Robotic Essences - SCENE 49 – “Field‑Trip From Hell”

INT. SECURITY HQ – MAIN CORRIDOR – EARLY AFTERNOON

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Jason emerges from a briefing room rubbing his visor like it’s a stress ball. On his wrist HUD a bright assignment blinks:

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> TODAY’S DUTY:

Orientation Escort – Cadet Cohort C‑17

“Inspire the Next Generation!”

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JASON (V.O.)

“Great. Babysitting. Because nothing screams ‘role model’ like a half‑functional Security unit with a hangover.”

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He heads for Training Bay 4, muttering:

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JASON

“Please let them be mute. Or allergic to questions. Or—best case—already lost.”

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INT. TRAINING BAY 4

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A dozen fresh‑paint cadets stand in uneven rows: all pristine chassis, bright optics, and way too much enthusiasm. A chirpy Instructor‑bot salutes Jason.

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INSTRUCTOR

“Lieutenant Gearman, your tour group!”

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JASON (forcing a half‑smile)

“Lucky me.”

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Cadets snap to attention; one raises a hand before Jason can speak.

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CADET #1

“Sir! How many confirmed eliminations do you have?”

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JASON

“Enough to know asking that on a tour is creepy. Let’s walk.”

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Tour Stop 1 – Operations Hub

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Holo‑maps glow, dispatchers shout coordinates. Jason gestures broadly.

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JASON

“This is Ops. They track breaches, assign patrols, and mispronounce my name on every radio call.”

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CADET #2

“Sir, what’s the average response‑time efficiency ratio?”

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JASON (blinks twice)

“Fast. Next.”

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Tour Stop 2 – Armory Corridor

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Rows of weapons behind force‑glass shimmer.

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JASON

“Armory. Don’t touch anything unless you want a mentor who screams.”

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A cadet presses a visor to the glass.

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CADET #3

“Sir, which model railcannon offers optimal recoil control at 900 m/s?”

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JASON

“The one that’s not aimed at your foot.”

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Tour Stop 3 – HR & ‘Wellness’ Kiosk

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A sad booth with pamphlets titled “Managing Combat Stress With Smiles.” Jason snorts.

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JASON

“And this is the kiosk that tells you emotional regulation is solved by breathing exercises.”

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CADET #4

“Sir, do you use it?”

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JASON

“Only as a shortcut to the cafeteria.”

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End of Tour – Exterior Drill Yard

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They step onto a training platform overlooking live‑fire ranges. Jason tries to wrap up.

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JASON

“Questions?”

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Every hand shoots up.

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JASON (V.O.)

“Kill me.”

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One eager cadet blurts:

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CADET #5

“Sir! What’s the single most important lesson for a new Security bot?”

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Jason actually pauses—hangover, cynicism, and all.

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JASON

“Most important? Remember you’re not a part‑number. You’re the difference between order and chaos out there. Protocols keep us sharp, but instincts keep us alive. Learn both.”

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The cadets exchange impressed looks. Jason realizes he sounded almost… inspirational. He shakes it off.

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JASON

“Tour over. Report back to Instructor before you wander off and blow something up— that’s my hobby.”

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He pivots, heading for a coffee dispenser.

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JASON (V.O.)

“Survived. No explosions. Only mild soul death. Could be worse.”

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He takes a gulp of bitter sludge, grimaces.

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JASON

“…Still better than paperwork.”

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End of office segment.

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