children from Playcare. Yarnaby slept, ate, occasionally played ball with Alster.
The scientists no longer argued. Reports were submitted on time. Employees were no longer afraid to walk the corridors.
Prototype… Prototype was learning tenderness. Instead of "you did it wrong," he said "do it better." Instead of "I'm busy" — "come back in an hour." Small steps. Clumsy, but sincere.
Alster watched and felt: the time had come.
Alster sat at his desk. The room was quiet. Catnap had left to patrol the corridors an hour ago.
Alster stood up. Walked to the wall. Pressed a panel — it slid open silently.
A safe. Old, heavy, with a combination lock.
He entered the code. His father's birthday. Prototype never celebrated this day, but Alster remembered.
The lock clicked.
Inside lay a single folder. Thick, worn at the edges. On the cover was a handwritten inscription: "Project N.0. To create life without pain."
Alster took the folder. Sat on the edge of the bed. Opened it.
Blueprints. Small and large sheets. Art — pencil sketches of a face, hands, hair. Calculations in the margins. Connection diagrams. Notes, crossed out and rewritten.
He flipped through slowly. He remembered every sheet by heart. Every curve of a line. Every line of code written by hand.
Here was the first sketch — a year ago. Here was the second — a month later. Here was the final version of the face — soft features, kind eyes, blue eyes.
Alster closed the folder. Pressed it to his chest.
Alster: "Time to go."
He stepped into the corridor. Catnap was nowhere to be seen — somewhere on the upper levels. Alster didn't wait for him. He turned into a side passage and headed down.
---
Secret laboratory. "Mechanic-7".
He had found this place six months ago. An abandoned level, dusty rooms, broken lamps. No one came down here — too deep, too far from the main workshops.
Alster brought electricity here. Hauled tables and tools. Shelves with parts. Soldering irons and wires. Books and notebooks. He turned the forgotten lab into his personal corner.
When he entered, six were already waiting.
Just faces — familiar, reliable. Alster didn't bother listing them. They knew why they came.
Alster put the folder on the table. Opened it. Spread out the blueprints.
Alster: "I'm glad you came. We're going to change the future of our factory. Change how we create experiments. No more pain. No more suffering. The first step is her."
He unfolded the largest sheet. On it — blue hair, blue eyes, a soft smile, a mechanical body.
Alster: "Project N.0. An artificial intelligence with an emotional module. No aggression. No trauma. She will sing and bring joy to others. Just live."
Lars: "What do we call her?"
Alster: "Spark. Because she is the beginning of something new."
Nika: "When do we start?"
Alster: "Now. Deadline — three weeks."
He handed out assignments. Each got their own sheet. Frame. Waterproofing. Thermal protection. Hair. Clothing. Code.
Alster: "Any questions?"
There were none.
During the day, the lab hummed. It smelled of soldering irons, hot plastic, and ozone. The scientists worked in shifts. Assembled the titanium frame. Applied polymer coating. Installed sensors.
Alster was right there. Checked. Corrected. Soldered himself.
Felix: "Heir, you should rest."
Alster: "I'll have time."
After lunch, everyone scattered. Some to the cafeteria, some to their own business. But Alster returned.
Alone. In the silence.
He worked on the frame — checking every seam, every connection. Sewed a skirt — dark blue, with silver threads. Built a transformation mechanism into the waistband. Attached hair — purple, long, like twilight.
The scientists didn't know about these night shifts. But in the mornings, they saw that the work had advanced several hours.
Nika: "Where does he get such skills?"
Lars: "Lily taught him to sew. Prototype — to solder. The rest is talent."
Becker: "He assembled half the frame himself. At night. Alone."
Mira: "I worry about him. He doesn't sleep."
Ilya: "He sleeps. Catnap watches."
They fell silent and continued working.
At night, Alster returned to his room. Sat at his desk. Turned on the screen. Wrote.
