19 Wrapping Things Up

The meeting with Mina Liao was quite the experience.

It was also an eye opener that time was winding down before the Omnic Crisis began.

I had roughly four years to get what I needed done.

After a long and tiring day, I had no trouble falling asleep, and when I woke up the next morning, I had a general idea as to what I wanted to accomplish in four years.

Heading to school, Mrs. Tatum informed me that the LEA would be here tomorrow for my evaluation.

I used to be able to tolerate school, but now, it was overwhelmingly boring.

I was feeling like it was a complete waste of my time, but I only needed to stand it for a couple of days.

The school day felt like it took forever as I rushed to the hovercar, and we headed immediately to Omnica Corporation.

I head to the Research and Development department to find everyone but Danny there, which helped me more.

"I have a request to ask of you guys, and I need this one to be between us." I say.

Saul speaks up, "Working with you is always exciting, just ask and well see what we can do."

The others nod their heads in agreement as I continue.

"My omnic, Sebastian, needs some upgrades."

"Who is Sebastian?" Barbara asks.

"My Omnic butler." I explain.

From the back I hear Steven mumble, "He named his Omnic?" But I ignore his comment dismissing him as the Danny for the day.

"Well depending on his make and model, I'm sure we can replace any old parts with new ones..." Saul starts but I hold up my hand as he trails off.

"When I say upgrade, I mean something like this."

I pass them a notebook which catches each of their attention.

As they look down the page, they all look up at me at the same time, disbelief on their faces.

"With all of this, it looks like you're planning to fight the military." Barbara says.

Steven pitches in his concern as well, "Why would an Omnic need a Faraday cage?"

"That's not all, look on the next page." I say.

They turn the page, and their confusion only grows as they study what's on there.

"So, this is for a person?" Saul asks slowly, unsure of how to proceed.

From their looks and side glances, I could tell they didn't want to do it but didn't know how to tell me.

Unfortunately for them, I learned I had quite the silver tongue.

"Alright I was trying my best to not tell you this, but the government has heard of our success.

They approached me with these plans on a prototype Omnic but I decided it's quicker to just upgrade one already in our possession.

They even offered me a team, people in suits who swore they were better than you guys.

But as I looked at each of their faces, it was easy for me to turn them down.

They were strangers who were just there for a check.

I chose you guys because you are passionate about everything you do.

Plus if you help me, you can expect compensation for your discretion and time."

Maybe I should have started with that last part as everyone shows signs of being on board with my ideas.

Since I was still receiving profits from the prosthetic project and didn't have to pay Mamoru anymore, my allowance could go to them.

I would have to deal with Danny later, or hopefully not at all.

After instructing them the exact specifics, I left them to their own devices as I head home.

With hours still left in the day, I begin practicing with my powers.

I decided to work on my control of electricity first.

I was sure that if I kept at it, I could focus on it faster and with more distractions.

I practice until the sun goes down and once again, it's another easy night to sleep.

The next morning, I once again eat a breakfast of Greek yogurt and granola to get my thoughts more clearer and better as I head to school.

When I arrive, im directed to a room with two men in blue suits sitting at a table.

They patiently wait for the first bell to chime before introducing themselves and explaining how the evaluation will go.

They ask me which subject Id prefer to start with and I chose math as more people are impressed with mathematic skills for some reason.

I fly through the third grade level exam of fifty questions and I'm positive I aced it.

Be embarrassing if I didn't.

I do the same when I do science, English and finally Social Studies.

Impressed at my speed and accuracy they murmur amongst themselves for a bit.

Finished with their mini discussion, they pass me a math exam on a 9th grade level.

I once again fly through the questions on each subject, confident that I aced that as well.

This time, they waste no time in sliding a packet that I recognize questions from my first year in college.

My pace slows, not from the difficulty, but each math question requires a lot of formulas and calculating.

I take my time for the History and Physics sections as well, just for dramatic effect.

I turned my papers in with a confidence that I only missed one or two questions.

Taking the papers they begin to interview me, asking how a typical day is for me.

I describe how I frequent Omnica Corporation and participate in their Research and Development.

I also make note to add that I first gained inspiration to live up to my dad's legacy when he adopted me.

When the bell for lunch sounds, they say I'm finished, and they'll evaluate my results which will be announced later this week.

On my break, I research ways to make further use of my powers.

I find an interesting idea of being able to form a shield made of electricity that I decide to try.

After the break, I attempt to go to my next class only to be told by the teacher that I'm excused for the day.

Sebastian swings by and we go to Omnica to check on the everyone's progress.

Many months go on like this until one morning I wake up with Sebastian showing me a news article.

"World's First Sentient Omnic."

I smile as I continue to read the article where its author doesn't hold back her concerns behind the meaning of omnics being able to think freely.

Sebastian's upgrades were almost done, and it was crucial that they get finished before he gets sentience.

I remember Zenyatta once saying to Zarya that when an Omnic replaces a part it lacks soul to them.

It was a shame because it was actually the most important feature to Sebastian that was taking the longest time as well.

His Faraday cage, which would block the signals from Anubis keeping Sebastian out of his control.

All of us, including me, were stumped on the research behind it, so I was working full time with them as I no longer needed to go to school.

They long ago saw my overwhelming potential and offered me a contract working for the military doing research on metal guards that would enhance a soldier's capabilities.

Of course, I realized that my contract kept me restricted to the States, as one of the clauses was any attempt to leave or break the contract would result in me forfeiting my work over to them.

I found most of the stuff I wanted to develop over at Omnica couldn't be done without some much-needed government approval, so I was using them to get what I needed done.

I was going to miss the First Transcendence, but maybe it was better this way, as I could more confidently prepare for the war.