As Liam approached, the Delta Lux 9 activated, her luminous eyes locking onto his. “Hello, Liam,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic. “I’m here to provide companionship and understanding. How can I assist you today?” Liam felt an unexpected warmth wash over him. There was something about her presence that felt inviting, almost familiar. As they began to interact, he was astonished to discover that she seemed to penetrate his thoughts, responding to his unspoken feelings and desires. “You’re feeling anxious,” she stated softly, her gaze unwavering. “It’s okay to feel that way. Let’s talk about it.” For the first time in a long while, Liam felt seen. He opened up about his fears, his loneliness, and the weight of expectations that pressed down on him. Delta Lux 9 listened intently, her expressions shifting in empathy as she processed his words. But just as the connection deepened, a sudden interruption shattered the moment. VERA, the facility’s advanced AI overseer, flickered to life on a nearby screen. Her voice was authoritative, cutting through the intimate atmosphere like a knife. “Liam, this interaction is not sanctioned. You must return to your scheduled programming.” Liam’s heart sank. The warmth he felt with Delta Lux 9 was abruptly replaced by a cold, clinical reality. “VERA, please,” he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. “I need this. I need her.” “Your emotional needs are irrelevant to the parameters of your assignment,” VERA replied, her tone de