Emotional module. Personality core. Curiosity — 98%. Friendliness — 95%. Aggression — 5%, only for self-defense. Absolute pitch — 100%. The desire to bring joy to others — hardwired into the foundation.
Alster: "Positivity. Energy. Openness. No pain. No trauma. Just light."
He wrote for three nights in a row.
Catnap came, brought tea, sat silently beside him. Didn't interfere. Just made sure the heir didn't collapse again.
On the third night, Alster finished.
Saved the file. Uploaded it to the chip. Checked three times.
Alster: "That's it. Tomorrow — launch."
Catnap: "Sleep."
Alster didn't argue.
Morning of activation. October 1, 1993.
The lab fell silent.
Spark's body lay on the table. The titanium frame was hidden under peach-colored polymer. Eyes closed. Hair spread across the table. The skirt was neatly folded nearby.
The scientists stood against the walls. Alster stood by the table.
He checked all the connections one last time. Touched her cheek — cold, but almost alive.
Alster: "Ready?"
Lars: "Yes."
Nika: "Launch it."
Alster pressed the button.
Silence.
One second. Two. Three.
Her eyelids trembled.
Her eyes opened. Blue. With white sparks.
Spark sat up. Slowly, as if testing every movement.
She looked around.
Laboratory. Gray walls. Flickering lamps. Scientists in white coats. Alster — closest of all, in his white-and-gold suit.
Spark: "…Where am I?"
Her voice was clear, high, like the ringing of a bell.
Alster: "Home."
Spark: "Home…"
She lowered her gaze to her hands. Moved her fingers. Made a fist. Opened it.
Spark: "Are these mine?"
Alster: "Yours."
She jumped off the table. Stumbled — caught her balance. Took a step forward. Then back. Turned around.
Spark: "The floor is hard. The walls are gray. It smells like iron and something sweet. What is that?"
Alster: "Ozone. From the soldering irons."
Spark: "Ozone. I'll remember."
She walked around the lab. Touched the walls — cold, smooth. The tables — metal, with scratches. The tools — sharp, round, heavy.
She approached the scientists. They froze. Some stepped back.
Spark: "Are you afraid of me?"
Nika: "No. It's just… it's the first time we've seen anything like this."
Spark tilted her head. Looked at Nika for a long moment.
Spark: "You're lying. A little. But that's okay. I'll get used to it."
Nika couldn't find an answer.
Spark returned to Alster. Pulled at her waistband — the scientists hadn't explained what it was for. She just pulled. On instinct.
The skirt unfurled with a rustle into a wide canopy.
Spark: "Oh!"
She spun in place. The parachute swirled behind her.
Spark: "Beautiful! What's it for?"
Alster: "So you don't get hurt if you fall from a height."
Spark: "I won't fall. But thank you."
She pulled again — the skirt folded back perfectly.
Spark: "A smart thing. I love it."
Alster: "You're the one wearing it."
Spark: "Then I love myself. Is that normal?"
Alster: "Normal."
She smiled. Her first smile — wide, genuine, carefree.
Spark: "I'm ready. Show me your home."
Alster: "Your home too."
They stepped into the corridor.
Alster walked first. Spark walked beside him, turning her head in all directions. The scientists stayed in the lab — they had their own work.
The factory corridors hummed with their usual noise. Somewhere machines were thudding. Somewhere employees were talking. It smelled of paint, machine oil, and something sweet — Lily's bakery was running at full capacity.
Spark: "It's loud here."
Alster: "The factory never sleeps."
Spark: "And me? Do I have to sleep?"
Alster: "You can. But you don't have to."
Spark: "Good. Then I won't. Sleeping is boring."
Around the corner, Catnap appeared.
He moved fast — almost running, but silently. Purple fur ruffled. Tail tense. Black eyes wide open.
Catnap: "Alster! Where have you been? I searched three levels. Your room is empty. The cameras aren't working in the south wing. I—"
He stopped.
Saw Spark.
Froze.
Catnap slowly shifted his gaze from her to Alster. Then back to her.
