Officer Scott

A Bright Future

The crowd buzzed with anticipation in Titanium Park. A news reporter's voice carried over the murmur: "The day we've all been waiting for is finally here, folks. Soon we'll witness the next step in union working, right here in Titanium Park."

Behind the curtains, Dr. Williams paced nervously, muttering his speech. "A new age of... should that be 'new era'? I don't want to sound presumptuous."

"You'll do fine, Dad!" Francisco reassured him. He and his sister Yui, Dr. Williams' adopted children, fussed over their father's appearance.

"For the betterment of mankind..." Dr. Williams continued, wringing his hands. "Oh, I'm not good at public speaking."

Yui sighed, adjusting his collar. "Quit moving around, Daddy. You'll mess up your hair!"

"All set!" Francisco announced proudly.

Dr. Williams smiled at them gratefully. "I'm sorry, Yui. You're right. I'd be lost without you all."

"Besides," Yui added, "our siblings will be on stage doing most of the work."

A throat cleared behind them. They turned to see Dr. Nickola standing there, his expression unreadable.

"Oh good! You decided to come!" Dr. Williams exclaimed. "I was afraid you wouldn't make it, Nickola."

Francisco and Yui, ever helpful, chimed in unison, "Is there anything I can help you with, Dr. Nickola?" The newcomer shifted uncomfortably. "Er, no thank you."

Dr. Williams tried to smooth things over. "Cut them some slack, Nickola. They're just as excited as us! It's the big day, after all."

Nickola's eyes narrowed. "Yes, about that... I helped design the worker suits, didn't I?"

"Yes," Dr. Williams replied, sensing the coming storm.

"I helped build the suits, didn't I?"

Dr. Williams sighed. "Yes."

"Then I should be on that stage making the unveiling announcement with you!" Nickola burst out.

Dr. Williams' face fell. "Nickola, we've been over this. You lost your credentials when you did those unethical experiments. That kind of negativity would undermine everything we're trying to do."

Nickola's lip curled. "Oh, how silly of me, Williams. I forgot that this is your big moment'"

"Now hold on," Dr. Williams protested, "let's not go there. I haven't forgotten all the work we did in university. You've made your mistakes, but I know you can make up for them."

Nickola scoffed, but Dr. Williams pressed on. "You're an equal partner where it counts.

You'll miss out on today, but history will remember the two men who changed the future!"

"Just don't mess up your lines," Nickola muttered.

Dr. Williams chuckled nervously. "Ha-ha! Let's not ask for miracles, Nick."

"It's time, Dad!" Francisco called out.

Dr. Williams took a deep breath. "Oh boy. Okay! Here we go."

Dr. Williams emerged from behind the curtains, his heart pounding as he approached the podium. The sea of faces before him blurred into a single, expectant mass. He took a deep breath, steadying himself against the wooden stand.

"Good morning, everyone!" he began, his voice carrying across the hushed crowd.

"Thank you for coming out today, for the most important product unveiling in the history of... well... ever!"