Daniel nods, making the video start. A man in his mid 40s walks into view. He looked like an older version of Daniel, and was wearing a black tshirt, a dirty lab coat, and jeans. "Hello Ana." He says, looking at the screen. "When you get this video, well, I guess Daniel has already explained. If not, here's the short version. My old employers hired me as lead designer for a robot that would be able to act, look, and protect a family, as well as be able to emulate a human. I began working on the project, when I noticed that they started changing things, removing the emotions it could have, and put on a bigger gun instead. They threatened to hurt you and your mom.... So I faked my death, to protect you." In the background, Daniel was walking around. He didn't seem as coordinated as he did now. "Anyway, you're 14 now... I should be able to send you a friend soon. He's a bit different, but... I hope it'll partially make up for me never being there. I love you, Ana." He says, smiling. He then turns off the recording.
Ana stared at the computer screen long after the video had ended. Finally, she opened her mouth to speak, but before she could talk, the front door opened. “I’m home.” called a tired voice. “That’s my mother.” said Ana, “Let’s go see her.”
Daniel nods, unplugging the cord from the adapter. He puts it into his pocket, nodding. "How should I act around her?" He asks.
"What do you mean?" asked Ana, standing up and shutting off the computer. "Aren't we just going to tell her the truth?"
"Well, yes... I think so... But, um... You see... I'm modeled after your father at age 18..." Daniel says. "I'm not sure if she'll recognize it..."
"Well, let's just see what happens. For now.. I'll just say I know you from school." said Ana, biting her lip thoughtfully.
"Yeah. Later. I think. She just got back from work. I'm not going to overwhelm her." she said apologetically. "Come on. Let's go."
"Thanks." said Ana, leading the way down the dark hallway. (Do you want to play the mother? Or should I?)
(I'll play the dad when he eventually comes in) Daniel follows her. "By the way, why is it so dark?" He asks.
Ana looked at the ceiling as if noticing it for the first time. "I don't know. Save power, I guess." she said, opening the door. A woman who looked to be in her early 40s stood, putting down her purse on a stool next to the door. "I was thinking maybe we could go for Chinese food tonight...?" said the woman, trailing off when she noticed Daniel. "Oh. Hello. Who's this?" "Mom, this is Daniel. He.. he goes to my school." Ana was a terrible liar. She bit the inside of her cheek, and frowned inwardly. "Well, it's very nice to meet you, Daniel." said Ana's mother. If she noticed that Ana was lying she didn't let on. "I'm Claire, Ana's mother."
"Nice to meet you as well." Daniel says, nodding. He decided to use the manners that his creator had given him, when they were needed, of course. He wanted to make a good impression.
"Well.." said Claire, awkwardly. "I'll go get dinner started then." She turned and walked into another room. Ana exhaled, relief staining the breath. "Come on, let's go."
Daniel follows her, blinking. Was he supposed to eat with them? That would be awkward... He couldn't... They would have to explain before dinner.
Ana sat on the couch. "Alright. What do we do?" she asked, crossing her legs and drumming her fingers.