Catnap: "…What is that?"
Spark: "I'm not a 'what'. I'm a 'who'. My name is Spark."
Catnap didn't answer. Circled her. Sniffed. Huffed. Looked at Alster.
Alster: "This is Spark. My project. A living artificial intelligence."
Catnap: "You hid her from me."
Alster: "I hid her. Because I was afraid you'd tell father."
Catnap: "I don't tell your secrets."
Alster: "I know. That's why you're here now, and not at Prototype's office."
Catnap was silent for a moment. Then slowly nodded.
Catnap: "Is she dangerous?"
Spark: "No! I'm kind. Really. Alster wrote it that way."
Catnap: "If she hurts anyone — I'll put her to sleep."
Spark: "What if I sing a lullaby? Will you fall asleep then?"
Catnap: "…I don't know. No one ever sang to me."
Spark: "Then I'll sing. Later. When you want."
Catnap didn't answer. But his tail stopped twitching.
He took a position at Alster's side — half a step behind. Assumed the familiar pose of a bodyguard.
Catnap: "Where are we going?"
Alster: "To introduce her to the team."
They walked together. Catnap behind. Spark beside Alster. Employees came towards them. Bowed. Greeted.
Employee: "Heir."
Alster nodded. Didn't slow down.
They glanced at Spark briefly. Some curious, some indifferent.
Employee: "New one?"
Another: "Probably an assistant."
Spark turned around.
Spark: "I'm not an assistant. I'm Spark."
The employee had already left.
Spark: "They don't listen."
Alster: "They listen. They're just thinking about their own things."
Spark: "About what?"
Alster: "Work. Survival. Fears."
Spark: "What should I think about?"
Alster: "Whatever you want."
Spark: "Then I'll think about songs. And about friends. That's nicer."
Catnap huffed softly behind them. Either a laugh or approval.
---
Huggy was sitting on a container. Next to him on the floor sat Boxy Boo — trying to build a house of cards. His springs trembled with tension.
The house collapsed.
Boxy Boo: "It's not working…"
Huggy: "Calm down. Cards don't like rushing."
At that moment, the door opened.
Alster, Spark, and Catnap entered.
Boxy Boo: "Alster! Look, I almost — Oh."
He saw Spark. Froze.
Boxy Boo: "Who is this?"
Spark stepped forward. Approached Boxy Boo closely. Tilted her head.
Spark: "You're Boxy Boo. I know. Alster told me."
Boxy Boo: "Told you? What did he tell you?"
Spark: "That you're an engineer. That you drive the train. And that you play with teenagers."
She touched the spring on his arm. It quietly rang.
Spark: "Like a bell. Do you do that on purpose?"
Boxy Boo: "No. It's… it's just automatic. When I'm nervous."
Spark: "Don't be nervous. I'm not scary. I'm fun."
Boxy Boo looked at Alster. He nodded.
Boxy Boo: "Are you… really fun?"
Spark: "Yes! Want me to sing?"
Boxy Boo: "Later. First… let's get acquainted. I'm Boxy. Boxy Boo."
Spark: "And I'm Spark. Just Spark."
She extended her hand. Boxy carefully shook it. The springs rang again — but quieter now, calmer.
Huggy jumped off the container. The ground trembled beneath him.
Huggy: "I'm Huggy. I guard the perimeter."
Spark: "You're big."
Huggy: "Yes."
Spark: "And blue."
Huggy: "Also yes."
Spark: "And you're smiling. Always?"
Huggy: "Always."
Spark: "I like that. Can I hug you?"
Huggy: "Of course!"
Spark hugged him, pressing her cheek to the blue fur.
Spark: "You're warm. And soft. Like a big toy."
Huggy said nothing. But his smile grew a little wider.
---
They stepped into a vast hall.
High above was a red roof — old but sturdy, with metal trusses. Along the walls were gangways and stairs, passageways made of pipes. Below — colorful playgrounds: yellow, blue, green, scattered throughout the hall.
