Chapter 32
Although Robertson's conversation with Spencer wasn't pleasant, he decided to let him continue the investigation out of respect for Spencer's position as a police officer and his friendship with Dr. Lanning. Otherwise, the next time Spencer would be "kindly escorted" out by security, as Spencer's tendency to nitpick and find faults was extremely displeasing to Robertson. As a prominent figure with extensive connections in the military, politics, and business world, Robertson had never faced as much questioning from others as Spencer did.
On the other hand, Tang Tian and his protecting agents leisurely entered the elevator. As they approached the top floor, the elevator doors opened once again, revealing Dr. Susan Calvin, the female protagonist from the Machine Enemy dimension, who specialized in psychological research on robots. She was the one prepared to accompany Spencer to Dr. Lanning's private research facility in search of clues. Tang Tian, dressed in an old-fashioned handmade suit, caught Susan's attention for a moment, and that was all. Tang Tian nodded politely in response to Susan's gaze, not saying anything since their purpose for being there was related to robot technology.
Soon, Tang Tian reached the top floor of the headquarters in the elevator. Waiting at the elevator door was Detective Spooner, an African American man dressed in a black overcoat with a black cap on his head. Tang Tian temporarily ignored them and walked directly into Robertson's office. The two agents exchanged a glance and followed behind. It's worth noting that Tang Tian was allowed by the U.S. government to bring his two subordinates with him since the advanced energy weapons he possessed intimidated the higher-ups in the government.
After Tang Tian left the elevator, Dr. Susan Calvin also emerged from the elevator and addressed Detective Spencer at the entrance, saying, "Hello, Detective. I'm Dr. Susan Calvin, a scientist specializing in robot psychology. Mr. Robertson has asked me to assist you."
"Hello, Doctor. You can call me Spencer. Let's go to Dr. Lanning's private lab first," Spencer replied with a smile.
"Hi, Mr. Lawrence Robertson, you don't seem to be in good spirits. Has something unpleasant happened?" As soon as Tang Tian entered the conference room at USR headquarters, he noticed Robertson's gloomy expression, indicating that Spencer's recent performance wasn't satisfactory.
"Hello, Mr. Tang Tian. Is there any other issue regarding Dr. Lanning's death?" Robertson looked at the Asian FBI agent in front of him and put away his previous expression, smiling.
"Indeed, Dr. Lanning's death was a suicide. However, I'm here for another matter and I need your assistance." Tang Tian's face beneath the sunglasses turned slightly serious as he spoke, and he also took off the sunglasses, revealing his crimson eyes mutated by the fusion virus. He glanced at the government agents behind him, signaling them to leave.
"Yes, sir, we won't let anyone in." Seeing Tang Tian's sinister eyes, one of the agents, a white man, immediately spoke up, while the other black agent conscientiously left the room and stood guard at the door, preventing anyone from entering.
"Well, first of all, thank you for uncovering the truth about Dr. Lanning's death. However, I'm also curious about what has prompted Mr. Tang Tian to go to such lengths." Robertson looked at Tang Tin with great interest, clearly noting the difference in this matter.
"Now that there's no one around, what's the matter?" Robertson poured himself a cup of coffee and prepared to walk over to offer it to Tang Tian.
"No need, I can handle it myself." Tang Tian looked around, confirming that there was no one present. He put his sunglasses back on and then raised his right hand. Surprisingly, the cup of coffee that Robertson had just poured floated toward Tang Tian as if defying gravity.
"Is this... a superpower? You possess legendary abilities." Robertson stared at the eerie scene, his expression dumbfounded, his mind instantly recalling the superpowers only seen on television, the legendary abilities.
"That's right, you got it right. Unfortunately, there's no prize." Tang Tiam took a sip of coffee, smiled, and was quite satisfied with Robertson's current reaction. After all, in this dimension so closely resembling reality, no one possessed extraordinary powers.
"What I'm about to tell you is that humanity is about to face a catastrophic disaster. Firstly, this is not a lie, nor is it a threat. If humanity doesn't discover it sooner, there will be no other way but extinction. And you will be the first sacrifice." Tang Tian's expression turned serious, and he sighed as he prophesied like a mystic. Combined with his previous display of abilities, Robertson was already 30% convinced. After all, encountering someone with extraordinary abilities in such a unique time and place, coupled with such prophecies, made it hard not to believe.
"So, who exactly are you, and how is it possible for humanity to face such a disaster? I want to know what's going on." Just as Robertson finished speaking, Tang Tian beckoned with his hand, using gravity to pull Robertson closer.
"I can tell you, but no one must hear, including artificial intelligence" Tang Tian whispered gently into Robertson's ear, revealing his extraterrestrial identity. Upon hearing that he was an alien, Robertson's acceptance of his superpowers made sense. Tang Tian then proceeded to inform Robertson about the possible occurrence of Wiki manipulating the NS-5 robots to betray humanity.
Robertson had also experienced an alien attack on the American network, although Wiki's desperate defense prevented their successful invasion. Understanding the extraterrestrial's self-developed superpowers, Robertson expressed comprehension. But why would he know about Wiki's betrayal and his own death?
Tang Tian explained, "When I first arrived on Earth, I used the Three Laws Simulation to attack human behavior in your networks. Wiki retaliated, and don't you think, as the CEO of USR, and the only one capable of shutting down Wiki's core program, it's highly possible for them to eliminate you? Moreover, our planet has experienced a similar situation before, where Earth's SkyNet was like today's Wiki." Tang Tian presented a few seemingly reasonable arguments, although they weren't particularly convincing excuses. However, with the outer-worldly being's performance resembling that of an Oscar-winning actor, Robertson was starting to believe the alien's words.
"Alright, you've told me so much. So, Mr. Alien, what do you need?" Robertson got straight to the point, fully understanding that regardless of the truth or falsehood behind the alien's words, no one could truly selflessly offer help without a motive.
"Hehe, it's easy to talk to intelligent people. Yes, I need the complete technical information of the NS series, including NS-5, along with the complete manufacturing technology. I also need details on the five production lines and their documentation. And most importantly, I need the artificial intelligence you've created—Wiki." Tang Tian smiled without hiding his intentions.
"How can I fully trust you? After all, the NS-5 robots have just been launched, and you're asking for a substantial portion of USR's assets. I need a perfect explanation to fully believe what you're saying, Mr. Alien." Although Robertson had some belief, he couldn't simply give up all his assets. After all, the events hadn't unfolded yet, so he remained skeptical.
"No, I can't make you fully believe what I say. But I believe that eventually, you will give me what I need—the robots that you once cherished but are now being phased out." Although Tang Tian came here to acquire the robot technology sooner, he wasn't in a hurry. After all, once Wiki betrayed them, all the NS-5 robots had been completely phased out, making it effortless to obtain them later.
"As long as Wiki is indeed causing problems, and you can resolve this issue, then I can agree to those transactions." The seed had already been planted in Robertson's mind. After all, such words were not said in jest, which is why he prepared an exit strategy.
"Alright, let's leave it at that for today, Mr. Robertson. I hope we have a pleasant cooperation." Tang Tian extended his hand and smiled.
"Pleasant cooperation, Mr. Tang... no, Mr. Alien. I also hope that what you've said won't come to pass," Robertson sighed.
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