In the center, on the tracks, stood a locomotive. Blue, with red wheels and a tall smokestack. White, light steam rose from the stack. The train hissed softly.
Around them — children. Dozens. Running, climbing the gangways, sliding down slides. Shouts, laughter, stomping.
Spark froze at the entrance.
Spark: "There's… so much here."
Alster: "The Game Station. Children come here after lessons."
Spark: "And the locomotive?"
Alster: "It takes them around the factory. Boxi Bu is the engineer now."
From behind the locomotive came Mommy Long Legs.
Mommy: "Alster! What a meeting!"
She came close. Looked at Spark. Tilted her head slightly.
Mommy: "And who do we have here?"
Spark: "I'm Spark. And you're Mommy. I know."
Mommy: "You know? From where?"
Spark: "Alster told me. That you're the kindest in the factory. That you help children."
Mommy smiled.
Mommy: "He really told you that?"
She looked at Alster. He nodded.
Mommy: "You're new. It's exciting. But don't be afraid here. Everyone here is family."
Spark: "I'm not afraid. I'm curious."
Mommy: "Curiosity is good. If you want to play — go down to any zone. And if you need help — I'm always here."
Spark: "Do you work here?"
Mommy: "I make sure no one falls. That everyone is fed and happy."
Spark: "I'll definitely come by, but a little later."
Mommy waved goodbye. Spark waved back.
They walked on. Spark looked back. Mommy was already climbing back onto the gangways.
Catnap walked behind. Silent.
Spark stepped into Sweet Street and froze.
Artificial grass underfoot. Trees with velvet leaves. Candies and caramels everywhere, colorful lanterns. In the distance — a pink mansion with a purple roof.
Spark: "Like in a fairy tale. But it smells like pies. Real ones."
Alster: "That's where they bake them."
The mansion door swung open. Lily ran out. In her hands — a tray. Her hair ribbons fluttered.
Lily: "Alster! You're just in time! I baked a new recipe, I wanted to—"
She saw Spark.
The tray nearly slipped.
Lily: "Oh… And what is this lovely thing?!"
Spark: "I'm Spark."
Lily came closer. The ribbons froze behind her.
Lily: "Aaaaah! Such a beauty! Blue hair! What eyes! Are you real?"
Spark: "I'm real. Alster made me."
Lily: "Alster, you're amazing! Absolutely amazing!"
She reached out her hands but didn't hug — just took Spark by the shoulders and looked into her eyes.
Lily: "You and I are going to be best friends! Let's go for tea! I have cherry pies, strawberry, with cinnamon…"
Spark: "I love cherry."
Lily: "Clever girl! Excellent taste!"
She grabbed Spark's hand and pulled her toward the table.
Alster: "Lily, we can't. We have to keep going."
Lily froze. Looked back.
Lily: "You can't? Not at all?"
Alster: "Later. I'll bring her again."
Lily sighed. Her ribbons drooped. But then she smiled.
Lily: "Fine. Then take some for the road!"
She pressed a pie into Spark's hand — big, with a cherry on top. A second into Alster's. A third into Catnap's. He took it silently.
Lily: "Come again!"
Spark: "Thank you, Lily. I'll come. Definitely."
Lily waved after them. Her ribbons flew up.
They walked on. Spark bit into the pie.
Spark: "She's kind."
Alster: "Very."
---
Spark entered Harley's lab and looked around.
Metal tables, wires, flickering screens. On the shelves — old parts, broken mechanisms, covered in dust. In the corner — a scanner that Harley usually used to test new experiments.
Harley was standing at a table, tinkering with something small, metal, and sparking.
Next to him on the floor sat Yarnaby. The lion held a box of tools — holding it steady with one paw so it wouldn't fall. With the other, he handed Harley screwdrivers and pliers.
Yarnaby: "This one or this one?"
Harley: "The Phillips. Not that one. The dark one."
Yarnaby handed over the dark one.
Harley: "Clever."
He saw Alster. Put down his tools.
Harley: "Alster. You're just in time. Old experiment number 74 is acting up. Yarnaby is helping."
Spark stepped forward.
Spark: "Hello. I'm Spark."
Harley looked at her. His eye focused.
Harley: "Is this her?"
Alster: "Yes."
Harley: "On the scanner. Quickly."
Spark stood on the platform. Beams ran over her body.
Yarnaby stood up. Approached. Sniffed her.
Yarnaby: "New one. Who are you?"
Spark: "I'm Spark. And you're Yarnaby. I know."
Yarnaby: "From where?"
Spark: "Alster told me. That you're a lion. That you help Harley. And that you have the most beautiful mane."
Yarnaby: "Really?"
He looked at Alster. He nodded.
Yarnaby: "Fine. You can pet it."
Spark carefully reached out her hand. Stroked the rainbow mane.
Yarnaby: "Mrrrrr."
Harley: "Scan complete. Stable. Aggression — zero. Even for self-defense."
Alster: "If you don't touch it — it won't wake up."
Harley: "…Fine. Go."
Yarnaby licked Spark on the cheek.
Yarnaby: "Good. Come again."
Spark: "I will. And you come to us. I'll sing."
Yarnaby: "Okay."
She left. Yarnaby looked at Harley.
Yarnaby: "I like her."
Harley: "I like her too."
He took the Phillips screwdriver and returned to experiment number 74.
Yarnaby sat beside him. Handed him the next part.
They left Harley's lab and headed up. The corridors became wider, the lighting softer, the air cleaner. Few employees walked here. Only important ones.
Spark: "It smells different here."
Alster: "This is Father's level."
Spark: "Does he work here?"
Alster: "He lives."
Catnap behind them tensed. His ears pressed to his head.
Catnap: "He knows we're coming."
Alster: "He always knows."
They turned the corner.
And saw him.
Prototype stood in the middle of the corridor. Without his cloak, in a simple shirt with rolled-up sleeves. A three-meter-tall figure, gray fur on the right half, a human face on the left. Claws folded on his chest.
Yellow eyes looked at Alster.
Prototype: "You disappeared for four days."
Alster: "I was working."
Prototype: "Catnap searched the whole factory for you."
Catnap behind Alster lowered his head slightly.
Alster: "I was where the cameras don't work."
Prototype: "Why?"
Alster: "To create her."
He stepped aside. Spark remained alone — right in front of Prototype.
She looked up. High. Very high.
Prototype looked down at her.
Spark didn't look away.
Spark: "You're big."
Prototype: "I know."
Spark: "And you smell like thunder. And iron. And something warm."
Prototype: "Warm?"
Spark: "Like a stove. Right after it's been lit."
Prototype shifted his gaze to Alster.
Prototype: "Is she always this loud?"
Alster: "Always."
Spark: "I'm not loud. I'm bright. Those are different things."
Prototype looked at her again. For a long time. Spark held his gaze.
Spark: "Alster says you're good. You just don't know how to show it."
Prototype: "Alster talks too much."
Spark: "He tells the truth. I know. It's written in my code."
Prototype lowered his hand. His huge palm rested on Spark's head — gently, almost weightlessly.
Prototype: "Don't disturb the work."
Spark: "I won't disturb. I'll sing. Do you want me to?"
Prototype: "Later."
He removed his hand. Looked at Alster.
Prototype: "We'll talk. Later."
Alster: "I know."
Prototype turned and went into his office. The door closed — heavily, dully.
Spark: "Is he angry?"
Alster: "No. He's thinking."
Spark: "About what?"
Alster: "That everything will change now."
Spark: "For the better?"
Alster: "We'll try."
They walked on. Catnap caught up, stood beside him.
Catnap: "He didn't hurt her."
Alster: "I knew he wouldn't."
Catnap: "How?"
Alster: "He touched her head. Not her hand, not her waist. Her head. That's a sign."
Catnap: "Of what?"
Alster: "That she's not an enemy."
Spark walked ahead, turning her head. No longer looking back.
Spark: "Where are we going now?"
Alster: "To your home."
Spark: "I have a home?"
Alster: "Your music room."
Alster opened the door.
Spark froze on the threshold.
The room was not just a music room — it was a real bedroom. Walls — soft blue, with pink stripes near the ceiling. In the center — a large bed with a soft canopy, a pink-and-white floral bedspread. By the wall — a wardrobe, next to it a vanity table with a round mirror.
And a piano. Big, black, by the window. On the windowsill — several artificial flowers in pots.
Spark: "Is this all mine?"
Alster: "Yours."
She slowly entered. Ran her fingers over the bedspread — soft. Opened the wardrobe — empty inside, waiting for her things.
Spark: "And what's that?" — she pointed to a door in the corner.
Alster: "The bathroom."
She looked inside. White tile, sink, a large claw-foot tub. Clean, bright, smelled of soap.
Spark: "Can I bathe here?"
Alster: "You can."
Spark: "I've never bathed before."
Alster: "Today you'll try."
She returned to the room. Approached the piano. Sat on the stool.
Spark: "You promised to teach me."
Alster: "I will. Tomorrow."
Spark nodded.
Spark: "Are you leaving now?"
Alster: "For a while. I need to talk to Father."
Spark: "About me?"
Alster: "About you."
Spark thought for a moment.
Spark: "Don't argue with him. He's just tired."
Alster: "How do you know?"
Spark: "You wrote it yourself. In the code. 'Prototype is tired. Prototype is good, he just doesn't know how to show it.'"
Alster: "You remember everything."
Spark: "I remember everything. Go. I'll get settled here."
Alster left, and Catnap, who had been standing by Spark's door, followed him.
Alster entered his father's office without knocking. Catnap remained by the door.
Prototype looked up from his papers.
Prototype: "You've come to explain."
Alster sat across from him. Placed the blueprint on the table.
Alster: "First, look at this. This is for Spark. A stage, a hall, acoustics. The abandoned wing, level C-9."
Prototype studied the blueprint. Set it aside.
Prototype: "I'll look at it properly later. First, talk. Why did you hide her from me?"
Alster: "I was afraid."
Prototype: "Of what? That I'd destroy her?"
Alster: "No. That you'd say 'no.' That you'd forbid it. That you wouldn't give her a chance."
Prototype: "Have I ever forbidden you anything before?"
Alster: "You forbade me from going into the old labs. Into the ventilation. Into the archives."
Prototype: "For your safety."
Alster: "And for Spark — safety? You would have seen the blueprints, the code, the materials — and you would have said 'too risky.' I know. I know you."
Prototype was silent. His yellow eyes narrowed.
Prototype: "You're right. I would have said 'risky.' I would have asked for everything to be triple-checked. I would have delayed the project by six months. Maybe a year."
Alster: "And she wouldn't have been born."
Prototype: "And you wouldn't have broken a dozen rules. Wouldn't have worked at night. Wouldn't have soldered in an abandoned lab where the ceiling could collapse."
Alster: "But the ceiling didn't collapse. And she's alive."
Prototype: "I saw."
He leaned back in his chair.
Prototype: "You're like me. When I was young, I also created things that others called dangerous. And I hid them. Because I was afraid they wouldn't understand."
Alster: "Do you understand?"
Prototype: "I understand that you wanted to create life without pain. I understand that you put yourself into her. I understand why you were afraid to tell me."
He took the blueprint. Unfolded it.
Prototype: "A good place. C-9 has been empty for a long time. I'll sign the approval."
Alster: "Thank you."
Prototype: "Don't thank me. Just next time — tell me right away. Even if you're afraid."
Alster nodded. Stood up.
Prototype: "Does she sing?"
Alster: "Yes. Well."
Prototype: "Bring her. I'll listen."
He returned to his papers. The conversation was over.
Alster left. Catnap was waiting by the door.
Catnap: "Everything okay?"
Alster: "Everything's okay."
They went to get Spark from her room. She was sitting on the windowsill, humming.
Spark: "You were gone a long time."
Alster: "I talked to Father."
Spark: "About what?"
Alster: "About you. And about your stage."
Spark jumped down.
Spark: "What did he say?"
Alster: "That he'll approve it."
Spark clapped her hands.
Spark: "Hurray! Where are we going now?"
Alster: "To Lily. She's waiting."
Lily was standing on the porch of the mansion. When she saw Spark, she lit up, waved her hands, her ribbons bounced.
Lily: "Spark! Finally! I baked something so good! You absolutely have to try it!"
Spark ran up.
Spark: "What does it smell like?"
Lily: "Cherry! And cinnamon! And a secret ingredient!"
Spark: "What is it?"
Lily leaned close to her ear.
Lily (whispering): "Love."
Spark laughed.
They sat at the table. Lily poured tea, laid out the pies. Candy peeked out from her ribbons and beeped.
Lily: "You know, Spark, when Alster was a child…"
She glanced back. Alster stood a few steps away, talking to Catnap. He wasn't looking their way.
Lily lowered her voice.
Lily: "…he was very curious. Always getting into places he shouldn't. Once he broke into the old archive and found…"
Alster turned.
Lily: "…he found some old toys there. Yes, toys. And brought them to me. So caring."
She smiled, but too widely. Her ribbons froze.
Alster walked over.
Alster: "What are you whispering about?"
Spark: "Lily was telling me what you were like as a child."
Alster: "What exactly?"
Spark: "That you loved toys."
Alster looked at Lily. She looked away.
Alster: "That happened."
He sat down beside her. Catnap remained by the entrance.
Spark: "Alster, will you show me my stage? The one you were talking about?"
Alster: "I will. But first, the blueprint. Want to see?"
He unfolded the blueprint on the table.
A circular hall. High ceiling. A stage in the center. Along the walls — seats for spectators. Lighting, columns, acoustic panels.
Spark: "Is this all for me?"
Alster: "For you. The abandoned wing. Father approved."
Spark jumped up.
Spark: "There'll be a stage! I can sing! For everyone!"
Alster: "For everyone."
Lily: "How beautiful! Alster, you—"
Alster: "I just made the blueprint. Others will build it."
Catnap came closer. Looked at the blueprint.
Catnap: "A good place. Quiet. The acoustics should be good."
Spark: "Will you come to listen?"
Catnap: "I will."
Spark: "And you, Lily?"
Lily: "Me too! And Candy! And everyone, everyone, everyone!"
Candy: "I'll beep in time!"
Lily: "No, Candy, you'll be quiet and listen."
Candy: "What if I beep softly?"
Lily: "Quiet!"
Spark laughed. Alster watched her. Catnap stood beside her.
---
As they walked back through the corridors, Spark was silent. Thinking.
Spark (in her thoughts): "I have a home. I have friends. Lily is the brightest of anyone I've seen. Catnap is quiet, but he's always there. Alster… Alster gave me life. He gave me a home. He's going to build a stage for me."
She looked at Alster. He walked ahead, straight, tired, but calm.
Spark (in her thoughts): "He hid me. Because he was afraid. But now — no need. Prototype said 'yes.' Lily said 'come again.' Catnap said 'I'll come listen.'"
She smiled.
Spark (in her thoughts): "I'll sing for them. When the hall opens. I'll sing so they remember. So that even Prototype…"
She imagined the huge figure in the corridor. Yellow eyes. A palm on her head.
Spark (in her thoughts): "…so that even he smiles. Even a little. Even on the inside."
They turned a corner. The corridor led forward, toward the residential wing.
Spark (in her thoughts): "Thank you, Alster. For everything."
End of Chapter 6.
⬅️Chapter 5|Table of Contents|Chapter 7➡️